Nancy Naigle's Blog, page 39

Out of Focus – #Sample Chapter

My second novel with ties to the small southern town of Adams Grove is Out of Focus. If you haven't read Sweet Tea and Secrets – you can check out the whole first chapter of that story here.

Here's your #Sample of Out of Focus.



JUST RELEASED

OUT OF FOCUS – An Adams Grove Novel

A woman is caught in a web of friendship and betrayal as she desperately searches for her son.

CHAPTER ONE

Kasey Phillips snapped off three more pictures of the country singer straddling seven hundred pounds of sleek American-made motorcycle. Cody Tuggle looked more rugged than the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains that swelled in the background.

At her command, Tuggle leaned forward across the wide chrome handlebars. Even with the bandanna tied around his head like a do-rag, a look she'd never found appealing, there was no denying this guy was sizzling hot and all man.

Kasey's eyes narrowed as she leaned to get a unique angle. The estate was the perfect setting for this magazine shoot. It belonged to Cody's agent, Arty Max. From the looks of the place, Tuggle's fame had paid off big for everyone.

Band members and roadies lined the perimeter, but she stayed focused on her subject. Curious onlookers were one of the biggest obstacles at an outdoor shoot, but it was easy to tune them out when the subject was someone with such star quality.

Working with the light and shadows, she repositioned to find the right interplay to intensify the image. The camera clicked at a fast clip, and then not at all, as she considered the next best opportunity.

Click. Click. Click-click-click.

"I thought this was supposed to be hard work," Cody said, pulling her out of her zone. "Those bikini models are always complaining about it on TV." Laughter laced his voice. "Y'know, that fanny duster job, dusting the sand off those cuties' hind ends. Now that looks like a right sweet gig. Got any connections?"

Kasey lowered her camera. "You mean, in case the singing thing doesn't work out for you?" She gave him a scolding look. As the mom of a three-year old, she'd pretty much perfected it. "If you keep  talking I'll catch you with your mouth wide open, and you'll look dopey. Shhhsh."

"That must be why I always look drunk in those tabloids." Cody flashed a devilish smile. "Anybody ever tell you, you're kinda bossy?"

"I got both of those shots," she warned. "Those weekly gossip rags pay big bucks for celeb uglies.  The uglier they are, the more they pay. They'd pay top dollar for those last two pictures."

"You wouldn't."

"You're right." She raised her hand in front of her like a traffic cop. "Stay still. Yeah. Right there." A perfect shot. The candy-apple red Harley was only feet away from  the black fence that surrounded the estate. Light swept through a stand of birch trees in the distance, their thin white-barked trunks made the colors appear more vibrant and crisp. The forest displayed a myriad of green shades  now. Those leaves would boast orange, yellow, reds and purples in the fall as the chlorophyll faded and autumn arrived—an awesome display to capture on film.

Cody spoke to someone just behind her.

She shot him the look.

"What? It's hard to sit still this long and not say a word." Cody rewarded her with a natural smile. She took advantage of it, snapping the image.

Kasey enjoyed the gentle sparring. "What's the problem? You got ants in your pants? You said this modeling stuff was so easy, but all I've heard for the past thirty minutes is a bunch of girly  complaining."

"Hey now, be nice. Girly?  Me? You're gonna hurt my feelin's."

The roadies and band members nudged one another.

"Somehow I doubt that." Kasey watched the star's smile fade into an exaggerated pout. He might be used to women falling at his feet, but she wasn't one of his groupies. "Did I bruise your frail ego?"  What a ham. "Maybe it's that silly rag on your head makin' you all girly."

She couldn't help herself. The man in front of her was huge, at least six foot four, with shoulders so broad the wide-set handlebars on the motorcycle didn't look nearly as impressive. This  guy could wear a pink tutu and look masculine.

The band members and roadies seemed to enjoy the banter, but she wasn't sure whom they were rooting for—Cody or her.

Cody sat up straight on the bike, his smile gone. He pulled the bandanna off and ran his fingers through his flattened mass of blonde hair.

