Diane Saxon's Blog, page 22
August 11, 2013
ATLANTIC DIVIDE SERIES – BOOK 1 – LOVING LYDIA
EXCERPT Prologue Her eyelids flickered in time with the sharp blue flashes of light illuminating the nursery. She hazily thought that lightning could be so damned irritating. Then again, her fog-laden brain seemed to be telling her lightning was never that blue. It wasn’t lightning then. So what? she thought as she drifted off … Continue reading →
FINDING THE NEXT HEROINE/HERO – PART FOUR – DIANE SAXON
Having decided upon Bill and Michael, the perfect Anglo-American partnership, the hunt was on for the next heroine and hero in my Atlantic Divide Series. Easy enough to find my hero … Michael relaxed on the porch swing with a cup of coffee in his hand and a dog on each side of his legs. … Continue reading →
Finding The Next Heroine/Hero Part Three – Diane Saxon
I had the heroine for Book Two of my Atlantic Divide Series, a hard talking, gun-slinging deputy sheriff with a man’s name and a serious attitude. Who in the world would be able to handle her? Once again I referred to my unpublished fore-runner. Have a read, see where he came in : He was … Continue reading →
Finding The Next Heroine/Hero Part Two – Diane Saxon
From the first book I wrote, which is unpublished, emerged two strong secondary characters, Kate and Jack who featured in Loving Lydia. Kate is Lydia’s sister and was the first to venture to America. Here’s an unedited piece which introduced the idea of Lydia’s story into my imagination. She shuddered with the memory of her … Continue reading →
FINDING THE NEXT HEROINE/HERO – DIANE SAXON
An extract from Loving Lydia showing the moment I knew who my next heroine was going to be. It wasn’t until breakfast the next morning when Jack’s partner and deputy sheriff, Bill, had called to pick him up for duty that Lydia’s quieter child decided to open his mouth and reveal to the world several matters Lydia … Continue reading →
August 4, 2013
A Roller Coaster
It's been quite a roller coaster ride the last few weeks. My family and I went on holiday to Mexico for two weeks, (very lovely, very hot) truly believing that our house sale and purchase had fallen through. Near the end of our holiday an email managed to stagger it's way through the painfully slow ether informing us that our move date was a mere five days from our return date.
Never mind the jet-lag after a nine hour flight, we didn't have time for that! Full speed ahead and in the strangely (for England) blistering heat, we moved, taking our Dalmatian, our ginger cat and our one-eyed kitten with us - oh and being gifted four chickens and a hen-house along the way (thank you Penny).
Arriving in the new house, we discovered that the internet connection had been lost and it took the providers ten days (ten really painful days) to re-connect, during which time my new book, Bad Girl Bill, Atlantic Divide Series #2 was released, and I had virtually no ability to communicate with the outside world, except by driving to my sister Margaret's house and using her computer once a day.
If you know me, or you read my books, you will know I am a great romantic at heart and truly believe in happy ever after. So despite still sorting through boxes of stuff we probably should never have brought with us, and trying to keep two disgruntled kitties happy and entertained indoors for two weeks in still raging heat, I love my new home. My forever home. With miles and miles of wheat fields and beautiful views I can only look forward to the inspiration it will bring me.
Now I am on catch-up. With hundreds of emails to check, most of which are spam. I have Book #3, Finding Zoe to edit, I am working on some changes on my Christmas Romcom, I am part-way through writing Book #4, and I have this Challenge with Eva Lefoy and Allyson Lindt to do which has to be complete by the end of September - 15,000 words and I haven't written one - yet. Allyson is romping ahead with over 4,000 words down on paper - but I have a story in my head.
Who said moving to the country would be peaceful?
Never mind the jet-lag after a nine hour flight, we didn't have time for that! Full speed ahead and in the strangely (for England) blistering heat, we moved, taking our Dalmatian, our ginger cat and our one-eyed kitten with us - oh and being gifted four chickens and a hen-house along the way (thank you Penny).
Arriving in the new house, we discovered that the internet connection had been lost and it took the providers ten days (ten really painful days) to re-connect, during which time my new book, Bad Girl Bill, Atlantic Divide Series #2 was released, and I had virtually no ability to communicate with the outside world, except by driving to my sister Margaret's house and using her computer once a day.
If you know me, or you read my books, you will know I am a great romantic at heart and truly believe in happy ever after. So despite still sorting through boxes of stuff we probably should never have brought with us, and trying to keep two disgruntled kitties happy and entertained indoors for two weeks in still raging heat, I love my new home. My forever home. With miles and miles of wheat fields and beautiful views I can only look forward to the inspiration it will bring me.
