Anna Abner's Blog, page 37
February 14, 2014
Just Announced: Elixir Blog Tour Mar. 3-10
March 3:
March 4:
March 5:
March 6:
Paranormal Romance Fans For Life
March 7:
March 10:
See you there!
Flirty Clip Friday #22
Here is a little old school Scott & Allison fun (from the first season of Teen Wolf). Enjoy!
This video was made by Miss Levine.
February 11, 2014
The Best Cashew Chicken Recipe
This is the absolute best asian style chicken meal I’ve ever made. Way better than Chinese take-out and very easy to make. It comes from Rachel Ray’s Top 30 30-Minute Meals: Kid Food cookbook. She calls it “Cashew! God Bless You Chicken with Jasmine Rice,” but I call it my family’s new favorite.
Ingredients:
1 box jasmine rice (or 2 pouches of pre-cooked, ready-to-heat jasmine rice)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced and mashed (or a couple dashes of garlic powder)
2 tablespoons rice wine, rice vinegar, or dry sherry
Black pepper and red pepper flakes, to taste
1 large carrot, peeled and diced into cubes
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 can (7 oz) sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
3 heaping tablespoons hoisin sauce (from the asian foods aisle in your grocery store)
A couple handfuls of unsalted cashews
3 green onions, thinly sliced
Optional: broccoli florets
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chicken with half the sesame oil plus the garlic, rice wine, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Set aside and let it hang out.
2. Heat remaining sesame oil in wok or large skillet over high heat until it smokes.
3. Add carrot (and broccoli) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Add the marinate chicken and cook another 3-4 minutes. Toss in the bell pepper and water chestnuts. Heat through for 1 minute.
4. Add the hoisin sauce and toss to coat evenly.
5. Place chicken on a bed of jasmine rice and top with cashews and green onions. Feeds 4.
What I love best about this recipe, aside from its taste, is that with the basic chicken and sauce I can play with the veggies. We don’t like green onions, but we like broccoli. My daughter won’t eat the bell peppers, but she likes the carrots. Add or subtract until it tastes right for your family.
Enjoy!
February 7, 2014
Flirty Clip Friday #21
American Horror Story’s Zoe and her zombie boyfriend Kyle. So cute, so scary. (Bonus: Lifehouse song!)
This video was created by MoMonator.
February 6, 2014
Jade Author Rose Montague Q&A Coming Feb. 17!
Feb. 17, Rose Montague will be joining us for an interview. Come read about how she came up with the idea for Jade and what she has planned next.
February 5, 2014
Manscaping, Anyone?
Every time I drive by this landscaping company’s truck and trailer my mind reads manscape. I can’t help it. They should really choose another font.
February 4, 2014
Tuesday Tease #17
A bright-eyed, dark-haired woman jogged into the room, zeroing in on Ben. “I didn’t believe her,” she breathed, keeping her distance. “I always hoped, but … Look at his eyes.”
–Panacea, ms pg 138
February 3, 2014
Christina Perri’s Human
I dare you to listen to this song and not fall in love with it and Christina Perri. Her voice is hypnotic and so beautiful.
Bonus quote from “Jar of Hearts:”
You’re gonna catch a cold
from the ice inside your soul.
January 31, 2014
Flirty Clip Friday #20
It’s only fair since I posted a fan video starring Katniss & Peeta to now post one of Katniss & Gale.
This video was created by Paola Rodríguez Saenz de Miera.
January 29, 2014
Author Interview with Suza Kates
Blurb
Dr. Michael Black’s world has seen a lot of changes over the past year, and falling for a witch who chats with his animal patients has been the best one by far. He’s decided to make it official, so the men associated with the coven insist on helping him celebrate.
Michael is popping the question to the woman he loves, the coven has only two trials to go before the prophecy is fulfilled, and the guys want to throw him a bachelor party. Sounds like a plan.
And no demon is going to stand in his way.
Anna Abner: Welcome Suza! Thanks for stopping by. Can you tell us when you knew you were a writer?
Suza Kates: In 2001, I began writing to keep myself entertained in my tiny apartment in Germany. I had no TV, was out of books, and it was too cold to go to the library! After a few chapters, I was hooked on writing.
AA: And you chose to write paranormal romances. What was it about paranormals that drew you in?
SK: The darkness, danger, and infinite possibilities.
AA: Would you ever write in other genres?
SK: Sure, I already have some romantic suspense titles out and have an adventure series in the plotting stages.
AA: What inspired you to write the Savannah Coven series?
SK: As a fan of Nora Roberts’ Three Sisters Island trilogy, I wanted to write something with witches. I’ve always enjoyed stories with friendships and camaraderie, so this was an element I wanted to include in the Savannah Coven books. The place…well, I live in Savannah and had easy access!
AA: How much research is involved in your novels?
SK: I always research places to make sure I’m as accurate as possible, but it honestly depends on what I’m including in the book. My adventure/historical work takes a lot more research than paranormal or suspense.
AA: What is your day-to-day process like?
SK: It varies, but the planning and plotting start long before I actually get to chapter one. I must have a candle burning, though. : )
AA: What a great detail! I’ll bet it helps you come up with spooky new ideas. When you’re not plotting by candlelight, what authors do you enjoy reading?
SK: Jennifer Estep, Julie Kagawa, Kathy Reichs, Kresley Cole. I have plenty more and read every day.
AA: I’m also a Romance Writers of America (RWA) member. Can you describe the benefits of being a member?
SK: Education that is invaluable. My first RWA changed my life, and that’s not just an expression. I received guidance and encouragement, and being around so many other authors really amps you up!
AA: I agree completely. You’ve mentioned needing a candle burning as part of your creative process. Any favorite snack or drink that sits next to your keyboard?
SK: Coffee in the morning and chai tea in the evening (my recipe, low cal and almost as good as Starbucks!)
AA: Sounds delicious! Last question. What can you tell us about your upcoming projects?
SK: After the last two books in the Savannah Coven Series, I have another paranormal series coming out. A quadrology, if that’s a word. If not…it is now! All I can reveal at this point is there will be magic, but the world and environment will be very different from the SCS.
AA: Thanks again, Suza, for stopping by.
Contact Info
Twitter: @Suza Kates
