Colleen Houck's Blog, page 54

Groovy Giveaway: Count 'Em Up!

 Today we are going to celebrate the release of Tiger's Quest in paperback! It was released on May 7th. I'm going to guess that just about all of you have already read the second book unless it isn't yet available in your native language.



If you haven't already got the paperback version, there is a bonus chapter in it. It is the same bonus chapter from the exclusive hardback edition of Tiger's Voyage. The chapter is from Ren's point of view and is titled "A Dream Forgotten". Also included in the book is a discussion guide for Tiger's Quest. These questions are great for book groups or for book reports or essays for homeschoolers.



We are giving away five copies of Tiger's Quest paperback! All you have to do is...









Tell me how many of these blue and green water beads there are! It's a little tricky because they are all different sizes.



The closest five guesses will be the recipients of signed Tiger's Quest books. Just leave a comment on this post with your guess. Only one guess per person, please!



And I'm a little nice. I took a second picture for you.







Best of luck!

Blackened Fish Tacos, a GREAT summer meal!

Whenever you need a mental getaway, island inspiration or a little adventure for your taste buds, I invite you to try this Blackened Fish Taco dish served up with black beans and cilantro lime rice. The spicy fish combines with a sweet crunchy slaw and cool refreshing jalapeno sauce  for a great outdoor summer meal. Not all of us can travel to the islands and sip on fancy umbrella drinks but we can bring the delicious foods to our dinner table!




Let's get a cookin! . . .



 
Blackened Fish Tacos
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Ingredients:



1 lb. White fish (preferably halibut or mahi mahi but really any white fish will work) or jumbo shrimp



1/2 cup butter, melted (or as much as  you need to coat the fish)



Fish seasoning:

                              1 tsp. Cayenne pepper (I used Chilli powder since I didn't have any cayenne on hand)

                              1 tsp. Garlic powder

                              1/2 tsp. Lemon Pepper

                             1 tsp. Onion powder

                             3 Tbs   Paprika

                             1/2 tsp. Thyme

                             1/2 tsp. Oregano

                             1 tsp. Cayenne pepper

                             3/4 tsp. White pepper

                             3/4 tsp. Freshly ground pepper

                             2 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt (I thought the seasoning was too salty so I'd recommend cutting the salt by half)



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Mix all of the spices together in a large mixing bowl big enough for coating the fish.



(Before cooking the fish, prepare the cabbage slaw and baja jalapeno sauce, see recipes below.)



Directions:



For this recipe it is best if prepared using a cast iron skillet or griddle on a bbq grill or an outdoor propane cooker, I prefer the cast iron skillet.



1. Cut fish to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick strips.

2. Heat cast iron skillet to 700 degrees (the skillet will smoke and the bottom will start to turn white). Dredge the fish or shrimp in butter, then coat one side with the blackened fish seasoning.

3. Place seasoned side face down in the skillet and coat the other side with the seasoning.

4. Cook for 2 1/2 minutes and then turn the fish over to seer and cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes or desired amount. *You can cook thicker slices of fish but it will need to cook as instructed above with additional baking in the oven.  Warning: You will have a large amount of smoke when using the cast iron skillet so open windows/use fans.  Recommend cooking this outside. Warning 2: Once you've tasted this you may become extremely addicted! :-)



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To assemble the fish tacos start with a small flour or corn tortilla (if you want soft corn tortillas that don't break when folded, lay them out on a baking sheet and cover with wet towel, then place in the oven at lowest temp until ready to eat),  layer with fish, cabbage slaw, baja jalapeno sauce, and sprinkle with cotija or queso fresco cheese, and if desired add some fresh lime juice, jalapenos, cilantro, and anything else that you'd like! 

Cabbage Slaw


Ingredients:



1/2 small head green cabbage, cored

1/4 red onion

3 Tbs chopped cilantro

1/2 cup sour cream

juice of 1 lime

1 Tbs honey

kosher salt and freshly ground pepper



Directions:



Shred the cabbage and onion and combine with the chopped cilantro in a mixing bowl.

Mix the sour cream, lime juice, and honey in a separate bowl.

Add the dressing to the cabbage mix and allow the mixture to marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours before serving.

Add salt and pepper to liking



Baja Jalapeno Sauce


Ingredients:



1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup mayonnaise

3 tsp taco seasoning

1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced

1 garlic clove, minced

3 Tbs. fresh lime juice

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

2 Tbs fresh Italian parsley



Directions:



Combine all ingredients. Set aside. I recommend covering and putting in fridge while preparing the rest of the meal. The flavors are stronger if made a couple hours ahead of time.

 
Cilantro Lime Rice

Ingredients:



1 Cup Basmati rice

1 tsp oil or 1 Tbs butter

1-2 small limes, juiced

1/2 tsp sugar (optional)

3 Tbs cilantro

Salt to taste



Directions:



1. Rince rice and let soak in water for 1o minutes. Drain.

2. In a skillet over low heat, add the butter/oil along with rice and sugar. Let the rice get coated with the oil. Once the rice gets aromatic, add juice of limes.  Stir and cook for 1 minute.

