Category Archives: Random

Just some random stuff

Spotlight3
Author Spotlight, Authors, Current Release, Interviews, Recipes

San Diego or Bust and Lemonade!

14 Comments

I’d like to welcome Vicki Batman today.  Vicki writes contemporary romance. Her current release is San Diego or Bust!  And stick around because Vicki is sharing a cool, refreshing drink with us today.

Hi Vicki! I’m so glad you could join me today. Tell us a little about yourself.  How did you start writing?

I blame it on Tom Jones and my friend. We were traveling home from a girlfriend trip and she began asking silly questions. For example: Pick one- Tom Jones or Engelburt Humperdinck. Silly me picked TJ. Her next question was: write the opening paragraph of a book using the word window. I had nothing. So two days later, I plopped in front of the computer and ended up writing eight chapters. I haven’t stopped.

What drew you to this particular genre?

I like writing first person and contemporary romance seemed a natural fit, although there are slight deviations. My unsold romantic cozies and I did sell a paranormal sensual romance.

(Anne) I personally find writing in first person difficult.  I can do it, had to for some classes I took, but it wasn’t comfortable for me. Kudus to you!

Have you ever considered another genre?  And if so which one?

Like I said, I haven’t sold my romantic cozies (but cross fingers I do!). And yes, there’s that very sexy paranormal romance.

What is the single most important part of writing for you?  

I’d rather write. Get the story down fast and furious. 

Where do you start when writing? Research, plotting, outline, or…? 

Yeah, none of the above because I’m a Plot (ter) + (pant) ster = Plotster. I get an idea and take off with a zoom. But a romance has a hook, stuff happens in the middle, black moment, and a happily ever after. With those elements in mind, I construct my story. 

(Anne) I do the same!  I go, go, go until I get stuck, stuck, stuck. :)

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I love to needlepoint, not the fancy stitches, just a kind of paint by number canvas in simple basic stitch. And read. And play mah Jongg.

(Anne) Oh lord, I haven’t played mah Jongg in years! Though I was trying to explain it to my daughter not too long ago.  

So tell us, what’s next for you in terms of writing?

Working on two holiday stories. Have some submissions out. And will probably indie pub a short collection next February. 

Okay, what is your favorite part of this particular story, and why? (Hopefully you can tell us without giving anything away J )

When I explained to a friend about how San Diego or Bust is written, she went, “Oh, it’s written Hangover style.” I’d never thought of it in those terms and loved what she said. So Hangover style means Backstory, usually a big NO-NO. But somehow, I did it.

(Anne) LOL! I’ve never heard that term before.   

Would you share an excerpt with us?

SANDIEGOorBUST333x500Gladly!

Blub from San Diego or Bust:

 Is her Mr. Right the right Mr. Right?          

My boyfriend is a dirt wad. I just decided.

With a humpf, I dragged my pink tote up the narrow aisle to the plane’s exit, accidentally banging it into the seats along the way. The relieving notion of being back home in Sommerville caused the tension in my chest to fade a smidgen.

A quick peek to the exit told me where Davis, my boyfriend, stood waiting for the okay from the ground crew to head out. His glance my way didn’t look at all pleasant. Similar to one wrapped in disappointment with a downward tilt of his mouth.

I didn’t care much. I just decided.

The words creep, jerk, moron, and “why in the hell am I still dating him??” jumbled my thoughts around. My heart pounded as anxiety ratcheted inside me again.

Maybe I shouldn’t. Maybe I should not put up with him anymore.

The deepest part of me knew I shouldn’t be with Davis Griffith Swansea, III any longer. I was just in denial. Over the past year, I’d had brief, momentary twinges of dumping him; then, he’d go and do something incredibly romantic like bring me Godiva chocolates—“I know how you love these.” Or buy me a new book by my favorite author—“I happened to see this today.” Or whisk me off to an intimate dinner à deux at the latest and greatest bistro–”I know you’ll like this place.”

My head had gone stupid.

Author BIO

Like some of her characters, award-winning author, Vicki Batman has w06 2012 VBauthor photoorked a wide variety of jobs including lifeguard, ride attendant at an amusement park; a hardware store, department store, book store, antique store clerk; administrative assistant in an international real estate firm; and a general “do anything gal” at a financial services firm–the list is endless.

