Selena Robins's Blog, page 15
November 23, 2015
Creativity unleashes the child in the adult.
I recently returned from a week’s writing retreat with my critique partner, Nancy. This is something we’ve done for the past few years, and not only is it a week guaranteed to be filled with laughter, mischief, naps, swimming, walking, and great wining and dining, it is also a time to get deep into creativity mode without distractions.
The obligatory mani/pedi day was enjoyed before heading to the retreat.
We also took an afternoon to visit the local attractions such as The Collingwood Olive Oil Company.
This was nirvana for the foodie in me.
The Olive Oil Connoisseur who hosted our tasting was entertaining and had some great recommendations. We exchanged recipe ideas, and I walked out with three bottles of heavenly scented olive oil, balsamic vinegar, body lotion and lip balm.
View from the resort’s balcony after a rainfall.
Whether your creative passion is writing, painting, music, cooking, daydreaming, sewing, knitting, olive oil tastings, wine tastings or coming up with new ways to play Boggle, it doesn’t matter, as long as when in the zone, you are enjoying it, and it fulfills a goal you’ve always wanted to accomplish.
Three simple words that pack a powerful, exhilarating punch. Do it professionally, as a hobby, for family and friends only or just for yourself. The key here is to: Follow it. Do it. Enjoy it.
Enjoy a creativity retreat at home if it’s not possible to travel. Disconnect from the online world, from housework (dust bunnies are patient, they can wait to be tended to), make some meals ahead of time (that’s what slow cookers were invented for) stock up on supplies—chocolate, wine, tea, coffee, whatever your pleasure. Fish out the comfy clothes and enjoy a day, a few days or a week of creative endeavors.
On our retreat we wrote most of the day, and at times, when we were on a roll, we would work late into the evening. We brainstormed plots, character traits, and talked about writing.
We also enjoyed other creative outlets when taking a break while listening to music, watching a movie, or catching up on a television program (Big Bang Theory back to back episodes were on), and still utilized this time to create.
Nancy enjoyed knitting (and she’s real good at it). When I knit, everything turns into a scarf, and I don’t have a clue how to follow a pattern.
I do love to color, and for my birthday my son gifted me an adult coloring book, and colored pencils.
One of my completed coloring projects. I’d love to get this on a T-shirt somehow.
Along with a wonderful imagination, and the passion to create, creative people tend to have self-doubt which interferes with motivation. Writers spend a lot of time in their own heads, and at times a nagging voice telling them it can be impossible to achieve what they are striving to accomplish. Hashing it out on paper, or with a friend or family member stifles the negativity. It will disappear as quickly as it appeared.
Be the bad ass creator you were not motivated to be yesterday.
Go Kick a lot of creative butt.
I got this.
YOU got this!
Filed under: On Writing, Selena's Musings, Uncategorized, Writing Life Tagged: creativity, dreams, goals, motivation, writing, writing retreat
November 9, 2015
Vegetable-atarian Burgers Even Carnivores will Love
The Vitameatavegamin I Love Lucy episode and the Grape Stomping episode are my favorites. However, I’d rather have a burger than have to resort to spooning my way to health with unappetizing concoctions like Vitameatavegamin.
We strive to have at least three vegetarian meals per week, so I’m having fun coming up with creative ways to cook protein so that the carnivores in the family will feel sated.
Black bean burgers are easy to make, chock-full of flavor, and super healthy.
My family loves these burgers. Okay, maybe not LOVE the way I love them, but they do enjoy them a lot, and no, they would never (nor would I) become a total vegetarian and give up a juicy sirloin burger, but for something different and vegetarian black bean burgers make a good meal.
BLACK BEAN BURGER RECIPE
Ingredients:
Recipes makes 5 burgers.
