Sharon Wray's Blog, page 66
October 15, 2021
The Hungry {Romance} Writer: S’Mores Hot Chocolate
I’ve been traveling a lot and I’m finally home for more than a few weeks.
And since the weather has finally changed–it’s now chilly instead of ninety-plus degrees–this weekend I’m going to celebrate by hosting a chili dinner around our backyard fire pit. Since it’s just adults coming, there’s no need to make a dessert. But I will serve my favorite S’mores Hot Chocolate. It’s fall yumminess in a mug!
Sharon Wray
Yields 2 mugs
Serves 2
0The Hungry {Romance} Writer: S’Mores Hot Chocolate10 minPrep Time
15 minCook Time
25 minTotal Time
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My Recipes My Lists My Calendar Ingredients
2 cups milk (any kind but whole tastes the creamiest)1 cup water (or milk)¼ cup cocoa powder2 Tablespoons chocolate syrup2 Tablespoons sugar1-2 Tablespoons turbinado sugar to taste1 pinch saltGraham crackers crushed, enough to line the mug rims.1 cup large marshmallows or 1/2 cup small marshmallowsInstructions
In a small saucepan, heat milk and water (or more milk) over medium heat until warm. Do not scald!Gently stir into the saucepan the cocoa powder, chocolate syrup, sugar, and salt. Whisk until combined.Rub a few marshmallows around the rims of the mugs.Dip the mug rims into the graham cracker crumbs until there's a nice lining of crumbs. Toss the extra crumbs into the bottom of the mugs.Very gently pour the hot chocolate into the mugs. Top with marshmallows, between 1/2 and 1/4 cup depending on size.Very carefully, place the mugs on a baking sheet and broil until the marshmallows turn golden. Do not let them burn!Carefully remove from the oven and place on a rack. Serve the mugs with towels to protect your hands as the mugs will be hot for a few minutes.Drizzle extra chocolate syrup on top. Garnish with leftover graham cracker crumbs.7.8.1.2172https://sharonwray.com/writers-life/the-hungry-romance-writer-smores-hot-chocolate/ { "@context": "http://schema.org/", "url": [ "https:\/\/sharonwray.com\/writers-life\/the-hungry-romance-writer-smores-hot-chocolate\/" ],"name" : "The Hungry {Romance} Writer: S\u2019Mores Hot Chocolate","prepTime" : "PT10M","cookTime" : "PT15M","recipeYield" : "2 mugs","datePublished" : "2021-09-11 20:00:40","recipeInstructions":[ { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "In a small saucepan, heat milk and water (or more milk) over medium heat until warm. Do not scald! " }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Gently stir into the saucepan the cocoa powder, chocolate syrup, sugar, and salt. Whisk until combined." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Rub a few marshmallows around the rims of the mugs. " }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Dip the mug rims into the graham cracker crumbs until there's a nice lining of crumbs. Toss the extra crumbs into the bottom of the mugs. " }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Very gently pour the hot chocolate into the mugs. Top with marshmallows, between 1\/2 and 1\/4 cup depending on size. " }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Very carefully, place the mugs on a baking sheet and broil until the marshmallows turn golden. Do not let them burn! " }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Carefully remove from the oven and place on a rack. Serve the mugs with towels to protect your hands as the mugs will be hot for a few minutes. " }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Drizzle extra chocolate syrup on top. Garnish with leftover graham cracker crumbs." }],"keywords" : "The Hungry {Romance} Writer: S\u2019Mores Hot Chocolate","recipeIngredient" : ["2 cups milk (any kind but whole tastes the creamiest)","1 cup water (or milk)","\u00bc cup cocoa powder","2 Tablespoons chocolate syrup","2 Tablespoons sugar","1-2 Tablespoons turbinado sugar to taste","1 pinch salt","Graham crackers crushed, enough to line the mug rims. ","1 cup large marshmallows or 1\/2 cup small marshmallows"], "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https:\/\/sharonwray.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rktlts9yfp4.jpg" }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Sharon Wray" }, "nutrition": { "@type": "NutritionInformation", "servingsize": "2 serving"},"@type": "Recipe"}
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October 14, 2021
Birthdays, Saint Days, and Angadresma
Today is my birthday and I’m so busy I can barely see straight. So I’m reposting one of my favorite birthday posts that I’ve ever written. I hope you don’t mind… and as a treat I included a recipe for my favorite birthday cocktail ~ Apple Cider Mimosas!
Repost from the archives…“As I was growing up in a Catholic neighborhood, it was common to celebrate your birthday along with the saint’s feast day that it fell on. Some of my friends got to celebrate with the biggies: St. Francis, St. Patrick, or St. Valentine. Others even got the feast day of the Archangels. So who did I get? Actually, there are a lot of saints who have October 14th as their saint day. One is fairly famous and most of them are men. But after studying all of the saints I share a day with, I discovered an obscure woman known as St. Angadresma who died in 695 AD.
Little is known about St. Angadresma (I call her Saint Angie for short) but what I’ve discovered makes me wish I’d known her while she was alive. St. Angadresma was born in 615 AD in France and, at a young age, was betrothed to Ansbert of Chausey. When she discovered the betrothal she was horrified. She’d already decided to join a religious order and prayed for a disease to disfigure her, thereby making her unappealing to her betrothed. She then contracted leprosy and the engagement was broken.