She has completed three manuscripts, written essays, and sold many short stories. She is a member of RWA and several writing groups and chapters. In 2004, she joined DARA and has served in many capacities, including 2009 President. DARA awarded her the Robin Teer Memorial Service Award in 2010.

Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking “What if??“

And just in time for summer, Vicki is sharing a recipe with us for a refreshing summer drink and it looks so good!  I love Lemoncello. Who could pass this up?

glass of lemonadeLemoncello Lemonade

  • 1 large can of lemonade
  • A bottle of lemoncello
  • 1 can of lemon-lime soft drink
  • 1 lemon, washed and cut into thin circles

Make lemonade with two cans of water. Add the soft drink and the lemon. Stir well. Pour over ice and add a splash of lemoncello. It’s addictive!

If you’d like to buy Vicki’s book or connect with her, please check out the links below.  Thanks for stopping in today, Vicki.  It’s been an absolute pleasure!

Purchase San Diego or Bust

MuseItUp Publishing | Amazon | B&N | Smashwords

Connect with Vicki Batman

WebSite | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | The Plotting Princesses

<<<>>>

Giveaway Banner
Authors, Blog Hops, Books I've Read, Events

Sinful Sirens Blog Hop

43 Comments
Sinful Sirens Giveaway Blog Hop

Sinful Sirens Giveaway Blog Hop

Welcome to the Sinful Sirens Blog Hop, where bloggers and authors are sharing some of their favourite scorching reads. You know the ones.  They leave you breathless, panting, all tingly and hyper-aware. You need to change your panties, or better yet, get rid of them entirely.  Maybe find your hubby, your lover, a friend–somebody who can help you out in your time of need.

I’m giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card and e-copy of my scorching read Worth the Risk   (Canada/US/UK)

Leave me a comment (don’t forget to leave your email address) and tell me about one of your favorite scorching, hot reads!

First, I’m sharing one of my favorites. I have read so many hot, HOT, books over the years.  Here’s snippets from two of my favourite authors.

Rock HardHer hand snuck beneath his napkin again. When she touched his bare skin his breath caught, his body convulsed. He began to stroke him, rubbing his softening cock from base to tip with a slow, gentle touch, wanting him hard again so she could give him more pleasure. Sed’s fingers teased the curls between her legs, seeking bare skin. Before he could find any, their waitress appeared… 

Rock Hard, by Olivia Cunning

Cover Image 1 for Sinful Sirens Blg Hop Long Hard Ride

One lucky woman…three sexy cowboys…she’s in for the ride of her life!

Although Channing’s secretly longed to be the sole focus of more than one man’s passion, Colby’s demand for complete submission behind closed doors will test her willful nature.

Can Channing give up total control? Especially when not all is as it seems with the sexy trio? Or will the cowboys have to break out the bullropes and piggin’ string to break in this headstrong filly?

Long Hard Ride by Lorelei James

And now, my scorching read.

If you’d like to win an e-copy of Worth the Risk AND a $10 Amazon Gift Card, first, leave me a comment (don’t forget to leave your email address) and tell me about one of your favorite scorching, hot reads. 

Then, if you’d like extra entries for my giveaway, click on the Rafflecopter link below.

Sinful Sirens Blog Hop 2013 Rafflecopter Link for Anne Lange’s Giveaway

Wait!  Don’t forget to check out the many other bloggers and authors participating in this event.  There’s lots more to win!

Sinful Sirens Giveaway Hop 2013 List of Participants

<<<>>>

Misc. Love Picture
Authors, Blog Hops, Books I've Read, Events

Sinful Sirens Blog Hop Starts Tomorrow!

Leave a comment
Sinful Sirens Giveaway Blog Hop

Sinful Sirens Giveaway Blog Hop

Check back tomorrow for the start of the Sinful Sirens Blog Hop, where bloggers and authors are sharing some of their favourite scorching reads. You know the ones.  They leave you breathless, panting, all tingly and hyper-aware. You need to change your panties, or better yet, get rid of them entirely.  Maybe find your hubby, your lover, a friend–somebody who can help you out in your time of need.

