Sand & Pearls II

ChristianWriters.com Monthly Blog Chain List

2012-02-19T01:36:00.002-06:00

I'm posting February's list late, because I've only just joined ChristianWriters.com blog chain group.
Each month, I'll post the list, as well as keeping the monthly list at the bottom of my home page over at my book review/everything-else blog, 80 Acres and a Book.
Blessings

ChristianWriters.com February Blog Chain List

2/1: Chris Henderson, TheWriteChris

2/2: Lynn Mosher, Heading Home
2/3: Bill Jones, I Was Thinking the Other Day About
2/4: Scott Fields, Dead Man Writing
2/5: Nona King, Spirit Driven Fiction
2/6: Jacky Brown, JayBees Blog
2/7: Tracy Krauss, Expression Express
2/8: Terrie Thorpe, Light for the Journey
2/9: Chris Vonada, I'm Just Thinkin'
2/10: Debra Ann Elliott, Words are Timeless
2/11: Deborah K. Anderson, Faith, Fiction, and Unvarnished Truth
2/12: Pegg Thomas, The Sheepish Scribe
2/13: Cindee Snider Re, Breathe Deeply
2/14: Suzette, Beautiful You
2/15: Steve Olar, Snickerdoodles
2/16: Edward Lewis, Sowing the Seeds
2/17: Tanya Dennis, In the Dailies
2/18: Traci Bonney, Tracings
2/19: Mike Johnson, The College Field Manual
2/20: Michael Galloway, Horizons
2/21: Keith Wallis, wordsculptures
2/22: Carol Peterson, From Carol's Quill
2/23: Nona King, Word Obsession
2/24: Joseph Lalonde, Joseph Lalonde
2/25: Adam Collings, The Collings Zone
2/26: Marilyn, Life 101: Understanding It All
2/27: Israel Ikhinmwin, Israel's Blog
2/28: CH Dyer, Thoughts and Visions
2/29: Victor Travison, Lightwalker's View

Friday Recipes

2012-02-12T20:26:00.000-06:00

Friday Recipes: Desserts
Punch Bowl Cake

This Friday Recipe was added to my book review blog, 80 Acres and a Book. Just follow the link to see the Punch Bowl Cake recipe.

Is Your Blog Giveaway Legal?

2012-02-01T23:59:00.002-06:00

What are the regulations concerning blogger giveaways?

Last week I planned to host a giveaway both at Sand & Pearls and at my book review blog, 80 Acres and a Book. (Insert shameless blog plug here. : -) Before hosting the giveaway, I researched the regulations concerning blogger giveaways and learned some interesting facts. I’ve also decided to opt out of giveaways, sweepstakes, and contests for the time being, at least. But if you happen to be in my neighborhood, I’ll gladly give you one of my book review books. Just ask.

The FTC, one of the governmental bodies that regulates Contests and Sweepstakes, the others being the Postal Service and the Department of Justice, expects bloggers to comply with federal agencies and follow federal and state laws governing their blog contests, giveaways and sweepstakes. Make no mistake about it, the FTC is watching bloggers. Many bloggers inadvertently promote their blogs against FTC regulations by throwing up ‘giveaways’ that require entrants to ‘follow’ them here-or-there or ‘like’ this-or-that site. I thought of doing this, but it felt wrong to me. So I’m not.

Did you know that. . .

Sweepstakes are prize giveaways where the winners are randomly chosen.

Contests choose a winner based on some merit; best tips, or comments, best recipe, best photo, etc.

Lotteries are prize drawings where people pay money to buy a chance to win. Lotteries are highly regulated and should not be run without consulting legal counsel.

Taking the definition of a sweepstake into account, we see that most blogger ‘giveaways’ fall under the sweepstakes category yet the blogger hosts it as a giveaway. What would Mr. FTC say to you if he dropped by your blog and discovered that your ‘giveaway’ is actually a sweepstakes? I see him now wearing those dark sunglasses and carrying his clipboard. “Hum,” he says in a CIA-monotone that sounds more like fingernails on a chalkboard. “You’re not in compliance with our regulations.” Oh, dear!

Random Facts about Blogger Law

You must report prizes over $600 to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service)

Bloggers must pay taxes on everything they receive with a value of over $25

A lottery’s 3 key elements are: Prize, Chance and Consideration. With this in mind, could requiring someone to like or follow you in order to enter you ‘giveaway’ be interpreted as consideration?

You must not use Facebook features or functionality, such as the Like button, as a voting mechanism for a promotion. (New Term #5) This is found under Facebook’s promotions guidelines.

I hope this post has offered some insight into hosting ‘giveaways’ at blogs. After all, we want the giveaways we host to be an entirely legal event.

Additional Reading

How to Use Contests, Sweepstakes, and Giveaways as Marketing Tools - While Staying Within the Law

Structuring Online Sweepstakes and Contests: New Challenges for Marketers

Next Crackdown on Bloggers: Sweepstakes & Contests

Blog Law – Is Your Giveaway Legal?

Blog Law This is a listing of several articles related to the laws and regulations that govern blogs. Every blogger should bookmark this site.

DISCLAIMER: I am not an attorney. The information included in this post is based solely on my research. Consult an attorney before hosting your own giveaway, sweepstakes, contests, or freebies. Just sayin’.

Scene Structure Part 2: Reactive Scenes

2012-02-01T22:14:00.000-06:00

Scene Structure Part 2: Reactive Scenes

Part 1: Proactive Scene is located here.

A book I picked up more on a lark than not, is now one of my favorite writer’s helps. If you are new to the art of fiction writing, I highly recommend, Writing Fiction for Dummies by Randy Ingermanson and Peter Economy. I simply love this book. Laid out in neat units, it’s easily understood at a glance. But you’ll read it for much longer than a glance. You’ll notice that what I’ve learned and written about I found in Writing Fiction for Dummies and at AdvancedFictionWriting.com

Proactive & Reactive Scenes

Also known as (Action) Scenes and Sequels. For some insight into this read Dwight Swain's book, Techniques of the Selling Writer.

Part 2: Reactive Scenes

I’m sorry I’m late with this post. Better late than never, I suppose!

In Part 1 I discussed the definition of a modern fiction scene and listed the parts of a proactive scene. In Part 2, I’ll discuss the second type of scene in modern fiction; the reactive scene.

Just a bit of a reminder, the two types of scenes used in modern fiction are:

Proactive Scene: In this type of scene the writer creates a goal, a conflict, then a setback or a disaster for the POV character. (POV: Point of View character or the lead character in a scene)

Reactive Scene: In this type of scene the author shows a reaction, a dilemma, and a decision on the part of the POV character.

Reactive scene structure at a glance

A reactive scene generally (generally, I say) follows a proactive scene and begins with the POV character’s reaction to the setback or disaster that occurred in the proactive scene.

Note: Traditionally reactive scenes ran long. Nowadays authors keep them short but affective.

Begin with a Reaction

As I said before, at the beginning of the reactive scene, the POV character is in a reactive state-an emotional place of reaction. The POV character reacts emotionally to the setback or disaster that occurred in the prior proactive scene. This is the time to add deep introspection. Share the POV’s deepest emotions as he/she reacts to the disaster. Adding physical evidence of the POV’s emotion works great too. Meaning? If your POV character is angry he/she might slam a fisted hand against the palm of the opposite hand or yell at the dog. Keeping your POV’s particular personality in mind, add the necessary elements to show the character’s emotion. A good rule of thumb to keep is this. If your novel is more action than emotion, keep the reaction brief. Action is key in an action novel.

Problem Solving

Once your POV character’s emotional reaction is complete, (the character has spent his emotion, actually) it’s time for the character to solve the problem, the setback or disaster that brought about the reaction. This is a time of cool thinking as the character’s emotional introspection has come to an end, for the most part. Keep in mind that the setback or disaster of the previous scene must not be easily solved. We want to give the POV character a cause to stick with the story as well as giving our readers a reason to continue reading. Depending on the setback, it may take several scenes, a chapter, or even the entire book to solve the setback. Make certain that the POV character has little to no good options to solve the problem.

