Clash of the Titles -- Featuring members of the Blog Alliance!

This week's article was written by *Gail Pallotta.

Thank you to our blog alliance partners

Jessica Keller works from an office her husband set up for her in their Chicago home. Using a bright orange laptop she posts five days a week. She blogged big-time in college, garnering a huge following. She says, “It got to the point where people I didn’t know would walk up to me and start talking…about my life because they were addicted to my blog.”
After graduation she ended that blog and went to work in the records department of law enforcement. She figured her blogging days were over, but she started writing novels. She thought about author blogs she loved and wanted to “create a place like that so…someday when a novel-length piece is published…” she’ll already have a blog.

Her blog reflects her love of baking, her communications and Biblical studies degree and her enthusiasm for books. She’ll read over one hundred this year. On Mondays she muses about life in general. Tasty Tuesdays give cooking advice and recipes. On Writing Wednesdays she shares her writing struggles and advice or hosts experts. Thick-of-it-Thursdays feature a spiritual message, and Fridays for Readers introduces new writers. At least once a month there’s a cookie give away. Yum.
During the past nine years she’s written articles, short stories and a novella and recently made the finals in three contests. When she isn’t writing she runs in 5K’s and mentors college-aged women. When asked for a random fact about herself she said, “I have two cats named for super heroes, Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent.”
Visit Jessica's blog here.

Carol Moncado blogs about life and writing from a big cushy chair in a basement in the Ozarks. She says the area “is slowly becoming my office/library.” She’s written on and off ever since she was a kid, seriously for the last two years. She blogs everyday attracting readers, other writers and friends who want to know a little more about her, her writing and the authors she likes. She says, “I try to have humor – and we all know laughter is the best medicine!I love to get comments.”

As for her writing, she’s currently blogging her way through NaNoWriMo. When she isn’t blogging or working on her own writing projects, she takes care of four children, reads and watches television. Her all time favorite show – NCIS.
When asked to share a random fact about herself she said, “When we moved into our first house, we moved on Friday the 13th to a house on Elm Street. We found and put an offer on our second [current] house on 06/06/06.”
Visit Carol’s blog here.

Marianne Evans started her blog, A Minute with Marianne, a little over two years ago. She says, “I loved the idea of chronicling my thoughts and expanding my writing platform…Call it ‘keeping up with the times.’” An added bonus. “It’s a blast…”

She posts almost once a week. A Minute with Marianne introduces readers to writers and books they may not otherwise hear about. Marianne says, “There are so many wonderful inspirational, Christian themed books out there. I love shining a light on them and getting the word out on new and exciting authors.” Her blog also covers writing inspirations, motivational tidbits, reviews and publishing news.
She keeps her blog casual with highlights on having fun, getting to know people and sharing a passion for great writing. When Marianne isn’t blogging, she writes.  She’s A Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence winner for Hearts Crossing. She was a 2011 finalist for Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year for Hearts Surrender. Marianne says she made the jump from secular romance to Christian Inspirational romance/fiction when “the call on her heart matched the ideas in her head.” Visit her blog here.

Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Yesterday, I wanted to try to make Irish Soda Bread.  So, I did.  =)

I'm going to share the link where I got the recipe for two reasons.

1.  It's easy for you to go there and get the whole 411 on it.  

2.  It's got some fascinating history about Irish Soda Bread.

Who knew?  Double score with that link.  What a treat!  Even the history of how recipes came to be can be interesting.

For those history buffs out there, even if you're not a big fan of Irish Soda Bread or even heard of it .... check out this link.http://www.sodabread.us/

I hope you have some fun in the kitchen today!  Happy Baking!

Susan

Clash of the Titles -- Cover Winner!

*by Michelle Massaro

Last week Clash of the Titles held their first ever Clash of the Covers. This fast-paced clash was different than their usual fare, because instead of judging the author's story, we judged how well their cover designs matched their theme or made us want to pick up the book. There were four books to vote on, from authors Cathy, Erica, Lacy, and Maggie. The books were Marrying Miss Marshal, Spring For Susannah, A Bride's Portrait, and Deeply Devoted.


It was a VERY CLOSE race and it saw enough voter participation to max out the scoreboards!


