I love chocolate, but, I am quite picky about my chocolate. So, on those days when I am craving fudge, but don't want to make it and am nowhere near any candy shops, I have a two ingredient recipe that takes about 1 minute to cook and about 30 minutes to set up. It is a softer fudge that hardens as is sets. Here it is:
1 bag chocolate chips (I prefer to use Hershey Special Dark chips, but have used no names, and Nestle as well)
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk.
Pour the milk into a microwavable bowl and add in the chocolate chips. Put in the microwave for 1 minute. Remove and stir. If the chips aren't all melted, return to the microwave for 10-20 seconds more and stir again. Pour into a greased 8x8 pan (I use a glass pan liberally sprayed with cooking spray- you can also coat it with butter). Let it set. After about 20-30 minutes it should be ready to cut and eat. It will be soft but not runny--kind of firmer than spoon fudge--not fully hardening for a day or so. If you find that the bottom is too soft, you can use a spatula to remove it from the pan and turn it upside down to dry.
Variation:
One day, I went to make the fudge and grabbed a bag of butterscotch chips instead of chocolate. I added chocolate chips to the mix and ended up with a toffee flavored fudge.
To make this fudge, follow the recipe above, but substitute 1/2 bag butterscotch chips and 3/4-1 bag chocolate chips. (I find I need more chocolate to allow the fudge to set up, otherwise you get spoon fudge-- which is just as yummy!)
What is your favorite fudge recipe? Share it in the comments!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Scary and exciting!
Yesterday morning, as my son got ready for his first day in fourth grade, I began my search for agent. I agonized over the e-mail I was writing. Did I spell the name correctly? Did I include something persona; as to why I want to send to this agent? Did I spell everything correctly?(this was actually a good check as I found a typo in my sample pages!)
When I had gone over my e-mail and query several times, I typed in the e-mail address and subject line, then sat staring at the send button. My heart pounded and I waited. And waited. I knew if I clicked send, there was nothing more I could do but wait and see if the agent I was e-mailing liked my query enough to ask for sample pages.
Finally, after reading the e-mail again, I clicked send. My stomach filled with butterflies and a huge grin filled my face. I had done it. I had finally sent out a query for my YA fantasy Quest of the Hart.
As I prepared to send to two more agents, I thought I would become more at ease with the process, however, I was surprised to find that I was just as nervous with the third sending as I was with the first.
I heard back from one agent yesterday with a very pleasant thank you but no thank you, and this morning I received another pleasant thank you but no thank you in my inbox.
As those agents said, I am not getting discouraged. I have just begin my foray into this search. I know there is an agent out there that is right for me. I just have to find them.
I'll keep you posted on how the search goes.
What are your query experiences? I look forward to seeing them in the comments!
Upcoming Posts:
Tomorrow is recipe Friday-- I'll share my recipe for easy fudge!
When I had gone over my e-mail and query several times, I typed in the e-mail address and subject line, then sat staring at the send button. My heart pounded and I waited. And waited. I knew if I clicked send, there was nothing more I could do but wait and see if the agent I was e-mailing liked my query enough to ask for sample pages.
Finally, after reading the e-mail again, I clicked send. My stomach filled with butterflies and a huge grin filled my face. I had done it. I had finally sent out a query for my YA fantasy Quest of the Hart.
As I prepared to send to two more agents, I thought I would become more at ease with the process, however, I was surprised to find that I was just as nervous with the third sending as I was with the first.
I heard back from one agent yesterday with a very pleasant thank you but no thank you, and this morning I received another pleasant thank you but no thank you in my inbox.
As those agents said, I am not getting discouraged. I have just begin my foray into this search. I know there is an agent out there that is right for me. I just have to find them.
I'll keep you posted on how the search goes.
What are your query experiences? I look forward to seeing them in the comments!
