Ginger Simpson's Blog, page 21
March 24, 2018
Where So My Stories Come From? by Connie Vines #Round Robin
Where do my ideas for stories come from?
I first have a sense of time and place. My family and I were attending a rodeo in North Platte, Nebraska when I had a hint of a story. It was a few days later I began hearing dialog when were where having breakfast in a country cafe.
This is where the story, "Lynx" about a rodeo cowboy and small town waitress/college student began.
My current release, "Tanayia--Whisper upon the Water," book 1, began when I was a board member for the Title IX Indian Education Program.I was helping one of the students as she prepared to dance in a local powwow. It was I fingered the bead-work on her jingle-dress, that I knew I was going to write a historical novel from a young girl's pov.
Are these stories a apart of me? To a degree. Native American culture teaches that a Story finds the Story Teller. It is the Story Teller's duty to give the story life.
I believe this is true.
Because I am the filter, then many of my personal beliefs, emotions filter through. However, the story I tell is the character's story--not mine alone.
I believe my stories find me because of my I have a strong sense of duty, honor, of kindness, and the humor and joy I find in life.
My stories seem to always have a core social issue and a happy ending.
Thank you for stopping by today.
Amazon.paperback
Amazon Kindle
Amazon. Book Blurbs
apple itunes
Please stop by all of the members of our Round Robin Blog participants to see what tales they each have to share.
Happy Reading,
Connie
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
A.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/
Anne de Gruchy https://annedegruchy.co.uk/category/blog/
Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog
Margaret Fieland http://margaretfieland.wordpress.com
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1dm
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com--
March 20, 2018
The Writing Process by Connie Vines
Flash Back
The Writing Process
1. What am I working on right now? I work on multiple projects at once. Is this a good thing? Probably not—but rebel that I am, I do it anyway. I’m finishing up the Second Act in my novella, Bell, Book, and Gargoyle and I’m three quarters through my anthology: Gumbo Ya Ya (an anthology for woman who like romance Cajun). While all this is going on, Rand, Book 3 in my Rodeo Romance Series in bumping around in my head. And Book 4, Crystal Thunder, in my Rodeo Romance Series is being plotted in my Dramatica Pro a thought at a time.
2. How does my work differ from others in the genre?I write in multiple genres and each of genres have a different “tone and focus”—in other words, a different ‘voice’. My YA novel, Whisper upon the Water (Dream Award Winner, Nat’l Book Award nominee), is told in the 1st person. The novel is complex; not only a coming-of-age but also a transformation of society as a whole (Tay is Apache, Nde). My heroine begins as a girl on the verge of womanhood, a member of her band, speaking her native tongue. Kidnapped, held hostage, and manages to escape. Taken to a Native American boarding school, Tay learns a new language, skills, and encounters prejudice but also experiences kindness. Later, she must make a very difficult choice. Her decision will influence her life, as well as the lives of others. The novel is written for YA level and is reading selection for the G.A.T.E. program in numerous SoCal schools, and was selected as a “Teen Read” at libraries at the time of its release. My novel is being read by 7th grade students at an IB school this trimester, and student feedback is great!
In my Rodeo Romance Series: Lynx, Book 1 , is a contemporary western romance and set in Montana and Texas. This book is lively. Rachel is spirited and Lynx is hot and sexy—but both have had hardships in life. My secondary characters add elements of comedy and unexpected plot twists. (Winner of the Award of Excellence, Finalist: H.O.L.T. Medallion, Orange Rose and Rocky Mt. Gold contests). Brede, Book 2, is a western romantic suspense, set in New Mexico. Since the novel is romantic suspense, I do not wish create a spoiler in this blog post. I will say everyone one loves old Caldwell, the ornery old cook, and his cohorts. Brede is strong-willed and caring; Amberlynn is beautiful and in mortal danger. Rand, Book 3, is told in the 1st person: ChickLit meets the Wild West and goes straight to Hollywood. Lights, Camera, and a boot-full of Action! I am having, fun, fun with this novel!
Crystal Thunder, Book 4 , has a more serious tone and is set in the Dakotas.
My stories are diverse, because, like most of us my life experiences are unique.
My stories take place in places I have lived, or where I have vacationed. I know my subject matter. My father rodeoed while in high school in Texas. I grew up in a career military family and my childhood was nomadic. I have been involved in Native America culture and educational programs. My husband is a Louisiana country boy. I now live in SoCal—where, of course, I have met Hollywood television stars and facilitated workshops.
3. Why do I write what I do?The story calls to me, it is that simple. I have a feeling of time and place. Then I begin hearing snatches of dialogue (like when you are sitting in a coffee shop and you over hear snippets of conversation). The story invades my life (well it does, just ask my husband). Today, I’m listening to Zydeco music and I have gumbo in my crockpot. I am compelled to complete the story. Native American culture says, “The story comes to the Storyteller. The Storyteller must bring it to life.”
