M.A. Church's Blog, page 103

Cover Reveal at ARe Cafe: Paws and Claws

This October, ARe Books unleashed eight hot Alpha shifter romances. Enjoy this preview of PAWS AND CLAWS by bestselling author M.A. Church:
As Alpha of one of the most powerful jaguar jamborees around, Grady’s reputation for bloodthirst is more of a help than a hindrance. When Alpha Decker approaches him with a proposal, Grady jumps at the chance to mate with Decker’s Omega brother. Grady doesn’t believe in love but craves having a beautiful, talented partner, so this arrangement is perfect.

When Cade is kidnapped, Grady realizes his love equals his fear that he’ll never get his mate back…



When neither choice is acceptable, then what?
To save his jamboree from obliteration, Omega Cade Decker is forced into a match with the powerful but merciless Grady Williams. While he may be attracted to the big, bad Alpha, and Grady will protect him from a corrupt Alpha jaguar, Cade won’t settle for anything less than the love of his life.


Cover Reveal at ARe Cafe:
http://www.arecafe.com/are-books/cover-reveal-paws-claws-m-church/?utm_content=bufferc0823&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

One Pulse is on the Coming Soon page at Dreamspinner Press!

**release date: Sept 19th**
Buy Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/one-pulse-7577-b

By: Connie Bailey, M.T. Aspen, Jayce Ellis, Sera Kane, Dev Bentham, George Seaton, Renee Stevens, Emery C Walters, Vicktor Alexander, Alicia Nordwell, C.C. Dado, M.A. Church, Troy Storm, Mickie B. Ashling, KC Burn, Jon Keys, John Goode, John Amory, Grace R. Duncan, Felicitas Ivey, Ellis Carrington, Edmond Manning, Chrissy Munder, Caitlin Ricci, Andrea Speed, Elizabeth Noble
Stories drive life. Sometimes life is good; sometimes life is bad. But it’s the nature of our community that in the aftermath of an act of hatred, we respond with love. Because darkness cannot exist in the presence of light. Cruelty cannot stand against compassion. Negativity will never overcome hope.To show our support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we celebrate the triumph of love over every obstacle.

 Titles in the anthology:
Jon Keys—A Single Night
Alicia Nordwell—About Best Friends & Boyfriends
Mickie B. Ashling—Adíos
M.T. Aspen —Asking for Trouble
M.A. Church—Chasing Tyme
Caitlin Ricci—Coming Out
George Seaton—Cucurrucucú
Jayce Ellis—Dance
Bree Cariad—Everyday Miracles
Chrissy Munder—Everything I Need
Ellis Carrington—For the First Time
Felicitas Ivey—Get Me to the Church Town Hall on Time
John Amory—Happy Pride
Grace R. Duncan—Hope
John Goode—Let Them Eat Cake
J. C. Long—Magical Boys Just Wanna Have Fun
Elizabeth Noble—Magicicada
Renee Stevens—More Than a Pact
Troy Storm—One Big Happy… Bunch
Connie Bailey—One Heart at a Time
Dev Bentham—Perfection
Andrea Speed—Pride
Laura Lascarso—Pull
Lila Leigh Hunter—Raffled Kiss
Emery C. Walters—Ranch Dressing
C.C. Dado—Read My Lips
Sera Kane—The Stag's Bane
KC Burn—The Tithe
Vicktor Alexander—The Wooing of the Marqués de Sierra de Outes
Edmond Manning—They Danced

Cover Artist:Paul Richmond
Tags: Genres Contemporary / Ghosts/Spirits / New Adult / Science Fiction / Werewolves/Shapeshifters / Western

Wide Open Spaces by Renee Stevens, A States of Love story - Wyoming

The Jackalope: Myth or RealitySince the Wyoming Jackalope plays a part in Wide Open Spaces, I thought it might be interesting to take a look at the differing opinions on the jackalope. There are so many things that can be said about a jackalope. Some people believe they truly exist, and some people agree that it’s nothing but a myth brought about by a hoax originating in Douglas, Wyoming.  One of the first questionIn 2005, Wyoming legislators named the jackalope, the Mythical Creature of Wyoming. But, the question remains, is that because they are just a myth? Or is it because none of them had ever seen one? What do you think? 

AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER WIDE OPEN SPACES
States of Love - Wyoming
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Maria Fanning
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 35,659 Words
Rating: Adult/Mature


PRE-ORDER NOW
Dreamspinner PressAmazon: US I CA I AU I UK I DEAll RomanceBarnes & NobleKobo



Blurb
Devon fled Wyoming as soon as he turned eighteen, leaving behind his high school love, Levi. After six years in the big city, Devon returns to his hometown. Not much has changed, except that Levi is no longer in the closet. He’s also single and living his dream—managing the local wild horse population. Both of them are very interested in picking up where they left off, but Devon is no more ready to reveal his orientation than he was as a teenager.

No one is going to shove Levi back in the closet—not even Devon. For a relationship to work, they’ll have to put the past behind them and find the courage to face the future as who they really are—a couple in love. But Devon doesn’t know if he’s strong enough. Maybe Levi would be better off without him—and his hang-ups.

States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
Excerpt
Devon sank down on his couch as exhaustion swamped him. Most of it was from moving in, but the change in elevation didn’t help. He’d gotten used to being closer to sea level, so going back to the dry air at over six thousand feet was going to take some getting used to.
Bloody noses had become the norm while he stayed with Blake. Devon didn’t want to deal with them repeatedly and considered getting a humidifier until he managed to acclimate.
He looked around his living room. Boxes were scattered everywhere, and he should be unpacking, but he was too tired. At least he hadn’t had to carry everything in himself. Blake, Travis, and Seth were waiting for him when he pulled into the apartment complex. They shrugged off his objections and insisted they had nothing better to do. Devon appreciated it, but he wasn’t comfortable around them anymore. He managed to be a proper host, but damn, he was glad they left after a couple beers each. They made noise about getting together again soon, but Devon had used getting settled in as an excuse to keep from committing to anything.
He stood and wandered into his small kitchen. He didn’t bother opening the fridge or any of the cupboards. He knew they were empty. His stomach growled, reminding him he hadn’t eaten for a while. Devon dug his keys out of his pocket and headed for the door. He’d get something to eat and then maybe stop at the store to pick up a few staples. Paper plates, sandwich fixings, some chips, and he’d be good for a couple of days. At least it would give him time to get a few things—like pots and pans—unpacked. Then he could do a full grocery shop.
An hour later he was comfortably full from a greasy burger, fries, and a shake. He’d never eaten a lot of fast food, but he had few other options. He headed to Walmart, determined to stick to his list of sandwich stuff and maybe some eggs. Surely he could dig out some pans before the food expired. He headed to the chips first and scanned for the familiar bag of Cheddar and Sour Cream Ruffles. They were his all-time favorite, though he also knew he’d want something else after a day or two. So he grabbed a couple of other bags and headed for the eggs and then the freezer aisle.
Sandwiches and chips would get old fast. He found some frozen breakfast sandwiches he could microwave, tossed them in the cart, and moved on. Frozen lasagna quickly joined the few other items in his cart, followed by some potpies, a few TV dinners, and a bag of chimichangas. So what if he wasn’t sticking to his mental list?
He was more focused on getting groceries for the next few days than on the people around him.
“Devon.”
He froze when a familiar voice spoke his name. He closed his eyes briefly, ducked his head, and steeled himself. He knew it would happen eventually, when he found out Levi still lived there. He thought he’d have more time to prepare. He swallowed—hard—and turned to face the man who had at one time meant everything to him. The man he’d risked being found out for. He lifted his head and gazed into the moss-colored eyes.
“Levi.”
About the Author
Renee Stevens first started writing in her teens but didn’t get serious about being an author until her mid-twenties. Since then she’s written a number of contemporary stories, as well as delved into the paranormal. When not writing, or spending time in the outdoors, Renee can usually be found working on GayAuthors.org in her capacity of Admin, Blog Coordinator, and Anthology Coordinator.
Renee resides in Wyoming with her wonderfully supportive husband and a menagerie of four-legged critters. Making the most of the nearly constant negative temperatures and mounds of snow, Renee spends much of the winter months in hibernation with her laptop, the voices in her head keeping her company while her husband works.
When she needs a break from writing, Renee takes to the sewing machine to design, and make, beautiful quilts. When the snow finally disappears, usually around May or June, Renee can be found in the great-outdoors. She spends her time on the mountain, at the lake, and just anywhere that she can do some camping, take some photos, and ride the four-wheelers with her hubby. Once back at home, it’s back to writing.Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads - Website


