C.R. Richards's Blog, page 24

Wishing You Happy Holidays!

Before I shutdown my laptop, put on my jingle bells and head off on vacation, I wanted to wish everyone –

Happy Holidays!

While I’m away, don’t forget to check out this fun Holiday Hop for The Lords of Valdeon!

Coming on Jan 7th, 2016 – Available now for pre-order

What Do I and an Elf in Santa’s Workshop Have in Common?

What do I and an elf in Santa’s workshop have in common? We’re both heads down in the Imagination Shop working our jingle bells off! Ho Ho Hoooo boy! Wincing at that joke, but it’s true. The Lords of Valdeon will be released on ebook January 7th. Lots to do!

The Holiday Hop starts this week. Join me as I visit several bloggers this December:

December 14th – The Gal in the Blue Mask

the-gal-in-the-blue-mask.blogspot.com

December 18th – Courtney’s Book Thoughts

https://courtneysbookthoughts.wordpress.com/

December Spotlight and Giveaway – Lovely Reads

http://serenityslovelyreads.blogspot.com/

December Spotlight – Books are Love

hello-booklover.tumblr.com

December 7th – 11th – Infinite House of Books

http://www.house-of-books.com/

The fun continues in January. I’ll be making several stops for interviews, reviews and giveaways during The Lords of Valdeon Virtual Book Tour. Visit the official tour site for more information.

You May Have Hidden Gems In The Old Recipe Box

If you were in the public school system back in the 1970s (Dang. Let that sink in!), I’m fairly certain you feasted on tasty desserts during school lunch. Butterfingers were a particular favorite of mine. Cookie-like cake smothered with peanut butter and then topped with yummy milk chocolate frosting. Ring a bell?

My neighbor, Sandra, was a lunch lady at either my elementary school or my junior high school. I honestly can’t remember. I do remember the woman was one of the best cooks I’ve ever seen. And generous. She used to make Butterfingers at home and would share with the neighborhood kids that scratched at her front door (I was always first in line).

Sandra has passed and I’ve long since moved away from the old neighborhood. I hadn’t thought about her in years until I stumbled upon an old recipe box I had tucked away in my cupboard. Inside I found a piece of my childhood. It was the Butterfingers recipe she’d given me when I was in high school! They may not make this dessert anymore due to peanut allergies and improved nutritious menus (Yes – I support the change, but every now and then you need a little something bad for you!). In the spirit of the over indulgent holidays, I want to share this recipe with you.

Butterfingers

Note: [Due to food allergies and sensitivities, I’m on a Gluten Free and Dairy Free diet. I know some of you are as well, so I’m putting the GF ingredients in brackets next to the original ingredients.]

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup margarine [plant/ soy based butter]

2 eggs

1 teas vanilla [GF vanilla power]

2 teas baking soda

1 teas salt

2 cups flour [1 cup GF All Purpose Flour, 1 cup Brown Rice Flour]

2 cups rolled oats [GF rolled oats. The Red Mill is good]

1 cup peanut butter [GF peanut butter doesn’t spread as well, so I had to use 2 cups]

Chocolate Frosting

Mix all ingredients – except the peanut butter and chocolate frosting – together. Spread the mix onto a cookie sheet or a tin sheet cake pan. Press it down with your hands until it’s even. Bake at 350 for 10 to 15 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the cake should come away nearly clean. I like my Butterfingers gooey, so I cut back a few minutes. Spread the peanut butter on a completely cooled cake. Then top with your favorite chocolate frosting recipe or store bought brand.

Enjoy this little piece of childhood :)

Don’t forget! There’s still time to enter The Lords of Valdeon Goodreads Book Giveaway

Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving

On this day of abundance, I want to give my surplus of joy to those who are struggling.

On this day of giving, I want to send my wishes of peace and comfort to those who have known terror.

On this day of fellowship, I want to offer my support to those who stand in the storm of uncertainty.

Humanity will endure, because Hope endures.

Don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a free advanced copy

November 11th thru December 4th

The Lords of Valdeon Goodreads Book Giveaway

How Do You Get In The Mood?

