Kate Collins's Blog, page 44
January 25, 2019
Tidying Up
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
Last winter, I started watching decluttering videos on YouTube and I did a major decluttering in a couple of areas of my home. I reorganized our "supply" closet in Mr. L's office and it had pretty much stayed organized. I did a purge on my office closet, but somehow it's back to square one--as is the rest of my office. It's time to do another purge.
So, where did I turn to? Yup, YouTube. Only this time, I'm consulting the queen of tidying, Marie Kondo. This diminutive Japanese lady has written several books on the subject, including The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I haven't yet read it, but I've got it on order and it should arrive next week.
Ms. Kondo advises you to start your purge with your clothes. I did that, too, last January, and managed to weed out a big box of stuff but the closet is still bulging. Mostly with things I THINK I might wear. I bought a dress (yes, me--who hasn't worn one in at least 20 years) to go on a cruise and paid retail. (I know! A shock.) Never wore it. I've got that tight little black cocktail dress I wore to a wedding 30 years ago and can't seem to part with because -- hey, I once was that size. (Ah, the memories...mostly of feeling starved.)
One thing I have not done as I examined each item was ask myself if the item brings me joy. Hmm. I haven't experienced joy all that many times, so this is a tough question to ask. Does the little blue teddy bear that has sat on or near my desk for the past twenty years bring me joy? No. But my mother gave him to me (his name is Roger), and he pleases me. How about that icky tasting chapstick on my desk? It definitely doesn't bring me joy, but it gets the job done. Do I really need a planter filled with a gazillion pens, pencils, markets, fans, and at least four pairs of scissors on my desk? Well, yes. I am constantly losing my pens, fans, and scissors. Having more than one pair at hand may not bring me joy, but it's a lot less frustrating to know if I want a pair of scissors, I won't have to go hunting for them.
So I will read Ms. Kondo's book and I will try to embrace her ways (I think I could really get into her method of folding T-shirts). It's going to be a journey. I'll keep you posted along the way.
Have you embrased the life changing magic of tidying up?
Last winter, I started watching decluttering videos on YouTube and I did a major decluttering in a couple of areas of my home. I reorganized our "supply" closet in Mr. L's office and it had pretty much stayed organized. I did a purge on my office closet, but somehow it's back to square one--as is the rest of my office. It's time to do another purge.
So, where did I turn to? Yup, YouTube. Only this time, I'm consulting the queen of tidying, Marie Kondo. This diminutive Japanese lady has written several books on the subject, including The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I haven't yet read it, but I've got it on order and it should arrive next week.Ms. Kondo advises you to start your purge with your clothes. I did that, too, last January, and managed to weed out a big box of stuff but the closet is still bulging. Mostly with things I THINK I might wear. I bought a dress (yes, me--who hasn't worn one in at least 20 years) to go on a cruise and paid retail. (I know! A shock.) Never wore it. I've got that tight little black cocktail dress I wore to a wedding 30 years ago and can't seem to part with because -- hey, I once was that size. (Ah, the memories...mostly of feeling starved.)
One thing I have not done as I examined each item was ask myself if the item brings me joy. Hmm. I haven't experienced joy all that many times, so this is a tough question to ask. Does the little blue teddy bear that has sat on or near my desk for the past twenty years bring me joy? No. But my mother gave him to me (his name is Roger), and he pleases me. How about that icky tasting chapstick on my desk? It definitely doesn't bring me joy, but it gets the job done. Do I really need a planter filled with a gazillion pens, pencils, markets, fans, and at least four pairs of scissors on my desk? Well, yes. I am constantly losing my pens, fans, and scissors. Having more than one pair at hand may not bring me joy, but it's a lot less frustrating to know if I want a pair of scissors, I won't have to go hunting for them.
So I will read Ms. Kondo's book and I will try to embrace her ways (I think I could really get into her method of folding T-shirts). It's going to be a journey. I'll keep you posted along the way.
Have you embrased the life changing magic of tidying up?