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Schedule - More chances to win!!!! 
August 24th: M.A. Church - Nic starrAugust 25th: Grace DuncanAugust 26th: Anna ButlerAugust 27th: David DawsonAugust 28th: Alicia NordwellAugust 29th: Anne BarwellAugust 30th: Antonia AquilanteAugust 31st *RELEASE DAY*: Mann Ramblings - September 1st: Julie Hayes - Elyzabeth M. VaLeySeptember 2nd: Caraway CarterSeptember 3rd: JC WallaceSeptember 4th: Caz PedrosoSeptember 5th: Brynn SteinSeptember 6th: Lila Leigh HunterSeptember 7th: Morticia KnightSeptember 8th: Charley DescoteauxSeptember 9th: Cheryl HeadfordSeptember 10th: Heloise WestSeptember 12th: Foster Bridget Cassidy

Faded Love released - buy links!

Hey, everyone! As of last night I rereleased Faded Love. This is a short story I wrote in 2012 for an anthology centering around scars. I got the rights back when I demanded the rights back for The Harvest: Taken. 
Recently did I decide to do something with it. I haven’t added to the story, but it has been re-edited, which it desperately needed. It also has a new cover, thanks to the wonderful Kris Norris. 



Blurb:People often say that the true perfection of the human form is in its imperfections. 
Obviously those people never lived a life of a model. Perfection is flawless. Desired. Demanded. Superstar model Ashley is living the dream. As one of the top models in the world, anything he desires is at his fingertips. Perfection on the surface hides human flaws, though. The one thing Ashley fears? Commitment. If it isn’t broke, why fix it? He and his lover, Will, have the perfect relationship. Or so Ashley thinks until Will starts pushing for more. 
Then a moment in time shatters the illusion of his perfection, and Ashley finds the very basis of his existence torn. Bruised. Wrecked and destroyed. Scarred. 
A near-fatal car accident leaves Ashley permanently disfigured, his career in a tailspin. Only his lover, Will, has a chance to pull him out of his depression. Can Ashley see there is more to him than just a perfect face? Scars can fade, but true love never will.


 Excerpt:Chapter One It was late evening when Ashley stumbled into his apartment and dropped his bags next to the door. The California shoot had gone well, but the flight back had been a nightmare. He had to jog the length of a concourse, while doing this incognito, and barely made it to the gate on his connecting flight. The damn attendants were closing the doors as he got there. Then they ran into turbulent weather, which his stomach hadn’t appreciated. Plus his in-seat video monitor was malfunctioning and inoperable. Good thing he brought a book. But it did irk him that everyone else could watch movies and TV shows.Ashley lurched to the bedroom and glared at the clock next to the bed. “Shit. I should call Will.” Ashley scrubbed at his face. He was stressed and tired. What he should do was go to bed, but he was too tired to sleep… if that made any sense.He jumped when his cell rang and, recognizing the ringtone, fished it out of his pocket. Should he answer it? He missed Will, but lately things had been tense. He cared for the other man, probably more than anyone else in his life. The sex was good, and they enjoyed each other’s company. Things between them were easy and loose. Open. Ashley liked the hands-off approach they were taking toward their relationship, which was why he couldn’t understand why suddenly Will was pushing for more. It stopped ringing, and he sighed. Standing around staring at his phone certainly wasn’t going to relieve his tension. He could either get drunk then have to sweat the calories off tomorrow, or he could call Will and work off the tension that way. It was a no-brainer. He unlocked his cell and called Will back.

Buy Link: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Faded-Love-M-Church-ebook/dp/B01KR0AMRIARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-fadedlove-2090291-149.htmlSmashwords:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/659768

Author Bio:M.A. Church is a true Southern belle who spent many years in the elementary education sector. Now she spends her days lost in fantasy worlds, arguing with hardheaded aliens on far-off planets, herding her numerous shifters, or trying to tempt her country boys away from their fishing poles. It’s a full time job, but hey, someone’s gotta do it!
When not writing, she’s on the back porch tending to the demanding wildlife around the pond in the backyard. The ducks are very outspoken. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, and they have two grown children.
She was a finalist in the 2013 Rainbow Awards, runner up in the 2015 Rainbow Awards, and is a member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

Author Links:Blog * Twitter * Facebook * The Harvest FB fan page * Goodreads * Amazon* E-mail*

Finicky Friday - Slow-Cooker Pizza Chicken

Slow-Cooker Pizza Chicken
Hey everyone, I thought it would be cool to post some recipes I had found online. I’m going to *try* to do some of these beforehand, but I’m sure there’ll be times I won't. I'm going to call this Finicky Friday. :)