Writing those gut wrenching scenes can be nearly impossible if you’re in a perky, joyous mood. It’s the holiday season, my first with the new lab puppy. Who can be depressed when there’s a cold puppy tongue licking your face? I do, however, have a gut wrencher scene coming up in my WIP, Beyond the Obsidian Gates (Book Two of the Heart Of The Warrior series).

How to get in the mood? Punch myself in the face? No. Ouchies don’t help. Sit through Hamlet (any version)? Gawd no! Here’s my ‘go to’ list for getting in the tearful mood:

Music has always been a big part of my life. It has the ability to directly impact my moods. Listening to certain songs (Adele and Evanescence have some good ones) take me to that moody place I need to wallow in for inspiration. Staying focused requires instrumentals from such artists as Llewellyn or Eric Harry.

Nature is an endless source of inspiration. Pulling on my coat and taking a long walk by the lake or in the woods clears my mind and gets it ready to do the job.

Meditation. Strip away distraction and focus your mind on one task. It really is amazing how well meditation works no matter what you’re trying to do.

Have more ideas? I’d love to hear them.

Hanging With Holmes

Subtitle for this blog: Why The Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS) is my favorite museum on the planet.

The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes has come to Denver, Colorado and DMNS threw a heck of a party. After the kiddies left and the doors closed to the public, they transformed the museum into Victorian London. Music, dancing and generously stocked bars set a Holmesian atmosphere. Residents of Victorian Baker Street, dressed in beautiful costumes and staying true to character, helped transform party goers to the world of mystery.

“It’s A Party, My Dear Watson” drew fans of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson like bangers to mash hmm no spots to d…to the event. Most were sporting their finest Victorian togs. I decided to go Cumberbatch. (If you got what I meant and laughed, Heaven bless you! You are a true fan.)

 [Subbing for Benedict Cumberbatch who was off being brilliant someplace else. ;)]

  

[Dr. Watson newly returned from his trip to Oxford.]

The real fun begins on the third floor of the museum in the Sherlock Holmes exhibit where we were issued a challenge by Professor Moriarty. Solving murder mysteries is a blast, but solving them with Sherlock Holmes is a surrealistic challenge. If this exhibit comes to your area, put on your deerstalker and grab the pipe. Go test your skills of deduction and follow the clues left for you by Sherlock himself.

The Game is Afoot!

Are You Chasing Perfection? Stop It.

My print proof of The Lords of Valdeon came last week. I was giddy when I opened the package. Pouncing on my iPhone, I took pictures of the new book baby and quickly posted them on social media. Big grins and giggles filled the office as I placed my new book on the shelf of honor. Sigh. It just never gets old.

I spent years writing and editing the story. My critique and proof editors have gone over it with hawkish intensity. I’ve done my due diligence by following all the best practices as much as possible. My expectation: This book will be perfect. A literary masterpiece!

Then I began to read the proof.

Me – “Hey, this looks great! I love the designer’s formatting choices and dang don’t the words look fabulous on cream colored paper!”

A few chapters in.

Me again – “Ah d*#@ it! I thought I took that paragraph out. Why did I use those words? Should I rewrite the scene?”

Suffering from a big dose of self-doubt, I lost sight of my joy and chose to focus on the imperfections instead. Then a good friend and fellow writer reminded me everybody goes through this before and during new releases (Thank You, Jayne Hyatt!).  Hell. I’ve been there three times before and experienced the same reaction.

In the world of software development and quality control there is a saying, “There is no such thing as Zero Defects.” Techie Translation: Chasing perfection is an unrealistic goal that can paralyze and hinder success. You do the best you can at your level of skill and accept your product may be 95% to 99% accurate. Then you plan a mitigation strategy for those unexpected errors.

Am I giving you permission to upload your crappy first draft to Amazon or Smashwords? NO. I’m saying, do the absolute best you can at your current skill level. Shoot for 99% and work on doing an even better job on the next book.

Final Thoughts: I have faith in the Lords of Valdeon and the entire Heart Of The Warrior series. It’s a hell of a story. One that I’m proud of. Is it a literary masterpiece? I’m working on it.