I’m giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card and e-copy of my scorching read Worth the Risk   (Canada/US)

Sinful Sirens Giveaway Hop 2013 List of Participants

<<<>>>

Spotlight
Author Spotlight, Current Release, Guest Blog, Recipes

Recipe for a Middle Eastern Feast

4 Comments

For something a little different, I have invited Gemma Juliana to visit with me this week.  Yup, she’ll be here today, Wednesday, and then again on Friday showcasing three of her novels – one on each day. So please come back so you don’t miss out!

Today, Gemma is going to share a recipe with us in keeping with her series.

Gemma Juliana

One of the reasons I started my self-publishing journey with the Sheikhs of the Golden Triangle series – an ever expanding line of sheikh novellas — is because I’ve always been drawn to the richness of life on the pages of the many sheikh romances I’ve read over the years.

I’m not talking about wealth, although there is no shortage of that in their lives either. It’s all about the rich plush tapestries, colorful Persian carpets and vibrant prayer rugs, gleaming metals, and the endless assortment of delectable dishes.

Sexy, mysterious men. Power games and danger. Women who aren’t intimidated, and harbor secrets of their own. Suspense, intrigue, sensuality, and… some exotic feasting.

If you’ve read The Sheikh’s Spy, you may remember that when Sheikh Adnan and Olympia go to the Desert Rose Oasis, the living room resembles a vast Bedouin tent, complete with brass and copper ornaments, vivid silk wall hangings and rich carpets.

There will be many sultry, exotic scenes in The Sheikh’s Crowning when it is available in June, 2013.

Many years ago when I lived in Europe, a delightful Persian friend often invited my family to dinner. I still recall the amazing blend of textures, tastes and spices in her melt-in-your-mouth dishes. She fearlessly combined meat with fruits and spices, and the quality of her special rice recipe could win an award.

The Sheikh's Spy - Web FS

In The Sheikh’s Spy, when Olympia and Adnan host a state dinner at the palace in Zahiria, I envision the buffet laden with such exotic delights as Morgh Polou, otherwise known as Persian Chicken & Rice, Tabouli Salad, Baba Ganoush, which is an eggplant dish, and Warak Dawali, a stuffed grape leaf dish. Just to name a few!

Why not create a Middle Eastern evening of your own? Here’s a recipe to experiment with and enjoy! Bon appetit!

Morgh Polou or Polow, Persian Chicken& Rice

  1. Cut a fryer chicken that weighs 3-4 lbs into pieces, rub salt and pepper into the skin, and leave the skin on. Brown the chicken pieces in 1/8th of a stick of butter, melted in a non-stick pan. Remove chicken from pan and add another 1/8th of a butter stick. Fry 1 clove garlic, 1 chopped onion, ½ cup of chopped apricots, ½ cup of chopped prunes and ½ cup of golden sultanas. This takes less than 10 minutes.
  2. Stir ¾ teaspoon cinnamon powder into this mixture and let it cook a few minutes. Add ½ teaspoon of nutmeg and ½ teaspoon of turmeric and the same measure of cumin.  Add 1/3 to ½ cup of water to the mixture and stir it to concoct a dark thin liquid from the bottom of the pan.
  3. Arrange 3 cups of pre-cooked rice in a casserole dish and place the chicken pieces on top. Pour the fruit mixture over the chicken, top with another 3 cups of pre-cooked rice and cover tightly.

This dish will cook for 40-50 minutes in your oven at 350 degrees.  Keep it tightly covered. Just before it is ready, mix 3 tablespoons of boiling water with ½ teaspoon of saffron threads. Let it steep a few minutes.

Pour it over the finished dish, toss everything well, and serve. Savor the subtle, exotic flavors!

To have some fun and make a feast of it, play some Middle Eastern music, burn sandalwood incense, and wear sensual belly dancing clothes, or a colorful long tunic with lots of bangles and jewelry. Apply some aromatic perfume with rose and jasmine accents. Who knows what the night will bring you!

