Annual Preditors & Editors Readers Poll!

ANNUAL PREDITORS & EDITOR'S READERS' POLL! 
It's time again for the Preditors-Editors annual poll to vote for your favorites.
 
   I am asking for votes in the Young Adult Poll for GIRL Z: My Life as a Teenage Zombie. (see links on page for other categories too!)

The poll runs to Jan. 14. You vote here (a submit button will come up at the bottom of that page link - be aware the site loads a bit slow sometimes) and then confirm by email.
(Poll tally is here if you care to see how it's going.) 

Thanks!

A bit of A Hotel in Paris by Margot Justes Redux

 I would like to share a snippet of A Hotel in Paris with you. Minola’s journey of self-discovery and love that began with murder.

Chapter 1

The shrill wail echoed in the hallway, Minola Grey slammed the door to her hotel room and followed the sound of distress. She saw the maid dart out of a guest room in sheer panic.  Minola reached her in a few brisk strides and asked, "Yvonne, what's the matter?"  She didn't detect any sign of injury, just pure terror in her eyes.  This type of behavior was unlike Yvonne, who was always steadfast.  Nothing ever ruffled her.

"Mademoiselle Grey…body…blood…" she sobbed.

"Body?  Blood?  Whose body?  Yvonne, please…please sit down."  Minola led her to the plush oversized chair near the elevator.  "Tell me what happened," Minola pleaded.

"Lord Yardleigh.  In his room…dead…blood," Yvonne said, her voice shook, but the weeping now dwindled to a whimper.

"Yvonne, knock on Dr. LeBrun's door.  See if he's in.  I'll go to Lord Yardleigh's room."  Minola's voice quiet and subdued, she thought to offer comfort to the distraught maid. “Please call the front desk for help, and get Security up here, fast."

Lord Yardleigh's open door allowed Minola to walk in, and what she saw left no doubt in her mind.  Lord Yardleigh was dead.  The body splayed out on the floor did not diminish the quiet elegance of the room.  Minola’s stomach twisted in a knot, her muscles tightened and nausea rose in her throat.

She'd never seen a body, much less in this bloody state.  Think!  Don't touch anything.  She shook her head, as if to clear any lingering cobwebs.  Get hold of yourself. Where is the gun? I don't see a gun. Murder? Must be. He didn’t get up and dispose of the gun and then conveniently lay down and die. Not with that wound. A great fan of the mystery genre, Minola knew enough not to disturb anything in the room.  The crime scene needed to be preserved. 

Reluctantly, Minola looked at the body again and noted how impeccably dressed he’d been–crisp white linen shirt, gold cuff links, and an expensive watch still on his wrist–impeccable except for the bloody stain that had spread beyond the hole in the shirt and created a crimson river against the achromatic background.  To relieve her queasiness, Minola swiftly glanced at the rest of the room.  As an artist she focused on the de rigueur hotel furniture, then on the few contemporary canvases displayed on the walls. These were not hotel issue, and were good.

The colors and textures of the paintings strangely complimented the hues of the grim, yet powerful, scene before her. Contemplating the pieces on the wall gave Minola a much needed reprieve from the ghastly outline on the floor.  Her hands clenched as she began to shake.

Nothing appeared to have been disturbed in the quiet, serene room.  The curtains were open, and the sun filtered through to cast a warm dappled glow over the body.  Minola shuddered, turned and without touching anything walked out of the room.

Back in the hallway, she patiently waited for what she knew would be a barrage of questions by hotel security and the Police Nationale de Paris.

This hotel is my home.  What happened here?  To give her an essential, although temporary, reprieve from the tragedy, she focused on yesterday’s idyllic day sitting in a café, in a cozy secluded booth across the street from the Luxembourg Gardens. Through the gilded wrought-iron fence she gleaned the contemplative and everyday life of the Parisiens unlike today, where the horror of sudden death intruded on her contemplation.

As she waited for the police, she relived the relaxed pace inside the gardens, so peaceful and calm.  She remembered the old couple who sat on a bench and held hands, a woman watched her child play, and on another bench, two women sat in comfort and rolled the prams containing their precious cargoes.  Their hypnotic movements, back and forth, back and forth, helped lull Minola into utter contentment as the mesmerizing and soothing minutes flicked by. 

The image of Lord Yardleigh's body intruded on her thoughts.  So peaceful in repose…so still, so sanguine, except for the blood.  Go back to the gardens.   Go back to the gardens.

"Mademoiselle Grey…pardon, Mademoiselle," she faintly heard a voice call her back to reality.                 Art drew her to Paris, so well represented–not confined to museums, but present everywhere, and always in the gardens which peppered this amazing city.

