Ginger Simpson's Blog, page 8

Book Review: The 5 Love Languages Author Gary Chapman By Connie Vines #The 5 Love Languages #Gary Chapman #Book Reviews

 Last night I read "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman.

Yes, I'm aware the first publication was in 1992.

I've had the book in my 'will-read-next' stack of books, sitting on top of my non-fiction bookcase for the past year (or so).

What prompted me to snag it from the center of the teetering stack? 

I was watching a rerun of Blue Bloods, and guess what, Jaime and Eddie were arguing about love languages. I took it as a sign and read the book!

Review: 5-Stars

(and also a way to create/resolve conflict in a romance novel, I'd like to mention.)

What was my take-a-way?

The book doesn't play the blame game.  

I skimmed through the 'personal' stories, because listening to other people's woes, just isn't my thing.

My main take-a-way?

If you have trouble deciding your personal love language, there is a reason:

Your 'love tank' has always been full, or it has been empty for soo long.

Swell, I was one of the 'clueless' people.

I took the test.

The highest score in one area was a 12.

I scored an 8 in two areas.  Which sounds right.  (In the areas I thought? No...but, after contemplation, I realized it is accurate).

5 love languages
You will need to purchase the book/borrow it from your local library to take the quiz.

My scores? I scored a tie: Words of Affirmation and Quality Time.

I thought it was: Receiving Gifts. Why? Because people are always giving me little things. And, as the eldest of 5 children, chaos ruled.  

Yes, I still like gifts. But I realized it was the 'time I spent with that person which was what was really important to me--I accepted the physical gift because it was expected of me.

Thank you for stopping by,

Connie

XOXO

Poodle Talk: Temperament Sunday 01/16/2022 By Connie Vines @connievines_author, #PoodleTalk

The temperament of Poodles is often described as alert, intelligent, loyal, trainable, active, and instinctual. They are very smart dogs and can learn commands and tricks very quickly. Poodles are known to be quite loyal and typically bond quickly with family members (Canna-(Pet®canna-pet.com )

The Poodle Temperament and the Poodle itself have been caricatured so often as the epitome of a “spoilt dog”. Regardless, the Poodle has all the instincts and the temperament of a retriever or gun dog, a role it continues to perform today.

The Poodle is one of the most popular dogs either in its purebred form — it comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy — or in its “Poodle Mixes” or “Designer Dog” form, in which it has been crossed with a variety of other pure breeds to produce the Yorkie Poo, Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Maltipoo and a host of others.


Before we dive into the Poodle Temperament traits this quick rundown on the Poodle's background will help you put this breed into perspective.

The Poodle has probably been around since the 15th century. It appears to have been first bred in Germany but it rapidly gained favor in France and Spain, before ultimately gaining popularity in England.

In their native Germany, Poodles were used for hunting. Their name is actually derived from the German “pudel” or “pudelin” – English for “to splash”.

While they aren’t primarily known for hunting today, hunters still use Standard Poodles as working dogs around the world.

In France, Poodles are called “Caniche”, meaning duck dog. In fact, Poodles are the national dog of France – even though they originated in Germany.


Poodles were also used as guide dogs, military dogs, guard dogs, circus performers, and wagon pullers for entertainers, and currently as therapy dogs.

1. Playful and Active Poodle Temperament 

The typical Poodle, irrespective of size, loves to play. Their instinct to retrieve is always close to the surface. And, they are quite happy to horse around in the water.

In fact, you need to ensure that your Poodle gets his daily dose of activity. A moderately vigorous hour every day should do the trick. Alternatively, an active presence in competition with all the activity that is part and parcel of it will do nicely.


Without that release of energy, your Poodle will get bored and restless and will be quite prone to getting into trouble (mine is a toy. She steals socks from the hamper, snatches a napkin from my hand and runs with it, or toss her toys all over the house).

2. Intelligent and Trainable

The Poodle is noted for its intelligence. Many animal behaviorists suggest that it comes a close second to the Border Collie.


House-training is usually a breeze, compared to a number of other breeds. And, the Poodle can pick up tricks quickly, in part because they love being the center of attention, but also because of their native intelligence.