Upcoming Posts:
Tomorrow is recipe Friday-- I'll share my recipe for easy fudge!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Interview with Katie Taylor
Today I am featuring an interview with my critique partner, Katie Taylor, from the Weekly Chapter Challenge group on Writer's Digest. Katie has been great to work with--she catches my grammar errors, and my issues with punctuation! More importantly, she understands my characters and can tell me if I am not being true to their personalities.
While Katie has been helping me polish up Quest of the Hart, she has been sending me her work in progress (WIP) Hunted. More recently she has been sending me sections of another WIP The Vampire Slave Both stories always leave me begging her for more pages. Without further ado, I give you Katie!
Tell us about yourself. Do you play any instruments? Have any pets? Children? Boyfriend/husband? Anything else you want to share??
One boyfriend and two furry children (four if you count the bunnies). “Real” children and I don’t mix well. I’ll stick with my Pap and GS/SB mix, thanks. No instruments, either. Fifth grade band and the flute proved how disastrous trying out new talents could be—it’s definitely not one of my hidden ones, that’s for sure. =). I do have a quirky sense of humor according to the sweetie, though, and am a little too sensitive when it comes to animals. I blog, I read, I write (obviously), I like zoos and museums, and I occasionally try new feats that end up nearly scaring me to death and a blush to creep on my face from all the obscenities falling from my mouth. Call me a pansy and I’d probably agree
How did you find out about the Weekly Challenge Chapter group?
Melissa Dean.
How has your experience been so far?
It’s been great. I’m really glad I joined.
How long have you been a writer/author? Have you had anything published? What types of things do you like to write? Why do you write? How do you write?
I’d say since I could hold a pencil and attempt to spell words, but that seems to be the popular answer. Can’t be too cliché, right? (Even though it would be accurate.) I enjoyed it when I was little, had a hiatus for a while after I was pretty sure my mom lied to me how to spell the word owner (children and their conspiracy theories) when I was writing about a story centering around a collie getting lost—yes, I liked Lassie, a lot. Then, after I moved and began turning into the introverted, anti-social, nearly recluse I am today, I took up writing again and found a deep love of books. Nothing published except a poem in the sixth grade about why the sky is blue, but I haven’t really tried. I’ll write anything, but I mostly love to write about things that suspend belief. I live in a beyond ordinary life—I don’t want to write about it too. So, enter the vampires and other mythological creatures I’ve loved since childhood and blame on my mother who has a fascination for the like too.
I write because I enjoy it, and prefer to on the computer. It comes over better to me than on paper.
What are some of your favorite books? Authors? Music to write to?
The Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Jane Austen, Edgar Allan Poe, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, and I enjoy the fantasy/urban fantasy/paranormal genre the most. As far as music goes, it depends on the scene I’m writing. For THE VAMPIRE’S SLAVE: EVANESCENT TWILIGHT, I listen to Breathe Me by Sia mostly, with Delain coming in a close second. For HUNTED (working title) anything and everything, a lot of rock and alternative rock.
Tell us about your WIP. Care to share some of it?
Which one?
HUNTED is the one that has more of my heart, and it’s about a girl, Amberlyn Winters, who has a strong aversion to vampires, and with good cause. When one transfers to her school in her senior year and she’s forced to partner with him for a speech project, though, everything changes when he proves stubborn to her dislike and teenagers start showing up murdered around Greystin. Fighting against the emotions swelling inside her for the vampire whose kind she’s vowed to hate, and the suspicions screaming in her head, she has to uncover the mystery that is Kaleb Dantes before more kids end up dead or she does one, but the truth may just be more than she bargained for.
Excerpt:
"Kaleb, don’t!"
As fast as I could, I hurried to my feet, stumbling to Kaleb. I grabbed his arm, the thick chords of muscles bulging and rock-hard, his hands—fingers—curved, rigid, and claw-like—slightly pointier than normal. Uh-oh, not good, not good at all. Heart pounding, but lacking any sort of the usual fear, I stood in front of him, willing him to look down at me, to come back to me.
"Kaleb, look at me. Look. At. Me!”