She was allowed to enter a monastery (now known as a convent) and after her initiation ceremony, the disease disappeared. Many years later she became the abbess of a Benedictine monastery near Beauvais, France. St. Angadresma became known for her pragmatic approach to managing the monastery, in good times and bad. She even helped save the monastery and its inhabitants from a fierce fire. This fire destroyed a lot of the monastery’s records and there are very few details remaining from her life. But from what little is known, she apparently was a brilliant businesswoman and suffered no fools. She was smart, organized, and determined to fight off invaders, bad investments made without her knowledge, and heretics. No matter the threat–physcial, emotional, or mental–she fought them off with her intelligence and strength of will.
One of the miracles attributed to St. Angadresma many years after her death involved the Siege of Beauvais at the end of June 1472. The Duke of Burgundy, aka Charles the Bold, had taken the town of Beauvais hostage. The town had a tiny garrison (30 archers, less than a hundred soldiers, and only a few artillery pieces) to stand against more than 80,000 men. When the town refused to open its gates, the army attacked on three sides while everyone in town, including women and children, fought them off from the ramparts. Children threw stones, women tossed hot oil, while the townsmen used heavier weapons. When things looked bleak for the exhausted townspeople, a soldier grabbed the coffer that held the relics of St. Angadresma and paraded it through the town to up the morale.
Inspired by the fierce St. Angadresma, another famous French woman/warrior appeared. A Beauvais woman named Jayne Layne became known as Jeanne Hachette because she fought off the Burgundy army with a battle axe. To this day, Jeanne Hachette is still known as one of France’s fiercest fighters.
The town of Beauvais withstood the constant bombardment of the Burgundy army and took huge losses. But every day a soldier would parade through the streets with the relics of St. Angadresma and it was enough to keep the poor townspeople fighting. When the army’s artillery blew holes in their defensive walls, the townspeople repaired the walls with the stones that paved the streets.
Finally a month later, on July 22 1472, Charles the Bold and his army gave up. The town of Beauvais, with the help of St. Angadresma, saved not only their city but all of France. After that defeat, Charles the Bold–who’d intended to invade and conquer all of France–fell back only to be defeated at the Siege of Nancy in Lorraine. France was saved and the town of Beauvais gave the credit to St. Angadresma.
Often, saints are shown with their symbols (usually the instruments of their martyrdom or death) and are often chosen to protect people in certain situations. (for example, St. Michael is the Patron Saint of soldiers.) But since so little is known of St. Angadresma, she has no symbols or patronages. So when I was a young girl, I decided to give her some.
Since our days coincide in Autumn, I chose fall-themed symbols that I know St. Angie would’ve had in Beauvais: Pumpkins, Apricot-colored roses, and outdoor fire pits. Oh, and hot coffee. Because coffee was a thing in the 7th century and is every businesswoman’s best friend. As far as her patronage? Even as a young girl I knew I wanted to be a writer. So, of course, I gave her the patronage of writers who write long, complicated romance novels. And considering how many words I’ve written in the last few years, I have no doubt she’s up to the challenge!”
Sharon Wray The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Apple Cider Mimosas
I have been drinking this cocktail for years but I don't remember where I first found the recipe. Probably from my dad since he was an incredible bartender and made the best cocktails I've ever had!
2 minPrep Time
2 minTotal Time
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My Recipes My Lists My Calendar Ingredients
Chilled ProseccoApple CiderBrandy of choiceSugar and cinnamon mixture to rim glasses.Orange JuiceInstructions
Rim the champagne glasses with fresh orange juice and sugar and cinnamon.Add enough apple cider and brandy to fill half the champagne glass.Fill the glass with Prosecco.Enjoy!7.8.1.2185https://sharonwray.com/writers-life/birthdays-saint-days-and-angadresma/ { "@context": "http://schema.org/", "url": [ "https:\/\/sharonwray.com\/writers-life\/birthdays-saint-days-and-angadresma\/" ],"name" : "The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Apple Cider Mimosas","description" : "I have been drinking this cocktail for years but I don't remember where I first found the recipe. Probably from my dad since he was an incredible bartender and made the best cocktails I've ever had! ","prepTime" : "PT2M","datePublished" : "2021-09-30 08:55:07","recipeInstructions":[ { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Rim the champagne glasses with fresh orange juice and sugar and cinnamon." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Add enough apple cider and brandy to fill half the champagne glass. " }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Fill the glass with Prosecco." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Enjoy!" }],"keywords" : "The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Apple Cider Mimosas","recipeIngredient" : ["Chilled Prosecco","Apple Cider","Brandy of choice","Sugar and cinnamon mixture to rim glasses.","Orange Juice"], "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https:\/\/sharonwray.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/mgg-vitchakorn-SumkAubh9dA-unsplash-scaled.jpg" }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Sharon Wray" }, "@type": "Recipe"}
Welcome to Sharon Wray’s Amazon bestselling Deadly Force
romantic suspense series
where ex-Green Berets meet their match in smart, sexy heroines who teach these alpha males that Grace always defeats Reckoning.
Her bestselling debut book EVERY DEEP DESIRE, a sexy, action-packed retelling of Romeo and Juliet, is about an ex-Green Beret determined to regain his honor, his freedom, and his wife. It’s available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | IndieBound | Kobo | Google | Books-a-Million | Audible
Her second book, ONE DARK WISH , a passionate redemption of Othello with a HEA, is about an ex-Green Beret who must give up the woman he loves in order to redeem his honor and save the life of his men. It’s available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | iBooks | Google | Kobo | IndieBound | Audible
Her third book, IN SEARCH OF TRUTH, is about an ex-Green Beret desperate to win back the woman he loves and save the men he betrayed, even if he must make the greatest sacrifice. It’s available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | iBooks| Google | Kobo | IndieBound | Audible
October 13, 2021
Movie Review: The VVitch
In 2015, a movie came out to little fanfare and it was simply titled “The VVitch”. (yes, the VV is how the producers chose to write the title).
