Friday, August 31, 2012

Countdown to ACFW Conference


I have 17 days until I leave for the ACFW conference. As Conference Director, this begins the most hectic time of the year for me and my team. Are YOU coming to conference?????? Can't wait to see you there!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Thursday's Southern Recipe

Not exactly a "real meal" (as my kids would say), but here's my youngest, Bella, at our picnic with her daddy...Yeah, my hubby just looks like he's having so much fun, huh? lol

Today’s down-home southern recipe is one of mine and hubby’s favorites. Quick, easy, and you can adapt to your own tastes. I sometimes switch the eggplant with about 1 ½ cups leftover rice. J



Stuffed Bell Peppers



8 large bell peppers (cut in half with stems and seeds removed)

1 pound lean beef browned with 1 large chopped onion, drained

1 eggplant, peeled & pureed

Salt, black pepper and cayenne to taste

¼ cup chopped parsley

1 bell pepper chopped

1 red bell pepper chopped

¼ cup chopped green onion tops

Bread crumbs

1 large can stewed tomatoes (thick)


Add eggplant to the browned and drained beef/onion mixture. Simmer for 5 mins. Season to taste. Add chopped bell peppers, parsley, and green onion tops. Add bread crumbs as needed to stiffen. Cook about 3-5 mins. Remove from heat and place stuffing into the cut and cleaned bell peppers. Place in pan with enough water in the bottom to coat. Spoon stewed tomatoes over each stuffed bell pepper to moisten. Sprinkle bread crumbs lightly over tops. Bake at 350, uncovered, for about 30 minutes until tops become brown and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

Today's recommendation is Placebo by Steven James

Click on cover for more information.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Upcoming Release!



My upcoming novel, To Write A Wrong, releases in less than a month! I'm SO excited to share this very close-to-my-own-heart story with you.

In Angola State Penitentiary, a man is serving time for a crime he didn’t commit. Riley Baxter is an eager reporter desperate for a story to make a name for herself. When she stumbles upon the daughter of the incarcerated man, Riley sees a little too much of herself in the teen, and vows to help prove her father’s innocence.


At the same time, Hayden Simpson has his hands full with keeping his little sister in line, worrying about his job as Police Commissioner, and dealing with his past emotional baggage. The last thing he needs is someone blowing the lid off his emotional bucket. But when Riley Baxter storms into his life, struggling to understand why God would let bad things happen to good people, Hayden has no choice but to follow his heart.

Now, Riley and Hayden must work together to uncover the truth of the past . . . before someone shuts Riley up for good.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Sound Off Monday!

Here's your chance....SOUND OFF MONDAY. That's right, tell me whatever's annoying you today! What's bugged you over the weekend? What's got you ready to pull your hair out?


Sound off....everyone who leaves a comment will have their name put in a drawing to win a "soothing" prize to help ease their frustration!

*Thanks to Celeste Barnes, my youngest's bff....I ran outta kids and needed a photo and she obliged! Even looking crazy, isn't she cute?

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Saturday Night Special

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. Today’s recommendation is: A Charmed Life by Jenny B Jones


Click on cover for more information

Friday, August 24, 2012

Do you support our legal system?



Send my brilliant editor, Julee Schwarzburg, happy birthday wishes cuz today's her big day! She's the reason my novels make sense! She pushes me to ask the questions I pose to my characters, and ultimately my readers.

Do you support our legal system? That's one of the questions I pose in my upcoming novel, To Write A Wrong:  how flawed is our legal system and what can we do to fix it?

Having personally gone through an ordeal where the legal system failed, I have to say, I don't have much faith in our legal system. Yes, it's a legal system, not a justice system. After my family's experience, I just can't support the system. I have no idea how we can fix it. I belong to several groups who contact our political representatives in order to be heard, but I'm not seeing many changes.

What about you? What are your thoughts of our legal system? Good, bad, or indifferent, share your thoughts/comments with me. I really would like to hear from you!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Thursday's Southern Recipe

What is food without good company to eat it with? So while I'm sharing recipes, I thought I'd share a photo from a few years back with some of my writing friends. (Left to write: Camy Tang, Cheryl Wyatt, Danica McDonald, me, Margaret Daley, and Allie Plieter)

Today’s southern recipe is one called many things, but I call it GOOD. It’s one of my favorites.



Maque Choux



1 doz ears of fresh corn on the cob

2 tblspn butter

1 onion, finely chopped

½ bell pepper, finely chopped

Salt and cayenne pepper to taste



Cut corn off the cob. (Slice across the tops of the kernels thinly and then cutting across a second time to remove the “milk” from the corn) Heat oil in heavy pot. Add corn and remaining ingredients. Cook over med-low heat for 20 mins, stirring constantly to keep corn from sticking. Lower heat to simmer, cover, and cook for about 5 more mins. Enjoy

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

In honor of my good friend, Ronie Kendig's birthday on the 25th, today's recommendation is her novel, Trinity: Military War Dog. If you haven't read this book, you are MISSING OUT! Go and get it NOW!

