Adventures N Writing

I love a good ghost story and being that it's Halloween I figured I'd tell you my own personal ghost story. Believe it or not, I have a knack for attracting the spirits beyond. It's kind of a joke with my family now because it's been going on since I was a kid. I know that you're thinking I am a total whackadoo and I am totally okay with that, because I know what I know and trust me there are such things as ghosts. Just the other day when I stopped by to see my dad he said to me, "You brought the poltergeist back with you. I can't find a damn thing around here." He refers to "her" as the poltergeist--this is from a man who never ever would have believed in ghosts in a million years until he lived in the house that I grew up in. I refer to her as the little pixie because she never does anything mean. She's more of a prankster--moving shoes around (I know you're thinking--no you do that and just forget because you're a human. No--I...

The world of writing/publishing is changing to say the least. It's an intersting time to be involved with the literary industry. It's been kind of a bumpy road for all of us (hmmm--more like a roller coaster ride) as major publishing houses try and figure out how they can stay afloat and also stay with the times. People are self-publishing at a rate like never before because with the access we have with The Internet--it's easy and many times free. There are small publishing houses popping up all over the place too--many of them with new and innovative ideas and many of them not so much. I'm not going to lie. It's hard work to be a writer/author.It's like anything in life that is worthwhile--you gotta work at it. A mid-list author doesn't exactly get the pats on the back and the kudos, and yet he/she works just as hard as the big bestselling authors (I think so anyway because I am one and I know a few others like myself). Honestly, when you take a good look...

It is raining yet again here in San Diego.  But that doesn't mean you cant enjoy some tasty recipes from Michele Scott's book Happy Hour.  Don't forget about the contest going on to win a free Kindle or Nook.  All you have to do is purchase either a copy of Happy Hour or El Patron off of http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.bn.com/, forward the proof of purchase to HappyHourBook@gmail.com and type in either Nook or Kindle in the subject line. The winner will be announced in the December issue of my newsletter, which is you want to subscribe to, all you have to do is e-mail me at the same e-mail HappyHourBook@gmail.com and type in Newsletter in the subject line and Viola! Alyssa’s Shrimp Salad 3 fresh pears Salad greens 1 lb cooked shrimp-medium size 1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper ¼ cup chopped green onion 1 cup chopped celery 1/3 cup mayonnaise ½ teaspoon chipotle or some type of red pepper powder ½ teaspoon chopped garlic ½ cup feta cheese ½...

For the months of October and November you could win your choice of a Nook or Kindle. How you ask? Good question. All you have to do is purchase either a copy of Happy Hour or El Patron off of http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.bn.com/ , forward the proof of purchase to HappyHourBook@gmail.com and type in either Nook or Kindle in the subject line. The winner will be announced in the December issue of my newsletter, which is you want to subscribe to, all you have to do is e-mail me at the same e-mail HappyHourBook@gmail.com and type in Newsletter in the subject line and Viola! If you have any interest in following me on twitter go to http://twitter.com/winemysteries , and/or on my fan page over at facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Michele-Scott/117686908963 . To read excerpts from either book, visit my site at http://www.michelescott.com/ . Good Luck! Cheers, Michele

If you've read my post from the other day then you know that it's been pretty rough lately for my family. Everyone has their own process to go through and a need to discover what helps to heal them. For me, I think many of you know that what nurtures me most in this world besides my family and friends are my horses (which I basically include in the same category as family). There is something so spiritual and peaceful about these animals. I think what I appreciate the most about them is that they don't judge, they don't interefere--they just allow. That is nature for you though, isn't it? I can walk outside and step into the barn, lean my head against one of my horse's face and actually feel their grace. Not all horses are kind, and that is usually because of some human. There are a percentage who are just born with a mean streak, but I am of the ilk that, that is fairly uncommon. I am lucky as my seven "kids" are all very sweet and gracious. Though ...