She took in a quick breath. Maybe that last comment had crossed a line. She knew the do-rag was symbolic to the band, but then if her jab got him to quit mugging around, it would be worth it. She'd get the best shots of the day.

His hair bounced back into its usual tangle of waves, softening his chiseled look. He stuffed the slip of fabric into his back pocket with a half grin, maybe just short of a smirk.

Kasey clicked like mad. "Now we're talking."

Cody tugged open the snaps of his western shirt.

She switched cameras and gave him a nod of encouragement. Tuggle's PR guys had left last night. She called the shots now. Just the way she liked it. This was all Cody.

His tan accentuated his chest. Flawless. He didn't have a soft, white-collar body. This was the body of a guy who enjoyed getting physical.

"Looking right manly now, Mr. Tuggle." Her heart and soul belonged to Nick, but staring at Cody Tuggle for hours at a time was no punishment.

"Mr. Tuggle? Why is it the less I'm wearin' the more business you get?" He stepped off the motorcycle in one easy movement and took a step in her direction.

"Quit it, you big flirt." She took another picture. "I'm married." She wiggled her ring finger in his direction.

Kasey glanced at her watch. It was almost nine. "Let's take five." She walked to a table nearby, pulled her phone from her hip and dialed home. Every day on the road, at nine o'clock sharp each morning, there was nothing more important than checking in with Nick and Jake. She loved her work, but they were the light of each day, and three days in a row of not being with them was torture.

With her back to Cody and the others, she talked to Nick. He caught her up on their plan for the day. She checked her watch again, then forced herself to wrap up the call.  "Love, love, love you boys."

"I love you ten and five, Mom." Jake's tiny voice made her heart bubble. Ten and five was the biggest number in the world to him.

"Love you, babe. See you at the other end of the day," Nick said and hung up.

A familiar surge of happiness consumed her. She couldn't wait to be home with them. She and Nick had wed just a few months after they'd met. It was a marriage made in heaven, and Jake was the icing on the wedding cake. That little angel was the best thing she'd ever done

in her life.

She snapped her phone shut and headed back to the shoot. "Let's go, guys."

Tuggle turned his attention back to her. "Call home to check in with Mr. Phillips?"

"Not exactly. Phillips is my maiden name." She switched to her digital camera for the final run. "But yes. I was checking in at home."

"That dude's one lucky guy."

"Two, actually."

Cody leaned forward and lowered his voice. "Two? I bet number one doesn't think much of that."

         "Funny." She wrinkled her nose. "Husband and son."

Read the rest of OUT OF FOCUS – available in trade paperback, and digital formats at all your favorite etailers. You can get your copy today::

Available in trade paperback on Amazon.com, for kindle, and for nook.



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Thanks for your support and help spreading the word!

Hugs and happy reading~

Nancy

Sandy's No-Fail Pumpkin Spice Bread

Sandy from the Book Club Babes made this delicious pumpkin bread for book club in September. Coating the pans with sugar makes for a sweetness around the edges that is so good against the spicy mix. You've got to try this. The recipe yields two nice size loaves. Enough for you and one to share!

Thanks, Sandy~

PUMPKIN SPICE BREAD

 3.5 cups all purpose flour,
.25 tsp. Baking powder,
2 tsp. Baking soda,
1.5 tsp salt,
1 tsp  nutmeg,
1 tsp crushed cloves,
1 tsp cinnamon,
1.5 cups granulated sugar,
1.5 cups brown sugars,
1 cup oil,
2 cups canned or fresh pumpkin,
4 eggs.

Spray 2 loaf pans with cooking spray and then sugar (instead of flour).

Mix dry ingredients, add oil, add pumpkin, add eggs one at a time.

Bake 350 degrees for 50-60 mins. Enjoy!!!

 

I loved this recipe so much that I'm going to try it in little cupcake muffin pans and drizzle with cream cheese icing for a bite-size treat that ought to be awesome with my favorite Harney & Sons Paris Tea.

