C.D. Hersh's Blog, page 154
December 31, 2015
Friday Features New Year Day
Wishing all a
Happy New Year
December 28, 2015
Tell Again Tuesday Draw Near and Listen
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
Draw Near and Listen!
December 19, 2014 by Linda Bennett Pennell
In the materialistic frenzy that Christmas has become, it can be comforting to pause and focus on the simpler traditions of the season. One of the most delightful things about this time of year for many is the music. Some of the world’s most recognizable and beautiful melodies are found in our Christmas carols.
The tradition of singing carols is almost as old as the church itself. The first known hymns specifically for Christmas appeared in . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
https://historyimagined.wordpress.com/2014/12/19/music-peace-and-joy/
December 24, 2015
Friday Features Christmas Wishes
Today we wish all a happy holiday.
May the day bring joy and love.
Thanks for following us this year. We hope you will come back next year as there will be new books and more authors to read about.
December 21, 2015
Tell Again Tuesday Top 5 Book Events You Must Attend
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
Ever wonder where to go to get your books among the public. Then read on.
Top 5 Book Events You Must Attend #writing #amwriting #writertips
December 9, 2015
Authors know the only way to sell your books is to get them out into the world for all the readers to see and find. The more readers you acquire, the more sales you will receive, and what better place to put your novel on stage than . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
http://longvalleypress.com/2015/12/09/top-5-book-events-you-must-attend/
December 15, 2015
Sizzle in the Snow Newsletter Post Final
Final
Sizzle In The Snow:
A Soul Mate Christmas Collection
Now Available
Sizzle in the Snow: Soul Mate Christmas Collection of Eight steamy romances by eight Soul Mate Publishing authors . . .
This Christmas season, Soul Mate Publishing and editor, Char Chaffin, presents Sizzle in the Snow: Soul Mate Christmas Collection, an anthology now available on Amazon. Want to know what each story is about . . . besides romance and Christmas?
Well, here it is! Each author’s links to their websites. If you like their blurb, check out their other books!
Beth Carter http://bethcarter.com/, Santa Baby
Amy Deason https://amydeason.wordpress.com/, Second Chances: A Christmas Story
Crystal Firsdon http://crystalfirsdon.com/, ‘Twas the Crazy Night Before Christmas
CD Hersh https://cdhersh.wordpress.com/, Kissing Santa
Kim Hotzon http://kimhotzon.com/, The Snow Bird
Ryan Jo Summers http://www.ryanjosummers.com/, Tamed by Christmas
Tina Susedik http://www.tinasusedik.com/, Operation Santa
Cheryl Yeko http://www.cherylyeko.com/, Christmas Eve Surprise
Welcome to our final newsletter in celebration of the release of
Sizzle in the Snow: Soul Mate Christmas Collection.
Below you’ll find great decorating tips, recipes and cocktails, excerpts, craft ideas, song links, holiday memories, and personalized cards and poems by the authors!
Book Corner
We promised a sneak peek, so here goes . . .
Author Amy Deason shares an excerpt of her short story, Second Chances: A Christmas Story!
Octavia turned and was headed out the door when she stopped, looking back over her shoulder, her mouth turned up in a smile. “I just thought you might be interested to know that Michael Dennison is the coach.”
Grace stopped in her tracks. “Michael?” she asked, her heart skipping a beat.
For a moment, she forgot to breathe. Michael Dennison. Good Lord, that man had been hot. Tall with an athletic build, dark brown hair and incredible blue eyes, he caught her attention no matter where she was. Or he used to the last time she’d seen him, several years ago when she’d been down here for a visit.
“I see you remember him,” Octavia laughed, topping in the doorway and turning back.
“Of course I do. How could I not? But wait, he’s the basketball coach here? I thought he moved away to the city.”
“Oh, he did, but he got divorced three years ago and moved back. He’s got a little girl, Nicole. Actually,” Octavia mused, tilting her head, “she’s about the same age as Gracie. Hey, maybe they could become friends. And no, before you ask, I don’t think he’s involved with anyone. Yet,” she drawled out, her intention crystal clear.
Grace could feel her face heating up. “Come on, you don’t seriously think he’d be interested in me do you? I mean, he was so good looking . . .”
“And you’re what? Chopped liver? Give me a break.”Octavia rolled her eyes dramatically. “I know for a fact that the man had the hots for you for a long time. I doubt that’s changed. Oh and one more thing…”
“What?”
