Deborah Vogts's Blog, page 136

Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken Quesadillas



1 1/2 pounds chicken strips - sliced to 1/2" pieces
1 1/2 cups diced green pepper
1 1/2 cups diced onion
salt & pepper
5 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
6 oz. shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
4-6 flour tortillas


In large frying pan, cook chicken in 3-4 T canola oil until lightly browned. Add diced peppers and onion. Cook until tender. Season with salt and pepper. Add crumbled bacon to mixture. Cover with mozzarella cheese to melt.

On lightly greased griddle, cook 2 tortillas at a time, placing 1 or more cups of chicken mixture on a half tortilla. Fold and turn on griddle until other side is golden brown. Serves 4-6.

Kansas Circuit Riders Celebration

Preaching on the PrairieSaturday, June 11, 20119:30 AMAn outdoor event under a large tent at the site of Zion Templin, located on Old Highway 10, five miles northeast of Alta Vista and 12 miles southwest of Alma in Wabaunsee County.  150 years ago a pastor was sent west to bring a changeless Christ to a rapidly changing Kansas, just barely a state in the union. Rev. Fredrick W. Lange started his ministry near present day Junction City at Clarks Creek. He soon established six preaching stations at Clarks Creek, two in the Herrington area, Alma, West Mill Creek (Templin township), and Council Grove. On horseback he brought God's word to the Flint Hills. Over the years, Lutheran congregations that were planted by Rev. Lange and the other Circuit Riders who served God have grown and prospered in the beautiful state of Kansas. It's time to honor the memory of those gallant committed men of God. On Saturday, the Rev. Dr. Wallace Schulz will be our Preacher on the Prairie. Schulz is the former Lutheran Hour Speaker, former LCMS Vice President, Editor of Good News, and Lutheran Heritage Foundation Evangelist. Rev. Wallace Schulz will preach the Gospel and lead a number of exciting seminars under a very large tent at the site of Zion Lutheran Church, a church founded by the first LCMS circuit-rider pastor in Kansas where the Word of God was proclaimed until it was destroyed by fire in 1923.To commemorate the day, Kansas preachers are invited to ride a buckboard (or horse) to the event. 
Schedule of Events:9:30 AM - Music and Fellowship           10:30 AM - Worship Service12:30 PM - Seminar: World Wide OutreachFood served on site: Burgers and BratsHistorical displays Blue grass musicAuthor Book Tables - Dr. Wallace Shultz and Deborah Vogts, inspirational romance author of the Seasons of the Tallgrass series, will be available to visit with, and sell and sign books at the event.
Preaching on the Prairie is part of the area festivities that are in conjunction with "The Symphony in the Flint Hills" that takes place on Saturday, June 11, just four miles from our celebration. Preaching on the Prairie is sponsored by St. Paul Lutheran-Alta Vista, St. John Lutheran-Alma, Trinity Lutheran, McFarland, Redeemer Mission, Lake Wabaunsee, St. Paul Lutheran, Clarks' Creek. 
For more information, visit Preaching on the Prairie or call Vicar John Fries at 785-499-6623.

Kansas Flint Hills & Wild Horses

I recently had the opportunity to drive through the Kansas Flint Hills. I always enjoy my road trips into the heart of the hills and this day was no different. 

Blue skies, 

fair temperatures, 

and lots of scenic treasures. 

Even a wild horse or two . . .

These horses were seen grazing on the Vestring Ranch near Cassoday, KS.

Because my current research for Blades of Autumn deals with the long-term pasturing of wild horses, I find the subject very interesting. 

Plus I love horses . . .  


This guy was very curious about the lady at the fence, but turned away before my camera could focus in on a fantastic picture. Oh well . . . maybe next time???

My Marketing Journey

This summer, I've decided to share "writing tips" on Tuesdays. Below is the first in a series of articles I wrote for CAN (Christian Writers Network). You can read more writing tips on their CAN Marketing blog. 

We all know the story of the little engine who didn't think he could make it up the giant hill. That's sometimes how I felt when I thought of everything that was involved in marketing my debut book release with Zondervan. How will I ever accomplish all that I want to do? And what's more, who am I to even try?  Though fairly inexperienced with the publishing business, that summer I learned a LOT about promotion and marketing. I thought I'd share with you a few marketing tips that worked for me, some that didn't, and hopefully leave you with a few ideas of your own.
From the moment I received my series contract offer in 2008, my mind began churning with marketing ideas. Having read the CAN Marking blog for months and having studied the ideas of many ACFW authors, I had a good idea of what I wanted to do to market my first book. I'd need to schedule book signings, visit bookstores, create bookmarks, etc. But having this knowledge and knowing what to do with it (when you actually have a marketing budget) are two different things.  Once I received my advance, I had actual money to work with. Yay! So, I began with a budget. Oh, but wait! After reading through all my notes and research, there seemed to be a LOT of controversy on how much to allot toward marketing. Some authors put all of their advances toward marketing, while others spent hardly any, depending solely on their publishers. If my husband had his say in the matter, a very low percentage of mine would be given to marketing. LOL. After all, if God wanted my book to sell, He'd provide a way. Right?
Hmmmm. "Little engine, this hill looks mighty tall. I don't think I can climb this mountain."
After much deliberation, calculation and prayer, I finally made it up my first big hill. Together, my husband and I came up with a percentage of the advance we thought would work, budgeting out certain amounts for things I deemed necessary and leaving room for items that were a bit more extravagant. For learning purposes, my budget had the following items:
High Speed Internet and Updated ComputerAuthor Web SitePublicity PhotoBook TrailerBook LaunchPromotional Items (bookmarks, pens, etc.)Book Signings (travel, meals, etc.)Conferences/ICRS
Did I stay within my budget? I'm happy to report that I did. Next Tuesday, I'll share with you my plans for creating an author web site--what I wanted in the beginning, what I settled for, and how it all turned out. Until then, enjoy the moments AND keep chugging up those hills  . . .

