Linda's Muse

What Are Your New Year's Resolutions?

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:43:31 GMT

I used to make them then realized they’d be forgotten all too soon.

I do have goals. I know what I intend to do the coming year for my writing. Such as I have a few new projects in the works and hoping to see them through. My agent and I do the cheerleader bit “Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate? Each other!”

And another goal is walking Barney a few times a week. Yes, it will be good for me and even better for him since I’ve learned that mini Schnauzers are prone to gain weight. He’s gained two pounds since he came to live with us in July and he looks more roly poly now. So we’ll do the walkies.

I’ll also be teaching some writing courses on line which I’ll be talking about more soon.

So what about you? Do you make resolutions and keep them? Make them and not keep them? Or just totally ignore them?

Linda

Writing is a Playground

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:17:25 GMT

Writing is … fun. Writing is … work. Writing is … insane.

Writing is … play.

What is writing? All of the above.

But for me, it’s more a playground. Some fun, some kinda scary, and some nauseating. Remember the merry-go-round you’d push and push until you got so dizzy you feared the worst? That’s writing.

My Hex series is different since there’s a different witch in each book. Although I do bring the previous witches back just because I can’t let them go.

The book I’m working on now, The Best Hex Ever, is a playground of ups and downs. A lot of visits to the slides, swinging high and crawling through the multi-colored tunnels.

Witchy Maggie is a lot like Jazz, but she likes to blow things up more. Since she’s a Guardian for all creatures, she’s there to protect the weak and knock down the nasty. She does it very well too. She’s the fort you explore. Climbing to the top and looking out all sides to see something different. Always something new to find when you’re the adventuresome type.

Declan is a half fire demon that makes me think of the swings. You pump up and down (get your mind out of the gutter!) and your stomach does that whoosh! thing and you’re breathless all the time.

Maggie’s BFNWF (best female not witch friend) Sybil, who’s a calming Fae but also has the teeter-totter attitude in that while you feel relaxed around her anything can happen.

And Snips, Declan’s imp assistant who’s like one of the small animals you’ll ride. He’s so organized he’ll get your to your destination even if your imagination thinks you should be somewhere else.

Let’s add the messenger ferrets for the compound Maggie lives in. Highly caffeinated and mega attitude. They’re more like a nonstop game of tag.

That’s why when I talk about writing, I call it playing. I’m playing with my characters, not writing them.

We’ll have the playground all to ourselves where anything and everything can happen.

Lots of laughter, some tears (luckily, band-aids usually aren’t necessary), a need to stop and catch my breath.

Some days are rainy and gloomy, but the playground is always there with the sun shining. And other days the moon is full and there’s some sexy dancing going on there.

And when the writing goes tough, it’s easier to think of it this way than just slogging through it.

What about you? Do you try to view a task as more play than work to make it go easier?

Linda

Here Kitty Kitty

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:53:06 GMT

Laura looked around the room that belonged in a museum then back to the man seated on a high backed chair that she swore resembled a throne. Gorgeous was an understatement where he was concerned. Midnight black hair, cobalt blue eyes and a body made for a centerfold. She reminded herself she was here on business, not to mentally seduce the man who was paying her to design a summerhouse for him.

But it didn't stop her from dreaming, did it? Judging from the smile in his
eyes, he was equally interested.

No so his feline companion. Since she wasn't fond of cats, she had no idea if it
was Persian, Siamese or something else exotic. She only knew the bronze -furred, green-eyed creature looked at her as if Laura belonged in her litter box.
Laura made a mental note to stay out of claw's reach. The cat had draped itself
along the chair arm where Dante could stroke the cat's back in slow strokes that
Laura imagined were trailing across her own skin.

She really must get out more!

"If you don't mind I'd like to look at the area again," she said with a wary
smile in the cat's direction.

"Of course." Dante smiled back.

She rose from her chair and made her escape. She'd barely taken three steps out
of the room when she heard a woman's voice.

"Are you honestly sure you want to use her?" the woman asked.

"She's lovely, don't you think?" Dante said.

"Only if you like them flat-chested and mousy."

Flat-chested and mousy? She was a respectable 34B, thank you very much and had just gotten highlights that cost a small fortune.

Curious, Laura crept back toward the room and peeked around the corner. A tall woman lounged, there was no way you could say she was merely sitting, on the chaise by Dante's throne, uh, chair. Her hair was the same rich bronze shade as the cat's fur. Even her form-fitting silk dress echoed the same luxurious color.

I wonder if she dyes her hair to match the cat, was Laura's catty thought as
she carefully backed away and moved to the rear of the house to finish her work.

When she returned to the room, Dante was alone with only the cat for company.
Laura felt her smile slip. She swore that damn cat smirked at her.

"Did I hear voices?" she said. "If you have company, I can come back another
time."

"No, that's all right," Dante assured her, running his long-fingered hand along
the cat's back. "There is just myself and my cat."

The Benefits of Naptim

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:14:34 GMT

November’s here and I’m wondering what happened to October.

That’s easy. I had a month of blog promotion and book signings for Hex in High Heels and I attended the Emerald City Conference where Yasmine and I got to hang out. It was so much fun even as we made faces at each other during the book fair. What can I say? They put our tables facing each other and we couldn’t help ourselves. And this is me at the book fair.

Plus my husband had surgery last week. He’s doing well, but the surgeon discharged him the night after his surgery citing with all the flu he was safer at home. Hm, did he ask me about my nursing skills to make sure I’m not like Nurse Ratched (reference One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest for that one).

Barney is acting like my nurse’s assistant, checking on Bob every so often and Bogie goes in to give him a quick kiss on his hand. Naturally, no dogs allowed on the bed. The man actually thought he could climb the stairs to his own bed. One short walk down the hospital hallway proved that wasn’t to be for awhile. :}

I’m one of these people who are like the Energizer Bunny. I go on and on and on … you get the picture. Then I crash.

And this afternoon, that’s just what I did. I sat at my laptop thinking about what I’d write and my brain whispered “wouldn’t you rather take a nap?” Being it was a very warm afternoon; I answered the sleep siren’s call and curled up on the bed with Barney and Bogie as furry bookends.

What’s the benefit of an afternoon nap? You wake up feeling more alert. If not, there’s always a caffeine zap. If your critters are napping with you, you have that cuddle time. Just like the puppy in the picture.

So if your brain whispers “wouldn’t you rather take a nap?”, go ahead and treat yourself.

Linda

A Witch's World

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:41:56 GMT

‘I live in a world of my own, but that’s okay, they know me there.’

What can I say? It’s me.

My witchy world may reside in my imagination, but there are times when I think it hovers just on the edge of my vision. That if I turn my head fast enough (total ow there since we would be talking whiplash), that I’d actually see that magickal world.

The underground clubs would hold all sorts of preternatural creatures. You’d brush shoulders with witches at the grocery store. That dog sniffing after your poodle might show up as a gorgeous guy the next day. Bunny slippers might show up in your front yard and not just to eat the grass either. Trust me, they don’t carry plastic bags with them. You could walk into a dressing room and find a gargoyle in there unless he’s out somewhere creating his own form of chaos.

I love the idea of living in a world of wonder. Where anything can happen when you least expect.

A house could boast a hidden cupboard that holds magickal supplies. A basement that’s been well enforced for vampires or in Nick’s case, a former bomb shelter. An herb garden that boasts a lot more than the usual herbs for cooking.

