Chatting with Anna Kathryn

Wednesday's Chow - Seafood Cheese Dip

2013-05-15T00:03:00.000-05:00

It’s in full swing…the Brenda Novak 2013 Annual Auction for the Cure of Diabetes. Brenda’s annual auction runs May 1-31. So far, there are over 2,000 items up for auction. I am participating in several categories this year (see to the right for links to Northwest Houston RWA, Hearts Through History RWA and Sweethearts of the West’s pages.) You’ll find more than 30 items up for bidding on just these three pages, including gift baskets, critiques, and 3 kindles loaded with books!

One of the baskets I’m donating is “Calling All Cooks,” a box full of cookbooks:

Calling all Cooks

The winner of this auction will win a box full of cookbooks.

Christmas Cookies

1001 Fast Easy Recipes

Cake Pops, Brownies and More

Fun Summer Recipes

Freezer Meals

Slow Cooker Recipes

And more…..

Here’s a recipe from Slow Cooker Recipes.

SEAFOOD CHEESE DIP

Ingredients:

1 package (12 oz) Velveeta cheese, cubed

2 cans (10 oz) lump crab dip, drained

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained

1 cup frozen cooked salad shrimp, thawed

French bread baguettes, sliced and toasted

Directions:

In a greased 3-quart slow cooker, combine the cheese, crab, tomatoes and shrimp. Cover and cook on low for 1½ to 2 hours or until cheese is melted, stirring occasionally. Serve with baguettes.

I posted another recipe from this book earlier, Herbed Chicken and Shrimp. Find it HERE.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know - How would your best friend describe you?

2013-05-14T15:36:00.000-05:00

How would your best friend describe you? Inquiring minds want to know.

As for me, I think my friends would say I'm giving, thoughtful, talkative, and a bit self-centered (or maybe a lot self-centered. I know when I talk, I talk alot about me....and I would like to change that about myself!).

So, share with us, how does your best friend(s) see you?

Ginger Simpson and Me, June 2012

(one of my best cyber friends)

The Cousins and Best Friends

My Grandkids

Inquiring Minds Want to Know - What are your reading?

2013-05-07T00:30:00.000-05:00

A few years ago....like 10....I was a constant reader, one book after another, picking up a new one up almost as soon as I finished one. But I have not been reading like that for years and I think that affects my own writing. I have a nook, so you'd think I'd be reading like crazy again. But, I'm not. Still, last Thursday, I had Jury Duty..ugh! A whole day spent hurrying up and then waiting. I was on a panel, but not chosen for the actual jury. I didn't know if I could take my nook into the court house, so I took a Mary Balogh book. (She's one of my favorite authors). That's what I'm reading now, Christmas Bride. Yes, since Friday, I have been too busy to read on it, but I will finish it.

So, Inquiring Minds Want to Know....WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING? Please share.

Cowboys and Lawmen Blog Tour - Pat Garrett

2013-05-02T01:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Cowboys and Lawmen Blog Hop. Nearly 50 authors are talking about bad-boy cowboys and sexy sheriffs. There is a $100 gift card (winner's choice of Barnes and Noble or Amazon) up for grabs, as well as individual prizes from each author. Leave a comment on my post, with your email address and you'll be eligible for a copy of SALVATION BRIDE, my own 'cowboy and lawmen' story, as well as the $100 gift card.

Cowboys are known as bad-boys, but what happens when the bad-boy is also the law in town? What is it about these contradictions that make small town sheriffs, Texas Rangers and ex-outlaws-turned-lawmen so irresistible? Whether you write or love to read about the Wild West or modern day Montana, what do you love most about lawmen who are also cowboys? And what makes them so gosh-darn sexy?

Cowboy Charm Blog Hops now has a companion FaceBook Group. If you'd like to join to receive blog hop and prize announcements here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/453991144693516/

But that’s not all, as you enjoy some awesome blogs and find fantastic books, for every post you comment on with your email address, you will be entered for some amazing prizes.

***PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO QUALIFY***

Grand Prize: At least a $100 Gift Card for Amazon or Barnes and Noble, your choice. The winner will be chosen at random from comments containing email addresses, and will be announced on May 7. This is open to both US and international readers.

Click HERE for a list of all the authors.

Pat Garrett: Folk Hero and Murder Victim

On July 14, 1881 Pat Garrett shot and killed famed outlaw Billy-the-Kid. He became an instant celebrity, but his reputation as a drunk, gambler and debtor eventually overshadowed his claim to fame, climaxing with Garrett’s own death by murder.

Pat Garrett

Following the killing of William Bonney, Garrett wrote a book that helped to spread the folk-hero story many know today. However, over the three decades after the killing, Garrett’s life was a series of failed business ventures, gambling debts and numerous embarrassing moments.