I didn’t love this movie at first because all of the actors spoke an older form of English. The story is set during the mid-1630s in Massachusetts, not far from the original Plymouth Colony. The Puritan characters speak according to the time period, and after doing some research I discovered that the screenwriters derived the story and the language from letters and journals and first-hand accounts about the Salem Witch Trials and other 17th century accusations of witchcraft.
The first time I watched the movie, I didn’t realize all of that and got confused and wandered away. But when a writer friend suggested I give it another chance, I did. This time I didn’t have my phone or any other distractions about. I even turned out the lights (big mistake!) and immersed myself in the story. And OMG–the story was so good (and the acting superb) that I was sorry when the movie ended despite the fact I was scared out of my mind.
I do want to add a caveat. This movie is not about witchcraft. In fact, the witch in the woods is a minor character and there are moment’s when no one (character or viewer) knows if there really is a witch. This movie is a psychological drama about a Puritan family evicted from the safety of their colonial colony surrounded by high walls who are forced to carve a life for themselves in the wilderness. And by family I mean a husband, wife, teenage daughter named Thomasin (the protagonist), a middle-grade son, six-year old twins (boy and girl who are super annoying) and a baby on the way. So, right away, the viewer understands that the family’s chance of survival is quite low.
I also want to mention that if you watch this movie, be prepared to sit in a heightened state of tension and suspense. The cinematography along with the Puritan aesthetic add a level of stress not normally seen in movies.
So why am I writing about this movie? Obviously, I loved it and thought it was well written and well acted and highly recommend it for older audiences. (there is gore and nudity and violence so that might be an issue for some). I’m discussing this movie because I wanted to comment on why I think it was so brilliantly written–I wanted to talk about the Incident Incident.
Inciting Incidents take place in the beginning of a story but they’re sometimes hard for writers to truly understand. The Inciting Incident isn’t just a plot point. The Inciting Incident has to carry the story’s theme, premise, and central question which are the three elements necessary to impart to the reader/viewer what the story is really about at the deepest, psychological level.
Spoilers Ahead (If you don’t want to know any spoilers, you may want to stop reading here).The basic plot is that not long after this Puritan family is thrown out of the safety of their colony and establishes a homestead by themselves in the wilderness, their baby boy disappears. While the father, William, believes wolves took his son, his wife Katherine believes a witch stole him. This is a terrible scene and it does set off a series of events that lead to the family’s inevitable tragedy. But while it’s a strong beginning plot point, it is not the Inciting Incident. The baby’s disappearance/abduction is awful but it’s not what the story is about. The story is really about sin and temptation and what it takes for man to fall out of God’s grace. Remember, they are Puritans so the words of the Bible structure their entire life from sleeping, eating, working, etc. And not only are they trying to live a pious life, they are living in extreme poverty. Everything, including food, water, and bait to trap animals is rationed.
Essentially, each of the characters represents one of the seven deadly sins. William, the father, suffers from pride, a sin that has forced the family out of the safety of the colony. Katherine, the mother, is so envious that her twisted mind makes her believe that her teenage daughter Thomasin could be a witch. The pre-teen son Caleb is guilty of lust. Mercy and Jonas, the horrible twins, represent anger and sloth/gluttony, respectively. Mercy’s anger, in particular, causes the family to turn against Thomasin at a crucial moment when she was trying to save them all. So what was Thomasin’s sin, and how does it relate to the Inciting Incident?
I’ll try to explain without giving away too much. In the story, there’s a black billy goat named Black Phillip. The horrible twins (really, truly awful) run around saying that they talk to Black Philip and he tells them to do bad things. As most adults would do, they ignore the kids and tell them to get back to work. But Black Philip watches everything… and I mean everything. During a scene early on in the movie, Thomasin is praying to God and extolling her sins. She is self-aware and truly committed to following God’s commandments–more so than the rest of her family. In this scene, she tells God that despite the horrible situation her family is in (living in the wilderness and starving), she will never forsake Him.
Now I didn’t catch this at first, but after this scene we see the horrible twins playing with Black Philip. And it wasn’t until the end that I realized the significance of this. Basically, by offering this prayer aloud, she has alerted the supernatural world that she will not be tempted. So, of course, who comes to tempt her? Who could never back down from a dare? That’s right. The devil. This is Thomasin’s Inciting Incident.
As the story progresses, and each of the characters falls to their vices (and their violent deaths), Thomasin stays true to her vow to never forsake God. Even if she wonders if he’s forsaken her. Now, while bad thing are happening, we are shown elements of Thomasin’s sin of greed. (because no one is perfect) As the violence ratchets up, Thomasin (and the viewer) suspect that Black Philip isn’t just a billy goat. Again, I don’t want to give away too much, but during the Black Moment of the movie, every member of Thomasin’s family dies a horrible death. And while these thing are happening, the family members are blaming Thomasin, calling her a witch. No one believes in her innocence and when she tells them that Black Philip isn’t just a goat, and that the witch in the woods is real, she’s spurned. She’s attacked. She’s almost murdered. Still, she stays true to the vow she made to God.