Some of the comments included:
Spring for Susannah - Susannah is aware of the man but she looks as though she could turn away, or turn towards him.
Marrying Miss Marshall seems to speak volumes about the heroine--just in her position.
The cover of A Brides Portrait, really sells the title by having the woman with a camera on it. Caught my attention.
I love cover C...looks like the "old west"!!!
Marrying Miss Marshal. Hmm, with that rifle laid across her lap, one wonders who's daring enough to approach her, much less marry her. Intriguing.
I loved A Bride's Portrait of Dodge City - it added so many components of the story into the cover besides just a profile :)
Love this (A) - it's intriguing. I'm not sure from the picture whether she's toting for justice, revenge, or protection. Makes me curious.

The Champion Book that was voted

BEST SETTING THAT CAPTURES THE MOOD OF THE TITLE:

Springtime For Susanna, by Catherine Richmond

This week, COTT is sporting a holiday/winter theme with host Gail Pallotta. We expect it to be another huge turn-out so please join us. We'll cozy up to the virtual fireplace, egg nog in hand, and browse for books. In this case, it's okay to judge the cover. =)

We’ll be taking a break December 26 – January 6

And then come right back on January 9 with a new clash that will – literally – take your breath away! If you're an author, don’t forget to check upcoming open clashes and submit.

Fun in the Kitchen with Katy McKenna and her Snowball Cookies!

It's Friday and time for some fun in the kitchen!  Katy McKenna is sharing a recipe with us today.  Thank you, Katy!  

****************

Here is my favorite Christmas cookie recipe, which my mother learned from her Girl Scout leader, circa 1940. The basic recipe makes a dozen cookies, but I typically quadruple the recipe.

                                 Snowball Cookies

Ingredients:

1 stick butter

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 heaping tablespoons powdered sugar

Place softened (not melted) butter and all ingredients in mixing bowl. Remove your rings, as this is about to get messy! Use your hands to thoroughly mix the dough, which will seem a bit dry to the touch. Form into 1" balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 325 degrees for 10--12 minutes. If the dough is dry enough, the cookies should remain ball shaped, rather than spreading. While still warm, remove from cookie sheet and roll cookies in additional powdered sugar. These freeze well, so make as many as your heart desires! Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.....

I am here today, because God chose to save me.

Thirty-one years ago today, God saved my life--for the third time. The other two times are stories for another day. But about today's anniversary....

I was eighteen years old and traveling the 35 miles home from my job as a cord-board telephone operator. My mom had called me at work and cautioned me to be careful, as there was ice starting to build up on the roads. I ended my shift at 6:00 a.m.after having worked all night.The weather was clear and the roads were fine. But I was being very aware and taking heed of my mother's warnings.

After having met a car who failed to dim their high beam lights, I tapped my brakes as I adjusted my eyes. I came upon a bridge and blindly encountered black ice. I started to slide uncontrollably and I was meeting another vehicle. I literally cried out (screamed, actually) for God to help me. I hit both sides of the bridge and was in the wrong lane when a car slammed into me...right in the gas tank. My car finally came to a stand-still. I was in pain, but I knew I needed to get out of the car.  My driver's side door was crushed and not able to be opened. Gas was leaking everywhere. I crawled  over and got out the passenger side.

The people who hit me were an older couple and so nice. The accident was not their fault. Not knowing you weren't supposed to remove someone from the scene of an accident, their care-giving instincts kicked in and they took me to their home down the road. I was a bit "out of it," but I tried to protest. All I could imagine was my folks coming to look for me, driving over the hill, and looking down to see the accident scene. One of my best friends from high school stopped and was helping at the scene of the accident and I didn't even know it was him. The couple took took me home and called my parents and law enforcement.

My parents showed up to take me back to the scene and the highway patrolman was there. He is the one who took me to the hospital with my parents following. He was so nice to me.

The people who hit me told my parents they were amazed to see me alive when they came to the car. They did not expect to find me alive, much less able to walk.  My light blue Buick Skylark was completely totaled and a blanket in the trunk was woven like an accordion in the crushed metal of my trunk. 

To make a long story short, I ended up being in the local hospital in that area for a few days and then transferred to a bigger hospital for a grand total of eight days due to a head injury. My head had gotten caught in the steering wheel apparently after it broke the windshield. I wore a goose egg on my forehead for awhile and a red ring down and around my face. My knees were terribly bruised on the inside where the force of the accident bashed them together. But I survived...miraculously. There is no doubt in my mind that the Hand of God intervened that day.