In 1898, he somehow managed to acquire a 160 acre ranch in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. In 1902, he mortgaged the land to Las Cruces, NM businessman Martin Lohman. Eventually, Lohman tired of carrying the unpaid mortgaged and he sold it to W.W. Cox, who owned a ranch adjacent to Garrett’s. Cox neither wanted nor needed the land, so he never called in the mortgage and did actually help Garrett several times to avoid foreclosure on the land and seizure of his cattle. Garrett lived on the homestead, even though he had technically given up the right by not paying the mortgage.

The events leading to Garrett’s death started innocently enough in 1907, when Garrett’s son Dudley leased part of the property to Jesse Wayne Brazel. In reality, Dudley didn’t have the right to lease any property, because it was owned by Cox who held the lien. Cox, however, didn’t protest the lease, and, in fact, helped financed Brazel’s goat herd. The lease and goat herd, however, infuriated Garrett, who still thought of the land as his own.

Pat Garrett and wife, Apolinaria Gutierrez Garrett

In January 1908, Garrett was presented with a proposition that would pay off his mortgage and get him back on his feet financially. James B. Miller, a former Texas Ranger, now a cattleman an hired assassin (who by the way, didn’t smoke, drink or cheat on his wife), offered Garrett $3,000 to 1) sell part of his land to Miller, who would then fatten his newly bought cattle before driving them to Oklahoma and 2) have Garrett drive the cattle to Oklahoma.

There was, however, one small problem to this financial windfall: Brazel and his goats.

A February 1908 meeting between Garrett, Miller and Brazel settled the problem when Miller agreed to buy the 1,200 goats for $3.50 a head. A few weeks later, however, Brazel informed the duo that he had miss-counted. He had 1,800 goats and Miller would need to buy them all or the deal was off.

Miller didn’t want any goats, let alone an extra 600, but he agreed to a second meeting to see if things could be worked out to seal the deal.

On February 29th, Garrett and Miller’s brother-in-law headed out from the ranch to Las Cruces and the meeting. Somewhere along the road, Brazil met up with them and rode along side their wagon on horseback. Words were exchanged and later testimony would declare that Garrett was very enraged by the current situation and cussed at Brazil, as well as threatening to get him and his goats off the land.

Shortly, Garrett pulled the wagon to the side of the road, got out, walked to the back of the wagon and proceeded to urinate. With his back to Brazel, a glove in his shooting hand and his fly open, Garrett was shot in the back of the head, dead before he hit the ground. For good measure, he was then shot in the shoulder.

Brazil rushed into town and confessed the shooting to the sheriff, claiming he shot in ‘self-defense.’ Miller’s brother-in-law backed up Brazil’s claim.

On April 19, 1909, Brazil was tried for murdering Garrett. After fifteen minutes of deliberations, the jury found him not guilty. As author Dale M. Walker puts it in THE CALAMITY PAPERS, the jury “divined that shooting a man in the head and back, a man who was urinating with his back turned to his assailant, was ‘self-defense.’”

There have been many speculations as to why Garrett was killed, including one claiming Cox had him murdered for the mortgaged land. This makes no sense, however, as Cox already owned the land due to the lien and could have foreclosed on the property at any time during the previous decade. The most likely scenario, however, is what actually happened. “The two men argued bitterly, and when Garrett turned his back, Brazel took the safe way out and shot him. It was simply a case of hate and fear erupting into murder along a lonely New Mexico back road,” Leon Metz relayed in an interview in with Dale Walker.

Pat Garrett was buried in the Odd Fellow Cemetery in Las Cruces on March 5, 1908.

I found this story on Pat Garrett’s death interesting, because I lived in Las Cruces, NM and most likely travelled the road on which he was murdered. However, I don’t recall my family visiting Garrett’s grave or me being aware of the story during my time living there. ~AKL

Resource: THE CALAMITY PAPERS: Western Myths and Cold Cases by Dale L. Walker

Brenda Novak Auction - Started Today!

2013-05-01T00:30:00.000-05:00

Brenda Novak's Annual Online Auction for Diabetes Research is gearing up for its biggest year yet. Thanks to all who have participated in the past — both donors and shoppers — we've raised a cumulative total of $1.6 million. This year we are hoping to surpass $2 million to help all those with diabetes! There are over 1,200 items up for bid, from trips, eReaders, books, gift baskets, chocolates, jewelry, critiques from authors, agents and editors, meetings with authors, agents and editors, and much, much more.

Click HERE to browse the items.

As I've stated before, I am involved in several categories for the auction: Hearts Through History RWA chapter, Northwest Houston RWA chapter and Sweethearts of the West romance writers. All three groups are offering critiques, gift baskets and eReaders. Northwest Houston is offering a registration to a Donald Maass conference. Hearts Through History has a year's worth of campus workshops up for grabs. (Graphics to the right will link you straight to these groups' pages).