Now I am on catch-up. With hundreds of emails to check, most of which are spam. I have Book #3, Finding Zoe to edit, I am working on some changes on my Christmas Romcom, I am part-way through writing Book #4, and I have this Challenge with Eva Lefoy and Allyson Lindt to do which has to be complete by the end of September - 15,000 words and I haven't written one - yet. Allyson is romping ahead with over 4,000 words down on paper - but I have a story in my head.
Who said moving to the country would be peaceful?
June 28, 2013
June 27, 2013
THE CHALLENGE
So, this is how it happened.
To tell the truth, I’m not quite sure how it happened, Allyson Lindt is responsible, without a shadow of a doubt.
You see, Allyson, challenged Eva to enter a competition and vis versa . Interesting, but did they take up the gauntlet? I may have – or may not have grabbed that gauntlet and run with it. We will see. But that particular issue may be irrelevant at this point.
And the point is that somehow, goaded by two enthusiastic authors, I challenged them to a competition:
THREE AUTHORSTHREE MONTHSONE BLOG POST EACH EVERY THREE WEEKSONE CHALLENGE
1. The Authorsa. Eva Lefoyb. Allyson Lindtc. Diane Saxon
2. Three Months – ending 30thSeptember 2013
3. Each of us must write a blog to update our progress once every three weeks. Well, here’s my first one and I elect Eva to go next. Because Eva is talking, and she’s talking big.
The Challenge -A 15,000 word short story to be completed
MY BLOG
So. Here I am with zero words and not much of an idea apart from I need to write a story about an android. Because in the confusion, I elected the android. Hmm, did I explain to the others that I’m a Contemporary Romance writer and I have no experience with androids? But I like cowboys so maybe a cowboy will be involved.
Never mind, I’m all over it. It will be contemporary, it will be romance and it will contain an android. But will it be finished?
Oh, did I explain? The winner is the one that finishes on time.
Next week, click on Eva – she’ll update you - She may be out playing, it’s the 4th July. http://writery.wordpress.com/
To tell the truth, I’m not quite sure how it happened, Allyson Lindt is responsible, without a shadow of a doubt.
You see, Allyson, challenged Eva to enter a competition and vis versa . Interesting, but did they take up the gauntlet? I may have – or may not have grabbed that gauntlet and run with it. We will see. But that particular issue may be irrelevant at this point.
And the point is that somehow, goaded by two enthusiastic authors, I challenged them to a competition:
THREE AUTHORSTHREE MONTHSONE BLOG POST EACH EVERY THREE WEEKSONE CHALLENGE
1. The Authorsa. Eva Lefoyb. Allyson Lindtc. Diane Saxon
2. Three Months – ending 30thSeptember 2013
3. Each of us must write a blog to update our progress once every three weeks. Well, here’s my first one and I elect Eva to go next. Because Eva is talking, and she’s talking big.
The Challenge -A 15,000 word short story to be completed
MY BLOG
So. Here I am with zero words and not much of an idea apart from I need to write a story about an android. Because in the confusion, I elected the android. Hmm, did I explain to the others that I’m a Contemporary Romance writer and I have no experience with androids? But I like cowboys so maybe a cowboy will be involved.
Never mind, I’m all over it. It will be contemporary, it will be romance and it will contain an android. But will it be finished?
Oh, did I explain? The winner is the one that finishes on time.
Next week, click on Eva – she’ll update you - She may be out playing, it’s the 4th July. http://writery.wordpress.com/
June 26, 2013
Summer Chillin BlogHop
Life has been a little busy lately with the release of Loving Lydia, the forthcoming release of Bad Girl Bill in August (check it out on my website http://www.dianesaxon.com/badgirlbill...), the submission of Cormack Blunt - Action Hero, and finishing off my short Romantic Comedy which I just submitted this week.
Oh and did I mention, getting ready to go on holiday and the small matter of a house move some time soon?
Well, I do like to keep busy, but life is never too busy to cook ... and eat and socialise. As a family, we love to eat together, because that way we can always find out what's going on in each others lives - especially me, I'm nosey.
Baking is a particular favourite of mine, and my sister Margaret and I used to attend celebration cake making courses together. We can whip up Christmas cakes, wedding cakes and birthday cakes, but really any kind of food features heavily in our family celebrations.
I hope you enjoy a couple of my favourite recipes. My first one was served to me a few years back by my sister, Lynn, who declares she cannot cook. But she can, so I stole her recipe.
The second one came from my mother and is one of the most frequently requested desserts for family get-togethers and has dozens of variations - just use your imagination.