3. Instinctual

Many owners report that their Poodles, especially the male ones, tend to be highly instinctual. There will be a somewhat excessive tendency to mark their “territory”, so be sure to take house-training seriously while he is young.  (My is a female and will 'wander' I instruct her to 'go pee-pee' or show her the poop baggie, so she will take-care-of-business.)


Their retriever instincts also make them more than likely to respond to “prey”, like birds or squirrels. Obedience training is a must if you want to keep matters under control when out in the woods for a walk. (again, mine is small, but she has been trained to leave the lizards alone.)

4. Alert

The Poodle is one of the more alert breeds. That’s probably an offshoot of their intelligence and hunting instincts. Irrespective, they are quick to respond to approaching strangers or within their “territory”.

5. Needs Company

A typical Poodle is an extrovert. It thrives in a large, active, household. Heaven is being the center of attention while it performs its tricks.

This, of course, has its downside as well, because a Poodle that’s left alone for long periods of time could well become more than a trifle “neurotic”. (I had a miniature poodle (male) and this was correct. The minis seem to have the most 'separation' anxiety). While my toy (female) is happy sleeping in the bed half-of the day snuggled under the covers.)


If you find that your Poodle is becoming destructive, one of the first things to do is give him more of your time. One of the simplest ways to accomplish that is through a “talking” outing — for example, a quick walk or run during which you are regularly conversing with him

(Yes, my poodle loves to listen to, and has participated in a two-way conversation with owners.  Mine interrupts me when I am at the In-N-Out Burger drive-through.  She doesn't care why I'm ordering for myself.  But the minute I say "for the dog, I'd like" Chanel starts talking to me and the metal speaker-- as if anyone ever messed up her order of 1-large-hamburger-patty-no salt or pepper!) 

6. High Strung

Some Poodles have been known to respond inappropriately to normal stimuli.
Often, this high-strung behavior is a result of one of two extremes: either he is being over-pampered or he has been ignored during the critical socialization period (4 to 14 weeks of age).7. Prefer Humans to DogsWhile generally an all-around friendly breed, Poodles tend to prefer human company to dog company. They’d much rather hang out with you on the couch than frolic with their four-legged friends.But, they still prefer some company over no company. If you aren’t home often, consider getting your Poodle a furry companion.8. Wary of StrangersDespite being an overall friendly breed, the Poodle can be reserved with strangers when introduced for the first time. (This was true of my male mini/ not my female--though it's another story if I seem 'concerned'.)And, if they spot a potential intruder, they will absolutely let you know with a warning bark.9. Great Working DogsIf you’re in the market for more of a working dog than a companion, the Poodle may be perfect for you. Since they were bred as gun dogs for duck and bird hunting, their temperament will still show signs of their ancestors.10. Extreme Emotional Sensitivity This is a breed that is in tune with human emotions. (very, very true. All of them seem to have an intuitive link to his/her human(s), or even a person who's come for a visit. These dogs are the first to give you a cuddle, or sit next to you and stare into your eyes--this pet knows what you are feeling.  Always keep this in mind when disciplining--yell too loudly, and you can see the heartbreak in the pet's eyes).The Fancy Haircut Means Something Unmistakable with its fancy haircut, you may believe the Poodles haircut is just for looks – but that can’t be farther from the truth.Their coat was clipped in that signature Poodle cut – left longer on the chest – to help them swim and keep them warm in cold water.And, some Poodle enthusiasts believe those classic puffs were used to help protect the tail tip and leg joints while hunting.
Wishing you a life filled with Poodles and Oodles of fun!

Saturday Photo #2 and #3 (Things that Make Me Smile) By Connie Vines , #Iamwriting, #Thingsthatmakemesmile, #Disneyland, #cinderellascastle

 Christmas at Disneyland

Disneyland Christmas this year runs from November 12th through January 9th giving guests plenty of time to enjoy the festivities. Disneyland at Christmas offers so much to see and do for guests including themed attractions, a holiday parade and fireworks, fantastic holiday food, festivals, and breathtaking decor!

Watch the Magic Via a youtube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwKNcCJ-l7o

Cinderella's Castle, Disneyland, Anaheim, California

Photo:  Connie Vines' personal collection


Even I will shiver outdoors in the cold and rain for this beautifuland Magical experience.  Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!