It’s a world filled with rich color, sights, and scents. Not like Harry Potter’s world or even Samantha Stevens. One where magick is not all that unusual. Where you can hire Jazz to banish a curse a co-worker cast on you and/or maybe a revenge spell from Blair for that same co-worker. Perhaps seek out Stasi for a love spell.

If you’re willing to walk on the wild side, you could visit Klub Konfuzion where vampires, shifters, witches and who knows what else might be there. Hire a limo through Dweezil, although I warn you not all of his drivers are as pleasant as Jazz. And the Full Moon Café isn’t for anyone who isn’t of the furry persuasion.

I told you – it’s a world of my own where anything can happen. And the first four books are only the beginning as I weave more spells, create more characters that would have fangs, horns, and , although Fluff and Puff are convinced they are the true stars.

There are no fairy tale castles, no caves where the dragons dwell, (they just might have a comfy penthouse), no gothic looking houses. Although, there just might be those too. Because, as I said, this is my world.

That’s the fun part of creating your own world. You can let it be anything you want it to be.

What about you? What do you want to see in your world?

I'm also signing my Hex series at Eclectic Books in Murrieta, CA. 39520 Murrieta Hot Springs Road in the Margarita Ville Shopping Center at 7pm. We're having a Halloween celebration!

Linda

My Website is Up!

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:50:21 GMT

I hope you'll stop by!

www.lindawisdom.com

Linda

Confessions of a Chocoholic

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:47:11 GMT

Hello, my name is Linda and I’m a See’s chocoholic. I’m not a total chocolate slut. When I go in there it’s their milk chocolate bordeaux, which is a brown sugar cream, or their scotchmallow, marshmallow and caramel dipped in dark chocolate.

Those have been my absolute fave chocolates for what seems like forever and woe be to anyone who dares get between me and my See’s! Everyone knows the bordeaux and scotchmallow in the box is always mine. Luckily, I'm the only family member that likes them, but they'd still be mine no matter what.

Excellent example: I was part of a group book signing some years ago and someone placed a box of See’s near me. And there it was. Milk chocolate bordeaux. All that glorious creamy texture in milk chocolate and chocolate sprinkles that some days is as good as sex. And it was MINE!

Except a good friend of mine along with her family was there and Susan is also a bordeaux slut and proud of it. Picture this. She’s reaching for that piece, smiling at me, hoping to catch me off guard, but voila! I got there first and held it up with that aha! of triumph. She thought she’d be quick and snatch it out of my hand. There was only one thing to do. I licked the bottom and the piece was now well and truly mine. Susan later got even with me courtesy of a slice of boysenberry pie, but that’s what friends do. Battle over chocolate and exact revenge when need be. Or make up a chocolate care package when a friend needs that creamy smooth comfort.

Just as when our See’s opened here Susan and I were out for an early breakfast to make sure we were at that door when the shop formally opened. Who cared about speeches? Just open the shop already! Needless to say, the mayor was trampled by all the women waiting just like we were.

There’s no need for PMS as an excuse for See’s. If it’s just a good day, have one. If it’s a bad day, have three. If it’s a really bad day, get yourself a whole box.

I didn’t need to be told chocolate could be good for you or make you feel good. I knew that a long time ago.

And that’s why, no matter the reason, I dip into my See’s stash.

Which reminds me. I need a See’s run!

What about you? Does chocolate do all those cool things for you?

Plus, my website is up and running now, so I hope you'll stop by! www.lindawisdom.com

Linda

The Saga of Barney

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:52:56 GMT

Three weeks ago today I went out to our front yard and next thing I knew a white bundle of fur was wrapped around my leg with a “hi!’ smile. Collar, no tag. I didn’t want him to get hurt and I put him in the back yard then inside the house when it got too hot.

This little guy acted as if he’d always lived here and he got along with Bogie, my Chihuaua/Yorkie. What was I to call him? Barney popped into my head and he responded to it right away. Yes, I was good and called the shelter to make a found dog report. I told her I had a Westie who was probably 2 or 3 years old.

Barney is affectionate, loves to play, high energy, but good around Bogie, who’s 18, and it was love all the way around. Barney had a blankie in my office and would lie there or in my chair while I wrote on my laptop. He also hung out downstairs, sitting with my mom in her chair or on the couch.

Then it happened. Monday I saw a lost dog poster on a nearby lamppost, but said a white mini Schnauzer. Same color collar and was lost the same day Barney appeared in our yard. And I was positive it was Barney even if I thought he was a Westie.

I was in love with this dog, but I had to do it! I called and it was him, and his name was Simon, although he responded to Barney better than Simon. :}

He lived maybe 15 houses down from us and it was the longest walk I ever took. The owner, a very nice widow, was so happy to see him back. And I was sad. She had another dog, but her life was also taking some serious turns. I left almost crying, because Barney had been such a strong part of our lives. But she said if she moved, she could only take the older dog and would I take Barney. I told her in a heartbeat.

I did the right think and I felt like it sucked to be an adult. But it was a no brainer to return Barney to his owner.

Bogie searched for Barney all Monday evening and we all missed him. I love Bogie, he’s my spoiled baby, but Barney had become a part of our family.

Then the surprise. I got a call this morning. The owner said she’d been thinking about it and she asked if I still wanted Barney. That she felt it was for the best.

You can figure out my answer.

So Barney’s back with us for good. He ran into the house as if he never left it and he seems one happy puppy.

Funny thing – I was right. Barney’s two years old. I have all his papers and we’re all one big happy family. Even Bogie’s happy to see him back.

So, that’s the saga of Barney. A happily ever after ending too.

Linda

Panic Is Just A Word

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:12:25 GMT

Writers go through it when deadlines near, when a scene doesn’t come together the way they expect it to, and the absolute worst of all, when they sit at their computer and there’s not one word inside their heads. The imagination has gone on vacation and didn’t tell anyone.

Then there are the times we writers are buried under work and we wonder if it will all get done in time. I think of it as going forward one word at a time.

Yes, there’s everyday panic. You go shopping and realize your list is at home. Will you remember to pick up everything you had on it or forget something … or three? Times it’s happened to me I’ve wanted to slap myself upside the head. Then I mentally hear “take a chill pill, Aunt Lin” from my niece. She knows how I am when I’m grocery shopping. Shopping at the mall is more pleasure. Other shopping is a chore and I want to get in and get out without having to think about it.

And panic if you’re meeting new people. “Will they like me?” “Don’t have red wine because I might spill it.”

I’ve discovered that a little bit of panic is a good thing. It sharpens your mind. At least it does mine. I remind myself if I panic, I take steps backwards, while if I use that panic to my advantage, I go forward.

Nothing happens if I forget a few things at the store. Unless it’s dog food and there’s none at home. Hungry dogs are cranky dogs. :}

So don’t sweat it, don’t let panic overtake you. Think of how you can use to help yourself.

Linda

Lullaby and Good Night -- Or Not

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:24:00 GMT

Do you like scary stories or movies late at night? The kind that has you looking under the bed, checking inside the closet, and keeping more than a few, or all, the lights on?

I’ve done all of the above. Along with wondering just what the noise outside was.

But it doesn’t stop me from watching them or reading a scary book at night.

Because when it comes down to it, scary is fun!

Am I demented or are there more of you out there?

Linda

Fluff and Puff Celebrate Lisa's Birthday At the DMV

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:47:18 GMT

It's Witchy Chicks Lisa's birthday today!

Lisa asked if Fluff and Puff could go with her to the DMV when she renewed her license, in order to speed up the waiting process. And since her appointment was on her birthday, the guys were convinced cake would be involved and were only too happy to "help" out.