4. How does my writing process work?For short stories, novellas and anthologies, I utilize the basic W-plot with extra twists and pivotal points. When I am writing a novel, or a novel series, I plot in acts and work with three chapters at a time (1-3, 4-6, etc.). With the exception of short stories, I compile detailed backgrounds, motivation, and personality traits. I also conduct interviews, research, and immerse myself in the ‘culture/environment’ I am creating. It is then I begin the first draft of my novel. This will change as my characters begin to take over the book. Any writer will agree with me, under no circumstances can you force you characters to act against his/her will. You can, however, place huge obstacles in the way and see what happens.
Is my first draft perfect? No. Is my third draft publishable? It’s probably close. At this point in the writing process, if I have any bumpy spots, I’ll have writer friend look over those pages. She will give her opinion and suggestions—that I may, or may not follow (though I always give the input careful consideration). Writing, after all, is subjective—as is a reader’s preference for one novel over another.
To read the first chapter teasers of my novels please follow this link: http://www.amazon.com/Connie-Vines/e/B004C7W6PE
My Book Trailer to Brede, Rodeo Romance Book 2
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you have stop by next week at Dishin’ It Out out to read my next blog post.
Happy Reading,
Connie Vines
The Writing Process
1. What am I working on right now? I work on multiple projects at once. Is this a good thing? Probably not—but rebel that I am, I do it anyway. I’m finishing up the Second Act in my novella, Bell, Book, and Gargoyle and I’m three quarters through my anthology: Gumbo Ya Ya (an anthology for woman who like romance Cajun). While all this is going on, Rand, Book 3 in my Rodeo Romance Series in bumping around in my head. And Book 4, Crystal Thunder, in my Rodeo Romance Series is being plotted in my Dramatica Pro a thought at a time.
2. How does my work differ from others in the genre?I write in multiple genres and each of genres have a different “tone and focus”—in other words, a different ‘voice’. My YA novel, Whisper upon the Water (Dream Award Winner, Nat’l Book Award nominee), is told in the 1st person. The novel is complex; not only a coming-of-age but also a transformation of society as a whole (Tay is Apache, Nde). My heroine begins as a girl on the verge of womanhood, a member of her band, speaking her native tongue. Kidnapped, held hostage, and manages to escape. Taken to a Native American boarding school, Tay learns a new language, skills, and encounters prejudice but also experiences kindness. Later, she must make a very difficult choice. Her decision will influence her life, as well as the lives of others. The novel is written for YA level and is reading selection for the G.A.T.E. program in numerous SoCal schools, and was selected as a “Teen Read” at libraries at the time of its release. My novel is being read by 7th grade students at an IB school this trimester, and student feedback is great!
In my Rodeo Romance Series: Lynx, Book 1 , is a contemporary western romance and set in Montana and Texas. This book is lively. Rachel is spirited and Lynx is hot and sexy—but both have had hardships in life. My secondary characters add elements of comedy and unexpected plot twists. (Winner of the Award of Excellence, Finalist: H.O.L.T. Medallion, Orange Rose and Rocky Mt. Gold contests). Brede, Book 2, is a western romantic suspense, set in New Mexico. Since the novel is romantic suspense, I do not wish create a spoiler in this blog post. I will say everyone one loves old Caldwell, the ornery old cook, and his cohorts. Brede is strong-willed and caring; Amberlynn is beautiful and in mortal danger. Rand, Book 3, is told in the 1st person: ChickLit meets the Wild West and goes straight to Hollywood. Lights, Camera, and a boot-full of Action! I am having, fun, fun with this novel!
Crystal Thunder, Book 4 , has a more serious tone and is set in the Dakotas.
My stories are diverse, because, like most of us my life experiences are unique.
My stories take place in places I have lived, or where I have vacationed. I know my subject matter. My father rodeoed while in high school in Texas. I grew up in a career military family and my childhood was nomadic. I have been involved in Native America culture and educational programs. My husband is a Louisiana country boy. I now live in SoCal—where, of course, I have met Hollywood television stars and facilitated workshops.
3. Why do I write what I do?The story calls to me, it is that simple. I have a feeling of time and place. Then I begin hearing snatches of dialogue (like when you are sitting in a coffee shop and you over hear snippets of conversation). The story invades my life (well it does, just ask my husband). Today, I’m listening to Zydeco music and I have gumbo in my crockpot. I am compelled to complete the story. Native American culture says, “The story comes to the Storyteller. The Storyteller must bring it to life.”
4. How does my writing process work?For short stories, novellas and anthologies, I utilize the basic W-plot with extra twists and pivotal points. When I am writing a novel, or a novel series, I plot in acts and work with three chapters at a time (1-3, 4-6, etc.). With the exception of short stories, I compile detailed backgrounds, motivation, and personality traits. I also conduct interviews, research, and immerse myself in the ‘culture/environment’ I am creating. It is then I begin the first draft of my novel. This will change as my characters begin to take over the book. Any writer will agree with me, under no circumstances can you force you characters to act against his/her will. You can, however, place huge obstacles in the way and see what happens.
Is my first draft perfect? No. Is my third draft publishable? It’s probably close. At this point in the writing process, if I have any bumpy spots, I’ll have writer friend look over those pages. She will give her opinion and suggestions—that I may, or may not follow (though I always give the input careful consideration). Writing, after all, is subjective—as is a reader’s preference for one novel over another.