January 23, 2019
Trees and Character Development
by Karen Rose Smith
The other day I was sitting in our car in the parking lot of a nearby shopping complex, waiting for my husband to do a quick in-and-out errand. I put down my phone for a bit and just observed the comings and goings--delivery trucks, store fronts, people scurrying in and out of stores, cars coming and going. Then my attention focused on the landscape--melting snow, shrubbery, trees devoid of their leaves.
As I scanned the parking lot, I was struck by the multitude of shapes displayed among the trees. While they are beautiful with their summer foliage, the structure that is revealed without their foliage is also striking. Each variety of tree sported a different wooden structure. Some had short trunks with branches suddenly spreading in all directions. Other were tall and stately with branches balancing their height. Others displayed a fan-like array of limbs. Some were geometrically even, other were less symmetrical...probably the result of human trimming. All of these attributes are hidden by foliage much of the year.
While I was engaged in my arbor study, I was suddenly struck at how similar tress were to the way I develop characters for my books. Before I worry about their eye color, hair length, complexion, clothing choices, even occupations, I need to develop a much more important layer of their makeup. Just like the underlying structure of trees that are hidden by leaves, characters need a structure that is much more important than the outer layer we see when we first meet them. What is their familial background? What kind of childhood did they have? What traumatic events have shaped the person that they are? Are they guilt-ridden? Are they kind? Are they fun to be around? All the things that are the soul of a person need to be developed before their physical appearance.
And while I'm writing, it is so important not to let this background information fall by the wayside. This is the stuff that gives birth to conflict and drives an emotional story.
Outward appearance can enhance inner qualities. As a writer, I have to use one to show the other. Hopefully this will give my readers characters to fall in love with, to become friends with and identify with.
What is your favorite all-time character in any book you ever read?
The other day I was sitting in our car in the parking lot of a nearby shopping complex, waiting for my husband to do a quick in-and-out errand. I put down my phone for a bit and just observed the comings and goings--delivery trucks, store fronts, people scurrying in and out of stores, cars coming and going. Then my attention focused on the landscape--melting snow, shrubbery, trees devoid of their leaves.
As I scanned the parking lot, I was struck by the multitude of shapes displayed among the trees. While they are beautiful with their summer foliage, the structure that is revealed without their foliage is also striking. Each variety of tree sported a different wooden structure. Some had short trunks with branches suddenly spreading in all directions. Other were tall and stately with branches balancing their height. Others displayed a fan-like array of limbs. Some were geometrically even, other were less symmetrical...probably the result of human trimming. All of these attributes are hidden by foliage much of the year. 
While I was engaged in my arbor study, I was suddenly struck at how similar tress were to the way I develop characters for my books. Before I worry about their eye color, hair length, complexion, clothing choices, even occupations, I need to develop a much more important layer of their makeup. Just like the underlying structure of trees that are hidden by leaves, characters need a structure that is much more important than the outer layer we see when we first meet them. What is their familial background? What kind of childhood did they have? What traumatic events have shaped the person that they are? Are they guilt-ridden? Are they kind? Are they fun to be around? All the things that are the soul of a person need to be developed before their physical appearance. 
And while I'm writing, it is so important not to let this background information fall by the wayside. This is the stuff that gives birth to conflict and drives an emotional story. Outward appearance can enhance inner qualities. As a writer, I have to use one to show the other. Hopefully this will give my readers characters to fall in love with, to become friends with and identify with.
What is your favorite all-time character in any book you ever read?Winter...yippeeeee...maybe.
Winter...love it or hate it? Here’s a little pep-talk if the winter is getting you down.Duffy Brown here. Okay, I’m kind of on the fence on this one. I know winter is cold and messy but when it snows it’s so pretty...if you don’t have to get out there and shovel your car out of a parking space to get home.
And of course there’s the traffic mess and waiting on mass-transit to get home and freezing your backside off and the dirt! Oh yes, once that lovely snow starts to melt there are messy puddles and gross black stuff everywhere getting on my coat and boots.But what about the clothes? There are some really terrific winter clothes. I love my “duck” boots that keep me warm, are waterproof and look cute! Anything that makes my size 9 ½s look cute is great by me. 
And the winter coats. Such great coats and the scarves. Nothing is more fun than a bright scarf to perk up an outfit and the coats and scarves do a great job on hiding those five pounds I put on over Christmas. Blast those Christmas cookies!