It was a birthday Lisa will never forget!

“Did we have to walk here?” Fluff whine, panting loudly as he and Puff dragged themselves behind Lisa as she perkily strode across the DMV’s parking lot.

“Yeah, we would have magicked all of us over here,” Puff said between gasps for air.

Ears dropped, drops of sweat sparkled on their fuzzy surfaces and the bunny slippers limped in toward the building.

“Oh pooh! It was just ten miles,” Lisa told them, as she crossed the sliding glass doors. “Besides, you guys are getting a little pudgy from all the licorice root you’ve been scarfing down.”

Fluff and Puff ventured in, their heads held high in anticipation of air conditioning cooling their hot bodies. Instead, warm damp air met them like a wall.

Please excuse our mess during renovations stood front and center on an easel.

“Augh!” They screamed loud enough to shatter glass and almost did.

“Oh, like a little warm air will hurt you,” Lisa chided.

“How can you come here on your birthday?” Puff asked. “You said we were going out to lunch. We even have Jazz’s Visa.” He waved the card stuck in an ear before smoothly hiding it away.

“I have an appointment, so this won’t take long.” She stepped up to the counter and signed in.

Due to influx of appointments current wait time is 90 minutes blinked in red on the announcement board.

“I don’t want to wait that long,” Lisa murmured, then eyed the slippers. “But we don’t have to wait that long, do we?”

They perked up. “You mean you’re letting us …?”

She nodded as she walked over to the waiting area and settled in a chair, a book by one of the Witchy Chicks in her hands.

Power practically crackled off them as they looked around for their first target.

“Whaddya mean eye chart?” Fluff said loudly, swooping up onto the counter where the eye tests were being conducted. “That’s no eye chart,” he stated. “There’s no eyes on it. You need eyes.” A flash of magick and all the letters turned into blinking eyes that looked around. “Oh come on, it’s funny!” he told the screaming woman who ran from the counter. “Where’s your sense of humor?”

“Ooh, camera! Jazz never lets us use her camera.” Puff commandeered the camera, using magick to send it floating in the air and snapping pictures everywhere.

“Stop that!” Lisa ordered, jumping to her feet.

“Anyone named Lisa here?” Elvis, the 70s one, not the young one, strode into the building, his white suit looking like a second skin and not in a cool way either.

“Her! Her!” Fluff and Puff immediately pointed her out.

Before Lisa could move, Elvis was crooning Love Me Tender while peeling off his suit.

“Not a stripper gram!” Fluff howled, covering his eyes with his ears.

“I was only told he’d sing. And there’s supposed to be cake,” Puff told him.

“Delivery for Lisa!” A woman pushing a large cart and equally large cake entered the building. “Happy Birthday!” she caroled.

Lisa looked at the cake that could have been the Empire State Building, but she realized no, it was the biggest penis in cake history.

“Ma’am, you’re going to have to leave,” the security guard took hold of her arm.

“I need to renew my license today,” she babbled, as he ushered her outside. “It’s my birthday!”

“We figured that.” Clearly, he had no sense of humor. “But you and those things have become a nuisance.”

“Things!” The bunnies were incensed. “Go frog! Go back to your bog!” Zap! Zap! Zap!

Lisa’s arm was released and the guard shrunk down to a green bullfrog.

“Ribbit!”

“Come on back, baby,” Elvis called out from the door. He grinned as he swiveled his hips.“I haven’t finished my song.”

“All I wanted you to do was move my name up the list,” Lisa told them in a voice so tight she sounded strangled.

“What’s the fun in just doing that?” Puff asked.

She ran out into the road and held up her hand when she saw a yellow vehicle. “Taxi!” The slippers wasted no time sliding in after her.

The silence in the taxi was deafening as Lisa stared straight ahead.

Fluff and Puff shared looks and did their version of rock, paper, scissors.

“So … are we going to lunch now?”

Happy Birthday Lisa! I suggest next time you take Jazz with you to the DMV. Trust me, it would be a lot safer!

Linda

How Fluff and Puff Handle File Sharing Sites

Wed, 27 May 2009 20:40:34 GMT

There’s always talk about file sharing sites where readers find downloads of authors’ books. What they don’t realize, and sadly, some don’t care, is that these sites are illegal since it’s copyright infringement and in the end hurts the author.

I always wondered what Fluff and Puff would do if they wanted to make sure romance writer witch Thea’s books didn’t have that problem.

This is why I like having the guys on my side.

Linda

“Very cool,” Fluff crooned, using his ears to tap the computer keys. “Think it will work?”

“Krebs did the basics. We’re just making it better.” Puff read off computer code that had more than a smidge of magick to it while Fluff typed away. “Okay, type all and then hit enter.”

“Yes!” The slippers grinned as they slapped high fives with their ears and sat back to enjoy the show.

###

“Perfect! I love file sharing sites,” the woman crooned as she clicked on the download button.

She looked up at her friend. “This is Thea James’ latest hardcover book, no less. I’ll make a copy for you.”

“Thanks! I found her first book. I haven’t read that one.” Her friend was busy on her laptop as she was on another book file sharing site preparing to download a book file. “I wish I’d known about these sites a long time ago. I sure would have saved a lot of money.”

The first woman frowned and stared at her computer as the screen abruptly turned red.

Bad bad bad! Much safer to just buy the book, because then your computer wouldn’t melt. Now to deal with the site itself. Love, Fluff and Puff.

“Oh my God!” She shrieked as she jumped away from her computer that slowly and steadily melted into a metallic puddle.

"Eek!” The other woman dropped her laptop onto the floor where it also was dissolving at a rapid rate.

They stood back and stared at what used to be their computers then looked at each other.

“Who’s Fluff and Puff?’

Surf Bunnies

Thu, 14 May 2009 16:19:38 GMT

Surf Bunnies

“Cowabunga!” Fluff and Puff shouted as they pushed their bunny surfboards through the rolling waves. Naturally, the boards’ surfaces were decorated with Happy Bunny’s motto ‘Pscyho but cute’. Their bunny RayBans were clipped to their heads and colorful board shorts covered the lower half of their bunny slipper bodies.

“Tell me again why we brought them here?” Jazz grumbled, adjusting her large brimmed hat and the towel protecting her long legs from the morning sun.

Krebs shook his head. “Isn’t there some spell that would give you ultra sun block? You look like a mummy and frankly, you’re scaring the kids.”

“The spell is used in a special cream and it gives me a rash.” She reached for the bottle of 300SPF sunblock and slathered it on her hands and arms. “This stuff only works for a short time before I have to reapply it.”

Krebs grinned as he watched Fluff and Puff turn their boards around and paddle to shore, eventually bouncing up on their tails, riding the waves with magick slipper aplomb.

“Krebs! Come surf with us!” The slippers shouted as they smoothly made their way onto the sand. A puff of magick and the boards instantly turned themselves around, ready to go back out.

“Next time hexy babe you’re staying home.” Krebs jumped to his feet and retrieved his board, running down to the bunnies. “Cuz you’re acting like a real downer.”

“”Next time you’re staying home”,” she mocked his words with a hint of snarl as she pulled away the towel and rubbed the thick cream on her legs and along the top of her feet. Even as she did it she was positive she could feel the sun’s rays burning their way through to turn her skin just out of the pot lobster red. “”Let’s take the guys to the beach, Jazz. They can try out the surfboards I gave them for their birthday. We’ll have fun.” Yeah, real fun,” she snarled. “I’ve got sand where sand shouldn’t be. My Coke has sand in it. My hot dog had sand in it. My – oooh pretty!” Her gaze was diverted down the beach toward two gorgeous hunks of male playing Frisbee. She lifted her sunglasses a notch to get a full color view then dropped them back down as she shifted her position on the towel just a bit.