 "Mademoiselle Grey…Mademoiselle, s'il vous plait."  She heard that voice again, faint but urgent calling her.  Her serenity shattered, she faced the certainty of a gruesome murder in her quiet hotel.  Slowly Minola opened her eyes, and noticed the hallway was filled with police and crime investigators.  She recognized what looked like a solitary pathologist carrying a black medical bag.  The police did not block his entry.

"Mademoiselle Grey, are you all right?  I need to ask you a few questions."  The gentle yet insistent voice persisted through her hazy reality.  "Yes, of course.  I am sorry," she replied, and again clenched her hands to keep them from shaking.

"I'm  Luc Dubois with the Police Nationale.  Mademoiselle, we already have a statement from the maid.  She said that you went into the room.  Did you touch the body?" he inquired politely.

"I didn't touch anything…no…nothing at all.  I went in to see if I could help.  Yvonne had said blood…I just wanted to make sure…  I…"

He nodded his head and continued, "Did you notice anything unusual?  Did you see or hear anyone come up to this floor while you were waiting for the police?"

"The room appeared undisturbed.  So clean.  I didn't see or hear anyone, but I closed my eyes because I needed to escape. I am sorry, but I believe I drifted off a bit.  Maybe Yvonne heard or saw something.  Not a robbery…"  Her calm voice belied her distress. She looked down and tried to still her quaking hands.

"Yes, I know.  I had a difficult time bringing you out of your reverie, Mademoiselle.  The maid had gone downstairs to summon help; she could not get the phone to work.  I believe she was too agitated.  Pourquoi?  Why are you so certain that it was not a robbery?" he queried.

"You must have noticed he wore a gold Rolex.  There are also several very worthwhile contemporary art pieces on the wall.  A thief would have certainly stolen these items.  No self-respecting crook would leave a Rolex on his victim's wrist.” She said. “The Luxembourg Gardens are a far more delightful escape than seeing a murder victim." Her voice was wistful as she looked up, her eyes shimmered, but she refused to let the tears fall.

"There I would agree with you, Mademoiselle.  I am sorry you were a witness to such a tragedy."

"Merci.  Thank you for understanding."   

Minola closed her eyes and saw the sun filter through the pool of blood–a macabre scene, one that would stay with her forever.  She blinked twice and looked down at her watch. "Pardon, but I am already late for class.  May I please go, unless you still need me for any reason?  I will be back this afternoon.  I can leave my passport at the front desk."  As an afterthought she added, "If necessary."

"That will not be required, Mademoiselle.  You may go.  I understand that this is difficult for you.  There will be more questions for you this afternoon; please do make yourself available.  Merci, Mademoiselle."  He moved on to speak with another policeman.

* * *

Yves Lanier, of the Police Nationale, was a man with a mission.  His dingy grey office with matching furniture was so littered with papers and books that he couldn't find the phone on his desk.  It was here somewhere, he knew.  Damn it, I used it yesterday.  He briefly stared at the mess…then, with quiet efficiency, slid everything off his desk to the floor, and heard the ping of the phone hit the ground.  He bent down, picked it up, and dialed a London number he knew well.  A quiet voice answered: "Peter Riley."

"Bonjour, Peter.  How are you, my friend?"

"I know that tone, Yves.  Interpol at your service.  What's going on?"

"Peter, Yardleigh was murdered sometime late last night or early this morning.  I think your investigation into money laundering just veered off track."

The silence at the other end was palpable.  "What the hell happened?  He was cooperating.  What do you have?"

"We have nothing, mon ami.  He was shot once in the chest with a small-caliber gun.  No exit wound–the lab's still working on that.  Purely as an observation, it looks like he knew his killer.  No surprise or fear…there's nothing reflected on his face.  Nothing stolen.  Everything, as you English say, was neat and tidy, save for the corpse on the floor.  We secured the crime scene and did all the lovely things we are supposed to do.  The bastard was not nice enough to leave any clues."  Lanier spoke with the confidence of a seasoned cop.

"Let me talk to Clivers, my superior.  Murder is out of our jurisdiction.  I suppose that leaves Scotland Yard in the game."

"Peter, this started in England."

"Don't I know it.  I will call you back."  Lanier heard the phone click in his ear.

Cheers, 

Margot Justes

A Hotel in Paris

A Hotel in Bath

Blood Art

www.mjustes.com

Merry Christmas To All! by DL Larson

The Christmas cards have all been sent ... well most of them! Crumbs litter my kitchen floor from the many cookies consumed and various sized feet shuffling by the dessert table.

The garbage bin is stuffed with boxes, ribbon and torn Christmas wrappings. My frig looks as if it might be a science experiment gone awry with the foil wrapped packages, pinkish baggies stuffed with veggies, fruit and other delectables. Then the clear wrap and sticky wrap are securing other edibles and I sigh in exhaustion and contentment. What a wonderful problem to have. Leftovers from Christmas!