“If I were you, I’d find that charger for your phone. I have a feeling that you might be getting a message pretty soon,” her friend replied mischievously. “Well, gotta go. See you tomorrow about five.,” she said, dashing out the door before Grace could say another word.
“Mom, Lee won’t get out of my room!” Grace yelled, her voice traveling down the stairs.
With a sigh, Grace started up the steps and heard Lee giggling hysterically.
Oh man, she thought, I’ve got to find that charger.
Cocktail Corner
Busy shopping, wrapping and socializing?
Kick back with a festive cocktail!
Recipe shared by Kim Hotzon:
Cuban Mojito
Recipe = single serving
2-3 fresh mint leaves
1/2 ounce lime juice
1 teaspoon white sugar, or more to taste
1/4 cup ice cubes, or more as needed
1.5 – 2 fluid ounces white Bacardi rum
4 1/2 ounces club soda
Place mint leaves, lime juice and sugar in bottom of a glass and muddle with a spoon until mint is crushed. Fill glass with ice cubes. Pour rum and soda over the ice; stir. Serve with stirring spoon and garnish with fresh lime wedge.
Optional: Muddle fresh blueberries, raspberries or blackberries in with mint, lime and sugar for a refreshing switch to this classic cocktail.
Optional: Replace club soda with 7-UP for a sweeter, fizzier drink
Holiday Memory Corner
Authors CD Hersh share their unforgettable holiday memory . . .
A Paper Christmas Tree
What do you do when you’re poor and don’t have the money for a Christmas tree?
Years ago when we were recently married college students, we were in that predicament. Not only did we not have a tree, we didn’t have much floor space to spare in our on-campus studio apartment. What we did have was access to hundreds of discarded, rectangular, IBM punch cards which Catherine liked to turn into paper wreaths. So, we got creative.
Using the IBM punch cards, some staples, a few cardboard rounds, and some string, we created a one-of-kind, paper Christmas tree that we hung from the ceiling.
We put the Christmas cards we received in the center of the wreaths as decorations.
After the holiday was over we pitched the paper tree (we had no storage room either), but the memories of that first Christmas tree linger—unique and precious like our love.
Recipe Corner
Company coming over? Author Tina Susedik dishes up her favorite holiday recipe:
Holiday Recipe: Fruit Nut Sheet Bars
This is a recipe that was a favorite of my siblings (there are seven of us) as we grew up. I made it a few times for my husband and kids, but I’m the only one who ever ate them, so I stopped. Last year we were at one of my older sisters’ for a Christmas party. To my joy, there they were, sitting right on top of other bars. She said she was the only one who ate them, but since several of us siblings were coming, she made them. Ah, the joy of sitting with her, dipping the bars in hot chocolate, just like the old days.
Fruit Nut Sheet
Ingredients
1 cup chopped English walnuts
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/4 cup seedless dates – cut into small pieces
1 cup flour
3 eggs
1 tsp. baking powder
Powdered sugar
Beat sugar and eggs together. Dredge dates and walnuts in flour/baking powder mixture. Add to sugar and egg mixture. Pour into shallow, greased baking pan. Bake for 1/2 hour at 300 degrees. Cut and shake bars in powdered sugar until coated.
These tend to get hardened after a time, so dipping them in coffee or hot chocolate is a fun way to soften them up.
Music Corner
Listen up! Cheryl Yeko shares her favorite holiday song O’ Holy Night by Susan Boyle.
Craft Corner
Looking for a simple craft to do with your children or grandchildren? Feeling crafty?
Crystal Firsdon shares an easy to do, festive DIY craft:
When I open the ornament box every year and see pictures of my family and how they looked 2 or 5 or more years ago, I love it. Photo ornaments are my favorite, and so easy to make yourself. I take a favorite family photo from the past year, or my kids’ school pictures, and glue the picture to the cover of an old Christmas card. I cut out the shape I want the ornament to be out of the card, punch a hole in the top, string some ribbon through the hole, and voila! Instant picture ornament. Getting it laminated will help keep it safe.
You can also glue the picture to some cool wrapping paper, then glue the wrapping paper to a piece of cardboard or other sturdy backing. And of course, there are lots of pre-made kits out there where you put the pieces together and then insert your picture. Those are great, too.
Decorating Corner
Time to bring out the mistletoe! Author Beth Carter has a great decorating tip!
