Ginger Simpson's Blog, page 12

March 8, 2021

Connie's Kitchen by Connie Vines

Happy Monday!

 I'd like to share a scone recipe I prepare as a special treat for a family brunch.  Or, I must confess,  for an afternoon accompaniment to a cup of hot tea--just for me :-).  I am not a purest.  I will freeze and rewarm scones in a toaster oven or my upper open/warmer of my stove.  I do not, however, recommend reheating any type of bread in a microwave.



Real English Scones


YIELD
12 scones

2 cups flour, preferably cake flour
4 teaspoons baking powder (not soda)
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter, room temp
1 egg, lightly beaten
milk, enough to add up to 3/4 cup with the egg added
1 egg, extra

(If you prefer a sweet scone you may add a bit of sugar to the recipe or dried fruit).

Directions

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

Mix flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.

Add butter and rub in with fingers until it resembles crumbs.

Beat egg lightly, pour into a measuring cup, and add milk -- you can use buttermilk instead -- to make up 3/4 cup liquid.

Add liquid slowly to dry ingredients while mixing. You should have a soft dough, but not wet or very sticky.

Sprinkle flour on a wooden board or working surface. Turn dough out on that. Pat out lightly with fingers until about 1 1/2 inch flat, or a little less.

Press out rounds about 2 1/2 inches across.

Gather excess dough and repeat process.
Beat extra egg well.

Put the scones on a greased tin, use a pastry brush and brush with the beaten egg.
Bake for about 13 minutes until well risen and golden.

To serve, best use them quickly. Coffee shops keep making up batches, so as to serve them almost hot from the oven.

To eat, break open while hot or warm, and eat with cream and different jams.




Do you have a favorite Scone recipe?Please share.  
Do you have Scone Tales--misadventures in backing, you'd lie to share?
Remember, scones are the perfect snack while reading one of my novels!
Connie





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Published on March 08, 2021 01:00

March 1, 2021

Breakfast on the Go! by Connie Vines

Today I thought I 'dish out' a favorite breakfast recipe of mine.
Why it this a favorite of mine?

It's transportableIt's make-a-head and freezable.It is loaded with protein and yummy.

Breakfast Egg Cups Recipe


 Serves: 8

 Prep Time: 10 m
 Cook Time: 20 m
 Print this Recipe  Save to Prepear What is Prepear?
Ingredients
1 – cooking spray
6 large – egg
1/4 cup – milk
1/8 teaspoon – salt
1/8 teaspoon – black pepper, ground
1 medium – bell pepper, red
3/4 cup – spinach
1/4 cup – cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray and  set aside. Preheat oven to 375°F.
Whisk the eggs and milk together in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
Dice the bell pepper into small pieces. Stack the spinach leaves, roll them up, and slice them thin. (This method is called chiffonade.)

Add the peppers, spinach, and shredded cheddar to the egg mixture.
Fill muffin cups 3/4 full and bake for 20-25 minutes until centers are set and no longer runny.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Extras may be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to a month. Microwave thawed egg cups on high for 45-60 seconds or until hot.

Nutrition Facts

NUTRITION PER SERVING% DAILY VALUE
Calories: 78 4%
Fat: 5 g 8%
Carb: 1 g 0%
Fiber: 0 g 0%
Protein: 6 g 12%
Sugar: 1 g

You may add different veggies, meats, cheeses, to your personal preference.  You may also use a cupcake liner instead of oil or non-stick cooking spray..

Enjoy!

Connie

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Published on March 01, 2021 01:00

February 22, 2021

Monday Snacks! This Week it's Afternoon Tea by Connie Vines

I adore Afternoon Tea. I love setting the table with my Royal Albert china and presenting all of all the tasty offerings on my small two-tier cake serving plate.

Traditionally (in the UK and former Colonies) Tea is served around 4PM.

I, however, enjoy my meal in place of the standard American lunch. I prepare my sandwiches the night before and wrap them in wax paper and then plastic wrap so they stay fresh.