I've put together two different cookbook baskets, both of which I've featured here the past few weeks. And since it's officially "Wednesday's Chow" day, I'll offer up another recipe from on of these baskets.

Sweethearts of the West Tex-Mex Basket

From A TASTE OF TEXAS cookbook by Candy Coleman

SHRIMP CASSEROLE

Ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp, cooked, shelled and deveined

1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced

3 TBSP butter

1 TBSP flour

1 cup sour cream

5 TBSP butter, melted

1 tsp soy sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1 tsp paprika

Directions:

Arrange the cooked shrimp in a buttered casserole dish just large enough to hold them in one layer. Sauté the mushrooms in butter until browned; transfer to a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss with flour and stir in sour cream, butter and soy sauce. Pour over the shrimp; top with cheese and sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes or until heated through. Do not overcook. Serve over rice or pasta if desired. Serves 4.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know - Flirting

2013-04-30T00:30:00.000-05:00

Authors are often asked, is your story character driven or plot driven…in other words, is your story more character oriented or plot oriented?

I’m a panster and I don’t spend a lot of time plotting out either my characters or my plot. I have a general idea of who they are and what’s going to happen when I start the book, but I’m not one of those authors who have a notebook on either.

One book I have on characters is WHATWOULD YOUR CHARACTER DO? Personality Quizzes for Analyzing Your Characters by Eric Maisel, PH.D. and Ann Maisel. “The 30 real-life scenarios include questions and answers that provide you with a window into your characters’ souls.”

The book sets up scenes for your character, then asks a series of questions, with multiple choice answers. You choose the answer that your character would most likely do. The authors then give you an explanation for each answer—why your character would react that way.

An example from the book: Scenario No. 7 – Flirting (page 76). “Imagine your character in a bar and in a flirting mood.” What sort of a bar is she in? What other people are in the bar? Get the picture in your mind. Then ask yourself:

“An attractive someone makes eye contact with your character. What is the first thing she does?”

1) Look away quickly?
2) Meet the glance briefly, then look away?
3) Meet the glance in a lingering way, then look away?
4) Smile and nod?
5) March right over?

What answer did you choose? According to the authors, this is what each action means:

1) Looking away quickly is consistent with a shy character who lets lots of life’s opportunities pass by and who is similarly likely to experience a lot of regret over her missed opportunities.
2) Meeting the glance briefly, then looking away is consistent with a character who, although on the shy side, has enough self-confidence to reciprocate a glance and who is likely to come back for a second glance.
3) Meeting the glance in a lingering way, then looking away, is consistent with a self-confident character who perhaps has a lot on her mind or, alternatively, with a self-confident character who is playing a studied role of casualness.
4) Smiling and nodding is consistent with a friendly, extroverted character who takes easily to new people and who may pop up and visit if another glance is exchanged.
5) Marching right over is consistent with a powerful character high in energy and sex appeal or, alternatively, with a weak character who is used to disguising that weakness through bold gestures.

In this chapter, you are asked five other questions and also given other alternative flirting situations to consider and facts about flirting and modern women.

A few other scenarios given in the book for your consideration are: Family Picnic, Poolside Encounter, Stranger in Town, Poker Night, At the Sex Shop, Deathbed Secret, A Very Busy Day.

So, how would your character react to finding a handsome/beautiful someone looking at them?

Anna Kathryn Lanier
www.aklanier.com annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com

Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. ~Doug Ivester

This post first appeared on the Roses of Houston blog on 12/28/09.

Brenda Novak Online Auction for Diabetes Research May 1-31

2013-04-28T22:58:00.000-05:00

SWEETHEARTS OF THE WEST

Click HERE to go to the auction page

Sweethearts of the West Kindle Paperwhite, loaded with sexy cowboys and damsels in distress.

Handmade Wooden Jewelry Box from Author Linda LaRoque

(made by her husband!)

A Rootin’, Tootin’ Basket for Kids from Sweethearts of the West

plus additional books not shown

Tex-Mex Cookbook Basket from Anna Kathryn Lanier

Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Earrings and Pendant Set from

Author Linda LaRoque

Silpada Stretch Turquoise and Sterling Ring from Author Linda LaRoque

WESTERN-THEMED GIFT BASKET from author Paty Jager

Sweethearts of the West is comprised of thirteen authors whose contemporary

and historical fiction contains romance, adventure and mystery set West of the

Mississippi River. Our team blog features articles on history, travel, recipes, and

people of the West as well as occasional glimpses into our own lives and works.

Please join us at http://sweetheartsofthewest.blogspot.com

Wednesday Chow - Chicken Tortilla Bake

2013-04-24T00:51:00.001-05:00

Oh my gosh, just a week to go until the Brenda Novak 2013 Annual Auction for the Cure of Diabetes starts! This will be my fifth or sixth year to participate, either as a bidder, as a contributor or as both.