"He’s a killer, and he deserves—”
Kaleb snarled, going after him. I pushed back against him, digging my feet into the ground, dirt pushed back as my futile attempts did nothing to slow him. I was practically a doll in his hands. Not good, not good. If Kaleb so much as touched a hair on his head…Riggs would have him in one of the Death Chambers so quick…
"Kaleb, no! You can’t do this!” I grunted out, pushing back with all my might. He moved only a bit, but it was enough to get him to stop. He wasn’t breathing, only standing rim-rod straight, eyes pinning Riggs with a definiteness that screamed kill as I kept darting looks between the two over my shoulder. Riggs was stupid to still be here, to not be afraid.
"I think it’s best if you leave—now.”
Riggs smirked, ignoring me. “He’s a beast, Ms. Winters, and he’ll kill you. Mark my words. This isn’t the end.” Wiping his mouth where a spot of blood dotted the corner, he turned and walked away, disappearing in the trees.
Kaleb and I were left alone.
Any advice for aspiring authors? Anything else you want to share?
Write what you want and what you love no matter what anyone else says, other than that, it’s all a moot matter.
Where can we find you on the web?
http://katie-s-taylor.blogspot.com and then follow the links from there if you want to continue to stalk me.
Thank you Katie!
While Katie has been helping me polish up Quest of the Hart, she has been sending me her work in progress (WIP) Hunted. More recently she has been sending me sections of another WIP The Vampire Slave Both stories always leave me begging her for more pages. Without further ado, I give you Katie!
Tell us about yourself. Do you play any instruments? Have any pets? Children? Boyfriend/husband? Anything else you want to share??
One boyfriend and two furry children (four if you count the bunnies). “Real” children and I don’t mix well. I’ll stick with my Pap and GS/SB mix, thanks. No instruments, either. Fifth grade band and the flute proved how disastrous trying out new talents could be—it’s definitely not one of my hidden ones, that’s for sure. =). I do have a quirky sense of humor according to the sweetie, though, and am a little too sensitive when it comes to animals. I blog, I read, I write (obviously), I like zoos and museums, and I occasionally try new feats that end up nearly scaring me to death and a blush to creep on my face from all the obscenities falling from my mouth. Call me a pansy and I’d probably agree
How did you find out about the Weekly Challenge Chapter group?
Melissa Dean.
How has your experience been so far?
It’s been great. I’m really glad I joined.
How long have you been a writer/author? Have you had anything published? What types of things do you like to write? Why do you write? How do you write?
I’d say since I could hold a pencil and attempt to spell words, but that seems to be the popular answer. Can’t be too cliché, right? (Even though it would be accurate.) I enjoyed it when I was little, had a hiatus for a while after I was pretty sure my mom lied to me how to spell the word owner (children and their conspiracy theories) when I was writing about a story centering around a collie getting lost—yes, I liked Lassie, a lot. Then, after I moved and began turning into the introverted, anti-social, nearly recluse I am today, I took up writing again and found a deep love of books. Nothing published except a poem in the sixth grade about why the sky is blue, but I haven’t really tried. I’ll write anything, but I mostly love to write about things that suspend belief. I live in a beyond ordinary life—I don’t want to write about it too. So, enter the vampires and other mythological creatures I’ve loved since childhood and blame on my mother who has a fascination for the like too.
I write because I enjoy it, and prefer to on the computer. It comes over better to me than on paper.
What are some of your favorite books? Authors? Music to write to?
The Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Jane Austen, Edgar Allan Poe, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, and I enjoy the fantasy/urban fantasy/paranormal genre the most. As far as music goes, it depends on the scene I’m writing. For THE VAMPIRE’S SLAVE: EVANESCENT TWILIGHT, I listen to Breathe Me by Sia mostly, with Delain coming in a close second. For HUNTED (working title) anything and everything, a lot of rock and alternative rock.
Tell us about your WIP. Care to share some of it?
Which one?