Afternoon tea is a light meal composed of three course of tea sandwiches and savories, followed by scones with clotted cream and jam, and ending with sweet pastries. Everything is bite-sized and eaten with fingers. Afternoon tea time is around 4PM, between lunch and dinner.


TOP 10 AFTERNOON TEA SANDWICHES REVEALED


Cucumber sandwich


Thank you to everyone who took part in our survey to find the nation's favorite Afternoon Tea sandwich. credit: The AfternoonTea.co.uk


We can now reveal that smoked salmon and cream cheese on granary bread was the top choice.


The poll also revealed that the cucumber sandwich, which is traditionally associated with afternoon tea, was the preferred filling for just 8% of participants.


We asked our customers to name their favorite sandwich combination and a clear winner soon began to emerge. 


Granary bread was the top choice overall, but white bread was still the preferred companion to the cucumber and cream cheese sandwich.


Top 10 Afternoon Tea sandwiches:


1. Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese

2. Egg Mayonnaise & Cress

3. Chicken & Mayonnaise

4. Cucumber & Cream Cheese

5. Cheese & Chutney

6. Ham & Mustard

7. Prawn & Mayonnaise

8. Beef & Horseradish

9. Tuna & Mayonnaise

10. Roasted Vegetables & Cream Cheese 


Since I'm from the USA, this has been a delightful discovery. I began with strawberry sandwiches (see photo) but I've vowed to try each a  sandwich on this list. (Not in one day, of course).

I've also started began following The AfternoonTea.co.uk for more ideas!


Have a Marvelous Monday!

Connie


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Published on February 22, 2021 01:00

February 20, 2021

Where Do I Get ideas For Stories? By Connie Vines

Where do I get ideas for my stories?   

I imagine every author has a 'wave link' that attracts stories.  
Native Americans believe that Story Tellers have a responsibilityto give a 'story' life.  Therefore, the story finds the story teller.
Is this a good thing?It is if it's any 'easy' story to write.
However, the path from beginning to The End is seldom easy.
My first romance novel, came to me during a family vacation in the mid-west.  We were in a café and bit of banter between a woman and a cowboy popped into my head (in my case, dialogue is what seems to be the 'jump-start' mode to 99% of my stories).  Later during a rodeo in Nebraska I watched a bull-riding event.  This is when Lynx Maddox walked on to page one.  This novel was awarded numerous awards and was fun to write.  I had a vague plotline which my characters seldom adhered to.  While every writer loves all the characters in his/her novels (well, aside from the villains), Lynx is still my favorite.

While I was writing my first romance novel, I was also researching my first historical YA novel.
I was involved in the Indian Education, Title IX Programs, and served on the PAC (parent advisory committee for K-8 school district). I also facilitated workshops for the Native American children in the district.  
Larry Sellers (Cloud Dancing) actor/stuntman in "Dr .Quinn, Medicine Woman" on television. hosted a workshop.  We were speaking during the break. I told him about the novel I was working on.  He advised me to complete my story and shared his experience as a child in boarding schools. (He only spoke Sioux when, as a five-year-old, he was sent to a boarding school.) He, and others, endured terrible hardships--hardships even worst for students in the late 1800's.  
The research required locating archived materials, visiting Native American boarding schools, interviewing adults who had attended the school or could recall stories told to them by parents or grandparents.  My characters are not molded after a particular person, but a composite of the  people I interviews or read about. This story tore at my heart. The stories I heard and the shawl of sadness which still effected those, even in old age, always stays with me.
This novel, Tanayia--Whisper upon the Water, took five years to complete.  The novel was nominated for a National Book Award and The Frankfurt e-Book Award.
I'm ready to begin the 2nd in this series because the story is starting to call to me.  Right now it is only in the basic plotting stage because stories dealing with the dark side of humanity are emotionally draining to write.