1 can (16 ounce) black beans
1 shallot (or onion and garlic, your choice), minced
1 sweet orange bell pepper (or red or green or yellow), chopped
1/2 cup grated carrot
1 large egg
3 egg whites
3/4 cup oatmeal (or breadcrumbs)
1 TBSP chili powder
1 TBSP Srirachi sauce (or any hot sauce)
Sea Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 F
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then give it a quick spray with a non-stick spray
In a food processor (or you can use a potato masher) add the black beans and mix until they form a paste like consistency.
In a large bowl add all the ingredients
Mix well, and form into five patties.
Sprinkle each side with a bit of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Bake for 10 minutes each side.
Serve with sweet potato baked fries, or regular fries, and top with all your favorite burger toppings. Can be served in a lettuce bowl, bun, cabbage leaves, anything you would normally use for a meat burger.
Really tasty with spicy mayo. Add mayo, Dijon mustard and add a few drops of spicy sauce.
For more recipes (over 100 family dishes), PLUS, two stories (children’s book, and a comedy short story for adults) download a sample or purchase WISHES. STITCHES & DISHES: Bundle of Family Fun.
Available on AMAZON for only $1.50
Filed under: Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged: black bean burgers, black beans, recipe, Tasty Tuesday, vegetarian recipe
October 18, 2015
Stuff it!
My kitchen runs on love, laughter and lots of experimentation—sometimes it works, sometimes not so much, but when it works, hubby will say, “I hope you wrote this recipe down.”
I wrote it all down and I’m going to share it with you.
Besides the scent of cookies baking in the oven, another mouthwatering essence are roasted anything, especially sweet peppers.
STUFFED PEPPERS
Ingredients:
1/2 lean ground beef
1/2 Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your choice)
1/4 cup of dry red or white wine (the good stuff that you would drink, not the cooking wine)
4 sweet peppers (red, orange or yellow)
3/4 cup COOKED white rice (I cook the rice in chicken broth, to give it that much more flavor)
1 TBSP freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 TBSP freshly grated Romano cheese
1 tomato
10 Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
handful of fresh basil, chopped
1/3 cup mozzarella, shredded or sliced thinly
1/2 cup tomato sauce
salt and red chili flakes to taste
Directions:
Heat oven to 350F
Cook rice and set aside.
Wash and dry the peppers, slice in half, and remove the seeds and set aside.
Chop the tops you removed from the peppers into small pieces
Chop the tomato in small pieces
Heat up a skillet, add the wine, sausage and ground beef and cook for about 3 minutes
Then add the chopped pieces of peppers and stir, lower heat to medium and cook until meat is brown and done.
Once the meat is done, remove from heat and add: Parmesan, tomato, olives, basil and rice, and stir well until it’s all mixed.
Taste the mixture, so you can season with salt and red chili flakes
Line a baking dish with parchment, or spray with a non-stick spray.
Fill each half of the peppers with equal amounts of the meat/rice mixture.
Arrange peppers in baking dish
Top each pepper with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese
Cover dish and bake for 45 minutes
Remove cover and bake an additional 5 – 10 minutes, until mozzarella on top is a golden color
For more recipes (over 100 family dishes), PLUS, two stories (children’s book, and a comedy short story for adults) download a sample or purchase WISHES. STITCHES & DISHES: Bundle of Family Fun.
Available on AMAZON for only $1.50
Filed under: Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged: Cooking, Italian sausage, recipes, Stuffed Peppers, Tasty Tuesday
October 11, 2015
Gratitude Attitude
In Canada, we’re getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, and in the USA they’ll be celebrating in November.
This is one of my favorite holidays because you probably surmised that besides writing, cooking is another passion of mine—as is eating. :)
I strive to keep an attitude of gratitude daily, and the list grows as each day as I am blessed with the small things that are bestowed on me, my family, friends and the world.
I’m Grateful and give thanks for…..
GOD
Always on the top of my list to thank is God, without Him or Her, then none of this would be possible for me.
FAMILY
I am eternally thankful for my love-of-my-life/best friend-with-much-benefits (husband), my boys—I love them to Pluto and beyond. My family and extended family.
FRIENDSHIP
I would take a bullet (not a fatal one, but a flesh wound) for my good friends.