She’s true to her vow until the brutal, violent end when there’s nothing and no one left and she’s covered in everyone else’s blood. At that moment, she confronts Black Philip who transforms himself into the devil and asks her to write her name in the book. And we realize that Thomasin was his target all along. He didn’t need more sinners like William and Katherine. The devil wanted the Puritan girl who would have sacrificed herself for her family if they’d only believed her. Now desperate and terrified and alone (and suffering major PTSD from a day of watching her family get slaughtered), he makes her an offer she can’t refuse. He offers her butter and a pretty dress. He appeals to her vanity and greed.
At first she says no, but then–after the devil offers her a “beautiful life” and an apple, she succumbs. She hasn’t seen butter or pretty dresses of apples since her family left England. Food and clothing that, to Thomasin, represent safety and security. The two things she begged God for and the things that the devil stripped from her. But, in her grief, she doesn’t realize that it was the devil’s doing. She now believes God has forsaken her and gives in to greed and selfishness. So Thomasin signs her name in the devil’s book and chooses to follow Black Philip into the woods where she finds a coven of witches.
Yes, it’s an intense, deeply psychological movie. But I’m still fascinated by the brilliant Inciting Incident. By setting up Thomasin’s verbal prayer to God, the writers put her on a doomed course that we never saw coming yet at the same time knew she’d never survive. Thomasin, the protagonist of the story, began this entire chain of tragic events by uttering a simple prayer and believing she’d never betray her family, her beliefs, or God. This is her Inciting Incident. It doesn’t get more terrifying than that.
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October 12, 2021
Sarah Munro’s Fall Equinox Tea
Although the Fall Equinox occurred a few weeks ago, there’s still plenty of time to make and enjoy this special fall tea blend. This recipe is an old one, dating back to colonial days, and is part of Sarah Munro’s collection of herbal remedies (Sarah, a PhD historian, is the heroine in book 2 of the Deadly Force series, ONE DARK WISH.)
Since this is the time of balance (of darkness and light), and it’s the second harvest between September 1 (first harvest) and Halloween (second harvest), this tea is a perfect blend of warmth and spiciness. As you add the ingredients together (cloves for prosperity, cinnamon for abundance, cardamom for love, and ginger for potency), set you intentions for this next season. What do you want to accomplish? What do you hope to attain or feel? What’s important to you as the year winds down? I like to write my intentions in my morning pages and bookmark them with one of the first leaves that fall from our maple tree. That way, during the dark months of winter, I’m reminded of what’s important and what I can let go of. So put on your coziest sweater, cuddle up in front of the first fire of the season, and sip this wonderful tea!
Sarah Munro’s Fall Equinox TeaINGREDIENTS:15 whole cloves 20 black peppercorns2 cinnamon sticks20 cardamom pods (crack them open with a rolling pin on a wood cutting board) 1 inch of peeled ginger, sliced thinlyDIRECTIONS:Add the water to a large pot and stir in all of the ingredients. Slowly bring to a boil and then simmer for 40 minutes. Strain the tea and serve hot. Or, if it’s still hot where you live, cool the tea and serve it over ice. Leftovers can be stored in a glass mason jar in the refrigerator for one week.
Welcome to Sharon Wray’s Amazon bestselling Deadly Force
romantic suspense series
where ex-Green Berets meet their match in smart, sexy heroines who teach these alpha males that Grace always defeats Reckoning.
Her bestselling debut book EVERY DEEP DESIRE, a sexy, action-packed retelling of Romeo and Juliet, is about an ex-Green Beret determined to regain his honor, his freedom, and his wife. It’s available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | IndieBound | Kobo | Google | Books-a-Million | Audible
Her second book, ONE DARK WISH , a passionate redemption of Othello with a HEA, is about an ex-Green Beret who must give up the woman he loves in order to redeem his honor and save the life of his men. It’s available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | iBooks | Google | Kobo | IndieBound | Audible
Her third book, IN SEARCH OF TRUTH, is about an ex-Green Beret desperate to win back the woman he loves and save the men he betrayed, even if he must make the greatest sacrifice. It’s available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | iBooks| Google | Kobo | IndieBound | Audible
October 11, 2021
A Romance Author’s Favorite Halloween Movies
I’ve written before about my favorite movies for this time of year, but I thought I’d add a few more to the list.
I tend to like more tense, gothic movies, or even silly movies, rather than the super-scary, gory, slasher flicks. While I’ve seen my share of slasher movies, they’ve gotten so vivid over the years that I stopped watching them. I much prefer tension and suspense to outright gore. Some of these movies are suitable for children, but I always check out movies with the Dove Foundation before I let my kids/nieces/nephews watch anything. It drives the kids crazy because the Dove Foundation will list things like farting and smoking as warnings, but part of why I check out their reviews is because of their reaction.
So here’s another list of Halloween movies to add to your watch list, in no particular order. Blurbs and links courtesy of the IMDb website.
1. Sleepy HollowA campy, silly Tim Burton retelling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow that I love to watch every year. Yes, it’s crazy in a Tim Burton/Johnny Depp kind of way but the costumes and cinematography make up for some of the outrageousness and the spun-out-of-control plot twists.
2. The Haunting of Bly ManorThis is actually a 9-part TV miniseries currently on Netflix based loosely on the novella The Turn of the Screw by Henry James. It was done by the same crew who made The Haunting of Hill House and while I wanted to love is as much as Hill House, I didn’t. But it is worth watching, if not for the scary ghost, if only for the wonderful relationships between the characters. Especially between Owen and Hannah. I dare you not to cry.
3. The Corpse BrideThis is a stop-motion animated movie by Tim Burton movie set in a fictional Victorian village. Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emily Watson provide the voices in this bittersweet story about the bonds of true love, friendship, and marriage.
