Shail Rajan's Blog, page 8

Women's Fiction Day

For most of my adult life, I've been reading, enjoying, and writing women's fiction. But would you believe I didn't even know there was a genre called "women's fiction" until after I published The Summer Breeze? I just always lumped books into two categories: fiction and non-fiction. I know, gasp!

A few months ago, I stumbled across a website for the Women Fiction Writer's Association (WFWA), and let me tell you, it has opened my eyes! If you're not sure just exactly what women's fiction is or whether it's for you, check out some of these descriptions from WFWA's website:

The plot is driven by the main character's emotional journey Layered stories about one or several characters Story tackles adult character's struggle with...issues resulting in emotional growth Story can include elements of...romance but cannot be driven by romance Writing is high quality and accessible

So, now that I know what women's fiction is, I can confidently tell you that I am a women's fiction writer! And to celebrate Women's Fiction Day on June 8th, I'm doing another great giveaway! If you sign up for my newsletter by June 8th, you'll be automatically entered to win a signed copy of The Summer Breeze and a beautiful tote bag. This tote is especially meaningful to me because the words printed on it perfectly describe so many women I know and the main character of my book, Callie.

Caring. Loved. Powerful. Beautiful. Strong. Inspiring. Compassionate. Kind. Hard Working. Supportive. Creative. Resilient. Brave. Smart.

And SO MUCH MORE. Happy Women's Fiction Day!

Sneak Peek from Chapter 2: A Surprise Visit

Here's an exclusive little snippet from the amazing audiobook version of The Summer Breeze: Bed & Breakfast. This is from Chapter 2: A Surprise Visit, in which Callie discovers a secret (don't worry, no major spoilers). The narrator's interpretation of the "buxom blonde's" voice made me laugh out loud! Take a listen and enjoy!

If you're not an audiobook listener or an Audible member and want to check it out risk free, take a look at this special link Audible has given me to share: Audible Trial. Check out the details after you click the link - you'll get free access to 2 audiobooks of your choice, the ability to stream or download thousands of included titles, and after trial 1 audiobook of your choice. You can cancel anytime.

It's Official!

The Summer Breeze: Bed & Breakfast is now officially an audiobook! Woooot wooooot!!! The book was read by the incredibly talented Leslie Gray (@cantastoria78) who infused it with warmth and humor, bringing all the characters to life and making me laugh out loud! Working with her has been an absolute pleasure!

[image error]

When I was deciding which scene narrators would read during the audition, I picked one that had dialogue between numerous characters and involved a fair amount of hiccupping. Yes, hiccupping. I figured that if I could find a narrator who was willing to hiccup during an audition, I'd have a winner on my hands. Let me tell you, Leslie hiccupped with such reckless abandon, that I knew I had to work with her!

Throughout the audiobook, there were so many times when I had to laugh because of her interpretation of a character's voice (so spot on!) and comedic timing. There was one unexpectedly poignant moment that caught me off guard, though. It was when she read the Broken Hearts chapter. I got choked up hearing how much emotion she poured into Samantha's monologue, it was really quite touching.

I think my favorite part of reviewing the chapters she sent was listening to her vocal warmups and singing - I got treated to snippets of "You Ain't Never Had a Friend Like Me" from Aladdin, "The Rhythm is Gonna Get You" by Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, and more! How lucky am I that a musical theater major auditioned to be the narrator for The Summer Breeze?

If you're interested in checking out The Summer Breeze, click for a FREE audio sample & trial of Audible. The book is also available on Apple Books!

RECIPE: Summer's Almost Here Salad

Don't these colors just remind you of summer days? This is the kind of salad that Tiny or Callie would have made for the characters introduced in the "Peace, Love, and...a Spa?" chapter of The Summer Breeze! Kirsten and her vegan friends would have loved it!

It literally comes together in under 20 minutes, and is perfect as a side dish or as a main course for lunch. The vegetarians and vegans in your life will thank you!

Cook Trader Joe's Harvest Grains Blend according to directions and let cool. I use Olive Oil instead of butter, but hey - you do you! Mix diced cucumbers, bell peppers, and shallots in a large bowl Toss in the cooked and cooled grains Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning mix, and a healthy drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Optional (but delicious!), add crumbled Feta

A Tall, Cold Glass of Lemonade

Sometimes life throws you a lemon, but every once in a while it gently hands you a tall, cold glass of perfectly sweetened lemonade. Last week, I got the lemonade

In addition to continuing my life as an author (I'm working on two new manuscripts!!), I'm now starting my journey as a member of the #extremetechchallenge team! Every single segment of that pin I’m holding represents one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. These UNSDGs range from No Poverty to Zero Hunger to Gender Equality and Climate Action. Each year, XTC hosts a global competition for startups that address these goals. Last year, 87 nations were represented by over 2,400 startups!!

