Julie Hyzy is the author of Hail to the Chef and State of the Onion. Here she shares a perfect recipe for this time of year--Apple Tart. In her books, Mercel is a pastry chef at the White House, and Ollie, her protagonist, is the chef in charge of the kitchen. If you like knowing the inside scoop (pun intended!) about life in the executive mansion, this rollicking, fun series is for you!If you'd like to win one of Julie's books, send me an email … [Read more...] about Julie Hyzy's Apple Tart–And A Chance to Win One of Her Books!
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Almost Seems Like Home
Yesterday I drove to the grocery store and back without thinking. Not a big deal to you. But it was to me. You see, I'm feeling at home.This has been a year of tumult. In January, my mother's exam found spots in her lungs. However, the spots didn't light up, so the doctors were convinced it wasn't cancer. "Probably scar tissue," they told us. By June we knew the truth: She had terminal lung cancer.Still, Mom clung to hope. After all, last time … [Read more...] about Almost Seems Like Home
Photo, Snap, Shot
Now available for pre-ordering at Amazon! Book #3 in the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series will be out this May (2010) in time for National Scrapbooking Month!Go to http://tinyurl.com/ylors6d … [Read more...] about Photo, Snap, Shot
More Things That'll Keep You Unpublished
Today I finished judging the romance contest entries.I hope the writers who submitted their work learn half as much from my comments as I have learned from reading their pieces. Here are some more reflections:1. You have to have a sympathetic protagonist. Sorry, but a perfect woman will not make me want to keep reading. Want to hear the single biggest compliment readers send me about Kiki Lowenstein? Stand back...They like her.They like that … [Read more...] about More Things That'll Keep You Unpublished
Mourning the Passing of Stuart Kaminsky
I was so sad to hear of the passing of Stuart Kaminsky. He had written many, many mystery books and was honored numerous times by the Mystery Writers of America. He was a gentleman, a brilliant writer, and a generous colleague to all in our profession.We met at Sleuthfest, oh, three years ago? He stepped in to fill a short story class after Elaine Viets had her stroke. I asked him after the session what he thought about outlines. He told me that … [Read more...] about Mourning the Passing of Stuart Kaminsky
Things That'll Keep You Unpublished
Probably the LAST thing I should be doing with my time today is writing a blog post. Nevertheless, I am compelled to share what I'm learning.See, I'm judging a contest for writers, new and hopeful authors. There's a wonderful set of criteria which guides me. Very helpful. Very insightful. But mainly, I'm calling upon what I've learned over the past five years. And I'm using up far too much time doing this...except...except...it comes at an … [Read more...] about Things That'll Keep You Unpublished