Love my friends in person and friends I’ve met online (some I have met in person and some I look forward to meeting). My girl posse—my blood related sisters, and my sisters through love.
Grateful for the friends who will always be my friend–because…you know, they know too much.
To the Thelma to my Louise…but we’d have to change the ending on that…over the cliff would suck.
To the friends who are the “she” to my “nanigans”.
To the friends who will always lend a hand when I trip and fall—after they’re done laughing of course.
To the Ethel to my Lucy.
BOOKS
The gift of writing, reading and all the connections I’ve made with readers, bloggers and colleagues in the publishing industry.
TRAILBLAZERS
The ambitious women and men who colored way outside the lines, and did not listen to the naysayers who told them that their goals for change, their innovative spirit, and their steadfast desire to better themselves and the world around them couldn’t be done.
These brave women and men thought big, and because they put themselves and their ideals out there, they blazed a trail for the rest of us in politics, music, creative arts, engineering, business, science—every faction of society.
FUR CHILD
He’s always glad to see us, fills our home with his wagging tail, wet nose, and lovable personality.
FOOD INDUSTRY’s UNSUNG HEROES
The farmers, grocery clerks, transport drivers, warehouse workers, chocolate factory, chefs, sous-chefs, servers, cleaning staff, and all the others working behind the scenes in the food industry.
GROWING UP ITALIAN
ALL EIGHT SENSES
Sense of Humor, Common Sense, Good Sense, plus all Five Senses
BRAVE WOMEN & MEN & CANINE
The women,men, and canine (land, air and sea)—here and overseas, the first responders, and all the people behind the scenes and front lines—who unblindly follow orders and risk their lives so that we may enjoy freedom and safety.
YOU
I’m grateful for all of you who took the time to read all of this, and even if you didn’t (then you won’t see this, but I’m still grateful for you).
All the people who I chat with on this blog, other blogs, Facebook, Twitter, via email, you all bring something special.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: Family, friendship, Gratitude, hero's, Thanksgiving
October 1, 2015
“If you go to Vegas–bring a notebook”
What happens in Vegas sometimes get spun into a work of fiction by talented authors like Rosanna Leo, and readers are then treated to a story, featuring a well-written frenemies to lovers theme. Through their personal struggles, Kate and Liam’s story is passionate, at times tense, with the right amount of humor, and the steamy scenes which Rosanna is well known for in her books.
VICE is a story about addiction which will have you addicted to Rosanna’s writing.
He’s much more than a bad habit.
As a Vegas singer and volunteer counselor, Kate Callender has experienced life on both sides of Sin City’s bright lights. The thrill of performing, and gambling’s devastating effect on the addicts’ families.
Liam Doyle is just the kind of man she despises—a handsome, enigmatic businessman with a knack for seducing customers into his casino hotels. Determined to put a lid on his growing influence, she prepares to picket the opening of his newest casino, Vice.
When Liam spots the lone protestor hassling his customers, annoyance wars with instant attraction. And he quickly discovers the leggy redhead not only can’t be bought, she tempts him the way the sound of a roulette wheel lures a gambler.
They are natural enemies, but when a vile attack sparks Liam’s protective instincts, they begin a sexual odyssey that dances on the edge of addiction. Dangerously close to losing control…and losing themselves.
Warning: Contains a sexy, damaged hero who’d really rather just be having sex, and a no-nonsense redhead who makes him want to roll the dice on love just one more time.
Please join me in welcoming, Rosanna Leo to the blog as she gives us the background behind her motivation to write VICE, and shares an excerpt.
***
“If you go to Vegas—bring a notebook”
by Rosanna Leo
I’d like to offer Selena a hearty “thank you” for hosting me today, as I celebrate the release of my new contemporary romance, VICE. It released at Samhain Publishing on Sept. 22 and I’m very excited to share it with you.
