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Coffee Time Romance
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
A cute story!
I once won a
cookie contest with my Cranberry
Shortbread Cookies.
I had decided to
enter into the Chatelaine contest, because my recipe had such a great history
that I thought to share it with the readers. To my astonished delight, my
cookies were picked, if I remember correctly, as winner #3. I still have the
coffee pot, blender and various baking ware as proof.
All 10 winners
were printed in the Chatelaine magazine for the entire world to see, and I’ll
admit to walking around with a puffed up chest for a few days. Now that I
remember, I do believe it was the first time I’d ever seen anything I wrote in
print!
The story goes
that as a new bride, I had moved to northern Canada, to a place called Stewart,
B.C. It was within a few miles of the Alaska border so it was pretty isolated.
In those days (and unfortunately still today) the best meal I could produce was
a killer peanut-butter and banana sandwich. Needless to say, my husband is our
chef and has been since the beginning. My little contribution to our meals is
the dessert.
Understandable,
as a new bride, I had very few recipes and the holiday season was approaching.
So at a bingo game with some other ladies I lamented my terrible lack. An older
Scottish woman, who I thought a real sweetheart, said, “Lassie, I will give you
a true Scottish shortbread recipe handed down from my mother and hers before
her. I’ve kept this to myself for that many years, but I like you. Since you’re
a new bride, I’ll share.”
So saying, she
took a napkin from the table and wrote her shortbread recipe on it. I quickly
rewrote it once I got home and have used the basis of this recipe for many
others
The variety that
won the contest has ½ cup of dried cranberries and ½ cup of pecan pieces added.
To this day, I
get so many compliments on my wonderful cookies that it truly isn’t Christmas
for my family without a plateful of these decorating the table.
**A sequel to
this story is that the woman’s granddaughter, who was a young girl back then, called
me a few weeks after reading the magazine. She told me her name and that she was Peggy's grandaughter and asked me if these were her grandmother’s
cookies. When I said yes she laughed and told me that many years ago her granny
had slowly faded with Alzheimer’s without ever having written her precious recipe
down. By the time her own mother had realized that no one had a copy of the famous shortbread, she couldn’t help
them and so none of the family had the original recipe. Now...they were finally able to have the cookies they had grown up
eating.
(Picture of Original Recipe)
Contacts in case you you'd like to keep in touch other places online:
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@mimibarbour
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To celebrate in this Spooky Blog Hop I will be choosing one winner for a $10 Amazon Gift Certificate and will also gift 5
“You shot me!” Aurora is incensed. Her new partner
shrugs and answers. “I saved your life.” From the very first page of this
riveting story, these two battle for supremacy in trying to catch the serial
rapist who ripped both their lives apart. With all her might, Aurora fights the
attraction to Kai's baby blues that tease and start her internal warning
devices humming. After all, her job is her life, and determination mixed with
courage has always been her lifeline.
Kai has a mission of honor to undertake. The man
who raped his sister can’t be allowed to live—after all, she hadn’t! Revenge
fills his soul, while visions of his new partner fills his heart. The sassy
woman rattles his calm, and he can’t keep his hands to himself. Doesn’t mean
she has the power to stop him from doing what has to be done.
****
IN ORDER TO HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT WITH YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU.
***I WILL ALSO BE ADDING YOUR NAME TO MY NEWSLETTER LIST, SO IF ANY OF YOU PREFER NOT TO BE ADDED, PLEASE MENTION IT AND I WILL, OF COURSE, RESPECT YOUR WISHES.
****
Christmas
in Hawaii! How lucky can a girl get? Except that Leilani is bringing her
mother’s ashes home to Waikiki and is worried sick about an urgent plea of help
from an aunt she never knew existed. Upon her arrival, her taxi driver, a
perfect angel of a man, befriends her, and a special bond starts to grow. His
explanation, that she has won two free nights in prestigious hotel Jordan,
brightens her otherwise rotten day. Getting stuck in an elevator with the
prickly but luscious Kale, she decides things are definitely looking up! Then a
visit to her aunt’s changes her life completely. The sick woman is alive for
only one reason. So she can pass on her most precious possession…her
five-year-old grandson. The same little fellow, who takes one look at Leilani,
slaps his fists on his hips and yells…“Go away!”