4. House on Haunted HillThis classic Vincent Price movie is still as scary and tense as it was the first time I saw it. It’s in black and white is much better than the remake they did in 1999 and better than the Ted Turner colorized version. Word on the street says they’re remaking this movie again and currently in casting calls. I don’t know–I don’t think anyone could be as creepy and ghoulish as Vincent Price. And if you don’t know who Vincent Price is, we can’t be friends. lol.
5. The Lost ChildThis movie, also called “Tatterdemalion”, was one of my favorite movies this year. It’s both a gothic ghost story as well as a romance with a twist that I never saw coming. I adore gothic stories when they’re done well–except they’re usually not. So I was so happy to stumble upon this movie with all of the gothic elements that weren’t overdone or cliched. I honestly didn’t know, until the end, if there was a supernatural element or if the heroine was crazy. It kept me guessing up until the credits.
6. The Skeleton KeyThis was another gothic movie that I absolutely loved. When it came out, nothing else had been made like this movie. Since then, there have been other copycat movies but all of the elements (voodoo, ghosts, New Orleans,) seem campy. Both the storytelling and the cinematography prevent this movie from feeling cliched or overdone. And talk about another twist I didn’t see coming!
7. JessabelleThe third gothic on this list, Jessabelle also takes place in Louisiana with elements of voodoo and ghosts and a romantic subplot. While I did guess the ending/twist of the this movie, I loved the spunky heroine and her hero. They weren’t stupid and made good decisions in the face of a scary situation. It was just too bad they were up against powers they could never have foreseen.
8. DragonwyckI grew up not far from where this story was supposed to take place and had always heard stories about the Dutch patroons and their aristocratic way of life–and all of the secrecy that surrounded them. This is another Vincent Price classic based on a gothic romance by Anya Seton that I’ve read about a dozen times. If you can, watch the original black and white version. The shadows add another layer of tension to this Jane Eyre-like story. Anya Seton helped adapt this screenplay from her bestselling book of the same name which is probably why the movie is so great.
9. The Fly (1958)“A scientist has a horrific accident when he tries to use his newly invented teleportation device.”
Yes, another Vincent Price movie and this is so much better than all the remakes combined. This is a classic 1950’s Sci Fi/Horror story that will keep you up all night. And you’ll never look at the annoying house fly in the same way ever again.
10. The Addams FamilyMake sure you watch the 1991 real-people version of this movie, and not the animated version. This is a very silly movie but I loved watching the Saturday morning reruns of this TV show and still enjoy seeing the characters come to life in their own movie. Christina Ricci, who is in Sleepy Hollow with Johnny Depp, plays the terrifying little girl named Wednesday. And the rest of the cast including Angelica Huston and Raul Julia are fabulous in their roles.
11. Interview with a Vampire“A vampire tells his epic life story: love, betrayal, loneliness, and hunger.”
I have mixed feelings about this movie because I was such a fan of the books. I still think that Tom Cruise was the wrong actor to play Lestat, but I loved the rest of the casting. Including Brad Pitt as the reluctant vampire Louis. I wanted to love this movie as much as I loved the book, but I didn’t. Yet it doesn’t make it a bad movie. Yes, I’m conflicted!
12. Queen of the DamnedEven though this movie departed from the books by a lot, I love it because it has the best heavy metal soundtrack of any movie ever made. I also thought that Stuart Townsend played a much better Lestat than Tom Cruise. It is a tragedy though that Aaliyah, the actress who played Queen Akasha, died in a tragic accident not long after the movie was filmed. If you’re not a fan of metal music from the early 2000s, you will be by the time this movie ends. Jonathan Davis, from the band Korn, wrote most of the songs and handpicked the musicians including Chester Bennington and Wayne Static to fill to out the soundtrack.
I had another movie to list, but that would have ended the list on the number 13 — which we all know is unlucky. So, until next year, happy Halloween movie watching!
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October 9, 2021
NaNoWriMo Preptober: Part 2
There is so much information out there on NaNoWriMo and there’s so many different ways to write a book. So running blog series about how to plan for NaNoWriMo is daunting.
Last week I offered a quick, easy list on how to get started planning for NaNoWriMo without becoming stressed. But today I want to offer a few resources that may help you on your writing journey.
NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list of writing resources. I’m not sure one of those is even available. This post is just an abbreviated list of resources specifically for writers who are trying to prepare for NaNoWriMO,First, I’ve set up a bibliography of some of my favorite writing craft books. It will eventually be annotated, but right now it’s just a list with links to Amazon. It is indexed by topic and in alphabetical order by author. (I am not an Amazon affiliate and make no money from the links on this site. I only recommend and link to products I have used and loved but I have no relationship with these vendors.)
Second, there so many websites out there that offer great writing information and free guides, printable, etc. I’ve listed some of my favorite websites below.
https://www.eadeverell.com, run by Eva Deverell, offers a free One Page Novel workshop to help you figure out the main elements of your story before you start. The site is filled with writing craft articles and links to other resources.
https://heartbreathings.com is run by YA author Sarra Cannon (see YouTube link below) that corresponds to her YouTube channel. Sarra offers tons of freebies and printables about how to craft the best novel possible.
https://thewritepractice.com offers a ton of annotated lists and links to all the tools a writer may need to craft a novel. But the real treasure is found under the articles tab where guest authors write about everything from drafting to refining grammar.
https://writerunboxed.com is a great aggregate website filled with articles on writing craft, writing technology, and writing encouragement. You could spend hours on this site!
https://writershelpingwriters.net is a large website with a lot of things for sale–but head to the resources tab where you can find free printables, lists of articles and books all about the craft of writing.
