Kate Collins's Blog, page 229
June 3, 2013
CLOSE KNIT KILLER---Released Today!
by Maggie SeftonYay!! CLOSE KNIT KILLER, the next book in my Kelly Flynn Knitting Mystery series, #11, is officially in bookstores and available online today, June 4th.
Kelly and all her Friends are back for another Colorado adventure. And this time there's some additional excitement---aside from a dead body and Kelly's sleuthing efforts to learn "whodunnit." At the end of CLOSE KNIT KILLER, I've included real world drama regarding early Summer events in Northern Colorado last June. A new character is introduced as well. Pete's young 7th grade niece, Cassie, makes her appearance. She's been living a quiet and sheltered life with her grandfather in Denver. Frankly, I was surprised how quickly Cassie fit in with Kelly, Steve, Mimi, Burt, Jayleen, Curt, and all the Gang. :)
I'll be doing book signings in Colorado and other locations this summer, so be sure to check my website for full details. This Saturday, June 8th, I'll be signing at the Lambspun vendor booth at the fun-and-fantastic Wool Market in Estes Park, CO. If you want to see an unbelievable assortment of all things fiber---knitted, crocheted, spun, woven, dyed, felted, whatever---you should treat yourself and come to the Wool Market. It's FREE and located at the Fairgrounds on the edge of Estes Park. I'll be signing from 11:00am to 2:00pm.
I'm also doing something different for this release. I've joined with three other mystery authors who also have June 4th releases. We're offering a variety of prizes including gift cards and free books to the winners of our Word Scramble contest. We each announced the contest on our Facebook author pages today. There's a different Word Scramble for each of us involving our books. The Web link for the Kelly Flynn scramble is http://statictab.com/b3owwwd
Online website links for Amazon and Barnes & Noble are below:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/close-knit-killer-maggie-sefton/1112073460?ean=9780425258392
http://www.amazon.com/Close-Knit-Killer-Knitting-Mystery/dp/0425258394/ref=sr_1_1s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369753132&sr=1-1&keywords=Maggie+Sefton
Meanwhile, you can keep track of what I'm up to on Facebook and here on the Cozy Chicks Blog. I hope you give Kelly and Friends a try. Let me know if you do. :)
June 2, 2013
The Self-Love Challenge
I listened to an interesting webinar today about how to live a more fulfilling, productive life. One of the main themes was self-love, or rather a lack thereof, and how that keeps us from leading a purposeful life.The speaker issued a challenge that she herself had accepted. She had found that it changed her whole perspective of not just herself but also of others. She said a lot of our resentment or judgement of others was due to not feeling good about ourselves.
So here's the challenge. Tomorrow, either morning or night, write down 5 things you love about yourself. She said she had a hard time coming up with 5 things the first time and not to give up. But here's where it gets tougher. Each day you have to write 5 more things, all new.
Think about it. You might be able to find 5 things you like about yourself at first, but can you do that every day? Yes! You know why? Because you'll be forced to act in a way that will make you proud of yourself. You'll be looking for things to put on your list, so you'll be looking for ways to be more kind or friendly or helpful, or just to stand up for yourself.
I think it will work. I'm willing to try it for a week to see if it changes my outlook, which hasn't always been the cheeriest since my husband passed away.
I'd love for you to join me. I'll write a follow-up blog next week to report back on what happened and whether it changed anything in my life. I hope you'll have something to report back, too, even if you try it for only a few days. It'll be fun!
See you next week. May it be full of love.
June 1, 2013
I Need a Hardhat!
by Leann
It's been tough getting concrete poured during a rainy South Carolina spring. But even Mother Nature gives us a little break and time enough to get the "footers" poured on our lot. I didn't know what footers were until now! But those white tracks of concrete in this picture to the right are the outline of our soon to be house! After they dug the basement hole they had to come back 3 times and fix the dirt that had slid down the sides. (Frustrating? Um, YES!)
With the footers in place we can move on to the cement block foundation. Looks like a lot of blocks to me!
Each block has a hole in the center and after it is put in place, rebar is added for reinforcement and then the hole is filled with more concrete. Makes for a sturdy foundation!