3. Add 2 Cups of water and salt to taste, cover and cook for 10-15 minutes. (If you have a rice cooker you can throw the rice mixture in with the water and simply press cook until finished)

4. Check to see if the rice has absorbed all the water. When finished, stir lightly and add chopped cilantro (adding less or more to desire amount). Taste and add more lime/salt as needed.





Enjoy the simply fresh flavors of lime and cilantro which combines perfectly with spicy dishes. Serve along side black or pinto beans.



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Bon apetit!!!



Let me know what you think of the recipe if you try it! Till next time, नमस्ते or namaste!





 

 

 

Poetry Winner Announced!

The long awaited moment has arrived! 

It is time to announce the poetry contest winners!

But before I do, I want to thank everyone for their submitted poetry entries

  There were well over 100 poems entered for the contest!!

I also want to thank you for your understanding and patience as this month has been

a very difficult one for our family with the passing of our dad.



So, without further ado, the winners of this month's poetry contest is. . .

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<![endif]--> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 Stacie Chadwick for Ode to Pizza

and

Kellee Fuller for Love is like a Tree



* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Ode to Pizza

By Stacie Chadwick

 

Fresh out of the oven, put in a box

On my door the pizza delivery guy knocks

I tip the kind man for he delivers joy

The box is still very warm, making me feel coy

 

I have set my napkin and paper plate

Knowing this pizza would not be late

I slowly open the lid to reveal

The delicacy that can my heart heal

 

The cheese stretches not wanting to leave

It makes it to my plate, pepperoni in its weave

I pick it up, gentle as if brushing away my lover’s hair

And feel the slow spreading sweet spicy air

 

The greasy dew slides down my fingers

On my tongue the delicate flavor lingers

Before I know it, I am left with an empty box

From which came love as the delivery man knocked.

Love is like a Tree



by Kellee Fuller



Did you hear about the lovers?

 

They were married at this spot.

Oh, many years ago now

That they loved, and they lost.

It was right here beneath this

Tree, the boy had sat alone,

And it was when his eyes met hers

That the seeds of love were sown

 

Both lost for words, they simply stared

Right through the eyes, to soul

They saw their life played out before them

They saw themselves grow old

They made a promise there and then

Each to hold their own

They vowed to return to where

The seeds of love were sown.

Oh, sweet young love, it is

So fickle and so vain!

The two of them, they could not

Take the pleasure for the pain

Life happened, to opposing shores

Their two ships were blown

And yet, they did not forget

Where seeds of love were sown

 

Years later, their paths crossed

Again they felt the spark

They decided to take up that vow

Through all times; light and dark.

Absence made the heart ache

They found their feelings grown.

Returning to the tree, their tree,

Where seeds of love were sown,

Now they found a seedling,

Reaching for the sky

It had flourished like their love,

And both were to aim high.

Caresses shared, light as a feather

Vulnerabilities were shown

Fighting hard but staying true

To the seeds of love they’d sown.

 

Passion surrounding the seedling

Nurtured, it grew and grew

Once trampled underfoot, it thrived

Second chances, loved renewed.

It was on this spot they met once,

And beaming with joyful glow,

They tied the knot beside their tree

Where seeds of love were sown

Inevitably, time passed

The couple aged to grey.

The end of their time together

Too soon, to pass it came.

Her husband buried, beside the tree

Now sat the woman alone

Her silent teardrops pierced the ground

Where seeds of love were sown

 

A chance meeting, was it fate?

That had drawn their lives together?

It is through this tree, this tree of love

That their love lives on, forever.

Come child, look there now,

See those graves of stone?

Both lie here, beneath this tree

Where the seeds of love were sown.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

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The winners will receive a prize package including;

Tiger Journal and pencil set

Tiger note cards

Custom designed necklace and bracelet set (all the way from the Village of Silvanae where Kelsey and Kishan visited the tree nymphs and wood fairies in Tiger’s Quest)

An official fan letter from the desk of Colleen Houck

And there’s more!

 

Thank you again for everyone’s entries and for your continued support of Colleen Houck and the Tiger’s Saga!

Please check back soon for some tips and advice for writing poetry in the coming days!

Attention winners, please respond to my email and include your mailing address so that your prize may be sent to you! Again, congratulations!!!

 

 

 

Father's Day

 

Poetry Contest

A word fitly spoken is music to the ears, emotion to the soul, even a bright star to which we fix our gaze. Poetry can be severely powerful and it can also be dangerously fragile. Emily Dickinson said, "If I read a book and it makes my body so cold no fire could ever warm me, I know that it is poetry".  Poetry to me is like a chiseled marble of language and by allowing its words to take root in our heart and mind, it can enliven our sensitivity to life's meanings and purpose.  I have great respect for those great poets such as Faust, Shakespeare, Frost, Austen, Whitman, and Twain, to name a few, who have mastered the written language. There talent is truly wondrous and boggles my mind.