The Conclusion

By the end of the scene your POV character has come to a decision about how to solve the problem. The character must stick with this decision unless that character’s personality is one in which he/she vacillates. Just make certain that the POV character’s decision is based on his/her values, it’s achievable, and that the decision is difficult to attain. If the reader thinks the POV character will attain his goal early on then why continue reading. Keep readers guessing. They love this! So do I.

Thoughts

In proactive scenes the writer creates a goal for the POV character, mixes in lots of trouble, then adds a setback or disaster.

A reactive scene generally follows a proactive scene and shows the POV character’s reaction to the setback of the prior scene. The POV character then must decide what to do about the setback and finally makes a decision based upon his/her values and abilities.

Proactive and reactive scenes do not always follow one upon another. It is not unheard of to skip reactive scenes altogether, the author may sum up the POV’s reaction in a short paragraph following the proactive scene.

Reactive scenes may not occur until later in a chapter or book when switching between POV characters. A technique I’ve used in past is to have my character simply explain her reaction to a proactive scene to another character. Make certain you use dialogue and always show the story, don’t tell it.

Additional Reading

Fiction Writing for Dummies by Randy Ingermanson and Peter Economy

Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain

Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell

Web sites

Writing the Perfect Scene at AdvancedFictionWriting.com

Happy fiction writing,

Stephanie Boles

Writing is my ministry, not my job

The Regency Feature Article: The Prince Regent

2012-01-16T15:26:00.002-06:00

The Regency Feature
The Prince Regent: An Introduction

George IV, the first born son of King George III and Queen Charlotte, entered this world on August 12, 1762. The eldest of fifteen children, he was named the Prince of Wales five days after his birth.

By 1811 George III no longer ruled due to illness, and George IV took the throne in his stead. Known as the Prince Regent, the Prince reigned from 1811-1820, thus, the name, the Regency Era. In 1820 the Prince Regent ascended to the throne as King George IV.

The following are quotes from those who best knew George IV.

Rather tall. . . (and) striking. . .(but) inclined to be too fat and looks too much like a woman in men's clothes. . .he is good-natur'd and rather extravagant. . .
~Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, describing the twenty-year-old prince.

(The prince will become either) the most polished gentleman or the most accomplished blackguard in Europe. Possibly an admixture of both.
~Dr. Richard Hurd, bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, one of George's praeceptors (teachers).

Princes must serve as examples to others.
~George III to his son, George, Prince of Wales.

An Introduction to the Prince Regent

From an early age, George IV allowed impulse to rule his life. He sought pleasure in abundance and spent to excess. He had many mistresses without seeming to concern himself that his conduct was immoral, selfish, and that it garnered the resentment and disrespect of British citizens and peers alike. His reckless spending gained him debt to the tune of 630,000 pounds by his mid-thirties. With this debt hanging over his head, he wed Caroline of Brunswick as a means to increase his income. While Parliament did increase his income, they took a large portion of it as payment on his debt.
While the Prince Regent seemed driven by his selfish desires for excess, his admiration of the arts effectively brought the eyes of a nation to appreciate literature, artwork and architecture.

Prinny, to those intimately acquainted with him, he admired Jane Austen's work and Sir Walter Scott. He bought the paintings of artists and made certain of the artwork's preservation. He commissioned the architect, John Nash, for the remodel of Buckingham Palace and several other jobs.
Perhaps we can remember with fondness the good that the Prince Regent affected, rather than the selfish endeavors which led him to die in seclusion at Windsor at the age of 67.

The Prince Regent's Words
Indiscretions I may have been guilty of but of none with a criminal intent.
~Letter from the Prince (Regent) to Colonel Hotham, his personal treasurer, June 1783.
I have the good fortune to possess so many brothers that the stake of my life can be of little political importance. I beg Your Majesty to permit me to display the best energies of my character, to shed the last drop of my blood in support of Your Majesty's person, crown and dignity. . .
~Letter from the Prince (Regent) to the king, 1795.

George IV was a lively part of the Regency Era. I quite enjoy reading and learning about.

Further Reading

Prince of Pleasure: The Prince of Wales and the Making of the Regency, by David Saul, 2000, Grove Press

Trojan Virus Attack!

2012-01-16T13:51:00.001-06:00

Don't you just hate those Trojans? The virus type, I mean. Three weeks ago one attacked my computer. I've finally cleared everything up and I'm back to working online again. Blogging too.

You know the adage, When it Rains it Pours. My father-in-law died, we buried him, I had no heart to blog then when I did the Trojans got me. Oh, I do like saying that for some odd reason. Lol!

Thanks for your patience while I was gone.

Crazy Lines!

2011-12-30T19:11:00.002-06:00

I'm sorry about the crazy offset lines here at my blog. I've just dropped by for the first time since my father-in-law's funeral on December 5th. Just a note to say, I'm aware of the problem and I'm working to resolve it.
Blessings and have a blessed New Year!

Writing Mistakes

2011-12-01T00:20:00.000-06:00

Writing Mistakes

Some writers never get past the first page of their story. Why? They wait for the inspiration to write to motivate them into a creative genius.

Don’t wait for inspiration before you write!

The truth of the matter is, most successful writers don’t wait for inspiration to hit them before they plop down at their desk, or wherever they accomplish their work, and plunk their way through the first hour or so of writing. They simply get to work. Why? Common sense dictates that a chore won't complete itself. Writing is some days, a chore. Just get to work, get it done. That story won’t write itself.

I cannot tell you the number of times that I literally talk myself into writing. I often do not feel inspired to write. But I remind myself that that’s all in a day’s work. I just do the work. And you should too. Even if you’re churning out mediocre work, at least you’re writing. You can always improve upon that mediocre work or toss it out, learn from your mistakes, and begin afresh.

All good writers know that they must train in all aspects of fiction writing, and then apply what they’ve learned on a daily basis. First learn the basic structure of a story, then practice those techniques until you master the art of fiction writing. Think of writing as a sport. You are training in the sport of writing. Learn your sport, practice your techniques until you’re so good at it that you become a winner.

The best way to train in the art of fiction writing is to establish a routine of writing. Follow a schedule and do not skip “practice.” Some days will prove more difficult than others, but adhere to your writing schedule and you’ll soon see success in the form of improved writing. And hopefully, eventual publication.

Remember, writing is often taxing work. But your diligence in doing the work will pay off in the form of improved writing. So, what are you waiting for? Skip the inspiration and get to work.

Happy writing!

Books:

Fiction Writing for Dummies by Randy Ingermanson and Peter Economy

Friday Recipes: Sweet and Salty Pecan Pie

2011-11-27T00:56:00.002-06:00

Friday Recipes: Desserts
Sweet and Salty Pecan Pie

If you’re like me and you enjoy the taste of sweet and salty deserts, then this pie is for you! I created it because I love the sweet and salty granola-type bars. Alter this recipe to suit yourself and enjoy. We certainly did, on Thanksgiving Day.

Ingredients

· 3/4 cup sugar (granulated)

· 1 1/2 cups corn syrup (I mixed mine by adding 1 cup dark and ½ cup light.)

· 4 eggs, slightly beaten

· 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened but not melted

· 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

· 1 1/2 cups whole pecans

· Kosher salt

· 1 unbaked deep dish pie shell

Directions

Boil sugar and corn syrup together until the sugar dissolves well-2 to 3 minutes will do. Afterward, set aside the sugar-syrup mixture to cool slightly. Lightly beat the eggs in a large bowl (Hint: use a heat proof bowl) then pour the syrup mixture into the eggs. Stir constantly to prevent lumping. If lumps appear stir and break them up. Remove or strain stubborn lumps from mixture. Stir in butter or margarine, vanilla, pecans, and a dash of Kosher salt. Pour into unbaked pie shell and bake on center rake in a 350° oven for 40 to 60 minutes. When the top of the pie is no longer runny sprinkle Kosher salt to taste over the entire top. Continue cooking. The pie will set somewhat firm but not overmuch otherwise the pecans will be too hard to eat.