ABOUT GEMMA JULIANA: Gemma lives in north Texas, USA with her handsome hero husband (HHH) and a very peculiar dog who tries hard to talk like a human. Having pursued many careers, writing is definitely the most fun she has ever had. Coffee and chocolate are her preferred vices. Gemma is currently at work on another novella in the Sheikhs of the Golden Triangle series, The Sheikh’s Crowning. She loves hearing from readers!

Contact Gemma

Website | Facebook  | Twitter

Buy

The Sheikh’s Spy

Don’t forget to check back on Wednesday, when Gemma is going to introduce us to another great book.

Spotlight
Author Spotlight, Etopia Press, Guest Blog, Recipes

Bull’s the word for it.

5 Comments

Today, I have a recipe to share from the fabulous Shehanne Moore . You know, Shehanne, you don’t have to behave on my account.  I love people who like to misbehave!  But I may have to battle Fury for Flint…just saying.

Firstly I want to thank the lovely Anne for asking me along here today. I always commend those who take risks and this is a risk. But I’m going to behave. I’m also going to talk about cooking. I mean cooking is a subject I know lots about. I know how to mistake icing sugar in the oven instead of the cake mix. Oh, and serve broccoli soup over steak. Thought it was mushy peas.

Continue reading →

Random

Digital Piracy!

Image 2 Comments

MC900444845

Digital Piracy is something all authors, musicians, movie makers, photographers, etc. have to be aware of.  If you’ve put time and effort into creating a product, where you earn a percentage of the revenue for every sale of said product, somebody else believes that they should be entitled to obtain that product at no cost to them.  NOT TRUE!

The creator owns the copyright to that product.  Nobody else but the owner and/or the approved or contracted distributor have the authority to market and make available that product for any dollar value.

Continue reading →

choc easter eggs
Random, Recipes

Recipe: Chocolate Easter Eggs

Leave a comment

easter eggsSince that special bunny is visiting this weekend, I decided to share a recipe for making chocolate Easter eggs.  My mom made these for us when we were kids. I love them.  They are very sweet, and only meant to be eaten in small doses, but, they’re a treat right?

Decorated Easter Eggs

Makes 2 lbs ~ 10 3oz eggs (I usually double the recipe – these freeze well)

  • 2/3 cup (15oz can) Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 5 ½ cup sifted icing sugar
  1. Cream butter, salt, vanilla.  Add milk & blend until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar. Mix well. It will become very stiff. Knead until all icing sugar is combined.
  2. Place on board or waxed paper and continue kneading for several minutes until smooth but not sticky.
  3. Cut off 1/3 of mixture.  Add a few drops of yellow food coloring for yolks.  Blend the coloring in well. Cut into 10 portions, roll into round balls and set aside.
  4. Cut remaining dough into 10 portions. Pat each one flat and then mold them around the balls of yolk.
  5. Chill, preferably overnight. Remold if necessary.

Dipping Chocolate

Warning: This part gets messy.  If tongs don’t work, just use your fingers.

  • ½ lb of semi-sweet chocolate (I have been using some semi-sweet, some milk chocolate and some white chocolate for variety in the eggs)
  1. Melt chocolate slowly in top of double boiler over hot water (or you can use micro-wave). Stir until well blended and smooth.
  2. Dip bottom half of egg using tongs and let drip for a moment. Turn over (chocolate side up) and place on waxed paper to harden. Repeat for other side.  (I stick them in the fridge for a few minutes to speed up the process)
  3. Continue to melt chocolate as necessary until you have all the egg finished.  Place all in fridge for a short time to ensure the chocolate has hardened.

Royal Frosting

(This does not need to be doubled if you’ve doubled the egg recipe)

This is the official icing to be used, but I’ve used store-bought cookie decorating icing (in pic above) when time was short and kids were doing the decorating.

  • 2 egg whites (room temperature)
  • 2 ¼ cups sifted icing sugar
  • ¼ tsp cream of tartar
  • ½ tsp vanilla
  1. Combine all and beat with a mixer for 5 minutes or until very stiff.  Note: While decorating, keep remaining frosting in a bowl with a damp cloth or wax paper covering so a crust does not form over the top.
  2. Color frosting as needed and decorate eggs using icing in piping bags and different tips for decorating purposes. Frosting becomes very hard and holds its shape well.