Sunday Snippets! #1/31/2016 #Sunday Snips

Welcome to Sunday Snippets!  I, along with the members of this weekly Blog Hop, will be sharing snippets from one of our stories.


From "Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow":

He promised to be gone come morning, but obviously, he wast still there.  Oh well, maybe fixing breakfast was just his way of saying thanks.

She put on a robe, shoved her feet into a pair of fuzzy pink slippers and advanced into the kitchen.  Pale winter sunshine was clinging to the edges of the living room window and she could hear Viktor whistling tunelessly as she crossed the floor.

"Morning," she said.  Viktor looked up at her with a smile.  She was happy to see he looked less travel-weary  He shaved and was neatly dressed in acid washed jeans and a faded red-plaid flannel shirts. A momentary feeling of tenderness swept over her.  No one labeled him a fashion slave that was for sure.  "Sit down," he said, "It's ready."

She eyed her plate, filled with protein--of the non-vegan form.  Had Viktor known she was no longer vegan, or was it only a lucky guess?  She didn't dare broach the subject.  Her life had become such a collection of secrets.  Once upon a time her life had been uncomplicated, and she was happy.  Glancing at Viktor, she wondered if he was happy. . .

Please stop by and visit these wonderful authors and enjoy their snippets, too.

http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/

http://mizging.blogspot.com/

http://triciamg.blogspot.com/

Bookswelove Author, Connie Vines 

http://www.amazon.com/Connie-Vines/e/B004C7W6PE

Happy Reading,
Connie

What Are My Two Writing Projects for 2016? By Connie Vines

This month’s topic:  What are one (or two) writing projects you want to accomplish this year?  What will be any obstacles you might encounter?

I would like to complete Book 3 in my Rodeo Romance Series and a YA novel I’ve out lined.
What obstacles may I encounter?

Romantic English poets of the time believed their poems magically arrived from an external source, so when their pens dried up and the words did not flow, they assumed the spirits, the gods, and/or their individual muses were not visiting them with favor.
In other words, writer’s block.

Here’s the simple truth: The very nature of the art of writing incorporates uncertainty,
experimentation, and a willingness to create art from the depths of who we are. Writing is a mentally challenging occupation, which requires hard-core, cognitive expenditure than many other lines of work.

Writing is not for sissies, and if you intend to write novels, screenplays, or plays, it will not be easy, and you will often come up against a wall of resistance. Just don’t call it “writer’s block,” call it what it is: not being prepared to move to the next level.

• It’s not “writer’s block” I remind myself, I’ve simply lost my way—for a short time.

All writers reach a point when they lose their way, their work veering off into unforeseen directions or experiencing a surprise (like when a character you didn’t anticipate shows up). Rather than permitting this to sabotage your momentum, take a day or two to rethink your story.

• Your Passion Has Waned

It happens. Because writing a novel requires immersion—thinking about it, crafting it, dreaming about it, obsessing about it—your brain may be on overload or just bored. It doesn’t mean that your writing is boring; it means that you’ve worked and reworked the material so much that it now feels  boring—to your mind.  Have a friend/ plotting partner read the chapter.

• You Are Burned Out

It is quite possible that you’ve simply tapped yourself out. We all have our limits, be they physical, mental, emotional, and all of the aforementioned. Eventually your body, brain, or emotions are going to rebel and insist on downtime, which may come in the guise of what you may call writer’s block.
Keep this in mind: You aren’t blocked; you’re exhausted. Give yourself a few days to really rest. Lie on a sofa and watch movies, take long walks in the hour just before dusk, go out to dinner with friends, or take a mini-vacation somewhere restful. Do so with intention to give yourself—and your brain—a rest. Once you’re rested, you’ll likely find the desire to write has come roaring back.

• Life Has a Way of Getting in the Way

Even though I say I have time to write, it isn’t always true.  For writers with a day job and families, there simply are not enough hours in the day.  The lion’s share of my writing is done during Winter/Spring/Summer break.  I blog several time each week and write on Saturday and several hours two night each week.

I do find I do find mini ways to write.  I jot notes during lunch.  Send reminders to myself on my phone, and use my iVoice app to come up with snippets of dialogue.
I love to write.  I love the magic of a mystical land. I love to hear how one of my stories brought an evening of enjoyment to someone’s life.

Stop by, visit the blogs of the talented writers, and see what they are planning to write in 2016!