VICE is a personal story, dealing with compulsive gambling, addiction as well as loss and abandonment. My own family has suffered from compulsive gambling so this book is probably the one that means the most to me of all my books. The seeds for this romance have always been in the back of my head, waiting to sprout. However, it was a trip to Las Vegas that allowed them to blossom.
When my husband and I found a good flight deal for Las Vegas a couple of years ago, we laughed about it. After all, neither of us gamble so we’d never planned on visiting the city. Notwithstanding, we packed our bags and flew to Sin City, and had a lovely long weekend together.
I may not have gambled, but there is one thing I did a lot. I took notes. You see, Vegas has some colorful characters. Between walking the strip, riding the buses and dining out, I found all sorts of inspiration. Suddenly, my book idea began to take shape. My concept for a romance set in the gambling world now had vision and clarity and direction. To say nothing of some sinful setting ideas.
My advice to writers? If you travel, bring a notebook. Record your observations, no matter how strange they seem. In fact, the stranger, the better.
You might just get a book out of it.
EXCERPT
He meandered toward her and forced a smile. “You seem to have had a busy day.”
She whipped around and her eyes widened. He saw her give him a quick once-over. Did she like what she saw? Interesting. There was some perverse satisfaction in that.
“It has been busy.” She narrowed her hazel eyes at him. “Do you work here?”
So, she didn’t recognize him. Good. “Yes, ma’am, I do.” He crossed his arms over his chest and nodded, noting how her gaze dropped to his exposed forearms. Her lips parted. Clearly, working out had its merits. “And word inside is you’ve upset the big boss.”
Her nostrils flared as she dragged her gaze away from his arms. “About time.” She put her sign down and picked up her purse. “Do you know Liam Doyle?”
“I’ve heard one or two things about him.”
She stepped closer and her lips did the most amazing thing, curling into a flirtatious semi-smile. “I don’t suppose you’d be willing to share them with me? The other guy kept on sucking up about him as if he was wearing a wire.” She paused. “You’re not wearing a wire, are you?”
He laughed out loud. He couldn’t help it. This was way too much fun. He sidled close to her, leaned in conspiratorially, and put a hand on her elbow. Her very soft elbow. “I’m not wearing a wire. But are you sure you want to know the truth about Doyle? I don’t know if you can handle it.”
She gawked at him and then at his lips. Her voice came out in a whisper. “Try me.”
He murmured in her ear, taking note of her lilac scent. “Well, I hear at midnight he sprouts black wings and horns. And he’s always searching for innocent maidens to add to his coven.” He bit on his bottom lip, suddenly wishing he was gnawing on hers.
At first, her eyelids did this fluttery thing that made his imported pants spring to life. But then she blinked and began to laugh. “And here I thought I was dealing with a mere businessman. I didn’t realize Doyle was cousins with Lucifer.”
“What’s your name?”
She regarded him from out of the side of her eye, her mouth still bearing the same flirty grin. “What’s yours?”
“Consider me a friend who wants to give you some advice.”
The smile disappeared from her face. “And what would that be?”
“Don’t mess with Liam Doyle. He doesn’t take to it kindly.”
The coquettish shine in her eyes hardened. “Is that a threat?”
“No, sugar. That’s not my style.”
“What exactly do you do here? Are you in security?”
“Never mind that.” He waved his hand. “Look, you’ve had your fun. Why don’t you run along home now?”
She reached for her sign and tucked it under her arm. “I will go where I damn well please. And you can tell your friend Mr. Doyle to expect me tomorrow. Maybe next time he’ll be brave enough to confront me himself.” She turned on her heel and walked down the manicured pathway leading to the taxi bay.
Liam stared at her ass as she walked away. Brave?
Game on, sugar. He’d show her brave.
To Buy
About Rosanna Leo
Rosanna Leo is a multi-published, erotic romance author. Several of her books about Greek gods, selkies and shape shifters have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Romance and The Romance Reviews.
From Toronto, Canada, Rosanna occupies a house in the suburbs with her long-suffering husband, their two hungry sons and a tabby cat named Sweetie. When not writing, she can be found haunting dusty library stacks or planning her next star-crossed love affair.
