Rula Sinara's Blog, page 8
December 30, 2013
Release schedule and more!
It's the last Monday in 2013! That means that, in just two days, The Promise of Rain releases and I'm starting to celebrate and spread New Year's wishes early. Today, I'm at my first blog stop over at Jennifer Shirk's Me, My Muse and I blog. Jennifer's 'place' quickly became one of my favorite when I first began blogging. She's so incredibly welcoming. It feels surreal to be over there as a guest author. Come visit!
And I have more blog stops and events coming up (and I promise you'll find out something new about me or The Promise of Rain at each one):
Tuesday, Dec 24 - Goodreads Giveaway (ended with 1234 entries - according to my email notice :)
Thursday, Dec 26 - The Heartwarming Authors (blog post and giveaway last week)
Monday, Dec 30 - Me, My Muse and I (guest post)
Wednesday, Jan 1st - New Year's and Release Day! - USA Today's HEA blog (Come discover what my 'Three Things' are!)
January - Debut author spotlight at Harlequin.com (interview)
Sat-Fri, Jan 4-10 - Free Book Friday (interview and giveaway)
Monday, Jan 6 - The Hot Pink Typewriter (interview and giveaway)
Monday, Jan 13 - The Tiki Hut (guest post and giveaway)
Thursday, Jan 16 - The Heartwarming Authors
Also coming in January:
Dizneeees World of Books blog - character interview and more!
Harlequin's sytycwSOLD! blog - guest post
USA Today's HEA blog - catch my interview with Harlequin author Barbara Wallace
And in February:
Look for the article on my life's journey to becoming a writer in Harlequin's Simply Books magazine!
USA Today's HEA blog - catch my interview with Harlequin author Melinda Curtis
I have some other stops and events in the works as well and I'll update the list soon. I'll also add links as I get them.
Wishing you all an extraordinary 2014!
And I have more blog stops and events coming up (and I promise you'll find out something new about me or The Promise of Rain at each one):
Tuesday, Dec 24 - Goodreads Giveaway (ended with 1234 entries - according to my email notice :)
Thursday, Dec 26 - The Heartwarming Authors (blog post and giveaway last week)
Monday, Dec 30 - Me, My Muse and I (guest post)
Wednesday, Jan 1st - New Year's and Release Day! - USA Today's HEA blog (Come discover what my 'Three Things' are!)
January - Debut author spotlight at Harlequin.com (interview)
Sat-Fri, Jan 4-10 - Free Book Friday (interview and giveaway)
Monday, Jan 6 - The Hot Pink Typewriter (interview and giveaway)
Monday, Jan 13 - The Tiki Hut (guest post and giveaway)
Thursday, Jan 16 - The Heartwarming Authors
Also coming in January:
Dizneeees World of Books blog - character interview and more!
Harlequin's sytycwSOLD! blog - guest post
USA Today's HEA blog - catch my interview with Harlequin author Barbara Wallace
And in February:
Look for the article on my life's journey to becoming a writer in Harlequin's Simply Books magazine!
USA Today's HEA blog - catch my interview with Harlequin author Melinda Curtis
I have some other stops and events in the works as well and I'll update the list soon. I'll also add links as I get them.
Wishing you all an extraordinary 2014!
December 26, 2013
Thank you, Goodreads!
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone, especially readers, at Goodreads for making my first giveaway a success. Thanks to all who entered and added The Promise of Rain to their reading list...and congrats to the winners! There are no words to describe how appreciative and humbled I am.
And for anyone interested, I'm over at the Heartwarming Authors blog today. Come visit!
See you around :)
And for anyone interested, I'm over at the Heartwarming Authors blog today. Come visit!
See you around :)
December 21, 2013
Gluten Free/Dairy Free Snowball Cookies
It has been awhile since I posted a recipe, but it's hard (especially for my kids) to walk by whimsical and, no doubt, yummy Christmas cookies in the grocery store and not be able to have any. Sure, I know all the gluten free brands and it's not like we're cookie deprived, but I can't resist baking during the holidays and my boys wanted 'Christmas' cookies...so here's what I just finished baking. No snowball fights broke out. They were too good to throw ;).