Serve with vanilla ice-cream or cool whip.

Inspirational Fiction Notes

2011-11-20T02:07:00.000-06:00

Sit down and put down everything that comes into your head and then you're a writer. But an author is one who can judge his own stuff's worth, without pity, and destroy most of it.
~Sidonie Gabrielle

Inspirational Fiction Notes

2011-10-22T20:24:00.001-05:00

How do I find inspiration for my fiction stories?

In a sentence, I use the emotions wrought by my personal experiences and spin stories around said experiences in the hope that my written works will somehow encourage others.

Blessings,
Stephanie Boles
Writing is my ministry, not my job

Regency Tidbits: Regency Proposals

2011-10-12T16:28:00.001-05:00

Rejecting an Undesirable Offer of Marriage

How might a Regency lady handle an offer of marriage from a gentleman who she deems decidedly disinteresting?

To decline an unwanted marriage proposal, the lady might first try distracting the gentleman by handing him off to a girlfriend less fastidious than herself. If he refuses to depart her company after this ploy, she could attempt to run the gentleman off with outright incivility. Better than incivility is the swoon.

Nothing makes a man retract a marriage proposal like a swoon! Upon a lady’s swoon, the wise Regency gentleman would skulk away without pressing the matter, for fear he might gain the hand of a lady as prone to hysterics as Jane Austen's fictional Mrs. Bennet.

Friday Recipes: Meals for Busy Cooks

2011-10-09T17:00:00.000-05:00

Overnight Casserole Recipes

Busy? Needing some quick recipes. Well, I certainly did. I did an internet search and came up with these recipes at About.com Busy Cooks. As always, I like to share links so here it is. Enjoy!
http://busycooks.about.com/od/makeaheadrecipes/a/overnightcasser.htm

The Author's Path

2011-10-09T16:26:00.004-05:00

Where Have You Been? I haven’t seen any new blog posts from you in a while.

Someone asked me that question recently. I simply shrugged and said, "After my daughter healed from having had surgery due to MRSA, I've been quite literally buried in house remodeling." I felt only somewhat chastised for not posting at my blogs for over two months. But only somewhat.

When I look around my house at the work I’ve completed I feel so thankful. And yes, I could have blogged and completed all the heavy remodeling work at once. I suppose. But I just didn’t. I’ve worked virtually from sunup to sundown on my house, completing the bathroom and very nearly the kitchen work. I was so weary and even discouraged from having to do all the carpentry alone, that by the evenings, I simply had no desire to speak much less write or blog. And yes, I realize my lack of blogging desire came more from emotional discouragement then actual physical exhaustion. I was terribly discouraged during the push to complete my home’s interior remodel. I was also very alone in my efforts. That is never a place a person should live. Isolation breeds discontent. But it’s over and I intend to use those feelings of discontent to fuel certain characters personalities in my future books. All is well that ends well, I suppose.

I’m so thankful that God strengthened not only my resolve but my physical body to push through the remodel work, and I now say, I’m done with the hard physical part of remodeling our little cottage. Woo hoo!!! And yes, that’s me patting myself on the back and feeling mighty thankful for God's abiding love and strength. If only you could have been a fly on the wall, you’d understand just how difficult it was for me to drag around each day and do the labor intensive carpentry work. Alone, with a painful neck injury, a hernia, and chronic pain due to Fibromyalgia, well it was crazy hard!. Enough said.

I still have to put up cove molding and baseboards in the kitchen and cove molding elsewhere, paint and touchup here and there. But compared to the difficult work I’ve done in the past, these are small weekend projects. Now, I can look around our cottage and sigh with thankfulness. No more taxing carpentry work for this chick! (Well, being a woman of a certain age, I’m more like an old, bedraggled hen on her last leg!)

I’m so excited. I can get back to my life! I won’t promise tons of blog posts, but I’ll blog more often. And, my fiction writing, which I put on hold while I worked on the remodel the past two months, is once again second to none but my children. Yeah! I can write again.

So, I’m off to post a book review at my other blog, "80 Acres and a Book".
http://80acresandabook.blogspot.com/

When you think you can't do a thing, just as I thought I'd never complete the building and interior remodeling on our house, remember, God grants strength to do what you must.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

Blessings!
Stephanie Boles
Writing is my ministry, not my job

Delayed Posting

2011-07-25T09:31:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry for the delay in posts. I realize I was to post the second part of Scene Structure (Scene Structure Proactive & Reactive Scenes Part 2: Reactive Scenes). And I will soon. But right now my daughter is sick with a staph infection, MRSA. Once she's well enough, I'll post.
Thanks for understanding,
Blessings
Stephanie Boles
Writing is my ministry, not my job

Scene Structure: Proactive Scenes

2011-07-13T00:18:00.010-05:00

Scene Structure Part 1: Proactive Scenes

Proactive & Reactive Scenes

Also known as (Action) Scenes and Sequels. For some insight into this read Dwight Swain's book, Techniques of the Selling Writer.

Part 1: Proactive Scenes

First, let’s define the term ‘scene’ as used in modern fiction. A scene is the elementary unit of fiction. Without proper understanding or the ability to write a gripping yet properly-structured scene, a writer is doomed to fail at fiction writing. When structured correctly, scenes act as tiny puzzle pieces that fit intricately together to reveal the entire picture (or story) by the end of the book. And like the three-act structured book, each scene has a beginning, middle, and an end.

I list and define the two types of scenes in modern fiction below. In today’s post, I further discuss the proactive scene. Next week, I’ll discuss the reactive scene.

Proactive Scene: In this type of scene the writer creates a goal, a conflict, then a setback or a disaster for the POV character. (POV: Point of View character or the lead character in a scene)

Reactive Scene: In this type of scene the author shows a reaction, a dilemma, and a decision on the part of the POV character.

Proactive scene structure at a glance

This type of scene is more commonly used and follows the order mentioned above; goal, conflict, setback or a disaster.

Begin with a Goal

Begin the scene by giving the lead character (POV) a goal. Clearly define the goal at the outset of the scene. No ambiguity! The reader must share in the POV’s feelings to reach the goal. Readers who relate to a POV character invest themselves in the novel and read it to the end. In order to participate emotionally in the POV’s bid to attain said goal, readers must clearly understand the POV’s goal.

Add conflict

Now, around the middle of the scene let’s spice things up by adding hard-to-overcome conflict. Oh, I love this part! Conflicts are obstacles that stand between the POV and his/her goal. Conflicts can be emotional or physical. The key to remember is to make the POV work hard to attain his/her goal and share the excruciating experience with readers. The conflict portion of the scene is the major part of the scene, using upwards of 90 percent.

Finish with a goal-thwarting setback or disaster

By the end of the scene, preferably the very last paragraph or sentence, our poor POV hits a snag brought on by those pesky obstacles from the middle of the scene. Or, the writer may choose to write a setback unrelated to the obstacles. Remember, the setback must follow a logical course and the POV must not reach his/her goal. Make the reader want to turn to the next page. Write an exciting story. A page-turner is one that gives the reader an exciting emotional experience. Don’t cheat the reader by granting the POV his/her every wish. Creating an easy world for the POV bores readers. Make the POV’s life difficult, make the POV strive to achieve every goal.

Note: If you allow the POV to reach the goal of the scene, then nullify the achievement by bringing in a disaster or setback at the very end of the scene.

Questions to ask yourself

Does the scene flow logically and fit logically into the story?

Is the POV character’s goal believable? Is it achievable? If not, the reader feels little investment in the scene and may lose interest in the story altogether.

Does the scene move the story along? If not, delete it.

Throughout every scene make the reader feel the story
Remember, no amount of properly-structured scene writing can replace giving readers what they long for; a strong emotional experience. So, never forget to write your POV character through the eyes of the reader. What? Write your POV character so well that readers feel they walk in the POV character’s shoes.