Third, I love YouTube videos about writing. A few (such as at the Heart Breathings channel) even offer free printables and other information specifically for Preptober. I’ve posted a few of my favorite channels below.
Sarra Cannon/Heart Breathings. Sarra Cannon, a successful indie YA author, has two channels. Heart Breathings is for writers and Sarra Cannon channel is for her readers. But they both have great information for both experienced and new writers. If you sign up for her website (link above), you can even get a free downloadable Preptober Planner that I use every year.
https://www.youtube.com/c/HeartBreathings
https://www.youtube.com/c/SarraCannon
Bethany Atazadeh. Another successful indie YA author, Bethany offers information from writing craft to managing a publishing business. Bethany has a degree in creative writing and speaks on all aspects of the writing craft from outlining to writing a series.
https://www.youtube.com/c/BethanyAtazadeh/featured
Alexa Donne. A successful trad YA author who offers great-if-harsh advice on writing and querying and other aspects of the writing industry. She’s tough and honest which is why I’m addicted to her channel. This is a tough industry and I always appreciate it when another author offers real advice instead of general validations. She has great information on drafting and editing.
https://www.youtube.com/c/AlexaDonne
Shaelin Writes. Shaelin is a young fiction writer from Canada with a large channel filled with craft and grammar advice from filtering words to line editing. And she has an interesting take on NaNo and why sometimes it’s better to lose.
https://www.youtube.com/c/ShaelinWrites
Like I mentioned above, there is so much information about writing books in the world that it can become very overwhelming very quickly. So I hope this shorter list helps… and remember. No one can write your book better than you can. Good luck!
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The post NaNoWriMo Preptober: Part 2 appeared first on Sharon Wray.
October 8, 2021
The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Creamy Parsnip Soup
We’re having friends over for dinner this weekend to watch one of my favorite Halloween movies, Hocus Pocus.
Since I wanted to keep the dinner simple and warm and delicious, I chose a Creamy Parsnip Soup. I’ll serve it with Sourdough, Rosemary, Pumpkin, & Cranberry Bread along with a simple green salad. And there will be wine. If I have time, I’ll also make my favorite Pumpkin Pudding. This pudding is easy to make and easy to carry to the outdoor fire pit after the movie ends. I hope you all have a great weekend!
Sharon Wray
Yields Serves 8 people
The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Creamy Parsnip SoupThis is another conglomeration of adapted recipes. I've tried for years to come up with a parsnip soup recipe that wasn't too strong (or woody tasting), wasn't too sweet, and wasn't too thick. I think this version hits all of those spots. If, when you're tasting it, the soup tastes a little strong or "woody" (depends on the freshness of the parsnips), try adding a tiny bit of sugar, a bit at a time. That will often cut down on the stronger flavor of root vegetables.
20 minPrep Time
50 minCook Time
1 hr, 10 Total Time
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My Recipes My Lists My Calendar Ingredients
Olive oil for the pans2½ pounds parsnips, peeled and roughly chopped4 to 5 baby parsnips, peeled and cut into sixths, lengthwise (for parsnip fries to eat with the soup)1 cup yellow onion, chopped2 teaspoons garlic, minced½ teaspoon ground nutmeg½ pound yellow potatoes, washed and dried, chopped8 cups chicken brothsalt and freshly-ground black pepperExtra nutmeg for garnishRoasted and salted sunflower seeds for garnishInstructions
Preheat the oven to 500°F, Adjust a rack to the center of the ovenCoat a baking sheet with olive oil.Add the chopped parsnips to the baking sheet and stir them into the oil until they are fully coated.Add the baby parsnip slices to the baking sheet, also stirring them into the oil, but keeping them separate from the other parsnips chunks.Sprinkle ALL of the parsnips with salt and pepper.Roast the parsnips for 15 minutes, flip them, and bake for another 15 minutes. It's possible the baby parsnips finish sooner and can be removed first. Watch out and make sure the veggies don't burn. They should be tender and turning golden brown when they're done.Take the baking sheet out of the oven and set it aside on a rack to cool. Leave the veggies on the sheet for now.Coat the bottom of a large stock pot with olive oil. Place it on a stove on medium-high heat.Add the onions and garlic. Cook until the onions are nicely caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.Stir in the nutmeg.Stir in the potatoes and cook for five minutes.Stir in the chopped roasted parsnips. But leave the baby parsnips aside for garnish.Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.Lower the heat and simmer 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.Cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, another 20 minutes.Turn off the heat and move the pot to a cold burner.Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it is smooth and creamy.If it's too thick, add a bit more broth.Move the pot back to the previous burner and turn the heat on low.Season with salt and pepper.If the soup seems "off", add a bit of granulated sugar. Sometimes the parsnips can impart a strong flavor and the sugar helps cut the "woodiness".Pour soup in bowls. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a tiny bit of ground nutmeg, and a few baby parsnip fries. I even like to sprinkle a few roasted and salted sunflower seeds on top for a bit of crunch.7.8.1.2186https://sharonwray.com/writers-life/the-hungry-romance-writer-creamy-parsnip-soup/ { "@context": "http://schema.org/", "url": [ "https:\/\/sharonwray.com\/writers-life\/the-hungry-romance-writer-creamy-parsnip-soup\/" ],"name" : "The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Creamy Parsnip Soup","description" : "This is another conglomeration of adapted recipes. I've tried for years to come up with a parsnip soup recipe that wasn't too strong (or woody tasting), wasn't too sweet, and wasn't too thick. I think this version hits all of those spots. If, when you're tasting it, the soup tastes a little strong or \"woody\" (depends on the freshness of the parsnips), try adding a tiny bit of sugar, a bit at a time. That will often cut down on the stronger flavor of root vegetables. 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October 7, 2021
Prep & Plan: Week Two
So it’s Week Two in our Prep and Plan process. I’m sure many of you are still working on the first week’s assignments–which aren’t easy and could take weeks to finish. But there are other things we can do in the meantime.