Ingredients
1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 small onion, sliced
2 medium bell peppers, cut into strips
2 cups tomato pasta sauce (from 26 oz jar)
1 package (16 oz) rotini pasta
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz)


Directions
Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker, place chicken. Top with onion and bell peppers. Add pasta sauce.
Cover; cook on Low heat setting 4 to 6 hours.
Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Place pasta on platter. Top with chicken and sauce. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition InformationServing Size: 1 Serving Calories 470 Calories from Fat 120 Total Fat 13g  Saturated Fat 4 1/2g Trans Fat 0g  
Cholesterol 60mg

Betty Crocker

Faded Love repub - Coming Soon

cover by Kris Norris

NOTE: This is a previously published work.
~No buy link as of yet, but it's coming soon. There hasn't been any words added, just a very thorough editing to make it read smoother.

Blurb:

People often say that the true perfection of the human form is in its imperfections.

Obviously those people never lived a life of a model. Perfection is flawless. Desired. Demanded. Superstar model Ashley is living the dream. As one of the top models in the world, anything he desires is at his fingertips. Perfection on the surface hides human flaws, though. The one thing Ashley fears? Commitment. If it isn’t broke, why fix it? He and his lover, Will, have the perfect relationship. Or so Ashley thinks until Will starts pushing for more.

Then a moment in time shatters the illusion of his perfection, and Ashley finds the very basis of his existence torn. Bruised. Wrecked and destroyed. Scarred.

A near-fatal car accident leaves Ashley permanently disfigured, his career into a tailspin. Only his lover, Will, has a chance to pull him out of his depression. Can Ashley see there is more to him than just a perfect face? Scars can fade, but true love never will.

Word Count: 13K

Priest and Pariahs by Mann Ramblings Blog Tour and Giveaway

Priest and Pariahs by Mann Ramblings
Title: Priest and PariahsAuthor: Mann RamblingsSeries: Ship Logs of the Santa Claus, Book ThreeGenre: Gay Romance, Science FictionPublisher: Wayward Ink Publishing

Synopsis – Priest and PariahsShip Logs of the Santa Claus, Book Three
Costa McQuillen is a Pariah, a para-human with tech empathic abilities who has escaped from Earth, where being para-human is illegal—and marks him for extermination. Arrogant and standoffish, Costa is unable to trust anyone, but is willing to risk everyone's safety to reach the planet Omoikane. Buy LinksDon’t miss the discounted release prices on all retailer sites!WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/priest-and-pariahs-by-mann-ramblings/ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-priestandpariahs-2077398-340.htmlAmazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Priest-Pariahs-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B01IQ3WIVG/Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Priest-Pariahs-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B01IQ3WIVG/Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Priest-Pariahs-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B01IQ3WIVG/Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/Priest-Pariahs-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B01IQ3WIVG/
Book TrailerLink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScxJcejqeAIStart with Books One and Two of Ship Logs of the Santa Claus!

The Luxorian FugitiveSergeant Liam Jacks is the security chief of transport vessel, The Santa Claus. He travels the planetary cluster with Marc Danverse, his best friend and captain, seeking to escape his tortured past and find some peace of mind.
Having been through a civil war together, Danverse and Liam are close. Maybe too close....All that changes when mysterious stranger, Hadrian Jamison, an escaped Adonirati, books passage to Alpha Centauri. Can he be trusted? Can the stories of his past be believed?
As Liam’s fascination with Hadrian grows, jealousy threatens to tear apart his friendship with Danverse.
When Hadrian’s owner shows up, Liam is forced to go against orders in order to launch a rescue mission to save him.
The ensuing conflict may be more than any of them expected.

Buy LinksAmazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Luxorian-Fugitive-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B00V6KO1CG/Amazon UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Luxorian-Fugitive-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B00V6KO1CG/Amazon AU:  http://www.amazon.com.au/Luxorian-Fugitive-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B00V6KO1CG/WIP:  http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/the-luxorian-fugitive-by-mann-ramblings/ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theluxorianfugitive-1768560-145.htmlB&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-luxorian-fugitive-mann-ramblings/1121637747?ean=9781925222388