What about the sports?? Are you into skiing? Do you go sledding with the kids? Sledding by yourself? Build that snowman? And the food! Okay you got to admit winter food is totally yummy. Stew, soups, chili, baking, hot chocolate...you don’t do hot chocolate in the summer... hot rum punch, hot cider, warm cookies in you cold hands. These are all really amazing.
So what do you think? Is winter looking better to you now that I’ve given you a winter pep talk or are back to dreaming of a summer vacation and planning your flower garden as soon as the last frost fades away?
January 21, 2019
Winter Memories
[image error]
by Maggie Sefton
No, I was not going to post a photo of my Ancient Winter Coast.
You'd all fall off your chairs laughing. Instead, I'm posting a
photo of my grandchildren who arrived in our family when
daughter Maria married husband, John, last year. They'd just
made a batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies and were anxiously
waiting for them to bake.
Forgive me for stating the obvious. But for me---someone who does NOT like cold
weather---Winter is a season I have to get ready for. Bringing out the winter sweaters, pants, layered and warmer tops. Digging into the closet and pulling out Winter jackets to start, then eventually, my thick, bulky, and the totally unfashionable Winter Coat.
Talk about a survivor. That old Winter Coat is so old, I can't even remember exactly what year I bought it. I know it was at least two decades ago, maybe more. Yes, I said that right. Over two decades. I remember buying it because our family was going up into the beautiful Colorado Rockies to a ski resort and stay a few days. Keystone resort. That was always a favorite of our family---husband, four daughters, and moi. Keystone was definitely Family Friendly, and had wonderful accommodations of every level.
There were also great ski lodges where skiers and families could use as a base in between skiing down one of the several picturesque ski runs. Since my husband and I were not good skiers, we quickly adopted our own version of a "family ski vacation." He and I would sit in comfortable chairs in the ski lodge beside an oversize fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book. I must admit, we found that much more satisfying then flying down a steep hill praying we wouldn't run into a tree or break a leg. Instead, we stayed inside the ski lodge, safe and warm, and welcomed our four daughters as they individually straggled in from the slopes, eyelashes plastered to their faces with snow residue. :) At lunchtime, we'd all gather and have a yummy meal before the kids would venture forth again.
I'm sure some of you are wagging your heads, thinking that we missed being at a wonderful ski resort entirely. Au contraire, my friends. We created our own version of a Ski Resort Vacation and loved it. Enjoy Winter, Everyone!
No, I was not going to post a photo of my Ancient Winter Coast.
You'd all fall off your chairs laughing. Instead, I'm posting a
photo of my grandchildren who arrived in our family when
daughter Maria married husband, John, last year. They'd just
made a batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies and were anxiously
waiting for them to bake.
Forgive me for stating the obvious. But for me---someone who does NOT like cold
weather---Winter is a season I have to get ready for. Bringing out the winter sweaters, pants, layered and warmer tops. Digging into the closet and pulling out Winter jackets to start, then eventually, my thick, bulky, and the totally unfashionable Winter Coat.
Talk about a survivor. That old Winter Coat is so old, I can't even remember exactly what year I bought it. I know it was at least two decades ago, maybe more. Yes, I said that right. Over two decades. I remember buying it because our family was going up into the beautiful Colorado Rockies to a ski resort and stay a few days. Keystone resort. That was always a favorite of our family---husband, four daughters, and moi. Keystone was definitely Family Friendly, and had wonderful accommodations of every level.
There were also great ski lodges where skiers and families could use as a base in between skiing down one of the several picturesque ski runs. Since my husband and I were not good skiers, we quickly adopted our own version of a "family ski vacation." He and I would sit in comfortable chairs in the ski lodge beside an oversize fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book. I must admit, we found that much more satisfying then flying down a steep hill praying we wouldn't run into a tree or break a leg. Instead, we stayed inside the ski lodge, safe and warm, and welcomed our four daughters as they individually straggled in from the slopes, eyelashes plastered to their faces with snow residue. :) At lunchtime, we'd all gather and have a yummy meal before the kids would venture forth again.
I'm sure some of you are wagging your heads, thinking that we missed being at a wonderful ski resort entirely. Au contraire, my friends. We created our own version of a Ski Resort Vacation and loved it. Enjoy Winter, Everyone!
January 20, 2019
LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR (YOU FILL IN THE BLANK)
By Mary Kennedy
A group of my friends were sitting around talking and the topic was "life is too short." We all began chiming in with our personal take on the brevity of life and why we should ignore/let go of petty annoyances. Or even major ones, for that matter!
Here are a few we came up with--and I bet you have some to add to the list. If you're wondering why I added ocean photos to this blog it's because I find the ocean so peaceful. It's easy to let go of worry and anxiety when I'm on the balcony of the Ft. Lauderdale condo. As you can see from the photo above, the ocean is just a few steps away, all I have to do is step out onto the sand.
Here's how some of us filled in the blank. Life is too short for---
Dealing with jerks
Dealing with people who are idiots
Worrying about the future, it's probably out of our control
Regretting the past, what's done is done.
Letting one bad experience ruin our day
Letting anything ruin our day (we may not have another!)
Giving unsolicited advice
Taking unsolicited advice
Not speaking up when something really important is at stake
Taking our time here for granted. We are only visitors on this planet.
Ignoring people who are kind to us
Neglecting our friendships
Holding grudges.
How about you? Would you like to add to the list?
Hope the new year is turning out well for everyone!
Mary Kennedy
A group of my friends were sitting around talking and the topic was "life is too short." We all began chiming in with our personal take on the brevity of life and why we should ignore/let go of petty annoyances. Or even major ones, for that matter!
Here are a few we came up with--and I bet you have some to add to the list. If you're wondering why I added ocean photos to this blog it's because I find the ocean so peaceful. It's easy to let go of worry and anxiety when I'm on the balcony of the Ft. Lauderdale condo. As you can see from the photo above, the ocean is just a few steps away, all I have to do is step out onto the sand.
Here's how some of us filled in the blank. Life is too short for---
Dealing with jerks
Dealing with people who are idiots
Worrying about the future, it's probably out of our control
Regretting the past, what's done is done.
Letting one bad experience ruin our day
Letting anything ruin our day (we may not have another!)
Giving unsolicited advice
Taking unsolicited advice
Not speaking up when something really important is at stake
Taking our time here for granted. We are only visitors on this planet.
Ignoring people who are kind to us
Neglecting our friendships
Holding grudges.
How about you? Would you like to add to the list?
Hope the new year is turning out well for everyone!
Mary Kennedy
January 18, 2019
Does everybody have a coffee station?
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
Not my cocoa stationDuring December, I watched (well, they were playing while I did other things) over 100 entries in the $5 Goodwill Challenge 2018 Christmas Edition on Youtube. An awful lot of these vloggers made hot cocoa stations or did an overhaul of their coffee/tea stations.
Since when does everybody have coffee stations? Okay, our coffee maker lives by the sink and the GFI plug. I don't drink coffee, but I make a pot every morning for Mr. L. My electric kettle lives on the opposite side of the counter because that's where that plug is. You can't plug both coffee pot and tea kettle in the same plug or they trip the circuit so that's why they live apart. Mr. L's coffee and filters live in the cupboard above the stove and my tea bags and teapot live near the kettle.
Not my coffee stationNow I will admit that cocoa stations can be incredibly cute. But Mr. L and I don't have a lot of visitors and I can count on one hand how many mugs of cocoa I drink in any given year. Not that I don't like cocoa, but it has a lot more calories in it than a cuppa tea does ... so tea is my daytime drink of choice.
Until recently, I only had one glass jar to hold my tea. Most of the time I make a pot of tea and use Typhoo teabags. If I want to make just a mug of tea, I use a Red Rose teabag. Mr. L gave me a box of Red Rose orange pekeo teabags and they're now living in a smaller glass jar. I've had the little ceramic teabag holder since I got married (Mr. L brought it with him) but only recently started using it.
It's not what you could call a tea station, but I guess it functions as such. I don't put sugar in my tea, so no sugar or creamers lives on the counter (although I must have at least 10 bone china sets).