Jazz lost track of time, ignoring Fluff and Puff’s shouts of glee and Krebs’ yells as she concentrated on the volleyball game with the same fascination she gave any Hugh Jackman film.

“Augh!” She threw up her hands, ready to blast whoever splattered water on her only to find it was Fluff, Puff and Krebs shaking themselves over her like wet dogs. Her formerly perky ponytail drooped down between her shoulders.

“Busted,” Krebs sang out in unison with the bunnies. “You were checking out those guys.”

“Was not.”

“Was so.”

She sighed, knowing denial wasn’t going to get her anywhere with her tormenters. “It was a better show than you guys out there like Frankie and the gang.”

“What? You date him too?” Krebs picked up his towel and rubbed his bare chest. “What would Nick think of you staring at some buff guys?”

“What would Nick think of you using the term buff? Have you guys had enough surfing? Can we go home now?”

“One more wave,” Puff demanded.

“Yeah!” Fluff danced up and down. “This is way cool.”

Jazz stared at their faces, brighter than she’d seen them in a long time. They were wet, smelled like salty bunny and sand coated their tails, but that didn’t matter to them.

She realized there were going to be a lot more beach days in her future since she couldn’t trust them to behave with Krebs. She glanced over at the Frisbee match still going on.

“Go ahead, have all the fun you want. I’ll be fine.”

Ideas Are Easy -- Writing Is Hard

Tue, 05 May 2009 20:31:14 GMT

Or why I need Wifi inside my head.

A group of us were talking about how ideas hit us at the oddest times. As in not when we’re sitting at the computer.

Witchy Jazz introduced herself while I was out running errands. And let’s not forget Irma, who plopped into the passenger seat and said “Do you really have to drive so fast?”

We can stand in line at the grocery store and see something that grows into something else inside our imagination. Or read or see something on TV that will do it.

The problem is that means we can’t immediately type it up or write something down.

One time my husband and I were driving back from Tucson and an idea came to mind. My notebook wasn’t handy, so I called a writer friend, gave her the details and asked her to email them to me. I’ve even called myself and left messages on my voice mail. Yay bluetooth! My husband gave me a leather zippered portfolio he got at a conference and I keep that in my center console along with a small notebook inside my bag. I always have pens on me and as long as there’s even a receipt inside my bag I’m set. There’s been times when I’ve borrowed paper at the hairdresser’s or even used the back of my business cards. So far, I haven’t resorted to writing on my palm.

Yes, it would be much easier if I had Wifi inside my head and it would transmit directly to my computer, but at least there’s other ways.

And if I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea I can reach behind me for a notebook and a lighted pen. Always best if you see what you write.

Have you ever been desperate for a piece of paper to write down something?

Linda

Where My Imagination Takes me

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:48:00 GMT

Many times I’m asked where I get the ideas for my books, but funny thing is, for the past few years I hear “what a wild imagination!”

I’ve had the same imagination all my life, but I guess it just decided to burst into full bloom.

A writer’s imagination can take many directions.

A mystery or suspense writer might imagine that that trash bag lying by the side of the road holds a body.

A horror writer might imagine that same trash bag as holding an acidic goo that eats your skin.

A romance writer could imagine the trash bag holding a hunky guy that was tossed there by his ex girlfriend who was ticked off because he wouldn’t commit, but the minute he sees this new woman he’s ready to go the whole route. Or even a litter of puppies or kittens that she takes to the local vet who just happens to be sexy.

And a paranormal writer? Pretty much anything. A rare crystal that bestows magical power to the one who finds it. A stolen spell book. A creature that was cast out of its clan.

Sci Fi? Hm, let’s see. We could go back to that crystal again, but it sends the finder to another galaxy. And if Han’s Solo there, I’m on my way!

What do you think your imagination gives you?

Linda

When Bunny Slippers And A Gargoyle Go To Las Vegas

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:38:27 GMT

“I can’t believe she left us on the side of the road!” An outraged Horace threw up his stony arms as he paced back and forth in the dirt. “This is gargoyle abandonment.”

“We got tossed out too.” A disgruntled Fluff sighed heavily. “But it’s your fault for telling Linda she’s a lousy driver.”

“Cutting off another car is not a crime and she should have cut off that eighteen wheeler. Just use your magick and zap us to the hotel,” Horace suggested.

Puff shook his head. “Jazz bound part of our magick, so we’re limited this week. She said we behave or else and we’re not going to use it all up first thing.”

Horace looked off to the side. “What is –?”

Fluff and Puff looked in the same direction and watched the snake slithering their way. “AUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!” They leapt into the air and landed on Horace’s head.

The gargoyle shouted and batted at them, but no way they were getting down. All three looked at the road as a rattletrap truck slowly made its way toward them then stopped. The man that climbed out looked several hundred years old with a battered hat perched on his head and a matted graying beard.

“Hey, can we hitch a ride?” Horace asked.

The elderly man grinned, displaying broken teeth. “Well lookie here, dinner.” He reached back inside his truck and pulled out a rifle that looked as old as he was. He was quick for his advanced age as he brought the rifle up.

“Get us out! Get us out now!” Horace shouted as Fluff and Puff instantly wrapped their magick around them and they disappeared in wisp of smoke.

“Damn!” The old man muttered as he returned to his truck. “I lose more food that way.”

*****

“You can’t go,” Linda told them as she applied lip gloss.

“Bite is about vampires. We belong there more than you do,” Fluff argued.

“You won’t like it. If you promise not to get into trouble, cruise the casino. But no making the slots pay out.”

“We want to see Bite!” Puff whined.

“Oh yeah.” Horace flipped pages of a magazine detailing local sights. “Showgirls, vampires. Works for me.”

Linda sighed. “If I don’t take you, you’ll find a way to go, won’t you?”

“Yep.”

She dug in her suitcase and pulled out a tote bag. “Fine, but no dancing on stage and no singing along or I’ll tell Jazz and you’ll never leave the house again.”

An hour later the bunny slippers were screaming in horror and covering their eyes with their ears and Horace watched the stage with avid fascination.

“Lord Vampire has a good thing there,” he said.

“It’s gross! We don’t like seeing womens’ boobies!” The slippers howled, now burrowing under the table in search of Linda’s tote bag.

Linda smiled. “I told you you wouldn’t like it.”

Fluff and Puff exchanged telling looks. “She’ll be sorry she brought us here.”

*****

And what do bunny slippers do to get even?

“If they’re not here in five minutes I’m leaving without them.” Linda checked her watch.

Four minutes, fifty-nine seconds later the door opened with Fluff and Puff sliding inside and Horace behind them.

“What have you done?!”

The off-white slippers were now a rich chocolate brown and the gray stone gargoyle was white. All three were dripping on the carpet.

“You didn’t tell us there was a chocolate factory!” Fluff accused.

“And for good reason.” Linda turned to Horace. “Look at you!”

“I don’t like chocolate, but marshmallow was pretty cool. Those vats are really deep. I almost drowned.” Except his outrage was rapidly cooled as Linda hauled the threesome into the bathroom and under the shower.

“Oh come on!” Puff tried to wiggle his way out of her reach as she squirted body wash on all of them. “You complain because we have chocolate all over us, but you use chocolate smelling soap?”