This week’s assignments aren’t easy and won’t take much time. You can even do it while drinking a cup of tea! Since I know that you may be not be finished with the whole house assessment, let’s do two easy things this week to move forward in changing our preparedness mindset.
First, find the next blank page on Legal Pad 1 (Household). On this page, think about all the cleaning supplies you need for each room and jot them down. There will be duplicates–that’s okay. We want a master list of cleaning supplies. (you don’t need more than 1 page for this) Don’t forget seasonal cleaning supplies like silver polish and carpet deodorizers, etc.
It may look like this:Windex
Paper towels
Bathroom cleaner
Counter spray
Dusting spray
Dusting rags
Cleaning Gloves
Bathroom brush
Magic Eraser
Brass cleaner for fireplace door
Silver Polish
Hardwood floor cleaner
Lysol Spray
Baking Soda
Essential Oils
Leave room on the list so you can fill in as you remember things. As you make the list, keep note of how often you need to replenish your supplies. If you have a cleaning service, ask them what they use (if you like their products) and how much of it they use. If the SHTF, you’ll be cleaning your own house so it’s important to know what you like and to make sure you have some on hand.
Now, on the same page you’re taking notes on, also write down where you store these cleaners. Do you have cleaners in every bathroom? Do you store them under the kitchen sink? Laundry room,? It doesn’t matter where, just write it down.
See, I told you that was easy! And if you’re not sure if you like your products, I included below a list of my favorite cleaning products.
Second thing to do this week, as you assess your house and make notes (last week’s homework), take another blank sheet of paper on your Household Legal Pad (it could be a back side of a page you’re already written on) and list of all the rooms in your house, including the larger storage areas like basements, attics, etc. Yes, I know you’ve already done this. But please do it again. Then, once you have your list, look at your calendar.
This is a moment of truth. Your next big assignment (in a few weeks so don’t worry about it yet) will be to go slowly through each room and clear out what you don’t need, inventory what you use and like, and make lists of things you use but need more of. But, before we do this, we need to schedule this work. So, after looking at your calendar, decide when you’re going to go through each room and write that on the legal pad. And note if you’re going do this yourself or if you can recruit kids, spouse, or other family members to help.
It should look something like this:Kitchen ~ November 5-10 (with hubby’s help)
Spare Bedroom ~ November 20 (alone)
Half Bath ~ November 1 (alone)
Master Bedroom ~ Nov 30 – Dec 5 (alone)
And so on.
What we’re doing is setting an appointment for this work to be done. If we don’t, it will never happen. I have two suggestions to help this project come to life and make it to completion. First, call one of the donation companies like Salvation Army or Purple Heart and make an appointment for a pick up. There’s nothing like knowing you have someone coming to pick up donations to get you started on clearing out closets.
Second, come up with a reward system. Decide now how you will reward yourself or your family when you finish the kitchen. Will you all go out to your favorite restaurant for dinner? Grab a pizza and have a family movie night? This is a good way to get the kids involved!
Each room should have it’s own reward commensurate with how hard the room will be to finish. Meaning, a half-bathroom isn’t nearly as hard to go through as a full basement or a large kitchen. They don’t deserve the same reward. LOL.
Now, if there’s a hoarding situation going on this process will not work. Often hoarding situations need professional help (physical and sometimes psychological). Here’s a link to a guide that offers different kinds of services for different levels of hoarding. Hoarding Disorder: Help for Hoarders
So, the homework for next week is:Make a list of cleaning supplies you need for the inside of the house (every room) making sure, if you know the brands you like, to list them. Include how much of these products you go through in a month, noting that it could vary by season.
Then make a schedule of when you’re going to clean out/inventory each room in the house. Make a donation appointment and a rewards list if you need the motivation.
In the meantime, work on the meal list and the initial household assessment as outlined in last week’s post.
Here’s a list of cleaning brands I prefer:Mrs. Meyer’s Soap, including her dish soap, hand soap, and all purpose soap that can be diluted into a mop bucket or spray bottle.
Method cleaning products, especially their dusting spray and bathroom cleaner and almond oil floor cleaner. I also like their window spray.
Bon Ami for hardcore scrubbing needs.
Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser for marks on the walls.
Lysol Spray so I can spray all the doorknobs and handles in the house, especially during cold and flu season.
Baking soda and Sweet Orange essential oil to clean my kitchen sink and make a DIY carpet deodorizer.
I also tear up old, cotton sheets and pillowcases and use them as dusting cloths and silver polishing cloths. (Yes, I have inherited silver that always needs to be polished!)
Good luck and I’ll see you next week.
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October 6, 2021
Legend of the Jack O’Lantern
I don’t just love October because it’s my birthday month.
I love October because there are so many myths and legends associated with these thirty-one days. Myths and legends that began a thousand years before Christianity and extend all the way up to the 1960s. How many months can claim that distinction?