How cool is this opportunity!?!?!

Coming Soon to Audiobook!

I'm so excited to share that the talented and lovely Leslie (IG: @cantastoria78) will be narrating the audiobook version of The Summer Breeze!

When I opened up auditions for the book, I had no idea what to expect. But the moment (the moment!) I heard Leslie's audition, I knew she was the person who would best be able to bring the story and characters to life. Her tone of voice and style of storytelling drew me in from the start. Which was no small task considering the script I chose for the auditions! There is a chapter called "An Evening Under the Stars" which includes dialogue between multiple male and female characters. And, as if that wasn't enough of a challenge, it also centers on Callie, the main character, who has enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine and has a bad case of hiccups. Leslie performed the script with reckless abandon, and I knew I had a winner!

We've just completed our first milestone, and I couldn't be happier with the progress we're making. I'll keep sharing updates and can't wait to listen to the final version!

RECIPE: Kale & Cannellini Bean Soup

Perfect for all those cold days when Callie was renovating The Summer Breeze!

Heat 1-2 Tbsn olive oil (optional - add a pinch or more of red pepper flakes) Add 2 medium leeks thinly sliced, 2 large carrots sliced, and 2 stalks celery diced. Sautee for 6-8 minutes. Add 2 garlic cloves minced and Italian seasoning mix (or your choice of dried herbs) to taste. Sautee for 1 minute. Add 6-7 cups vegetable broth and 2 cans of cannellini beans drained and rinsed. Bring to a boil. Add as much kale as you want and simmer for 5 minutes. Add fresh lemon juice (start with 1 Tbsp) and salt and pepper to taste Stir and adjust seasoning Serve with your favorite crusty bread.

RECIPE: Linguini with Roasted Cauliflower, Capers and Garlic

Linguini with Roasted Cauliflower, Capers, and Garlic...another recipe that would be served family style at The Summer Breeze!

Preheat oven to 425 Cut 1-2 cauliflower into floret sized pieces; toss with 2 Tbsn olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste Place in single layer on parchment lined baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes Cook linguine according to directions When cauliflower is done, heat 1 Tbsn olive oil in a deep sauce pan Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and lightly saute (optional - add a pinch or more of red pepper flakes) Add roasted cauliflower, 1-2 Tbsn of capers and linguini Stir and adjust seasoning Garnish with fresh parsley and/or Parmesan

BookTok? Is that even a thing?

Stepping out of my comfort zone has never been easy for me, and it's not getting any easier! But, I feel like that's all I've been doing since I dropped The Summer Breeze on December 9...especially when it comes to learning about social media. Being social, I can do. Being social on social media is a whole different matter. I think the most important lesson I've learned is that it's a GREAT opportunity to have fun, be creative, and connect with readers and other authors!

And speaking of having fun and being creative, I just got around to hopping on the BookTok train (I didn't even know that was a thing until a week ago)!! It was an absolute blast to make the video thanks to my daughter's creativity, good taste in music, and most of all, her patience with me and my excessive clicking !

If you have 16 seconds to be well entertained, check out Part 1 of my Book Aesthetics video: BookTokbyShail

RECIPE: Kale, Leek & White Bean Gratin

I can imagine this dish being served family style at The Summer Breeze Terrace restaurant. Kale & leeks are in season right now, and I wanted to share this super easy and hearty recipe that goes great as a side to just about anything. My kids like to scoop it onto a nice crusty loaf of bread and drizzle with olive oil for a delicious lunch or late afternoon snack. If you can, hit up your local farmers market to pick up the kale and leeks!

Preheat oven to 400 Slice and wash 2 leeks; Remove stems from 2 bunches of kale, tear leaves and wash Heat 1 Tbsn olive oil in a dutch oven (optional - add 1 Tbsn of butter) Add leeks and cook until softened; Season with salt and pepper. (optional - add a pinch or more of red pepper flakes) Add the kale leaves and a 1/4 cup of vegetable stock; Saute until kale is wilted Rinse one can of white beans and add to dutch oven; Add another 1/4 cup of vegetable stock Stir and adjust seasoning (optional - add a pinch of dried thyme) Sprinkle 1/4+ cup of freshly grated Parmesan over the bean mixture Cover and cook at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes