UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish’s Comments (group member since Sep 20, 2010)

UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish’s comments from the Pamela Clare ~ Fan Group group.

Kat, I was sobbing during the prologue!!!!

And lemme tell you, Julian and Marc's friendship becomes a thing of beauty and in Breaking Point, I WAS SOBBING during a particular scene. SOBBING so hard my chest hurt - because it was so incredible.

Did you happen to read my review of this book? I go into great detail about a law that went into effect protecting female inmates - a law that Pamela pushed for, wrote, then worked to have passed.

She's an incredible lady.

It's very good!

Pasta Salad

10 ounces (before cooking) Spiral Pasta
2 C chopped tomato - seeds removed
1-1/2 C Crumbled Feta Cheese
1/2 C Shredded Parmesan
7T Olive Oil
1 small onion finely diced
9 Basil Leaves - torn
2 Garlic Cloves - minced
1/4 t pepper

Salt and additional Pepper to taste

In a large bowl combine Olive Oil, basil, garlic, onion and ground pepper.

Cook pasta according to package, being careful not to overcook. Rinse and drain well to remove excess water.

Add pasta to the Olive Oil mix and stir well. If it's not "wet" enough, add more OO by the tablespoon until you think it's right. Add the cheeses and tomato, then mix gently.

It's best to serve it at room temperature, but it does refrigerate well. However, the pasta absorbs the olive oil and it can seem a bit dry when served chilled.

You can add bell peppers, cucumbers, olives... whatever you generally like in your pasta salads, but be sure to adjust the garlic, basil and olive oil to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Sandra (S. D. Taylor) *Starshine* wrote: "Love her Historical Romances...I starting on her I-Team series - Extreme Exposure- as part of the June Buddy Read. So excited!"

We're excited to have you with us!

Age

Pamela(AllHoney) wrote: "Nah, not much on rules here. Read and discuss. Comment as desired. Rave or rant, etc... Just be courtesy ☺"

Awesome!

Steamywindows♥♫ wrote: "This time frame works for me. I haven't read this one yet so would love to join you if I may. Are there rules to this? Read ahead, don't read ahead....anything?"

We're starting on the 25th, so no spoilers before then, for sure. It'll last the month of July, I think. Not sure. We'll check with Pamela since she's hosting his one.

Looks fantastic!

I'm always swamped, especially right now, but set it up, send out announcements, and ill be there. Though, to give people time to pencil it in, maybe a week or two?

Awesome!

You want to send a group announcement?

When should we begin?

Pamela(AllHoney) wrote: "Who wants to start a buddy or group read of the I-Team series in anticipation of Striking Distance coming out in Nov 2013? Let me know and I'll start a thread for it."

I'd love it!

There was quite a discussion a month or so ago, though I can't remember where, but it was regarding how publishing houses are failing both their new and established authors.

There had been a list of top romance novels and I'd say 75% of those listed were published by Avon Books, a division of HarperCollins. I've spent this past six months as part of a team of 25 who were chosen to be "Avon Addicts", a group of bloggers who received literally dozens of Avon Books books, both e-books and print. The purpose was for us to read and review those books, participate in chats, blog tours, etc. I'm telling you, there's no doubt in my mind WHY Avon is at the top. They work their butts off for their authors, AND they understand and appreciate the value of their readers.

I've had both great and not-so-great experience with self published authors. Some could use lessons in manners, especially when they expect a person to read and review their book.

One self pubbed author asked me to read a book that I had clearly listed on my blog was not my cuppa - SciFi. I was very polite when I declined her request, but she was rude and basically said when I pulled my head out of my ass and wanted to expand my horizons, she'd be happy to give me a copy of her book. Really? After replying to me that way she really expected me to read her book? I mean...Really?!?

I think there are some fabulous self published authors and, sadly, the not-so-fabulous amongst them are giving the others a bad name and making it harder for the good ones to get the recognition they deserve.

Thus my feeling that self publishing is a blessing and a curse.

I understand. When your brain knows what's SUPPOSED to be there, it often fills in the blanks left by our fingers because they can't type as fast as we think. The thing is, it's not just the mechanical part I'm talking about. It's also the story itself. Too often they are so poorly told they make no sense. It's the overall quality that suffers from not having a friend or relative I've the manuscript a once over.

And many of these authors will send out requests for reviews and the requests are so poorly written that they're hard to understand. That doesn't bode well for the story itself.

Giulia~Bubbles wrote: "But is that any different than those that published with a publishing company?"

I get what you're saying. Sadly, though, I think more of the self published authors don't invest the time in editing that the big name published authors get with professional editors, etc.

wet

towel

We have a GORGEOUS new group masthead, featuring Javier Corbray from Striking Distance! Thank you, Christine Cagnes, for this new banner!

Roman