Beta Readers

Since the writer's conference and the awesome feedback I received, I've been going over the Caitlyn story with a fine-tooth comb.  Over the last week I've edited over 300 pages, re-did the ending and revised large portions of it.  The story barely resembles what it once did except for the basic concept - that's still the same.

So, this is where y'all come in.  Beta Readers are a writer's very best critics who hold no punches, are brutally honest and supportive of the author. Getting a story read by many different readers who may or may not possess English degrees, might or might not like the thriller genre, but are avid readers and know what works and what doesn't helps an author tremendously.

Sometimes writer's groups cost too much money and are populated by elitest writing snobs so Beta Readers act in lieu of. If you're interested in reader a chapter at a time to find holes, grammatical errors or anything that stilts the flow of the story email me and let me know.  We'll talk.  But, the condition is you MUST critique! Show what doesn't work, what's wrong, but also, highlight was DOES work, what IS good. Is it something you'd want to read? Does it make you want to turn the page?

Also, you must to be someone we know, because you know, trust is a hard thing with writers and tender ideas.  Don't know us but still want to participate? Don't disqualify yourself. Email us anyway.

Thanks, lovelies!

Zucchini Bread

From Smitten Kitchen

Scratch That

Can I just say that I've learned a lot recently while reading this guy's website? In it I've learned some really good secrets to establishing successful working relationships with literary agencies, the process and the act of congress it takes (not to mention animal AND human sacrifices) to get a book purchased and subsequently published, not to mention the pet peeves of all those involved including the reader.

And lemme tell ya, I need to re-do Caitlyn's story big time. Too bad I already sent the partial ahead to the writer's conference.

Down with Mass Production!

While Vin & I were researching the processes and ingredients for making soap, and through a convoluted chain of online acquaintances, I discovered a website with a cult following called Etsy.com. Now imagine the world's largest, most culturally diverse flea market and farmer's market/craft fair and this is a little slice of Etsy. Everything is handmade, or vintage, upcycled or creatively re-used and available for sale. If Vin & I ever get to where we can make small batch productions of our stuff (whether it be clothes, soaps, lawn or garden art, jam, etc) it will be here. Do you hat what's being sold to the masses? Can't ever find something that you're looking for that SCREAMS your taste? That defines YOU? If you can't find it on Etsy, you can find someone on Etsy who will make it for you CUSTOM for a reasonable price! From unique trinkets and jewelry to upscale designer clothing that no one else will have you, you can find it on Etsy. If you're looking for something specific, type it in or try your luck in the pounce function if you're just browsing. You'll never know what you'll find. One thing for sue - it's handmade, or vintage and you can just say NO to mass produced "made in China".

Lemon Brownies

As part of the Domesticity Weekend, Vin and I baked lemon brownies (among other things).  Originally supposed to be "lemon loaf" the consistency was more like a lemon-flavored brownie. A few weeks ago when we had a hankering for lemon bars, we were at Trader Joe's but you can't buy just a single lemon. So, we bought like, 3 lbs of lemons for $1.39.  It was a steal! Now we have lots of lemons! So we're trying to employ multiple duties for our lemons. 

The recipe is as follows for 1 loaf:

1/2 cup of butter
1 cup of sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 lemon & rind of

The Glaze

Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup sugar

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until creamy
3. Blend in milk & lemon juice
4. In another bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt and lemon rind
5. Pour into batter
6. Stir to moisten
7. Scrape into grased 9x5 loaf pan
8. Bake at 350º for 55 to 60 minutes
9. Remove to rack to cool
10. While still hot, evenly poke toothpick holes all over the top and pour glaze evenly over
11. Glaze: Combine lemon juice and sugar in saucepan
12. Stir & heat until sugar is dissolved
13. Spoon evenly over top of hot loaf