And, because I did not post a photo on Saturday, Jan. 1.2022,
I've added a bonus photo!




My Collectable PopCorn Bucket during
Disneyland's 60th Anniversary Celebration!
2015.


Have you ever visited any Disney Park, or enjoyed a Disney Cruise?
Feel free to share your adventure or "your wish upon a star" in the comments.

Happy Saturday!
XOXO

Spotlight on Author J. Q. Rose By Connie Vines #JQRose, #AuthorSpotlight, #BWLAuthor, #Giveaways, #Contest,

 

Spotlight on: J.Q. Rose, author

Thank you for stopping by this week!

Just for my blog followers, J.Q. has extended her giveaways until Jan. 16, 2022.

Remember to post a comment so that she can notify you :-)

Connie: Why did you choose J. Q. Rose as your pen name?

J.Q.:   J for Janet, Q for my maiden name, Rose, because roses are my favorite flower, and I was in the floral business.

Connie: What was the inspiration for Arranging a Dream: A Memoir? 

J.Q.: The real inspiration for the story was planted in the 80s when a writer in my writer's group brought in a journal penned by her great, great, great grandfather, who was a minister in England in the late 1800s. She read his entries in the journal, taking us back to his times. I was so moved by his writing that I decided recording our lives and times for future generations was necessary. 
I began teaching workshops on writing life stories in 2000 to encourage folks to record their lives. I wrote right along with the participants, so I had many stories about my life—vignettes over the years. I finally took the time to sit down and write about this first year we were in business.
 A memoir is just a slice of life, not the entire story from birth to the present. 
Connie:  All novelists conduct extensive research, even when writing fiction. So, please tell us about your  literary pilgrimages.
J.Q.: We made trips back to Atlanta, Illinois, my hometown, to help me remember locations and stir up memories. Atlanta is home to me, even if I have lived in a few different places. It will always feel like home because memories of my family, my childhood experiences will remain in my heart forever.
Connie:  How long did it take you to complete this novel? 
J.Q.: I thought about it for a long time, but I began writing in 2006. I wrote off and on during those years but really got serious in 2018. I set aside an appointment with myself to write every day after lunch.  
The book was scheduled to be released in June 2020 by BWL Publishing. Still, when Covid hit in March 2020, my publisher, Jude Pittman, realized the effect the stress had upon authors trying to meet a deadline while overcoming the pressures of dealing with the pandemic. She asked if anyone needed more time to finish their books. I admitted I needed the time because I couldn’t focus on finishing up the manuscript. 
Thus, the release date was moved to January 2021. I was relieved to have the extra time to get myself together, not just for writing, but for living through the upsetting and mind-blowing time when the first waves of the pandemic swept through. 
Connie:: We can all certainly relate to those days.  Do you have a favorite paragraph/line of dialogue in this novel?  
J.Q.:   Arranging a Dream  is a story about my husband, Ted, and me when we purchased a flower shop and greenhouse operation in 1975 in Michigan. We were at odds with the previous owner, Hattie, because we wanted to make changes. The following lines in the book always make me want to stand up and cheer for us!
***Chapter 19, Sabotaging Easter, p. 94
As Hattie strolled through the showroom, she spotted a terrarium Ted had planted in a glass aquarium. Instead of fish, the container was partially filled with soil and plants. To make a cute scene, he added little figurines of woodland animals, blue rocks for a stream, rocks, and more natural pieces.
Hattie studied the beautiful creation then looked at the price tag. The price was $28.00, a high-ticket item in 1976. “Good luck selling that!” she snorted.
We sold it that afternoon.
NOTE: $28.00 in 2021 dollars is equal to $144.66!!!

Current Release: Arranging a Dream: A Memoir by J.Q. Rose

Buy Links: Click here to download from your favorite bookseller  https://books2read.com/Arranging-A-Dream

Paperback available at amazon.com-https://www.amazon.com/Arranging-Dream-J-Q-Rose/dp/0228615542/

Connect online with JQ Rose

J.Q. Rose blog  http://www.jqrose.com/

Facebook  http://facebook.com/jqroseauthor

Goodreads-  http://www.goodreads.com/jqrose

J. Q. Rose Amazon Author Page  http://tinyurl.com/aeuv4m4

Thanks for stopping by, everyone!