Brenda’s annual auction runs May 1-31. So far, there are over 1,100 items up for auction, with more to come. I am contributing to several baskets/items in the auction this year. See the right column for links to the three categories I’m involved with. As mentioned before, one of the baskets I’m donating is “Calling All Cooks,” a boxful of cookbooks:

Calling all Cooks

The winner of this auction will win a box full of cookbooks.

Christmas Cookies

1001 Fast Easy Recipes

Cake Pops, Brownies and More

Fun Summer Recipes

Freezer Meals

Slow Cooker Recipes

And more…..

Today’s recipe comes from FREEZER MEALS, a Taste of Home cookbook.

CHICKEN TORTILLA BAKE

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

½ teaspoon ground cumin

¼ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided

1 can (16 oz) refried beans

1 can (14½ oz) diced tomatoes with mild green chilies, drained

8 flour tortillas (8-inches), cut into 1-inch strips

1 can (11 oz) Mexicorn, drained

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

In a large skillet, sauté the chicken, cumin and salt in 1 tablespoon olive oil until chicken is no longer pink.

Combine the refried beans and tomatoes; spread 1 cup into a greased 11-in by 7-in baking dish. Top with 24 tortilla strips; layer half the corn, bean mixture, chicken and cheese. Repeat layers.

Using remaining tortilla strips, make a lattice crust over the filling; brush with remaining olive oil.

At this point, you may bake the dish or freeze it.

To bake dish: Bake uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

To freeze dish: Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake: Thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, bake according to directions above.

Anna Kathryn Lanier
www.aklanier.com annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com

Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. ~Doug Ivester

Inquiring Minds Want to Know - Naming Characters

2013-04-23T00:12:00.003-05:00

I am a panster, and this carries over to my characters' names. In one book, I asked my daughter for the names, Conner and Layla. Honestly, I don't recall how I came up with the names of my other characters. There's one of my WIPs where the heroine's name keeps getting changed. I know that I want her to have a boyish name, like Dannie or Sammie, while her real name is more elegant, like Danielle or Samantha. Or something even less flattering, a name one of her brothers came up with, perhaps because he couldn't pronounce her name. The hero won't realize her name is not actually what he's been calling her all along. I just can't settle on a name for her.

For secondary characters, I usually just look around my house for items with names on them (books) and use that. I have learned to be careful what you name secondary characters, however...you may want to write a book about them and not be thrilled with their name!

How do you name your characters, especially the main characters? Do you just pick out a name or do you worrying over it?

Inquring Minds Want to Know - Share your favorite recipe

2013-04-16T00:30:00.000-05:00

It may surprise everyone to learn that I really am not much of a cook, considering all the recipes I've posted on this blog. But if it's complicated or really involved, I'm not going to do it. And nothing ever comes out looking the way it's supposed to look. But I love seeing new recipes, especially ones that people enjoy sharing with their family and friends.

So, it's time for you to share with us one of your favorite recipes. If it has history, please share that too.

Wednesday's Chow - Chicken Fried Steaks

2013-04-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

There’s less than a month to go until theBrenda Novak’s Annual Diabetes Research Auction and I have several items up for bidding….some of my own donation and some that I’m joined by other authors…there’s critiques, baskets and electronic books! Follow the links on the right for a full list of the items available and for information on the auction.

One of the baskets I’m donating is Cookbooks for the Southwest Chef in Your House.

Win a boxful of cookbooks with a southwest/southern twist. Includes:

Tex-Mex Recipes

Texas Morning Glory (Bed and Breakfast recipes)

True Gist: Buckwheat and Cornmeal Recipes

A Taste of Texas

Dolly Parton’s Tennessee Mountain Cooking

Cookbook for a Cause

POPS: Icy Treat for Everyone

Author Caroline Clemmons recently donated a new book to the basket, her self-published cookbook “Favorite Southwest Recipes.” Here’s a recipe from her book, which is available in ebook or print.

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK

Ingredients:

4 to 6 tenderized boneless beef cutlets

1 egg

¾ to 1 cup milk

2 cups flour on a paper plate or waxed paper

Pepper to taste

2 cups shortening

Directions:

Sprinkle pepper on cutlets. Into shallow bowl, beat egg with fork. Add milk and mix. Into a large heavy skillet with lid put about 2 cups shortening or oil and heat on medium high until little waves of heat can be seen on the shortening but not smoking. While shortening is heating, get cutlets, flour, and batter set up to work quickly. As shortening is almost ready, take one cutlet, dip on both sides with flour, then in egg-milk batter, then back into the flour. Drop carefully into skillet. Repeat with each cutlet. Cover the skillet and lower heat. When the cutlets are browned on one side, turn and brown on the other side. It takes about twenty minutes total time to cook these, but time will vary depending on cutlet thickness and space in the skillet. When browned on both sides if steak is not done (as in the case of very thick steaks) lower the heat and let cook for a few more minutes. When done, remove from heat and drain on a paper toweling with skillet lid covering them until ready to serve. Place on platter and serve.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

2013-04-09T23:15:00.000-05:00

I've found that the best way to learn the writing craft is to attend conferences and workshops. So, please share with us one of the best workshops (online or in person) that you have attended.