Today, I am reminded of that day where I encountered an horrific accident and a miracle at the same time.  I remember it every single year and praise God for saving my life. I later became an EMT and did that for about 9 years or so. In that time, I learned a lot about accidents, was a responder on many, and was shown even more how God saved my life and has a plan.  

He has a plan for each of us.  Do you know His plan for you?  Do you know His Son, Jesus?

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
John 14:6

May your day be blessed and you feel the presence of God as you go about your tasks today.
Because He Lives,
Susan

Clash of the Titles -- Featuring members of the Blog Alliance!

by Delia Latham

Christine and Pamela!

A huge welcome to blogger and author Christine Lindsay! Christine is another extraordinary member of the COTT Blog Alliance. On Wednesdays she posts the COTT weekly article, and on Fridays she posts either an editorial/devotional or a review on a book.
What's her blog like? Christine wants her blog to be somewhere a reader can find a true inspirational story to encourage their faith. For example, on her blog she has in book-length the entire story of her experience as a birthmother. From the moment she found out she was pregnant, to the relinquishment of her child, and to their reunion 20 years later.

Do not miss this testimony. Her birth-daughter, Sarah, modeled for the cover of Shadowed in Silk. Take a look at how it all came together—it's well worth the read.

I asked Christine who she is outside the realm of writing and publication and all that jazz.
"I am so ordinary, it's hilarious. I used to be an administrative assistant, going off to work in suits, high heels and makeup. Now that I'm following the labor of my heart (writing) I work in my home office and wear the closest thing I can get to pajamas—sweat pants and a sweat shirt.

"But there are times I have to go out and leave my beloved laptop behind along with my cat. Then I slap on some mascara, whip a comb through my hair, put on some decent slacks and head out the door with a cup of tea in my hands. I can drive with one hand and drink my tea with the other."
What "ordinary"? That's multi-tasking!
Why is she willing to give COTT space on her blog every other week?

I find the COTT alliance an energetic group of writers that inspire me. I love the fun and camaraderie with the clashes," she said. "And it gets the word out to readers of all the great Christian fiction that's available. They are a great group of people to be affiliated with. I consider it an honor."
The feeling is entirely mutual!

Christine's blog

Christine's website

Book trailer


Meet Pamela S. Thibodeaux:

Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”

Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com   

Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

Bayou Writers Group: http://bayouwritersgroup.com   

A great big welcome to Blog Alliance Partner Pamela S. Thibodeau. We're so pleased to have her aboard.

I asked this author and blogger where she finds inspiration for her blog, Pamela S. Thibodeaux—Blog.

"I must admit that, personally, I'm pretty burned out on topics…but I love showcasing other authors on Saturday Spotlight and hosting their virtual book tours. This helps me fill in when I can think of nothing to talk about. LOL!"

Honesty…I love it! (Also really glad to know I'm not the only blogger with this kind of problem…)

I'm always interested in why our Blog Alliance members choose to be members. Here's Pam's reason:

"I believe in what COTT is doing and frankly, any website that helps promote Christian authors—especially those who are new, unknown, small press or independently published—is a place I try to support. Doing regular posts for COTT helps me do just that."

Pamela's newest release, The Visionary, is an absolutely wonderful book, one I can whole-heartedly recommend. Without being offensively graphic, it deals with some pretty heavy issues of child abuse and its aftermath.

What are some of the challenges you face as an author?

The biggest challenge I face is not having my work accepted by the “Christian” publishers. As one reviewer said, “Though undeniably Christian, it is never dogmatic or insular; offering faith rather than religion.” (From Elizabeth Burton's review of Tempered Dreams for Blue Iris Journal) My books deal with issues in a way that is unacceptable in the traditional CBA market. Now that is not saying that my books are better than those published through traditional CBA publishers, only different. As I’ve said many times, everything that gives God glory deserves to be praised!

So true. And all I can think to say in response is a very sincere, "Amen!"

Meet and Greet Katy McKenna!

I can't think of a better way to start off a Monday morning than with a laugh, and this week's featured guest is guaranteed to provide just that.  Please meet my friend, Katy McKenna.  She's charming, witty, cute as a button, and downright hilarious!  

She's written a goofy, side-splitting, totally tongue-in-cheek piece, depicting an open letter to literary agents.  Welcome, Katy!  You always make me smile. 