A Cook’s TaleThe trials and tribulations of the crew and passengers of interplanetary transport vessel, The Santa Claus continues in A Cook’s Tale.After a horrific breakup, Erron Murfin is bitter, homeless, and friendless. When the cook’s position on the Santa Claus presents itself, Erron decides to escape his current circumstances and join the crew. On board he reconnects with family friend Gamin Wells, whose own secrets and issues begin to surface upon Erron’s arrival. The least of which is the reason the pair haven’t laid eyes on one another in over twelve years.As Erron settles into his new duties, the men on board take an interest in their newest crew member. Among those intrigued by Erron are polyamorous couple, Barrus and James. Despite Erron’s cautious nature, he’s drawn into a triad relationship with the pair.But there’s something about Gamin…Is Erron too damaged to confront his own feelings?Will his past prevent him from finding what he needs?
Buy LinksWIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/a-cooks-tale-by-mann-ramblings/Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017I26RXG/Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B017I26RXG/Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B017I26RXG/Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/dp/B017I26RXG/ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-acook039stale-1925761-153.htmlB&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-cooks-tale-mann-ramblings/1122908859

GiveawayPrizes: 1 ebook copy – The Luxorian Fugitive; 1 bundle – Books 1 & 2 of Ship Logs of the Santa Clausa Rafflecopter giveaway
Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d3e3d66a90/
About the AuthorLike many gay men, when Mann Ramblings grew up, there weren’t any heroes he could relate to. The world held him back while he tried futilely to hide the real person inside. So much has changed since those hollow days. He finally found his voice, the voice that says it’s all right to revel in the so-called inappropriate joys, laughs, and loves that storm inside a man’s head. It took a long time to find that courage and now that it’s here, he plans to use it well.
While spending years more focused on visual arts, he never let go of his innate passion for storytelling—he wanted to write and draw comic books when he grew up. Once he discovered M/M fiction, a whole new world opened with new possibilities. Why couldn’t you have fantastic and dynamic tales with an M/M cast? He started reading the online tales of authors like, Night Tempest, Rob Colton, and Alicia Nordwell, which only fueled within him the need to create. Eventually he found GayAuthors.org, and with a little coercive nudge from Night Tempest, started sharing his tales with an unexpected level of positive response. That experience and support gave him the courage to cross his fingers and aim for the world of M/M publishing.
Born and raised in Michigan, Mann Ramblings continues to type away, wishing it was practical to use a noisy, old fashioned keyboard that clacks with each strike, if only to annoy his loving partner and spoiled miniature dachshund.
Email: mannramblings@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mannramblings
Twitter: @mannramblings


Tour Schedule
9-Aug The Purple Rose Tea Hosue
Alina Popescu, Writer

10-Aug Rainbow lyrics and mellow mushrooms
Prism Book Alliance

11-Aug Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

12-Aug Drops of Ink

13-Aug Aimee Brissay
Decadent Delights

14-Aug Laz and Lachi Publications

15-Aug Taylin's Blog
Jim's blog

16-Aug Nicki J Markus / Asta Idonea
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