Cassie here again everybody, its recipe time yet again!  Lately I've been craving something that will really fill the belly.  This is just too tasty!  It is just one of many recipes you can find in Michele's Wine Lovers Mystery Series books!  Risotto with Lemon and Basil 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, chopped 5 cloves garlic, chopped (or 1 tablespoon chopped garlic from a jar) 1 shallot, finely chopped 2 cups Arborio rice ½ cup dry white wine 3 ½ cups simmering chicken broth, with the addition of 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest 3 tablespoons butter ½ cup grated pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan) 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped ¼ cup basil, julienned Salt and pepper In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and shallot. Cook until onion is translucent. Add rice, stirring constantly, and cook 5 minutes more, making sure rice does not brown. Add wine, stirring constantly, and let totally evap...

I never really planned to address what I am about to "talk about" here. It's personal, private and very painful. However, as a writer, writing it out can be cathartic. That is what I'm hoping for anyway. But most importantly it is my true hope that if this reaches someone in my situation, or someone who knows someone who is considering what I want to discuss, then maybe this post will help. I have been out of the loop completely for the last month. I've hardly looked at a computer but for a few times. I've only spoken with or been around very close family and friends, and mainly my children. Some of you may be aware of the reasons why, and for those of you who aren't--please be advised that this is going to be as honest as possible and painful to write and to read, so if you are not in a good space skip today's post and give me some time. I promise I will be back on a lighter note in the future. A month ago my family suffered a tragic loss through ...

In contrast to last week, when I wrote about the difficulties in making a comeback after a terrible accident caused by a horse, today I want to touch upon the good and special in horses. My six year old quarter horse “Finally” (got his namesake by being born a month late) was tied up across from the horse that nearly took my life. After I was kicked, and when they had pulled the offending horse clear of everyone, there was an attempt to move all of the other horses out of the way to make room for the ambulance. My horse stood stock still, parallel to the trailer, eyes fixated on me. Several concerned friends tried to move him and he refused, not rudely, but with an air of determined calm resistance. He knew that I was hurt and was not going to leave my side. Eventually it proved more productive to move me, and only then did Finally allow someone to lead him to a nearby trailer, where he was tied up next to one of his friends, a 3 year old paint. The ambulance arrived quickly. It’s fla...

Ahh well its raining here in San Diego and the water is puddling up, but on the bright side it has me thinking of some tasty seafood.  Here is another delicious recipe from Murder Uncorked from the Wine Lover's Mystery series by Michele Scott. 2 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 tablespoons leeks cut into julienne strips 1 cup shitake or oyster mushrooms cut into large pieces ½ cup shallots, minced 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped ½ teaspoon white pepper 2 tablespoons Armanac, or brandy, or cognac 2 lemons 1 cup heavy cream 8 fresh Maine diver scallops ½ teaspoon Balsamic vinegar Heat one teaspoon of the olive oil in a medium skillet over high heat. Add garlic and sauté until golden brown. Add leeks, mushrooms, and shallots and cook for 2 minutes, seasoning with kosher salt, thyme, and pepper. Deglaze the pan with Armanac and fresh lemon, reducing by half. Add heavy cream and reduce until cream th...

Hello all, this is Cassie, Michele's assistant.  Lately she has been going through some difficult times as I'm sure many of you are aware.  She has asked me to join in on her blog for a bit.  We are calling ourselves team longshot because of our struggles.  Recently I had quite the traumatic experience myself and I would like to share my story which hopefully inspires others to keep on fighting even in tough times. Note this is not the horse that kicked me, this is my adorable horse Finally.... (Photo credit Amy Williams) Kermit the frog famously noted that, “It isn’t easy being green,” and I can tell you that returning to normal after a life changing experience is also not so easy.   It is no real secret that life is hard for everyone (all in different ways), and no one in this world is handed special treatment.   Yet some hits in life are harder than others.   Currently, I am struggling with getting my life back together after experiencing some nea...