Kristie Cook's Blog, page 32

Writer Wednesday - Emma Michaels

This week we're visited by Emma Michaels, author of The Thirteenth Chime and Anasazi and founder of The Writers Voice.



[image error] Thank you Kristie for letting me take over for a post!*maniacal laughter* JUST KIDDING! Okay, maybe only kind of kidding.Some of you may know that I am part of a multi-author blogwith Kristie over at The Writers Voice: http://OurBooksOurVoice.Blogspot.com  where we post our thoughts, opinions, careerupdates and all kinds of crazy fun. For one of our tour stops the questionasked was "Which came first for you: the characters, setting or plot?" and whenI wrote out my answer I realized that I had never really thought about itbefore.I get the strangest ideas from the strangest places andeventually they expand into entire novels. A series I am working on currentlywas inspired by feathers, The Thirteenth Chime was inspired by a grandfatherclock on a very stormy night and Anasazi was inspired by a tribal mask. I getan item stuck in my head and then everything grows from there until you wouldhardly be able to guess the item, with the exception of the grandfather clock. I know it sounds strange but it is actually kind ofwonderful to experience. I look at the world as though every item were apossibility and every once in a while an item gives me a good enough idea for astory that I decide to write it down. Which is why I have SOOO many plots savedon my computer and much fewer finished novels. The day that I had the idea forThe Thirteenth Chime is was stormy outside and the power was out so we went toour neighbor's house. I am from Los Angeles and you aren't very likely to see agrandfather clock so when the lights were out and the lightning kept making thewalls flash from black to white and back every few moments I was alreadyfreaked out.Then is started to chime. Yeah, FREAKED ME OUT! It echoedthrough the house and just my luck that I had been standing RIGHT by it when itwent off. I reached out for my fiancé's hand but he wasn't there and that eeriemoment was the inspiration behind T.T.C. Reaching out for something you can'thave while something is coming for you. In the case of The Thirteenth Chimethey happened to also be walking into a 50 year old trap that had been waitingfor someone to fall prey to it and was starting to get impatient. You will haveto read the novel to find out the rest! :-pThank you so much for reading and to Kristie for letting metake over for a post! Remembering that night still gives me the creeps! It mayhave been a small moment but it expanded into so much more! Wishing you tons of delightful reads! <3Sincerely,Emma Michaels[image error]  [image error] 
More information about Emma can be found on her bio page at The Writers Voice.

Writer Wednesday

This week we're visited by Emma Michaels, author of The Thirteenth Chime and Anasazi and founder of The Writers Voice.



[image error] Thank you Kristie for letting me take over for a post!*maniacal laughter* JUST KIDDING! Okay, maybe only kind of kidding.Some of you may know that I am part of a multi-author blogwith Kristie over at The Writers Voice: http://OurBooksOurVoice.Blogspot.com  where we post our thoughts, opinions, careerupdates and all kinds of crazy fun. For one of our tour stops the questionasked was "Which came first for you: the characters, setting or plot?" and whenI wrote out my answer I realized that I had never really thought about itbefore.I get the strangest ideas from the strangest places andeventually they expand into entire novels. A series I am working on currentlywas inspired by feathers, The Thirteenth Chime was inspired by a grandfatherclock on a very stormy night and Anasazi was inspired by a tribal mask. I getan item stuck in my head and then everything grows from there until you wouldhardly be able to guess the item, with the exception of the grandfather clock. I know it sounds strange but it is actually kind ofwonderful to experience. I look at the world as though every item were apossibility and every once in a while an item gives me a good enough idea for astory that I decide to write it down. Which is why I have SOOO many plots savedon my computer and much fewer finished novels. The day that I had the idea forThe Thirteenth Chime is was stormy outside and the power was out so we went toour neighbor's house. I am from Los Angeles and you aren't very likely to see agrandfather clock so when the lights were out and the lightning kept making thewalls flash from black to white and back every few moments I was alreadyfreaked out.Then is started to chime. Yeah, FREAKED ME OUT! It echoedthrough the house and just my luck that I had been standing RIGHT by it when itwent off. I reached out for my fiancé's hand but he wasn't there and that eeriemoment was the inspiration behind T.T.C. Reaching out for something you can'thave while something is coming for you. In the case of The Thirteenth Chimethey happened to also be walking into a 50 year old trap that had been waitingfor someone to fall prey to it and was starting to get impatient. You will haveto read the novel to find out the rest! :-pThank you so much for reading and to Kristie for letting metake over for a post! Remembering that night still gives me the creeps! It mayhave been a small moment but it expanded into so much more! Wishing you tons of delightful reads! <3Sincerely,Emma Michaels[image error]  [image error] 
More information about Emma can be found on her bio page at The Writers Voice.