To read the first chapter teasers of my novels please follow this link: http://www.amazon.com/Connie-Vines/e/B004C7W6PE
My Book Trailer to Brede, Rodeo Romance Book 2
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you have stop by next week at Dishin’ It Out out to read my next blog post.
Happy Reading,
Connie Vines
March 4, 2018
Flash Back to the Past!I miss Justin Wilson's Cajun Cooki...
Flash Back to the Past!
I miss Justin Wilson's Cajun Cooking Show.
I watched him on weekends. My husband is from Louisiana and enjoyed the mini vacation to the south Gotta love Justin Wilson's funny stories. And, no matter what was on the stove, everything needed more wine! he would tell an no matter what every needed more wine!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK4umRMJlrs
I miss Justin Wilson's Cajun Cooking Show.
I watched him on weekends. My husband is from Louisiana and enjoyed the mini vacation to the south Gotta love Justin Wilson's funny stories. And, no matter what was on the stove, everything needed more wine! he would tell an no matter what every needed more wine!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK4umRMJlrs
February 27, 2018
Author Branding—Don’t Muddy the Waters (Part 1) by Connie Vines
Since this is my wedding anniversary, I'm posting a previous Bog Post.
I have been researching this topic via workshops, online chats, and discussion with other authors for several years.
The workshop I attended recently wrapped up the final meeting with: author branding was totally unnecessary. (Well, that was a total waste of my money!)
So, does Connie have a brand?
No.
Does Connie still think she needs a brand?
Yes. And no.
I know I need a memorable brand for each series that I write. However, since I write in multiple genres, I don’t know if an all-encompassing brand is possible. Or even practical.
We all know how much Connie loves to do research, enroll in online workshops, and conduct impromptu interviews with total strangers (to quote my husband, while we are in line at Souplantation, “why were you asking that man about the cost of a sleeve of tattoos? You are not going there for the sake of research). I handed him a napkin and smiled. Now was not, I decided, the time to remind him that I had my eyebrows and eyeliner enhanced with “wake-up with make-up” tasteful, but still permanent ink.
How to Design Your Author Brand
Okay, it’s scramble time. Find a piece of paper and something to write with. You can use the note app in your phone, but I think pen to paper works better in this case. (If you write under more than one pen name, just select one.)
Ready?
Write down what your author brand is. You have 10 seconds. Go!
Time’s up.
Were you able to write down your band? Did you use 6 words or less?
Good for you. You probably have a good idea of what your brand is.
If you didn’t (you are with me) don’t worry. We will go about fixing the problem.
Brands Need to Be Specific
If you failed, the above test the reasons are likely because:
1. You don’t really know what your brand is yet.
2. You are over-describing your brand and couldn’t write it all down fast/concisely enough.
Now is the time to sit and ponder. Strip away the contradictions, muddiness, superfluous.
What does a brand do? A brand is a signal to customers to know what to expect when they see it.
Once they have had experience with a brand, they (hopefully) know what to expect. Ideally this is a favorable expectation that encourages them to purchase your product, talk to their friends, and take chances on your next release.
How about a brand like this?
“Daring, Thrilling, Romantic, Action Packed.”
What if we change it to…
“Daring, Thrilling, Sexy, Action Packed”
A big difference isn’t it?
I selected very genre-esque words. This was my intention because genres play a big role in branding. Brands are also about trust.
Remember genres and sub-genres are their own brands.
This is really important. We already have a mind-set/expectations when we select a genre to read. If you select a “Historical” novel (unless it is a sub-genre) you do not expect or probably appreciate elements of Urban Fantasy in the story-line. Riding in stage coach, you prim-and-so proper heroine isn’t going to mesh with a hidden magical world featuring Fae, Vampires, and Werewolves. So, unless you plan on inventing your own sub-genre (SteamPunk/StoneagePunk) with a limited readership, consider what you are inheriting from your genre.
Following these guidelines, I will attempt to come up with a brand for my current Rodeo Romance Series (BLW, BooksWeLove, Publsihing.).
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Lynx), Romantic Suspense (Brede), Contemporary Romance/Humor (Rand), Romantic Suspense (TBT).
I’ll go with Romance as a genre.
Now to the dictionary and thesaurus.
For part 2, stop by next week.
(Feel free to post idea :-))
Connie
I have been researching this topic via workshops, online chats, and discussion with other authors for several years.
The workshop I attended recently wrapped up the final meeting with: author branding was totally unnecessary. (Well, that was a total waste of my money!)
So, does Connie have a brand?
No.
Does Connie still think she needs a brand?
Yes. And no.
I know I need a memorable brand for each series that I write. However, since I write in multiple genres, I don’t know if an all-encompassing brand is possible. Or even practical.
We all know how much Connie loves to do research, enroll in online workshops, and conduct impromptu interviews with total strangers (to quote my husband, while we are in line at Souplantation, “why were you asking that man about the cost of a sleeve of tattoos? You are not going there for the sake of research). I handed him a napkin and smiled. Now was not, I decided, the time to remind him that I had my eyebrows and eyeliner enhanced with “wake-up with make-up” tasteful, but still permanent ink.
How to Design Your Author Brand
Okay, it’s scramble time. Find a piece of paper and something to write with. You can use the note app in your phone, but I think pen to paper works better in this case. (If you write under more than one pen name, just select one.)