I also write in multiple genres.  In genres you would probably not expect a writer who is so immersed in historical research to dapple in.
My first published magazine article was featured in "Junior Medical Detective" and later appeared in the Thomas Gaye Educational Series.  The story was titled, "A Candle in the Dark" and it was about the Salem Witchcraft Trials.
I write Sassy and Fun Fantasy, and anthologies (on of which will be available in April 2021).

Available now


Fall of 2021         Currently, I finishing my anthology (Gumbo Ya Ya: for women who like Cajun romance).This anthology covers multiple genres: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance, Cozy Mystery, A Ghost Story, and...I don't wish to spoil the plot for the 5th story. 

Cajun stories?
My husband is from Louisiana and New Orleans and the French Quarter are one of my favorite vacations spots.
Café Du Monde with coffee au lait and beignet dusted with a mountain of powdered sugar are my personal faves!




Romantic SuspenseRodeo Romance, Book 2





Happy Reading!
Connie
Please stop by and visit the other talented authors participating in this month's blog hop:
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com
Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-2eA
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog
Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/
Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/
Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com








 

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Published on February 20, 2021 01:00

January 23, 2021

What's on your 2021 To-do List? By Connie Vines #RoundRobin, #WritingTips

 What is on your writing to-do list for this year? 

Do you have any long-range goals or just wrap-ups?

My writing to-do list for 2021. 

Working from home with Zoom meetings and workshops, you would assume more writing would be accomplished. 

Not so, it seems.  

I usually write 9:00pm 2:00am but I've had to make a change because I can no longer  function on only 4 hours of sleep (well, not for more than two days-in-a-row). 


So here I am, at 12-noon, typing on my keyboard, sipping boysenberry tea and trying not to be distracted by the 'day-light' view of my garden.


Gardenia blossom and new buds



My 1st hibiscus blossom 










I have projects to complete during January and February: my anthology (Cajun) and 2nd novella in my fantasy series.  I also have outlines for a YA historical, and Book 3, of  my Rodeo Romance Series.

I do have long-range goals, also. I plan on posting author interviews on my blog(this one 😃 ) and additional book reviews "I Dug-It". I am toying with the revival of my cooking/ gardening blog.

Now to the nuts-and-bolts!

I have a 2021 calendar dedicated to my daily word-count and mechanical pencil!

I seldom share my fascination with office accessories. I love calendars, journals (with those colorful tabs (alpha or month), college-ruled notebooks, folders, pens (not gel), markers and erasable white/black boards, clamps...well, you get the picture.  And I'm exercising extreme self control in purchasing 1 calendar for all of my project 'word-counts' (all entrees will be color-coordinated, of course)

Since my office is in upheaval, due to a flooring install in February, I'm working at my sewing table in the guest room. It's hardly ideal because I have to lean back so don't face-plant into the computer screen. 


I guess moving back into my dedicated office needs to be added to my 2021 to-do list!


Visit my co-Round Robin participant's blogs to see their plans and surprises!

Happy 2021, Everyone!




>

> Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
> Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
> Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
> Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/
> Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-2bY
> Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
> Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
> Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
> Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/

Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com

Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com



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Published on January 23, 2021 00:00

December 19, 2020

Christmas Teaser. . .Who Doesn't Love a Holiday Romance? By Connie Vines #RR #RoundRobin


Welcome to my Blog!


Today is our December Round Robin Blog Hop. 

 Todays Topic: A story excerpt, flash fiction, or short story.

I have chosen an excerpt from my contemporary romantic suspense novel, "Brede" Book 2, Rodeo Romance Series.

Setting: Northern New Mexico, USA

Brede tried to focus on the things Kate did that reminded him of other city women, but he couldn't. Though he hated to admit it, He liked the way she made his coffee, and he liked the way she waited up for him. If he stayed out late in the lambing pens. He also liked the way she smiled at him. She had one of the most dazzling smiles he'd ever seen.

She poured two cups of coffee.

He reached for his cup at the same moment she reached for it. His fingers grazed the top of her hand.

She glanced up at him through her lashes, but she didn't move.

He studied her for a moment, taking in the serious set of her mouth. Touching wasn't such a good idea right now. 