A library employee by day, she is honored to be a member of the league of naughty librarians who also happen to write romance.
Connect with Rosanna:
Filed under: Author Interviews Tagged: Addiction, Enemies to lovers, Gambling Addiction, Las Vegas, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Rosanna Leo
September 8, 2015
Spoonful of the sweet, savory & spice.
I experimented with making a pork loin roast in a different way, and came up with this dish that my family loved.
If you like sweet, savory and spice all rolled into one, then I know you will absolutely love this recipe, and you will receive rave reviews from your family and friends. Great dish to serve for a dinner party, because once you put it together in your crock pot it doesn’t need any attention.
It keeps well in the fridge for a few days and can be frozen.
Sweet & Sour Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients:
2 lb (or you can use 1.5 or 3 lb loin) pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
2 TBSP oil
1 bottle of Diana Sauce for pork and ribs (Or any pork/rib BBQ sauce you have on hand)
6 ounces apricot jam
6 ounces grape jelly
6 ounces marmalade
1 TBSP soy sauce
1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
1 TBSP fish sauce
1/2 cup tomato puree
2 tsps. hot chili sauce (such as Sriracha)
1 sweet red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 sweet yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
10 ounces pineapple, (sliced or in chunks, your choice)
Sea salt
Ground black pepper
Directions:
In a bowl add the following: BBQ sauce, apricot jam, grape jelly, marmalade, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, tomato puree, hot chili sauce. Whisk them all together until smooth. Taste to see if you’d like to add more hot spice.
Heat up a saute pan with oil on your stove, while the pan is heating up, pat the pork loin dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Place roast in pan and brown on both sides.
Remove from heat. Slice into (about 1/2 inch) slices, then cube each slice.
Pour some of the sauce you made at the bottom of your slow cooker to cover the whole bottom.
Add the cubed meat to slow cooker.
Add the sweet bell peppers and pineapple
Cover the meat and peppers with remaining sauce.
Stir to ensure all meat is covered with sauce.
If using a slow cooker, cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours.
From our tables to yours, enjoy in good health.
Serving Suggestion
Serve over white jasmine rice and steamed broccoli.
For more recipes, please check out WISHES, STITCHES & DISHES: Bundle of Family fun.
INCLUDES: A children’s book, a comedy short story and OVER 100 recipes.
Filed under: Recipes Tagged: autumn recipes, sweet and sour pork
August 16, 2015
I Shaved My Legs for THIS?
Have you ever been on a date where there was too much back-story and the prologue so long that you didn’t think you’d last through the appetizer, let alone dinner, and you’re thinking,“I shaved my freakin’ legs for this?”
Please welcome authors, Nancy Lauzon, Renee Wildes and Donna Alward as they join me in sharing a bad date experience.
Selena’s experience:
Mine wasn’t really a planned date. It was foisted upon me by my brother (to this day, I still say in a dramatic way—”You sold me out for a ride in a fancy sports car?” (Yes, I milk my childhood mishaps).
I was fifteen at the time and I was at a big Italian wedding with my family. One of the guests was someone I knew from the neighborhood. Every community had one. You know the type, rich, popular, great hair…the Fonzie of the neighborhood. Except he never impressed me.
A. He was too full of himself and I was never one to follow a trend or the crowd…especially the group of girls who visibly drooled whenever he entered a room.
B. His family scared me. Especially his grandmother. More on that later.
I’m pretty sure the only reason he wanted to ask me to dance was because I ignored him and didn’t salivate or swoon over him at this wedding.
Unknown to me, my brother made a backroom deal with this dude. My brother guaranteed Dude that I would dance with him if my brother got to drive his brand new sports car around the block. (16 year old’s with brand new sports car that daddy bought them, another reason not to like this guy). My brother to this day defends himself: “At least I didn’t sell you for a herd of goats.” (Like that even makes any sense or justifies his wanton greed to drive a sports car).