****
Friday, October 19, 2012
Holding off for a Hero
***
I want to
welcome my friend Gail MacMillan to Believe! Her newest book will be released
today, and we're celebrating the big event by asking her some personal and
not-too personal questions about her life as an author. I've had the privilege
of Beta Reading her book and will tell you that I enjoyed it thoroughly. For
one thing, it’s humorous—which I like. Also, her characters are wonderful, especially
Emma the heroine. But then the hero, Frasier, is pretty darn keep-able also. There's enough conflict to keep one interested, and a romance to make it perfect. In fact, it just keeps getting better until at the end....well, you don't want
it to end!
Gail, Can you
tell us about your new release?
October 19th was an exciting day for
me. That’s the day my romantic comedy
“Holding Off For A Hero” was borne into both print and e-book. Since the pivotal scene takes place on
Halloween, the pub date couldn’t have been better. With the ghost of a murdered lumberman, an ax
protruding from his chest, haunting their wilderness retreat and a pair of
thugs ready to murder them, hero and heroine are in for a harrowing October 31st.
I had such fun
writing this story, I truly hated to see it end at 65,000 words. I had many more adventures to relate about
heroine Emma and her hero Frasier. As a
result, I’m currently working on a sequel featuring Emma’s twin sister Etta
(short for Henrietta).
One of the main reasons writing this tale was such a
delight is because several of the characters are based on real people. Emma carries within her fictional DNA the
genes of a remarkable woman I’ve known for years and who embodies the spirit of
generosity, trust and adventure coated in a wonderful sense of humor.
Frasier MacKenzie, the hero, is a brave,
let’s-just-get-the-job-done kind of guy who finds Emma with her infectious joie
de vivre one huge crimp in his carefully laid out plans. Emma loves a good time, which infringes no
end on Frasier’s work ethic. When he
discovers he’s actually enjoying her antics that could spell an end to not only
his current project, but also his career, he decides that the choice of fire or
frying pan would be child’s play by comparison.
And then, of course, there’s the secondary hero and
cover guy, my Pug Bruiser. Bruiser has
appeared in magazine articles for the past six years, but this is his first
foray into the highly competitive world of cover model. He’s definitely got one of those faces that,
while it may not launch a thousand ships, he definitely catches attention with
his good-natured grin or sagging-lip sadness.
Like Emma, he, too, possesses a love of adventure and proves to be her
perfect companion in “Holding Off For a Hero.”
He’s also a natural comedian.
Since dog fanciers have been enjoying reading about his escapades for
the past half dozen years in various doggie magazines, I decided he would be a
perfect character to appear in a romantic comedy.
I’d love to hear from readers regarding “Holding Off
For a Hero.” If it gives anyone a laugh
or a sigh, please let me know. Bruiser
and Emma will be delighted to hear from you as well at macgail@nbnet.nb.ca
You
write in more than one genre. Do you
have a favorite? Which one do you find
the hardest?
My
favorite is always the one in which I’m currently writing. One of the negative
things about writing in various genres is that it prevents branding that will
allow readers to follow you more readily.
The good thing about it is that you’re never, ever bored or stuck in the
proverbial rut.
Where
do you find your story ideas?
My
first creative writing teacher always compared writers to magicians. Writers can make stories appear out of thin
air, she said. And that’s where most of
my ideas come from. Sometimes a person,
or an event, or even a scrap of overheard conversation can trigger a story, but
mostly it’s just a spark in the brain.
Agatha Christie could never explain where her Poirot came from. He just arrived, full blown, in her
imagination.
How
do you research your novels?
With
my contemporary novel, I stick to the old adage of writing what you know…the
lakes, woods, rivers, wilderness and mountains of our beautiful province of New
Brunswick. Of course, my historicals require actual research, but I’ve always
had a love of history, made it one of my major studies in university (which
wasn’t all that long ago, since I graduated two years after my oldest daughter
received her degree), and traced our family’s ancestors for years so it’s work
I thoroughly enjoy.
Do you have time management tricks to keep
you on schedule?
Not
really. The natural rhythm of my
creative life pretty much dictates my schedule.
Sometimes I get on what I call a writing jag. Then I write and write and
write. I’ll hit an equally powerful
reading one. Now if I could just land on
a housecleaning time slot…
What
is it about your current release that excites you the most?
I’m
pleased with “Holding Off For a Hero” because two of the main characters
are drawn from wonderful, real-life creatures.