Of course, two of my characters have "beverage stations." Tricia of The Booktown Mysteries offers her customers free coffee and treats like mini cupcakes or cookies. Kathy Grant of The Lotus Bay Mysteries owns a B&B called Swans Nest. When her guests are in resident, she keeps a coffee/tea/cocoa beverage station in her dining room, along with fresh-baked cookies. (Kathy loves to bake cookies.)
So, do you have a coffee, tea, or cocoa station?
Not my cocoa stationDuring December, I watched (well, they were playing while I did other things) over 100 entries in the $5 Goodwill Challenge 2018 Christmas Edition on Youtube. An awful lot of these vloggers made hot cocoa stations or did an overhaul of their coffee/tea stations.Since when does everybody have coffee stations? Okay, our coffee maker lives by the sink and the GFI plug. I don't drink coffee, but I make a pot every morning for Mr. L. My electric kettle lives on the opposite side of the counter because that's where that plug is. You can't plug both coffee pot and tea kettle in the same plug or they trip the circuit so that's why they live apart. Mr. L's coffee and filters live in the cupboard above the stove and my tea bags and teapot live near the kettle.
Not my coffee stationNow I will admit that cocoa stations can be incredibly cute. But Mr. L and I don't have a lot of visitors and I can count on one hand how many mugs of cocoa I drink in any given year. Not that I don't like cocoa, but it has a lot more calories in it than a cuppa tea does ... so tea is my daytime drink of choice.Until recently, I only had one glass jar to hold my tea. Most of the time I make a pot of tea and use Typhoo teabags. If I want to make just a mug of tea, I use a Red Rose teabag. Mr. L gave me a box of Red Rose orange pekeo teabags and they're now living in a smaller glass jar. I've had the little ceramic teabag holder since I got married (Mr. L brought it with him) but only recently started using it.
It's not what you could call a tea station, but I guess it functions as such. I don't put sugar in my tea, so no sugar or creamers lives on the counter (although I must have at least 10 bone china sets).Of course, two of my characters have "beverage stations." Tricia of The Booktown Mysteries offers her customers free coffee and treats like mini cupcakes or cookies. Kathy Grant of The Lotus Bay Mysteries owns a B&B called Swans Nest. When her guests are in resident, she keeps a coffee/tea/cocoa beverage station in her dining room, along with fresh-baked cookies. (Kathy loves to bake cookies.)
So, do you have a coffee, tea, or cocoa station?
January 16, 2019
Painting a Room with Feline Overseers!
by Karen Rose Smith
I had never seen a cat climb a ladder! But Zander isn't like most cats in many ways. He climbed up, turned around and climbed down.
When we moved into our home over 25 years ago, we laid a parquet floor and painted the dining room, including the ceiling, the palest pink. We've always liked it. But we're trying to update the house in general. I'm not a fan of neutrals. I know all the home improvement shows love gray and taupe everywhere. If I were moving into a house like that, I'd realize I'd have to paint EVERYTHING!
However... I knew I wanted a Southwest theme in my office with lots of turquoise. The best color to spotlight turquoise was cream. When we decided to update the dining room, we switched from a pale pink Aubusson type area rug, to something much wilder. This. It's fuchsia, purple, turquoise, indigo and vanilla. The colors are off shade in the photo, but you get the idea.
Sometimes my fashion sense and decorating sense tends toward the Bohemian. This rug includes all my favorite colors. And, when we remove it from the room, no one will know it was a bit crazy. What color goes best with it and a mahogany dining room set that was my mom's? Vanilla, a lighter shade of Cream. Actually it's Sherwin Williams Harmony--which is no odor--called Summer White. It's warm, inviting and goes with everything in the room well.
Before my husband began painting, we discussed closing our five cats into my office and a bedroom. They get along better with Paddy and her mom in one and the two kittens (18 months old) and Zoie in another. Just like humans, they have their cliques. But hubby thought three of them would wander off to other rooms and the kittens would probably stay with me upstairs. They didn't. But they didn't get in the way either. They watched...every move hubby made. Freya tried to climb the ladder as Zander had but the paint tray was on top! My husband saved it.