Today it is officially "Jammie Day" at the Larson house. That means my family gathers once more to do nothing but lounge around watching movies, playing a game or two ... and consume all the leftovers from Christmas.

Right now I'm in the middle of 'Mr. Smith Goes To Washington," a classic from 1939, starring Jimmy Stewart. It's so well done it applies to today's foibles still!

So all who read this ~ I wish you a very Blessed and Merry Christmas season!! Be sure to take time to relax, reflect and above all ... stay off the scales! At least for another day!!

Merry Christmas!

Til next time ~

DL Larson
www.DLLARSON.com

Merry Christmas, Everyone & Check Out Next Week's Freebie

Morgan Mandel

Have a Very Merry, Healthy and Happy Christmas, Everyone!

Mark Your Calendars

Killer Career, my Romantic Suspense, with a brand new cover,

Will Go Free for Kindle/PC on Amazon - Dec 31 thru Jan 3.

http://www.amazon.com/Killer-Career-Morgan-Mandel-ebook/dp/B002PDOPPG

Short Link: http://amzn.com/B002PDOPPG

Merry Christmas all!

I'm sure everyone is busy-busy-busy today wrapping, cooking, last-minute shopping, and getting ready for the arrival of family (and Santa).

Don't forget to relax and enjoy the holiday lights and colors. And spend a few moments in reflection.

For fun, here's a link to part 1 of the annual miniatures-illustrated Christmas story, "Thief of Christmas Present" by Rob Walker. Don't forget to go back to read part 2 tomorrow.

Merry Christmas! 

Welcome Award Winning Author, Dyanne Davis! by DL Larson

Dyanne Davis is a Multi-Published, Award Winning author of 16 novels. She has written dozens of articles for on-line magazines. She was one of the authors for the Premier Edition of, New Love Stories, magazines. Dyanne lives in a Chicago suburb with her husband of 43 years, William Sr.

She has been a presenter of numerous workshops.
She hosts a local cable television show in her hometown, “The Art of Writing,” to give writing tips to aspiring writers. Interviewing some of her favorite authors, LA. Banks, Robin Schone, Donna Hill, Melody Thomas, Ann Marcela, Cathie Linz, Jade Lee, Jenna Petersen and many more has been the highlight of doing the show. You can catch some of the clips on Youtube.

Her first novel, The Color of Trouble, was released July of 2003. The novel was received with high praise and several awards. Dyanne won an Emma for Favorite New Author of the year.

In February 2007, Misty Blue was a finalist for best cover and best romance sequel. Dyanne was a finalist for author of the year. Misty Blue garnered an Emma win for best book cover.

Dyanne writes under a pseudonym for her vampire series. Her first vampire novel, In the Beginning, was released in June of 2007 under the name of F. D. Davis.

Dyanne has a local cable show in her hometown to give writing tips to aspiring writers.

Dyanne also writes a vampire series under the name of F. D. Davis. You can reach her at:
davisdyanne@aol.com. 
www.dyannedavis.com 
adamomegavampire@aol.com
www.adamomega.com

An Interview with Dyanne:
1. You were a nurse for many years, what inspired you to turn to writing?

I've always written in one form or the other. I started reading at four and always wanted to be able to create my own stories. I tried many times to submit badly written work to magazines and book editors. After receiving rejections, there would be huge chunks of time where I wouldn't write at all. It wasn't until I joined RWA and Windy City that I learned the craft of writing. And more importantly, I learned how to develop a thick skin, how to take rejections. I was where I needed to be, with a group of writers who were going through the same things. We also had published authors in the chapter who gave us encouragement and the drive to continue. Not to name drop but I'd like to pay homage to a few of them, as they were very important in my writing career and to many of the other writers in our chapter who went on to become published.

Cathie Linz, the self proclaimed mother hen of the group who has given so much encouragement to all of us. I respect her and love her probably more than she will ever know. Then there's Lindsay Longford (aka Jimmie) When I sold my first book the editor wanted me to take something out, I refused because Jimmie had loved it. Later when I told Jimmie about it, she called me crazy, and advised me to always listen to my editor. Myrna Mackenzie and Margaret Watson were very giving of their time. Then we have our three time Rita winner, Susan Elizabeth Philips. At one of my very first meetings she asked me what genre I was writing and who I was targeting my work to. To me she was speaking Greek. I was just writing. LOL.

Of course that was almost seventeen years ago. Hopefully you can tell how influential ALL of the members of Windy City were in my career. They were my learning center, my support, and my inspiration.