Fill a glass bowl with a bag of cranberries. Add water. The cranberries will float to the top. Add several white tea lights. These will also float. Enjoy this natural, pretty holiday decoration!
Holiday Card
What’s a holiday without a personalized card by one of your favorite authors?
Author Ryan Jo Summers shares her holiday wishes:
You can now purchase a copy of Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection!
Sizzle In The Snow Buy Link
Follow the authors’ blogs for a sneak peek of this wonderful collection!
December 14, 2015
Tell Again Tuesday Signing Away Your Rights: Arbitration Clauses in Book Contracts
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
Signing Away Your Rights: Arbitration Clauses in Book Contracts
Posted by Victoria Strauss for Writer Beware
Recently, the New York Times published a fascinating three-part series of articles on arbitration clauses, and how such clauses “buried in tens of millions of contracts have deprived Americans of one of their most fundamental constitutional rights: their day in court.” (You can also listen to an interview with the articles’ author on NPR.) The articles deal mainly with consumer and employment contracts, in which, according to the Times, arbitration clauses have created “an alternate system of justice” where “rules tend to favor businesses, and judges and juries have been replaced by arbitrators who commonly consider the companies their clients.” But arbitration clauses are increasingly common in publishing contracts, too–as well as in the Terms of Use of some major self-publishing platforms. And most authors don’t understand their implications.
What’s an Arbitration Clause? . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
http://accrispin.blogspot.ca/2015/11/signing-away-your-rights-arbitration.html?m=1
NOTE: This applies to both traditional publishing contracts and self-publishing terms of use including KDP.
December 8, 2015
Wednesday Special Spotlight Sizzle in the Snow blurbs, links
Focuses on
Blurb mania for
Sizzle in the Snow
Looking for that special gift for the mother, sister, daughter, or cousin who likes to read romance? Here is a special Christmas book of eight great stories for less than a tall latte at Starbucks! Sizzle in the Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection has reached the top 100 Canadian anthologies.
Do want to know what each story is about… besides romance and Christmas? Well, here it is! (Authors’ name link to their website. If you like their blurb, check out their other books!)
SANTA BABY by Beth Carter
Unlucky-in-love Brooke Woods finds herself with a Christmas delivery and it isn’t from Santa. When her boyfriend leaves her for their neighbor, she heads to the nearest bar, meeting hunky, nice guy Anderson Bradley. The two only exchange first names, and their hot fling leaves them both wanting more but their anonymity makes that impossible.
Brooke never thought she’d end up in a hospital pregnant at Christmastime. Will a Santa Baby bring the new mother and father together or tear them apart?
SECOND CHANCES: A CHRISTMAS STORY by Amy Deason
When Grace Sellers needs to start over, she moves back to her old hometown with her two young children in tow. But the last person she expects to see is her high school crush, Michael Dennison.
Is this unexpected encounter a mere coincidence or a second chance at true love?
‘TWAS THE CRAZY NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Crystal Firsdon
“‘Twas the night before Christmas, when plans led to danger For Clara and Drew, who until now were strangers. As they run for safety, desire comes fast . . . Will they have each other, or is this night their last?”
KISSING SANTA by C.D. Hersh
Making love with Santa is “Number Nine” on Anna Noel’s holiday bucket list. Professional Santa, Sam S. Klaus, is willing to fulfill her wish.
Is kissing the Santa of her dreams worth the risk of ending up on the naughty list?
THE SNOW BIRD by Kim Hotzon
Lauren, a young single mother, is struggling to keep her children fed and a roof over their heads as the holidays approach.
Christmas is looking bleak until a sexy and wealthy property developer unexpectedly shows up in town, offering to repair her roof . . . and a whole lot more.
TAMED BY CHRISTMAS by Ryan Jo Summers
Years ago Paige and Shane experienced a tragic event in their romance. Unable to move past it, they broke up. Yet the passion remains, and she returns at Christmas time in an attempt to rekindle the love she and Shane once shared. It’s a rocky road, and it seems they might not succeed until a freak accident shows them what they really have to lose.
Can Shane tame Paige’s heart by Christmas? Or should they just let those still burning flames slowly die?
OPERATION SANTA by Tina Susedik
When Marci Hofer becomes fed up with the lack of attention from her husband, David, she decides to leave him. Devastated, he begins a campaign to bring her home. Calling it Operation Santa, he learns what he thought would be as simple as sending her gifts can backfire in the most embarrassing ways.
Will he survive the battle to get her back?