Other than Freya having specks of Summer White paint on her ruff, all went surprisingly well. Now Zander sits on the table and is waiting for the new light to be installed. I hope he approves!
I had never seen a cat climb a ladder! But Zander isn't like most cats in many ways. He climbed up, turned around and climbed down.
When we moved into our home over 25 years ago, we laid a parquet floor and painted the dining room, including the ceiling, the palest pink. We've always liked it. But we're trying to update the house in general. I'm not a fan of neutrals. I know all the home improvement shows love gray and taupe everywhere. If I were moving into a house like that, I'd realize I'd have to paint EVERYTHING!
However... I knew I wanted a Southwest theme in my office with lots of turquoise. The best color to spotlight turquoise was cream. When we decided to update the dining room, we switched from a pale pink Aubusson type area rug, to something much wilder. This. It's fuchsia, purple, turquoise, indigo and vanilla. The colors are off shade in the photo, but you get the idea.
Sometimes my fashion sense and decorating sense tends toward the Bohemian. This rug includes all my favorite colors. And, when we remove it from the room, no one will know it was a bit crazy. What color goes best with it and a mahogany dining room set that was my mom's? Vanilla, a lighter shade of Cream. Actually it's Sherwin Williams Harmony--which is no odor--called Summer White. It's warm, inviting and goes with everything in the room well.
Before my husband began painting, we discussed closing our five cats into my office and a bedroom. They get along better with Paddy and her mom in one and the two kittens (18 months old) and Zoie in another. Just like humans, they have their cliques. But hubby thought three of them would wander off to other rooms and the kittens would probably stay with me upstairs. They didn't. But they didn't get in the way either. They watched...every move hubby made. Freya tried to climb the ladder as Zander had but the paint tray was on top! My husband saved it.
Other than Freya having specks of Summer White paint on her ruff, all went surprisingly well. Now Zander sits on the table and is waiting for the new light to be installed. I hope he approves!
Howdy all, Duffy Brown here. This is an interview that I ...
Howdy all, Duffy Brown here. This is an interview that I thought you might find interesting as it tells bit about me and my books. If you have a question just post it and I’ll be glad to answer and give away two Tandem Demise key fobs.
Hugs, Duffy
What do you do when you’re not writing?
For me it’s family first and with four kids and four grandkids there is a lot of family! Also I love to hike and bike and try new recipes. Are you one who watches the British Baking shows? I sure am. Then I try and cook something new and it never turns out like those master bakers. LOL Keeping new and fresh is important to keeping my ideas new and fresh.
When did you start writing?
I’ve been writing about thirty-five years. I started out in romance then switched to mystery. I should have been writing mystery all along. I just love whodunits! But not the ones with body parts flying. I love humor so give me some Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew books.
As a published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?
Not giving up. I don’t think it’s one specific moment but the love of wanting to tell stories and make people laugh at live and the thing that happen to us. I cannot imagine not writing. Writers write.
If you could go anywhere in the world to start writing your next book, where would that be and why?
I write at my desk at home. I’m one of those who cannot write anywhere else. I need my little corner of the world where I can shut out the rest of the world and just concentrate on my story and the characters. To tell you the truth when I write I’m not here in Cincy but in the place where my books are set. I’m totally in the story.
If you had 4 hours of extra time today, what would you do?
Clean this house. Lordy! If there is one thing that suffers in my career it’s the house.
Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?
Maybe New Orleans. I think a mystery series set in New Orleans would be a blast. Love the old world charm and the water and the diversity and the history. I need to do this.
Your present book, Tandem Demise, how did you publish it?
Tandem is my first indy published book with Amazon and I’m loving it! I esp love that it doesn’t take a year to get a book to my readers, that I can set the price and that I can do my own cover. Having control over my work is amazing.
In writing your book, did you travel anywhere for research?
I love Mackinac Island! I took my daughter there to do research. She’s from NYC and Mackinac is so so different and a huge adjustment. So, Evie Bloomfield was born…a designer from Chicago who comes to Mackinac and is completely out of her elementYou bet! Tandem Demise is set on Mackinac Island.
Why was writing Tandem Demise so important to you?