Hugs and happy baking,

Nancy

 

 

October means pumpkins, right?

It's October and what says October more than pumpkins? Well, maybe trick or treat candy, but that's a whole other story!

I thought I'd share pumpkin recipes the next few posts.

Here's one from one of the readers of Sweet Tea and Secrets – Kim Hudson for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.

You'll need:

Take 2 cups of fresh seeds,
3 Tbsp melted butter,
1 tsp. salt
 1 tsp. of worstershire sauce.

Mix and coat thoroughly, spread on a foil lined 15″ x 10″ baking sheet and bake (250 degrees) for 45-50 min., stirring occasionally.

Increase heat to 325 degrees and bake 5 min. longer or until seeds are dry and lightly browned. Then serve.

THANKS KIM!

BOOK CLUB BABES – Suffolk, VA

On Friday, September 30th, I drove down to Suffolk, VA and spent the evening with the BOOK CLUB BABES. Special thanks to Sonja who was the host of the meeting and invited me.

What a wonderful surprise to see this sign right on the front door. The hosts daughter made it for me. I've got it in my office on my wall now. It makes me smile every time I glance at it! Thanks!

This group of educators gets together once a month. These gals do it right, too. They move the meeting to different members houses each month and whoever is the host is responsible for the meal. Yes! A meal … and wine … and dessert, too. Members bring side dishes to round out a wonderful evening of food and fun.

Since Sweet Tea and Secrets was the book for the month, they even made sweet tea, Jill's Quickie Chopped Slaw Salad and Pearl's Famous Chocolate Pecan Pie — all recipes found in the book.

I had the most wondeful time with these ladies. One of the highlights was flipping through their scrapbook. They have a scrapbook page for every single book the club has read. It's creative and fun and walking down memory lane was so much fun. They even lent me one of their recent reads, The Venetian Mask. An awesome book. I really enjoyed it.

This was my first official book club visit. They sure did set a high bar, but I can't wait to attend more.

Thank you so much to the Suffolk Book Club Babes for making such a special night for Sweet Tea and Secrets and sharing their thoughts about the town and folks of Adams Grove.

Hugs and happy reading,

Nancy

SIBA – Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Trade Show

The 2011 SIBA Trade Show was held in beautiful Charleston, SC this year.

This event was the best of all worlds. I had the chance to network with pubishers, booksellers and other authors. I enjoyed several "fan girl" moments as I got free books signed by some of my very favorite southern authors. Seriously, it doesn't get much better than this!

I aspire to someday have one of my books become an Okra Pick …. yes you read that right. An Okra Pick. Now Oprah would be awesome, too, but Okra Picks are southern books and that is where my heart is! It was exciting to meet authors that achieved that dream already.

I had the pleasure of introducing William Mangum (great guy, talented artist and awesome speaker) for his session about the ART of Marketing. It was a wonderful segment full of tips and practical to-do's. I took away several ideas and an awesome calendar, too! His coffee table book, NORTH CAROLINA BEAUTIFUL is one that any proud southerner would treasure. The perfect gift. I can't wait to make a trip to his studio in Greensboro, NC and see him paint. Amazing.

Exhausted but blissful on Monday I was ready to head home.

Good thing my car has a big trunk because I came home with lots and lots of books to read. Now the problem is deciding in which order they'll get read! I do know the first is THE BUTTERFLY'S DAUGHTER by Mary Alice Monroe. After that…I may have to do some eenie-meenie-miney's to decide.

Hugs and happy reading~

Nancy

 

Who is reading Sweet Tea and Secrets

Who is reading Sweet Tea and Secrets? Well, the beautiful people….as you can well soo. Here's Gillian doing a little summer reading.

Apple Crisps – bite-size delights

On Sept 9-11, 2011 Emporia, VA hosted the Great Peanut Bike Tour and Ride. For four days cyclists enjoyed the beauty of Virginia and Carolina on a series of rides.