CHRISTMAS EVE SURPRISE by Cheryl Yeko
Steve knows he screwed up, but he’s determined to reclaim the woman he loves and the babies she carries.
But when he sweeps back into her life on Christmas Eve, Amy’s not sure she’s ready to forgive him for abandoning her six months earlier.
Buy link Sizzle in the Snow
December 7, 2015
Tell Again Tuesday Maps, Markers, and Meandering: Place Matters
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
Maps, Markers, and Meandering: Place Matters
October 23, 2015 by Caroline Warfield
When we moved to the urban wilds of Eastern Pennsylvania, it took some adjustment, but mostly that went smoothly. I’ve been here almost three years and have become comfortable. Besides the joy of having my Grandbuddy down the block, I’ve found some other treasures. One of them is that you can’t swing a dead cat anywhere near me without hitting . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
December 5, 2015
Sizzle in the Snow Newsletter Post
#7
Sizzle In The Snow:
A Soul Mate Christmas Collection
Now Available
Sizzle in the Snow: Soul Mate Christmas Collection of Eight steamy romances by eight Soul Mate Publishing authors . . .
This Christmas season, Soul Mate Publishing and editor, Char Chaffin, presents Sizzle in the Snow: Soul Mate Christmas Collection, an anthology now available on Amazon. Want to know what each story is about . . . besides romance and Christmas?
Well, here it is! Each author’s links to their websites. If you like their blurb, check out their other books!
Beth Carter http://bethcarter.com/, Santa Baby
Amy Deason https://amydeason.wordpress.com/, Second Chances: A Christmas Story
Crystal Firsdon http://crystalfirsdon.com/, ‘Twas the Crazy Night Before Christmas
CD Hersh https://cdhersh.wordpress.com/, Kissing Santa
Kim Hotzon http://kimhotzon.com/, The Snow Bird
Ryan Jo Summers http://www.ryanjosummers.com/, Tamed by Christmas
Tina Susedik http://www.tinasusedik.com/, Operation Santa
Cheryl Yeko http://www.cherylyeko.com/, Christmas Eve Surprise
Welcome to our seventh newsletter in celebration of the release of
Sizzle in the Snow: Soul Mate Christmas Collection.
Check your inbox every ten days for each newsletter. Inside you’ll find great decorating tips, recipes and cocktails, excerpts, craft ideas, song links, holiday memories, and personalized cards and poems by the authors!
Book Corner
We promised a sneak peek, so here goes . . .
Author Beth Carter shares a blurb of her short story, Santa Baby!
SANTA BABY by Beth Carter
Unlucky-in-love Brooke Woods finds herself with a Christmas delivery and it isn’t from Santa. When her boyfriend leaves her for their neighbor, she heads to the nearest bar, meeting hunky, nice guy Anderson Bradley. The two only exchange first names, and their hot fling leaves them both wanting more but their anonymity makes that impossible.
Brooke never thought she’d end up in a hospital pregnant at Christmastime. Will a Santa Baby bring the new mother and father together or tear them apart?
Cocktail Corner
Busy shopping, wrapping and socializing?
Kick back with a festive cocktail!
Recipe shared by CD Hersh:
Picture #1
Mocktail recipe:
Cranberry Sangria by the glass (original recipe by C.D. Hersh)
For each 8-ounce champagne glass you will need:
1/4 cup brewed Hibiscus Watermelon tea (we use Republic of Tea brand)
1/8 cup brewed Chamomile honey and vanilla tea (we use Twinings brand)
Sparking apple cider
1 rounded TBS jellied cranberry sauce (smooth or whole berry)
Fresh fruits (grapes, whole cranberries, pineapple chunks, peeled sliced star fruit, or peeled kiwi—or fruits of your choice)
Short skewer or sizzle stick
Directions:
Thread fruits on a skewer or swizzle stick and set aside.
Place teas and cranberry sauce in the glass. Mix until sauce is dissolved. Fill glass with sparkling apple cider. Enjoy!
Mock Champagne by the glass (original recipe by C.D. Hersh)
In an 8-ounce champagne flute, place ¼ cup white grape juice and 1/8 cup Chamomile tea. Fill glass with regular or diet ginger ale. To give the drink a holiday flare, add a slice of star fruit and a couple of whole, fresh cranberries to the glass before adding the liquids.
Holiday Memory Corner
Crystal Firsdon has an unforgettable holiday memory to share . . .
