Terry Odell's Blog, page 215

In the Interview Room — Kay Kendall

Today I wel­come Kay Kendall to Terry’s Place. Kay writeshistorical mysteries set in the late 1960s. Her debut mystery is Desolation Row and her work in progress, a sequel, is Rainy Day Women. She’s got 3 books to give away, so be sure to leave a comment. You have until Friday.

If you can invite anyone (alive or dead) to dinner, who would you invite and why?

William Shakespeare would be my guest. We’d go to a public house (later called a pub) near the Globe Theater in London. He could rush over...

Bold, Bare, or Bald?

What I’m reading: A Cold Day for Murder, by Dana Stabenow.
First – my gift today: I have a limited number of free downloads from ACX for I’ll be happy to give you one with the understanding that it would be nice to get a review in return. Also, if you’re not a member of audible, you’ll have to join, but there’s a 30 day free trial, so there’s no long-term commitment on your part. Use the contact form to let me know you’re interested. If I get more requests than I have coupon...

Another Gift For You

Because it’s a holiday weekend, I’m taking my own mini-vacation. But I do have another gift for you. A free listen to the first chapter of at Sound Cloud.

Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Hanukkah

Or, Happy Thanksgivukkah.

This year, Hanukkah coincides with Thanksgiving. I wish all of you a safe and happy holiday, no matter what you’re celebrating.

I’m thankful for each of you who takes the time to stop by my blog.

My gift to you is a new addition to The Cutting Room Floor section of my website. With the release of What’s in a Name? as an audio book, I’ve uploaded the original, first draft version of the first chapter. You can read it

What’s Cooking Wednesday — Rugelach

It’s time for our holiday again, and here’s a repeat of a cookie recipe that’s a family favorite.

Rugelach

Pastry:

2 sticks butter

8 oz. cream cheese

½ t salt

2 c flour

In a large bowl of electric mixer, cream butter & cream cheese until

completely blended & smooth. Beat in the salt and gradually add flour on

low speed. Wrap and refrigerate overnight. (I’ve even frozen the dough for weeks in advance.)

Filling:

½ c + 2 T sugar

1 T cinnamon

3 T melted butter (you might need more)

¾ c. dried currants (or rais...

In the Interview Room — Stacy Juba

Today I welcome Stacy Juba to Terry’s Place for an author interview. Stacy writes mystery, romantic suspense and contemporary fiction for adults, teens and children. Her titles all feature Characters at a Crossroads, flawed individuals who are overcoming obstacles in their lives to get on the right path.

Plotter or Pantser?

I’m definitely a plotter and a planner. I write a lengthy outline, generally about 10–15 typed pages. If I didn’t do that, I would get writer’s block and develop the fear of...

What About a Street Team?

Indie publishing makes it much easier to get published. No longer does an author have to worry about the confines of a genre simply because it’s one publishers know how to market. No longer does an author have to hope the publisher has room on its limited list of openings for books in one of those ‘acceptable’ genres. No longer does an author have to wait a year or more between writing a book and seeing it on the shelf.

But with the explosion of indie publishing, those publisher-induced restri...

Friday Field Trip — Quebec City

Back in 2009 (I think) Hubster attended a conference in Quebec City, and I tagged along.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

To Hear or Not to Hear — It’s Live

What I’m reading: In the Midnight Rain, by Barbara Samuel

I got notification yesterday that was approved by ACX and is now available for purchase at audible.com, with iTunes and Amazon soon to follow.

To reach this stage, I’d listened to the manuscript as narrated by Pamela Almand, gave her my notes, and she made the corrections. Once I’d approved them, the book went back to ACX for their approval. I have no idea what their criteria are, but after several weeks, they deemed it...

What’s Cooking Wednesday — Individual Beef Wellingtons

Long time on-line friend and recipe sharer, Milton Pierce, provided today’s recipe. Thanks!

Individual Beef Wellingtons

Photo from williams-sonoma.com

Easy.. and you prepare a day in advance

Ingredients:

4 beef filets about 6 oz. each

4 large mushrooms

I tablespoon unsalted butter

I tablespoon finely chopped shallot

I tablespoons minced garlic

I large egg

1 puff pastry sheet thawed

4 tablespoons blue cheese

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425

Pat filets dry and season with salt and pepper. Roast in a shallow...