Click on cover for more information.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Can people change?



One of the questions posed in my upcoming release, To Write A Wrong, is can people change? Interesting question. When I was researching the book, I asked many people that question, and the answers were pretty much divided down the middle.

I personally believe ANYTHING is possible with Christ, and that certainly includes people changing. That's why my "life verse" is Phil. 4:13: I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. BUT...what about the fakers out there? Those who just pretend to change to save themselves from something? How do you tell the difference?

So, what about YOU? What do YOU think? Can people change? What's your take? Let me know what your thoughts are. Really, I want to know.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Sound Off Monday!


Here's your chance....SOUND OFF MONDAY. That's right, tell me whatever's annoying you today! What's bugged you over the weekend? What's got your head about to explode?



Sound off....everyone who leaves a comment will have their name put in a drawing to win a "soothing" prize to help ease their frustration!


Saturday, August 18, 2012

Saturday Night Special


Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. Today’s recommendation is: Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury.


Click on cover for more information.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Let's talk about forgiveness...



Okay, so my upcoming release, To Write A Wrong, has a strong theme of forgiveness. It's something we Christians struggle with. A lot. Some of us more than others. LOL

What about you? Do you forgive easily? Do you hold onto past hurts and wrong doings?

Me, personally, I have a really, really hard time forgiving sometimes. Other times, it's almost second nature. Hmmm...maybe I should look into that. LOL

Share your best forgiveness story OR your best defense for not forgiving. All comments will be entered into a drawing for a special freebie!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Thursday's Southern Recipe

My oldest grandson, Benton (pictured above with his mommy and my oldest, Emily) LOVES sweet stuff--as you can see. LOL Which brings me to today's post...


Yummy and melts in your mouth. Enjoy!



Beignets



1 cup water

1 cup milk

1 egg, beaten

3 cups flour

1 tblspns baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 tsp sugar

FRESH oil for frying

Confectioners sugar



Mix water, milk and egg. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix until smooth. Drop by spoonfuls into 2 inches of clean, hot oil (375 degrees). Lightly brown on both sides, remove and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar. (And we like to add a little cinnamon in ours). Makes about 2 dozen.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Robin's Wednesday's Recommending Reading

Today's recommendation is: The Judge by Randy Singer.

Click on the cover for more information.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Here's a priority check for you...



In my upcoming release, To Write A Wrong, the heroine's career was very important to her, almost to her detriment. Have your priorities ever gotten out of whack?

As for me, there are times, when I'm on deadline or it's close to the ACFW Conference (I'm the Conference Director), my life becomes ultra hectic and I find myself spending more and more time in front of my computer. I'm talking 10-12 hours a day sometimes. Yes, most of the time, I'm pretty balanced, but there are certain instances...when that happens, usually my kids are quick to remind me that they are more important than my work. And if I really lose sight, a quick Scripture written on an index card and tossed on my keyboard is a quick reality check for me.

What about you and your family? How do you balance? Everyone who leaves a suggestion in the comment section will receive the opening chapter for To Write A Wrong.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Sound Off Monday!


Here's your chance....SOUND OFF MONDAY. That's right, tell me whatever's annoying you today! What's bugged you over the weekend? What's stressing your brain?



Sound off....everyone who leaves a comment will have their name put in a drawing to win a "soothing" prize to help ease their frustration!


Saturday, August 11, 2012

Saturday Night Special


Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. Today’s recommendation is: Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead.


Click on cover for more information

Friday, August 10, 2012

Let's talk about family support...



In my upcoming release, To Write A Wrong, there is a character who is going through an extremely trying season in his life. In the novel, his family stood in support of him during this time. But that's fiction...

How would YOU react if a similar situation arose in YOUR family? A few years ago, my husband and I went through the most difficult season of our lives to date. It was horrible. We found out who our real friends were, that's for sure. So many couldn't return calls, emails, or even text messages. We were blessed to have such loving and supportive family. When the hard times come, that's when you find out who REALLY cares.

What about you? Ever had a similiar situation? Or were you on the flip side of the situation? Share with us!