What I was delighted to see was the path of the driveway, the woods that
will surround us and most of all the beautiful view we will have once the house is finished. What I was not delighted by this weekend was the weather forecast. More rain coming. But compared to the tragedy in Oklahoma and the Midwest, we are fortunate indeed.
What do you think of our property? Nice, huh?
It's been tough getting concrete poured during a rainy South Carolina spring. But even Mother Nature gives us a little break and time enough to get the "footers" poured on our lot. I didn't know what footers were until now! But those white tracks of concrete in this picture to the right are the outline of our soon to be house! After they dug the basement hole they had to come back 3 times and fix the dirt that had slid down the sides. (Frustrating? Um, YES!)With the footers in place we can move on to the cement block foundation. Looks like a lot of blocks to me!
Each block has a hole in the center and after it is put in place, rebar is added for reinforcement and then the hole is filled with more concrete. Makes for a sturdy foundation!
What I was delighted to see was the path of the driveway, the woods that
will surround us and most of all the beautiful view we will have once the house is finished. What I was not delighted by this weekend was the weather forecast. More rain coming. But compared to the tragedy in Oklahoma and the Midwest, we are fortunate indeed.
What do you think of our property? Nice, huh?
May 31, 2013
Delicious Orange Almond Cake (and it's gluten-free!)
by Lucy ArlingtonLast month I posted a recipe for gluten-free muffins that used ground almonds (also called almond flour) instead of wheat flour. The response to that recipe was very positive, and some of our cozy mystery fans requested another gluten-free recipe. Here’s one for a cake that is scrumptious, easy to make, always a hit with everyone (not just those who are gluten sensitive), and did I mention it is scrumptious?
Important to note: You have to boil the oranges ahead of time so they are cool when you make the batter. (Yes, boil them!) Start the oranges about two hours before you want to actually bake the cake. Orange Almond Cake
2 oranges: wash and boil whole for 1 1/2 hours till soft, then cool (I used 3 small seedless clementines in mine because they were so tiny)
5 large eggs
1 cup sugar
2 cups almond meal
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup dried dried cherries (optional)
Line an 8-inch round or square pan with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 375.
Grind oranges in food processor. Add the other ingredients (not the cherries).
Fold in dried cherries if using.
Bake at 375 for about 45-50 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool 2 hours in pan and then remove.
Note: Tastes great plain, but it makes a wonderful dessert with a dollop of whipped cream.Another note: Dried cherries in the cake are delicious. They plump up while baking, and the combination of the tart cherries with the flavour of the oranges is divine.
It's a BIG deal! Murder is Binding for Sale TODAY ONLY!
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
I've been an "indie" author since 2009 when I got the rights back to my first novel MURDER ON THE MIND and published it on Amazon for Kindle. Later, other distributors arrived (Smashwords, Nook, iTunes, Sony, etc.) and as e readers became more prevalent, indie authors had a new way to market their books. They tried different pricing levels and found a sweet spot that worked for them.
For me, putting Murder on the Mind free (and it's still is for all e formats) finally helped the series find its audience. I tried to convince my editor that doing the same thing would help my Booktown series.
You could hear the crickets in the background.
But that was more than a year ago. FINALLY New York publishers are experimenting. Just not going crazy and offering something free -- for even a day.
But for JUST TODAY, and ONLY for NOOK, Penguin has lowered the price of Murder is Binding to $2.99 down from (the outrageous price of) $7.99 for the ebook.
What can this do? It might help the series find a whole new audience.
If you haven't already read MURDER IS BINDING this $2.99 Nook sweet spot might help you decide if you'd like to try to other books in the series.
But the price is ONLY good for today.
I hope you'll give Tricia, Angelica, Miss Marple, Ginny, Mr. Everett and all the rest of Stoneham, NH a try. (You might like it!)
I've been an "indie" author since 2009 when I got the rights back to my first novel MURDER ON THE MIND and published it on Amazon for Kindle. Later, other distributors arrived (Smashwords, Nook, iTunes, Sony, etc.) and as e readers became more prevalent, indie authors had a new way to market their books. They tried different pricing levels and found a sweet spot that worked for them.For me, putting Murder on the Mind free (and it's still is for all e formats) finally helped the series find its audience. I tried to convince my editor that doing the same thing would help my Booktown series.
You could hear the crickets in the background.