My main characters are not perfect. They’ve made mistakes, been in bad relationships, failed at marriages and jobs, BUT they always bounce back. And they put family above all else. I think that’s what most people are like and what is real. Also I like to have my characters change and grow from their mistakes. I don’t want them to be the same book after book. In my Cycle Path series Evie owns a bike shop and she can’t ride a bike…but she’s learning. The learning part is so important to all characters.
Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?
Everywhere. I can be talking to someone and think…That’s going in a book! Everyone has a story, a really great story and I get my ideas from the life they’ve led. I want my books to be real, to be things we all do and think about and I want them to be humorous. Laughter is a big part of life and helps us deal with the things that come our way.
Any final words?
I would like to tell my readers…Thank YOU! Meeting and chatting with readers is the very best part of writing. I’ve met so many wonderful people along my journey as a writer. I’ve truly been blessed.
Hugs, Duffy What do you do when you’re not writing?
For me it’s family first and with four kids and four grandkids there is a lot of family! Also I love to hike and bike and try new recipes. Are you one who watches the British Baking shows? I sure am. Then I try and cook something new and it never turns out like those master bakers. LOL Keeping new and fresh is important to keeping my ideas new and fresh.
When did you start writing?
I’ve been writing about thirty-five years. I started out in romance then switched to mystery. I should have been writing mystery all along. I just love whodunits! But not the ones with body parts flying. I love humor so give me some Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew books.As a published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?
Not giving up. I don’t think it’s one specific moment but the love of wanting to tell stories and make people laugh at live and the thing that happen to us. I cannot imagine not writing. Writers write.
If you could go anywhere in the world to start writing your next book, where would that be and why?
I write at my desk at home. I’m one of those who cannot write anywhere else. I need my little corner of the world where I can shut out the rest of the world and just concentrate on my story and the characters. To tell you the truth when I write I’m not here in Cincy but in the place where my books are set. I’m totally in the story.
If you had 4 hours of extra time today, what would you do?
Clean this house. Lordy! If there is one thing that suffers in my career it’s the house.
Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?
Maybe New Orleans. I think a mystery series set in New Orleans would be a blast. Love the old world charm and the water and the diversity and the history. I need to do this.
Your present book, Tandem Demise, how did you publish it?
Tandem is my first indy published book with Amazon and I’m loving it! I esp love that it doesn’t take a year to get a book to my readers, that I can set the price and that I can do my own cover. Having control over my work is amazing.
In writing your book, did you travel anywhere for research?
I love Mackinac Island! I took my daughter there to do research. She’s from NYC and Mackinac is so so different and a huge adjustment. So, Evie Bloomfield was born…a designer from Chicago who comes to Mackinac and is completely out of her elementYou bet! Tandem Demise is set on Mackinac Island.
Why was writing Tandem Demise so important to you?
My main characters are not perfect. They’ve made mistakes, been in bad relationships, failed at marriages and jobs, BUT they always bounce back. And they put family above all else. I think that’s what most people are like and what is real. Also I like to have my characters change and grow from their mistakes. I don’t want them to be the same book after book. In my Cycle Path series Evie owns a bike shop and she can’t ride a bike…but she’s learning. The learning part is so important to all characters.
Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?
Everywhere. I can be talking to someone and think…That’s going in a book! Everyone has a story, a really great story and I get my ideas from the life they’ve led. I want my books to be real, to be things we all do and think about and I want them to be humorous. Laughter is a big part of life and helps us deal with the things that come our way.
Any final words?
I would like to tell my readers…Thank YOU! Meeting and chatting with readers is the very best part of writing. I’ve met so many wonderful people along my journey as a writer. I’ve truly been blessed.
January 14, 2019
Tasty Recipes
by Maggie SeftonI've decided to regularly include some of my favorite recipes during these coming winter months. New people discover our Cozy Chicks Blog website frequently and I can't think of a better way to welcome them than to share a yummy recipe. The majority of the recipes that I'll be sharing have been included in our Cozy Chicks Kitchen cookbook which is packed full of Cozy Chicks recipes. Hence, the book cover above. :) Today I'm sharing my Cranberry Orange Nut Bread.