"If you change your mind about going to town into the morning, I'll understand."

"I know. But I think it's for the best."

He inhaled the scent of her hair, floral and womanly.

She sighed when his arms went around her. She snuggled closer, coffee forgotten, telling herself that this was nothing more than a comfort hug between friends. She knew this wasn't the case. What she was feeling for Brede went far beyond the boundaries of friendship. She had no right to harbor those feelings, but she couldn't deny them either.

"You're welcome to stay at the ranch.--"

She placed her fingertips over his lips. "If someone is trying to kill me, I'm putting you and everyone else on this ranch in danger."

"That's the very reason you should stay."

She shook her head. The sweetness of his words, his generous offer of help, brought tears to her eyes. It would be so easy to stay, but that didn't make it right.

"If you're worried about the kiss..."

"No." she denied, too quickly. She was worried about how much she'd enjoyed his kiss, and how easy it would be to kiss him again.

He gave her one of his rare, heart-stopping smiles, and Kate wanted to clutch his shoulder for support. Instead, she pulled back to get a good look at him. "I'm a grown man," he reminded her. I can take care of myself and so can my men. No one is going to show up on this ranch and harm anyone."

He did look big, strong, and invincible. Still, fear clung to the edges of her mind. Whoever had hurt her didn't play by the rules. Brede might not like to admit it but the remoteness of this ranch would work in her attacker's favor. He had stalked her. That meant he could be outside watching them now. Waiting for an opportunity to strike again.

  Blurb

Trouble is something hard-edged rancher, Brede Kristensen, knows all about. A widower with rambunctious young daughter, a ranch to run and an ornery cook who has just run off, Brede doesn't need another problem. 

Beaten and left for dead, Amberlynn Maddox has no memory of her past.  Accepting Brede's offer as temporary ranch cook, the woman, now called Kate, discovers the sexy rancher with his protective nature and sizzling kisses has claimed her heart. 

When a madman discovers Amberlynn's hiding place, no one is safe from harm; not Brede, his young daughter--or Amberlynn herself!



Please stop by and visit the other wonderful authors participating in this month's Blog Hop:



Margaret Fieland http://margaretfieland.wordpress.com

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Victoria Chatham http://victoriachatham.com

Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Helena Fairfax http://helenafairfax.com/blog

Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/

Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/

Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-29F

Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/

Rhobin L Courtright http://rhobincourtright.com



 Wishing all of my readers and visitors a blessed holiday season.


Connie


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Published on December 19, 2020 00:00

November 21, 2020

My Favorite Blog Posts (Sharing is Caring) by Connie Vines #RR90

 This month’s topic: Review or recommend a book, a short story, or post on someone’s blog.


Wow! This is a difficult topic.  There are sooo many excellent books, short stories, online articles, and blog posts.

One of the blogs I follow is “The Eclectic Writer” by Janet Lane Walters.  Her blog is about writing and the things that effect a writer. About her books and those of others.

While I follow many other blog sites (everyone who is a member of our happy band of RR writers, of course), and fellow BWL author, Janet Lane Walters. Janet is always writing.  I don’t know if, or when, she sleeps. She posted 31 blog posts in October. That is a blog post EVERY day.  324 blog posts as of yesterday.  Wow!  Janet, like Diane Bator, are always interviewing authors and posting book reviews.  When I grow-up, I want to be just like them!

Well, I’m grown-up. . .and so far, I don’t seem been following their example. While Janet writes about “Meandering on Mondays” I really am meandering on Mondays—the garden, the pups training sessions, menu planning, taking photos of the red-tailed squirrel who steals my avocados.  

I’ve tried the early-to-bed-and-early-to-rise bit.   At 5:00 a.m. all I can manage to do is clutch my mug of coffee and wonder why it’s still dark outside.  So, I’ve decided that I am a nocturnal person. I do my best writing between 8:30 p.m. and 2:30 a.m.  (Yes, it’s dark outside during that time, too.)  I’m up by 7:30 a.m. and functional after a cup of coffee and 30 minutes of the morning news report.  