I say creatures because while the first is Emma the heroine, the second
is my Pug Bruiser. Both Emma and Bruiser have brought so much into my life with
their courage, sense of adventure and humor, and joie de vivre, a book
definitely had to be written about them.
Out
of all your novels, which hero and heroine are your favorites? Why?
At this time I have to say Emma and Frasier in “Holding Off For a
Hero”. They’ve been such fun to work
with. They’ve made the story almost
write itself.
Do
you set daily expectations or goals for your writing?
Not for writing exclusively. Often a goodly portion of a day can be spent
promoting a book, dealing with editors and publishers, and keeping up with the
latest developments in the publishing industry.
That being said, there is never a day when I’m not somehow involved with
writing and the creative process.
What
do you know now that you wished you’d known when you started writing?
I
wish I’d known that a story that doesn’t grab one editor’s interest might be
the pride and joy of another. Over the
years, I’ve all too often let one editor’s opinion darken my way. I was inclined to think that once one editor
had rejected a story, that piece had no value.
It was a particularly cruel rejection that eventually made me see the
light. I’d written a story that would go
on to win an award. The first editor
that I sent it to replied that I’d better take up gardening, that I’d never
make it as a writer. Twenty-six
published books later, I wonder what he’s doing these days.
Do
you ever hit the wall or find you’ve written yourself into a corner? How do you
turn that around?
Fortunately
that doesn’t happen to me very often. What does occur can be equally
troublesome—finding what I call plot holes in your story on a fourth or fifth
draft, just when you think you’ve covered all bases.
Okay…enough
with the business stuff! How about some
personal insider info? When
you’re not writing or reading, what would we find you doing?
Enjoying
family, friends, and dogs. I spend a lot
of time outdoors and relax by walking and training my dogs. They’re the ultimate exercise machine. Unlike a treadmill that just sits quietly in
the basement, they’re in my face, prancing, demanding “let’s go, let’s go,
let’s go!” Who can refuse such
high-pressure invitations!
Favorite
food or recipe?
No
doubt there. Cherry cheese cake. Yummm!
Tell
us one thing about you that might surprise us…it can be a secret…we won’t tell.
I’m
a bookaholic. I can’t resist buying
books. Last month, I decided to take a
pledge and not purchase any books for the next thirty days. Then along came Mimi Barbour’s “Roll the
Dice” and, plunk, off the wagon again.
Bad, bad Mimi!
Gail MacMillan www.gailmacmillan.caThree Time Maxwell Medal Winner
From The Wild Rose Press:
Lady & the Beast, Caledonian Privateer
Ghost of Winters Past, Holding Off for a Hero
From The Wild Rose Press:
Lady & the Beast, Caledonian Privateer
Ghost of Winters Past, Holding Off for a Hero
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
I did it—it’s done— Finito!!!
The book, Lovable
Christmas Angel, has been written. I added the most wonderful two words
just moments ago. THE END!
I know I my
deadline was yesterday. I tried so hard
to get it finished. I could have cheated, and no one would have known the
difference…except me. And when you think about it, I guess I’m really the only
one who’s affected, aren’t I? No one else really cares if it’s done on one day
or the other. Mind you, I know you’re all happy for me that I did complete it. And it does feel great to share.
I’ll admit the
truth about why it took one more day. There was a chapter missing. I knew the
story floundered near the end, and I had no idea why. I went to bed fretting about
it and woke up in the middle of the night with my characters all bopping around
in my head trying to get my attention.
Turns out, I hadn’t logically structured my child
character to act the way I wanted him too. He needed to be in a special place
at a specific time, and I’d just plopped him there without any prearranged
buildup.
Ahhh! As soon as
I rethought what I’d done, it came to me that I drastically needed one more scene.
So…I’m sorry I’m late, but I’m glad also. Because it’s the perfect passage which
has made the story that much better— stronger, and more beautiful.
The final, unedited word count was 40,014. And just so you won't worry, I am still married. Hubby hasn't divored me because of abondoning him and most of my household chores for 18 ...very hectic days :-)
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Passed the 30,000 mark and got a cover!
~~~**~~~
My new book in the Angels with Attitudes series has a title now and even a gorgeous cover. “Lovable Christmas Angel” seemed to fit the storyline so perfectly that I had little choice.
I’m slowly winding to the climax and so ‘into’ the story that it’s hard to stop writing and get anything else done. For instance...
