Terry Odell's Blog, page 146
March 8, 2016
What’s Cooking Wednesday – Ham and Bean Soup
Today’s recipe comes from critique partner and fellow Booklover’s Bench author, Karla Brandenburg. (And speaking of Booklover’s Bench, our March contest is running through March 18th, and you can win a $25 gift card)
Ham and Bean Soup
Ingredients:
1 pound dried great northern beans (white kidney beans also work)
3 1/2 quarts (14 cups) water, plus more for soaking the beans
1 meaty smoked ham bone or 2 ham hocks (about 1 pound)
3 fresh thyme sprigs or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 medium carrots...
March 7, 2016
In the Interview Room – Terry Odell
Since my guest interviews will be starting soon, I thought it was only fair to put myself in the hot seat.
What’s your biggest distraction when you should be writing?
I’d like to say it’s having two windows and a bird feeder hanging in view of one of them, and the deer that come to the front yard from the other, but honestly, it’s more like spending time in cyberspace checking my sales figures. Or the time on IM with my crit partner, but I call that a ‘writing’ thing even if we’re not talking...
March 6, 2016
SleuthFest Recap 3 – Editor’s Panel
As a primarily indie author, a panel I was interested in attending was the editor round table where four editors answered questions posed by the audience. The panel was made up of Neil Nyren, Chris Knopf, Erin George, and Ann Speyer. Again, any errors are mine.
When asked if they would consider a series that had been previously published, they said they would consider continuing series that were previously self published, but were likely to pick up a series from the beginning rather than some...
March 3, 2016
Friday Field Trip – Heading off to San Francisco
Last December, Hubster’s marine mammal organization held its biennial conference. Since it was the 25th anniversary, he came out of retirement to attend, and I went along. We departed from the Colorado Springs airport on a typical winter day.
And, after landing at the San Francisco Airport, we knew we’d hit another culture. Nothing like a little yoga on a layover.
In contrast to the first picture, this was the view from our hotel room.
Have a great weekend, everyone.
SleuthFest recap 2 – Arson Investigation
Another workshop I attended at SleuthFest covered the topic of Arson Investigation. Again, this is basically a transcription of my notes, so things might be sketchy. Any errors are mine.
Our presenter was Captain Thomas Fucci of Palm Beach County
Fucci carries a gun and has powers of arrest. He likes that he can see the case from beginning to end, as opposed to the police officers where a patrol officer is the first to respond, and then other departments step in to do their parts. Fucci works...
March 1, 2016
Contests and Winners
I’m over at Just Romantic Suspense today and tomorrow, talking about the fear factor when starting a new series. I’m giving away a download of When Danger Calls, the first of my Blackthorne, Inc. covert ops romantic suspense series. In Hot Water features some of the Blackthorne team, so here’s a chance to get to see where it all started.
I’m thrilled to announce the winners in my In Hot Water Release Contest.
The Kobo Glo HD went to Zara H. Assorted Author Swag went to Tracy W. Debra B. won...
February 29, 2016
Openings for Guest Bloggers
As I work my way back into “full time” blogging, I’m once again opening Terry’s Place to guests.
If you’re not familiar with my guest policies (and you should be if you want to have your day here), in a nutshell, these are INTERVIEWS. I will send you a list of questions, and you choose 10 to answer. It’s not a place to tout your book, but I will allow a SHORT blurb. There are hundreds of blogs where you can do your book promotion, but this isn’t one of them. Save us both time and search on In...
February 28, 2016
SleuthFest recap 1 – All About Characters
I’m writing this in my Denver hotel room after a long day of travel from SleuthFest (but I’m not home yet — staying overnight because I didn’t want to travel another 3 hours to get home, especially since it would be in the dark, and I don’t drive at night.)
After my workshop on Point of View, I attended one on characters by PJ Parrish (Kris Montee and Kelly Nichols). Because I’m wiped out from travel, I’m posting my bullet point notes. If you have questions, ask them in the comments, and I’ll...
February 23, 2016
Birthday Travels
I’ll be celebrating my birthday on a plane this year. Two planes, actually. I’m on my way to SleuthFest. At least I hope so. As I write this, I’m watching the snow continue to fall. My flight is an early morning one, so my plan was to drive to Denver yesterday and spend the night there (love those hotel reward points!) rather than deal with what might be treacherous road conditions between here and the airport.
I’m giving away an e-reader, but if you feel the urge to give me a present, buying...
February 22, 2016
Tips for Attending Conferences
Since I’m busy getting ready for SleuthFest, I thought I’d rerun a post about my tips for attending conferences. I’m reviewing these myself as I pack!
Conferences are great ways to refuel. Writing is a solitary occupation, and sometimes we need to get out and among people who understand what it’s like to have voices in your head. It’s also a great opportunity to see how other people handle all the aspects of the craft. No two people do things the same way, and what works for one doesn’t work...