Teaser Tuesday

Before you get page 3 of the Prologue from Genesis, I just want to remind you of the release tour that kicks off today at The Writer's Voice. Be sure to visit and comment to enter to win Soul Savers swag and to also gain an entry for the Grand Prize.

Oh! I was so excited about sharing the release tour news with you yesterday, I forgot to ask - what do you think of the new look???

Okay, now for the tease. Just in case you missed them, be sure to read page 1 and page 2. Here's page 3:


Andrewswung his sword up just in time to parry the demon's blade. Another arcedtoward him and he spun, at the same time releasing a dagger from his belt toblock the blow. His silver blade clashed with the black one and a shower ofsparks rained down. He landed with bent knees, a weapon in each hand, facingthe evil spirit in its physical form.Withhorns protruding from its temples, razor-sharp teeth, fiery eyes, talon feetand black wings, the demon looked like the angel's opposite, though both werehard-bodied warriors conditioned for battle. But while angels protected humansouls, demons sought to destroy them. This one wanted Zoe's. Curling its upperlip in a snarl, it rose higher in the air, held its blade straight out in frontand shot like an arrow toward Andrew.Theangel's feathered wings spread widely and lifted him out of the demon's way.Andrew continued upward, beating his wings harder, as the beast switcheddirection and came at him again. He dipped and turned and swung his sword,slicing through the demon's thin-skinned wing. It howled with pain and rage andtried to fly at Andrew again. Instead of crashing into him, however, theinjured wing sent the beast careening to his right. As it soared by, its armjabbed out with full strength, knocking Andrew in the chest.As hetumbled in the air with the blow, he caught sight of Zoe struggling against theone who pinned her to the ground. Andrew knew the three figures weren't quitehuman, but were Satan's minions, part of his army in the physical world. Zoewould only see three men attacking her. Although they might rape her, theyreally thirsted for her human blood. Andrew could do nothing about them,however. His purpose was to fight off this demon, driving it away from hersoul. He couldn't be distracted by the physical realm. He had to focus on hisown battle and hope Zoe would win hers.

GENESIS Release Tour & Giveaways

Woohoo! Tomorrow we kick off the Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella release tour! I can't believe it's finally here. Genesis will be available next week! *dies*

So here's the lowdown for the tour and giveaways. Each stop on the tour listed below is offering a prize to commenters, including ebooks and swag packs. All commenters throughout the tour will be thrown into the hat for the Grand Prize - a Soul Savers tote bag filled with signed print copies of Genesis, Promise and Purpose,  Soul Savers swag and more (US only; if an international winner is randomly chosen, they'll receive ebooks of all three books and another Grand Prize winner will be selected). You MUST be a follower to win.

You can earn bonus entries for the Grand Prize by sharing the tour and giveaway on your blog, Twitter and/or Facebook. Just comment on this post with the link(s) to your post(s). You can do this as often as you like throughout the tour. The giveaway ends at midnight, 11/6, and the winner will be announced on Monday, 11/7.

Good luck!