“You will use your magick to clean up that mess on the carpet,” she told them as she sudsed and sudsed and sudsed. Once she was finished, she toweled them dry and ordered them into her tote bag.

They hunkered down in the bottom of the bag and shared a telling look. “Maybe it’s not a good time to tell her we stashed Elvis in the back of her SUV.”

Las Vegas Baby!

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:34:37 GMT

“You get the book?” Puff asked, practically bouncing up and down with excitement.

“Yeah, but it wasn’t easy.” Fluff wiggled his nose and a yellow and black large paperbound book dropped in front of him.

“Las Vegas for Bunnies,” they read the title in unison, awe in their voices.

“You really think she’s going to let us go?” Fluff tipped an ear toward the book so the pages would move.

“Sure, she will. Jazz wouldn’t take us, but Linda will.” Puff practically buried his nose in one page. “Wow, look at all these games they play. Even craps.” His dark eyes sparkled with mischief.

Fluff read along with him. “Uh, Puff, that’s not the kind of crap you’re thinking of.”

“What’re you doing?” Horace ambled over to look over their fuzzy shoulders.

“Linda’s going to Las Vegas and we’re going to ask her to take us with her. We want to be prepared for anything,” Fluff replied.

The gargoyle plopped down next to them and began reading. “Craps!”

“Not that kind of craps,” the bunny slippers told him.

His expression fell with disappointment. “Damn. Probably not as much fun.” He examined a claw then started picking his sharp teeth. “So, you think Linda would take me too? A lot of shows there with some pretty sexy ladies who might like gargoyles.” If he’d had eyebrows they would have been bopping up and down.

Puff leafed through the book, mimed a gagging noise at one colorful page and would have moved on but Horace swiftly moved to stop him.

“Yuck!’ Puff protested.

Horace’s eyes remained fixed on the photograph showing a Las Vegas show complete with showgirls clad in skimpy costumes. “Oooh baby.” He straightened up. “We are so going.”

Fluff and Puff agreed. “And if Linda says now we can always stow away in her suitcase. It has a zippered pocket she rarely uses.” Puff said.

Fluff headed for the door. “I’ll get the snacks for the trip.”

“Nothing healthy!” Horace called after him.

“Yeah, like we eat healthy.” Puff rolled his eyes. “This is going to be fun!”

Or will it?

Linda’s speaking at the RWA Cactus Rose Writers Group on Saturday April 18. Information can be found at their site http://writers.meetup.com/1024/

Whether she’ll allow Fluff, Puff and Horace to go with her or if they’ll stow away is another story.

How Does The World See You?

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:47:01 GMT

When you’re on line, do you see yourself as others see you?

Someone I’ve only talked to on the phone or on line watched my Romance in the Back Seat videos on YouTube and she said she was surprised to see I’m a redhead when she always thought I was a blonde. And a plug for the videos :} www.youtube.com/RITBSvideos

Ironically, she’s not the first person to say that, so I have to wonder. Does this redhead come across as a blonde to everyone if they haven't seen her?

I have a very good friend who’s a natural blonde and I started thinking – if I didn’t know what she looked like and only went on what I could tell from over the phone, would I know she was blonde or think something else? And I don’t mean ditzy blondes either. Not that Susan’s a ditz. Not even close. But she did love making me suffer in the spin class she taught. Have I forgiven her for that? Hm, she doesn’t see any See’s Bordeaux from me! But then, we both freely proclaim to the world we don’t share anything sweet.

What about you? Do you think people could see you differently than what you really are?

Linda

Witches Night Out

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:39:49 GMT

Even witches need to unwind, which is why Stasi, Blair, Jazz and ghostly Irma are vegging out in Stasi and Blair’s family room. Scented candles are scattered throughout the room, Van Helsing is on TV since they need that Hugh Jackman fix and, bottles of wine dot the coffee table, and any form of junk food you can imagine is within reach.

The witches are wearing their form of loungewear that involves pajama pants and t-shirts while Irma is wrapped in a plush robe and netting wrapped around her hair to hide her pincurls.

“Okay, this is has been the absolute worst Samhain in history,” Stasi sighed, rummaging through the bowl of snack size candy bars until she found a Snickers bar.

“Oh I don’t know, there’s been a few that come to mind. What about 1723? So not a good year.” Jazz batted at Fluff and Puff who were too close to her stash of See’s Bordeaux chocolates. “Do not even think about it,” she warned them. “This has been more than totally weird, but we’re here in one piece, aren’t we? And Stasi’s got a totally sexy wizard in her life.” She grinned at the red hearts that seemed to enjoy dancing around Stasi’s head. ‘And look at you with your hearts and Trev having hearts too. Good thing humans can’t see them. No way we could explain those away.”

“Terrific, everyone’s having sex but me!” Blair wailed, sniffing as she ate a Hostess cupcake.

“Excuse me, but it’s been some time for me too,” Irma reminded her, staring mournfully at the wine and a box of HoHos on the table. Since food didn’t stay inside ghosts’ stomachs, Irma could only look and not touch. “I don’t understand how you all can eat like this after what’s happened?”

“Precisely why we can eat.” Stasi stole one of Jazz’s precious chocolates and grinned at her friend as she bit into the brown sugar cream. “We knew that Mercury retrograde along with a lunar eclipse on Samhain would cause problems, but considering everything else that went on, it’s amazing we, and the town, are in one piece. Of course, there’s so much snow out there, that I feel like we’re living in a snow cave and power outages haven’t been all that much fun either. A normal life would be good.”

“And maybe we won’t be called witch as if it’s a bad thing,” Blair chimed in.

“And you have a sexy wizard in your life now. With luck the lawsuit won’t continue and now maybe the lake will have a chance of recovering from that nasty magick blasted at it,” Jazz said, conjuring up a bottle of nail polish and repairing her chipped manicure. “Once again, we’ve shown our stuff and do we rock or what?” She grinned at her friends who she’s known for over 700 years.

Stasi’s smile said it all. “Yes, I do. Witches rule.” They exchanged high fives that fairly sparkled with their combined power.

What about you when you’re spending a girls night out? Do you worry about big bads coming up with nasty magick?

Linda

Giving A Workshop at Emerald City Conference This October

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:41:01 GMT

I received word that my workshop proposal for the Emerald City Conference in WA was accepted and what a fun one that will be! The title is My Bunny Slippers Ate My Homework -- How to Create Unforgettable Creatures

"In paranormal there's no reason for secondary characters to be human when preternatural creatures can be just as engaging and memorable.

Linda Wisdom has created some unusual creatures in her new Hex series that readers now consider as real as your favorite pet. Now she'll discuss how they came to be and insight into where they came from."

You can be sure that Fluff and Puff will be there!

You can check out the conference at http://www.gsrwa.org/conference.php

Linda

Spring is Coming!

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:29:25 GMT

Here in California we have sunshine and days that tempt you into spending time outside or work in the garden.

I love gardens, but they don’t love me. Even allergy meds don’t save me if I work with plants.

One spring I wanted color everywhere in our yard and I bought up all sorts of gorgeous flowers and then “suggested” my husband plant them all for me. He grumbled but after a day of digging, the colors exploded along one corner of the yard with various flowers.

By morning, they were gone because it seemed our then puppy, Bogie, thought they were edible and nibbled his way through the garden the way a Peter Rabbit went through the carrot patch. Blooms were gone with only the stalks left.

I was in shock! Couldn’t cry, couldn’t rant and rave. Who knew a puppy would decide colorful flower blooms would make a great snack?