Available for Pre-order

Scream Week Guest Post: Good Omens by Duncan Ralston

This is probably going to sound like utter bullshit, but the night I started writing Salvage (a ghost story about a town submerged for a hydroelectric dam, and the people still haunted by its past), my house flooded.

The flood started in a broken pipe to the dishwasher while my roommate and I slept.  The rubber pipe split, and leaked water into the wall. The dishwasher hadn’t even been on at the time. The wall burst some time later from the pressure, and water spilled down the stairs into the basement. The basement ceiling split open from the weight of water. When I woke up, the entire basement was filled with about six inches of water. I spent the morning cleaning up, making sure DVDs were picked up off the floor and electronics and wiring hadn’t been affected by the water.

The strangest thing about this was that before I went to bed that night, I’d just finished writing a scene in which the main character, Owen, whose younger sister has just died from drowning, has a dream that his childhood home floods in the while he sleeps.

I’d like to think it’s a coincidence. I’d like to.

Another sort of weird thing happened during the writing: I’d picked a song to be played during a key scene in the book, Rock and Hyde’s (formerly The Payolas) “Dirty Water,” which is about religious corruption and hypocrisy. That day before work, I turned on the radio to hear that very song. I thought it was sort of odd, and kind of cool, but didn’t think too much of it. But one day a few weeks or a month later I was doubting myself, worried I was wasting my time, that I was writing the wrong book. I turned on the radio, and lo and behold, Rock and Hyde’s “Dirty Water” was playing.

I tried not to succumb to magical thinking, but after three, four times, I couldn’t help myself. It was a good omen, I told myself. This is the right book. This is the right time. It helped me get through the first draft.

I haven’t heard the song since.

 

SALVAGE: a Ghost Story

Something is Lurking Under the Lake…

When Owen Saddler’s little sister mysteriously drowns, Owen is determined to uncover the circumstances by following in her footsteps, even if it means diving into the murky–some would say haunted–waters of Chapel Lake.

Thirty years earlier, the town of Peace Falls had been flooded to build a hydroelectric dam, and its ruins remain below the surface of Chapel Lake. The strange disappearance of the town Pastor, along with many of the parishioners, still haunts the citizens of Chapel Lake. But does the church haunt the lake itself? Is Owen really seeing ghosts… or has he descended into the depths of madness?

Salvage is the debut horror novel of author Duncan Ralston (Gristle & Bone). A darkly disturbing story of depression, religious fanaticism, and the afterlife, Salvage seeks to illuminate the evil within us all.

http://myBook.to/Salvage

 

Duncan Ralston was born in Toronto, and spent his teens in a small town. As a “grown-up,” Duncan lives with his girlfriend and their dog in Toronto, where he writes about the things that frighten and disturb him. In addition to his twisted short stories found in GRISTLE & BONE and THE BLACK ROOM MANUSCRIPTS, his debut novel,SALVAGE, is available for preorder now.

Website: www.duncanralston.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/duncanralstonfiction

Amazon: http://Author.to/DuncanRalston

Trick Or Treat? I’ll Take The Treats!

Halloween Treats
from The Crazy Lady Authors

The Crazy Lady Authors are a group of women authors who support each other (almost) unconditionally. And, yes, we are all just a little bit crazy, so the name fits. We’re also busy women with diverse ideas of what it means to rustle up a batch of treats (or dinner) for the hobgoblins in our lives – not only on Halloween, but also on all those days when we’re crazy busy trying to keep up with our families and day jobs while still making a deadline and keeping our muses happy. Plus, who knew that even our muses could sometimes be foodies? In fact, you’ll find food rather prominently featured in some of our books. What the muse wants, the muse gets – just like those adorable little hobgoblins. As it turns out, our muses got together and  inspired us to write a cookbook . . .

Cooking with the Crazy Lady Authors.

Today we’re sharing some easy ways to make Halloween treats for your favorite little tricksters . . . as well as a couple of Halloween cocktails especially for you – and any sexy creatures of the night you may encounter.

First, some treats for the hobgoblins . . .