 
Poets are unrelentingly critical in the way they select words onto the page. Carefully selecting words for preciseness and clarity is not uncommon for writers in general, but poets go well beyond this, considering a word's emotive qualities, its musical value, its spacing, and even its spacial relationship to the page. The poet, creates a masterpiece in every sense of the word.



I'd like to recite a few poems from some of my favorite poets. 





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William Shakespeare- (Sonnet 18) Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate.

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,

And summer's lease heath all too short a date.

Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,

And often is his gold complexion dimm'd;

And every fair from fair sometime declines,

By chance or nature's changing course untrimm'd;

But thy eternal summer shall not fade

Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st;

Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,

When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st;

So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,

So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

 

William Shakespeare- Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind

Blow, blow, thou winter wind,

Thou art not so unking

As man's ingratitude;

Thy tooth is not so keen

Because thou art not seen,

Although thy breath be rude.

Heigh-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly:

Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly:

Then, heigh-ho! the holly!

This life is most jolly.

 Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky,

Thou dost not bite so nigh

As benefits forgot:

Though thou the waters warp

Thy sting is not so sharp

As friend remember'd not.

Heigh-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly:

Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly:

Then, heigh-ho! the holly!

This life is most jolly.

 

Walt Whitman- A Clear Midnight

 This is thy hour O Soul, thy free flight into the wordless,

Away from books, away from art, the day erased, the lesson done,

Thee fully forth emerging, silent, gazing, pondering the themes thou lovest best.

Night, sleep, and the stars.

 

Louisa May Alcott- Fairy Song

The moonlight fades from flower and rose

And the stars dim one by one;

The tale is told, the song is sung,

And the Fairy feast is done.

The night-wind rocks the sleeping flowers,

And sings to them, soft and low.

The early birds erelong will wake:

'T is time for the Elves to go.

O'er the sleeping earth we silently pass,

Unseen by mortal eye,

And send sweet dreams, as we lightly float

Through the quiet moonlit sky;--

For the stars' soft eyes alone may see,

And the flowers alone may know,

The feasts we hold, the tales we tell;

So't is time for the Elves to go.

From bird, and blossom, and bee,

We learn the lessons they teach;

And seek, by kindly deeds, to win

A loving friend in each.

And though unseen on earth we dwell,

Sweet voices whisper low,

And gentle hearts most joyously greet

The Elves where'er they go.

When next we meet in the Fairy dell,

May the silver moon's soft light

Shine then on faces gay as now,

And Elfin hearts as light.

Now spread each wing, for the eastern sky

With sunlight soon shall glow.

The morning star shall light us home:

Farewell! for the Elves must go.

 

Dr. Suess- Oh, the Places You'll Go

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!



You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes

You can steer yourself

any direction you choose.

You're on your own. And you know what you know.

And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.



You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care.

About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there."

With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,

you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.



And you may not find any

you'll want to go down.

In that case, of course,

you'll head straight out of town.



It's opener there

in the wide open air.



Out there things can happen

and frequently do

to people as brainy

and footsy as you.



And when things start to happen,

don't worry. Don't stew.

Just go right along.

You'll start happening too.



OH!

THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!



You'll be on your way up!

You'll be seeing great sights!

You'll join the high fliers

who soar to high heights.



You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed.

You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.

Wherever you fly, you'll be the best of the best.

Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.



Except when you don't

Because, sometimes, you won't.



I'm sorry to say so

but, sadly, it's true

and Hang-ups

can happen to you.



You can get all hung up

in a prickle-ly perch.

And your gang will fly on.

You'll be left in a Lurch.



You'll come down from the Lurch

with an unpleasant bump.

And the chances are, then,

that you'll be in a Slump.



And when you're in a Slump,

you're not in for much fun.

Un-slumping yourself

is not easily done.



You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.

Some windows are lighted. But mostly they're darked.

A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin!

Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?

How much can you lose? How much can you win?



And IF you go in, should you turn left or right...

or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite?

Or go around back and sneak in from behind?

Simple it's not, I'm afraid you will find,

for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.



...for people just waiting.

Waiting for a train to go

or a bus to come, or a plane to go

or the mail to come, or the rain to go

or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow

or waiting around for a Yes or a No

or waiting for their hair to grow.

Everyone is just waiting.



Waiting for the fish to bite

or waiting for wind to fly a kite

or waiting around for Friday night

or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake

or a pot to boil, or a Better Break

or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants

or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.

Everyone is just waiting.



NO!

That's not for you!



Somehow you'll escape

all that waiting and staying.

You'll find the bright places

where Boom Bands are playing.



With banner flip-flapping,

once more you'll ride high!

Ready for anything under the sky.

Ready because you're that kind of a guy!



Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done!

There are points to be scored. there are games to be won.

And the magical things you can do with that ball

will make you the winning-est winner of all.

Fame! You'll be famous as famous can be,

with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.



Except when they don't.

Because, sometimes, they won't.



I'm afraid that some times

you'll play lonely games too.

Games you can't win

'cause you'll play against you.



All Alone!

Whether you like it or not,

Alone will be something

you'll be quite a lot.



And when you're alone, there's a very good chance

you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.

There are some, down the road between hither and yon,

that can scare you so much you won't want to go on.



But on you will go

though the weather be foul

On you will go

though your enemies prowl

On you will go

though the Hakken-Kraks howl

Onward up many

a frightening creek,

though your arms may get sore

and your sneakers may leak.



On and on you will hike

and I know you'll hike far

and face up to your problems

whatever they are.



You'll get mixed up, of course,

as you already know.

You'll get mixed up

with many strange birds as you go.

So be sure when you step.

Step with care and great tact

and remember that Life's

a Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.

And never mix up your right foot with your left.



And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)



KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!



So...

be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray

or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,

you're off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So...get on your way!

So, this week, in honor of poetry, I'd like to host my first Poetry Contest !

Many of you have a shared an interest in writing and so for this contest I'd like to reward my top two favorite poems written by YOU! Here are a few guidelines;



1- The subject is falling in love (why? because we all love a little romance!)

2-Must be YOUR writing and give permission to post it (if you are the lucky winner) on Tigerscursebook.com's website.

3- Must be submitted by June 5th 12 midnight. Submit all entries to lindalouiselotti@colleenhouck.com



Colleen will select the top two poetry entries and you will receive a surprise prize!!!!!



So, without further ado, "let your imagination bud forth and give form of things unknown, the poet's pen, and turn them to shapes which gives to airy nothing a local habitation and a name"~ William Shakespeare.



Reach high, dream deep, and dare to write from your heart! Good luck everyone!



~ Linda Louise Lotti 

Fall 2013 Television Lineup

Hello Tiger Fans and TV lovers,
 
Here is my...


Top ten list of new television shows I'm interested in checking out...

 

HONORABLE MENTION

 

(This one didn't make the top ten list but maybe I'll watch one or two)

The McCarthys





Logline: A family comedy about a loud, sports-crazed Boston clan.



Cast: Jacki Weaver, Jack McGee, Jake Lacy, Joey McIntyre, Jessica Chaffin, Jimmy Dunn



Team: W/Co-EP Brian Gallivan (Are You There, Chelsea?); EP Will Gluck, Co-EP Richie Schwartz; D Fred Savage



Studio: Sony Pictures Television, CBS Television Studios, Olive Bridge



Format: Single-camera



Location: Los Angeles



My Take: Now just so you know, I have no interest in family comedies and zero interest in sports. The only reason I'm interested in this at ALL is because I love Joey McIntyre. Was a HUGE NKOTB fan. So I'll watch it at least once just to see him.


____________________________________________
 


HONORABLE MENTION


(Didn't make the top ten list but maybe I'll watch one or two, or if I really can't stand not to watch Josh Holloway I may be tempted to bump it up to my top ten)





Intelligence


 

 
Logline: Centers on U.S. Cyber Command, a unit that has been created around one agent (Lost's Josh Holloway) with a very special gift: a microchip that has been implanted in his brain that allows him to access the entire electromagnetic spectrum.



Cast: Josh Holloway (Lost), Marg Helgenberger (CSI), Meghan Ory (1st position to ABC's Once Upon a Time), Michael Rady, James Martinez (Breaking Bad), PJ Byrne (guest), John Billingsley (guest), Will Yun Lee 



Team: W/EP Michael Seitzman (North Country); EP/D David Semel (No Ordinary Family); EP Tripp Vinson, Rene Echvarria



Studio: ABC Studios, CBS Television Studios
My Take: Military, lawyers, cops, doctors, most reality television, and anything with the words "real" or "desperate" in the title just bore me so at first glance I passed this one over but the fact that there is some kind of paranormal/sci-fi element and the fact that Josh Holloway is in it has made me want to try out a show or two.
____________________________________________



HONORABLE MENTION


(Didn't make the top ten list but maybe I'll watch one or two)
 
Crazy Ones

 
Logline: A father-daughter (Robin Williams-Sarah Michelle Gellar) workplace comedy set in the world of advertising.



Cast: Robin Williams, Sarah Michelle Gellar, James Wolk, Hamish Linklater, Amanda Setton (The Mindy Project)



Team: W/EP David E. Kelley (Boston Legal); EP Dean Lorey, Bill D'Elia, John Montgomery, Mark Teitelbaum; EP/D Jason Winer



Studio: 20th Television



Format: Single-camera



Location: Los Angeles
My Take: I have no interest in advertising or most sit-coms, The Big Bang Theory excepted, however, I love Sarah Michelle Gellar, and they've also cast Kelly Clarkson who is one of my all time favorite people in the world and Robin Williams can be extremely funny. I'll give it a try.
____________________________________________
 
(HONORABLE MENTION: Didn't make the top ten list but maybe I'll give it a try)




Big Thunder



 
Logline: When a brilliant, late-19th-century New York doctor and his family are given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to relocate to a frontier mining town run by a powerful, but mysterious tycoon, they quickly realize that not everything in Big Thunder is as it seems. Based on the Disney attraction.