Flowers were planted again and luckily, Bogie left them alone. But he had another worry along that time. Namely, a mama owl that’d nested in the eaves next door and thought Bogie would make a great nighttime snack. I would have lost him that first night if I hadn’t been outside and clapped my hands to head her off when I heard her screeches. And this was one huge owl! After that, we went outside with Bogie and Cocoa. She even tried to snag him one night when we were out walking. That was one determined owl and it went on all summer.

But what I remember is one late night I saw something perched on our back fence and I turned on the patio light only to have Mama owl swivel her head around with a “turn off that light!” look. And I did.

Bogie’s not all that big now, 12 pounds, and if Mama owl were still around who knows, and we still hear the owls and frogs out here. But she can always go elsewhere for late night snacks.

Linda

Succulent Dishes for the Romance Blow Out

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:32:35 GMT

It isn’t every day that we get the chance to provide food for a Romance party. We Casablanca writers take our romance very seriously – and our food! Tasty dishes are our forte, so when the opportunity arose to serve up something spicy, hot, delectable, and addicting for Publishers Weekly’s Barbara Vey’s Bash for her second anniversary of “Behind the Book,” we rose to the challenge. It had to be pleasing to the palate, every morsel mouthwatering, pleasurable while partaking, extremely satisfying when completed, and also make one hungry for more. Are we still talking about food? Maybe! We will let you decide what you now crave – either way, the desired gratification can be found at our blog. Books to the left….. recipes below……. Read on, let your imaginations go wild, and be sure to click over to Barbara’s Romance Blow Out to join in the fun. Everyone is invited! There are dozens of giveaways (including the Casablanca novels), numerous hosts and special guests, hunks galore roaming the halls, and a costume ball! You would not want to miss it.

Hot & Spicy Spaghetti for Cold Nights & Hot Dates & Wolfish Delight
** The first time I had this spaghetti, my aunt made it because my boyfriend was of Italian descent. It was so good I’ve been making my own version ever since. (She made her own version from scratch also!) By Terry Spear

Ingredients
1 lb Pre-cooked Italian Sausage (I use hot, but any variety works)
29 oz can of Tomato Sauce
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 Green Bell Pepper
1 Medium Onion
1 Tbsp Italian Herb Spices (can be Oregano)
1 Tsp Garlic Salt, or ¼ Clove of Garlic
7 Small Fresh Mushrooms
1/8 Tsp Pickling Spice

Directions
1) Combine all ingredients and cook on low until peppers, onions, mushrooms are tender and sausage is heated thoroughly. Variations on the theme can work just fine if guests don’t like some of the items in the recipe and it’s still a tasty dinner for when nothing else appeals but something hot and spicy!
2) Cook noodles of choice- spinach and whole grain add to the health benefit. Top the cooked noodles with the hot and spicy sauce and top the sauce with Grated Cheese to please anyone with Wolfish appetites! Serves 4-6.

Elizabeth Darcy’s Venison Frumenty for the Discerning Man’s Palate
**Frumenty (also known as Furmenty) is an easy-to-make wheat porridge. It was used in medieval times as an accompaniment to meat dishes and also as a breakfast cereal. By Sharon Lathan

Ingredients for meat stew
4lbs venison, cut as preferred
1 large turnip, sliced
3 carrots, sliced
2 onions, sliced
2 tsp chopped fresh parsley

Directions
Place the meat in a large saucepan and cover with hot stock or hot salted water. Bring quickly to a boil, skim grease, and then add vegetables. Lower heat and simmer until tender (2-3 hours depending on the size/cut of meat). Option: If preferred, roast venison haunch in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes/lb., basting frequently with melted butter. Slice meat and serve with frumenty.

Ingredients for frumenty
1 cup whole grain wheat, kibbled or cracked (bulgar)
4 cups water
1 cup heavy cream
1 egg yolk, beaten
1 tbsp brown sugar, molasses, or honey (as preferred)
1 tsp cinnamon
Raisins, mixed dried fruit (optional)

Directions
1) Soak the wheat overnight in water in a warm place; or Bring water to a boil then add wheat, reducing to a slow simmer until wheat soft.
2) Drain off water; then cook wheat in cream adding egg yolk, sugar/honey, cinnamon, and fruits if desired. Simmer slowly for 20-40 minutes until preferred consistency. May add additional milk if mixture too stiff.
3) Season sparingly with salt to taste. Serve with sliced venison. **Frumenty can be made ahead and reheated with extra milk added.

Line of Scrimmage Buffalo Chicken Dip
**Perfect for Tailgating Parties. By Marie Force

Ingredients
One package precooked chicken (in the deli area with hot dogs)
One package of shredded cheddar cheese
One bottle blue cheese dressing
One bottle buffalo chicken sauce

Directions
Dice the chicken into small pieces.
Add most of the blue cheese and most of the shredded cheddar.
Add the buffalo sauce to taste, the more you add the hotter it is.
Stir ingredients and pour into a shallow casserole dish.
Bake at 350 until it bubbles. Serve hot with Scoops corn chips.

As Good as Sex Brownies
**Do you doubt it? Me neither! By Linda Wisdom

Ingredients
2 cup flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup strong brewed coffee or water
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

Frosting Ingredients
1/2 cup margarine
2 tbsp. cocoa
1/4 cup milk
3 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Directions
1) Combine flour and sugar; set aside. In heavy pan, combine butter, shortening, coffee or water and cocoa. Stir and heat to boiling. Pour boiling mixture over the flour and sugar in the large bowl. Add the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla. Mix well using wooden spoon or high speed on mixer. Pour into well buttered 17x1/2x11 jelly roll pan. Bake at 400 for 20 min. or until brownies done in center.
2) While brownies bake, prepare the frosting. In pan, combine butter, cocoa, and milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Mix in powdered sugar and add vanilla; stir until smooth. Pour warm frosting over brownies as soon as you take them out of oven. *If you want thicker frosting, halve again, or double, the ingredients

Cat's Out-of-this-World Cookies
**This recipe was developed by a fan of "Slave," the first book in the Cat Star Chronicles series. By Cheryl Brooks

Ingredients
2 cups unbleached Flour
1 tsp. Baking Powder
pinch of salt
1/4 tsp. Baking Soda
2/3 cup unsalted Butter, softened
2 cups firmly packed Brown Sugar
2 lg. Eggs
2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 cup M&M Candies

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 (325 if using a glass baking pan). Lightly grease a 13"x9" baking pan.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
In a large bowl cream the butter and brown sugar. Mix in eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Mix in the vanilla. Gently mix in the dry ingredients, until well combined. Stir in the M&Ms.
Spread evenly into prepared pan. Bake 25 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting into bars. Yield: 3-4 dozen, depending on size of bar. Can be frozen.

Sexy Scallops Scallopini
** A recipe for the Mer-minded among us. Or anyone who enjoys scallops. By Judi Fennell

Ingredients
1 lb. sea scallops
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
1 /4 cup finely chopped red pepper
1 cup white wine (the sweeter the better)
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
Salt and pepper
Red oak lettuce as garnish

Directions
Season scallops with salt, pepper. Arrange washed/dried red oak leaves on a serving plate as a bed. Heat oil in pan. When oil starts to sizzle add scallops. Sear until golden on both sides. Don’t overcook. Set aside on bed of lettuce when finished. Add chopped garlic and red peppers to oil. Cook until just before garlic turns golden then add the wine. Simmer 1 minute. Add pineapple and stir to coat. Serve warm pineapple/wine mixture over scallops. **For a salad flair, add thinly slivered almonds and toss with finely shredded oak lettuce as bed. Drizzle fresh pineapple juice mixed with a dash of lemon juice as dressing.