My brother then promised me he’d help convince my parents for me to go on a school trip, if I’d just dance with the Greek-Fonzie-Adonis for just one dance.
I thought, what the heck, one dance won’t kill me. No, it won’t kill me, but I just about killed HIM.
You see, Greek-Fonzie-Adonis was severely allergic to shellfish. I had just finished eating a shrimp cocktail.
We danced.
He went in for a kiss.
I told him he’d lose an arm, leg or whatever necessary part he loved, if he tried to kiss me.
He didn’t believe me. He planted a big one on me.
First his tongue swelled.
Then he gasped and fell to the floor.
His mother came running over with an Epi pen.
His grandmother pointed at me, gave me the “Evil Eye,” said a string of things, while shaking her bony fingers at me in Greek and then in broken English told me she put a spell on me for trying to kill her oh-so-sweet grandson.
And the band played on. . .
I shaved my legs for this? by Nancy Lauzon
My worst date happened back in college. I had a crush on some guy who was a friend of my roommate’s boyfriend. He was very quiet, so I couldn’t tell if we had anything in common or not, but he was so good-looking I didn’t care. We went on a double date to a local amusement park. Things were going pretty well, until half-way through the evening, my date disappeared.
That’s right, he disappeared. I can’t remember the exact details. Maybe I went to the restroom or maybe he left to get cotton candy. All I know is, he vanished into thin air. My roommate and her boyfriend looked everywhere, but he was nowhere to be found. Needless to say, it was quite a blow to my ego. To say I was embarrassed would be putting it mildly.
I was almost hoping he’d been struck dead by a runaway roller coaster car, but alas, that was not the case. He never explained himself or apologized to me. His official excuse — sent via my roommate’s boyfriend — was he’d suddenly forgotten he had to be somewhere, and couldn’t find me to explain. R-iiight.
I shaved my legs for this? by Renee Wildes
I grew up a tomboy and I’m still not a girlie-girl, but even I have my limits. I agreed to go camping with…Grizzly Adams, I swear to God. I was thinking tent and Dinty Moore and s’mores. But noooo…
It rained, the tent blew down and we had to do laundry in a RIVER. With leeches. Seriously, THAT’S what the salt was for??? Eww. Stupid me thinking it was for Margaritas! He wanted to show me this cool cave. Really cool – until a bat pooed on my head. Tried drying the darn clothes on a tree branch – I fell out of the tree. Everything smelled like mud and smoke and…trout guts. I can’t eat anything with the eyes still looking at me, people. I was starving when I got home! I took a two-hour bubble bath and pigged out on fried chicken and Haagen Dasz.
I shaved my legs for this? by Donna Alward
When I was fourteen I experienced the sweetest, most romantic moment a fourteen-year-old girl could hope for. I was sledding with friends over the Christmas break and the whole week I’d had a thing for my friend’s cousin. He was 16. We were at the top of the hill, lying in the snow looking up at the stars, and a shooting star went zooming across the sky. And then he kissed me.
You’re all sighing right now, right? And you’re thinking, Hey, Donna, this is supposed to be a BAD DATE story. What the heck?
Fast forward about 4 years.
I’m going to university an hour or so from where this guy lives, and he calls me up, asks if I want to go out. Now bear in mind after a few months of cute letters back and forth, our brief romance kind of died off. But…good memories, right? So I say sure. It’s just a movie after all. And I’m curious.
He picks me up in his old pickup, which isn’t that big of a deal. None of us are driving anything new, we’re struggling students. Except he’s not alone. He’s brought a friend along. ON A DATE. And while I did my hair and dressed cute and all that stuff, he had on an old paid of jeans and a T-shirt and a ball cap. And not the cute kind of ball cap either, more the “I got this for free from the local garage” kind of ball cap, complete with nylon mesh. I’m already thinking this isn’t the most promising start.
The movie we go to see? The most romantic movie of all time, of course! TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES. The three of us. Then we went to a Chinese place for something to eat…let’s just say sitting there with two 20-year old guys being, well, GUYS…. (need I say more?)