Rula's GF/DF Snowball Cookies
Mix together:
1 1/2 c softened Earth Balance Buttery Spread (my choice in lieu of butter, but you can substitute)1 c sugar1/8 to 1/4 tsp salt (in other words, just a dash)2 1/2 c Bob's Red Mill white rice flour1 c Bob's Red Mill tapioca starch1/4 tsp Bob's Red Mill xanthan gum (helps texture so they don't fall apart...might work without)
Add:
1 tsp vanilla extract (Variation - you can substitute 1/2 of the vanilla with almond extract)2 eggs
Mix well then...
Preheat oven to 350 F (of course you can do this earlier)Line cookie pans with sheets of parchment paperRoll dough between your palms to shape 1 inch balls and place them on the cookie sheet about 1 inch apartBake for 15-20 minutes...until they just begin to turn brownLet cool slightly, but make sure they're still very warm
Powdered sugar coating:
Put about 1 c of powdered sugar in a small mixing bowl and roll 2-3 snowballs at a time to coat. Set on paper towels to cool completely (I use paper towels because they absorb any condensation from the warm cookies against my cool counters...you don't want soggy snow balls...and they keep the sugar from making a mess).
That's it! It's that easy. This recipe makes approximately 50 snowballs. Sounds like a lot...but trust me they won't last.
Happy Holidays!
Rula's GF/DF Snowball Cookies
Mix together:
1 1/2 c softened Earth Balance Buttery Spread (my choice in lieu of butter, but you can substitute)1 c sugar1/8 to 1/4 tsp salt (in other words, just a dash)2 1/2 c Bob's Red Mill white rice flour1 c Bob's Red Mill tapioca starch1/4 tsp Bob's Red Mill xanthan gum (helps texture so they don't fall apart...might work without)
Add:
1 tsp vanilla extract (Variation - you can substitute 1/2 of the vanilla with almond extract)2 eggs
Mix well then...
Preheat oven to 350 F (of course you can do this earlier)Line cookie pans with sheets of parchment paperRoll dough between your palms to shape 1 inch balls and place them on the cookie sheet about 1 inch apartBake for 15-20 minutes...until they just begin to turn brownLet cool slightly, but make sure they're still very warm
Powdered sugar coating:
Put about 1 c of powdered sugar in a small mixing bowl and roll 2-3 snowballs at a time to coat. Set on paper towels to cool completely (I use paper towels because they absorb any condensation from the warm cookies against my cool counters...you don't want soggy snow balls...and they keep the sugar from making a mess).
That's it! It's that easy. This recipe makes approximately 50 snowballs. Sounds like a lot...but trust me they won't last.
Happy Holidays!
December 19, 2013
NetGalley: The Promise of Rain
I don't think there has ever been a holiday where I haven't gained weight, but this year I've actually lost a few pounds. Knowing that my debut release is just two weeks away is both exciting and terrifying. With the constant knot in my stomach, I haven't been able to eat much. Whew. Let me tell you...a book release makes for a great diet, LOL!
But guess what? Some of you can read it early because it's up on NetGalley ! I have an awesome respect for readers, reviewers and bloggers and I'm truly looking forward to hearing everyone's honest opinion of The Promise of Rain . I'm humbled by the 5 star ratings I have so far on Goodreads. Thank you!!! And don't forget...less than five days left on my Goodreads Giveaway!
BUT...
I don't want you to think I'll only be posting news about myself! Yes, I'll be posting my release blog schedule and upcoming events, but I'm also still doing interviews. My next interview will post in January on the USA Today HEA blog and it's with Harlequin Romance author Barbara Wallace. Stay tuned!
Happy Holiday shopping!
But guess what? Some of you can read it early because it's up on NetGalley ! I have an awesome respect for readers, reviewers and bloggers and I'm truly looking forward to hearing everyone's honest opinion of The Promise of Rain . I'm humbled by the 5 star ratings I have so far on Goodreads. Thank you!!! And don't forget...less than five days left on my Goodreads Giveaway!