Aunt Lilly Hale Sessoms’ Tipsy Cake
** Aunt Lilly Hale believes blood ties alone do not make a family. Keeping a family together requires conscious, intelligent choices, as well as balanced values. Tipsy Cake is a “good time” food. This is food that says, “Stick with this family. We will indulge you just often enough to be good for you. Our love is rich. Our time together is sweet yet always varied, and salty enough to satisfy.” By Mary Margret Daughtridge

You will need:
1 store-bought angel food cake torn into 2-3inch chunks
One pint of regular, not heavy, whipping cream - whipped
One cup toasted pecan pieces and 12 perfect halves for decoration
Sherry: Cocktail, dry, crème—whatever you like
Nutmeg
1 recipe Boiled Custard*

Directions
1) The evening before: Sprinkle cake pieces liberally with sherry, all surfaces! Make the boiled custard, keep in frig until needed.
2) *Boiled Custard directions – Combine in saucepan: 4 lightly beaten eggs, ½ cup sugar, and 2 cups whole milk. Stir constantly over low heat until mixture thickens and coats a metal spoon. Remove from heat and instantly transfer the pot to a bowl of ice water to stop the custard from cooking. Stir until cool. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla.
3) Toast pecans in a shallow baking pan at 375; sprinkle liberally with butter and salt while cooking, stirring occasionally until deep tan (not brown!). Remove from butter once cooled and keep in an airtight container.
4) Using a pretty bowl, four or five hours before serving assemble cake (will become soggy if done too far ahead.) Layer cake chunks, pecans, custard, and whipped cream, then nutmeg. Repeat 3 times. Decorate with swirls of whipped cream, sprinkled nutmeg, and pecan halves. Refrigerate. Can be frozen for up to an hour before serving. Serves 24.

Safe for Kissin’ Chicken Piccata
**For the domestic God who loves Italian. Or the Italian domestic God lover! By Robin Kaye

Ingredients
4 chicken breasts halves or buy the thinly sliced chicken breast cutlets
2 tablespoons Olive oil
4 lemons, juiced
1 stick of butter
1 cup Vermouth
1/3 cups Capers
1 can artichoke hearts-quartered.
1 lb. Fettuccini
Flour Garlic lemon pepper (is a mixture of garlic powder and lemon pepper, 50/50)
Salt

Directions:
1) Bring pasta water to a boil, salt well. 2) Cut the chicken breast halves horizontally, butterflying them. If the breasts are large, you might want to cut each into 2 pieces. Pound chicken until thin and flour with a mixture of flour, salt and garlic lemon pepper.
3) Add pasta to water and cook as directed.
4) In hot frying pan, place olive oil and over high heat, sauté/brown chicken breast on both sides. Remove from pan and place on a warmed platter, keep warm. 5) Deglaze pan with vermouth, add the juice of 4 lemons, the capers, artichoke hearts, and butter. Return chicken to pan and simmer to bring the temperature back up and make sure it’s cooked. When done, put chicken on a platter, reserve a small amount of sauce and pour the remaining sauce over fettuccini.

Get a Man Irish Boxty
**A traditional potato pancake made infamous in the old rhyme my hero Donovan recited to my heroine Rylie in The Wild Sight by Loucinda McGary:

Boxty on the griddle,
Boxty in the pan.
If you can't make boxty,
You'll never get a man.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups grated raw potatoes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup olive oil

Directions
1) Toss the grated potatoes with flour in a large bowl. Stir in mashed potatoes until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk; mix into the potatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add some chopped onion if you're feeling adventurous.
2) Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drop in the potato mixture, forming patties about 2 inches in diameter. Fry on both sides until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm.

Love Bitten Apple Cake
**For people who, like Carly Silver and Gideon MacInnes, just can't resist a little forbidden fruit. Best enjoyed with someone you find utterly tempting! By Kendra Leigh Castle

Cake:
4 cups sliced apples
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1&1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
3/4 cup oil
2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350. Stir apples and sugar together, and then add dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, oil and vanilla together. Stir the egg mixture into the apple mixture. Pour into a greased 13x9 pan, and bake for 50 minutes. Serve each piece of cake with warm sauce.

Sauce:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan, and stir while bringing the sauce to a boil. Let boil for approx. 3 minutes. Remove from heat and pour by the spoonful over each piece of cake.

Jane Austen’s Favorite Bath Bun
**In its hey-day Bath had it all and was also home to Jane Austen for a number of years. Today’s Bath Bun is a sorry affair compared to its ancestors, however. And while Sally Lunn lays claim to their origin, others trace it back to recipes for caraway seed cake. Elizabeth Raffald’s 1769 recipe for Bath cakes, which were yeast-leavened rolls made with butter, cream and caraway seeds (in the form of caraway comfits – sugar coated seeds) seems to be close to the original recipe which might have been enjoyed by dearest Jane. Don’t let the idea of using yeast scare you, this is not difficult, it just requires patience. By Michele Ann Young

Ingredients
450g white flour (strong bread flour - part plain flour will work)
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons caster sugar
225g butter
1 tablespoon caraway seeds
15 g yeast (fresh) or 7g (dried)
280g warm milk

For the glazing:
1 tablespoon milk
2 tablespoons caster sugar
Brown sugar granules for coffee, lightly crushed in a mortar

Directions
1) Add the salt and sugar to the flour, then rub in the butter. Stir through the caraway seeds.
2) If using dried yeast, add this to the butter rubbed flour. If using fresh, first liven it up by adding it to the warm milk.
3) Add the milk and mix ‘to a light dough.’ Initially the mixture looks very like cake mix – very moist – but don’t be tempted to add more flour. *The recommended method for hand-kneading soft dough (i.e. with a high butter/fat content), is to take a handful of the dough and pull upwards – then push back down onto the work surface.*
4) Once kneaded, cover the bowl and leave to rise. This takes about 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours to double in volume depending on the temperature in your kitchen.
5) Prepare two baking sheets, and use a tablespoon to scoop out 12 portions of dough. Shape into buns and smooth the top surface using a palette knife (or finger). Cover and leave for quarter of hour to regain spring.
6) Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 375F/190C 7) Just before the buns have finished cooking prepare the glaze. Warm the milk and sugar in a small saucepan. As soon as the buns are baked use a pastry brush to anoint the tops and sprinkle with a little of the crushed sugar. The original recipe suggests that if possible eat these buns fresh from the oven. If you can’t manage 12 buns in one go, try cutting them in half and toasting them later.

Creamy Pecan Pralines
**A favorite Louisiana treat! By Beth Cornelison

Ingredients
3 cups sugar
1 tsp. Baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup light corn syrup
2 Tbsp. butter 3 cups pecan halves

Directions
1) In a large sauce pan, combine sugar, soda, and salt. Stir.
2) While stirring constantly, add buttermilk and corn syrup and bring to boil over a medium heat. Keep stirring! Cook to a soft ball or 234 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and add butter and pecans. Beat until thick enough to drop from spoon in clumps. Drop tablespoon sized lumps to wax paper. (Protect counter top from heat with a towel.) If too stiff to drop, add one tablespoon hot water. Let cool and enjoy!

