Adventures N Writing

If you are interested in being a "CRF," here is the deal--I am only able to manage 100 "CRF's," so if you are truly intrerested and want to particpate, I hope you will let me know asap. :) So, here is what a "CRF" is: A "Core Reader Friend" follows this blog. It’s the best feeling for an author to know that there really are readers out there interested in what I write. I consider you a part of my “Core Reader Friends,” and because I do a lot of writing and I will be releasing four more books this year—one under my name as Michele Scott and three more under my pen name A.K. Alexander--I have been thinking of ways to get the information out there on a larger scale about the books. Here is what I am offering the “Core Reader Friends” group, (which will consist of only 100 friends), I would like to e-mail each “CRF” free PDF copies of each of my books three weeks prior to the release. I would be doing this in hopes that first off, you wo...

In the last month a very cool thing has happened for me as an author and I am trying to figure out how it happened. I am hoping my readers will respond to this post either by posting a response here or sending me an e-mail at michele@michelescott.com. You will be entered to win a Kindle. I will announce the winner on my site on July 21st. The questions I am looking to be answered are: 1. What causes you to buy a book--cover, description, etc? 2. What is your favorite genre? 3. Are you inclined to read a series over a stand alone? and 4. What do you think is most important--plot or characters? Also, please tell me a bit about yourself and reading habits if you would like. I am a curious author. :) Here is my story; It is an open account of my journey as a writer. I am posting this in hopes that if anyone is ever feeling down about their work, or life in general, that maybe my story will inspire them. I started out being published in 2005 with the Penguin Publishing group. They ...

It has been a long but fun weekend, and in order to get the week going a good brunch is in order...  This brunch is not only delicious and elegant but easy, too. Serve it with Schramsberg Chardonnay-based, vintage-dated sparkling wine. Blanc de Blancs blends citrus with tropical fruit notes and contains a soft vanilla flavor on the back palate. Huevos Rancheros 6 6-inch corn or flour tortillas vegetable oil 1⁄2 cup onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 12⁄3 cups (14 oz) canned tomatoes, chopped 8–10 green chiles, chopped (substitute: 2 4 oz cans green chile) 3⁄4 tsp salt 6 eggs 1⁄8 tsp pepper 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1⁄4 cup butter, melted Fry tortillas in oil until crispy. As you fry try to form a small well in each tortilla. Place tortillas in a baking dish. You may require two dishes depending on size. Sauté onion and garlic in 2 tbsp of oil until tender. Stir in tomatoes, green chile, and 1⁄2 teaspoon salt. Pour equal amounts of tomato mixture over...

The sun is finally shining after several days of rain here in San Diego.  This reminded me of the perfect time for some skewers and relaxing outside with some great company.  This recipe is from A Vintage Murder part of the Wine Lover's Mystery Series.  All my Wine Lover's Books have great recipes, and Happy Hour also has great food and wine pairings.   ½ cup mango chutney ½ cup orange juice ½ cup sweet and tangy barbecue sauce 8 pineapple chunks, each about 1” square 12 large prawns, peeled and deveined 12 large sea scallops 8 cherry tomatoes 8 pearl onions blanched, peeled In a food processor or blender purée chutney, orange juice, and barbecue sauce until smooth. Thread four 12-inch skewers in the following order: pineapple, prawn, scallop, tomato, onion, prawn, scallop, tomato, onion, prawn, scallop, pineapple. Brush skewers liberally with sauce and place in center of cooking grate. Grill 6 to 8 minutes or until prawns are pink and scallop...

You know it’s a very sad day when you realize that there is going to come a day when your parents will no longer be around. I think there are many of us now between our 40’s and 50’s who are living this reality and on top of that reality, we are also living with the fact that as our parents age, we find ourselves in the position of taking care of them. I now find myself right there in that place. I have always been a caretaker by nature. I was the favored babysitter in the neighborhood as a kid mainly because I had no real social life. But also because I really loved t babysit. I had children fairly young starting in my early twenties and having my third one in my early thirties. I’ve always loved to take care of children and animals. It’s something that makes me feel needed and good. But now in my early forties I am finding that is no longer small kids I am taking care of. I do still take care of my kids but obviously they are older now. And of course I still have a plethora of ani...

It's no mystery ... when you get the girls together, it's gonna be fun and there might be some wine involved! (At least among my girlfriends!) Check out my interview with Girlfriendology the online community for women based on inspiration, appreciation and celebration of female friendship. Girlfriends make us healthier, happier, less stressed, live longer and even feel more beautiful. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/girlfriendology/2011/05/06/girlfriendology-interviews-michele-scott-author-happy-hour

I Love Jamie Oliver and his Food Revolution. What isn't there to love? Here is a guy who wants to really help our kids be healthy. He isn't even from the USA. He just loves kids and people and good food. God bless this guy! We have a country filled with people who have major health issues caused from poor eating habits. Our children are getting deadly diseases like diabetes, they have high blood pressure, and they are growing up perpetuating the fast food nation. SCARY! The opposition that Jamie is facing with the LA School district is appalling to me. These are our educators? Isn't raising and educating our children a top priority? If it is (which apparently it isn't) then don't we want to raise a healthy America? This stuff gets so under my skin. I am fortunate to have healthy eating kids. That comes from the way both my husband and I were raised. My dad always had a garden growing up and I was never forced but always encouraged to try vegetables and fruits. I lo...