Photo: Pinterest

Caramel Popcorn Balls – from the kitchen of RE Hargrave

1. Prepare 6 cups of popped popcorn (remove un-popped kernels so nobody cracks a tooth!)

2. In extra large pot, melt down and bring to a boil; stir occasionally:

2 sticks of butter (or 1 cup)

2 cups packed brown sugar

½ cup corn syrup

1 teaspoon salt

3. BOIL for 4-5 minutes then remove from heat and add last ingredients, stirring quickly:

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

*OPTIONAL: add orange or black food coloring

4. Drizzle caramel over the popped corn and gently stir in a folding motion to coat

*OPTIONAL: add candy corn or nuts

5. Working quickly, but carefully so as not to burn your hands, shape the caramel corn into balls.

6. Wrap individually with wax paper, saran wrap, or in Ziploc baggies.

7. ENJOY!

Halloween Popcorn Mix – from the kitchen of Teri Riggs

One large bowl of popcorn (micro-wave is fine), one bag of M&Ms, one bag of Halloween Candy Corn, one bag of peanuts, and salt to taste. Mix it all in one large bowl and serve.

 

Photo: Pinterest

Texas Sheet Cake – from the kitchen of Melanie James

This makes a big brownie-like cake that serves a crowd. It can be adapted for any occasion, such as Halloween.

Ingredients:

2 Sticks butter or margarine

1 Cup water

4 Tablespoons baking chocolate

2 Cups sugar

2 Cups all-purpose flour

½ Teaspoon salt

1 Teaspoon baking soda

½ Cup sour cream

3 Eggs

½ Cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Melt margarine in a pan. Add water and chocolate. Bring mixture to a boil and remove from heat. Add sugar, flour, and salt mixing well. Beat in eggs, baking soda, and sour cream. Stir in nuts. Pour on to a greased 11×16 cookie sheet. Bake 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Fudge frosting

1 Stick margarine

4 Tablespoons baking chocolate

6 Tablespoons milk

1 Teaspoon vanilla

5 Cups sifted powdered sugar

Melt margarine in a pan on low. Add in chocolate, vanilla, and milk. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Slowly whisk in sifted powdered sugar. Pour over top of FULLY cooled cake. Next, decorate with Halloween candy on top. Allow frosting to set 20-30 minutes. Cut into squares to serve.

Easy Peasy Cake Mix Cookies – from the kitchen of Jennifer Theriot

I started making these when my kids were younger. They all love chocolate chip cookies – I’m short on time, so this recipe was a no-brainer for me. They come together fast, and as

quickly as you make them, they get eaten. Get as creative as you want with these. I’ve done chocolate chip cookies, using a yellow butter recipe cake mix with chocolate chips and

nuts. These are also good with a lemon cake mix and white chocolate chips. For Halloween I suggest a spice or carrot cake mix and chocolate chips or some dried fruit.

Ingredients:

1 packaged cake mix (any flavor)

2 eggs

½ cup vegetable oil

Optional adds (1 cup chocolate chips, nuts, and dried cranberries – whatever you choose)

Directions:

Mix the cake mix, eggs and oil. Add your optional ingredients and drop by tablespoonfuls onto a non-stick cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Makes a couple dozen.

TIP: I take a fork and flatten the cookies halfway into the baking

just to make them look more like bakery cookies.

And, finally, some Halloween cocktails for you and your favorite sexy creature of the night  . . .

Photo: Pinterest

 Chocolate Martini – from the kitchen of Angela Ford

Makes 1 drink:

Ingredients:

2 Oz chocolate liqueur

1 Oz Vodka

8 Ice cubes or crushed ice

1 Oz Chocolate milk

1 Chocolate bar

Directions:

Pour the liqueur, vodka and chocolate milk in the shaker.

Add 8 cubes of ice.

Shake it hard! 20 times at least.

Double strain the cocktail into your chilled martini glass or over crushed ice in an old fashioned, or rocks glass.

Shave a piece of the chocolate bar over the drink, the shavings will add flavor and color. Or grate it and use it to rim the glass.

Note: You can also use dark crème de cacao instead of vodka.

 

Photo Courtesy: © Shannon Graham

 Dracula’s Kiss – from the kitchen of Jayne Hyatt

The drink creates two layers for an elegant and spooky effect; the bottom is red with grenadine and the top is black with cola.

