Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I heard back from my beta readers and editor on Mississippi's story. It was all good feedback but...Eek! It seems the story suffers from a sagging middle. I have quite a bit of rewriting and editing to do so the middle doesn't slow the pace down like it apparently does now. Other than the first part of the middle section dragging and a few minor tweaks such as adding a bit more description in some scenes and changing a couple of areas where there's more telling than showing, the manuscript seems to be in good shape over all. 

Motivational Quote: "Yes, I am optimistic, but one must go through a long period of purgatory." ~ Eugene Ionesco. For the most part, I try to keep an optimistic outlook, but some days it's harder than others. 😀

What I'm Reading: I still reading Second Chance Spring by JoAnn Ross. I set it aside to read A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins which I'd had on hold at my local library for weeks. When I was notified the book was available for me to borrow/pick up, I knew I'd need to read it asap because other people were waiting to borrow it and I wouldn't be able to renew it if I didn't have it done by the time it was due back.

Random Things:  It's time for school supply sales. While I don't have anyone in school, I shop the school supply sales to stock up on index cards, pens, one subject spiral notebooks, composition books, and Post-It notes. I use these items all year long in my writing, so I pick them up at the cheaper prices while I can. In my area right now, one subject notebooks are on sale for 25 cents. Packages of plain white index cards are on sale for the same price. Composition books are on sale for 50 cents. Can't beat those prices. 

Random Photo:

 

A miniature sunflower that I grew in a pot from a seed. I'm really happy about it. I don't usually have good luck growing flowers in pots.

 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I should receive the feedback from my beta readers and editor this week for Mississippi's story. Keeping my fingers crossed that book doesn't need a lot of work. 

Motivational Quote: "Don't get stuck waiting for results...take the next tiny step towards your larger goals." ~ Shailja Patel

What I'm Reading: I just started Second Chance Spring by JoAnn Ross. It's the fourth book in the Honeymoon Harbor series. I haven't read any of the other books in the series but the person who recommended the book to me assured me that the book can be read as a standalone. 

Random Things: I came across the above quote a few days ago. Given that I'm in a holding pattern while I wait for the feedback on Mississippi's story, the quote seemed really appropriate. Besides working on the back cover copy and title, I've been making notes on the next book I want to write.

Random Photo:

      Somebody trying to find a cool spot during the heat and high humidity we've been having.
 

This I know for sure...

...a great book is one I hate having to put down and that I can't wait until I can pick back up again. Of course, if a book engages my emotions whether through tears or laughter, it automatically becomes a "great book" which I end up recommending to everyone I talk to.

I've just finished One Summer by JoAnn Ross and found myself trying to read the book whenever I had a spare few minutes. I'm looking forward to reading the 3rd book in the series.

I started A Rogue By Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean last night and was intrigued from the very beginning.  I found myself staying up way too late reading.  Let me just say 5:15 came awfully early this morning. I even read the book while eating breakfast and while I brushed my teeth.  And hated having to put it away to go to work. I found myself wishing I could have taken a vacation day just so I could stay home and read it.  Definitely the mark of a great book.

What constitutes a great book to you?

What I'm cooking Wednesday

While I'm reading the wonderful book, One Summer by JoAnn Ross, I had bananas that were quickly turning brown in the summer heat so I made banana bread last night.  I thought I'd share our old family recipe today.

Banana-Nut Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup Crisco shortening
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (I sometimes use pecans instead)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix the first four (4) ingredients together, stir thoroughly and set aside.  In a separate bowl, cream the shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and beat well.  Combine the banana and milk then add to the creamed mixture alternating with the flour mixture, beat until smooth after each addition.  Stir in the nuts.  Pour into a greased 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.  Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until done.  Makes 1 loaf.

*I sometimes also put in mini chocolate chips along with the nuts.