To be honest, I was really disappointed. I have some very good memories of times spent in their neck of the woods and it was like he was a whole other person. Then again, maybe I was too. But I never understood why he asked me on a date and then…that was his idea of a date?
I don’t remember if he kissed me goodnight or not, or if he even tried. But I do remember being relieved when he was gone, and sad to have that teenage bubble of sweet memories popped by a pin of reality.
What is your bad date story?
Filed under: Selena's Musings Tagged: bad date stories, Bad Dates, Dating, humor
August 12, 2015
Recipe For A Delicious Military Alpha Hero
Romancing The Military Man: Ten Hot Military Heroes & A Recipe For An Alpha Hero
by Denise A. Agnew
Alpha.
Oxford Dictionary definition informal: Denoting a person who has a dominant role or position within a particular sphere.
Alpha Male.
Oxford Dictionary definition: A man tending to assume a dominant or domineering role in social or professional situations. (This particular dictionary gave an example of a use of the word as, “Most alpha males need to control the women in their lives.”)
As an author who often writes heroes in careers that tend to lean toward “alpha” that definition of alpha male made me think. After all, the last kind of hero I’m going to create is a man who feels he needs to “control” a woman. That’s a nope, nope, nope for me unless I’m talking about the bad guy.
I started thinking about the hero in my story Saved By The Marine, which is a part of Romancing The Military Man: Ten Hot Military Heroes. Retired U.S. Marine Mike Compton isn’t a spring chicken at thirty-nine but he’s still a physically fit and capable man with aspirations to become a sheriff’s deputy in his community and continue protecting others. As I wrote the story I noticed that his beta tendencies were as heavy-duty as his alpha traits, and when I analyzed that reality it made me recognize that my heroes are always a combination of the two balancing attributes.
When I asked nine other authors to join with me in putting together a box set featuring ten military heroes, I never thought of defining a military hero as alpha…or not. In the romance novel world, however, alpha seems to have a particular connotation that can be taken either as good or bad. I’m keeping it positive and listing what I believe is a great recipe for an amazing alpha hero like the ones you’ll find in Romancing The Military Man: Ten Hot Military Heroes which features stories from New York Times, USA Today and National Best Selling authors Sharon Hamilton, Caridad Pineiro, Toni Anderson, Karen Fenech, Kathy Kulig, Jan Springer, Lisa Hughey, Adrienne Bell, Monique Dubois and myself.
Ready? Aim. Here we go.
Recipe For A Delicious Military Alpha Hero
Ingredients:
*One male age 25 to 50 (more or less to taste).
*Physical and mental strength.
*An animal magnetism that goes beyond good looks.
*Copious amounts of an excellent sense of humor and/or a brooding and slightly less effusive way of dealing with the world.
*One or more intriguing or heady situations, preferably with danger, action, adventure and opportunities for said alpha male to show his skills.
*One occupation that involves hero in possible mayhem.
*One consuming desire to protect the heroine and others against any danger.
*A solid belief in doing the right thing, but an understanding that most of life comes in shades rather than black and white.
*A healthy chunk of can do attitude. This guy never gives up, unless it’s eventually giving in to falling in love.
*He’d never harm a woman or child and won’t tolerate anyone who does.
*He’s never verbally abusive to a woman or child and won’t tolerate anyone who is.
Directions:
Mix all these ingredients in varying amounts and combinations along with liberal doses of originality and you have the makings for a balanced military alpha male. Enjoy!
Romancing The Military Man: Ten Hot Military Heroes is on preorder now at:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iBooks
You can also check Denise’s website for additional book outlets as they become available.
Official release date is September 29, but you can get your pre-order copy for 99 cents.
If you’d like an opportunity to win a Kindle Fire be sure to sign up for our release day Facebook party.