Tour Stops:

10/18 - Kickoff at The Writer's Voice
10/19 - MamaKnowsBooks.blogspot.com (also part of the Romancing Your Dark Side Tour)
10/20 - Confessions of a Bookaholic
10/21 - Author Brenda Pandos
10/22 - Author Heather McCorkle
10/23 - Books N Makeup Done
10/24 - All Things Books (also part of the Indie Bash) and Taking It One Book at a Time (also part of the Romancing Your Dark Side Tour)
10/25 - The Indie Elite
10/26 - A Simple Love of Reading
10/27 - Book Reader Addicts
10/28 - A Life Bound by Books
10/29 - Author Keary Taylor
10/31 - The Excuse Editor
11/1 - Forbidden Reviews
11/2 - Stella Ex Libris
11/3 - Me and Reading
11/4 - Lavender Lines

Foodie Friday

Since we're celebrating the release of Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella this month, I thought we'd spend the next few Foodie Fridays exploring food and cooking of the place and time period - Greece around 200 B.C. Today, Jordan, one of the main characters, and Eris, his, uh-

"My bitch," Jordan says. Eris rolls her dark eyes. I blink at him. With shoulder-length blond hair, deep blue eyes and a body a Spartan would salivate over, he's hot. "What? She's not really my wife. We don't even believe in marriage. As if I'd ever marry her."

"Um," I stammer. Yeah, he's hot, but also arrogant and intimidating. "It's just...Well, that's quite a modern way of putting it."

"You brought us here, out of the book and our time and into your kitchen with all of its ridiculous tools. What is this?" He accidentally hits the button on the tool he's holding and blades whir. He grins. "Oh, a torture device!"

I yank the cord from the wall and snatch it out of his hand before he truly hurts someone. "It's an immersible blender."

Eris eyes the tool. "That could be useful for potion making."

"I suppose it could be," I say, "but let's talk about food. It's Foodie Friday and I'd like to share a recipe from your time with my followers."

"We don't have recipes from our time," Eris says with a sniff. "Chefs didn't exactly record a video as they cooked. The best you get are guidelines and lists of ingredients. In our time, trained chefs didn't need to be told exactly how to prepare food. They used their knowledge, experience and imagination."

I decide not to argue with her about how today's chefs do the same but, since they are able, are kind enough to share with others. After all, Eris fights dirty and could set my feet on fire with a twitch of her hand.

"Well, what did you cook?" I ask her.

"All sorts of dishes." She says nothing more.

I sigh and before I realize it's coming out of my mouth, I say, "Well, I can just ask Cassandra. She'll be more cooperative."

Eris growls and my cabinets and refrigerator doors are suddenly flying open and slamming shut. Jordan slams a hand on her shoulder, quieting her.

He snorts as he looks at me. "Cassandra would be a waste of time. Her cooking lacked sophistication. She prepared boring dishes like chickpea soup. Or roasted a rabbit or a mullet over the fire, handed you a chunk of coarse bread and called it a meal. As if that's a meal!"

"It's how you were both raised," I remind him.

"She could have done better. Occasionally she'd add some extra herbs and spices if she found an overgrowth of them, but usually she kept those to herself, claiming she needed them for her healing concoctions. When I started going into the villages and discovered festivals and all the great foods served to men, I learned how good food can really be. Even Eris cooked better than Cassandra."

I peek at Eris. She seems to have calmed down and I try to get on her good side. "So what is Jordan's favorite meal you make? I think he really likes that one stew..."

She smirks. "The one he spewed all over the table?"

Jordan opens his mouth, but I cut in. "That had nothing to do with the food. I think he likes your cooking even more than he'll admit."

He narrows his eyes at him, then grunts as he says, "You, at least, can flash great distances and bring back some interesting ingredients."

"That's true," Eris says. "The Greeks of our time didn't use foods such as potatoes, tomatoes, rice or certain spices, because they came from far-off lands and hadn't been introduced yet. But I sometimes brought them home with me for new flavors."