Jimmy Thomas workshop on branding and promotion

at Northwest Houston RWA, February 2013

Wednesday's Chow - Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup

2013-03-27T00:30:00.000-05:00

It’s just around the corner….the Brenda Novak 2013 Annual Auction for the Cure of Diabetes. Brenda’s annual auction runs May 1-31. So far, there are over 800 items up for auction, with more to come. Here’s another recipe from a cookbook from my “Calling All Cooks,” basket, Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup.

Calling all Cooks

The winner of this auction will win a box full of cookbooks.

Christmas Cookies

1001 Fast Easy Recipes

Cake Pops, Brownies and More

Fun Summer Recipes

Freezer Meals

Slow Cooker Recipes

And more…..

Here’s a recipe I tried from Slow Cooker Recipes. My family really enjoyed it.

Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

12 fresh baby carrots, cut up into ½-inch pieces

4 celery ribs, cut into ½-inch pieces

¾ cup finely chopped onion

1 tbls minced fresh parsley

½ tsp pepper

¼ tsp cayenne pepper*

1 ½ tsp mustard seed

2 garlic cloves, peeled and halved

1 ¼ pound boneless skinless chicken thighs

4 cans (14 ½-oz each) chicken broth

1 package (9-oz) refrigerated linguine

Directions:

In a 5-qt slow cooker, combine the first six ingredients. Place mustard seed and garlic in a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up corners of the cloth and tie with kitchen string to form a bag.** Place in slow cooker. Add chicken and broth. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until meat is tender.

Discard spice bag. Remove chicken; cool slightly. Stir linguine into soup; cover and cook on high for 30 minutes or until tender. Cut chicken into pieces and return to soup; heat through.

*I put in this amount of cayenne but will not do so in the future…my family found it hot (and if they find it hot, it’s hot!) But aside from that, it was really good. My suggestion is to cut back to 1/8 a tsp or to leave it out if you don’t like spicy.

**Okay, when it came time to make the soup, I could not find the mustard seeds I know I had at one time…I think they got tossed when the spice cabinet was cleaned out. Anyway, I left the mustard seed out and just added the garlic to the soup. It was still good. But I plan to use mustard seed the next time I make it.

Anna Kathryn Lanier

www.aklanier.com http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/

Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. ~Doug Ivester

Inquiring Minds Want to Know - Who would you be?

2013-03-26T01:00:00.000-05:00

I stol---er, borrowed this question from cover model Jimmy Thomas, who posted it on his Facebook page a few weeks ago. I loved the question and decided I'd use it on my Inquiring Minds Want to Know segment.

So, f you could be a character in a book, who would you be and why?

Jimmy and me.....

Northwest Houston RWA

Workshop, Feb. 2013

And to answer the question, I'd like to be Elizabeth Bennett from "Pride and Prejudice." I love the story and believe it would interesting to live her life. Of course, it would a whole lot better if Mr. Darcy looked a lot like Colin Firth (or Jimmy Thomas...that wouldn't be so bad either, lol).

Anna Kathryn Lanier
www.aklanier.com http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/

Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. ~Doug Ivester

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

2013-03-19T00:09:00.002-05:00

As some of my cyber buddies know, today I finally did it! I booked my flight and hotel for my June/July trip to Australia. It is a place I've always wanted to visit, but now I have a good friend, author Skhye Moncrief, living there and she has invited me to come visit. So I am.

This bring me to this week's Inquiring Minds Want to Know question - What one place would you like to visit?

Anna Kathryn

Wednesday's Chow - Salsa Corn Soup with Chicken

2013-03-13T01:30:00.000-05:00

I belong to a great group of writers, Sweethearts of the West. As the title indicates, we all write stories (historical and contemporary) set in the West. This year, we are sponsoring a category in the Brenda Novak 2013 Annual Auction for the Cure of Diabetes that includes a children’s basket, Romancing the West basket, critiques, an ebook, and more. Brenda’s annual auction runs May 1-31. So far, there are over 800 items up for auction. I’m donating several items to the auction, including a Tex-Mex Cookbook basket in the Sweethearts category.

Win a boxful of cookbooks with a southwest/southern twist. Includes:

Tex-Mex Recipes

Texas Morning Glory (Bed and Breakfast recipes)

True Gist: Buckwheat and Cornmeal Recipes

A Taste of Texas

Dolly Parton’s Tennessee Mountain Cooking

Cookbook for a Cause

POPS: Icy Treat for Everyone (to cool your mouth after all that Tex-Mex food)

For this week’s Wednesday’s Chow, I’m sharing a recipe from TEX-MEX RECIPES.