About Denise Agnew:
Denise A. Agnew is the author of over 60 novels. Denise has written paranormal, romantic comedy, contemporary, fantasy, historical, erotic romance, and romantic suspense. Archaeology and archery have crept into her work, and travels through England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have added to a lifetime of story ideas. She lives with her husband and a Mini Schnauzer. Denise is also a paranormal investigator, Reiki Master and Certified Creativity Coach.
Follow Denise on Twitter @DeniseAAgnew
Filed under: Author Interviews Tagged: alpha heroes, alpha heroes in romance novels, Alpha males, boxed sets, Denise Agnew, Military romance
July 27, 2015
Stuffed S’mores Cookies
CLICK HERE for the recipe: Stuffed S’mores Cookies.
Filed under: Uncategorized
July 21, 2015
Growing Up Italian
1. The word calm is not in the Italian dictionary.
2. Thanksgiving dinner included; antipasto platter, lasagna, meatballs. Turkey was a side.
3. I don’t want to be that girl, but roasted peppers, Nutella, pesto, deep fried zucchini was a staple for us way before it was trendy.
4. You learned how to make pasta before entering Kindergarten, and you didn’t practice with play dough.
5. When your friends came to your place to play, they were asked no fewer than five times if they were hungry.
6. We had gardens—not flower gardens. Huge gardens with rows and rows of tomatoes, along with peppers, basil, squash and zucchini.
7. We knew that the word “Latte” is an Italian’s way of saying, “You paid way too much for that coffee.”
8. It is drilled into your mind at a very young age how to make pizza, but if you have absolutely no choice then you know how to order pizza properly, asking for 75% less cheese than your non-Italian friends would order.
9. You have multiple family members named Maria, Angela, Joe, Tony and at least two Uncle Mario’s.
10. You know how to properly pronounce “gnocchi,” “bruschetta,” and “tagliatelle,” which means you’re the spokesperson when out to dinner with your non-Italian friends and family.
11. Salad was always eaten AFTER the main course. (I still do this.)
12. Chamomile tea cures everything.
13. Every Sunday afternoon lunch time with extended family started at 1:00 and ended at 6:00, and there was enough food for everyone to have a second helping and take food home for their week’s lunches.
14. Your Saints day is even more celebrated than your birthday. (Except for me, I don’t have a Saint’s day, but then again I was born in Canada, and that seems to be a loophole according to my siblings, which brings me to number 15).
15. If you were the first generation Canadian, your siblings convinced you that you were adopted.
16. Shocked when you heard someone’s last name did not end in a vowel.
17. Surprised to discover that wine was sold in stores. Wasn’t everyone’s basement a winery?
18. NO VOLUME CONTROL WHEN THE FAMILY GETS TOGETHER.
19. You know a lot of people who came from the same village as your parents or grandparents, they’re not blood related, but call them Aunt, Uncle anyway.
20. Thought everyone got pinched on the cheeks and had money stuffed in their pockets by their relatives.
21. You couldn’t date a boy without getting approval from your mother, father, brothers, sister, a nanna and nonno if they are in the picture, and a few uncles and aunts, by that time, you didn’t have to worry about dating. Ever again.
22. You have at least one irrational fear or phobia that can be attributed to your mother, which of course you pass on to your own children when the time is right.
23. You know that it doesn’t matter what happens; loss of job, divorce, headache, flu, clumsiness….it’s all because you did not eat properly that day and of course, you didn’t listen to your parents.
24. No matter what city you are in, you need to go and visit their Little Italy.
25. You did the dishes for Nonna or a Zia (Aunt) and got $50.00.
All this and more, but you love every minute of it, and look forward to sharing these traditions with the next generation.
ITALIAN RECIPES:
I’ve included many Italian recipes in my book: WISHES, STITCHES & DISHES: Bundle of Family Fun, available on AMAZON.
Plus, you get a children’s book and a comedy short story along with OVER 100 recipes.
Filed under: Recipes, Selena's Musings, Uncategorized Tagged: Growing up Italian, humor, Italian, Italian Recipes, Italian traditions, Little Italy