Cast: Ana De La Reguera, Zahn McClarnon, Alex Hassell, Pierce Gagnon (Looper), Ed MacLiam, Alex Meraz, Ruth Bradley, Spencer Locke



Team: Jason Fuchs (Ice Age: Continental Drift); EP Chris Morgan (Fast & Furious); D Rob Bowman; S Melissa Rosenberg



Studio: ABC Studios



Location: Vancouver
My Take: I quite enjoy shows set in the wild west and Disney does not typically disappoint *cough* Cars II *cough* so this one may be interesting.


____________________________________________
 
#10
 
 The Hundred

 
Logline: Ninety-seven years after a nuclear war has destroyed civilization, a spaceship housing the lone human survivors sends 100 juvenile delinquents back to Earth to investigate the possibility of re-colonizing the planet. Based on the forthcoming The Hundred book series (initial two-book order), written by Kass Morgan and published by Little, Brown.



Cast: Eliza Taylor, Henry Ian Cusick (Lost), Kelly Hu (Arrow), Isaiah Washington (Grey's Anatomy), Eli Goree, Bob Morley, Marie Avgeropoulos (Cult), Paige Turco, Thomas McDonell, Christopher Larkin



Team: W/EP Jason Rothenberg (Body Politic); EP Leslie Morgenstein, Gina Girolamo; D Bharat Nalluri



Studio: Warner Bros. Television, Alloy Entertainment



Location: Vancouver
My Take: A science fiction young adult? Count me in. Why isn't it higher on the list you wonder? It's because I watched a trailer for it and was disappointed with the clips they showed. Still, I'll give it a looksee.


____________________________________________





# 9 
 Star-Crossed



 
Logline: Passion and politics threaten the peace and an epic romance ignites between a human girl (Friday Night Lights' Aimee Teegarden) and an alien boy when he and eight others of his kind (The Orion 9) are integrated into a suburban high school ten years after they and hundreds of others landed on Earth and were immediately consigned to an internment camp where they’ve been imprisoned ever since.



Cast: Aimee Teegarden, Matt Lanter (90210), Malese Jow, Titus Mankin Jr., Grey Damon, Natalie Hall, Chelsea Gilligan, Greg Finley, Maggie Elizabeth Jones 



Team: W/EP Meredith Averill (The Good Wife); EP Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec, Scott Rosenberg, Richard Shepard, Bryan Furst, Sean Furst, Daniel Gutman; D Gary Fleder



Studio: CBS Television Studios, Ole Productions, Isla de Babel, 360 Powwow

 
My Take: I will go for pretty much anything YA. 


____________________________________________


# 8
Resurrection

 
Logline: What happens when the people you have mourned and buried suddenly appear on your doorstep as if not a day's gone by? The lives of the people of Arcadia are forever changed when their deceased loved ones return. Based on a novel by Jason Mott.



Cast: Omar Epps (House), Devin Kelley (Covert Affairs), Matt Craven, Frances Fisher, Samaire Armstrong, Sam Hazeldine, Nicholas Gonzalez, Mark Hildreth, Kurtwood Smith, Landon Gimenez



Team: W/EP Aaron Zelman (Criminal Minds); EP JoAnn Alfano, Jon Liebman, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner; D Charles McDougall



Studio: ABC Studios, Brillstein Entertainment, Plan B



Location: Atlanta
My Take: If this skews zombie or sci-fi, I am all in. The summary is a little too vague for me.
 
____________________________________________

# 7
Almost Human

 
Logline: An action-packed buddy cop drama, set in the near future, when all LAPD officers are partnered with highly evolved human-like androids.

Cast: Karl Urban, Michael Ealy (Common Law), Lili Taylor, Mackenzie Crook, Michael Irby, Minka Kelly, Mekia Cox (guest)



Team: W/EP J.H. Wyman (Fringe); EP J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk; co-EP Kathy Lingg, Reid Shane; co-EP/D Brad Anderson



Studio: Warner Bros. Television, Bad Robot Productions



Location: Vancouver
My Take: Cop show is thumbs down but androids are cool and then it's got J.J. Abrams as executive producer so this one is a definite maybe.


____________________________________________




# 6 
Sleepy Hollow

 
Logline: A modern-day supernatural thriller based on the legend of Sleepy Hollow starring British actor Tom Mison as Ichabod Crane.