Ready?
Write down what your author brand is. You have 10 seconds. Go!
Time’s up.
Were you able to write down your band? Did you use 6 words or less?
Good for you. You probably have a good idea of what your brand is.
If you didn’t (you are with me) don’t worry. We will go about fixing the problem.
Brands Need to Be Specific
If you failed, the above test the reasons are likely because:
1. You don’t really know what your brand is yet.
2. You are over-describing your brand and couldn’t write it all down fast/concisely enough.
Now is the time to sit and ponder. Strip away the contradictions, muddiness, superfluous.
What does a brand do? A brand is a signal to customers to know what to expect when they see it.
Once they have had experience with a brand, they (hopefully) know what to expect. Ideally this is a favorable expectation that encourages them to purchase your product, talk to their friends, and take chances on your next release.
How about a brand like this?
“Daring, Thrilling, Romantic, Action Packed.”
What if we change it to…
“Daring, Thrilling, Sexy, Action Packed”
A big difference isn’t it?
I selected very genre-esque words. This was my intention because genres play a big role in branding. Brands are also about trust.
Remember genres and sub-genres are their own brands.
This is really important. We already have a mind-set/expectations when we select a genre to read. If you select a “Historical” novel (unless it is a sub-genre) you do not expect or probably appreciate elements of Urban Fantasy in the story-line. Riding in stage coach, you prim-and-so proper heroine isn’t going to mesh with a hidden magical world featuring Fae, Vampires, and Werewolves. So, unless you plan on inventing your own sub-genre (SteamPunk/StoneagePunk) with a limited readership, consider what you are inheriting from your genre.
Following these guidelines, I will attempt to come up with a brand for my current Rodeo Romance Series (BLW, BooksWeLove, Publsihing.).
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Lynx), Romantic Suspense (Brede), Contemporary Romance/Humor (Rand), Romantic Suspense (TBT).
I’ll go with Romance as a genre.
Now to the dictionary and thesaurus.
For part 2, stop by next week.
(Feel free to post idea :-))
Connie
February 25, 2018
Hollywood Glam and Sunday Coffee by Connie Vines
February 24, 2018
Fictional Teachers By Connie Vines #Round Robin Feb.
Topic: Your characters come from your mind, from other people you've witnessed, but can you create their lives without them revealingsomething about yourself? Have they ever taught you something?
So are my fictional characters my 'great reveal'? To a degree I believe this to be true. Every story is filtered through an author's view of the world, emotions, and life experience--at least for my heroine.
Another challenging topic from Robin for our group of Round Robin Blog authors.
However, there is also a curtain we all have firmly in place--revealing only what we wish to reveal to others. The same is true of our characters. My heroine will be more like 'me' in my rough draft than she will be by the time I've completed my novel.
In my soon to be released "Gumbo Ya Ya an anthology who like romance Cajun". One of my heroines, Celeste, jumps overboard into a raging sea!
Not a plan of action in my 'non-fictional' life. Runaway horse? Yep, I'd saddle up. Yoga on a mountain top? Sure, with a soft yoga mat. Dine on escargot, Rocky Mountain oysters, frog legs? I have. Hold a 6 ft. python--yes, though someone else had a firm hold of upper portion of snake's body (no accidental snake-licks for me). Jump into the sea? Never. . .ever.
I seem to be be more removed--meaning more analytical in the development of my secondary characters. This is especially true when I seeped myself in the secondary character's world, work, and point of view. I become the secondary characters, like a method actor.
Now, my villains must have a motivation with a trigger rooted in a past event/or recent trauma. Providing me with way I can explain (not justify) the villain's twisted reasoning/action.
Yes, some people are evil, truly evil. However, I have yet write a novel requiring I delve into that degree darkness, and doubt I every will.
The second part of the topic: Have my characters every taught me something?
My current release, "Tanayia" Whisper upon the Water, Book 1 Native American/First People Series, taught me to not only view life, but experience the hardships though the eyes of another person.
Opening Prologue 1868:
The Governor of New Mexico decreed that all Indian children over six be educated in the ways of the white man.
Indian Commissioner, Thomas Morgan, said: It was cheaper to educate the Indians than to kill them.
1880, Apacheria, Season of Ripened Berries
Isolated bands of colored clay on white limestone remained where the sagebrush was stripped from Mother Earth by sudden storms and surface waters. Desolate. Bleak. A land made of barren rocks and twisted paths that reached out into the silence.
A world of hunger and hardship. This is my world. I am Tanayia. I was born thirteen winters ago. My people and I call ourselves "Nde" this means "The People". The white man calls us Apache.
Stop by and see what stories other member of our Round Robin Blog authors have to share.
See you next month,
Connie
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_seaA.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/
Marie Laval http://marielaval.blogspot.co.uk/
Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1c1
Rachael Kosinski http://rachaelkosinski.weebly.com/Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com--
So are my fictional characters my 'great reveal'? To a degree I believe this to be true. Every story is filtered through an author's view of the world, emotions, and life experience--at least for my heroine.
Another challenging topic from Robin for our group of Round Robin Blog authors.