*******************************

  Katy McKenna revels in fictionalizing her true-life stories and, conversely, infusing genuine truth into her made-up stories. She loves it when a reader reports having laughed and cried, all in the same paragraph. Katy and her hubby empty-nest in Kansas City, which is home-base for three grown kids, two in-law kids, and two grandkids. They operate a web design firm, for which Katy provides copywriting, editing, bookkeeping, and coffee-making services. Katy is not, repeat NOT, a hoarder! However, she embraces the thrill of the thrift-store hunt with untethered enthusiasm. A dual citizen of America and Britain, Katy adores haunting her ancestral ruins and relatives in Scotland and Ireland, excavating stories galore. 

Katy is a member of ACFW and blogs at www.fallible.com and also at www.wordservewatercooler.com.   She is represented by WordServe Literary Agency. 

An Open Letter To All The Remaining Literary Agents I’ve Not Yet Contacted

by Katy McKenna

Dear Literary Agent,

If you think I haven’t read your blog, you’re wrong. I thought I’d clear that up right away. I am so diligent, I’ve even delved into the archives, perusing entries from as long ago as two weeks. I know what you’re looking for in a client even better than you do. In fact, because I am such a devoted student of your career, writings, and personal life, I feel I can say without a doubt that I am your next dream author.

How am I so sure? I am glad you asked!

For one thing, you’ve very clearly expressed your preference for having “good writing” sent your way. I’m betting your definition of good writing is the same as my mom’s, which means I’m in luck. Attached is the only scene I’ve slapped together so far. After you read it (get a move on!) and I’ve agreed to be represented by you, I will gladly crank out the rest of the novel. It could take a while, though. I am currently in communication with many notable agents, and I feel certain you’ll realize that these relationships represent a considerable time commitment on my part.

In addition, submitting a proposal for a book I haven’t gotten around to writing would be a giant waste of my time, as I am sure you will agree.

Second, you have indicated you don’t want to sign any high-maintenance, best-seller wannabes. I can assure you that I’ve never personally obtained a pedicure (photos availble upon request). Also, I can produce yellowed postcards from both my dentist and OB/GYN verifying that I am nine years behind in my supposedly annual (ha!) check-ups. NO WAY am I high-maintenance! If you’ll either call me on my cell or email me within fourteen minutes of receiving this—as you should if you are truly the professional you profess yourself to be—we can discuss this point until I’m satisfied that you understand.

Third, you state that any client you take on must have a platform already in place. Bingo! We have a winner! I have been an active blogger for seven plus years, during which time I have chronicled with sterling clarity my aging mother’s propensity for swearing like a drunken Marine (no worn-out cliches here, baby!) as well as her advancing incontinence. Google my stats and you’ll see I now have six regular readers, half of whom have agreed to be sent free copies of my first book.

Finally, you say you are seeking authors who seem unlikely to end up one-hit wonders. While I’d prefer NOT to promise you the moon until my staggering work of heartbreaking genius reaches the top of the NYT list, I think it’s pretty safe to say there’s PLENTY more wherever that first scene came from.

In conclusion, I am absolutely brimming with potential, just the way you like ‘em.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. Very soon.

Best regards,

Katy McKenna

Sliced Baked Potatoes with Susan Mires

I'm so excited that my featured guest this week, Susan Mires, wanted to share one of her favorite recipes with us.  She's sharing her recipe for Sliced Baked Potatoes.  Yum!  What a clever idea, and it looks so elegant to serve to guests.  Thanks, Susan, for sharing this recipe. 

So with no further delay ... Take it away, Susan! Let's have some fun in the kitchen!
~Susan H

 Sliced Baked Potatoes by Susan Mires

I enjoy cooking, but it can be difficult to find dishes designed for a Party of One instead of a Family of Six. This one is super easy and can be adjusted to any size. If you bake extras, the next day the potato can be heated in the microwave or sliced in a skillet and heated.

Sliced Baked Potato

-Choose a regular baking potato and wash thoroughly.

-Using a sharp knife, create slices through the potato. I try to go pretty thin, about a quarter-inch or less. Do not slice clear through, but leave the skin attached at the bottom. It may help to use a wooden spoon handle as a guide.

-Place the potato in an oven-safe dish and fan it out slightly. Melt about 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave and poor very slowly over potato, making sure it goes in between slices. Or, if you prefer, use a knife to spread a dab of butter between each slice. Sprinkle with seasoning salt, or salt and pepper, or your favorite spices. I often use a Cajun blend I bought while on a mission trip to New Orleans.

-Bake about 45 minutes. It takes slightly less time than a traditional baked potato.