Cast: Tom Mison (Salmon Fishing in the Yemen), Nicole Beharie (Shame), Orlando Jones, Katia Winter, John Cho (guest star)



Team: W/EP: Alex Kurtzman, Bob Orci (Fringe); W/Supervising producer: Phil Iscove; EP: Heather Kadin; D/EP Len Wiseman



Studio: 20th Television, K/O Paper Products



Location: Charlotte, North Carolina (pilot)
 
My Take: I am curious about this one. I love the spooky aspect and the period costumes in the picture. It's the modern day part that's throwing me off. 


____________________________________________




# 5
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.



 


Logline: Based on Marvel Comics' secret intelligence organization that has appeared in countless titles including Iron Man, Captain America and The Ultimates since being introduced in the 1960s. The military law-enforcement agency's moniker stands for Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistic Directorate, which also has evolved over time in the comics.



Cast: Ming-Na, Clark Gregg, Brett Dalton, Elizabeth Henstridge, Ian De Caestecker, Chloe Bennet





Team: W/EP/D Joss Whedon; W/EP Jed Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen, EP Jeffrey Bell, Jeph Loeb



Studio: ABC Studios, Marvel TV



Location: Los Angeles
My Take: Joss Whedon can do no wrong in my book.
 
____________________________________________




# 4 
Once Upon a Time in Wonderland 



 
Logline: Told through the point of view of Alice (Sophie Lowe), she has a generous heart but carries the scars of a hard life. She's joined by Cyrus (Peter Gadiot), Alice’s love interest, and the Knave of Hearts (Michael Socha), a sardonic adventurer.



Cast: Sophie Lowe, Peter Gadiot, Michael Socha, Emma Rigy, Paul Reubens (voicing the White Rabbit)



Team: W/EP Eddy Kitsis, Adam Horowitz; EP Jane Espenson, Zack Estrin, Steve Pearlman



Studio: ABC Studios



Location: Vancouver
My Take: I am a huge fan of Once Upon a Time so I will definitely give this one a go. 


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# 3
  The Originals



 
Logline: A spinoff of the CW's The Vampire Diaries revolving around the Original family in New Orleans. In the episode, Klaus returns to the supernatural melting pot that is the French Quarter of New Orleans, a town he helped build centuries ago, and is reunited with his diabolical former protégé Marcel (Charles Michael Davis). Elijah, intent on helping his self-destructive brother find redemption, must side with Marcel's enemies in order to keep Klaus in line.



Cast: Joseph Morgan, Phoebe Tonkin, Daniel Gillies, Claire Holt, Charles Michael Davis, Danielle Campbell, Danielle Campbell, Leah Pipes



Team: W/EP Julie Plec, EP Leslie Morgenstein, Gina Girolamo



Studio: Warner Bros. Television, CBS Studios Television, Alloy Entertainment



Location: New Orleans, Atlanta
My Take: Love me some Klaus and Elijah. A definite must see.


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# 2
 The Tomorrow People



 
Logline: Based on the U.K. series created by Roger Price, the drama tells the story of several young people from around the world who represent the next stage in human evolution, possessing special powers, including the ability to teleport and communicate with each other telepathically. Together they work to defeat the forces of evil.



Cast: Robbie Amell, Peyton List (Mad Men), Luke Mitchell, Mark Pellegrino, Madeleine Mantock, Aaron Yoo



Team: W/EP Phil Klemmer (Political Animals); EP Greg Berlanti (Arrow); Julie Plec (The Vampire Diaries); co-EP Melissa Kellner Berman; D Danny Cannon



Studio: Warner Bros. Television, Berlanti Productions, FremantleMedia



Location: New York
My Take: Julie Plec's work is amazing and I would say that even if she wasn't penning the screenplay for Tiger's Curse. Very excited about this one. I was so upset when Heroes was cancelled and this might fill that spot for me.


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# 1
Dracula




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Logline: Introduces Dracula as he arrives in London, posing as an American entrepreneur who maintains that he wants to bring modern science to Victorian society. In reality, he hopes to wreak revenge on the people who ruined his life centuries earlier. There's only one circumstance that can potentially thwart his plan: Dracula falls hopelessly in love with a woman who seems to be a reincarnation of his dead wife.



Cast: Jonathan Rhys Meyers – Dracula / Alexander Grayson, Nonso Anozie – R.M Renfield 



Studio: NBC

My Take: What's not to love about the original vampire? Danger not your thing? Seduction? Romance? Jonathan Rhys Meyers? Umm MORE PLEASE!

 

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There's my list plus a few extras. Now I've also heard an exciting rumor out there that the CW is holding a spot open for a revamped Wonder Woman.  See below...






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The pilot is said to explore the teenage years of Wonder Woman. It remains possible that, should the network approve of the latest script, that they may order an off-season pilot, for a premiere in the spring of 2014. Reports are in that Warner Bros. and its CW television network have begun their own effort to bring Wonder Woman back to the small screen – with a live-action TV series focused on the character’s origins, bearing the working title Amazon. The CW show will take place prior to Diana’s days as a lasso-wielding costumed defender of liberty and pop-culture feminist icon – similar to the network’s young Clark Kent/Superman series Smallville.
My Take: I am all in on that one and it would score very high on my list if they pick it up.
 