However, there is also a curtain we all have firmly in place--revealing only what we wish to reveal to others. The same is true of our characters. My heroine will be more like 'me' in my rough draft than she will be by the time I've completed my novel.
In my soon to be released "Gumbo Ya Ya an anthology who like romance Cajun". One of my heroines, Celeste, jumps overboard into a raging sea!
Not a plan of action in my 'non-fictional' life. Runaway horse? Yep, I'd saddle up. Yoga on a mountain top? Sure, with a soft yoga mat. Dine on escargot, Rocky Mountain oysters, frog legs? I have. Hold a 6 ft. python--yes, though someone else had a firm hold of upper portion of snake's body (no accidental snake-licks for me). Jump into the sea? Never. . .ever.
I seem to be be more removed--meaning more analytical in the development of my secondary characters. This is especially true when I seeped myself in the secondary character's world, work, and point of view. I become the secondary characters, like a method actor.
Now, my villains must have a motivation with a trigger rooted in a past event/or recent trauma. Providing me with way I can explain (not justify) the villain's twisted reasoning/action.
Yes, some people are evil, truly evil. However, I have yet write a novel requiring I delve into that degree darkness, and doubt I every will.
The second part of the topic: Have my characters every taught me something?
My current release, "Tanayia" Whisper upon the Water, Book 1 Native American/First People Series, taught me to not only view life, but experience the hardships though the eyes of another person.
Opening Prologue 1868:
The Governor of New Mexico decreed that all Indian children over six be educated in the ways of the white man.
Indian Commissioner, Thomas Morgan, said: It was cheaper to educate the Indians than to kill them.
1880, Apacheria, Season of Ripened Berries
Isolated bands of colored clay on white limestone remained where the sagebrush was stripped from Mother Earth by sudden storms and surface waters. Desolate. Bleak. A land made of barren rocks and twisted paths that reached out into the silence.
A world of hunger and hardship. This is my world. I am Tanayia. I was born thirteen winters ago. My people and I call ourselves "Nde" this means "The People". The white man calls us Apache.
Stop by and see what stories other member of our Round Robin Blog authors have to share.
See you next month,
Connie
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_seaA.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/
Marie Laval http://marielaval.blogspot.co.uk/
Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1c1
Rachael Kosinski http://rachaelkosinski.weebly.com/Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com--
February 19, 2018
Sunday Breakfast or 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
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
January 19, 2018
What is Your Preferred Way of Exposing Your Characters? By Connie Vines
Topic: Point of View
Since I write in multiple genres, my point of view seems to remain the same within a specific genre.
My YA/Teen/Tween stories and novels are told in the first person.
For me this is the most personal for the reader--meaning a reader is intimately involved in the story and steps into the main character’s mind. The reader experiences emotions intensely, because he/she becomes the character. And since few YA/Teens/Tweens are familiar with a ‘none-tech’ world, this is the best way to expose them to history/a new setting, etc.
The single POV helps the story unfold in a way to allow the reader to understands life from an 1890 character. No reaching for a cell phone, or grabbing a pizza for dinner!
When I write in first person, I do not change point of view of view. I rely on dialogue or the main character’s observations to keep the reader aware of changes in plot etc.
The opening from my current release, Tanayia: Whisper upon the Water, Native American Series, Book 1
1880, Apacheria, Season of Ripened Berries
Isolated bands of colored clay on white limestone remained where the sagebrush was stripped from Mother Earth by sudden storms and surface waters. Desolate. Bleak. A land made of barren rocks and twisted paths that reached out into silence.
A world of hunger and hardship. This is my world. I am Tanayia. I was born thirteen years ago. My people and call ourselves “Nde” this means “The People”. The white man calls us Apache.
Second person point of view is far more challenging for me. I find if an author uses second person in literature, he/she does so to engage the audience more and to make them part of the story and action or possibly make a thematic point about the characters. Second person is much more common in nonfiction, especially self-help books and business writing.
Examples
• "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go." (Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Random House, 1990).
• Think back to when you were a kid and read Choose Your Own Adventure books. Weren’t those fun? You got to be the main character and decide where the story went. Well, those were all in 2nd person.
Third person point of view. Third person is most often used in novels. Many readers prefer third person because it is so popular. It can work from the omniscient viewpoint of the author telling the story even to informing the reader what the character or different characters are thinking.
I write my Contemporary/ Romantic Suspense/ Paranormal in third person in a character’s limited viewpoint. Here a character tells their story through their own viewpoint and senses. It tells what they say, see, hear, feel or taste, and even what they think. Different characters’ viewpoints can be used, but a clear demarcation is used to show when the narrative switches from one character to another. I like this method because it remains very intimate to the reader, but allows easy change between characters, too, unlike first or second voice.
Opening scene: Lynx, Rodeo Romance, Book 1
Charlene hadn’t told Rachel that she’d fixed her up with a cowboy, much less Lynx Maddox, the “Wild Cat” of the rodeo circuit. Rachel signed. She should have known. After all, Charlene only dated men who wore booth and Stetsons.
Rachel Scott cringed at the very thought even as her gaze took in the breadth of Lynx Maddox’s chest, his broad shoulders, and dark green eyes that scanned her with blatant masculine approval.