I leave the drink selection to you. Personally a glass of good red wine suits me, especially with anything pasta - Cheers
Chicken & Ham Cannelloni
Topping
Olive Oil
1 Onion, finely chopped
1 Clove of Garlic, crushed
350g Passatta
142g Tomato Puree
1 tsp Caster Sugar
150 ml Chicken Stock (I cheat, I use a Knorr Stockpot)
2 tbsp Fresh chopped basil
Salt
1. Fry the onion and garlic in olive oil
2. Add all ingredients and simmer for as long as it takes to complete the next stage.
10-12 Cannelloni Tubes
Filling
Olive Oil
1 Onion, roughly chopped
1 Clove Garlic
175g (6 oz) Chicken Breast, Finely chopped
125 g (4 oz) Smoked Ham, diced
150g (5 oz) Garlic & Herb Boursin
Pinch of Salt
Grind of Pepper
1. Fry Onions in the olive oil, set to one side.
2. Fry chicken.
3. Add all ingredients to a food processor and zap for a minute or until fairly smooth.
4. Stuff the Cannelloni and place in a dish. (I use a piping bag for this)
5. Pour Tomato Sauce over.
6. Place in Oven at 200C degree, 400F degree, Gas Mark 6 30-40 minutes.
7. Serve with a green salad.
For a vegetarian alternative - and we have a few vegetarians in our family, replace the filling with:
Makes 5-6 Cannelloni Tubes
Olive Oil
1 Onion, roughly chopped
1 Clove Garlic
150g (5oz) Ricotta
125g Baby leaf spinnach
Pinch of Salt
Grind of Pepper
Strawberry Cheesecake
Ingredients
400 g (13 oz) Chocolate digestive Biscuits - crushed
175-200g (5-7 oz) Butter
300 g (10 oz) Philadelphia Cheese
300 ml (½ pint) Double Cream
125 g (4 oz) Caster Sugar
75g (2oz) Chocolate – melted
500g (15oz) Strawberries - sliced
Grease an 8” fluted dish with butter.
1. Melt butter.
2. Mix in crushed biscuits.
3. Turn mixture into dish and press down firmly into fluted edges.
4. Refrigerate.
5. Whip double cream until it stands in firm peaks.
6. In a separate bowl, beat together Philadelphia and caster sugar.
7. Fold cream and Philadelphia and sugar mix together.
8. Spread on biscuit base.
9. Arranged sliced strawberries on top.
10. Drizzle a little chocolate over everything.
11. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
Slice, serve … enjoy.
Oh and did I mention, getting ready to go on holiday and the small matter of a house move some time soon?
Well, I do like to keep busy, but life is never too busy to cook ... and eat and socialise. As a family, we love to eat together, because that way we can always find out what's going on in each others lives - especially me, I'm nosey.
Baking is a particular favourite of mine, and my sister Margaret and I used to attend celebration cake making courses together. We can whip up Christmas cakes, wedding cakes and birthday cakes, but really any kind of food features heavily in our family celebrations.
I hope you enjoy a couple of my favourite recipes. My first one was served to me a few years back by my sister, Lynn, who declares she cannot cook. But she can, so I stole her recipe.
The second one came from my mother and is one of the most frequently requested desserts for family get-togethers and has dozens of variations - just use your imagination.
I leave the drink selection to you. Personally a glass of good red wine suits me, especially with anything pasta - Cheers
Chicken & Ham Cannelloni
Topping
Olive Oil
1 Onion, finely chopped
1 Clove of Garlic, crushed
350g Passatta
142g Tomato Puree
1 tsp Caster Sugar
150 ml Chicken Stock (I cheat, I use a Knorr Stockpot)
2 tbsp Fresh chopped basil
Salt
1. Fry the onion and garlic in olive oil
2. Add all ingredients and simmer for as long as it takes to complete the next stage.
10-12 Cannelloni Tubes
Filling
Olive Oil
1 Onion, roughly chopped
1 Clove Garlic
175g (6 oz) Chicken Breast, Finely chopped
125 g (4 oz) Smoked Ham, diced
150g (5 oz) Garlic & Herb Boursin
Pinch of Salt
Grind of Pepper
1. Fry Onions in the olive oil, set to one side.
2. Fry chicken.
3. Add all ingredients to a food processor and zap for a minute or until fairly smooth.
4. Stuff the Cannelloni and place in a dish. (I use a piping bag for this)
5. Pour Tomato Sauce over.
6. Place in Oven at 200C degree, 400F degree, Gas Mark 6 30-40 minutes.
7. Serve with a green salad.
For a vegetarian alternative - and we have a few vegetarians in our family, replace the filling with:
Makes 5-6 Cannelloni Tubes
Olive Oil
1 Onion, roughly chopped
1 Clove Garlic
150g (5oz) Ricotta
125g Baby leaf spinnach
Pinch of Salt
Grind of Pepper
Strawberry Cheesecake
Ingredients
400 g (13 oz) Chocolate digestive Biscuits - crushed
175-200g (5-7 oz) Butter
300 g (10 oz) Philadelphia Cheese
300 ml (½ pint) Double Cream
125 g (4 oz) Caster Sugar
75g (2oz) Chocolate – melted
500g (15oz) Strawberries - sliced
Grease an 8” fluted dish with butter.
