Welcome to the Blog Hop!
A friend of a friend on Facebook (don’t all good stories begin that way?) told me about Vicki Dreiling and her blog hop efforts. I wholeheartedly volunteered to be a part of her project. This is to encourage more readers, to help introduce new summer reads, and for the love of books and recipes!
Each author gives a brief synopsis of their WIP, then answers questions and gives a recipe related to it. So, here goes:
Phoenix, a hot-tempered Fire Elemental stationed in Manhattan, didn’t think life could get any worse. To improve his people skills, he is demoted from Wall Street fat-cat to lowly paramedic, where he must deal with humans at their very worst–and most vulnerable. The humans he has protected for centuries, but never dared get close to. Abby, an ER doctor who lives for the job, notices an emerging pattern. Suicide attempts have skyrocketed, flooding her ER with victims. Coma patients go missing with no explanation. In her quest to learn the truth, the last thing she needs is a cocky paramedic with a chip on his shoulder. But when they are forced to pair up, tempers ignite. Abby is stunned and fearful to discover Phoenix is an Elemental being; Phoenix learns that the rampant suicides befalling Manhattan are not a coincidence, but a planned strategy. Carlyle, leader of the evil Fallen Angel clan, has garnered special powers and has a new agenda–one that will reap innocent souls by the thousands. Together, Phoenix and Abby must overcome their differences and save humanity–before they become the next target in Carlyle’s crosshairs.
Questions: Are you a snacker when writing? If so, sweet or salty? Actually, no. I always keep a drink nearby – either ice water or icy Diet Coke – but I’m more of a snacker when I’m reading than writing. Are you an outliner or someone who flies by the seat of their pants? Are they real pants or jammies? I’m somewhat of a hybrid. I always try to know the characters, their goals and the things that will prevent them from reaching true happiness. But the rest of the book kind of falls into place during the first draft. I will say, I’ve experimented more with plotting ahead of time, and it does help me write faster, so I hope to become a better hybrid going forward. When cooking or baking, do you follow the recipe exactly or wing it? Wing it, probably 95% of the time. I’m not one to keep track of recipe cards, follow them, etc. It’s easier for me to combine several things together, add some spices, create a basic dish. I’m Southern, therefore I grew up on casseroles. And a casserole is a mix of everything! What is next for you after this book? This is Book Two. WATER’S BLOOD was Book One and is already released. My next steps will be to write & release DOWN TO EARTH and THE PATH OF WIND, Books Three and Four of the Elemental Series. Plus, I have a few ideas for ghost stories that I want to play with. Last Question…on a level of one being slightly naughty to ten being whoo whoo steamy, where does your book land? I’m more of a “behind the scenes” gal, meaning mine is on the light side, not super steamy. I prefer things left to the imagination, so my love scenes tend to be more romantic than super steamy. Summer Recipe for RAGING FIRE: 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, or chicken, whichever is preferred) 1 1/2 TBSP of Tony’s Cajun Seasoning Salt & Pepper – a dash of each 1/4 cup liquid for flavor: I use Busha Brown’s Hot Pepper Sherry that I bought in New Orleans – you could probably use some white wine instead. 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 can Rotel tomatoes – hot flavor Brown meat in pan. Drain. Add seasonings, stir and marinate for about 8 minutes. Add Rotel tomatoes, marinate for 8-10 minutes. Put cheese on last.
Enjoy! And connect to Vicky Dreiling here.