Additional Reading

Fiction Writing for Dummies by Randy Ingermanson and Peter Economy
Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain
Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell

Web sites

Writing the Perfect Scene at AdvancedFictionWriting.com

Happy fiction writing,

Stephanie Boles

Writing is my ministry, not my job

The Regency Feature Article Index

2011-07-02T02:11:00.004-05:00

To read The Regency Feature article of your choice, click on a title.

Veiled in Mystery: The Language of the Hand Fan

The Prince Regent: AnIntroduction

Free Writing Lessons Table of Contents

2011-07-01T22:18:00.010-05:00

Free Writing Lessons Table of Contents
Free? Yes, I said free.
Click on individual titles to view the post.

1. Layering Scenes

2. Story Theme

3. Scene Structure Part 1: Proactive Scenes

4. Scene Structure Part2: Reactive Scenes

5. Common Writing Problems by Cec Murphey. This series is posted by Cec Murphey at his blog, Writer to Writer. The series lists 1-50 common writing problems Cec Murphey has seen in his mentoring clinics.

Friday Recipes: Steph’s Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

2011-07-01T15:51:00.003-05:00

Friday Recipes: Sandwiches
Steph’s Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

This recipe makes 4-6 sandwiches, depending on the size of chicken breasts and your appetite.

I use my cast-iron grill pan for cooking this chicken. The chicken cooks up tender and moist. It’s delicious!

Ingredients

2-4 uncooked chicken breasts, thawed.

*Meat tenderizer

Pepper, to taste

Dried Italian seasoning, to taste (You may substitute fresh Italian herbs, if available. Just cook them along with the chicken breasts.)

Extra virgin olive oil

4 large Italian sub buns. (The key is to have buns large enough to accommodate the grilled chicken, so pick your favorite large buns and enjoy!)

4 slices cheddar cheese (Use whatever cheese you prefer)

4-8 slices cooked bacon

Several sliced fresh tomato, sliced thin

Fresh large lettuce leaves

*Note: As the meat tenderizer has added salt, you’ll not need to salt the chicken.

Toast Buns

Turn oven to broil. Cut each bun open and place on baking sheet. Place in oven and toast to a lovely golden brown. The buns toast quickly, so keep an eye on them! Once toasted, remove from oven and set aside.

Cook Chicken

Begin by removing fat and grizzle from the chicken breasts. Then, using a meat mallet or other heavy object, tenderize the chicken breasts by pounding them. This is the fun part. Just beat out all the frustration of the day on those poor ole chicken breasts! Pound the breasts to ½ thick. Hint: For easy clean up, place the chicken in a 1 gallon Ziploc bag before pounding it.

Afterward, sprinkle the chicken, one side at a time, with tenderizer, pepper to taste, and dried Italian seasoning. Gently rub olive oil into each side of chicken breasts, using enough to coat each side. Be careful not to rub away the seasonings you added. Set aside.

Prepare cast-iron grill pan by adding just a dash of olive oil. (Only enough to kept the chicken from sticking hopelessly to the pan.) Heat the pan until it’s screaming hot. Now, using tongs, add chicken breasts, likely only 2 or 3 will fit at once. Sear chicken breasts (each side) until beautifully browned, then cook thoroughly until no longer pink. Around 10 minutes per breast. Cooking times may vary. Remember the internal temperature of properly cooked chicken is 160°. Set aside to cool slightly.

Assemble Sandwiches

Add condiments to bun sections and place one piece of grilled chicken on each bottom section of the buns. If chicken breasts are too large, slice to fit buns. Top each grilled chicken breast with cheese, lettuce, tomato slices, and 1-2 slices of cooked bacon. Add bun tops and cut sandwich diagonally before serving.

Condiments

You may use your choice of condiments to add flavor to your sandwiches. I mixed mayonnaise and pickle relish and slathered it on the buns before assembling the sandwiches.

Variations of this recipe:

Tuscan-style grilled chicken sandwiches with mozzarella cheese slices, a bit of fresh garlic, and roasted sweet peppers.

Chipotle grilled chicken sandwiches with a dash of chipotle chile powder and Monterey Jack cheese.

Jalapeno grilled chicken sandwiches with what else? Jalapeno peppers.

Try mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert. Delicious!

Friday Recipes: Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Potatoes

2011-07-01T15:45:00.003-05:00

Friday Recipes: Vegetables
Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

6-8 medium potatoes

Extra virgin olive oil (enough to coat uncooked potatoes)

1 small garlic bulb broken into individual cloves (You can peel the cloves or not. For this recipe it really doesn’t matter. But do clean them.)

4 Rosemary sprigs or ¼ cup dried rosemary (you may add other herbs as well, suit your own taste)

Fine sea salt

Wash and thoroughly dry the potatoes. Do not peel! These potatoes are cooked with the skins on. Cut them lengthwise, slicing them the same as for potato wedges. In a large baking pan, sprinkle herbs and individual garlic cloves all around. The garlic doesn’t overpower the potatoes. It adds just the right amount of flavor. Coat potato wedges with olive oil. You may want to use a bowl for this, or simply use your hands. Place potato wedges on pan with skins down and pour on more olive oil if the potatoes seem too dry. Be careful not to add too much olive oil! Sprinkle with sea salt. Cook in 375° oven for 25to 30 minutes or until potato wedges are tender, crisp and brown. Remove from oven, place on platter, and sprinkle with a dash of pepper and more sea salt if desired.

Finding Motivation to Write

2011-06-16T00:58:00.008-05:00

Finding Motivation to Write

During the past year, my family endured several difficult trails. As a family we were shaken, not only by my father-in-law’s cancer diagnosis, but also by circumstances in our church. My tears could have drenched a thirsty land during the past year. My heart was broken, my desire to write . . .GONE. Actually, my desire to do pretty much anything was gone.

What little I wrote, I had to force myself to do. My mind, my heart, simply wasn’t in my work. It is with that thought in mind that I write this post tonight. Without motivation, how can a writer, well, write?

Suggested Ways to Gain Writing Motivation

Pray
Yes, pray. I am a Christian author and therefore write this from my perspective. Sometimes all it takes is a time of prayer to stimulate your motivation.

What is Your Purpose
As a writer, that is. Why do you write? Find your purpose and stick to it. Motivation should follow suit.

Join a Writer’s Group
If you are the type who needs accountability in your writing, then joining a writer’s group is just the thing. Your fellow writers will help to keep you on track!

Find Validation
It’s difficult to feel the motivation for writing, if you write without validation. Find it in your pastor, your teachers, your friends. Even if that validation comes from a family member, it’s still validation and a writer simply feels better for it.

Take a Break
There are times, like the past year I’ve had, that a writer simply needs to take a break from writing. If you’re working on a deadline, obviously you cannot stop writing for a long period of time, but taking a few hours or even a day off may help renew that all-important motivation.

Make Some Changes
Change something. Rearrange your writing space, clean off your desk. Refresh. . .something. Perhaps, just perhaps you’ll gain some amount of motivation from the changes.

Focus on Your Completed Project
If discouragement creeps in, focus on the end. Encourage yourself by reminding yourself of the end of your writing project.

Stay on Schedule
Following a schedule is of upmost importance for most writers. Set a writing schedule and stick to it.

Write
If you need a break, take it then offer no excuses. Just write.

Friday Recipes: Inexpensive Meals

2011-05-28T21:43:00.002-05:00

Friday Recipes: Inexpensive Yet Tasty Meals

For those starving writers out there, I’m adding a recipe link this week. It’s called 30 meals for $3. Can’t beat that, eh?

Blessings and enjoy cooking and eating.

30 Meals for $3 at HyVee.com

Writing

2011-05-01T07:52:00.000-05:00

All writing comes by the grace of God.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Fridays Recipes: Butter Stewed Okra and Tomatoes

2011-05-01T07:42:00.008-05:00

Fridays Recipes: Vegetables
Butter Stewed Okra and Tomatoes

Okra and tomatoes simmered with onions makes a delicious vegetable side dish.