A snippet from: Brede, Rodeo Romance, Book 2
Brede couldn’t seem to stop watching and worrying about Kate. Even though she was trying to hide behind the menu, he sensed her tension. He had to grip the edge of the table to keep from taking the menu out of her hands and looking into those wide green eyes again, just to catch a glimpse of whatever it was he saw when she looked at him. But he wasn’t going to do anything rash. Not now, not ever. He wasn’t going to take her back to the ranch—not even if Caldwell retired and it meant eating peanut butter sandwiches from here to eternity.
He might gnaw his tongue off trying to keep silent, but he wasn’t going to ask her to stay.
For a change of pace: Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow, A Sassy & Fun Fantasy
Since her sister was contemplating the contents of a tin filled with Danish cookies, Meredith found herself cataloging the events that led up to her ‘accident’.
A charter member of the SoCal Arts Association, she’d been participating in the annual Zombie Walk Festival in Long Beach when it ‘happened’. . .
I hope you enjoyed my post and the snippets from my stories.
amazon.comamazon.com barnes and noble BWL Publishing
Please visit stop by and see what all of our Round Rhobin participants have to say on this month’s topic!
Happy Reading,
Connie
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1ag
Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/
Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/
Anne de Gruchy https://annedegruchy.co.uk/category/blog/
A.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Since I write in multiple genres, my point of view seems to remain the same within a specific genre.
My YA/Teen/Tween stories and novels are told in the first person.
For me this is the most personal for the reader--meaning a reader is intimately involved in the story and steps into the main character’s mind. The reader experiences emotions intensely, because he/she becomes the character. And since few YA/Teens/Tweens are familiar with a ‘none-tech’ world, this is the best way to expose them to history/a new setting, etc.
The single POV helps the story unfold in a way to allow the reader to understands life from an 1890 character. No reaching for a cell phone, or grabbing a pizza for dinner!
When I write in first person, I do not change point of view of view. I rely on dialogue or the main character’s observations to keep the reader aware of changes in plot etc.
The opening from my current release, Tanayia: Whisper upon the Water, Native American Series, Book 1
1880, Apacheria, Season of Ripened Berries
Isolated bands of colored clay on white limestone remained where the sagebrush was stripped from Mother Earth by sudden storms and surface waters. Desolate. Bleak. A land made of barren rocks and twisted paths that reached out into silence.
A world of hunger and hardship. This is my world. I am Tanayia. I was born thirteen years ago. My people and call ourselves “Nde” this means “The People”. The white man calls us Apache.
Second person point of view is far more challenging for me. I find if an author uses second person in literature, he/she does so to engage the audience more and to make them part of the story and action or possibly make a thematic point about the characters. Second person is much more common in nonfiction, especially self-help books and business writing.
Examples
• "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go." (Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Random House, 1990).
• Think back to when you were a kid and read Choose Your Own Adventure books. Weren’t those fun? You got to be the main character and decide where the story went. Well, those were all in 2nd person.
Third person point of view. Third person is most often used in novels. Many readers prefer third person because it is so popular. It can work from the omniscient viewpoint of the author telling the story even to informing the reader what the character or different characters are thinking.
I write my Contemporary/ Romantic Suspense/ Paranormal in third person in a character’s limited viewpoint. Here a character tells their story through their own viewpoint and senses. It tells what they say, see, hear, feel or taste, and even what they think. Different characters’ viewpoints can be used, but a clear demarcation is used to show when the narrative switches from one character to another. I like this method because it remains very intimate to the reader, but allows easy change between characters, too, unlike first or second voice.
Opening scene: Lynx, Rodeo Romance, Book 1
Charlene hadn’t told Rachel that she’d fixed her up with a cowboy, much less Lynx Maddox, the “Wild Cat” of the rodeo circuit. Rachel signed. She should have known. After all, Charlene only dated men who wore booth and Stetsons.
Rachel Scott cringed at the very thought even as her gaze took in the breadth of Lynx Maddox’s chest, his broad shoulders, and dark green eyes that scanned her with blatant masculine approval.
A snippet from: Brede, Rodeo Romance, Book 2
Brede couldn’t seem to stop watching and worrying about Kate. Even though she was trying to hide behind the menu, he sensed her tension. He had to grip the edge of the table to keep from taking the menu out of her hands and looking into those wide green eyes again, just to catch a glimpse of whatever it was he saw when she looked at him. But he wasn’t going to do anything rash. Not now, not ever. He wasn’t going to take her back to the ranch—not even if Caldwell retired and it meant eating peanut butter sandwiches from here to eternity.
He might gnaw his tongue off trying to keep silent, but he wasn’t going to ask her to stay.
For a change of pace: Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow, A Sassy & Fun Fantasy
Since her sister was contemplating the contents of a tin filled with Danish cookies, Meredith found herself cataloging the events that led up to her ‘accident’.
A charter member of the SoCal Arts Association, she’d been participating in the annual Zombie Walk Festival in Long Beach when it ‘happened’. . .
I hope you enjoyed my post and the snippets from my stories.
amazon.comamazon.com barnes and noble BWL Publishing
Please visit stop by and see what all of our Round Rhobin participants have to say on this month’s topic!