Makes 1 drink.

Ingredients:

½ ounce grenadine

1 ounce vodka, whiskey or rum

Cola, regular or cherry flavored

Maraschino cherries.

Method:

Pour the grenadine into the bottom of a clear glass.

Add ice and liquor of your choice.

Carefully top off with cola; DON’T STIR, you don’t want to disturb the grenadine syrup.

Garnish with maraschino cherries.

If you’re feeling playful, hang a plastic spider from the rim of the glass.

 

Don’t forget to check out our cookbook. It’s a diverse collection of recipes that has something for everyone. Available on Amazon.

You can learn more about The Crazy Lady Authors at our blog,

And, we’d love for you to connect with us on Facebook.

Happy Halloween!

 

 

Which Classic Movie Monster Should You Dress Up As For Halloween?

The pumpkins are carved. Your second or possibly third replenished supply of Halloween candy is safely locked away in the pantry. Somebody (we don’t know who) snapped up all the nasty candy corn. Now what to do about a costume to take those little candy beards around the neighborhood? You have to look legit. Might as well go with the classics. The quiz below will help you to bring out your inner monster.

Disclaimer: Your results are based on unverified and flimsy unscientific speculation. Any recognizable personality traits to actual monsters – living or undead – is merely coincidental. No monsters were harmed in the writing of this post.

Monster Quiz

Do you stand an impressive eight feet tall or are you willing to wear platform shoes? Are you overly fond of the name Herman? Do you get a little hot under the collar when you see fire? You are:

Frankenstein’s Monster

Does your skin burn easily? Are you a night owl who finds morning people delicious? Is “I Love The Nightlife” by Alicia Bridges your favorite 70’s song? You are:

Dracula

Do you shuffle around the house moaning until you’ve had that second cup of coffee? Has anyone remarked your breath could part the Nile? Is your space constantly invaded by archeologists? You are:

The Mummy

Have you ever had a botched medical procedure? Do you love a good wild updo hairstyle? Have you ever hissed and bared your teeth when your partner got too clingy? You are:

Bride of Frankenstein

Do you ever have the frantic urge to itch behind your ear with your foot? Have you ever been caught howling at the moon? Has anyone given you a gift certificate for a total manscape? You are:

The Werewolf

 

Available for Pre-order

A new series from award winning Author, C.R. Richards: The epic tale of two men begins. The first – a man of honor trying desperately to turn his country from civil war. The other – a boy struggling to discover his destiny before agents of evil find him first.

Coveted by two ancient enemies of a long forgotten age, the continent of Andara holds the key to victory in an endless struggle for dominance. Eight hundred years have passed since the god-like Jalora struck a bargain with the first King of Valdeon. The Lion Ring, symbol of the covenant and conduit of power, gives its bearer incredible abilities. The ring’s borrowed magic protects the people of Andara from covetous evil, but there is a price. As with most predators, the Lion Ring must feed. Only the blood of the D’Antoiné family line will satisfy its hunger.

A rival for Andara’s treasures, the Sarcion has waited impatiently for its time upon the land. Whispers of treason in the right ear aid its treachery. The King of Valdeon mysteriously disappears, leaving his lands in danger of a civil war by the hand of a murderous usurper. His Lion Ring is lost and the covenant is broken. The Jalora’s power begins to seep away from the land.  Evil’s foot hold grows stronger. Can the Lords of Valdeon, Sacred Guard of the covenant, stop the tides of war? Or will Andara fall into chaos? The future rests in the blood of a boy…

C.R. Richards is the award winning author of The Mutant Casebook Series. Her literary career began as a part-time columnist for a small entertainment newspaper. She wore several hats: food critic, entertainment reviewer and cranky editor. A lover of horror and dark fantasy stories, she enjoys telling tales of intrigue and adventure. Her most recent literary projects include the horror short story, Lost Man’s Parish and the newly released novel length dark fantasy thriller, Pariah. She is an active member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and Horror Writers Association.

Author Website:  http://crrichards.com/

Blog: Deep Thoughts and Junk

FB Page: authorcrrichards

Twitter: @CR_Richards

Amazon Author Page: C. R. Richards