The Torture of Reviews

I recently requested reviews for my new suspense novel BORN IN BLOOD. Once a book is written, this is the next step (prior to and after publication), asking for reviews. How may authors out there find this intimidating? "I know there's millions of books out there, but hey, would you read and review mine, then post that review, like everywhere?" Ha! So how do you approach this part of the author's job? Or does your publisher take care of it?

LASAGNA SOUP - A Yummy Low-cal Meal!

1.25 lbs. ground turkey breast
2 hot Italian sausage links
2C chopped onions
1C chopped carrots
3-5C sliced mushrooms
2T or more minced garlic
4C nonfat chicken broth
1 can Italian style stewed, chopped tomatoes (14.5 oz.)
1 can tomato sauce (10.75 oz.)
1C whole wheat rotini pasta
3 C fresh chopped spinach (or 1/2-3/4 bag of frozen, chopped spinach)
2 tsp. Italian seasonings
1 tsp. black pepper
(optional) 1 can black beans.

Brown sausage and turkey, add onions and carrots; saute 3 minutes. Stir in mushrooms and garlic (and frozen spinach if used instead of fresh) and saute 3 more minutes. Add broth, stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce and bring to boil. Add pasta and simmer until cooked, about 10 minutes. Stir in fresh,, chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Optional: place one diced mozzarella ball in bottom of bowl and ladel soup on top. May garnish with fresh basil and/or Parmesan.

Makes approx. 9 servings (2 cups each) @ 215 cal./serving (not inc. cheese ball in bowl).

You Can Do It!

I've had so many walls of fear to overcome in my life, that I wanted to hear from people about something they wanted to do, were afraid to do, and ultimately succeeded. Please don't take more than a 1/2 page or so to share it. I'll start. I never felt safe as a child, consequently, I never felt safe as an adult, and when I went through my divorce, I felt like I wouldn't survive, that I couldn't survive alone and on my own. It's been two and a half years and I still feel that way. When I looked at my finances, I realized that if I wanted to buy a house, it would need to be one that I could fix up. I've never done projects around the house--my husband did that--and I was terrified that I would screw everything up. When I cut the door trim and installed it around the doors, I told myself that if I measured or cut incorrectly I could go buy another piece. After trimming two doors, the last one was much faster, and looked great. The same for the baseboards, patching holes in walls, putting up sheetrock and taping it, patching stucco, and painting inside and out. I look at my house now and I feel overwhelmed at the idea that I bought this house and made it look like it does now. And I still have thoughts that "I can't do that" or "I don't know how I did that" all the time, even in the face of proof that I do know and did do it. So, if you have an inspiring story to share, please do.
did that seemed impossible

Author Events - for BAD MOON RISING

It's been, like, forever since my last blog. I'm updating my schedule for those who are interested in booksignings and such promotional stuff for BAD MOON RISING. Also, don't forget to enter the contest!

April 10, 2010
I will be at the Folsom Public Library for an author event from 1:00 - 4:30. I will be selling and signing books, as well as talking to those of you who have questions or comments about writing, publishing, etc.

Matrix Arts, May 12, 2010
I will be on a Mystery Author's Panel with at least two other mystery authors! Come visit us at Matrix Arts, 25th and R Streets in Sacramento from 7:00 -- 9:00 pm., possibly later.

Maidu Library, July 24, 2010
Maidu Library, Roseville, CA 10:00am - 5:00 pm, 1550 Maidu Drive, Roseville. This is a Norther California Story and Literature Festival. Please drop by!

Sacramento State Fair
I will be out there selling and signing BAD MOON RISING as well as BEVERLY HILLS VOODOO. I don't have the dates yet, but I hope you will drop by the Authors Area--it's air conditioned so you'll have a chance to cool off!

Ah, the tantalizing smells of hotdogs, popcorn and deep-fried twinkies...

And no, I won't be eating those things, but I will be at the author's booth on Augusts 23, 2009 from 4pm to 10pm to sign and sell my first Detective Murry/Kidman suspense novel, BEVERLY HILLS VOODOO. If you miss me that Sunday, try again on Thursday, August 27th from 5pm to 10pm. If you've ever wondered about the origins of the Voodoo religion, or Vodun as some call it, reading a mystery/suspense novel is a fun way to learn about it!