Connie
Victoria Chatham http://victoriachatham.webs.com/
Margaret Fieland http://www.margaretfieland.com/blog1/
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Connie Vines http://connievines.blogspot.com/
Bob Rich  http://wp.me/p3Xihq-Bm
Rachael Kosinski http://rachaelkosinski.weebly.com/
Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/
Kay Sisk http://kaysisk.blogspot.com
Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
Hollie Glover http://www.hollieglover.co.uk
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Rhobin Courtright http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com/

Sunday Snippets #SundaySnippets by Connie Vines

It may be the cold weather, or the fact I’m writing an anthology set in New Orleans, Louisiana—or

I’m simply hungry this Sunday morning,  but I’d thought I share a few recipes you might like to sample.

Creole Coffee

"Good and simple. Rich, dark-roast coffee and chicory, molasses, and cream makes for a delicious cup of coffee."

1 cup of hot brewed coffee with chicory.  Stir in 1 tablespoon of molasses and 1 tablespoon of half & half (or more to taste).

Pain Perdu

"Pain Perdu is a special New Orleans-style French Toast. The most tender version is made with wide loaves of French or Italian bread. Its great flavor comes from the orange brandy in the batter."

5 eggs
½ cup sugar
2 Tablespoon of orange liquor  (I substitute traditional orange juice)
12 slices of white bread

In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, milk, brandy and orange zest. Beat until thick and foamy. Pour mixture into a shallow pan. Soak bread slices in the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they are thoroughly soaked through.

Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Lightly spray griddle with cooking spray. Cook the bread slices 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Serve hot.

Cajun-Style Eggs Benedict

"Forget the English muffins, Canadian bacon, poaching eggs and harassing Hollandaise sauce. This biscuit, egg, and andouille sausage breakfast topped with a simple Mornay sauce is terrific."

2 Tablespoon butter
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 c milk
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
1 dash Tabasco Sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste
4 large buttermilk biscuits cut in half
¼ cup vegetable oil
½ lb Andouille Sausage cut in 2-inch slices
8 eggs

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour, and stir until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, about 3 minutes. Gradually whisk the milk into the flour mixture, and cook over low heat. Cook and stir until the mixture is thick and smooth, about 10 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and hot sauce; season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep warm over low heat.

Meanwhile, warm the biscuits in a toaster oven and keep warm. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the andouille pieces into the skillet cut-side-down. Cook until golden brown, then turn over and cook until browned on the skin side; remove and keep warm. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Crack four of the eggs into the hot pan, and cook until the egg whites have firmed about halfway through, about 1 minute. Gently flip the eggs over, and cook 10 to 20 seconds more until the other side has just firmed on the outside. Repeat with the remaining eggs.
To assemble, place two biscuit halves onto each plate, cut-side-up. Divide the andouille sausage among the biscuits, then top each biscuit with an egg. Finally, spoon some of the sauce over each egg and serve.

Please stop by and visited the talented authors featured in our Sunday Snippets Blog Hop.

I’ll be doing the same while I sip by Creole Coffee.

Happy Reading,
Connie

http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/
http://mizging.blogspot.com/
http://triciamg.blogspot.com/

Sunday Snippets by Connie Vines #SundaySnippets #SundaySnips

Welcome to this week's Sunday Snippets!

Today I thought I'd fill everyone is on some of the happenings in southern Californian.  As a former resident of Orange County (I now resided in the Inland Empire, a thirty minutes from OC).  I'd thought I'd fill you in on one of our most-coveted vacation spots.

Now, I am not a annual pass owner, nor do I visit the park yearly.  However, I did celebrate my birthday this past summer at the park with family members.

The scoop:

It's time to say goodbye to several Disneyland attractions to make room for the new 14-acre "Star Wars" land at the Anaheim theme park.

Starting Monday (tomorrow), Disneyland is closing multiple attractions and eateries - some temporarily and others permanently- during construction for the much-anticipated new land.
Star Wars at Disneyland: Some Classics to Close (for a Time)

Visitors will be able to enjoy one last weekend of Frontierland's Big Thunder Ranch before construction gets underway at the park. Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue, Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm and Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree will all close permanently, according to the Disney blog.

For more info visit http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Disneyland-to-Close-Several-Attractions-to-Make-Room-for-Star-Wars-Land-364752051.html#ixzz3wqqM7nUe


Construction will also impact classic attractions along the Rivers of America. The Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia, Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes and Fantasmic! will all be shut down temporarily.