2. Tell us about your TV show. How did you come up with the idea of interviewing writers?


The Art of Writing, is a cable show that is done in a state of the art studio, in Bolingbrook IL. My husband, Bill, is the producer. About nine years ago, Jennifer Stevenson of Chicago North was at an author fest in Bolingbrook, and Bill was filming it. She asked Bill to develop a show for romance writers. Several of us thought it was a good idea. I was assigned to badger Bill into doing it. At the time, then Chicago's number one female D.J of WGIC, Niki Woods, young and beautiful was going to be the host. I would pull guests from Windy City and Chicago North. Bill thought it best that I co-host just in case. During that time Nikki was super busy and much sought after so I reluctantly agreed. LOL. Turns out Bill had been seeing into the future on that one. Nikki was only able to do three shows. I've been doing the show for eight years now.

It has been one of my greatest joys. I am in awe of the amount of talent and never tire talking to writers. I love how their minds works, how their creative process mimic or differ from mine. And I totally enjoy showing my little corner of the world, that romance writers are so much more than viewers may have thought.

I have interviewed New York Times, and USA Today best selling, authors. I have interviewed Emma award winners (of which I am one. YEAH) and every writing award you can name. I've interviewed writers whose work I've loved, L.A, Banks, Robin Schone, Jade Lee, DL Larson. I've interviewed every writer at Windy city published and yet to be published who were brave enough to come on the show. I had Todd Stone, author of Boot Camp for writers, in a kilt, Philip E. Clark, a wonderfully gifted numerologist. Cindy Muntz, with so much positive energy it makes me smile just writing her name. She's a psychic medium and clairvoyant. She's also writing a book. There has not been one guest I haven't enjoyed. I even had Sarah Stone, the only guest who did a concert. If I continued on with the names I'd be writing until next week. Oh, what the heck. LOL. These are some of the authors who have graced me with their presence. And I want to publicly thank them and all of the rest. Seriously, I was told I didn't have a word count….but…..

Simone Elkeles, Barbara Keaton, Lisa G. Riley, Deadri King Bey, Earl Sewell, Ann Clay, Kathy Thigpin, Cathie Lintz, Ann Macela, Adrienne Giordano, Wendy Byrne, Luisa Buehler, Jenna Peterson, Jess Michaels, Melody Thomas, Kelle Z. Riley, Jackie (Wallis) Blythe Gifford, Tracey Devlyn, Denise Swanson, Mary Jo Burke, Margaret Watson, Allie,a Keena Kincaid, Susan Gibberman, Tom Hernandez.

3. You're an award winning novelist with 16 books to your credit! Tell us about your writing career and what book is your most memorable for you?

Make that seventeen novels, and eight novella! I was trying to think which so far would be most memorable and I think I'll say my second novel, because as writers we stress so hard over being a one book wonder. Also I learned a lot of great lessons from that book. I got lost in the telling of it and gave it over to the secondary characters. My three brilliant critique partners pointed it out to me, and of course by then I knew it as well. But that was the way my muse was giving it to me and I liked it. When my editor received it she politely told me the same things my critique partners had, but she also said the publisher had contracted for a romance, not a story about a brother and sister and that if I wanted the sister to have a story I should write her one. (I thought I already had) LOL. Anyway, because of my editor's forcing me to give all the great scenes to the heroine I received a contract for the third book, which was my first 4 star review from Romantic Times. My lesson: Do not allow secondary character to run away with the story.

4. What is your writing regimen? Do you use an outline or let your characters take you on a journey? Do you write everyday? Are you a morning or evening writer? Tell us!

Hmmm. My writing regime? Generally I work on at least two things at once. I'm a pantser so I almost never use an outline. The exception: My paranormals. I was forgetting who was in it and details about the characters. Because of it being a series, I had to have some continuity, especially about things such as eye color.

5. How do you reward yourself for your accomplishments?

I don't really reward myself I just start another project. I guess I should answer that by saying I don't deny myself anything before the accomplishment.

6. What are you reading right now? Who are some of your favorite authors?

Right now I'm reading a novel written by the son of my all time favorite vampire's writer's (Anne Rice) son, Christopher Rice. I'm only two pages in. Oh I just thought of a reward I give myself. When I write so many hours I reward myself by reading larger chunks of whatever book I'm reading instead of the snippets I do during little breaks. And I always have a book to read. I don't know how to survive a day without reading. Books are all over my house, in my car and in both bathroom. TMI…but I don't like idle time. I have to read.

7. How did you make the transition to sci-fi romance? Did you have to change your name or did you want to?

I don't really write sci-fi per say. I hate the idea of world building, for me it's too much info to remember. I write paranormal, vampires, demons, ghosts, and psychics. I use F.D. Davis because my readers were used to me writing romance. Readers will become very angry if they buy your book expecting one thing and get something else. It was because of L.A. Banks that I decided to go with my initials. Some readers of her vampire series may not even be aware that she began her career writing romances.

