Terry Odell's Blog, page 229

Friday Field Trip — Thailand, Part 2

Our local yoga instructor, Leah Wilson, went to Thailand. I shared some of her pictures a while back, but she was kind enough to let me share some more. Enjoy!

Have a good weekend, everyone.

Editing Tips, Take 2

What I’m reading: A Study in Sherlock, edited by Laurie R. King and Leslie S. Klinger

First – I’m accumulating more books and they need a good home. I’m going to give a box of them away, but not until I hit 1500 “Likes” on my Facebook Page. If you haven’t already clicked the “Like” button, I hope you’ll take a minute to do so. And if you have, I hope you’ll let your friends know. Once I hit 1500, I’ll have an easy contest.

And, I hope you’ve already entered the contest at Booklover’s Bench. Pri...

What’s Cooking Wednesday — Broccoli Raisin Salad

Here’s another recipe from book club member Kathy Perry. This one’s for a quick and easy broccoli salad.

Broccoli Raisin Salad

Ingredients:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (1 medium bunch)

3/4 cup golden raisins (Note: I used golden raisins and dried cranberries)

1 small red onion (about 1/3 c)

1/2 cup Miracle Whip

1 tablespoon white vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

3 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled (I used turkey bacon)

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, raisins and onion. In a small bowl, c...

In the Interview Room — Linda Hubalek

Fellow Booklover’s Bench author Linda Hubalek is my guest today, and before you read her interview, pop over to Booklover’s Bench and click the contest tab. Our June contest begins today–prizes you won’t want to miss.

Linda K. Hubalek has written ten historical fiction books about pioneer women that homesteaded in Kansas in the 1800s. Her book series include: Butter in the Well, Trail of Thread, and Planting Dreams. Hubalek lives in Kansas and continues to research and write about the women wh...

Edits and Snips

What I’m reading: Silken Prey, by John Sandford (Nook)

I finished the draft of my next Blackthorne, Inc. book, as yet untitled. I went through the draft before sending it to my volunteer beta readers, looking for glaring errors (no need for them to see all my mistakes.) It came in at almost 108,000 words, so I was looking for things I could cut as well. Killing our darlings if they’re not pulling their weight is part of the process. Sure, I thought I had some clever dialogue, but I didn’t need...

And the winner is.…

The winner of a copy of Mary Jo Burke’s book, Mother Nature’s Man, is D.L. Larson. Congratulations! And thanks to all who left a comment.

Friday Field Trip — Birding in Texas

Jason’s back from a field trip to Texas where he captured his usual amazing shots of birds. Enjoy!

Northern Cardinal, photo by Jason Odell

Golden-fronted woodpecker, photo by Jason Odell

Long-billed thrasher, photo by Jason Odell

Crested caracara, photo by Jason Odell

Pyrrhuloxia, photo by Jason Odell

Golden-fronted woodpecker, photo by Jason Odell

Green Jay, photo by Jason Odell

Have a great weekend, everyone!

SuperStars Writing Seminar: Recap 4

Tomorrow is the last day to bid on items at Brenda Novak’s auction, so if you haven’t placed a bid on something, don’t wait. Remember, I’m matching the winning bid for my donation. And you can still enter to win a copy of Mary Jo Burke’s book by leaving a comment on Tuesday’s post.

On with today’s recap

One item I didn’t mention that falls under the category of acting like a professional is an anecdote told about an author at a book signing. This author (Author A) was sitting next to very popul...

What’s Cooking Wednesday — Brownie Brickle Bites

Don’t forget to comment on yesterday’s post to win a book. Also, remember I’m matching the winning bid for my donation to Brenda Novak’s auction. Link in the sidebar.

Today’s recipe comes courtesy of Kathy Perry, a member of the Lake George Library Book Club.

Brownie Brickle Bites

Ingredients:

1 cup butter

4 1-oz. squares unsweetened chocolate

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

1 ½ cups flour

1 1/2 cups brickle or toffee bits

1 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350.

Grease a 9 x 13-inc...

In the Interview Room — Mary Jo Burke

Today I welcome Mary Jo Burke to Terry’s Place. She’s giving away a download of Mother Nature’s Man You have until Friday to leave a comment to enter. Winner announced over the weekend. Welcome, Mary Jo.

Plotter or Pantser?

Panster. Whatever pops into my head finds its way to the page. I’ve found my planning never agrees with my characters.

Setting: real, totally made up, or based on a real place?

Chicago. It has so many great places to choose from for a story.

What’s on your desk?

My glasses, scra...