Ingredients

1 onion, chopped

Okra, 2-3 cups (I generally use whatever I have in the garden. If you haven’t any fresh okra, then canned will do, just don’t cook it as long.)

A dollop of butter or margarine: I use enough to sauté the onions

Tomatoes, 2 large fresh or 1-2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced fire-roasted, with juice

Sea salt or Kosher salt, if you prefer, and black pepper

Water or chicken broth

Directions

Using a sauté pan, melt butter and sauté the chopped onions over medium heat until slightly tender. Note: If you use canned okra and tomatoes, cook onions until they are completely tender. Add okra and cook another 2-5 minutes. You may add water or chicken broth if the pan is too dry. Stir in chopped tomatoes and the reserved juice. Season to taste, using salt and pepper. Use your imagination. This is your dish. Add hot peppers if you like a spicy dish. Now, simmer until all ingredients are tender and the flavors meld together, around 10-15 minutes for fresh vegetables and 5-10 for canned.

Variation of this dish

You may use bacon fat (grease) instead of butter by frying 2-4 slices bacon, then draining excess rendered bacon fat and sautéing the onion in the fat. Afterward cook the okra and tomatoes as above. Sprinkle crumpled bacon atop the dish before serving.

Friday Recipes: Orange Cookies

2011-04-08T13:51:00.001-05:00

Friday Recipes: Cookies
Orange Cookies

These cookies are delicious! Popping one in your mouth is like eating a bite of orange-flavored fluff.

The Cookies

¾ cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup vegetable shortening

1 egg

1 tablespoon orange zest

½ cup orange juice

2 ¼ cups flour (all purpose)

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

Mix first 3 ingredients. Add orange zest and juice. Sift last 4 ingredients together and add to mixture, blending until smooth. Pour 2 teaspoon-size cookies onto cookie sheet. Bake around 7 minutes until the cookies are golden brown. Cool them on cookie racks and frost with orange icing.

Icing

3 cups confectioner sugar

4 tablespoons butter or margarine

1 ½ tablespoons orange zest

2 ½ tablespoons orange juice (add a little at a time until icing is moistened)

Mix all ingredients until smooth and frost cooled cookies.

Friday Recipes: Roast Potatoes

2011-04-02T09:36:00.006-05:00

Friday Recipes: Vegetables
Roast Potatoes
I’m sorry my Friday Recipes post is a day late this week, friends. Forgive me??? I had the flu this week and simply didn’t get to my post.

Anyone for roast potatoes? My family loves roast potatoes. And it’s easy to make delicious roast potatoes. I’m simply adding a Youtube recipe video for this week’s Friday Recipes post. If you follow the instructions, you’ll have no problem making roast potatoes that are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. For added flavor, season the potatoes any way you like.

Enjoy!

Historical Story Settings: The Roman Baths of Bath, England

2011-03-25T08:34:00.006-05:00

The Roman Baths of Bath, England

Although not a true garden, in the sense of the word, the Roman Baths in Bath England engender the atmosphere of a garden party.

Bath, England boasts a rich history dating back to the time of the Celts who built the first shrine, the Temple of Aquae Sulis, at the Bath springs. Later, during the Roman occupation of Britain word of Bath's healing waters drew visitors from across the Roman Empire.

Members of the ton enjoyed a stay in Bath on occasion. Jane Austen included Bath in her work. It was all the rage to travel to Bath to "take the waters."

Nowadays, people are not permitted to "take the waters" of the original Roman baths as the water is unsafe due to high levels of lead. But the new Thermae Spa built in 2004 allows bathers to experience the healing waters just as the Romans did. And in the neoclassic Pump room one can actually drink the spa water as did Jane Austen's characters and many people throughout history.

Ton: The term used when referring to the upper echelons of Regency society, also the Upper Ten Thousand. Ton derives from the French 'Le bon ton' meaning good manners or in the fashionable mode.

Links:

RomanBaths

Friday Recipes: Health Salad

2011-03-25T08:30:00.001-05:00

Friday Recipes: Salad
Health Salad

Salad

Filled with fresh vegetables and spiced with Italian Dressing, this salad is delicious and easy to make. Adding red cabbage, red onion slices, and other colorful vegetables makes this salad not only beautiful, but scrumptious. Beautify your Heath Salad by adding your choice of favorite vegetables.

Ingredients:

Broccoli Florets

Cauliflower Florets

Bell Pepper sliced into small wedges. (Choice of color)

Red Onion Slices

Carrot Slices

Tomatoes (use whole sliced tomatoes or small Roma tomatoes, whole.

Cucumbers, sliced.

Celery, sliced.

Radishes cut into bite-sized pieces

Red Cabbage, cut up

Wash and prepare all vegetables according to ingredient list then mix together in a large bowl.

Dressing

Use Italian Dressing or make you own Italian style dressing. Pour dressing over salad, gently toss, and refrigerator overnight. This salad tastes great when first made, but the flavor improves overnight as the vegetables absorb the dressing.

Enough to feed a large family!

Enjoy

Write as unto the Lord

2011-03-23T13:36:00.000-05:00

A note to Christian writers:

Wash your face every morning in a bath of praise.
~Charles Spurgeon

After that, pray, dedicate your day and your writing to the Lord, then write, write, write.

Have a great day!

The Regency Feature "Veiled in Mystery: The Language of the Hand Fan"

2011-03-18T17:26:00.010-05:00

Veiled in Mystery: The Language of the Hand Fan

©Stephanie Boles

When words proved too daring, it is whispered that ladies in history employed fans to communicate their unspoken thoughts to those around them.

According to Sir Richard Steele, who wrote in the "Tatler" on the 4th of August 1709, he dubbed the fan the armour of woman.

"You may observe in all public Assemblies the sexes seems to separate themselves and to attack each other with eye-shot, that is the time when the fan, which is the armour of woman, is of most use in her defence, for our minds are constructed by the waving of that little instrument, and our thoughts appear in composure or agitation according to the motion of it." ~ Sir Richard Steele in "Tatler" on the 4th August 1709.

The use of hand fans extends far back in history. Used for ceremonial and decorative purposes, as well as for cooling and handheld insect repellents, the fan played a central role in society. Even King Tut of Egypt insisted that his servants keep him cool and ward of insects by stirring the air via use of special fans made upon long handles.

In the past, skilled fan makers crafted the best of fans. The materials used to create fans may seem somewhat surprising. Precious materials such as carved tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, and ivory made up the structure (the sticks or ribs) of the fan. Often inlaid and adorned with gold, jewels, and other precious items, these materials added a touch of elegance and personality to individual fans. To create the leaves of the fan, makers used various materials. Among the list of acceptable and sought after leaf-making materials the crafter might employ feathers, lace, fine paper, and silk, to name a few. Intricate paintings often adorned the fans.

Excerpt taken from my book, "When Morning Breaks"
Notice how Georgette uses her fan at the beginning of the scene.

Snapping her fan open, Georgette attempted to calm her overwrought emotions. Glancing around the ballroom, she tried not to dwell on the hurt she felt. A stately gentleman with tawny hair and sky blue eyes sipped from a glass of refreshment adjacent their group. When he caught her peering at him, he tipped his head in greeting. She averted her eyes and whispered to her uncle, “May I ask that gentleman's name, Uncle?”

William scratched his head. “You stare at the Duke of Travenor.”

“Oh,” she said and studied Duke Travenor from behind her fan. Camilla would be intrigued by his tawny looks. Is he unmarried?”

“Ah . . . yes, I believe I've heard it spoken about town that he may be in the market for a wife.” William tapped his forehead with one long finger.

Georgette smiled at her uncle's obvious confusion. She really should explain to him that Duke Travenor did not appeal to her. She merely considered him on Camilla's behalf. She tried to ignore Desmond when he edged beside her.

He tugged the fan from her hand. “If you must gawk, try to be less conspicuous about it.”

Derrick chuckled.