BUT...
I don't want you to think I'll only be posting news about myself! Yes, I'll be posting my release blog schedule and upcoming events, but I'm also still doing interviews. My next interview will post in January on the USA Today HEA blog and it's with Harlequin Romance author Barbara Wallace. Stay tuned!
Happy Holiday shopping!
December 12, 2013
Harlequin Community Open House, Giveaways and more!
I'm over at the Harlequin Community Open House (Day 4) today along with my fellow Heartwarming authors! Come join the fun and GIVEAWAYS. Win an ornament from a Heartwarming author: http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/1788-Thursday-s-Peek-at-Author-Holiday-Decorations or win a Harlequin Heartwarming book: http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/1735-Fun-with-Film-Trivia-and-the-Harlequin-Heartwarming-Authors. There are tons of other fun things going on with authors from Superromance, Special Edition and more!
Also, I'm FINALLY on TWITTER! I'll get follow me button up soon, but for those of you eager to celebrate my induction into modern times I'm at www.twitter.com/RulaSinara. And don't laugh...I'm still getting used to using # and @ LOL.
And don't forget (or feel free to spread the word ;)...my Goodreads Giveaway for The Promise of Rain ends on Christmas Eve!
Happy Holidays!
December 5, 2013
Goodreads Giveaway!
I can't believe it's already December! To jump start the holidays, I'm giving away five autographed ARCs of The Promise of Rain on Goodreads. This is another post-Call first for me and it's a world-wide giveaway that will end on Christmas Eve, so go ahead and checkout details on the giveaway
HERE
.
And stay tuned for more giveaway opportunities! Next week, Harlequin will be hosting a holiday open house and a group of Harlequin Heartwarming authors (myself included) will be joining the fun on Thursday. You'll have a chance to win books and/or ornaments. I'll add the links here when I have them, or look for details and events for the entire week at www.harlequin.com. I'll also come back with more news and a release schedule for The Promise of Rain :).
In the meantime, I'm joining the countdown to Christmas over at the Heartwarming Authors blog today. Come visit!
And I just wanted to say that I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I'm sorry I've been MIA and didn't have the chance to post a Thanksgiving blog (or visit yours). My teen fell while running around outside with his cousins after our turkey dinner (I was hosting) and ended up breaking his clavicle. We spent the evening at the ER and, given it was his right side and he's right handed, plus my other kids coming down with some bug, the past week has been interesting. In any case, like I always say, it could have been worse (he hit his head hard, but he's okay). It's funny that the first thing people ask when they hear about his injury is whether he got to eat his Thanksgiving meal first. LOL.
Anyway, I'm getting back in the swing and definitely getting into the holiday spirit, so I'll see you around!
And stay tuned for more giveaway opportunities! Next week, Harlequin will be hosting a holiday open house and a group of Harlequin Heartwarming authors (myself included) will be joining the fun on Thursday. You'll have a chance to win books and/or ornaments. I'll add the links here when I have them, or look for details and events for the entire week at www.harlequin.com. I'll also come back with more news and a release schedule for The Promise of Rain :).
In the meantime, I'm joining the countdown to Christmas over at the Heartwarming Authors blog today. Come visit!
And I just wanted to say that I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I'm sorry I've been MIA and didn't have the chance to post a Thanksgiving blog (or visit yours). My teen fell while running around outside with his cousins after our turkey dinner (I was hosting) and ended up breaking his clavicle. We spent the evening at the ER and, given it was his right side and he's right handed, plus my other kids coming down with some bug, the past week has been interesting. In any case, like I always say, it could have been worse (he hit his head hard, but he's okay). It's funny that the first thing people ask when they hear about his injury is whether he got to eat his Thanksgiving meal first. LOL.
Anyway, I'm getting back in the swing and definitely getting into the holiday spirit, so I'll see you around!
November 14, 2013
New kittens!