Connie

XOXO

 

Saturday Photo (Things that Make Me Smile) #1 by Connie Vines

 My year-long plan is to post a photo each Saturday about things that make me smile. 😀

Many things make me smile, so you will find different types of photos pop up. Of course, my pups, and friends of my pups, will be posted. I collect gingerbread items (non-edible), and somehow each room in my cozy So. Cal home ended up with a 'theme' --Thank you (I think) family and friends. So, sprucing up my home may warrant a photo or two.

Christmas Gifts. 

My family claims shopping for me is a snap! A gingerbread snap, that is!

Son number two, and his fiancée, purchased a plaque for me to hang in my dining room.

Happy Me!

XOXO

Interview with Author J. Q. Rose By Connie Vines #J.Q.Rose, #BWLAuthor, #Memoir, #Author Interview, #Contest

 

J. Q. Rose 

Today's featured guest is J. Q Rose.

Thank you for stopping by today. Please tell our readers about your current release.😃

Arranging a Dream: A Memoir 

J.Q.: I am celebrating the first birthday of my book, released January 1, 2020! The story is about the first year we (my husband and I) were in the flower business in Michigan, 1975-1976. 

Coincidentally, the book was released 45 years to the day my husband Ted and I became business owners. 

We moved, with our one-year-old baby girl, all of our earthly belongings to Michigan to make our dream of owning a greenhouse operation come true. We knew nothing about the flower business, designing flowers, commercial greenhouse operations, and had no family or friends in the area. Through tears and laughter, we cultivated a loving marriage, juggled parenting, and dug deep to root a thriving floral and greenhouse business.