17-Aug MM Good Book Reviews

18-Aug Gay.Guy.Reading and Friends
Full Moon Dreaming

19-Aug CJ Baty Author Blog
Alpha Book Club

20-Aug Bayou Book Junkie
Nature of the Heart

21-Aug Carol Pedroso - Author
Louise Lyons Author

22-Aug Gay Media Reviews
CIa's Stories
EyesOnBooks' Next Favorite Reads




~So tell us about yourself. What got you interested in writing?
I wanted to be comic book artist as a kid but was enough of a control freak to want to tell my own stories, so writing got blended into that process. I tried to write a few novel length stories when I was younger, but didn't have the discipline to finish them. My attention span did allow it. I do have copies of the attempts, though. The stories still float around in my head and may someday get some well earned love.
Writing got put on hold beyond a lot of daydreaming for a long time. I don't even remember how I found Nifty.org and found some real stories amongst the smut. LOL I followed those stories to Literotica and GayAuthors.org. I read M/M stories and it kind of filled a void. I needed to read about the guy who saves the girl and walks off into the sunset with his sidekick. Before long, my own ideas began forming and I wrote my first M/M story, which after some pushing, I posted on GayAuthors. The response was better than I expected and the feedback I received kept me writing. It's a good community to be a part of.
~Do you prefer hot or cold weather and why?
Hot weather, without a doubt. Why? Cold weather brings snow and cold. I don't like wearing many layers of clothing to be comfortable. Because I live in a major college town and it brings out all sorts of attractive men in little clothing. There's a band practice field across from the ceramic studio I spend a lot of time in and the volleyball field connected to it becomes a host to the most lovely, fit men. Somedays it brings a tear to my eye. **sniff**
It takes a lot of self-control not to camp out with a chair, a large thermos filled with dirty martinis, and a pair of binoculars. I can be a little visually motivated at times...
~How do you come up with a title?
It's usually one of the first things I do when I work out the plot. This typically happens before I begin the actual manuscript. Once I have the story's path worked out, I can usually find the major theme or concept to highlight. Usually it connects to a major character whether it's their name or what they represent. I don't struggle too often. On a rare occasion, I enlist help form friends/beta readers to help me brainstorm. So far, I've only done that with one short story. If I write without a title in mind, I tend to get distracted.
~ Who’s your favorite horror villain and why?
Dracula. And I'm referring to the Bram Stoker-esque version before Anne Rice introduced the tragic romantic character. (Before anyone freaks on me, I love her work and Lestat was an amazing character.)
I loved how charming, seductive, and dangerous he was. Vampires of that genre were powerful and infinitely sexual. The bite intrigued me long before I knew what it symbolized. They were cursed monsters reveling in their depravity, but with distinctive weaknesses to exploit. I'd like to read about more vamps like this. The ones who don't hate themselves for their darkness, but embraced it. All the time, retaining their intellect while they hunted the damned people in their vicinity.
I always found them to be the perfect villains.
~ Do you work an evil day job, lol? And if so, how do you find the time to write?
I do! **cry** I also spend a great deal of time making ceramics so finding the time to write can be a bit daunting. It comes down to that whole discipline thing I lacked as a kid. I try to carve out specific time to work on the current WIP, but often find myself sneaking a paragraph or conversation into a manuscript in a slow period at work. (I try not to do that often.)
It doesn't always work as smoothly as I'd like. In the summer, I often slow down due to art fairs I participate in, but I never forget the story I'm working on. It gets done. Maybe not as fast as I'd like, but it gets done. Nothing would make me happier than to make a living as a ceramic artist and author, side by side.

Death to the day job!

Finicky Friday - Asian Pork Burgers With Minted Watermelon

Hey everyone, I thought it would be cool to post some recipes I had found online. I’m going to *try* to do some of these beforehand, but I’m sure there’ll be times I won't. I'm going to call this Finicky Friday. :)
Serves 4Hands-On Time 25 minTotal Time 25 min

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories 627
Fat 33 g
Sat Fat 11 g
Cholesterol 120 mg
Sodium 1,584 mg
Protein 40 g
Carbohydrate 42 g
Sugar 18 g
Fiber 2 g
Iron 4 mg
Calcium 122 mg


INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon canola oil, plus more for the grill
4 cups cut-up seedless watermelon (about 1 pound)
½ English cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced
¼ cup torn fresh mint
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
kosher salt and black pepper
¼ cup ketchup
2 to 3 tablespoons Sriracha or Asian chili-garlic sauce
1 medium onion, cut into 4 slices
1½ pounds ground pork
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, chopped
4 hamburger buns
lettuce, for serving


DIRECTIONS
Heat grill to medium-high. Once it is hot, clean the grill grate with a wire brush. Just before grilling, oil the grill grate.
Toss the watermelon, cucumber, mint, lime juice, 1 tablespoon of the oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl.
Mix together the ketchup and 1 tablespoon of the Sriracha in a small bow.
Rub the onion with the remaining teaspoon of oil.
Gently mix together the pork, soy sauce, garlic, and the remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons of Sriracha with your hands in a large bowl until just combined. Form the mixture into four ½-inch-thick patties.
Grill the onion until 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium. Grill the burgers until cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 145° F, 4 to 6 minutes per side.
Stack the ketchup mixture, lettuce, burgers, and onions between the buns. Serve with the watermelon salad.

By: Charlyne Mattox Real Simple.com

My winner from the Divine’s Summer Blog Hop!

And the winner is...
Sula!


Congrats! You're my winner from the Divine’s Summer Blog Hop. Email has been sent!
~~M

Going to GRL? Want a signed copy of the Harvest print books?

Okay, for those going to GRL, if you want a signed copy of my Harvest books please click on the  link to pre-order:  https://goo.gl/forms/B6rHIqKMPofnHNup2


I’ll sign and bring those with me. I will *not* have copies for sale in Kansas City. This is only for the Harvest print books since my other titles will be with Dreamspinner Press.

Please take note, this is *only* for people going to GRL.