This nut bread is good all year round, not just during the Holiday Season. I kept tinkering with recipes until I came up with the flavors that I especially like. I simply love the flavor of orange in this rich quick bread, This bread is quick to make and cranberries can be found year round. Give it a try and enjoy!
CRANBERRY ORANGE NUT BREAD
2 cups all-purpose flour1 ½ teaspoons baking powder½ teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon ground cinnamon½ teaspoon salt1 ½ cups white sugar1 cup orange juice¼ melted butter2 eggs1 cup fresh cranberries (not frozen)1 cup chopped walnuts½ cup grated orange peel
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease one regular size bread loaf pan (or two small loaf pans). Dust pan lightly with flour, dumping excess. Combine 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, & salt in large mixing bowl. Combine the sugar, orange juice, melted butter, & eggs in another bowl, mixing well. Stir into flour mixture along with cranberries, walnuts, and orange rind. Mix well, blending all ingredients. Pour into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes or into knife inserted into the center of loaf comes out clean. Remove pan to wire rack to cool for 10 minutes, then run knife around edges of pan and turn out onto rack to cool completely.
January 13, 2019
FAVORITE RECIPES ARE LIKE OLD FRIENDS
By Mary Kennedy
Do you have fond memories when you make certain recipes? I know I do! When I see my recipe for pimento cheese (a southern staple) I think of impromptu summer dinners served outside in Hendersonville, Tenn, a lakeside town on the outskirts of Nashville. A bunch of neighbors would get together and share a potluck dinner on a Friday night. It was fun to chat with friends and not have to cook! One of my dear friends always brought pimento cheese spread, pictured above.
When I make chili mac, I always think of my days in radio in Nashville. A group of us would take turns bringing a hot casserole to the station and sharing it for lunch. Chili mac was a favorite, along with macaroni and cheese...
Chicken spaghetti...
And really, anything that was hearty and filling! And we had to make plenty because the DJ's invariably wandered back to the staff room to share the bounty. Every scrap was eaten.
Dessert recipes are fun and bring back memories of celebrations with friends and families. One of my friends always made her "once-a-year" coconut cake, pictured above. It was really delicious and so decadent she pretended she only made it on rare occasions. Of course that wasn't true, because we begged her to make it for almost every get together.
Sometimes recipes don't turn out quite as I remembered them. Recently, I tried to make a cold salad that called for water chestnuts, Ramen noodles and a few other ingredients. I hadn't made it in ages and maybe I left out something important because it just didn't have the zip I remembered.
How about you? Do you have special occasion recipes or casual recipes that bring memories of fun times? And by the way, if you do have a great recipe for a cold salad with Ramen noodles, I'd love to have it!
Bon appetit from Mary Kennedy
Do you have fond memories when you make certain recipes? I know I do! When I see my recipe for pimento cheese (a southern staple) I think of impromptu summer dinners served outside in Hendersonville, Tenn, a lakeside town on the outskirts of Nashville. A bunch of neighbors would get together and share a potluck dinner on a Friday night. It was fun to chat with friends and not have to cook! One of my dear friends always brought pimento cheese spread, pictured above.
When I make chili mac, I always think of my days in radio in Nashville. A group of us would take turns bringing a hot casserole to the station and sharing it for lunch. Chili mac was a favorite, along with macaroni and cheese...
Chicken spaghetti...
And really, anything that was hearty and filling! And we had to make plenty because the DJ's invariably wandered back to the staff room to share the bounty. Every scrap was eaten.
Dessert recipes are fun and bring back memories of celebrations with friends and families. One of my friends always made her "once-a-year" coconut cake, pictured above. It was really delicious and so decadent she pretended she only made it on rare occasions. Of course that wasn't true, because we begged her to make it for almost every get together.
Sometimes recipes don't turn out quite as I remembered them. Recently, I tried to make a cold salad that called for water chestnuts, Ramen noodles and a few other ingredients. I hadn't made it in ages and maybe I left out something important because it just didn't have the zip I remembered.
How about you? Do you have special occasion recipes or casual recipes that bring memories of fun times? And by the way, if you do have a great recipe for a cold salad with Ramen noodles, I'd love to have it!
Bon appetit from Mary Kennedy