Georgette yanked her fan out of Desmond's hand and pointed it at him. “Why should you care who I gaw. . . er . . . glance at?”

“I care because . . ." Desmond's voice dropped to a quiet whisper. “I cannot help but speculate how many of your cohorts returned to England with you. Is that man one of them?”

Georgette sucked in a sharp breath, but kept her voice low. “You dare to accuse me of presently working as a spy?”

“I dare. Are you?”

She pressed a wayward strand of hair from her face and smirked at him. "I shall leave that for you to discover, Duke Blackwood.”

“Yes and when I do, I'll put a stop to your treason.”

“You haven't the wit or the strength.” Georgette instantly regretted blurting the drivel. It did not surprise her to see him bristle with anger.

He leaned threateningly near. “Don't tempt me.”

She retreated one small step.

His eyes narrowed into ominous slits. “I'll toss you over my shoulder and carry you from this ballroom. No one will stop me from locking you away in my home until I determine just how to punish you for spying. Dukes hold the privilege of power, after all.”

Georgette gulped. An involuntary tremble rattled her bones. Deep down she feared Desmond's threat would somehow come to pass.

***

Georgette's fan played a significant role in this conversation. To the degree that she felt bereft when Desmond tore it from her hand, and she yanked it away from him. In the Regency Era, and indeed, much before that, ladies learned the fine art of fan manipulation and would not attend a ball or high-society function without a fashionable fan dangling from one wrest. So it was with Georgette. And she used her fan to her advantage.

The precise origin of the language of the fan is veiled in mystery. Rumor dictates that certain resourceful ladies of the courts of England and Spain, bound by rules of etiquette, developed the language of the fan as a means of discreetly communicating with their swains. Whether the language of the fan sprang from the royal courts of Europe or someone's imagination; suffice it to say that the art of speaking with the fan intrigues countless ladies and gentlemen even in today's society. And so, I've added a short list of this language.

1. To open and close the fan several times: "You are cruel."

2. Carrying the fan in the right hand, in front of the face: "Follow me."

3. Covering the left ear with an open fan: "Do not betray our secret."

4. Draw the fan through the hand: "I hate you."

5. Drawing the fan across the cheek: "I love you."

6. Fanning slowly: "I'm married."

7. Rest the fan on the right cheek: "Yes."

8. Rest the fan on the left cheek: "No."

9. Press the handle to the lips: "Kiss me."

10. If the lady places the fan near her heart: "You've won my love."

11. Touching one palm with the fan: "Love me."

12. Striking an object: "I am impatient."

13. Opening the fan halfway before the face: "We're being watched."

14. Touch the tip of the fan with one finger: "I want to speak to you."

15. Fan spread wide open: "Wait for me."

This author admits to having waved away the stifling heat—and some rather ravenous mosquitoes—on a Florida summer day with the promotional paper fans of bygone years. And truth be told, I still enjoy the breeze created by a fan. But the touch of a beautifully made and ornamented fan in my hand quite brings out the Southern Belle in me! I find I must flutter my lashes and place the fan near my heart as I gaze upon my true love.

With fan in hand, ladies of distinction communicated far more than mere words could ever express.

And so, too, can we.

Wield those fans, ladies!

Resources

“The Book of Fans” Nancy Armstrong, 1978 Mayflower Books, Inc.

“Novelty Hand Fans, Fashionable Functional Fun Accessories of the Past”, Cynthia Fendel, 2006 Hand Fan Productions

Links

The History of the Fan

A List of 9 Pages of Gorgeous Antique Fans Photos

The Costumer’s Manifesto: Fan Pages and Links

French Hand FANS: Flirtatious, Fashionable, Functional

Friday Recipes: Easy Chicken & Dumplings

2011-03-18T17:19:00.005-05:00

Friday Recipes: Main Dish
Easy Chicken & Dumplings (Bisquick Style)

Since my daughter is sick with the flu, and I’m not feeling so well either I wanted to cook a good yet easy meal tonight. My family wants dumplings. So….I made easy Bisquick dumplings.

Ingredients

Bisquick Mix
Chicken (You can use a whole cut up chicken or simply chicken thighs. Use breasts if you prefer white meat only)
Salt & Pepper to taste (I use Sea Salt)

Boil chicken in just enough water to cover it. This takes an hour or so. Check chicken for doneness, then remove meat from bones and cut into bite-size pieces. Pour broth from pot through a strainer to remove any bits of bone and skin, then pour broth back into the pot. Bring broth to a gentle boil and add chopped chicken to it. You may want to add some chicken bouillon if your broth needs it.

Meanwhile, mix 2 cups Bisquick mix and ¾ cup milk. (*I use buttermilk.) Add a bit of sea salt and a dash of pepper to the Bisquick mix before adding the milk. Stir and drop by rounded tablespoons onto chicken and broth. Cook uncovered over low-medium heat for 10 minutes. Cover and cook another 10 minutes. Check your dumplings often to make certain the meat/broth isn’t scorching on the bottom.

Once the dumplings are light and fluffy, remove pan from burner and serve chicken & dumplings in a fine old antique dish. Add a *Health Salad, made the night before, and a glass of Deep South sweet tea and this makes a great meal. Umm-umm good!

*Buttermilk makes a heavier dumpling than whole milk.

*Next Friday’s “Friday Recipe” post will be the Health Salad.

Enjoy your dumplings.
Blessings!

Inspirational Fiction Notes

2011-03-16T11:20:00.002-05:00

"Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self."
— Cyril Connolly

Regency Reads' Definitions

2011-03-11T22:07:00.002-06:00

What do the words abigail, blunt, rake or rakehell, leg-shackled or the phrases bye blow, devil take it, darken one’s daylights, to cut or give one the ‘cut direct’ all have in common? They are common words and phrases found in Regency historicals. Readers of Regency works recognize and know the meanings of these words without hesitation. But for those new to Regency or for those unacquainted with these seemingly odd words and phrases, I thought it might be fun to add a small listing of Regency words. Enjoy!

Many of the below definitions were taken from Captain Grose’s, 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.

Mini Regency Glossary

Abigail: A lady's waiting-maid.

Ague: A febrile condition used to indicate malaria. It was later used to signify a cold and fever. In book 1 of my Called to His Purpose series ague ravaged Georgette's body for several days. She suffered from cold and fever.

Apoplexy: A stroke

Assembly rooms: This is a place (often rented, usually ballrooms) used for the ton to enjoy private gatherings. Almack's is one such place. Almack's subscription balls were a must for anyone that longed to be a part of the haute ton. (Also haute monde or haut monde)

Bad bargain: also His Majesty's bad bargain, a worthless soldier. (Army slang)

Barking irons: Dueling pistols.

Blunt: Money (Cant)

Bye blow: This is a vulgar name for an illegitimate child. In other words, a bas. . .

Cock up one's toes: This expression simply means 'to die'. (slang)

Cut, to cut, give someone the ‘cut direct’: (Cambridge.) To renounce acquaintance with any one is to CUT him. There are several species of the CUT. Such as the cut direct, the cut indirect, the cut sublime, the cut infernal, &c. The cut direct, is to start across the street, at the approach of the obnoxious person in order to avoid him. The cut indirect, is to look another way, and pass without appearing to observe him. The cut sublime, is to admire the top of King's College Chapel, or the beauty of the passing clouds, till he is out of sight. The cut infernal, is to analyze the arrangement of your shoe-strings, for the same purpose.

Darken Someone's Daylights: To give someone a black eye. (slang)

Devil take it: This phrase means pretty much what it says, as does ‘you can go to the devil’

Equipage: This term was most often used to indicate a gentleman's (or lady's) horse and carriage. At times it encompassed the servants as well.

Hoyden: A girl or woman that is boisterous, carefree even careless to the point of outright scandal in her behavior.

Leg-shackled: A slang term for 'married'. (slang)

Marriage Mart: Marriage Mart is a term used for the 'Season" in town when ladies (most often young debutantes) seek husbands.