8. What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

For aspiring writers I would say first and foremost to finish the book. Then try as hard as you can to get a thicker skin.

9. Any other comments you'd like to share?

As a writer, it's not a necessity for you to attend, workshops, conferences, or to join RWA and a local chapter. But the support, the love, the learning, and to be with other writers who know the pain of rejections and will share in your hard won victories, is something that is worth more than the cost of belonging to RWA, It's like being in a family.
Thank you Dyanne!

Connect with Dyanne at:

davisdyanne@aol.com. 

www.dyannedavis.com 

adamomegavampire@aol.com

www.adamomega.com

Please leave a comment to welcome Dyanne Davis to Book Beat Babes!

Joanna Campbell Slan Presents a Winning Recipe for Writing a Series

It's with great pleasure that I present Bestselling mystery author, Joanna Campbell Slan, who offers a winning recipe for a series. Morgan Mandel

Joanna Campbell Slan

Joanna Campbell Slan is the author of twenty-three books, both fiction and non-fiction. She is the 2013 winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence for her historical romantic suspense series. Paper, Scissors, Death, her first novel, was a finalist for the Agatha. For her work on the first FarmAid, she was awarded a Silver Anvil by the Public Relations Society of America. She has taught writing online and as an adjunct professor at Illinois State University. Her college textbook on public speaking has been endorsed by Toastmasters, International. 

Visit her at www.JoannaSlan.com or at http://facebook.com/JoannaCampbellSlan 

A Winning Recipe for Your Series

By Joanna Campbell Slan

I grew up in the Golden Age of television sitcoms. We watched Gilligan’s Island, The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and of course, I Love Lucy.

            Sitcoms entertained us, week after week, because the mix of personalities in the characters generated tension. As an author, I rely on that same recipe—a mix of personalities—to keep my mystery series interesting.

            In I Love Lucy, we have Lucy and Ricky, who lead with their emotions, and Ethel and Fred, who think things through. Lucy goes charging into the unknown, while Ethel begs for caution. Ricky gets angry, and Fred pleads for peaceful resolution. By juxtaposing these different impulses, the writers of the series managed to milk plot points for all they were worth. Each character “pushes the buttons” of others, so that their foibles stand out in stark relief. Ricky wouldn’t get so angry if Lucy was more cautious. Ethel wouldn’t get so frantic, if Lucy didn’t go barreling into troublesome situations with such regularity.

     

       Here’s how this recipe works in Tear Down and Die, the first book in my new series featuring Cara Mia Delgatto. Cara is impulsive, hot-headed, a control freak, and somewhat insecure. She hires MJ Austin to help her at The Treasure Chest, a home décor store Cara buys on a whim. (Cara thinks the store is vacant, but it turns out to be occupied by a fresh corpse.) In many ways, MJ is the ideal employee. She is methodical, secure, and unemotional—but she also likes to be in control.

            There will be times when their control issues will cause problems, as each woman tries to run the show. Cara will find herself confused by MJ’s lack of emotion. On the other hand, MJ will have little patience for Cara’s insecurity.

When I’m writing a scene, I mentally picture these two women, their unique reactions, and the havoc that ensues because they are so different. If I “make” them both feel a lack of control, they’ll go ballistic. If I confront them with an emotional situation, Cara Mia will have a hard time understanding MJ’s cool response. There will be times when MJ will find Cara Mia’s insecurities puzzling, to say the least.

            Predictably, their actions and body language will mirror their personalities. While Cara is stomping around and fuming, MJ will cross her arms over her chest and stare off into space.

            At some point in the series, they will blow up at each other, because their vastly different approaches to life will cause problems.

            But that’s a story for another book.

**

About the Book—

Tear Down and Die (#1 Kindle Bestseller) is the first book in a new series that’s a spin off from the Kiki Lowenstein Mysteries. After her parents die within six months of each other and her son goes off to college, savvy entrepreneur Cara Mia Delgatto decides to construct a new life for herself. A road trip leads to her grandfather's home on the picturesque Treasure Coast of Florida, where she impulsively snaps up a "tear down," a building scheduled for the wrecking ball--only to discover it's already occupied by a fresh corpse. While Detective Lou Murray tries to nail the killer to the wall, Cara Mia enlists the help of two new friends to open a store specializing in one-of-a-kind, recycled, and repurposed items. But before she can get down to brass tacks, Cara Mia decides to help Lou figure out "whodunit," because she's been painted into the picture as one of the prime suspects. To make matters more complicated, tensions are building with Cooper Rivers, an old boyfriend. Cara Mia wonders whether her second chance at love will pan out--or if her carefully constructed fantasies will lead her to a new life behind bars. 
To purchase go to http://tinyurl.com/TearDD

Find Joanna Slan at

www.JoannaSlan.com or  

http://facebook.com/JoannaCampbellSlan

Please leave a comment to welcome Joanna Slan to Book Beat Babes.