This holiday memory is more of a true story that’s been told for years. At 2 years old I was too young to remember when this happened. The story goes . . .
Christmas Eve in my family has always been celebrated at my maternal grandparents’ house with my mom’s side of the family. After a long evening of church, dinner, and presents, my parents brought my sister and me home only to discover someone had broken into our house by kicking in our back door. They ransacked the house and stole all our Christmas presents! (Side note: Yes, they ransacked the house, but the house was already a mess when they broke in. My mom was so embarrassed about the mess that when the police came, she blamed it all on the burglars—even the clothes thrown all over the bedroom floors.)
Christmas day was always spent at my paternal grandparents’ house with my dad’s side of the family, and by morning they had all heard what happened. My aunts and uncles snatched some of their own kids’ presents, changed the tags, and gave them to my sister and me so we’d have gifts to open from Santa on Christmas day.
A few days later the police caught who did it. They came to our house with a garbage bag filled with what they could recover, including a red velvet robe for my dad. (It was the 70’s, don’t judge.) I remember hearing stories that when they caught the man, he was wearing the robe. Nobody remembers if that part is true or not but my mom said the robe had obviously been worn when they got it back.
Luckily, none of my own Christmases that I remember have been that dramatic. I’ve grown up with that story and will someday pass it on to my own children when they’re old enough that it won’t scar them for life.
Recipe Corner
Company coming over? Author Ryan Jo Summers dishes up her favorite holiday recipe:
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 20 min.
MAKES: 4 servings
Basil Halibut Steaks
INGREDIENTS:
6 plum tomatoes, cut into 1-1/4 inch slices
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 to 6 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
Water
4 halibut steaks (1 inch thick)
TOPPING:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 cup soft bread crumbs
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped ripe olives
Nutritional Facts
1 serving (1 each) equals 739 calories, 36 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 141 mg cholesterol, 492 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 87 g protein.
Directions
Place tomatoes on a baking sheet; drizzle with oil. Wrap garlic in aluminum foil and place on the baking sheet. Bake at 450° for 20 minutes or until edges of tomatoes are lightly browned and garlic pierces easily with a fork. Place tomatoes and garlic in a food processor or blender; cover and process until smooth. Add vinegar, basil and water to achieve desired thickness; set aside.
Place halibut in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Combine mayonnaise and mustard; spread over fish. Combine bread crumbs, basil and olives; sprinkle over mayonnaise mixture and press down gently. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 20 minutes or until topping is golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork. Spoon tomato sauce onto four dinner plates; top with fish. Yield: 4 servings.
Music Corner
Listen up! Tina Susedik shares her favorite holiday song:
Song Title: Mary, Did You Know?
By Pentatonix
Craft Corner
Looking for a simple craft to do with your children or grandchildren? Feeling crafty?
Amy Deason shares an easy to do, festive DIY craft:
My DIY craft is not very expensive and is totally cute and fairly easy to make.
Shadow Box
Scrapbook Paper
Vinyl Lettering
1 1/2 packages of bells (any color, multiple colors might be festive)
**Your shadow box doesn’t have to say Jingle Bells. You can have it say anything you like: Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Let It Snow, etc. And for the interior, you don’t have to use bells. You can use whatever you want. The possibilities are endless.
DIRECTIONS:
Apply vinyl lettering to the outside of the shadow box.
Place box upside down and fill with bells.
Trim paper to approximately 9″ (9.25″ might actually work for the shadow box better).
Place trimmed paper behind the bells and close the box.
There you go, now you have a beautiful Christmas craft to enjoy for years to come.
Holiday Card
What’s a holiday without a personalized card by one of your favorite authors? Author Kim Hotzon shares her holiday wishes:
You can now purchase a copy of Sizzle In The Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection!
Sizzle In The Snow Buy Link
Follow the authors’ blogs for a sneak peek of this wonderful collection!
November 30, 2015
Tell Again Tuesday The Basic Framework of Your Book
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
The Basic Framework of Your Book
Posted on October 21, 2015 by J. A. Allen
An old friend of mine recently decided to tackle a book he talked about writing ever since we met, almost fifteen years ago. We had been out of touch a long time, but when I started my Facebook Page he sent me a quick message. Then he emailed me some of the snippets he’s been collecting for his book through the years. In seconds, I was laughing so hard I was almost crying.
His writing voice is . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
https://scribblesoncocktailnapkins.wordpress.com/2015/10/21/the-basic-framework-of-your-book/