Rake Rakehell, or Rakeshame: A lewd, debauched fellow.

So, now you know.
See my Regency Glossary for more.
You may enjoy Candice Hern's Regency Glossary as well. Candice's Web site is filled with Regency information. Wonderful place to be! But please heed, Candice's Copyright info as you view her Web site.

Friday Recipes: Sweet Potato Casserole

2011-03-11T20:16:00.002-06:00

Friday Recipes: Vegetables
Sweet Potato Casserole

Recipe taken from

Esther’s Edibles Recipes for Cooking and Living

Compiled by Esther W. Pyle, this cookbook brings an assortment of wonderful recipes together in one great book. Esther is a pastor’s wife, and she gathered these recipes over a period of 40 years from church ladies’ tables. I picked this book up when I lived in Northwest Florida (which is my home, actually.)

Thank you, Esther!

Sweet Potato Casserole

This recipe fills a large shallow baking dish, about 9 x 13. When I want a smaller amount, I cut the recipe in half. The casserole is sweet and delicious. In fact, it’s more like a dessert than a side dish. It’s great for Sunday dinners-on-the-ground!

3 cups mashed, cooked sweet potatoes

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup milk

½ cup butter (softened is best)

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

Combine the above ingredients in a shallow baking dish, smooth the top until it looks fine. Now, mix the topping and spread it over the sweet potato mixture.

Topping:

1 cup coconut

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup flour

1/3 cup melted butter

Mix the above ingredients well and sprinkle over the sweet potato filling.

Bake at 350º until the topping is brown.

*Be careful the pecans and coconut will burn if left to cook too long. It usually takes about 30-40 minutes for this dish to bake.

Friday Recipes: Moroccan Orange Walnut Cake

2011-03-04T10:52:00.001-06:00

Friday Recipes: Desserts/Cake
Moroccan Orange Walnut Cake

Since I'm in a bit of a hurry today, I'll just share a link to one of my favorite recipes. Moroccan Orange Walnut Cake. This cake is easy to make, beautiful to look at, and delicious.

For the how-to video, Cooking With Alia, go to Youtube by following this link. Moroccan Orange Walnut Cake.

Be sure and bookmark Sand & Pearls blog, so you can find your way back.

You'll find the recipe at Alia’s Web site or purchase her new cookbook, if you want.

The recipe: Cooking With Alia.

Buy her book, Moroccan Cooking - The Easy Way (with DVD)

So, pop a great cd in the player, one such as “Moroccan Spirit,” and create a delicious cake for family and friends to enjoy.

Layering Scenes

2011-03-04T10:17:00.024-06:00

Layering Scenes by Stephanie Boles

Effective scenes are layered scenes. Layering certain elements into real time scenes adds flavor to a story. Whether your scene is proactive or reactive, knowing the elements that make up a well-layered scene is essential to the craft of fiction writing. Honing unforgettable scenes by using certain elements of layering takes practice. Below, I’ve listed some elements to help you spice up your scenes.

Set the Scene (Time and Place or the Where and When Element)

Scenes take place somewhere. Never leave this element out of a scene. Otherwise, your reader will be lost. Readers need to ‘feel’ as if they are a part of each scene. How can they feel a part of the scene if they cannot picture the location or time of the scene in their mind?

Conflict

No matter the source, conflict is vital to the scene. (Generally speaking, we write conflict into proactive scenes.)

Body Language

Layer the characters actions (or movement) into the scene. Take a moment to watch people around you. Are they completely still or does their body language reveal their emotions, motives, etc?

Example:

“I pronounce you husband and wife,” the tall, angular parson hummed.

Layered Example from my book, Sahara Dreams.

“I pronounce you. . .” the tall, angular parson droned. His mouth trembled. He flicked through the pages of his ancient Bible, glanced around the church, smiling at several parishioners, then shut the Bible with a solid thump. “Husband and wife!”

Murmurs of approval hummed through the congregation.

Camilla wanted to coo at her new husband—the Duke of Travenor.

He squeezed her hand in his.

Quivers of delight raced up Camilla’s arm. A blush heated her cheeks. She averted her gaze.

~~~

Dialogue

Believable dialogue stems from believable characters. Make certain the dialogue suits individual characters. (Obviously, a king would not speak the same vernacular as a street thug. Keep in mind each character’s personality and background when adding dialogue.)

The Senses

What is your protagonist smelling, tasting, touching, hearing, and seeing? Show this to the readers through the eyes of the protagonist/POV character.

Emotion

Help the reader experience life through the eyes of the POV character by layering emotion into the scene. When a reader feels what the POV character feels, the story tugs at the reader’s heart by giving them what all readers crave—an emotional experience. Readers will relate to certain events and ‘feelings’ in your POV character’s life.

POV Character’s Goal (in proactive scenes)

Our lead character/protagonist has a goal. His/her goal is the reason for the story. Scenes may include immediate goals or relate to the protagonist’s main or long-term goal. What does the POV character seek in the scene? Why? Adding this element through emotion or by other layering methods grants readers insight into the POV’s reasoning for certain actions and emotions. The reader also shares in the POV character’s desire to achieve the goal. The more trouble you heap on your protagonist’s poor shoulders the more the reader will root for the protagonist to escape the troubles and achieve their main goal.

Action

Drama, drama, drama! Add it. If you do, you’ll have a real page turner and your readers will thank you for the drama.

Example from my book, When Morning Breaks.

“Shall we begin?” Josef groped Georgette.

Georgette stiffened.

Whispering lewd remarks in Georgette’s ear, Josef traced a finger along her neck.

His breath, heavy with the scent of brandy and lust, burned her eyes. The thought of suffering another violation produced fierce panic in her. She tamped down the fear and lifted her chin. “My husband will find you.” She narrowed her eyes for affect. “And he will make you regret this.”

“Mon cher,” Josef intoned, “how will he find you in zis vault?”

Georgette sent a fretful glance around.

“I will seal zee door as I leave.” Josef lifted Georgette off the ground and hauled her to the depths of the crypt.

As he tossed her to the musty floor, she kicked out at him, connecting with his lower quarter.

He bellowed and dropped to his knees.

She scampered to the door. Clawing at it, terror throbbed painfully through her. “Open! Open, blast you!”

“Looking for this, Georgette?”

Georgette spun around. Hope plummeted at the flash of light that glinted off the key in Josef’s hand. She fell to her knees utterly defeated.

He jerked her up.

“Since you’ve rendered me useless at the moment, I will leave you untouched for now,” Josef explained, dragging her into the ravenous blackness that lurked at the back of the crypt. He threw her to the ground.

“My husband will not rest until he finds me.” Georgette rolled to her side.

Josef chuckled. “I shall return and finish our discussion very soon.” He limped to the door. Opening it, he said, “Do not waste your breath on screams. No one will hear zem through zee thick stone.” He stepped into the backdrop of starry night and locked the door.

Death mocked Georgette from every corner of the chamber. Would this be her end?

By adding elements of layering to each scene, you give the reader a rich and unforgettable experience and create a story you can be proud to call your own.

Tips

Always determine the purpose of the scene before writing it.

Write the first draft then go back and finish layering the scene.

Become aware of how you layer a scene. It’s important to layer scenes so they achieve an intended purpose and create an indelible memory in the mind of the reader.

Don’t work under the mistaken notion that the first draft is the most creative part of writing a novel. I’ve found in my own writing that as I return to each chapter and scene the creativity really kicks in as I add more, and more layers.

When layering backstory into a scene do so by sharing only what is essential for that particular scene. Less is more when sharing backstory.

Don’t summarize the events in a scene (tell it) show it in real time, bit by excruciating bit if necessary, through the actions, dialogue, and emotions of the POV character. (Well, there are times you summarize, but keep it to a minimum.)

If a scene doesn’t move the story along, delete it.

To build tension in a scene, shorten the sentences.

Read your scenes and change any dull parts you find.

Consider the theme of the story when writing scenes. Does the scene support your theme?

~~~

Enjoy your fiction writing.