Salsa Corn Soup with Chicken

Ingredients:

3 quarts chicken broth

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced

2 (10-oz) packages frozen whole kernel corn, thawed

4 (11-oz) jars of Salsa

4 large carrots, diced

One lime

Directions:

In a Dutch oven, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add chicken, corn, salsa and carrots. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until carrots are tender.

Serve with lime wedges for squirting on soup.

http://sweetheartsofthewest.blogspot.com/

Anna Kathryn Lanier
www.aklanier.com http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/

Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. ~Doug Ivester

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

2013-03-12T01:30:00.000-05:00

So, going along with last week's question about your favorite writing craft book, when you started out writing, did you later learn something you wished you knew from the beginning? I know I sure wish I knew how not to head hop...how to format a manuscript....how to write a query letter....how not to just send in a manuscript cold.....

So, what’s your number one advice to a new writer?

Anna Kathryn Lanier
www.aklanier.com http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/

Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. ~Doug Ivester

Very Inspiring Blogger

2013-03-10T20:25:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Paty Jager, historical and contemporary western romance author, for nominating me for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award!

Here are the rules:

Display the award logo on your blog.
Link back to the person who nominated you.
State 7 things about yourself.
Nominate other bloggers (the number seems to vary) and link back to them.

Seven Things about myself:

1) I was an exchange student to Finland between my junior and senior years of high school.

2) I have lived in eight states, one U.S. territory and one foreign country (Finland).

3) I hate dusting and only do it about twice a year, when it should be done weekly!

4) I was a girl scout leader for 13 years and loved it.

5) I wrote my first novel while a 9th grader.

6) My first books were written in long-hand in spiral notebooks.

7) I love Zumba!

I'm nominating:

Anna Kathryn Lanier
www.aklanier.com http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/

Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. ~Doug Ivester

Fascinating Women in History

2013-03-09T00:39:00.000-06:00

In case you missed it, March is Women’s History Month, the month we should learn about the women in history who have made their mark in the world. Over the several years on the various blogs I’ve posted on, I have discussed many different women. I thought I’d share some of the links to those blogs with you.

Happy reading (and learning).

Elizabeth Dumont, Lady Gambler

Avis and Effie Hotchkiss, Motorcycle Mamas

Empress Theodora of Byzantine

Lady Murasaki Shikiba, World’s first novelist

Trotula, Medieval Medical Doctor

Wu Zetain, Sacred and Divine Empress of China

Dr. Susan Anderson, Frontier Doctor

Artemisia Gentileschi, Medieval Painter

Wednesday's Chow - Best Cauliflower

2013-03-06T01:00:00.000-06:00

While cauliflower is not a vegetable most people eat, I like it, cooked or fresh. But I admit, my family doesn’t eat as much as we probably should. Especially when you learn about the health benefits of cauliflower (find out about some of them HERE.) So, I went looking for a recipe in the cookbooks in my “Calling All Cooks,” basket for Brenda Novak 2013 Annual Auction for the Cure of Diabetes. (Brenda’s annual auction runs May 1-31. So far, there are over 750 items up for auction, with more to come.)

Calling all Cooks

The winner of this auction will win a box full of cookbooks.

Christmas Cookies

1001 Fast Easy Recipes

Cake Pops, Brownies and More

Fun Summer Recipes

Freezer Meals

Slow Cooker Recipes

And more…..

And I found several cauliflower recipes in 1001 FAST EASY RECIPES. Here’s one I tried and it’s really good.

Best Cauliflower

Ingredients:

1 (16-oz) package frozen cauliflower

Salt and pepper

1 (8-oz) carton sour cream

1 ½ cups shredded American or Cheddar cheese

4 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted

Directions:

Cook cauliflower according to package directions. Drain and place half in a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on cauliflower. Spread half sour cream and half cheese, top with half sesame seeds. Repeat layers. Bake at 350° for about 15-20 minutes.

Anna Kathryn Lanier
www.aklanier.com annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com

Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. ~Doug Ivester

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

2013-03-05T00:30:00.000-06:00

Oh, my! I found my list of "Inquiring Minds Want to Know" questions. Where the heck was it last week???? Geez. I'm so happy, now I don't have to think of a bunch of new questions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have a whole bookshelf full of writing craft books...most of them I have not read. But I do not want to get rid of them. Since I'm not a plotter, I probably should dump the plotting books, but when you look through them, you find something that will help you with your writing, plotter or panster!

So, here's this week's question:

What’s one of your favorite writing craft books? Tell us about it.

Anna Kathryn Lanier
www.aklanier.com annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com

Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. ~Doug Ivester

Historical Romances now Available.