The Disneyland Railroad, including all stations, will also suspend operations for an unknown period of time.

Disneyland Installs Metal Detectors, Bans Costumes

Groundbreaking for the "Star Wars"-themed land is expected to begin this year, and represents the largest single-land expansion ever, according to the theme park.

"These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance," Iger said in a press release.

Disneyland debuted new and improved "Star Wars" experiences at the Anaheim park on Nov. 16, including the "Star Wars" Launch bay, which offers parkgoers an opportunity to visit favorite "Star Wars" characters.

Jokingly called "Mickey's Wheel of Death"

Yes, it was very crowded the second day of my vacation.


For those who have loved the 'classic' Disney I am certain it will be as if another part of Walt's creation has been pushed aside.  For me I enjoy the Star Wars 1st move of the late 70's, but I am not a die-hard fan.  I prefer the Star Trek (more personalized) take on space travel.

I hope you have enjoyed this week's Snippet.

Please hop on over to the next blog spots and see what my wonderfully talented author friends are blogging about !

http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/

http://mizging.blogspot.com/

http://triciamg.blogspot.com/

Happy Reading!

Connie

Sunday Snippets #12/27/15 #Cookin’ with Celebs

Since this is a holiday season that is a whirlwind of parties, gift giving, and food—I’d thought I focus on the food today.

I am certain everyone has a favorite T.V. chef.  You may not admit to it, but I know you have watched “Iron Chef,” “Chopped,” “Emeril” or “Cake Boss”.  I often go online and search Food Network, America’s Test Kitchen, Pinterest, etc. for an inspiration for the dinner menu.  Last week I was watching a popular country cook’s network show.  I watch her show several times a week while I’m getting ready to go to the gym.  I find with her recipes, it’s hit and miss.  I rate them A+ or ‘never will I make this again’—there is never any middle ground. 

I thought I’d share a “Bacon Appetizer” that this chef said was popular in the 1980s.  I am taking these appetizers to my brother’s Christmas Eve party tonight.  I hope that these will be appetizers will be a hit.

Prep

I purchased a Nordic ware cookie sheet with a rack (on sale at Smart & Final).  I also did not skimp on the ingredients, purchasing name-brand labels to give the recipe its best chance for success.

Cooking time: 2 hours                    Temperature: 250 degrees

Ingredients

1 box of Club Crackers (I used 1.5 sleeves)

1 lb. of thin sliced bacon

1 container of Parmesan Cheese (the type in the green container near the spaghetti sauce)

1 box of light brown sugar

While the oven preheats, separate the crackers and place on the cooking sheet rack.

These are two types of appetizers. Half are savory (Parmesan cheese); half are sweet (brown sugar).

With a teaspoon (use a measuring spoon), top the crackers.

Now take your pound of bacon cut the slab in ½.  The recipe says wrap one ½ slice of bacon over each cracker. *I found this to be too much bacon*.  I did make six this way and then cut the slab into quarters.  My finished product was more of a blanket rather than a complete wrap around a cracker.

By adjusting the amount of bacon, by appetizers did cook in 2 hours.  The six crackers with the ½ slice too almost 30 minutes longer to brown the bacon.  *30 minutes may not seem like a great deal of time.  However, when you have a time crunch, it is a very big deal.

Findings

My husband liked the cracker lesser amount of bacon.  He liked both the savory and sweet.

I did not like the appetizers.  However, I found the sweet more palatable.  Overall, I found the bacon appetizers dry and rather tasteless.

What did the party guests say?

Twenty-five guest (including children) loved the appetizers. 

Which goes to prove why I am a novelist and not a chef for the masses :-).

Thank you for stopping by for today’s Sunday Snippets.

Remember to stop by my talent author friends’ blogs and see what snippets are there for you!

http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/

http://mizging.blogspot.com/

http://triciamg.blogspot.com/

Happy Reading,

Connie

Sunday Snippets 12/20/15 #SundaySnippets

For today's Sunday Snippet is from "Brede" Rodeo Romance Book, 2.
This is my Romantic Suspense and this snippet features my heroine, who left for dead, has no memory of the trauma--or who she is.

"Remember your name and everything else should fall back in place." Her head pounded and her chest felt tight.  Physical excursion brought on a coughing spell and she wondered if crawling across the room might not have been a better course of action.