"Too bad you couldn't make your potions taste better, too," Jordan says. "Just the smell of them makes me retch!"

Eris's eyes flash. I speak up. "So back to the stew. Show me how you made it."

"I just took whatever I had available and threw it together." She rattles off a list of food that she might have on hand, a list that is amazingly similar to this one. So we select some items off the list, take a trip to the grocery store - which is a story in itself, as you can imagine - and Eris and I make Jordan's favorite stew.

Here's how we did it and since I'm not much of a measurer myself, I'm following tradition and just giving some guidelines.


Ingredients:
Pork roast (Publix doesn't carry wild boar, which is what Eris would have normally used)
Oregano
Thyme
Garlic
Olive oil
Leeks
More garlic
Baby artichokes, cut in halves
Carrots
Baby portabellos (mushrooms aren't on the list, but I forgot to double-check before dropping them in - Eris said they'd eat those that were useless for her potions because they weren't, well, poisonous)
Red wine
More oregano and thyme
Goat cheese
Kalamata olives
Basmati rice

Eris and women of the time used clay pots for cooking, so she was delighted to find that I had one - you might know it as a crockpot. We crocked the pork roast, artichokes, carrots, oregano, thyme and garlic until everything was tender (I bought the wine later in the afternoon, otherwise we probably would have added some, too). We sauteed the leeks and more garlic in olive oil, then added the artichokes and carrots, then the pork, red wine and seasonings to taste. We brought it to a boil and let it simmer for about ten minutes, then stirred in the goat cheese until it melted, added the olives and cooked just a few minutes longer. We served it over rice, which Eris would have brought from one of her trips to the Far East.

Jordan scoffed at the fork I offered, tore off some warmed naan and flat bread and dug in, scooping up food with his bread, as was customary then. He grunted with satisfaction.

Was it the best thing I ever made? Um...no (please don't tell Eris!). Was it good? Yes. Was it fun to make? Absolutely! It's been a long time since I've had this much fun shopping and cooking. But I think next time I'll invite Cassandra and Niko. They're much more pleasant company.

So, seriously, I found a list of foods the Ancient Greeks ate and thought it'd be fun to try to create something on my own. It was a lot of fun. Are you up for an adventure? If so, I dare you to check out this list of ingredients and create something new. Then let me know how it turned out and if you'll be making it again.

*Source: http://www.greek-recipe.com/static/ancient/ancientrecipes.html

Opening the Floor to You

For nearly two years I've been rambling here about all kinds of interesting and not-so-interesting things, so I think it's your turn to take the floor. What do you want to know? Have questions about my books? My writing habits? My terribly intriguing life? Want to know more about Genesis or the Soul Savers Series? Have something to ask Alexis, Tristan or any other characters?

Now's the time to ask! Get as serious or as silly as you want. You can even get personal - although no promises I'll actually answer those, truthfully anyway. Ask in the comments and I'll answer next Thursday.

To add a little incentive: Using random.org, I'll select at least one questioner to win an ebook of Genesis as soon as it's available. Depending on the number of questions, there might even be more than one winner! So...


Ready? Set. Go!

Writer Wednesday

Every Wednesday I feature an author you may not know yet, hopefully introducing you to some fantastic new reads. This week, I introduce you to Krissi Dallas. Well, actually, as part of Krissi's Phantom Island Tour, her student Angie is introducing you. Take it away, Angie!