1. Melt butter.
2. Mix in crushed biscuits.
3. Turn mixture into dish and press down firmly into fluted edges.
4. Refrigerate.
5. Whip double cream until it stands in firm peaks.
6. In a separate bowl, beat together Philadelphia and caster sugar.
7. Fold cream and Philadelphia and sugar mix together.
8. Spread on biscuit base.
9. Arranged sliced strawberries on top.
10. Drizzle a little chocolate over everything.
11. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
Slice, serve … enjoy.
June 21, 2013
SUMMER CHILLIN' BLOG HOP
Life has been a little busy lately with the release of Loving Lydia, the forthcoming release of Bad Girl Bill in August (check it out on my website), the submission of Cormack Blunt - Action Hero, and finishing off my short Romantic Comedy ready for submission by the end of this week, hopefully in time for Christmas publishing.
Oh and did I mention, getting ready to go on holiday and the small matter of a house move some time soon?
Well, I do like to keep busy, but life is never too busy to cook ... and eat and socialise. As a family, we love to eat together, because that way we can always find out what's going on in each others lives - especially me, I'm nosey.
Baking is a particular favourite of mine, and my sister Margaret and I used to attend celebration cake making courses together. We can whip up Christmas cakes, wedding cakes and birthday cakes, but really any kind of food features heavily in our family celebrations.
I hope you enjoy a couple of my favourite recipes. My first one was served to me a few years back by my sister, Lynn, who declares she cannot cook. But she can, so I stole her recipe.
The second one came from my mother and is one of the most frequently requested desserts for family get-togethers and has dozens of variations - just use your imagination.
I leave the drink selection to you. Personally a glass of good red wine suits me, especially with anything pasta - Cheers
Chicken & Ham Cannelloni
Topping
Olive Oil1 Onion, finely chopped1 Clove of Garlic, crushed350g Passatta142g Tomato Puree1 tsp Caster Sugar150 ml Chicken Stock (I cheat, I use a Knorr Stockpot)2 tbsp Fresh chopped basil
Salt
1. Fry the onion and garlic in olive oil2. Add all ingredients and simmer for as long as it takes to complete the next stage.
10-12 Cannelloni Tubes
Filling
Olive Oil1 Onion, roughly chopped1 Clove Garlic175g (6 oz) Chicken Breast, Finely chopped125 g (4 oz) Smoked Ham, diced150g (5 oz) Garlic & Herb BoursinPinch of SaltGrind of Pepper
1. Fry Onions in the olive oil, set to one side.2. Fry chicken.3. Add all ingredients to a food processor and zap for a minute or until fairly smooth.4. Stuff the Cannelloni and place in a dish. (I use a piping bag for this)5. Pour Tomato Sauce over.6. Place in Oven at 200C degree, 400F degree, Gas Mark 6 30-40 minutes.7. Serve with a green salad.
For a vegetarian alternative - and we have a few vegetarians in our family, replace the filling with:
Makes 5-6 Cannelloni Tubes
Olive Oil
1 Onion, roughly chopped
1 Clove Garlic
150g (5oz) Ricotta
125g Baby leaf spinnach
Pinch of Salt
Grind of Pepper
Strawberry Cheesecake
Ingredients400 g (13 oz) Chocolate digestive Biscuits - crushed175-200g (5-7 oz) Butter300 g (10 oz) Philadelphia Cheese300 ml (½ pint) Double Cream125 g (4 oz) Caster Sugar75g (2oz) Chocolate – melted500g (15oz) Strawberries - sliced
Grease an 8” fluted dish with butter.
1. Melt butter.2. Mix in crushed biscuits.3. Turn mixture into dish and press down firmly into fluted edges.4. Refrigerate.5. Whip double cream until it stands in firm peaks.6. In a separate bowl, beat together Philadelphia and caster sugar.7. Fold cream and Philadelphia and sugar mix together.8. Spread on biscuit base.9. Arranged sliced strawberries on top.10. Drizzle a little chocolate over everything.11. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
Slice, serve … enjoy.
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