Kurt R.A. Giambastiani's Blog, page 64

Happily Misaligned

In outlining the new book, I create histories. As a result, and today being Veterans’ Day, I was reminded of something I discovered back in 1990. You see, some American families have a long and celebrated history of military service. My family does not. Some families can measure their generations from war to war. My […]

Once More, Unto the Breach

Life has begun (touch wood) to settle. Crises have subsided. Daily dramas have diminished. The weather has turned cold and windy and wet, calming nerves and dampening temperaments. Now it’s time to get back to work.The Wolf Tree is once more underway. I’ve had a few days off this week, and First Reader and I […]

Rosemary Split Pea Soup

Here’s an easy recipe for a classic soup, with a twist.We had this last weekend and it wassuper good, especially on the cold, grey days of autumn. Nom. Rosemary Split Pea Soup Makes 4-6 servings Ingredients 6 slices low-sodium bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 medium onion, chopped fine 1 leek, white part only, cleaned […]

Heroine UnDisneyfied

Fifteen years ago, Disney got their hands on Hua Mulan, the legendary Chinese heroine, and used her to anchor their decidedly meh-worthy film, Mulan. Disney’s treatment was not the first film attempt to tell the story of this 6th century legend(the first film was made in 1927) nor, thankfully, was it the last. Mulan: Rise […]

Sorry About That

In retrospect, yesterday’s post was a bad idea and very out of character. I had misgivings and hesitated before posting, but I ascribed those feelingsto being “brave” and maybe even a bit “edgy” with my choice of topic. Nope. Instead, it came across as a petulant, whinge-filledpity-fest served with a big side of “Buy my […]

Let’s Be Honest

I’m biased. There. I said it. I’m biased, in that I like the books I’ve written. I can’t help it. Frankly, I wouldn’t be able to get through thewriting part of being a novelistwithout liking the books I write. Writing a book Ididn’t like? Not gonna happen. So, I’m biased, and that’s unfortunate, because it […]

Favored Child

I’m always curious, when readers leave comments about my books,as to which of my novels is their favorite and why. The answers are always varied. Sometimes it’s the subject matter, the period, or the setting. For others, it’s the characters who populate the pages. Occasionally, it’s just jenesaisquoi,that certain “something” that resonates with a particular […]

That Moment

Yesterday, lying in bed, wishing the sky was brighter, wishing the pre-dawn hours were a bit more advanced, I tried not to wake up. I tried to enjoy the warmth of my fleece blanket and cold air from the open window, contrasting sensations that–like salt and sugar–intensify each other. I tried to relax, listening to […]

Habanero Hot Sauce

I mentioned in my recipe for Golden Cayenne Hot Sauce that it was a variation on a habanero hot sauce cooked up by the farmers over at Oaca Peppers. I have my own version of that great sauce, so here it is. Habanero Hot Sauce Makes around2 cups Ingredients 12 orange habanero chilies, stems and […]

Autumn

Wind-blown leaves turning pages paintmy story with bright colors