Leave me a comment and tell me which shows you are the most exited about and which ones I didn't list but should consider =)



Have a great week!



Colleen


 

Winner Announced: Brazil

Wow! 1500+ entries! All from you fans in Brazil. We love you and your love of Colleen's books.



But really, you just want to know who is winning the prizes. So I shall not delay.






PRIZE 1: A Destiny Prize Pack that consists of Tiger's Destiny, a scarf, and bookmarks.

WINNER 1: Paula S.






PRIZE 2: The ultimate Tiger fan ensemble: the four books, plus incense from QUEST, bookmarks from VOYAGE and scarf, bookmarks, and badge from DESTINY.

WINNER 2: Brenda A.



CONGRATULATIONS!!! You have received emails from me. Please email back quickly.

Peanut Butter Surprise Cookie recipe

I thought it might be time to share the chocolate peanut butter surprise cookie recipe with all of you again. And this time I've provided some step by step pics as well! I made this recipe years ago for Colleen and her husband Brad and it quickly became one of her FAVORITE cookies. As you might already be aware, this is also the very same cookie that Colleen wrote in her story as Ren's favorite cookie that Kelsey baked as well. Coincidence? I dare say not! :-) 



So, without any more delay..... may I present for your pleasure, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise Cookie recipe (adapted from  Martha Stewart's recipe)



Ingredients


2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Dutch cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (2 stick) unsalted butter (If I want the cookie to be softer, slightly healthier I use margarine or you can do 1/2 cup margarine and 1/2 cup butter)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed (you will need an additional 1/3 cup for the peanut butter mixture)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter chips (optional, but I love it!)
2/3 cup peanut butter




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Directions:

Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup dark brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully combined between each addition. Add vanilla, and beat to combine.



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Gradually add dry ingredients, and mix on low speed until fully combined. Remove from mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in chocolate chips. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and chill until firm, about 1 hour. *I don't usually chill the dough and find it works just fine without doing so.



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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with Silpats (nonstick French baking mats) or parchment paper.

In a small bowl, using a rubber spatula, stir together peanut butter and remaining 1/3 cup brown sugar.

Using a 1 1/4-inch scoop or heaping tablespoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Make a thumbprint in the center of each cookie.



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Fill thumbprint with 1 teaspoon peanut-butter mixture. Top with a second scoop of dough, and carefully mold dough to cover "surprise."



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Bake until firm, about 12 minutes. Transfer sheets to wire racks to cool for 5 minutes, then transfer cookies to racks.



Then, grab a tall ice cold glass of milk and enjoy!! These cookies don't last long I promise!



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Chow for now!



LLL

Romantic Times Book Convention in Kansas City, Missouri

Last week Colleen Houck, along with her mom and three sisters, had a BLAST at the romantic times/YA book convention in Kansas City, Missouri. There were hundreds of fans jumping up and down, caught up in all of the excitement of meeting the different authors that attended! Colleen was able to meet some of her fans who had traveled from all over including Ohio, Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, Brazil (wow!!!), and more! She truly loves the opportunity these events provide to talk to her devoted fans and see how the Tiger's Series has touched so many.  So, to all you fans, a HUGE hug from Colleen to you!!



Let me share some of the highlights of the convention. . .



On Tuesday, April 30th 2013, Colleen and her mom flew from Portland, OR to Kansas City, MO and checked in to the Sheraton at Crown Center.

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They were both able to relax the first night. Colleen thought it'd be fun to fit in a girl's trip while attending The Romantic Times 30th Anniversary Book Convention so Colleen's three sisters flew in to join in the fun on the following day!



We went to several workshops ranging from World Building to Thrilling Archetypal Heroes and Heroines to Survival Tips-Getting Your Characters out of Tough Situations to Speed Dating the Author, to Liar Game to who could forget. . . Hunks, Haggis and The Highlands- A Touch of Scotland!  There were lots of "ahas" and "that makes sense" and "wow, what a great idea", and then there were some "hmms", "interesting", cheeks blushing and nervous giggles too! Overall, a great time. Here's a couple pics:





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We saw Heather Graham and got a picture with her. We didn't even recognize her sitting at our table until we were done eating!! The wig fooled us :-)



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The weather was perfect when we got there but on the following days the temperature had dropped below freezing and it was snowing and VERY windy! We found a fun little coffee/sandwich shop and had delicious soup and sandwiches. Yum!