Happy Reading,
Connie
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1ag
Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/
Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/
Anne de Gruchy https://annedegruchy.co.uk/category/blog/
A.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
November 6, 2017
Writing Around You Day Job by Connie Vines
It’s a 5:00 world, at least that is what the popular “Vogues” song from yesteryear (1965) tells us. In 2003, the song was reborn via the movie, “Big Fish”.
Up every morning just to keep a job
I gotta fight my way through the hustling mob
Sounds of the city pounding in my brain
While another day goes down the drain
(Yeah, yeah, yeah) but it's a five o'clock world when the whistle blows
No-one owns a piece of my time
As most writers know, writing hours are made after you complete your day job. You time is also doled out in little snippets while watching your child’s water polo practice, Harp recital, or while boiling pasta for the evening meal.
For those of us who may find writing until 1:00 AM and having the alarm set for 5:00 AM a bit fatiguing. It seems we are keeping good company.
Some of these stories you may be familiar with, others may come as a surprise.
He may be a renowned author of over 50 novels, but Stephen King wasn't always a full-time writer — his time as a high school janitor helped inspire the novel Carrie. King originally threw the first draft of the story in the trash, but his wife Tabitha fished it out and told him to keep going because she wanted to know how it ended.
Before she wrote To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman, Harper Lee worked as an airline reservations clerk in New York. She eventually quit when her friends helped support her financially so she could finally write full time.
He's a well-known author now, but before Nicholas Sparks wrote The Notebook, he worked odd jobs, including selling dental products over the phone.
She was a talented science-fiction writer and awarded the MacArthur Fellowship — but before her success as a writer, Octavia Butler worked as a potato chip inspector. She also worked as a dishwasher and a telemarketer, using these day jobs to support her writing. And they really were day jobs, because Butler would get up at 2 a.m. to do her writing before going in to work! Amazing.
She's known as a mystery novelist; Agatha Christie was once an assistant apothecary. She reportedly knew a lot about poisons, which was no doubt helpful as she created the characters of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Just goes to show that you never know what knowledge will come in handy later.
Bram Stoker wrote Dracula while working as the manager of the Lyceum Theatre in London, imagining Henry Irving, a famous actor and owner of the theater, playing the vampire himself.
So how about you? What is/was your day job(s)?
Does your day job get your creative ideas flowing?
I work in the field of education, students, staff, and events give me ideas—or at least creative thoughts.
Sometimes, after a long day. It will take me five minutes to write a sentence.
Five minutes of staring into space until the idea of writing an opening line about how long it took me to think of an opening line popped into my head.
In the grand scheme of things, five minutes isn't all that long. But for a writer, five minutes for nine words can add up.
Writing takes time. A whole lot of time.
I always imagined I'd write my first book in a vacation hideaway overlooking the beach or cabin in the Grand Tetons. Unfortunately, most first-time authors won't get to live out this literary fantasy.
In fact, circumstances will most likely be the opposite: writing during off-hours, scribbling notes in public, enjoying less sleep than you'd like and slowly losing your mind while trying to maintain personal relationships a full-time job and run a household.
Say you've finally found a quiet hour to yourself. You know you should write, but you're tired from work and are only on season four of “Game of Thrones.” What were once simple choices become tormenting tests of will power and resolution.
As George Orwell famously stated, “Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness.”
In his book “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft,” Stephen King shared a similar though more concise sentiment: “The road to hell is paved with adverbs.”
So how do I stay on track to reach my deadline?
I’ve learned to say “no.”
I also participate online instead of driving to Orange County Romance Writers or L.A.R.A. monthly meetings; I sign-up for online classes. I miss interacting with other writers, and my plotting group, but talking isn’t going to write my novel.
This doesn't mean you have to say no to everything, but writing is always going to require compromise.
A large part of writing for me is preparing my environment. I like to have a cup of coffee by my side, music playing. I prefer to write from 8:00 to 11:30 PM every other day. On Fridays I write until 2:00 AM, Saturdays after the gym and running errands. I’ll write for a few hours, then spend time on other tasks, until about 8:00 PM I will write until 10 or 11:00. (though is writing until 2:00 this morning).
Sunday, unless I have a blog post due/or am on a deadline, I do not write. I may edit my week's work in the evening but that is the extent of my writing. This is family time for me.
Remember: If you keep waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect time, you’ll never get anything done.
Pencil in you time to write on your calendar, or task journal. Honor that time like you do all of your other commitments.
You may find your day job fits in quite nicely into your novel. After all, if you have life experience, no research in needed.
Happy Reading and Writing,
Connie
Up every morning just to keep a job
I gotta fight my way through the hustling mob
Sounds of the city pounding in my brain
While another day goes down the drain
(Yeah, yeah, yeah) but it's a five o'clock world when the whistle blows
No-one owns a piece of my time
As most writers know, writing hours are made after you complete your day job. You time is also doled out in little snippets while watching your child’s water polo practice, Harp recital, or while boiling pasta for the evening meal.
For those of us who may find writing until 1:00 AM and having the alarm set for 5:00 AM a bit fatiguing. It seems we are keeping good company.
Some of these stories you may be familiar with, others may come as a surprise.
