Terry Odell's Blog, page 114

Ranching from a Writer’s Point of View

I just got back from another week at the Colorado Cattle Company and Guest Ranch. I was there last year, doing research for In Dire Straits, and Hubster and I had such a good time, we wanted to do it again. (Does this mean there’s going to be another Triple-D Ranch book? Quite likely.)

As a writer, I tend to look at things differently from the other guests. As a mystery/romantic suspense writer, I’d bet my thoughts stray even further from the typical reactions.

Last year, I was asking questio...

In Dire Straits Audio Is LIVE!

After much waiting, I’m thrilled to announce the release of the audiobook format of In Dire Straits.

Get it at Audible   iTunes   Amazon

To celebrate, here’s a chance to get Book 1, In Hot Water, for only 99 cents. Limited time offer, but now you can start at the beginning. Also, if you buy both the ebook and the audiobook together, you’ll get a deep discount.

And don’t forget, you can get your name in my next book — or choose a name of a friend. You can see the details here.

June Special – In Hot Water

I’m still at the ranch. I had hoped to be able to announce the release of the audiobook format of In Dire Straits, but due to holdups beyond my control, the audiobook is still not available.

So, while you’re waiting, here’s a chance to get Book 1, In Hot Water, for only 99 cents. Limited time offer, but now you can start at the beginning. Also, if you buy both the ebook and the audiobook together, you’ll get a deep discount.

And don’t forget, you can get your name in my next book — or choose...

What’s Cooking Wednesday – Sheila’s Soup

 I’m at the cattle ranch this week, and I’m sure I’ll have a new recipe or two, but Sheila’s Soup was a hit last year, so I thought I’d repeat it. Rich and hearty. Just what you need after a day of working cattle.

Sheila was kind enough to share her recipe. I made it at home, but used chicken for the protein and chicken broth instead of beef. I used more chicken and a cup of barley because I wanted a thicker, heartier soup for a full meal.

Sheila’s  Soup
Recipe courtesy of Sheila Clouse and t...

Character Interview – Kate Hill’s Grit

Thanks for letting me interview you, Grit. First, a few introductory questions.

Your name:  Grit
The book you’re in: Fangs and Fists 1: Bolt
Your author’s name:  Kate Hill
Your role: Friend and assigned mate.

And now, on with the interview:

What was your favorite part of being a character in this book?
This book was difficult for me. I lost a lot. If I had to pick a favorite thing about being part of it, I guess it’s that the author planned for me to be the hero of the second part of the seri...

Hands On Research – Colorado Cattle Company

I’m spending the week at the Colorado Cattle Company again. It’s a research trip, so I promise not to have any fun. Here’s a recap of what happened last year.

First, the ranch’s slogan is “Where the Guests Are the Cowboys” and they weren’t kidding. They’re a working cattle ranch and they put you to work on day one. You’re assigned a horse based on your experience, and every morning before breakfast you’re up at the paddock brushing and saddling your mount. I had two that week—Sally, my first,...

Do You Want to be a Character in my Book?

Ever wanted to see your name, or someone you know, as a character in a book?

What’s Cooking Wednesday – Easy Italian Wedding Soup

One day when the weather decided not to pay attention to the meteorologists and dumped rain and hail on us, soup seemed the way to go. I found Ina Garten’s recipe for Italian Wedding Soup and modified it to make it easier and utilize the ingredients I had on hand.

Easy Italian Wedding Soup

Ingredients:
2 T olive oil
1 c minced yellow onion
1 c shredded carrots chopped to about inch sized pieces
c diced celery (2 stalks)
8 c chicken stock
c dry white wine
1 cup small pasta (I used Israeli C...

Character Interview – Eric Reed’s Grace Baxter

Thanks for letting me interview you, Grace. First, a few introductory questions.

Your name: Grace Baxter
The book you’re in: Ruined Stones
Your author’s name: Eric Reed aka Mary Reed & Eric Mayer
Your role: Protagonist

Now, on with the interview:

What was your favorite part of being a character in this book?
I am proud to be able to contribute to the British war effort by following my father into police work, although it has turned out to be very different from his experience and what I had a...

We Remember

Give thanks to those who have given their lives to protect us.

And please. Be Safe.