As for my favorite book, “The Author’s Checklist” by Elizabeth K. Kracht is my current recommended read.

Since I like to multi-task, I follow a video Story Time hour on Facebook by Lisa Salvary via the group: “Romance in Her Prime”.  Lisa reads (with character voices) or the author reads from a novel featuring heroines 34 years +.  If you miss the live broadcast, you can logon later to watch and listen.  This is free, fun, and new books are featured throughout the week. You just have to request to become a member.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceInHerPrime/

I hope you enjoyed my blog post.

Remember to visit all the other members of our Round Robin Group to see what they are sharing!

Connie Vines


Margaret Fieland http://margaretfieland.wordpress.com

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/

Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/

Dr. Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-282

Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/

Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com




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Published on November 21, 2020 00:52

October 17, 2020

What is your favorite book(s) of all time in your favorite genre(s)? By Connie Vines RR# 89

This month's Round Robin Topic:  What is your favorite book(s) of all time in your favorite genre(s)

This was a difficult topic for me...so many books, so many enjoyable reads.

Right now I seem to be reaching for cozy mysteries and fantasy fiction.  

It understandable that I would enjoy cozy fiction (no dead bodies or murder-in-progress).  My fantasy/paranormal fiction is also the non-violent type. 

That said, my favorite Romance/Paranormal novel is "Dracula" by Braun Stoker.

The tension, plot-twists, sense of time and place, and development and internal conflict of each character never seems dated.  The book is also a love story.  Which may do not realize during the first read of the novel.

My post is also late (sorry) because for some reason I thought today was Friday.  I have found the Pandemic and 'stay-safe' life style clusters the days together.

Now, cozy mysteries often have a romantic interest, the mystery with it's twists and turns is the focus of the story.

Favorite mysteries?  

The "Nancy Drew" series as a child. 

Nancy Drew Quotes

"Do act mysterious. It always keeps them coming back for more."

"Romance and detective work won't mix tonight!"

"I just know that any time I undertake a case, I'm apt to run into some kind of a trap."

"Read, read, read. That's all I can say."

"I promise to be as careful as a pussycat walking up a slippery roof."

"I don't promise to forget the mystery, but I know I'll have a marvelous time."

" I just can't help it!"




As an adult, the Tony Hillerman novels. Having traveled throughout the southwest and being involved in Native American education in the urban areas, I found the stories true to life.

Hillerman's writing style is not flash, but he can paint a landscape or thunderstorm. His use of the four corners geographic and cultural backdrop, is woven into the characters and the plot of each of his stories.

“Like all dry-country people, Leaphorn enjoyed rain—that rare, longed for, refreshing blessing that made the desert bloom and life possible.”

― Tony Hillerman, A Thief of Time

“The sky lightened now. Far ahead, they could see where the Pacific half of the blizzard had reached the Chuska range. Its cold, wet air met the dry, warmer air on the New Mexico side at the ridgeline. The collision produced a towering wall of white fog, which poured down the slopes like a silent slow-motion Niagara.”

― Tony Hillerman, The Fallen Man


What genre calls to you?

Do you have a favorite author?

A favorite, setting?

I believe as we experience life, out search for answers/truths will lead us along new path ways.

So, pick up a new genre novel or a find an author whose voice you haven't heard--yet.

Enjoy life and enjoy a new novel, too!

Happy Autumn!

Connie






Visit the authors in our blog fest:

Participant's List:

Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-26c

Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/

Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com

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Published on October 17, 2020 22:39

September 28, 2020

I'm At BWL Insider Author's Blog Today!

 https://bwlauthors.blogspot.com/


"What Do Bats Have to Do With Halloween?" 


**Remember only WILD ANIMAL RESCUE GROUPS or Wildlife Vets are trained to to rehab bats, or any wild creature.
These little guys are cute.  My favorite place to observe bats is at the San Diego Zoo. Or, Carlsbad's Caverns.
However, I do not touch them. Or get too close.