[image error] Angie & Krissi at a school rally.Hey, there, Kristie! Thanks for hosting me on your blog! I first met Krissi Dallas through my church. She and her husband, Sam, have been in youth ministry at our church for about 9 years and Krissi's always been an active part of the group, teaching middle school girls' bible study, which is where I first got to really know her. She's one of those people who can make just about anything interesting to hear about, and she's amazing at relating it to everyday life situations to make it easier to understand. I would always be super excited to hear her teach, and I inevitably got something new out of every lesson. She's the one who taught me to not be embarrassed to speak out with my ideas, even if they weren't the conventional, expected responses everyone's been trained to give. [image error] Angie & Krissi at a book signing.
Krissi's one of those people who just has a knack for making other people feel like they belong, even if they've never met her before. She would always host little parties at her house for us girls; we'd come over in our PJs and watch chick flicks and eat junk food and do girly stuff. (Sam always found a convenient reason to be gone. Haha.) It was always extremely fun, except for the one time a girl brought these AMAZING homemade peanut-butter-fudge brownies. Krissi didn't know they had peanut butter in them. She ate one bite and then freaked out and had to run to the bathroom to puke and give herself a shot... she's extremely allergic to peanuts! It was rather dramatic! That's why it's funny that in the opening of Windchaser, Whitnee talks about how much she loves peanut butter – it's where her character greatly diverges from Krissi herself.

The main character of Whitnee is very obviously based on Krissi and a lot of these Krissi-things make their way into the novels. I always think the character of Caleb is like her husband, Sam, in attitude and sense of humor. That's probably why these characters are super easy to love and relate to. Krissi Dallas is a fantastic writer, and everything she writes just pulls you deeper and deeper into her world, until it's as if you're standing there on the White Island right along with the characters. It's one of those books that you will NOT want to put down! I saw a lot of late nights when I first read Windchaser and Windfall. Oh, and girls...I'm not gonna spoil it for you, but let me just say... Island boys? They are FINE!!! And for the record, it's perfectly okay to have a major crush on an imaginary figure in a book... just sayin'…

I took Krissi's test to see what tribe I'm in, and I'm closely tied between an Aerodorian and a Hydrodorian, though my Aero side is more dominant. To be an Aero means that I'm extremely music-oriented and a deep thinker. The Aeros have the power to control Wind, and they're also typically the inventors on the Island, since they're such innovative thinkers. My Hydro side means I'm extremely friendly and fun-loving, and I could just play in the water all day long if I was allowed. They obviously have the power to control Water, and they have amazing healing powers. They're really good at clearing worries from your mind and helping you just focus on the excitement of the moment - pretty much everyone can get along with a Hydro.

It's super cool, because almost everything that test said about me was true to life! Ever since I read the Phantom Island books, I mentally evaluate people to see what tribe they would belong to if they were to go to the Island. It's pretty fun! So you should definitely check these books out - I promise you won't be disappointed! Find out more about Krissi and the books on the last stop in the Pep Rally – The Book Swarm! And if you haven't registered yet for the Phantom Island Swag Giveaway, you better go to Krissi's blog quick and enter!

My Hydrodorian tattooLike Angie, I, too, am tied between Aerodorian and Hydrodorian tribes. Angie's right about how eerily accurate the descriptions are. I've gone with the Hydros, though, mostly because I love the idea of houses built over water, the only way I could make a decision because I am so equally both.

What tribe are you in? Take the quiz and find out, then grab your tattoo. While you're there, be sure to enter Krissi's giveaway. And don't forget to check out her new releases, Windchaser and Windfall.
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Teaser Tuesday

Before I post this week's page from the Prologue, remember you can pre-order your signed copy of Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella here. If you missed the beginning of the Prologue, read it here.