While putting the clothes into the washer yesterday, I plotted the whole section where our heroine, Leilani, overhears the hero, Kale, tell his hotel manager that wants her kept away from him. That she’s needy and takes advantage, and he’s tired of it. The plot thickened then let me tell you.
Needless to say, the laundry didn’t get moved into the dryer due to an author’s mind not being on her chores. Ahhh…truth is, they had to be re-washed today. (Which reminds me; I’d better go and transfer them to the dryer now!)
Earlier, while digging a bunch of seaweed into the garden, I totally figured out a way for the heroine’s little cousin, Mano, to be kidnapped in the dead of night, making it possible for Leilani to come to his rescue. Then maybe he'll finally accept that she truly loves him and wants to be his guardian.
The easiest character to write...through all the good times and the conflicts...is the angel called Pi. He's stolen my heart with his kind old ways as he works his Christmas magic.
This book has been a real challenge so far. Trying to keep the story in the spirit of the season, yet tell a powerful tale with ups and downs hasn’t been easy. Yet I truly think that what I’ve managed to create will please you…the reader. Since it’ll be released near the beginning of November – we're not sure of the exact date yet – we’ll soon be able to leave that decision up to you.
~~~**~~~
***Tomorrow His Devious Angel - the second in the "Angels with Attitudes" series will be featured in the Indie Book Blowout where all the books are available for 99 cents.
Monday, October 8, 2012
A little bleep to be rectified :(
October 8, 2012 - Total to date 24,985 words
I was pretty well keeping up to my daily goal of 2,000
words per day, and then - low and behold – I was sabotaged by a holiday, which,
in my ultra dumbness, I hadn't taken into consideration. Our Canadian
Thanksgiving is supposed to be today (Monday October 8th), but my family had to
come home on the weekend. So what's a mom going to do?
Ignore her son and keep up her word count, or…??
I, naturally, chose…or!
I mean keeping up with my schedule is important to me.
When I set a goal, I do it with all intentions of succeeding. So, this little
bleep will have to be rectified. Sure that sounds pretty cheeky doesn't it?
Well the truth is - if I want to finish the book by the deadline of October
15th, and there are only so many days left, I quite simply have to divide the
word count that I'm aiming for by those days. In the beginning, my brilliant deduction –ahem
–told me that if I wrote 2,000 words a day, it would get done. Finished!
Success!
Uh-oh!
So…now I have to make up for two days and that's – let
me see…Yep! - 4,000 words.
With 7 days left, I need to write approximately 20,000
words uhhh…divided by 7…..ummm …holy shut the door…2,700plus words a day.
Right!
No problem….gulp!
Gottta go now and if you don't hear from me for a few
days, you'll know why.
Wish me luck!!!
…Now what the heck did I do with that bottle of eye drops??
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Only 13 days left!
***
So far – 15,525
words (Start date Sept. 28th)
Only 13 days left
in my deadline for my Christmas book, and I'm working according to schedule.
Which is at the very least - 2,000 words each day.
For me that is
approximately 2 chapters. And since I tend to plot by chapters, it works just
fine.
When I say that I
plot, it's not exactly the way most people plot. I lay in bed each morning, and
sometimes at night (...sigh) and I decide which direction I need to go next to
get to the goals I've given each character. Once in a while, as I continue, I
realize I've missed something vital and have to go back to work in one more
scene, but that's fine. Mostly, it's because it's vital for another character's
POV to be available. And sometimes to set up a conflict I didn't even know
would happen, until something in the story came to light, and new ideas
blossomed.
Don't you just
love when that happens? When the book takes you to a place you hadn't known
you'd be visiting when you started. For me, that's the magic of imagination and
the fun of being a creator.
***
~~~~~~
Winner of the Review Contest.
Congratulations!!!
4.0 out of 5
stars Hot &
Sexy, September 25, 2012
By
This
review is from: Roll the Dice (Vegas Series) (Kindle Edition)
Las Vegas detective, Aurora Morelli is one determined woman when it comes
to doing her job. She's a romantic person inside her rough exterior. When she
meets her new partner Kai Lawson, tensions fills as they fight their attraction.
But working together to capture a serial rapist will test both of them. I
enjoyed this book very much.
***The review contest for Roll the Dice has finished as of Oct. 1st and the lucky winner of the $50 Amazon Gift Certificate is Queen of Books "Sue". The 18 reviews were wonderful considering there was a problem with my release...the wrong version was loaded for the first week. .. an unedited version. My fault....argrr!
Long story :(
***
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