Thankful for...

As the season of giving is upon us, it's a good time to reflect on what we have to be thankful for.

And no, it's not the Hallmark cards or the never-ending display of must have's you didn't realize you needed continually parading past on TV.

Besides the obvious - health, having some kind of job and not being on the street - 2013 was a good year, despite the economy.

Some highlights included:

* Still being able to write despite the changing world of newspapers. They remain my first love though it is getting challenging to stay in that field at all.

* Having my first horror-zombie-ya-sci fi book out. I enjoyed writing GIRL Z: My Life as a Teenage Zombie  and hope to continue finding new readers and enthusiasts.

* Being nominated for a Lovey Award for Best Paranormal - Sci Fi - Horror novel. We'll see what 2014 holds when I attend the Love is Murder Mystery conference in Feb.

* GIRL Z being named the young adult winner of the Halloween Book Festival.

*  Continuing to be part of a fun, supportive and interesting writer's group and having supportive writer friends who share writing opportunities. You never stop learning.

*  I appreciate the writers and collectors I've met online. It's fun to share their successes and go along the writing journey with them.

* I especially appreciate readers willing to give a book a chance and get to know an author they may not have known before. It's a treat getting feedback when someone enjoys your book and your writing.

So, what are you thankful for? Share some of your writing highlights for 2013!

Here's to an even better 2014 and a dwindling of trolls spreading their 1 and 2 star sour "reviews" everywhere!

Holiday Traditions and Fudge by Margot Justes

I established certain holiday traditions with my daughters. We pick apples in the fall, and three years ago my younger daughter Dina signed me up for the local Turkey Trot, and for the last couple of years my granddaughter joined us. Dina runs, Sydney and I walk, and Solonge cooks our breakfast. A perfect beginning to Thanksgiving.  That is how traditions begin.

Along with Thanksgiving, we had certain  traditions for Christmas, our annual trek to the Arie Crown Theatre and the wonderful Ruth Page production of the Nutcracker ballet, and dinner afterward. We decorated gingerbread houses, baked cookies and cakes from long standing recipes, among them the fudge recipe below.

Now that my older daughter Solonge has children of her own, she decided to keep some of the traditions alive. Ruth Page and her production is long gone, but we have substituted other holiday plays and musicals. Something different every year.

This year for Christmas we’re going to see Mary Poppins at the Lincolnshire theatre, and we’ll go to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner after the play. The kiddies love the place, and the Shepherd’s Pie is pretty good. We’re also going to afternoon tea-my grandson especially loves his red tea and finger sandwiches. The hotels are beautifully decorated, festive and the tea is a delight.

We have already decorated gingerbread houses, and cookies, and they even helped put ornaments on the tree. I established these traditions with my girls, probably because I never had any while I was growing up, so I’m doubly delighted that Solonge continued with them.

The fudge is easy to make and is yummy.

Fudge
1 stick of butter
1 large can of evaporated milk
2 oz bitter chocolate (I only use Ghirardelli chocolate)
12 oz semi sweet or dark chocolate chips
4 cups of sugar
12 oz dark chocolate
½ lb small marshmallows
1 ½ tbsp Vanilla
1 cup of chopped walnuts-Optional (I use 2 cups)

1cup of raisins-Optional (I soak them in Myer’s dark rum overnight, and mix the rum into the chocolate-not a drop is wasted)

Combine butter, canned milk and sugar, stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, cook to a boil, about 5 minutes.

Turn off heat and add marshmallows, stir until melted, add the 3 types of chocolate, one at a time, stir until each is dissolved. Add vanilla, raisins with all the rum, nuts and stir.

Line a cookie sheet with saran wrap, extending the edges; pour the fudge into the cookie pan, spread evenly with knife or spatula.

Let dry for 2 days. Invert the fudge unto your counter, remove wrap and let dry for another 2 days. Cut into squares and serve.

This recipe makes quite a bit of fudge, I cut it all up and store in sealed plastic bags. My family loves the fudge; usually it doesn’t last very long. Makes a great gift too.

Cheers,

Margot  Justes
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
Blood Art
Hot Crimes Cool Chicks
and coming in January A Fire Within
www.mjustes.com

 

Pay It Forward! by DL Larson

There's a proverb that reminds me of the Christmas season. As most proverbs, it should be utmost in our mind and actions every day. Maybe for some, it is a way of life, but for others not so much.