All of her discomfort receded into the background when she found herself standing in front of the bathroom mirror.

She was staring at a woman's reflection.  She touched the cold glass with her fingertips, as if the contact could trigger a forgotten memory.

Surely, the tall, thin woman sporting a nasty purple bruise on the side of her face had a name.

She ran her trembling fingers through her shoulder-length dark read hair and traced the cut above her left eyebrow.

Funny, she never imagined she'd be so attractive.  She swallowed and did a second take.

How could this possibly be real?

If this was really happening to her, she'd be short and average looking; that was how fate was, fickle and capricious.

Instead, she found the woman before her possessed an almost hypnotic beauty, intense and alluring.  Was it also they type of beauty that kept women at arms' distance?  She glanced at the bruise that marked her cheek and jaw.  But what about the men?

Did her looks bring out the best or worst in the men she encountered in life, or had a jealous boyfriend been the one who injured her?

She looked into the green eyes shadowed with fatigue, and her entire being filled with sorrow and hopelessness.  Something terrible had happened, but she was terrified that the perpetrator would come back and hurt her again.  Or maybe, this next time, he'd succeed in killing her.

If you have enjoyed this snippet and find out how the story end, please click through to you fave ebook vendor.

Also, please visit my friends blogs and enjoy more snippets.

Happy Reading!

Connie

http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/  (Janet Waldron)

http://mizging.blogspot.com/  (Ginger Simpson)

http://triciamg.blogspot.com/  (Tricia McGill)


KOBO                          Smashwords             AllRomance     Amazon.com           Barnes&Noble

Writing During the Hectic Holidays #Round Robin

Topic: During the sometimes hectic holidays do you find it hard to find writing time? If not, how do you handle it with the expectations of others to visit and share time together? Or do you appreciate taking a vacation from fiction to enjoy time with family and friends?

Thank you, Rhobin for this month’s topic. 

Since my day job is in education, I have sixteen days of vacation (if you count weekends) during our winter break.  Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Sixteen days at the keyboard, a cup of coffee nearby, music streaming via my iPhone—I’ll whip that novel on in no time.

Oh, wait.  I have one problem.  Winter break lands smack dab in the center of the holidays, doesn’t it? 

Ah, gingersnap! 

Today, I snagged gift cards from the rack at Smart & Final while filling my cart with grocery items for a Christmas Eve Party and a Christmas potluck at my son’s house.  Later, after writing this blog post, I yanked dinner out of the oven, before leaving to view Christmas hula recital.  I was able to enjoy an array of Christmas lights blur by as whipped along in 5 p.m. traffic.  Yes, it’s holiday time!

An energy during the holidays (aka semi-organized chaos) seems to increase my creativity. 

How can that be?  Since I am an introvert, this is usually not the case.  I think it’s because good creative writing as always about people.  During the holidays, we spend time with people.  Since these people are talking about themselves, past events, feelings, and ‘festive’, it is more of an observation experience for a writer.  Paying attention to people during this time could inspire dozens of new stories, or at the very least, an interesting character or two.

Holidays transform people.  Christmas and Hanukkah are periods of liminality.  Liminal space is called the space between betwixt and between, which means that is a special time, a period when all transformation occurs.

Fiction is about the growth of a character.  We love reading about people who change.  I think we pay more attention to the details during the holidays.  Be it because we are reminiscing about our childhood, the moment before us we notice details and we recall details from the past.  We also recall scents and emotions.

To get back on topic-- do I find it hard to write during the holidays?

I think it is easy to write but in unconventional ways.  Obviously, while in the middle of a gathering I can’t whip out my laptop and begin typing.  I can, however, take a reporter’s notebook from my handbag and jot down notes.  Or, create a note or two via Siri on my iPhone.  Nevertheless, during the holidays I focus on enjoying my time with family and friends; on spiritual growth and on giving. 

Somehow, everything seems to fall into place.  I may not complete my novel, but my interrupted writing time always materializes and my muse visits me in my dreams.

Merry Christmas,

Connie

Please visit the participating writers for this month’s round robin. 

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Connie Vines http://connievines.blogspot.com/
Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
Rachael Kosinski http://rachaelkosinski.weebly.com/
Marci Baun  http://www.marcibaun.com/
A.J. Maguire  http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
Bob Rich       http://wp.me/p3Xihq-A9
Hollie Glover  http://www.hollieglover.co.uk
Rhobin Courtright http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com/