Thehigher angels had special plans for Zoe, although they did not share theseplans with Andrew. He was a mere warrior, one who followed orders, not one whoissued them. His orders were to protect her, to keep her out of the demons'hands and alive at all costs. Orders he gladly followed. He would fight for hersoul with unmatched ferocity and according to his superiors, tonight would bethe first battle.Andrewperched on a boulder, feeling the rock's physicality beneath hisnot-quite-solid feet, as he watched and waited, his body coiled and ready forthe fight. On the other side of the veil, Zoe, unaware of impending danger,knelt by the creek, the moonlight bouncing off the rippled surface, washing thecolor out of her smooth olive skin and casting shadows over her dark browneyes. She splashed water on her face and glanced up at the half-moon, thensuddenly turned her head toward Andrew.Hetensed, for a moment thinking she could see him as her eyes seemed to focusright on him, piercing his soul. If she could, she would see a hard, muscularman with light hair, white wings rising from his bare back, a multitude ofweapons hanging from his belt and a long sword in his right hand. Her browspushed together for the briefest moment and then she let out the saddest sighhe'd ever heard, as if disappointed when she saw nothing but the boulder. Herhead dropped and her shoulders sank. Locks of dark hair had escaped the braidswound around her head and now curtained her face as she stared at her lap, herhands twisting into the linen of her tunic.Andrewheard the noise of someone approaching before Zoe did and sprang to attention.She jumped to her feet, too, and turned toward him—a move that could have cost her life. In the physical realm,three men came at her from behind and one quickly pinned her to the ground. Atthe same time, a demon charged the angel in the Otherworld. 

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Lots going on right now and just enough time for a quick update on the good, the bad and the ugly in my corner of the world.

The Good:
GENESIS is with the proofreaders this week. Woot! Al.Most.There. Promise is back to 99c for Kindle and FREE for those in the UK.Purpose is nearly in the Top 100 of ALL Kindle Paid in the UK. That would make it a national bestseller. *dies* Thank you to all of the new readers across the pond!!! I can't ever show how much I appreciate you giving my books a chance. Much, much, much love to you!I have a special guest on Wednesday and I can't wait for you to read her post. So watch for it.The GENESIS tour is almost completely scheduled, but there are a few spots left. If you want to be a tour stop, please email me ASAP at kristie (at) kristiecook (dot) com.I got to spend the weekend with the college boy to celebrate his 19th birthday. I love seeing him and hate watching him leave.
The Bad:
My business partner/publisher is tending to a family emergency in Minnesota. Please keep Chrissi and her mother in your thoughts and prayers.Author and friend Brenda Pandos is also at the hospital, with her son who will be having open heart surgery tomorrow. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, too. If you'd like, you can share your thoughts with Brenda on her Facebook page.
The Ugly:
My house. It's in serious need of a good cleaning. A remodeling job would be nice, too, but for now I'd settle for vacuumed floors and dusted furniture. Any volunteers?My feet. Of course, in my opinion, feet are ALWAYS ugly, but mine are especially so right now. They're in serious need of a pedicure. Poor piggies.My car. It, too, needs a serious cleaning. Good thing Homecoming's coming up. Boy #2 has to clean it if he wants to drive it. Bwahahaha!
That's all for now. How was your weekend? What's your week look like? Any good, bad and ugly to share?

Foodie Friday

Spaghetti Squash
Squash half right out of the oven.Fall harvest brings us a multitude of winter squashes, but one of my favorites is spaghetti squash. A lot of people shy away from this one because they don't know what to do with it. I've always taken its name pretty literally and treat it just like I do spaghetti. And just so you know, my kids enjoy it, too, and did even when they were little.








Jab fork into flesh and pull up as if stirring to get strands.To prepare spaghetti squash:
Cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.Fill a baking dish with about 1/2" of water.Put squash halves cut side down.Bake in 400 degree oven for about 40 minutes or until tender.Using a fork, shred the squash into strands.
Now you can do all kinds of fun things with it!
For a basic side dish, simply add butter, salt and pepper.Like it sweet? Add butter and brown sugar.Feeling adventurous? Try this interesting taco recipe. My go-to choice - top with my favorite sauce (red or white, meat or meatless), add a side vegetable and serve with garlic bread. The photo below shows the squash with red sauce and Italian sausage, topped with fresh Mozzarella and green beans on the side. Yum! [image error] Spaghetti squash with red sauce
Spaghetti squash doesn't have to be weird and scary. It's versatile, delicious and ideal for a low-carb diet or a vegetarian night. Give it a try. I dare you!

Have you ever made spaghetti squash? What's your favorite recipe?