Mushroom Catsup to Howl For
** Lady Anne Addison enjoys this savory condiment with eggs, roast beef, pork, but advises the home cook to be exceptionally careful when picking mushrooms to avoid unpleasant gustatory accidents. By Donna Simpson

1) Wipe firm, fresh mushrooms and break them into pieces. Add two tbsp of salt to every quart of the mushrooms, and arrange the latter in a large crock, sprinkling salt over each layer. Stand the jar in a cellar or other cool place for three days, stirring the contents three or four times each day.
2) At the end of the time turn mushrooms and salt into a preserving kettle, and let them get warm very slowly over a low fire. When the juice flows freely, strain it off, put it back over the fire and boil fifteen minutes.
3) Measure it then and add to each quart of the liquor one tbsp whole black peppers, one tbsp allspice, two blades of mace, a bay leaf, a tiny section of a clove of garlic, a bit of ginger root of the same size, and a very little cayenne.
4) Return the liquor to the fire once more with the spices and boil until it is reduced to half the quantity; let it cool, strain and bottle it. Seal the bottles. The addition of a tea-spoonful of brandy to each bottle is recommended by some authorities as an aid in preserving it.

Are You A Good Witch or a Bad Witch

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:07:12 GMT

My husband and I visited Salem years ago and I instantly fell in love with the town. I hadn’t even started writing yet, but the memory of our time there remained with me along with the heartbreaking history from the Salem Witch Trials. Once I started writing paranormal, I knew I’d use it and Wicked By Any Other Name was the perfect book for it.

The paranoia and hysteria from then was echoed in Moonstone Lake with the lake tainted by an unknown magick, with the human residents seeing Stasi with suspicion because a woman accused her of using magick to keep her cheating husband from returning to her and found a wizard attorney to sue her in Wizards Court.

Stasi only wants to celebrate Samhain with her friends, but that doesn’t seem to be possible. Instead, the ghosts that walk the town during the time of year when the veil between the living and the dead are also targeted. Trevor Barnes may be attorney for the plaintiff but he sure has his eye on the defendant. And there’s red hearts dancing over his head. The same hearts that appeared over Stasi’s head and now she’s hiccupping iridescent bubbles all over the place.

Stasi loves romance and Trev’s more than happy to provide that, but memories of her time in Olde Salem now haunt her as people fear her and whisper “witch” and not in a good way. Her best friend and fellow witch, Blair is ready to help, Jazz, Nick and Irma arrive with the same intention, and Trev reminds himself there was a reason why he didn’t like working with humans.

But we are talking my sassy witches, so the story can’t be all dark and edgy, can it? Which is why Stasi has a small dog that floats instead of walks and disappears without warning and an eight inch gargoyle named Horace who enjoys hanging out in the boutique’s dressing rooms. While Fluff and Puff were mischievous, Horace is more a pervert but somehow manages to be endearing.

So there’s the balance of light and dark. Fun and scary and lots of magick added to the mix.

The question is if Stasi can discover what harmed the lake and why the humans in town have turned against her so much that even her life is in danger.

And anyone who knows their history knows what happened in Olde Salem. Will it happen again with Moonstone Lake’s local witches even if they are most definitely good witches?

Is that something you enjoy in books? The blend of fact and fiction?

And one warning: the next time you use a store dressing room, you might want to check corners before you take off any clothing.

Linda

Horace Sits Down with Stasi

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:54:17 GMT

Horace – “I really should be the one interviewed here because I’m totally hot. Oh yeah, who’s the gargoyle?” Sighs heavily and throws up his claws when more than one set of eyes glare at him. “Okay, okay.” The eight-inch gargoyle coughed into his claw and waved off the sheaf of papers held out to him. “I’ll just wing it.”

Stasi – “Horace.”

He ignored her warning. “Who’s the interviewer and who’s the interviewee here?” He looked around, frowned at the lack of cameras and returned to Stasi who lounged in a chair across from him. “Stasi, my love. We all know you’re one of the thirteen witches expelled from the Witches Academy in 1313 and now you own a lingerie boutique that also features romance novels.” He raised a stony eyebrow. “Very nice reading on those long winter nights, I might add. But you’re also in the middle of a lawsuit filed in Wizards Court and we all know those guys have no sense of humor. What are you going to do about that?”

“What can I do but fight it?” Stasi groaned. “Carrie’s a human, but it didn’t stop her from finding a wizard attorney and accuse me of hexing a sachet to make sure her husband didn’t come back to her. So now I’m dealing with Trevor Barnes and red hearts over our heads.”

“Yeah, what’s with them?” He stared at the red hearts dancing the Macarena over her head. “That’s just …” he clearly didn’t have words to describe the sight. “Anyway, the town’s not too happy with you. And considering you’re the sweetest witch of the bunch, something’s seriously wrong.”

“Tell me about it! Look at Moonstone Lake. It’s been tainted by an unknown magick and I have flashbacks to Olde Salem.” Stasi reminded him with a shudder. “All you want is a wonderful fall celebration and everything goes wrong.”

“But you got Trev out of the deal,” he reminded her.

Stasi’s smile brightened like the noonday sun. “Yes, I did.”

Horace twisted around rooting into an unseen pocket before pulling out a cigar. One warning look from Stasi had him putting it back. “So what do you think we can do with all this turmoil going on around here?”

“We? More like what I’ll do and I’ll do what I do best. Magick.” She wiggled her fingers, allowing her power to sparkle around them.

Horace grinned. “Sounds good to me.”

Winner of Name that Critter Contest

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 02:39:36 GMT

And it wasn't easy because I had great entries! My LaOof chose Meredith Clark's. Email me your mailing info at lindawisdom at gmail.com and I'll get your goodies out to you!

And there are some honorable mentions I'll be contacting.

Linda

Hello, my name is Andromeda, but Please! call me Ande.

You've already met my friends Puff and Fluff, and know how special they are, I have some rather interesting qualities which you read about later in my story, well mine and Stassi, my human companion.

Where and when Stassi found me is one of the most interesting stories of WWII. I was living under the cathedral in St. Mere Eglise, France. The evening was quiet, later things really got interesting. Lovely white clouds dotted the sky, seemingly floating to earth, with men handing from under them... I had come up into the church from my underground home to have a look around, there was lots of bombing and shooting everyone in the village was running for safety. Stassi was among those who took refuge in the church -imagine her surprise finding me; I'm not your average house pet. It was love from the start, we will be together forever, and I do mean that literally.

I've always found it very difficult to explain my unusual linage to you humans. You're rather stuffy when it comes to the subject of cross species breeding; before you judge remember one word Centaur.

Now back to me, surely you have heard the story of St. George and the Dragon, well Mummy is a Dragon groupie, I can hear you now, "how strange," well that's only half of it. Mummy is a delightful yet somewhat ditzy beaver. Yes, Cassiopeia, (Mummy) is a bucked toothed, twig eating, dam building beaver thus my lush fur and ever present flat tail. Not to left out, Illuyanka, that's dear old Dad, contribution was my divine back scales and devilishly cute little horns.

In defense of my parents I'd just like to say Dad, that handsome hunk of fire, really got a bad rap, all those supposed maidens in distress--they lied, Jeezes, dragons are just too cute, look at Puff the Magic, who doesn't love him.

Did you know beavers weren't always water dwellers, they were the upper crusts of their time, highly intelligent, and they even wore clothing? Then that little mishap with the Great Spirit, just no sense of humor, and into the water we went. Still intelligent, just wetter this is when not wearing clothing comes in handy.

Hopefully, you understand from whence I came, and why I'm a huge bundle of ATTITUDE !!! So deal with it. To quote a dear friend "because I said so—dam it."

Love & Kisses