2013-03-01T20:54:00.004-06:00

Seduced by History
Monthly List of Historical Romance Releases by Hearts through History's published authors. Hearts through History (HHRW) is an on-line chapter of Romance writers of America.

Feel free to pass it along to a friend.
Available March

Ashlyn Macnamara
A MOST SCANDALOUS PROPOSAL
Ballantine Books, ISBN-10: 0345534743, ISBN-13: 978-0345534743
Regency
After watching her beloved sister Sophia pine over the ton's Golden Boy for years, Miss Julia St. Claire has foresworn love and put herself firmly on the shelf. Unfortunately, her social-climbing mother and debt-ridden father have other ideas, and jump at the chance to marry Julia off to the newly-named Earl of Clivesden... the man of Sophia's dreams.
Since resigning his Cavalry commission, Benedict Revelstoke has spent his time in London avoiding the marriage mart. But when he discovers that the Earl of Clivesden has set Julia in his sights, Benedict tries to protect his childhood best friend from the man's advances--only to discover more than friendship driving his desire to defend her. He surprises them both with the force of his feelings, but when she refuses him and her father announces her betrothal, he fears he's lost her forever--until Julia approaches him with a shocking scheme that will ruin her for all respectable society...
...and lead them into an exquisite world of forbidden pleasures. Available: February 26, 2013
http://ashlynmacnamara.net/
*******************************

Loreen Augeri
LOST HONOR
Wild Rose Press, 978-1-61217-729-8 Paperback, 978-1-61217-730-4 Digital
Regency
Captain Morgan Danvers sets sail to rescue his brother, kidnapped by pirates. Fearing he will become like his father who abandoned him, he has cut himself off from his emotions. Then a willful stowaway crashes into his life, awakening dormant feelings and firing his lust. Soon he finds his all-important honor threatened, for even though he is betrothed to another, he is drawn to her against his will.
Arianna Pemberton hides in a barrel she thinks will be loaded on her brother's ship but lands on Morgan's brig. Her father has forbidden her to sail, and this is her only course of action. Unwilling to allow a man to control her, she is determined to make her way as a seaman, a profession she knows and loves. But when Captain Danvers discovers her deception, he refuses to permit her to prove herself. As she struggles to convince him, unwanted passion emerges, jeopardizing her plans for independence. Available: March 8, 2013
http://www.loreenaugeri.com
*******************************

Paisley Kirkpatrick
MARRIAGE BARGAIN
Desert Breeze Publishing
Western historical
The dusty trail of a wagon train leads west, but Darrah Benjamin finds it a pathway to love and forgiveness when an arranged marriage becomes much more than a convenience. Wagon scout Chase challenges her determination with his promise -- she'll give him her heart and invite him to her bed before they arrive at their destination. Darrah will shape her own destiny and claim a woman's spirit along the way.
Charles Danforth, a scout known as Chase, leads a wagon train of emigrants west through plains plundered by murderers. As an undercover agent of President Polk, he has sworn to stop the massacres. Darrah's inadvertent comment gives him the clue he needs to achieve his assignment. His Sioux blood brother helps Chase end the killings, but almost ruins Chase's chance of winning Darrah's heart when he kidnaps her to demonstrate the depth of love Chase has for his wife. Available: March 21, 2013
http://www.paisleykirkpatrick.com
*******************************

Margaret Mallory
THE CHIEFTAIN
Grand Central Publishing, 978-0446-58311-4
Scottish historical
Connor, chieftain of the MacDonalds of Sleat, holds the fate of his people in his hands. Rival clans are plotting to take over his lands, and duty determines whom he will fight, trust ... even marry. Seeking guidance, Connor turns to Ilysa, a young lass with the gift of foresight, who reveals an approaching danger--and a passion that burns only for him. But the warrior must make a powerful marriage alliance, and Ilysa's bloodline is far too humble.
With her powers to heal and see evil where others cannot, beautiful Ilysa dresses plainly, speaks softly, and loves her chieftain from afar. Yet when Connor finally stokes the embers of desire that have so long burned within her, Ilysa feels bliss unlike any she's ever known. Now as he is forced to place duty before happiness, Ilysa senses Connor is in grave peril. Can she find a way to prove she is the woman he needs by his side? Available: February 26, 2013
http://www.margaretmallory.com
*******************************

Jennie Giardine
OPIUM DREAMS
Eternal Press, ISBN: 9781615728725 (ebook), ISBN: 9781615728732 (print)
Victroian romantic suspense
A squalid opium den in a London back alley drew high society through the shadowy Victorian night...
Scandalous rumors of half-clothed women and good opium drew good Victorian society to Chi Ki's opium den. To here Alison escapes, sneaking out every night after her drunken, abusive husband sleeps, fleeing into the arms of other men, and into a trap that has been laid. What happens when her fate is tied to an author, who coldly manipulates lives to stimulate his art, a self-absorbed, playboy criminal, and an apparently good woman who secretly loathes her?
But how will Cayle be able to convince Becca, a determinedly self-sufficient spinster, that he can be more to her than just a protector?
Available: February 1st, 2013(ebook), print coming soon
http://www.jenniegiardine.webs.com
*******************************