Thursday, August 09, 2012

Thursday's Southern Recipe


My beautiful girls (Isabella on left, Remington on right) painting a serving platter. Just a hint that this is something fun to do together (most bigger cities have paint-your-own-pottery studios) that you keep remembering each mealtime that you use the item. :)


Today’s deep south recipe is a seafood one. Since I’m allergic, I haven’t personally tasted this recipe, but others tell me it’s really good. J

Oysters Bienville

6 strips bacon, crumbled
1 stick butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 large green onion bottoms, finely chopped
1 pound mushrooms, chopped
¾ cup all purpose flour
1 qt warm milk
2/3 cup oyster liquor
½ cup sherry wine
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2-3 tsp Tabasco
2 cups boiled shrimp, coarsely chopped
½ cup fresh parsley, minced
½ cup green onion tops, finely minced
Dash of salt
1 tsp black pepper
4 doz large, FRESH oysters
4 doz large, deep oyster shells, scrubbed clean & dried
8 metal pie tins with rock salt in the bottom to hold the shells

Heat bacon in large saucepan over medium heat until crisp. Add butter. When melted, add garlic, green onion bottoms, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes, then add flour and blend. Well. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 5 mins, stirring CONSTANTLY, taking care not to let the flour stick or begin to brown. Add warm milk slowly as you stir to keep sauce smooth. Add oyster liquor, sherry, lemon juice and Tabasco. Blend until sauce becomes smooth again. Use a whisk as needed if sauce needs to be whipped to a smooth consistency. Add shrimp, parsley, green onion tops, salt, and pepper. Blend well. Cook, stirring constantly over low heat for 15 mins. Sauce should thicken.

Set oven to broil. Place each oyster into cleaned shell in the pie pan with rock salt. Broil for about 2 mins. Oysters should curl up around the edges and become puffy. Remove from oven and set oven to 425 degrees. Place 2-3 tablespoons of Bienville sauce over and around each oyster, covering each and filling gaps between oysters and shells. Bake about 10 mins, until tops are lightly browned and edges are bubbling. Serve immediately.



Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

Today's recommendation is The Deposit Slip by Todd Johnson.

Click on the cover for more information.

Tuesday, August 07, 2012



Let's talk about our load of responsibilities. In my upcoming novel, To Write A Wrong, the hero carries a lot of responsibility, often too much for him to handle. Does it ever feel as if your responsibilities are too heavy? How do you sluff it all off and kick back and recharge? 

For everyone who shares, their name will be entered into a drawing to receive the opening chapter of To Write a Wrong via email.

Monday, August 06, 2012

Sound Off Mondays!


Here's your chance....SOUND OFF MONDAY. That's right, tell me whatever's annoying you today! What's bugged you over the weekend? What's got you frustrated today?

Sound off....everyone who leaves a comment will have their name put in a drawing to win a "soothing" prize to help ease their frustration!

Saturday, August 04, 2012

Saturday Night Special


Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. Today's recommendation is:
Five Miles South of Peculiar by Angela Hunt.


Click on cover for more information.

Friday, August 03, 2012

What's YOUR sense justice?



In my upcoming release, To Write a Wrong, the heroine has her own ideas of justice and has difficulty with acceptance when her ideals aren't met.  What about you? Do you have a strong sense of justice? Tell me about your sense of justice.

Thursday, August 02, 2012

Thursday's Southern Recipe

Today’s recipe from the South is from Cajun Country….Chicken Fricassee. Fricassee is basically a stew…the technique used is braising (cooking the meat slowly in a simmering liquid). This helps tenderize the meat as well as intensify the flavor of the gravy (sauce). The picture is my youngest grandson, Zayden, eating (one thing my family loves to do). He is NOT eating chicken fricassee, but he's so cute I couldn't help but share.

Chicken Fricassee

About 4 pounds of chicken
3 tsp of Tony’s Chauterees
Dashing of salt and pepper
½ cup bacon drippings
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
½ cup all purpose flour
2 large onions, chopped
1 large bell pepper, green, chopped
1 cup celery chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup finely minced carrots
1 ½ cups stewed tomatoes
4 cups chicken stock or broth
1-2 tsp Tabasco
1 tblspn Worcestershire sauce
1 cup dry red wine
2 bay leaves
2/3 cups green onion tops, minced
¼ cup parsley

Season chicken pieces with dry seasonings. In saucepot, melt bacon drippings & butter over med-high heat. When hot, brown chicken pieces on both sides. Remove chicken. Add olive oil and flour to pan and cook until dark brown (almost the color of dark chocolate). Stir constantly with whisk to make sure no flour sticks. When dark brown color is reached, add onions, bell pepper, celery, garlic and carrots. Stir constantly for 5 mins. Add stewed tomatoes and sauté for 2 mins. Add chicken stock/broth, Tabasco, Worcestershire, red wine, and bay leaves. Mix until nice sauce is formed. Add the chicken pieces back to the pot and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 3 hours until chicken is cooked throughout and tender. Just before serving, add green onions and parsley, then cook for 3 more minutes. Serve over rice with a side of cornbread. Mmmm-mmm. Serves 6-8

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading...

Today's recommendation is: Submerged by Dani Pettrey
Click on the cover for more information!