I quote Proverbs 12:25
"An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up."

As we bustle about making ready for Christmas, we encounter hundreds of other folks scurrying about searching for gifts and crossing out items on their To Do List. The other day I was at one of the Big Chain stores with said list in hand. I turned a corner and met up with an acquaintance who also had her list in her grasp. A few moments later a third acquaintance shuffled up holding her list. We all laughed and chatted a few more moments before we continued on our own paths.

Later, at the check out counter I was able to do one of my favorite things - people watch. To my left was a snarky man with a rancid bite to his words. He spoke to the pre-teen children with him as if being with them was worse than punishment. I mentally commended the kids for their good behavior despite his badgering for no good reason that I could see. His attitude did not improve when he encountered the clerk, who was an older woman. I wondered if this man enjoyed anyone's company. Who would want to spend time with him this Christmas? I couldn't decide if I felt sorry for him or disgust that he couldn't pull it together for common decency's sake.

To the right of me stood a young couple. The girl obviously knew her task as provider of gifts while the man stood quietly by not offering much assistance, but seemed agreeable to enduring the task. My smile turned lopsided. This young man had great potential. He smiled to the clerk and laughed at something the girl said as they pushed their cart toward the door. The clerk turned to her next customer with a smile and I like to think the young couple had made her day brighter.

As I waited in line, the family in front of me had become antsy. I couldn't blame them. I wanted out of the line too. I wanted to get on my way. I counted two other lanes open from the twenty registers. I heard the mama use bribery like a pro. If the children could stand quietly until they were finished and no she did not know how much longer it would take, they would stop for a treat. Drooping shoulders told me the youngsters understood the consequences. Dad ruffled the little boy's head and picked up the little girl who had wanted down just a moment before.

Determined to keep my peace, I endured the long wait. The little girl asked another ten times if they could go now. Dad laughed. I laughed. It had been an absurdly long wait, but this family kept their happiness in tact. It made my day to see them succeed in the tight confines of the waiting line.

I remembered to smile and chat with the clerk. She too was an older woman and seemed to appreciate the common courtesy of treating her as a human being. I left the store much later than I had anticipated.

I still stopped for a treat. I guess the mama's words had inspired me as well! The drive-up window went much faster and the young man who handed me my milkshake offered the biggest smile along with my change. I smiled back.

A kind word, a warm smile is a small price to pay in order to have a better day. I plan to pay it forward. How about you?

Til next time ~

DL Larson
www.DLLARSON.com

Kathleen Kaska Shares a Secret About Holiday Gift Shows

Today, I'm happy to host the award winning mystery and non-fiction author, Kathleen Kaska, who gives us the lowdown on Holiday Gift Shows. Morgan Mandel

Kathleen Kaska writes the award-winning Sydney Lockhart Mysteries set in the 1950s. 

Her first two books Murder at the Arlington and Murder at the Luther, were selected as bonus-books for the Pulpwood Queens Book Group, the largest book group in the country. The third book in the series, Murder at the Galvez, has just been released. Look for Murder at the Driskill in 2014. 

She also writes the Classic Triviography Mystery Series, which includes The Agatha Christie Triviography and Quiz Book, The Alfred Hitchcock Triviography and Quiz Book, and The Sherlock Holmes Triviography and Quiz Book. The Alfred Hitchcock and the Sherlock Holmes trivia books are finalists for the 2013 EPIC award in nonfiction. Her nonfiction book, The Man Who Saved the Whooping Crane: The Robert Porter Allen Story, was a George Perkins Marsh Award nominee for environmental history.

Find Kathleen Kaska online at:

http://www.kathleenkaska.com

http://www.kathleenkaskawrites.blogspot.com/

Holiday Gift Shows:

The Right Venue, A Great Spiel, and A Cute Puppy

by Kathleen Kaska

            It’s no news that writers have to market and promote their own books nowadays. I’ve always said that if I had to make a living in retails I’d probably starve. But, I’ve learned something over the last few years that has made the task of selling my own books easier. Yes, I still get tongue-tied if I have to ask people for money, but I have no problem talking about my books. I often speak at libraries, book groups, community organizations, and writers’ conferences. Folks who attend these events are there to learn and listen and not necessarily to spend money, which is okay because I enjoy doing those engagements. And most times I pick up a stipend and a few sales. But there are other events, especially this time of year, where I can usually count on big sales.

            Do as many holiday fairs and gifts shows as possible. Unlike the library and seminar crowds, those who attend these events are there to let go of some cash. They’re usually looking for a unique gift, a gift that cannot be found in a department store.

            A couple of weeks ago, I rented a table at a local holiday gift show and sold almost sixty books. By the second day of the four-day show, I had sold out of three of my Sydney Lockhart mysteries. My sales would have been even greater had a prior inventory request arrived on time.