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However..... when we went to the Hunks, Haggis and the Highlands- A Touch of Scotland workshop we were in for quite a treat! There was a gentlemen there well versed in the ways of preparing authentic haggis. Now for those of you who don't know what haggis is let me fill you in. It is the traditional Scottish dish typically served with "neeps and tatties" (turnips and potatoes). The haggis is a pudding (why they call it a pudding I have no idea) containing sheep's pluck (heart, liver and lungs);minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, salt and is encased in the animal's stomach or in a sausage casing (the more common method) and cooked. Interesting fact, in the United States of America it is illegal to use the sheep's lungs as food. Now, I don't want to diss the food as I'm sure there are many who love this dish but for me and my sisters, it was a little too close to cat food mixed with corned beef hash. When we first tried it, we thought it was ok but the aftertaste slapped our taste buds in the ....! We couldn't find the shortbread cookies to wash it down quick enough!

Note that this picture was taken BEFORE we took a bite!  You can see the worried look on Colleen's face! :-)



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Then there was an after party where we danced and had dessert. They gave everyone little "goodies" including the fine swagger hats you see in the pics below. Great times!



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They had a dance presentation with mostly male dancers at the opening and we giggled as we posed with a few of them for a pic. The one in the hat was the best dancer. :-)

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Here I am "gettin' jiggy with it"



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Colleen saw one of the Romantic Times book cover model at the event and couldn't resist posing for the camera with him. He didn't know it but we all called him our own special version of Rapunzel. ;-) Believe it or not, that is his real hair!



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Here is Colleen on a panel with some amazing authors as well!



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Colleen organized a dinner party with some of her author friends and by the end we had a HUGE group! Great time and great company! Can you recognize some of the authors?



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On Saturday, we had the big book convention! Colleen was so excited to meet some of her die hard fans and even met some sweet dads who came on behalf of their daughters! Awww!! For those of you who aren't familiar with these book events. It is SOOOO worth going to!! Colleen handed out special prizes to her fans including exclusive edition Tiger's Voyage with an additional chapter as well as GORGEOUS henna cookies decorated with bright frosting all the way from New York! And, if that wasn't enough she gave personalized and handmade Ren/Kishan bracelets, posters, book marks, book recommendations, photo ops, and for those paying special attention to her jewelry....a hint at what her new and upcoming book series will be about!!! This is the kind of event you wouldn't want to miss!



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Colleen with her mom and sisters, her biggest fans!!



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We LOVED seeing the different t-shirts and flare made by the fans!Here are just  a couple pics,



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Then, one of the craziest events of all was the Teen Night! Basically, there is a small fee, usually $25, for the teen to get into the event and they can bring an adult (usually a parent) for free. When you arrive you get a goody bag with four FREE YA books and then you get in line and get to pick an additional four FREE books! So, the real amazing part is that all of the authors to those books plus loads more are there to autograph, take pics, mingle and hang out with you. Some even got up and danced out on the dance floor with the teens!! How crazy cool is that? Where was I when all of these events went on??  My sisters , mom and I got in but unfortunately we're not teenagers anymore so the same perks didn't apply. :-( But, it was loads of fun and we all had a great time visiting, dancing, and eating delicious appetizers!





Check out the line!



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That night we were all exhausted and hungry so one of our sisters spoiled us with genuine Kansas City barbeque delivered to the hotel. By golly there must have been enough food for at least 25 people! We had trays upon trays of BBQ ribs, roasted chicken, turkey, BBQ ham, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, bread, and cookies. We stuffed ourselves and enjoyed the much needed break from the hotel food. We had it the following day for breakfast too but still had way too many leftovers!! Once we gorged and watched a zombie movie, we laid out all our books and just check our our loot!!! Needless to say, we were very proud of our shopping day!

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On our last day we packed up and had to say our sad goodbyes as we went back home! We love our girl time!

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So, till next time!



xoxoxo

Groovy Giveaway: Especial para o Brasil

 Hello! Many of you have seen the posts from Colleen on Facebook about the goodies she has received from her Brazilian publisher, Arqueiro. Well, we've decided to offer a giveaway only to those who live in Brazil!!



Don't worry, for those of you who speak Portuguese and/or are from Brazil but don't currently live there, we will be having a second giveaway just for you.



For all of you wonderful Portuguese speakers, we have a special for you besides the chance for this prize pack. During the last Young Adult Scavenger Hunt, Colleen shared the alternative ending for Tiger's Destiny. If you follow this link right here, you can now read it in your very own language. I hope you enjoy!



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PRIZE: One Tiger's Destiny Prize Pack put together by Arqueiro



TO ENTER: Fill out the Rafflecopter below. There are a number of ways you can gain entries and one of them you can even do every single day.



NUMBER OF WINNERS: One



PRIZE SHIPS: This giveaway is open only to those who live in Brazil.



GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Thursday, May 16, 2013 at midnight Eastern time. No extensions will be given.



ADDITIONAL INFO: I will announce the winner next Wednesday. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or they forfeit their prize. (So either leave your email address in your comment or make sure to check back here on Wednesday to see if you won.)



If you have any problems or questions, please email me at contests@colleenhouck.com.