Connie: What comes first, J.Q?  the plot or the characters?  J.Q: This question made me examine all my fiction books and stories. I believe I have the character first because I know the person who is the main character, always a strong woman. In Dangerous Sanctuary, I interviewed a female pastor and based the story on her. In Deadly Undertaking, I based the character on my own experience as an undertaker’s daughter. In Terror on Sunshine Boulevard , the main character was a conglomeration of people I met in our senior community in Florida, plus some of my traits thrown in. So, for me, knowing the character determines the location, time, and plot, which revolves around the main character. Connie: What was the inspiration for Arranging a Dream: A Memoir?  JQ: The real inspiration for the story was planted in the 80s when a writer in my writer's group brought in a journal penned by her great, great, great grandfather, who was a minister in England in the late 1800s. She read his entries in the journal, taking us back to his times. I was so moved by his writing, I decided it was necessary to record our lives and times for future generations. 
I began teaching workshops on writing life stories in 2000 to encourage folks to record their lives. I wrote right along with the participants, so I had many stories about my life—vignettes over the years. I finally took the time to sit down and write about this first year we were in business.
 A memoir is just a slice of life, not the entire story from birth to the present. 
Connie:  All novelists conduct extensive research, even when writing fiction. So, please tell us about your  literary pilgrimages.
JQ: We made trips back to Atlanta, Illinois, my hometown, to help me remember locations and stir up memories. Atlanta is home to me, even if I have lived in a few different places. It will always feel like home because memories of my family, my childhood experiences will remain in my heart forever.
Connie: How long did it take you to complete this novel? 
JQ: I thought about it for a long time, but I began writing in 2006. I wrote off and on during those years but really got serious in 2018. I set aside an appointment with myself to write every day after lunch.  
The book was scheduled to be released in June 2020 by BWL Publishing. Still, when Covid hit in March 2020, my publisher, Jude Pittman, realized the effect the stress had upon authors trying to meet a deadline while overcoming the pressures of dealing with the pandemic. She asked if anyone needed more time to finish their books. I admitted I needed the time because I couldn’t focus on finishing up the manuscript. 
Thus, the release date was moved to January 2021. I was relieved to have the extra time to get myself together, not just for writing, but for living through the upsetting and mind-blowing time when the first waves of the pandemic swept through. 
Connie:: We can all certainly relate to those days.  Do you have a favorite paragraph/line of dialogue in this novel?  
JQ:  Arranging a Dream is a story about my husband, Ted, and me when we purchased a flower shop and greenhouse operation in 1975 in Michigan. We were at odds with the previous owner, Hattie, because we wanted to make changes. The following lines in the book always make me want to stand up and cheer for us!
***Chapter 19, Sabotaging Easter, p. 94
As Hattie strolled through the showroom, she spotted a terrarium Ted had planted in a glass aquarium. Instead of fish, the container was partially filled with soil and plants. He added little figurines of woodland animals, blue rocks for a stream, rocks, and more natural pieces to make a cute scene.
Hattie studied the beautiful creation then looked at the price tag. “Good luck selling that!” she snorted. The price was $28.00, a high-ticket item in 1976.
We sold it that afternoon.
NOTE: $28.00 in 2021 dollars is equal to $144.66!!!
Connie::   Are you a morning person or a night owl? ⏰ J.Q:  I’m not sure. What time is the cut-off for being a morning person or night owl? I am usually up about 6:30 am. I have read not to immediately click on the Internet first thing in the morning, but rather, read awhile to help your brain focus. This practice is supposed to help you not be so distracted or feel scattered by the Internet once you get on. 
I’m ready for bed at about 10:30 pm, but I usually read for 20-30 minutes (or more if it’s a great story) before turning off my Kindle and calling it a night. So, I don’t know if I’m an early morning rooster or a night owl. 
What do you think?Connie: I think you are an early bird 🐦 Which I am not 🦉  LOL!
Connie: What are your hobbies?  JQ: I love reading, playing board games and cards, taking photos, watching Netflix, and traveling. 
Do any of your characters share your hobbies/interests?  They don’t share my hobbies so much, but some traits like not being confident in the kitchen and hating housekeeping.
Connie: This is a question dear to my heart: Do you have any pets?  J.Q.: We don’t have pets now, but I had a dog when I was a girl, and we had several cats and a precious dog when the kids were growing up. 
My daughter is the bookkeeper at an animal shelter, so the opportunity to get a pet is always there. However, we travel too much to have a pet. 
Connie: How about an unusual pet?  J.Q: Do an alligator, turtles, and a snake qualify? My grandson has a bearded dragon. Not fond of that creature though !!
Connie:: J.Q. thank you for visiting "Dishn' It Out Blog" today. I've enjoyed our visit, and I'm confident our readers welcomed a look into your fascinating life! 
Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?   
JQ: It was so much fun starting off the birthday celebration at the Dishn’  It Out Blog with you!
Let’s make it a party by gift-giving!  I am gifting an eCopy of Arranging a Dream: A Memoir to a lucky commenter. 
Connie::  J.Q., what a great idea!We will give our readers until January 11, 2022, at Midnight (PST). (the winning commenter will be notified.) J.Q. Rose is so excited! As am I.  I always look forward to reading a J. Q. Rose book!

I've asked J.Q. Rose to share links to her website, buy links, and more!

 

Remember to post a comment to win a Free eCopy!  

Current Release: Arranging a Dream: A Memoir by J.Q. Rose

Buy Links: Click here to download from your favorite bookseller  https://books2read.com/Arranging-A-Dream

Paperback available at amazon.com-https://www.amazon.com/Arranging-Dream-J-Q-Rose/dp/0228615542/

Connect online with JQ Rose

J.Q. Rose blog http://www.jqrose.com/

Facebook http://facebook.com/jqroseauthor

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/jqrose

J. Q. Rose Amazon Author Page http://tinyurl.com/aeuv4m4

Thanks for stopping by, everyone!

Connie

XOXO

 

Translating Family Experiences into Writing Scenes By Connie Vines #RR103, #WritingTips,

How do your family experiences translate into writing scenes? 

Oh, my...this type of reveal could create a very spirited discussion during a holiday gathering.  One must tip-toe around this subject with great care!

That said... unfortunately for our friends, family members, co-workers, and even strangers on the street, each may have a glorious or, not so glorious reincarnation in a future novel, short story, or even book trailer.