But that was more than a year ago. FINALLY New York publishers are experimenting. Just not going crazy and offering something free -- for even a day. But for JUST TODAY, and ONLY for NOOK, Penguin has lowered the price of Murder is Binding to $2.99 down from (the outrageous price of) $7.99 for the ebook.
What can this do? It might help the series find a whole new audience.
If you haven't already read MURDER IS BINDING this $2.99 Nook sweet spot might help you decide if you'd like to try to other books in the series.But the price is ONLY good for today.
I hope you'll give Tricia, Angelica, Miss Marple, Ginny, Mr. Everett and all the rest of Stoneham, NH a try. (You might like it!)
May 29, 2013
Not so cozy...
by Julie Hyzy
Exciting news!
About five years ago, another author, Michael A. Black, and I wrote a book together. It came out the same time as State of the Onion , but where that first White House Chef mystery i a cozy, the book I wrote with Mike is absolutely not.
Dead Ringer marked the fourth book in Mike's Ron Shade, private investigator series, and the third in my Alex St. James mystery series (after Deadly Blessings and Deadly Interest ).
Both protagonists are based in Chicago, and Mike and I were in the same writing group at the time, so we started to write this book for fun. As we moved forward, we realized that it might actually, really, kinda turn out well. And I like to think it did.
Five years ago, it was published in hardcover and distributed mostly to libraries (if you're interested, check to see if your library carries it), but now -- finally -- it's been re-released as an e-book from Crossroad Press!
**If you're put off by coarse language or grim themes, you may want to avoid this book, but I think it's fun and exciting.**
Would I ever collaborate again? Not sure. The process certainly had unique challenges. But I'm very happy with how Dead Ringer turned out and I hope you are, too.
Alex was my first series protagonist and I think she's pretty cool.
Have you read any of the Deadlies?
Exciting news!
About five years ago, another author, Michael A. Black, and I wrote a book together. It came out the same time as State of the Onion , but where that first White House Chef mystery i a cozy, the book I wrote with Mike is absolutely not.
Dead Ringer marked the fourth book in Mike's Ron Shade, private investigator series, and the third in my Alex St. James mystery series (after Deadly Blessings and Deadly Interest ).
Both protagonists are based in Chicago, and Mike and I were in the same writing group at the time, so we started to write this book for fun. As we moved forward, we realized that it might actually, really, kinda turn out well. And I like to think it did.
Five years ago, it was published in hardcover and distributed mostly to libraries (if you're interested, check to see if your library carries it), but now -- finally -- it's been re-released as an e-book from Crossroad Press!
**If you're put off by coarse language or grim themes, you may want to avoid this book, but I think it's fun and exciting.**
Would I ever collaborate again? Not sure. The process certainly had unique challenges. But I'm very happy with how Dead Ringer turned out and I hope you are, too.
Alex was my first series protagonist and I think she's pretty cool.
Have you read any of the Deadlies?
May 28, 2013
Reading Burnout? Oh, No! What To Do?
by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed
I’m in serious adult fiction burnout. This is an anomaly in my world. What the heck happened?
It might be because I’m juggling three series and two of them are in critical attention stages. Whatever, the case, it happened and so I have this stack of them and I page through and can’t get excited. I know my passion will return, but I have to read every day. Or I’ll just up and die.
A friend who is a librarian and bookstore owner came up with a treatment plan. She reintroduced me
to middle school stories. I’d worked for a library myself at one time and had led a group of twelvish year olds in a summer book discussion. To prep for it, I read a massive amount of books for that age level. And have to tell you, I loved them. Those stories always carry strong themes.
So this week, I overloaded my arms with books and have sunk into nirvana.
Two of my favorites from the book club were Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli and The Giver by Lois Lowry. The rest of her trilogy - Gathering Blue and Messenger - are on my TBR pile. I’ve just finished When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead and highly recommend it.
More recommendations, please. What should I read next?
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BTW, once upon a time I wrote a middle-school story called Cave of Memories . It’s available as an ebook in all eformats, if you are interested. Maybe I should try to fit in time to write another. Someday…..
I’m in serious adult fiction burnout. This is an anomaly in my world. What the heck happened?