HUNTED is the one that has more of my heart, and it’s about a girl, Amberlyn Winters, who has a strong aversion to vampires, and with good cause. When one transfers to her school in her senior year and she’s forced to partner with him for a speech project, though, everything changes when he proves stubborn to her dislike and teenagers start showing up murdered around Greystin. Fighting against the emotions swelling inside her for the vampire whose kind she’s vowed to hate, and the suspicions screaming in her head, she has to uncover the mystery that is Kaleb Dantes before more kids end up dead or she does one, but the truth may just be more than she bargained for.
Excerpt:
"Kaleb, don’t!"
As fast as I could, I hurried to my feet, stumbling to Kaleb. I grabbed his arm, the thick chords of muscles bulging and rock-hard, his hands—fingers—curved, rigid, and claw-like—slightly pointier than normal. Uh-oh, not good, not good at all. Heart pounding, but lacking any sort of the usual fear, I stood in front of him, willing him to look down at me, to come back to me.
"Kaleb, look at me. Look. At. Me!”
"He’s a killer, and he deserves—”
Kaleb snarled, going after him. I pushed back against him, digging my feet into the ground, dirt pushed back as my futile attempts did nothing to slow him. I was practically a doll in his hands. Not good, not good. If Kaleb so much as touched a hair on his head…Riggs would have him in one of the Death Chambers so quick…
"Kaleb, no! You can’t do this!” I grunted out, pushing back with all my might. He moved only a bit, but it was enough to get him to stop. He wasn’t breathing, only standing rim-rod straight, eyes pinning Riggs with a definiteness that screamed kill as I kept darting looks between the two over my shoulder. Riggs was stupid to still be here, to not be afraid.
"I think it’s best if you leave—now.”
Riggs smirked, ignoring me. “He’s a beast, Ms. Winters, and he’ll kill you. Mark my words. This isn’t the end.” Wiping his mouth where a spot of blood dotted the corner, he turned and walked away, disappearing in the trees.
Kaleb and I were left alone.
Any advice for aspiring authors? Anything else you want to share?
Write what you want and what you love no matter what anyone else says, other than that, it’s all a moot matter.
Where can we find you on the web?
http://katie-s-taylor.blogspot.com and then follow the links from there if you want to continue to stalk me.
Thank you Katie!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
New Look!
As you can see, I spent time over the weekend updating and changing the layout of my blog. I included links (over to the right) that will take you to excerpts of my writing (as well as links that give you a brief synopsis of what the story is about).
Feel free to look around and explore! Let me know if there's something I am missing that you would like to see!
I am going to try to get back to blogging at least 5 days a week- I am aiming for Monday-Friday. I am setting up Wednesdays as my Weekly Chapter Challenge (WCC) postings (to keep you up to date on my writing) Fridays as Recipe Exchange day (get the recipes ready!!)
Books I Read This Week:
Over the weekend, I raided my son's bookshelf and read Ranger's Apprentice- The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan. I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the following books in the series.
Upcoming Posts:
Interview with my critique partner and fellow writer Katie Taylor (WCC Wednesday)
Recipe post (Recipe Friday)
Feel free to look around and explore! Let me know if there's something I am missing that you would like to see!
I am going to try to get back to blogging at least 5 days a week- I am aiming for Monday-Friday. I am setting up Wednesdays as my Weekly Chapter Challenge (WCC) postings (to keep you up to date on my writing) Fridays as Recipe Exchange day (get the recipes ready!!)
Books I Read This Week:
Over the weekend, I raided my son's bookshelf and read Ranger's Apprentice- The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan. I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the following books in the series.
Upcoming Posts:
Interview with my critique partner and fellow writer Katie Taylor (WCC Wednesday)
Recipe post (Recipe Friday)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Trying a New Wrting Style
Everything I have always written I have always started with my main characters in mind and a setting and a loose plot. Then I would sit down and write the story from start to finish. Needless to say, when I got to the end I would have major re-writing to do.
I would find my characters were flat (something I am learning to correct- but that is a post for another day), or my plot had gaping holes or was unbelievable, and I would start all over again with the same process. That is how I now have at least five versions (each one better than the next) of Quest of the Hart.