Regency Fashion

2011-02-28T12:18:00.005-06:00

This is a growing list, so check back often for updates

George Byran "Beau" Brummell (1778-1840) watercolor by Richard Dighton, 1805. Beau Brummell's very essence cried 'fashionable'. And yet, he maintained an understated and much more restrained style of dress. In his wake, the bright, ostentatious colors and showy heeled shoes donned men pranced about in times prior were no longer deemed 'in the mode'. He made trousers popular and perfected the art of the cravat. And let us not forget the Hessians! Hessians complimented the gentlemen's finely-tailored tailcoats and sleek trousers.

Hessians: These boots were initially used as standard issue in the military. They quickly became popular among the gentry. George Byran "Beau" Brummell (1778-1840) watercolor by Richard Dighton, 1805. Beau Brummell's very essence cried 'fashionable'. And yet, he maintained an understated and much more restrained style of dress. In his wake, the bright, ostentatious colors and showy heeled shoes donned men pranced about in times prior were no longer deemed 'in the mode'. He made trousers popular and perfected the art of the cravat. And let us not forget the Hessians! Hessians complimented tailcoats.

Cravat: A cravat is, basically, a Regency necktie but much fancier. It's a scarf or neckband of silk or wool worn around the neck. Cravats crested the Regency gentleman's ensemble like a plume of fine feathers. The art of cravat-tying was better left to the few valets capable of managing the intricate designs.

Photo Credit:

Mary Lodge, Bride of Baron Charles-Louis de Keverberg de Kessel, 1818

The above portrait of Mary Lodge painted in 1818 shows her in a crimson velvet dress trimmed with a ruffled lace (perhaps Mechlin lace) collar that speaks of wealth and elegance. Her shawl is paisley, likely cashmere, and draped beguilingly around her figure.

Cashmere shawls: Warm and colorful, cashmere shawls did not become all the rage until after the close of the 18^th century. Once the vogue took hold, Regency ladies coveted cashmere shawls for their beauty, their fine fabric and the warmth they provided.

Pelisse: A 3/4 to full-length outdoor garment worn like a coat. Sometimes fur-lined.

What is Regency?

2011-02-28T10:43:00.001-06:00

Regency Explained

My favorite era to read about is the British Regency period. Give me a hero donned in a Green Jacket uniform (known also as, Wellington's 95th Rifles, 95th Riflemen, Wellington's Sharpshooters, and Wellington's Rifles) who fights for the honor of his home and family, a tale of Regency suspense set among the 'ton' (Regency high society), a Peninsular War (Iberian Peninsula) adventure, or stories set during the Napoleonic Wars, even the War of 1812, and I'm a happy reader.

The Regency Period (British Regency) Defined

The British Regency period of time falls between the years of 1811 and 1820. during this time frame the King George III was deemed unfit to rule due to illness. The Prince of Wales ruled as George III’s proxy, i.e. the Prince Regent. Thus, these years became known as the Regency era. Upon George III’s death in 1820, the Prince of Wales—George IV—inherited the throne.

Regency Fiction Explained

What is Regency Fiction?

Regency works, or novels of manners, are set during the English Regency period of the early 19th Century. The works of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer are excellent Regency works.

Traditional Regency Fiction

The Traditional Regency is written along the lines of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer novels. They contain, on average, no more than 75,000 words and are a comedy of manners. They are light-hearted and fun. The historical detail, dialogue, language, customs and manners in these novels is spot-on Austen.

Regency Historical (also known as Regency-set Historical) Fiction

These novels are longer, (an average is 100,000 words). The historical detail is not as in-depth as in Traditional Regencies. The plot lines can range from the humorous to serious. For the most part, Regency Historicals deal with the harsher side of life and society. The diversity of plots in Regency Historicals allows the author the opportunity to write stories that transcend the barriers of time. For this reason, I prefer to write stories in the Regency Historical setting rather than Traditional Regency.

My Regency Historicals

There is a need for uncorrupted Romance stories on the market. Stories that glorify God, encourage abstinence until marriage and show how the characters overcome evil through faith in God. When I write a romance story, this is the type I weave. I write with the soul of the reader at heart. I pray my books touch the reader in an individual way, promote healing in their lives and inspire a closer walk with God.

Don't forget to bookmark Sand & Pearls blog before surfing the net.

You'll find a list of some of my favorite Regency works at my Goodreads page. Click the Goodreads' link to go there. Goodreads Home.

Some of my favorite movies in and around the Regency era, which are found in written works, as well are listed below.

Masterpiece Theatre's Sharp's Series with Sean Bean. Need I say more? Sean Bean, for goodness' sake. There are several 'sets' of Sharp's adventures. Rifle Collection, Sword Collection, and more. Be sure and watch them all!

A&E's Horatio Hornblower.

Enjoy your Regency reading!

Regency Proposals

2011-02-17T09:48:00.008-06:00

Inspirational fiction notes: How might a Regency lady handle an offer of marriage from a gentleman who she deems decidedly disinteresting?

To decline an unwanted marriage proposal, the lady might first try distracting the gentleman by handing him off to a girlfriend less fastidious than herself. If he refuses to depart her company after this ploy, she could attempt to run the gentleman off with outright incivility. Better than incivility is the swoon.

Nothing makes a man retract a marriage proposal like a swoon! Upon a lady’s swoon, the wise Regency gentleman would skulk away without pressing the matter, for fear he might gain the hand of a lady as prone to hysterics as Jane Austen's fictional Mrs. Bennet.

Jesus Christ; the Savior

2011-02-16T11:57:00.006-06:00

How to Accept Jesus Christ as Your Savior

First, admit you need God. You can never live a peaceful life by your own understanding, your own wisdom. We all need God’s direction.

Believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead for everyone, not just a few good people.

Invite Jesus into your life through prayer. You can pray similar to the prayer below.

Dear Jesus,

I know I’m a sinner, and I need your forgiveness and guidance in my life. I believe you died for my sins. I want to change, to turn away from my sins. Help me, Lord. Come into my heart and change my life. Create in me a new heart. I accept you as my Lord and Savior. I’m a new person!

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Now what? Tell someone that you accepted Jesus Christ as you Savior. Next, find a spirit-led, Bible believing church. For more information follow the link below.

"How to Become a Christian"

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.~John 3:16

⁹That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.~Romans 10:9-10

¹²Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

~Acts: 4:12

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Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Stephanie's Book Trailers

2011-02-06T23:57:00.003-06:00

I added my book trailers to my new Youtube account. Unfortunately, I lost my "views" count stats when I uploaded the videos to the new account. Oh well, starting over is not so bad a thing. Here they are.

When Morning Breaks Book Trailer

Sahara Dreams Book Trailer

Story Theme

2011-02-05T10:05:00.007-06:00

Lessons crafted on "Creating A Theme Or Purpose" by award-winning author, Gail Gaymer Martin. Read and learn. Great lessons! Just click the link. Be sure and hit backspace to return to Sand & Pearls blog.

Theme

Stephanie's Book Trailers

2011-02-04T23:48:00.003-06:00

After accidently deleting two blogs and the Youtube account with my book trailers on it, I am working diligently to get everything back up and running. If you happen upon any internet accounts related to me that read "account closed or account deleted by owner," it was done in error. Know that I will have my book trailers up again at my new Youtube account very soon. http://www.youtube.com/user/StephReads777

Meanwhile you may view my book trailers at my Web site. http://www.stephanieboles.com/

Please bear with me during this process.
Thank you!

The Author's Path

2011-02-04T23:31:00.000-06:00

The Author's Path
This author's path took a wrong turn the night I decided I'd edit my Google account info. I accidently deleted my original author's blog, Sand & Pearls, and my New Moon and Cottage Gardens blog, as well as my Youtube account. So, I've begun again. Sand & Pearls II is well under way.

I've determined not to dwell on ALL the work I lost when I hit that 'send' button and deleted my Sand & Pearls (I) author's blog.

Sniff, sniff.