It might be because I’m juggling three series and two of them are in critical attention stages. Whatever, the case, it happened and so I have this stack of them and I page through and can’t get excited. I know my passion will return, but I have to read every day. Or I’ll just up and die.
A friend who is a librarian and bookstore owner came up with a treatment plan. She reintroduced me to middle school stories. I’d worked for a library myself at one time and had led a group of twelvish year olds in a summer book discussion. To prep for it, I read a massive amount of books for that age level. And have to tell you, I loved them. Those stories always carry strong themes.
So this week, I overloaded my arms with books and have sunk into nirvana.
Two of my favorites from the book club were Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli and The Giver by Lois Lowry. The rest of her trilogy - Gathering Blue and Messenger - are on my TBR pile. I’ve just finished When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead and highly recommend it.
More recommendations, please. What should I read next?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BTW, once upon a time I wrote a middle-school story called Cave of Memories . It’s available as an ebook in all eformats, if you are interested. Maybe I should try to fit in time to write another. Someday…..
May 27, 2013
Flowers, Flowers. . .and a New Book
by Maggie Sefton
I just spent the entire 3-day Memorial Day weekend in garden shops and planting, shopping for flowers and digging in the dirt. Happiness! I adore colors, so my annual spring planting is a joyous experience as well as a LOT of hard work. But I love driving up to my house and seeing all the bright colors in my big flower pots and planters all over. And when I'm relaxing on my backyard patio in my comfy chaise lounge reading, I have to have big pots of colorful annuals hanging from the wrought iron hooks surrounding my patio and lined up along the sides. It helps me relax better. . .honest!
These are not my photos, but they are good examples of some of my favorites. The small purple petunias or pansy-petunia combinations which make thick, lush hanging plants. And who can resist those bright impatiens clustered together? Ooooooo, I also found a gorgeous fire-engine red vining begonia. Scrumptious. And some new variety of fluffly pink petunia with two colors. I even fixed a small rectangular plantar filled with varieties of lettuce. I got the idea from my next door neighbor, Ann. And I'm a big consumer of fresh spinach. So when I saw her planter filled with lettuce varieties, I decided to give it a try.
I don't know about you, but I like to dig in the dirt with my bare hands. I take my rings off and have at it. Needless to say, I had to wash my hands and clean my nails whenever I came in for lunch or dinner. Perfect timing too. Tomorrow, I'm going in for my manicure. :) Today---I spent the entire day planting. We have beautiful late Spring weather here in Colorado---mid-80s all last week and into this week. And that old Colorado staple---bright sunshine. I swear. . .the weather here spoils you rotten.
Oh. . .and the reference to a new book in the title? Why, the next Kelly Flynn Knitting Mystery, of course! CLOSE KNIT KILLER, the 11th in the series, will be available next Tuesday, June 4th, in bookstores and online. I'll have more details in next Tuesday's post.
Meanwhile. . .back to the flowers. Did any of you spend part of this weekend planting? Flowers? Veggies? Shrubs? Something new?
I just spent the entire 3-day Memorial Day weekend in garden shops and planting, shopping for flowers and digging in the dirt. Happiness! I adore colors, so my annual spring planting is a joyous experience as well as a LOT of hard work. But I love driving up to my house and seeing all the bright colors in my big flower pots and planters all over. And when I'm relaxing on my backyard patio in my comfy chaise lounge reading, I have to have big pots of colorful annuals hanging from the wrought iron hooks surrounding my patio and lined up along the sides. It helps me relax better. . .honest!
These are not my photos, but they are good examples of some of my favorites. The small purple petunias or pansy-petunia combinations which make thick, lush hanging plants. And who can resist those bright impatiens clustered together? Ooooooo, I also found a gorgeous fire-engine red vining begonia. Scrumptious. And some new variety of fluffly pink petunia with two colors. I even fixed a small rectangular plantar filled with varieties of lettuce. I got the idea from my next door neighbor, Ann. And I'm a big consumer of fresh spinach. So when I saw her planter filled with lettuce varieties, I decided to give it a try. 