Strangers would most likely be flattered. Co-workers might be tempted to plot revenge. 

Family members?  

I never wish to hurt anyone's feelings or place them in an unfavorable light...

People are inspiring, unpredictable, scatter-brained, loving, and very funny.  Since we live within a family unit (however, you define the membership) and grow up together, you know family members best,  Therefore, they are ripe for the picking.  

Care must be taken.  The screenwriter of "A Christmas Story" may have had a relative who created a nightmare gift  ( custom bunny suit)--but I doubt it.  More likely it was a friend's family member who lived in a different state or even a different country who was the inspiration. 

While a disaster revolving around a kitchen mishap is universal and an acceptable scene to include in a novel.

Youtube link to the kitchen scene:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cFHA...

True Events?  

Am I guilty of including scenes created from personal experiences? Yes.

Am I guilty of harvesting unsuspecting family members or friends and inserting them into my story? Yes.

Am I going to give you more details? 

No. As you can see, Santa is still undecided about my Official Christmas status!

I will confess to relying on personal experience, heavily.  In a YA story, the heroine was pinned between the front door and the screen door, her face squished into the dirty mesh as she tries to call for assistance.

At Senior Prom (unknowingly) both you and your best friend are wearing the same gown and still sit next to each other at the table.

No one advised you the bride's colors were apricot and white (I was dating the brides' cousin). I was wearing an apricot dress.  It wasn't until I was ushered into a photo that I realized what was happening.

I could go on and on...

Well, just one more example: I was asked out on a double date.  The cowboy I knew wanted to take me dancing at a Honky Tonk (for locals in our small town). When he arrived there was another cowboy in the car (unknown to me at the time: his friend had a crush on me).  I assumed we were meeting his friend's date inside. 

I didn't realize my 'dates' were sneaking me in through an open window to avoid a cover charge.  How could I not know it was a window?  My mother always had me leave my glasses at home when I dated.  

What?

I know! 

Fortunately, the evening went well, both of the guys were great dancers and the perfect gentlemen.

And Connie lived happily ever after ...because she refused to leave her glasses at home ever again. 

.

I hope you enjoyed my post,

Connie

All of my novels are 50% off via Smashwords through Christmas!

Please visit all the members of this month's Blog Hop!

Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com

Dr. Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-2ue

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

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

Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/

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

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

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

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

Connie's Tuesday Kitchen: Deviled Eggs--Those Tasty Little Darlings! By Connie Vines #DeviledEggs, #Caviar #ThanksgivingMeals, #ThanksivingSides

Are Thanksgiving Potlucks, or Family Gatherings causing sleepless nights? Wondering what you should bring to the festive table?

Soo not the case for me! No matter what I plan to bring to the table, I hear, "Aren't you going to bring YOUR deviled eggs? "

Painful sighs. Looks of disbelief...

And so, I volunteer to bring Deviled Eggs.  I fooled them all one year (thinking I'd be knocked from my lofty title of the reigning Deviled Egg Queen). I topped those little eggs with a tiny amount of caviar--thinking...well, I don't know what I was thinking.  Instead of everyone avoiding the tray, there was a stampede to the appetizer table.

What exactly are Deviled Eggs? 

Are they Magical? Or just such a pain to transport no one likes to make them?

Here's what the encyclopedia has to say! "Deviled" is in reference to the fiery spices (sometimes) added to make the egg stuffing. It's a word that goes back to the 18th century as a verb meaning to cook something with fiery hot spices or condiments.

HOW TO MAKE DEVILED EGGS

Deviled eggs are easy to make and you can make them even easier by hard-boiling your eggs ahead of time. But the key to the BEST deviled eggs is boiling your eggs perfectly and not over boiling and ending up with that green tinge around your yolk. 

Boiling your eggs: 

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low (or off) to ensure the water is no longer boiling or has bubbles and use a skimmer to place the eggs in the water. Then increase the heat back to high and set a timer for 14 minutes.

While the eggs are boiling prepare an ice water bath and set it aside. After 14 minutes, remove the eggs from the water and place them in the ice water bath.

After your eggs have boiled and cooled, the rest of this recipe is a breeze. Slice your eggs in half lengthwise, scoop out the yolk to a small bowl, mash it with a fork and place the egg white on a serving tray.