He may be a renowned author of over 50 novels, but Stephen King wasn't always a full-time writer — his time as a high school janitor helped inspire the novel Carrie. King originally threw the first draft of the story in the trash, but his wife Tabitha fished it out and told him to keep going because she wanted to know how it ended.
Before she wrote To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman, Harper Lee worked as an airline reservations clerk in New York. She eventually quit when her friends helped support her financially so she could finally write full time.
He's a well-known author now, but before Nicholas Sparks wrote The Notebook, he worked odd jobs, including selling dental products over the phone.
She was a talented science-fiction writer and awarded the MacArthur Fellowship — but before her success as a writer, Octavia Butler worked as a potato chip inspector. She also worked as a dishwasher and a telemarketer, using these day jobs to support her writing. And they really were day jobs, because Butler would get up at 2 a.m. to do her writing before going in to work! Amazing.
She's known as a mystery novelist; Agatha Christie was once an assistant apothecary. She reportedly knew a lot about poisons, which was no doubt helpful as she created the characters of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Just goes to show that you never know what knowledge will come in handy later.
Bram Stoker wrote Dracula while working as the manager of the Lyceum Theatre in London, imagining Henry Irving, a famous actor and owner of the theater, playing the vampire himself.
So how about you? What is/was your day job(s)?
Does your day job get your creative ideas flowing?
I work in the field of education, students, staff, and events give me ideas—or at least creative thoughts.
Sometimes, after a long day. It will take me five minutes to write a sentence.
Five minutes of staring into space until the idea of writing an opening line about how long it took me to think of an opening line popped into my head.
In the grand scheme of things, five minutes isn't all that long. But for a writer, five minutes for nine words can add up.
Writing takes time. A whole lot of time.
I always imagined I'd write my first book in a vacation hideaway overlooking the beach or cabin in the Grand Tetons. Unfortunately, most first-time authors won't get to live out this literary fantasy.
In fact, circumstances will most likely be the opposite: writing during off-hours, scribbling notes in public, enjoying less sleep than you'd like and slowly losing your mind while trying to maintain personal relationships a full-time job and run a household.
Say you've finally found a quiet hour to yourself. You know you should write, but you're tired from work and are only on season four of “Game of Thrones.” What were once simple choices become tormenting tests of will power and resolution.
As George Orwell famously stated, “Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness.”
In his book “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft,” Stephen King shared a similar though more concise sentiment: “The road to hell is paved with adverbs.”
So how do I stay on track to reach my deadline?
I’ve learned to say “no.”
I also participate online instead of driving to Orange County Romance Writers or L.A.R.A. monthly meetings; I sign-up for online classes. I miss interacting with other writers, and my plotting group, but talking isn’t going to write my novel.
This doesn't mean you have to say no to everything, but writing is always going to require compromise.
A large part of writing for me is preparing my environment. I like to have a cup of coffee by my side, music playing. I prefer to write from 8:00 to 11:30 PM every other day. On Fridays I write until 2:00 AM, Saturdays after the gym and running errands. I’ll write for a few hours, then spend time on other tasks, until about 8:00 PM I will write until 10 or 11:00. (though is writing until 2:00 this morning).
Sunday, unless I have a blog post due/or am on a deadline, I do not write. I may edit my week's work in the evening but that is the extent of my writing. This is family time for me.
Remember: If you keep waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect time, you’ll never get anything done.
Pencil in you time to write on your calendar, or task journal. Honor that time like you do all of your other commitments.
You may find your day job fits in quite nicely into your novel. After all, if you have life experience, no research in needed.
Happy Reading and Writing,
Connie
August 21, 2017
"Classic Ginger" Snippets Shortcomings with Ginger Simpson
This week, I'm sharing a snippet from my Young Adult, Shortcomings. There's a valuable message in this book about how to treat people with disabilities and deal with bullies. Hope you'll consider sharing a copy with family this holiday. Although the story deals with teens, the reading material is appropriate for all ages. The description says it all, and this would make a wonderful gift for any reader on your list. Happy Thanksgiving...I'm going back to my Magic Cookie Bars. :)
High School is hard enough without the cold stares from classmates that remind you every day how different you are.
Our shortcomings don't define who we are, unless we let them. Cindy Johnson needs to learn that. Born with one leg shorter than the other, she has no self-esteem because of the cruel comments and cold stares she receives from her classmates. When Cory Neil, the football quarterback asks her to Homecoming, she's quite sure he's asked her on a dare and refuses. It takes more than just her mother's assurances that Cindy's beautiful before she realizes she may have made a mistake in turning him down.
http://amzn.com/B00J16ZA90
High School is hard enough without the cold stares from classmates that remind you every day how different you are.
Our shortcomings don't define who we are, unless we let them. Cindy Johnson needs to learn that. Born with one leg shorter than the other, she has no self-esteem because of the cruel comments and cold stares she receives from her classmates. When Cory Neil, the football quarterback asks her to Homecoming, she's quite sure he's asked her on a dare and refuses. It takes more than just her mother's assurances that Cindy's beautiful before she realizes she may have made a mistake in turning him down.
http://amzn.com/B00J16ZA90