Last week we adopted kittens from our local SPCA. They're brothers who lost their mother to a car accident. My kids named them Storm and Nimbus (as in the cumulonimbus thunderstorm clouds). We got them at 8-9 weeks of age and they're growing very quickly! Nimbus is the black one (I think he's actually turning out to be what's called a smoke ghost...you can see his tabby pattern in the right light) and Storm is the brown Mackerel tabby...both gorgeous and sweet.
And they have purr motors like nothing I've ever heard LOL!
So today, I can be found cuddling kittens while working on my book 2 proposal...the second story in the series that starts with my January release, The Promise of Rain...and I can also be found talking about family, love, elephants and being thankful for kind hearted souls over at the Heartwarming Authors blog today. See you around!
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And they have purr motors like nothing I've ever heard LOL!
So today, I can be found cuddling kittens while working on my book 2 proposal...the second story in the series that starts with my January release, The Promise of Rain...and I can also be found talking about family, love, elephants and being thankful for kind hearted souls over at the Heartwarming Authors blog today. See you around!
October 28, 2013
My Cover Reveal and more!
It's here! The cover reveal for my debut Harlequin Heartwarming, The Promise of Rain (January 2014) is finally here!
And every time I look at it I get all bubbly inside. I love everything about it. The brilliant team who put it together captured so many elements that are significant in the story, including the tree, the elephants in the background and the overall sense of family. Families torn apart by trauma and the struggle to rebuild those relationships is a prominent theme in The Promise of Rain, so it's perfect that the cover 'promises' and captures the sense of serenity, family and happily ever after that the characters almost miss out on. And those characters include 'heartwarming' little ones, like the baby elephant and the little girl, Pippa.
And what better way to celebrate a cover reveal than to ring in the fall with some romantic fun? Turns out, I'm a bit of a scarecrow matchmaker. Check out the scarecrow couple I conjured up as part of a Harlequin event. I promise you'll get a kick out of it ;). Check out my craftiness HERE (I'm the last one)!
See you around!
And every time I look at it I get all bubbly inside. I love everything about it. The brilliant team who put it together captured so many elements that are significant in the story, including the tree, the elephants in the background and the overall sense of family. Families torn apart by trauma and the struggle to rebuild those relationships is a prominent theme in The Promise of Rain, so it's perfect that the cover 'promises' and captures the sense of serenity, family and happily ever after that the characters almost miss out on. And those characters include 'heartwarming' little ones, like the baby elephant and the little girl, Pippa.
And what better way to celebrate a cover reveal than to ring in the fall with some romantic fun? Turns out, I'm a bit of a scarecrow matchmaker. Check out the scarecrow couple I conjured up as part of a Harlequin event. I promise you'll get a kick out of it ;). Check out my craftiness HERE (I'm the last one)!
See you around!
October 24, 2013
Projects and Posts
It is one blustery day in my area...a sure sign that November is around the bend. The Farmer's Almanac said we'd be in for a cold Halloween in the mid-Atlantic, and now I believe it. But I'm going to bundle up and brave the wind because I need to finish a Fall project that will be part of a fun week at Harlequin.com starting October 28. Be on the lookout for a link to what I'm conjuring up!
Also, I'm now on Goodreads! I've added links in the right sidebar and on my website.
And today you can find me at The Heartwarming Authors Blog. I warn you, it's a sad post. Earlier this week, Millie, a little kitten abandoned at Harlequin's door and taken in by my editor, passed away. She was the cutest little thing, as you'll see in the pics.
She'll be missed by all.
Also, I'm now on Goodreads! I've added links in the right sidebar and on my website.
And today you can find me at The Heartwarming Authors Blog. I warn you, it's a sad post. Earlier this week, Millie, a little kitten abandoned at Harlequin's door and taken in by my editor, passed away. She was the cutest little thing, as you'll see in the pics.
She'll be missed by all.
October 17, 2013
Website launch and new look
My author website is finally live! Check it out at www.rulasinara.com or click on the Luna moth photo on the right sidebar. I plan on adding more photos (especially my book cover when it's available), info and links, but I hope you find it warm and welcoming. Let me know what you think!