Book Preview ~ The Lady of Bolton Hill

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Lady of Bolton Hill Bethany House (June 1, 2011) by Elizabeth Camden


A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master's in history from the University of Virginia and a master's in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.


A word from Elizabeth: I am a college librarian in central Florida by day, but by night I can be found pounding out inspirational historical novels the moment the sun goes down. I love writing books about fiercely intelligent people who are confronted with profound challenges. As a rather introverted person, I have found that writing is the best way for me to share my faith and a sense of resilience with others.


As for who I am? I love old Hitchcock films, the hour before sunset, a long, sweaty run through the Florida countryside, and a glass of good wine. After spending my entire adult life on a college campus (either as a student or a librarian) I have finally been able to pursue my ultimate goal of writing professionally.


ABOUT THE BOOK
Female journalists are rare in 1879, but American-born Clara Endicott has finally made a name for herself with her provocative articles championing London's poor. When the backlash from her work forces a return home to Baltimore, Clara finds herself face-to-face with a childhood sweetheart who is no longer the impoverished factory worker she once knew. In her absence, Daniel Tremain has become a powerful industry giant and Clara finds him as enigmatic as ever. However, Daniel's success is fueled by resentment from past wounds and Clara's deeply-held beliefs about God's grace force Daniel to confront his own motives. When Clara's very life is endangered by one of Daniel's adversaries, they must face a reckoning neither of them ever could have foreseen.


When Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain's worlds collide after twelve years apart, the spark that was once between them immediately reignites into a romance neither of them thought possible. But time has changed them both. Daniel is an industrial titan with powerful enemies. Clara is an idealistic journalist determined to defend underprivileged workers. Can they withstand the cost of their convictions while their hearts, and lives, hang in the balance? If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lady of Bolton Hill, go HERE.

Cinnamon Applesauce

Need a way to use your fresh, new apples? Here's an easy recipe your family will enjoy.
4 pounds cooking apples, peeled, cored and sliced (12 cups)1-1 1/2 cups water2-3 teaspoons cinnamon1 cup sugar 
In large saucepan, combine apples, water, cinnamon and sugar. Cook until apples are soft, about 1 1/2 - 2 hours. May be chunky. Makes 6 cups applesauce. 

Joplin Tragedy ~ Author Events Cancelled

Due to the horrific tragedy in Joplin, my author events scheduled for next week in Carthage/Joplin have been cancelled. For those who were planning to attend, I apologize for the change in plans. We do intend to reschedule the events at a later date once the city starts to recuperate and rebuild.

Joplin, MO is a place my family and I visit for our big shopping trips and is about 90 miles from our home. On Sunday, May 22, an EF-5 tornado hit the city of Joplin with 200 mph winds and destroyed 30% of the town. Within its path of destruction were St. John's Hospital, three schools, 8,000 homes, and hundreds of businesses including Home Depot and Walmart. After ten days of searching, the confirmed number of deaths is 134, although there are still many in critical condition.


Those who would like to help Joplin fight their way out of this tragic destruction may do so by:

Donating itemsVolunteering hands-on helpDonating financial assistanceOffering prayer
Learn how you can help at this special website, Rebuild Joplin. You can learn more specifics about the storm and its destruction at KOAM TV. View pictures of the devastation here. And for those who were affected by this storm, our prayers are with you and your loved ones. 

Book Preview ~ Hope Rekindled

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Hope Rekindled Bethany House (June 1, 2011) by Tracie Peterson
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels. She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.


In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.


Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books


ABOUT THE BOOK:
Will Love Escape Her Grasp?


Life seems to be falling into place for Deborah Vandermark. On the cusp of finally marrying Christopher, the man who claimed her heart, she is devastated when he receives an urgent telegram. Bound to his family obligations, Christopher travels to Kansas City, uncertain of what he will find there.


When her fiancé returns to Texas, Deborah is faced with a very different future than she expected. She finds herself plagued with questions and uncertainty...about marriage, motherhood, and her passion to train as a physician. And when an old adversary reveals a contract that may spell ruin for Vandermark Logging, Deborah's life seems to be spiraling out of control. Can Christopher and Deborah find a way to claim the future they long to share when so much stands in the way.If you'd like to read the first chapter of Hope Rekindled, go HERE.

Brainstorming Retreat

Last week I had the honor of joining fellow Kansas authors, Deborah Raney, Judy Miller, and Kim Vogel Sawyer for a brainstorming retreat at Kim's house.

We had such a good time visiting, 


drinking coffee, 

eating fabulous meals created by our hostess, (creme brulee and spinach quiche) 

and of course, brainstorming. 

One afternoon we were treated to lunch at the Carriage Crossing. I'd heard about this restaurant, and let me tell you, if you ever have a chance to visit Yoder, KS, do yourself a favor and eat at the CC. Wonderful service and excellent food! 

A sweet picture of Kim with her chocolate-peanut butter pie. Thanks girls, for all your help with my stories and to Kim, for being such a lovely hostess!

Spiced Sugar Cookies

Here's a recipe from long ago that I enjoyed as a girl, handed down to me from my great-great grandmother, Emma McKelvy.


1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 Tablespoons milk
1/2 cup black walnuts
1/2 cup chopped raisins


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large mixing bowl, cream together sugars and shortening. Add eggs and mix well. In small bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Add to creamed mixture along with milk. Stir in walnuts and raisins.. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Press flat with a smooth bottomed glass dipped in sugar. Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.