Volunteers throughout the counties provided water/rest stops for the participants. This is the first year I hosted a water/snack stop. My sweet husband went the extra mile to help me prepare. He fogged the area to save us from the crazy number of mosquitoes that have take residence since Hurricane Irene, and even set up a pen with a few bottle baby goats and our 2 month old calf for riders to visit and catch a photo opportunity. My best friend, Pam, drove up from Virginia Beach and helped me meet and greet cyclists from from VA, OH, FL, GA, SC, NC, MD, DC and from up North, too. I struggled with what to serve. You see, this bike ride is known for it's fabulous treats. Everything from fresh watermelon, watermelon pickles, cucumber slices in a variety of dips, tomato sammiches, banana popsicles, home-made ice cream…my goodness I was impressed.

Serving sweet tea was a no-brainer and we went through over 6 gallons of it, along with as many gallons of Gatorade and ice water. I served up trail mix and made home made Apple Crisps with the apples from this years plentiful bounty from the tree out back. I made them using my mini-cupcake pan so they were and convenient handy bite-size snacks.

Here's the recipe — easy and delicious:

You'll need::

FOR THE FILLING

Apples (our tree offers small apples so I used as many as it would take to fill a 9″ pie plate as my guide)

2 tsp lemon juice

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup corn starch

2 cups water

a little shake of salt

cinnamon and nutmeg to taste (start 1/4 tsp each and go from there)

Peel, core and then dice up your apples. These are small tartlets so you'll want your apples in little chunks. Toss the apples in the lemon juice. Then, add the sugar, brown sugar, salt and corn starch and mix.

Bring your water to a boil on the stove top. Add in the apple mixture. Toss in your cinnamon/nutmeg and bring to a boil. Taste and adjust (Yes! One of the best parts!) The mixture will thicken and bubble.

Remove from the heat and set aside.

FOR THE CRUMBLY CRISP CRUST

2 cups oatmeal

2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1 1/2 cups salted butter

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter to mix in the butter until you have a dry crumbly mixture.

NOW YOU'RE READY!

Spray non-stick butter cooking spray in your mini-cupcake pan. Take a heaping spoonful of the crumbly crisp crust mixture and drop into each divet. Now go back and press the mixture to form the crust in each cup.

Spoon the apple mixture into each crust form.

Bake at 350 for about 18-20 minutes. The mixture will be bubbling and the crust golden.

ENJOY … the riders sure gobbled them up!

I made 182…and we had 10 left over…well, until my husband got home and devoured those!  Then, I joined the cyclists over at the campground for a delicious barbecue chicken dinner and banana split bar and signed copies of SWEET TEA AND SECRETS. It was a wonderful day and I made lots of new friends.

Say Yes to the S – Giveaway!

9/9/2011::

Join me over at the Romance at Random website for some September Fun and giveaways. Here's the link Say Yes to the S – Giveaway!. or visit www.RomanceAtRandom because it's always a great place for readers to visit and hear about new books and bookish stuff.

Have a wonderful September morning.

Nancy

Hurricane Irene : A messy guest

I flew back in to the Norfolk International Airport on Sunday night and was back in Southampton County by midnight. My husband had warned me about the trees in the road, but boy was it surreal in the pitch black and so much foilage on the road I wasn't sure I was ON the road at some points.

I idled slowly through the slices the locals had chainsawed just wide enough to get a car through hoping I wouldn't bump into anything or edge off onto the soft shoulder.  My little CTS did just fine but I sure did miss my GMC Canyon 4×4 a lot this week.

Mike took me out on Monday morning to get a picture of what I'd navigated through the night before.

The last picture is of a huge cedar that fell onto the power lines across the street from Mom's house. I'm so happy it wasn't her Magnolia that came crashing down.

We're thankful that other than some inconveniences things are getting back to normal. All the goats did just fine, too. The fire in the Great Dismal Swamp is slogging down and that's a good thing. One more good rain and we might put that behind us.

My thoughts and prayers are with those still without power and who met with true devastation from the unwelcome visitor, Irene.

Hugs and Hasta Lavista, Irene!!

Nancy