So, as I was finishing Quest of the Hart I was reading Lisa Shearin's blog about how she writes. She mentioned using a detailed plot summary for her books. Hmmm. I had heard of plot summaries before, but had never considered writing from one. Until now.
I knew who the characters I wanted to write about in The Lost Princess (working title) were and had thought out a decent plot (I have to tell myself stories at night so I can fall asleep, so I often use this time to plot and figure out characters, etc.) With all this in mind, I sat down and wrote out (yes, with pen and paper) a plot summary-- complete with some comments I wanted my characters to make. I could see the scenes as they unfolded and wanted to give myself enough to remind me when I came back to it after finishing up my edits from Katie (my wonderful critique partner!)
Now as I am starting TLP, I have my notes to guide me as I send my characters on their quest. So far, I am finding the plot summary very useful.
What I Read this Week:
Last week I downloaded the Nook application for my netbook so I could quickly get (and start reading) a book on writing that had been suggested to me. Can I tell you how much I love this app??? Barnes and Noble has some books in their free library that I have downloaded and been making my way through. (Yes, I know I read a bunch of romance books, but I do like a good romance every now and then :) )
Self Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King This was recommended by a friend at WD to help me with my query letter. There is a lot of great information in this book.
Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch by BJ Daniels I was looking forward to this read, having read BJ's work before, but this one disappointed me. Still, I finished it and found it an enjoyable read.
Slow Hands by Leslie Kelly Very well written and lots of humor (and heat!)
Baby Bonanza by Maureen Child Fun read- touching and exciting at the same time.
Kiss Me Deadly by Michele Hauf Excellent book-- I really enjoyed her twist on witches and vampires
Speed Dating by Nancy Warren This was a fun read based in the NASCAR world. I found it quite funny at times and filled with some interesting racing information.
Upcoming Posts:
-Writing one chapter at a time
-Writing distractions/procrastination
I would find my characters were flat (something I am learning to correct- but that is a post for another day), or my plot had gaping holes or was unbelievable, and I would start all over again with the same process. That is how I now have at least five versions (each one better than the next) of Quest of the Hart.
So, as I was finishing Quest of the Hart I was reading Lisa Shearin's blog about how she writes. She mentioned using a detailed plot summary for her books. Hmmm. I had heard of plot summaries before, but had never considered writing from one. Until now.
I knew who the characters I wanted to write about in The Lost Princess (working title) were and had thought out a decent plot (I have to tell myself stories at night so I can fall asleep, so I often use this time to plot and figure out characters, etc.) With all this in mind, I sat down and wrote out (yes, with pen and paper) a plot summary-- complete with some comments I wanted my characters to make. I could see the scenes as they unfolded and wanted to give myself enough to remind me when I came back to it after finishing up my edits from Katie (my wonderful critique partner!)
Now as I am starting TLP, I have my notes to guide me as I send my characters on their quest. So far, I am finding the plot summary very useful.
What I Read this Week:
Last week I downloaded the Nook application for my netbook so I could quickly get (and start reading) a book on writing that had been suggested to me. Can I tell you how much I love this app??? Barnes and Noble has some books in their free library that I have downloaded and been making my way through. (Yes, I know I read a bunch of romance books, but I do like a good romance every now and then :) )
Self Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King This was recommended by a friend at WD to help me with my query letter. There is a lot of great information in this book.
Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch by BJ Daniels I was looking forward to this read, having read BJ's work before, but this one disappointed me. Still, I finished it and found it an enjoyable read.
Slow Hands by Leslie Kelly Very well written and lots of humor (and heat!)
Baby Bonanza by Maureen Child Fun read- touching and exciting at the same time.
Kiss Me Deadly by Michele Hauf Excellent book-- I really enjoyed her twist on witches and vampires
Speed Dating by Nancy Warren This was a fun read based in the NASCAR world. I found it quite funny at times and filled with some interesting racing information.
Upcoming Posts:
-Writing one chapter at a time
-Writing distractions/procrastination
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