I don't know about you, but I like to dig in the dirt with my bare hands. I take my rings off and have at it. Needless to say, I had to wash my hands and clean my nails whenever I came in for lunch or dinner. Perfect timing too. Tomorrow, I'm going in for my manicure. :) Today---I spent the entire day planting. We have beautiful late Spring weather here in Colorado---mid-80s all last week and into this week. And that old Colorado staple---bright sunshine. I swear. . .the weather here spoils you rotten. Oh. . .and the reference to a new book in the title? Why, the next Kelly Flynn Knitting Mystery, of course! CLOSE KNIT KILLER, the 11th in the series, will be available next Tuesday, June 4th, in bookstores and online. I'll have more details in next Tuesday's post.
Meanwhile. . .back to the flowers. Did any of you spend part of this weekend planting? Flowers? Veggies? Shrubs? Something new?
May 26, 2013
Nutrition Classes Taught by . . . Are You Kidding Me?
by Kate CollinsThis is something you should know. I just read an interesting -- no, make that disturbing -- article about a report entitled: And Now a Word from Our Sponsors... Are America’s Nutrition Professionals in the Pocket of Big Food?
In the article I discovered that giant food corporations like Kraft, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestle, and General Mills are teaching courses on nutrition to our registered dietitians, with the blessings of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
It's scary because the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics represent 74,000 of the nation’s health professionals whose job it is to help Americans to eat right. At each annual meeting, as many as 13,000 registered dietitians are in attendance.
“Some have been in the profession for a while. Some are students – young and impressionable. This is a huge meeting that happens every single year, where these companies get to show off their latest, slightly-better-for-you junk food, and teach these RDs [about nutrition],” she says.
One such course is about the benefits of aspartame, a known dangerous food. So when the largest junk food manufacturers on the planet are the ones teaching dietitians about nutrition and what makes for a healthy diet, you know we're in trouble.
And when people write articles and blogs about this subject, they can face legal action from the Academy, who do not want this information to get out.
The good news is that in the wake of Michele's report, a group of RDs have formed an organization called Dietitians for Professional Integrity, aimed at pushing for more transparency and independence from industry.
So next time you get advice from a dietitian, you might want to ask where she or he is getting the information.
If you'd like to learn more, here's a helpful link: http://tinyurl.com/ofm7vq3
May 25, 2013
Did Your Favorite Show Get Cancelled?
by Leann
Season finales are all but over (except for The Voice) and the list of shows that didn't make it have been released. Usually, I'm fine with something I have no control over and it's no big deal, but one cancellation bothered me. Body of Proof.
I admit I am a crime show junkie, but this cancellation bothered me because the heroine wasn't all that "likeable." She was a medical examiner and very flawed--but strong and always seeking the truth. Female characters like that just don't seem to do well on network TV. The Closer--another of my favorite programs that is gone--also had a complex female lead and did very well. But that was cable, not ABC. Seems like games shows, bachelors and night time soap opera fare is what does well on that network.
I do know that I am leaning more toward cable for shows that are "must see TV" for me. Royal Pains, Suits, Covert Affairs, Rizzoli and Isles, Perception--cannot wait for those seasons to start. And one of my favorites will be back this Monday--The Glades on A&E. Now that's a charming hero--and not bad to look at, either. :-)
What about you? Are you bothered by a cancellation for this past TV season? Do you feel like the networks only look for programs that appeal to an age demographic you do NOT fit into? (Like moi!!)
Season finales are all but over (except for The Voice) and the list of shows that didn't make it have been released. Usually, I'm fine with something I have no control over and it's no big deal, but one cancellation bothered me. Body of Proof.
I admit I am a crime show junkie, but this cancellation bothered me because the heroine wasn't all that "likeable." She was a medical examiner and very flawed--but strong and always seeking the truth. Female characters like that just don't seem to do well on network TV. The Closer--another of my favorite programs that is gone--also had a complex female lead and did very well. But that was cable, not ABC. Seems like games shows, bachelors and night time soap opera fare is what does well on that network.
I do know that I am leaning more toward cable for shows that are "must see TV" for me. Royal Pains, Suits, Covert Affairs, Rizzoli and Isles, Perception--cannot wait for those seasons to start. And one of my favorites will be back this Monday--The Glades on A&E. Now that's a charming hero--and not bad to look at, either. :-)What about you? Are you bothered by a cancellation for this past TV season? Do you feel like the networks only look for programs that appeal to an age demographic you do NOT fit into? (Like moi!!)