            The cost for participating is minimal, usually just space rental; and for authors, that means a table with a banner or poster advertising your books. At most events, the vendors handle their own transactions. Occasionally, an organization will take a small percentage of the sales, but that also means there is a central checkout so when the dust settles, we get a check in the mail and can have more leisurely time during the event to chat up potential readers. And for me, it’s worth the extra cost. Like I said, I’m uncomfortable taking money from people. So when I don’t have to, I can have fun talking to my customers. If they don’t bite immediately, they often return before leaving to pick up a book or two.

            The trick is to get shoppers to stop at your table so you can give your spiel. Here are a few “baits” you might consider having on hand: a cute puppy, a bottle of wine, a plate of chocolate cookies, or a crime-scene tape around your table. Okay, I was kidding about the dog and the wine. But if the cookies and crime-scene tape don’t get their attention, you can always sidle up to a potential buyer and whisper in their ear: “Have you ever found a body in the trunk of your car?”

Great advice, Kathleen. I love your wit! 
Here's some information on one of Kathleen's books, The Sherlock Holmes Triviography and Quiz Book:
http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Triviography-Quiz-Book/dp/0957152760
or http://www.ll-publications.com/sherlock.html

Step out of your hansom cab and onto the foggy streets of Edwardian London with The Sherlock Holmes Triviography and Quiz Book, a comprehensive collection of fun and challenging trivia about the adventures of the inimitable detective whose intellectual feats overwhelmed criminals and Scotland Yard.

More than a century after Sherlock Holmes stepped from the pages of Arthur Conan Doyle’s first detective story, the greatest sleuth of all time is still firmly solidly ensconced in the work of modern literature. Television series, new Holmes writers, Holmes books, Holmes societies, websites, and numerous films have kept Sherlock Holmes fans intrigued with Holmes and Watson lore.

The Sherlock Holmes Triviography and Quiz Book, a finalist for the 2013 EPIC Award in nonfiction, offers brainteasers on each story and novel about the detective and his associate Dr. Watson, as well as background on how Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s own experiences contributed to his literary work. 

Review:

“Kathleen Kaska has put together a wonderful mind teaser for all Sherlock Holmes aficionados. She covers it all: stories, books, the media; with lots of questions, puzzles, and trivia facts. No true Sherlockian will want to miss this grand Triviography and Quiz Book.”

—Michael R. Pitts, author of Famous Movie Detectives I, II, and III, and

co- author of The Great Detective Pictures

Happy Holidays,

Kathleen Kaska

http://www.kathleenkaska.com

http://www.kathleenkaskawrites.blogspot.com/

Please leave a comment to welcome Kathleen Kaska to Book Beat Babes.

Holiday Season and Rum Balls by Margot Justes

Focus and organization seem to be missing during the holiday season. I had such plans to accomplish so much, and I seem to be spinning my wheels and going nowhere.

Writing is out, focus is out, organization is out-what’s left you ask? Well, drinking coffee is definitely in, but that is about it as far as work-as in writing-is concerned.

There are holiday lunches with friends, family outings, and all the other wonderful stuff that happens around this time of year. I love all of it, and am grateful that I have family and friends, and am able to celebrate and be with them. There is baking, and cooking, and decorating too. That all takes time, but I used to do all that and stay focused.

I’m an indie author and have self imposed deadlines, and schedule my time accordingly. At least the writing part, however marketing should have a continuous presence, and I let that slide-not a good thing.

Just like for Santa, this week I made a list, and guess what? I didn’t stick to it. This morning I revised it, and we’ll see what happens by week end.

Part of the problem seems to be the fact that this time last year I was still gainfully employed, and had to be organized, this year there is a fantastic sense of freedom, because I have retired from my paying job. Now I have to focus and remind myself that I would really like to make a living writing, and have to work no matter the time of year.

In the meantime, on with good cheer. I thought I’d share some of my favorite holiday recipes, and start with rum balls. They are yummy.

Rum Balls:

2 1/2 cups of ground Vanilla wafers
5 1/2 cups of ground walnuts ( I use a food processor for both the wafers and nuts)
1 cup of honey
1 cup of rum (I use dark rum)
1 cup or as needed of powdered sugar
Mix all ingredients well. Let rest covered in bowl for a couple of hours. I've even left overnight.
Form into balls and roll in powdered sugar. ( I use a teaspoon to scoop out the mix)
Set on foil or plastic wrap and let dry a couple of hours, put on serving plate, sprinkle more powdered sugar on top and enjoy!

Cheers,

Margot  Justes
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
Hot Crimes Cool Chicks
www.mjustes.com