12 large eggs

6 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

salt and pepper, to taste

paprika, for garnish

To the egg yolk add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, or plain vinegar/pickle juice (I am not a fan of apple cider vinegar), salt, and pepper, and stir it all together until creamy. Use a small spoon to scoop out some of the deviled egg-filling and place it back into the egg white.

Sprinkle a little paprika for that extra dash of devil-ness and serve them up to some happy guests.

Or change it up by adding curry powder to the mixture and leave unadorned.

**You can store the deviled eggs for up to two days in a sealed storage container  This means you can make them the day before a party, potluck, or gathering. **

Happy Thanksgiving!

Connie

XOXO

Remember all of my novels have my recipes at the end-- an unexpected present for my readers.

November is Electric With Writing Energy by Connie Vines #NaNoWritMo, #Memoir Writing, #BWLAuthors, #RandomThoughts

 Welcome, My Lovelies,

November is the month that is electric with writing energy. There is NaNoWriMo, of course (where I have yet to complete a novel in 30 days). It is also Memoir Writing Month, National NoFiction Writing Month, and Blog Posting Month.

If you completed any of the above challenges congratulations 😁

If you are like me, your rough draft is going to be VERY rough and VERY messy.

What is the best way to polish your 50,000 words?

When you complete your rough draft this week, give yourself a break.  Allow time to enjoy the holiday, and spend time with family and friends. You can re-read your work in January. 

Allow revision and re-writing to be your challenge for the New Year. 

Once you are comfortable with this final 1st draft, you may have a member of your plotting group or a trusted Beta Reader look over the copy and give feedback.   I will revise my draft a second or third time before I ask anyone to read the completed novel.

The input from another writer is very helpful.  Beta Readers often catch the items I removed/overexplained/or need to clarify.

You may wish to hire an editor, while it may seem expensive, it is often a money saver in the end.

Happy Rewriting and Wishing you much success in 2021,

Connie

XOXO

Flawed or Evil Characters in Your Story--.What Part Do They Play? By Connie Vines #RR 102, #WritingTips, #Amazon Bestselling Author,

 Nov 20, 2021 -- Describe a flawed or evil character you have or might use in a story. 

How did they become so flawed? What part will they play in the story, and what will happen to them?

Thank you, Rhobin, for this month's topic.

I find that to utilize the true impact of a flawed or evil character on a storyline, an author must have plotted either a series or a novel comprised of 80,000 words or more.

I would be inclined to choose a series if I was writing a contemporary or YA  historical novel. I'm undecided on attempting a historical fiction comprised of 80,000 words plus.

 Of course, I'd need to ensemble a multidimensional cast in my fictional drama series. Starring a patriarch/ matriarch of a powerful, complicated family. 

A generational homesteader/ rancher/ business owner/ and devoted father/mother (or controlling). Rags to riches could be the start of the story or backstory. However, poverty needs to be skimmed over, and the family must also be powerful. The hero can't be corrupt, but he can walk the line only killing/harming if 'forced' or has no other choice.

 Perhaps he/she operates in a corrupt world where politicians are compromised by influential oil and lumber corporations, and land grabs make developers billions. 

Plot twists are rampant: shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds, and hard-earned respect; add constant conflict with those it borders -- an expanding town, an Indian reservation, and whatever else might cause another layer of trouble.

Everyone has flaws or a blind spot that can lead a person down the wrong path.

Examples in my own stories? 

All of my novels have flawed characters.  Sometimes it's the hero/heroine; other times not.  Disclosure will compromise my storyline or create a spoiler alert. 

Cowboys Make Great Complicated/Flawed Heroes 

YA Stories Must Be Historically Correct--but not focus entirely on Good vs Evil.

(Very few are born Evil)

Humor and Quirky Plotlines Address 'Real Issues' too.

Four Stories/ Four Genres: Contemporary/Romantic Comedy/

Cozy Mystery/Paranormal

I hope you've enjoyed my post 😄,
ConniePlease visit the blogs of these talented authors!

Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com

Dr. Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-2ue

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

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

Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/

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

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

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