I'm also sharing my pumpkin soup recipe, too.





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Published on September 28, 2020 01:35

September 19, 2020

Intuitive and Subtle Themes in My Novels by Connie Vines RR#88, @connievines-author

 Most novels have an easily understood point to make to the reader, do your stories ever have more subtle or intuitive themes? 


Thank you Robin for this month's topic.

An easily understood theme.  This statement caused to me chuckle.

When I complete my novel/short-story/article, etc. the theme is easily understood.  Not so when I first sit down at the keyboard.

Even though I write with only a very basic outline (I've evolved or devolved into a panster in my writing process).

And, this process, involves a great deal of fumbling during the process:

1. Look for Your Character’s Theme

Theme is always rooted in character. Your characters, specifically your protagonist, will tell you what your theme is about. Even if you try to tack on another theme, what your story is really about is whatever is at the heart of your character’s internal struggle.

This means you can’t just dream up some wild and unexpected thematic premise and squirt it onto your story like Dijon mustard onto a hot dog bun. You have to start with what you’ve already got. Look at your character—who she/he is and what she//he wants—and look at what she’s/he's doing in the plot.

Now look harder.

Let’s say you’re me and you’re writing a time-travel story (which, it so happens, I am). It’s novella 3 of my Sassy and Fun Fantasy Series about a professor of ancient civilizations and her not-historically-inclined fiancee. While she's the one who finds herself in ancient Egypt, he's the one tasked with bringing her home in time for their wedding.  No superpowers or cell phones in this plot-line.  

On its surface, that’s a story about good versus the unknown/evil, with true-love thrown in as a side dish. No superpowers, cell phones, or time-traveling map.  Our main characters are in huge trouble.

So we dig deeper. We look at what specific struggles this character is facing.

What does he want?

Why does he want it?

What is he willing to selflessly sacrifice to get it?

What is he willing to selfishly sacrifice?

What will he gain and what will he lose by the story’s end?

How will he have changed?

When asking yourself these questions about your character, the right answers probably won’t be immediately evident. You’ll have to think about them. You’ll have to recognize and reject most of the obvious answers. In the process, you may find your conception of the character and plot evolving into something deeper right alongside your theme. Since it's ancient Egypt, it will be an intuitive theme.

2. What’s a General Question You Feel You’re Always Asking About Life?

Don’t stop at the “little” life questions right there in front of your face. Look up and look out. What are the big questions that it seems like you’re always asking in one way or another? Obviously, a novella or short-story won't have a multi-layered plot or a wide-cast-of-characters but there's always a purpose.

3. What’s a Virtue You Feel Is Undervalued?

If you’re writing a story with a Positive Change Arc and a happy ending, then your theme will probably focus on affirming a virtue—love, courage, justice, mercy, kindness, self-sacrifice. If this so, don’t just pick the obvious one—love for romance and courage for action. Instead, choose one that is important to you and that you feel is either undervalued in the world or underrepresented in fiction.

4. I believe Universal Truths Can’t be Unique.

 It’s the way a character wrestles with truth that touches a chord of recognition in the reader. The story feels both thin and heavy-handed when the theme is obvious. Which is not to say that the theme should be deliberately obscured–but that the individual character’s struggle with the theme is what matters most.  I find I often rely on my writer's intuition resulting in a subtle secondary theme.

 5. Translating into my Stories.

"Lynx" Rodeo Romance deals with several themes, one of which is a personal one.  The same is true of "Tanayia--Whisper upon the Water". I believe this is why these novels have received awards and reviews.  Tapping into personal experiences and memories/trauma ring 'true' to others. 

The heart never lies.



 


On the lighter-side:

These two were banished from my office, for all of  ten minutes, for wrestling.

Chanel (background) Gavin (foreground)


Visit these talented writers to see what stories they are sharing this month: 

Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/

Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/

Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-22c

Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpres...

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_b...

Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com


Happy Reading,


Connie 






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Published on September 19, 2020 00:30