One of my favorite stories is about carved pumpkins, commonly known as Jack O’Lanterns. When Irish immigrants came to the United States, they brought the tradition of carving pumpkins into Jack O’Lanterns with them. But, originally, the Jack O’Lantern wasn’t a pumpkin since pumpkins didn’t exist in ancient Ireland. The original Jack O’Lantern was a turnip which was carved on All Hallow’s Eve (Halloween). A burning ember was placed inside the hallowed-out turnip and carried around the village to keep away any evil spirits. When the Irish ended up in the New World, they discovered that pumpkins were easier to carve into lanterns.
But why did they think that carving root vegetables into lanterns would ward off evil spirits in the first place?
The story begins with a man named Jack who lived in ancient Ireland. Jack was a thief and a trickster who everyone despised. He lived alone and was as stingy as he was mean. One night, while drinking at the local pub, Stingy Jack met the devil. Apparently, the devil offered to buy Jack a drink in exchange for his soul. Jack said yes but when the devil transformed himself into a coin to pay for the drinks, Jack stole the coin and slipped it into his pocket where he kept a silver crucifix. The silver crucifix prevented the devil from changing back and Jack took the devil/coin home in his pocket. It was only after Jack got the devil to agree to wait to take his soul that Stingy Jack freed the devil.
Years later, Stingy Jack saw the devil waiting by an apple tree. The devil wanted Jack’s soul but he stalled for time. Somehow he convinced the devil to climb up the apple tree and get Jack an apple to eat before he left with the devil. But once the devil climbed the tree, Stingy Jack nailed silver crosses to the tree, preventing the devil from coming down. Finally, Jack made the devil promise not to take Jack’s soul when he died and allowed the devil to come down out of the tree.
Many, many years later, Stingy Jack died and stood before the gates of Heaven. Saint Peter told Jack that because he was mean, stingy, and cruel he could not enter Heaven. So Jack went down to Hell but the devil kept his promise and wouldn’t allow Jack in. Jack was now afraid–what was he going to do for all eternity? Not sure what the do, he asked the devil how he could get back to the living world as it was so dark and there was no way out. The devil gave him an ember from the flames of Hell. It was too hot to carry but Jack had a turnip (his favorite food) in his pocket. Jack hollowed out the turnip and placed the ember inside, making it a lantern that helped him find his way. Jack made it back to the land of the living and now wanders the earth without a resting place with only a dim turnip lantern to light the way. The Irish called Jack’s ghost “Jack of the Lantern” which was eventually abbreviated to Jack O’Lantern.
On All Hallow’s Eve, when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest, the Irish people placed a light in carved turnips to keep Stingy Jack, and any other evil spirits, away. Now that Jack O’Lanterns are mainstream October decorations, it’s hard to remember the reason why we carve pumpkins. But when you see scary Jack O’Lanterns on Halloween, try to remember Stingy Jack and his back-fired deal with the devil. Because that’s where it all started.
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October 5, 2021
Sarah Munro’s Pumpkin Spice Golden Milk Latte
If you were looking for a great warm fall drink to have later in the day, look no further than a pumpkin spice golden milk latte. While this recipe doesn’t date back as far as Sarah Munro’s* other recipes, turmeric has been used for centuries to help reduce inflammation and load you up with antioxidants.
This drink, which can also be made with coconut milk or whole milk, is sweet, warm, and so satisfying on a chilly fall evening. Despite being called a latte, there is no coffee or caffeine in this drink. The addition of cinnamon, coconut oil, ginger, and honey adds fats and anti-viral goodness. And the pumpkin spice flavor just adds to the fall feels.
Sarah Munro’s Pumpkin Spice Golden Milk LatteINGREDIENTS:1 cup almond milk1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric1 Tablespoon honey1/2 Tablespoon coconut oilGARNISH OPTIONS:dash of vanilla extractextra gingerextra cinnamonwhipped creamDIRECTIONS:Add all the ingredients to a pot, stir and bring to a boil.Reduce to a simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring together occasionally.Remove pot from stove whisk together. If you’d like extra froth on top, you can use an immersion blender.If using freshly grated ginger, you should strain, otherwise straining through a mini sieve is optional.Pour into a mug, garnish with a bit of cinnamon and enjoy!In a small saucepan, heat at all ingredients together (except for the garnish options) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for two minutes. Stir frequently. (Do not overheat as you will scorch the milk. While this recipe uses almond milk, any kind of milk can be substituted. My favorite is whole milk since the fat prevents the milk from scorching which is really easy to do.)
Remove the pot from the stove and whisk the ingredients together or use a tiny immersion blender to blend the ingredients.
If you’re going to use fresh ginger, strain the milk through a sieve as you pour the milk into a mug. Garnish however you please!
This makes 1 serving.
Welcome to Sharon Wray’s Amazon bestselling Deadly Force
romantic suspense series
where ex-Green Berets meet their match in smart, sexy heroines who teach these alpha males that Grace always defeats Reckoning.
Her bestselling debut book EVERY DEEP DESIRE, a sexy, action-packed retelling of Romeo and Juliet, is about an ex-Green Beret determined to regain his honor, his freedom, and his wife. It’s available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | IndieBound | Kobo | Google | Books-a-Million | Audible
Her second book, ONE DARK WISH , a passionate redemption of Othello with a HEA, is about an ex-Green Beret who must give up the woman he loves in order to redeem his honor and save the life of his men. It’s available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | iBooks | Google | Kobo | IndieBound | Audible
Her third book, IN SEARCH OF TRUTH, is about an ex-Green Beret desperate to win back the woman he loves and save the men he betrayed, even if he must make the greatest sacrifice. It’s available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | iBooks| Google | Kobo | IndieBound | Audible