Annabelle Weston
NOTORIOUS WOMAN
Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419938610
Western historical
Kate's a whip-wielding termagant, trying to protect her heart. Jake's bet he can charm her into submission, and finds he has met his match.
Available: March 6, 2013
http://annabellewestonromance.blogspot.com
*******************************

Eliza Knight
THE HIGHLANDER'S WARRIOR BRIDE
Self-published, ISBN: 978-1482531893
Scottish medieval romance
Their greatest opponent won't be battled with a sword... But with their hearts... Ronan Sutherland is a fierce warrior. Swearing off all else, he thrives on his powerful position within William Wallace's army. Freedom for the Scots is his mission--until he meets fair Julianna. She captivates him, intoxicates him... makes him want more out of life than what harsh dangers he's accustomed to.
Available: March 15, 2013
http://www.elizaknight.com
*******************************

Eliza Knight
BEHIND THE PLAID
Self-published, ISBN: 978-1482531923
Scottish historical, erotic, time-travel
He dominated her mind. She possessed his soul. Desperate for independence, Emma Gordon leaves her husband while on a trip in the Scottish Highlands. Only thing is, she ends up hurled back in time to the 16th Century Castle Gealach and headlong into the arms of the handsome, intimidating Laird Logan Grant. Thrust into a world filled with treachery, danger and intensity she must summon the courage to find her way.
Available: March 15, 2013
http://www.elizaknight.com
*******************************

Maggi Andersen
A BARON IN HER BED
Knox Robinson Publishing, ISBN: 978-1908483348
Regency
Horatia's plan to join the London literary set takes a dangerous turn. Now that the war with France has ended, Baron Guy Fortescue arrives in England to claim his inheritance. When Guy is set upon in London, a stranger, Lord Strathairn, rescues and befriends him. But while traveling to his country estate, Guy is again attacked. Guy suspects his relative, Eustace Fennimore, is behind the attacks on his life. Horatia refuses to believe her godfather, Eustace, is responsible. Secure in the knowledge that his daughter will finally wed, Horatia's father allows her to visit her blue-stocking aunt in London. But Horatia's time spent in London proves to be anything but a literary feast, for a dangerous foe plots Guy's demise. She is determined to keep alive her handsome fiancé, who has proven more than willing to play the part of her lover even as he resists her attempts to save him.
Available: March 6, 2013
http://www.maggiandersenauthor.com
*******************************

Gerri Bowen
AUDREY'S LOVE
Highland Press, ISBN: BOOBB1165A
Medieval Time Travel
While on a trip to England, Audrey rolls down a hill one summer night and lands in the winter of 1068. She finally accepts the fact she has gone back over nine hundred years to the past, but... why? What is she supposed to accomplish?
Sir Rolf first believes the strangely garbed woman who rolls in front of him is the wife of a rich lord. Then he is convinced she is a Saxon spy. But the Saxons at his holding insist she is Deira, the old lord's daughter returned to them--except Deira died and was buried ten years ago. After learning the dead daughter was murdered, Rolf knows he must protect Audrey from the murderer, who may strike again.
Audrey and Rolf fight the mutual attraction they feel for the other while trying to discover the reason she was sent back in time.
Available: February 3, 2013
http://www.gerribowen.com

Still Available
Mary Galusha
SAPPHIRE SKIES
Desert Breeze Publishing, 978-1-61252-271-5
Western Historical
Austrian immigrant Lili Kohl wants to get a homestead in Montana for her family to live on when they come to the United States. But someone in the town of Cedar Creek is using their influence to keep the property from her. Homesteader Gabriel McCall has put a hold on the property adjoining his, hoping his younger brother will homestead it later, fulfilling a promise Gabriel made to their dying father. Meanwhile he tries to be helpful to Lili, because he sees her as a greenhorn. After he rescues her from abductors and they stay warm in a cave, their attraction to each other grows. Then her parents arrive unexpectedly and her father disapproves of Gabriel, who has finally given up on farming with his brother. Now Lili fears losing her family's approval by loving Gabriel.
Available: January 21, 2013
http://www.marygalusha.com
*******************************
Jennifer Brassel
"A Lady's Honor" in the anthology MOONLIT ENCOUNTERS
TWC Press, 9781301947577
Medieval novella
A medieval warrior struggles with his duty when a healer captivates him...
Part of a diverse collection of short romantic fiction from eight different authors, from different genres, for all readers
Available: December 12, 2013
http://www.jenniferbrassel.com
*******************************
Suzi Love
EMBRACING SCANDAL
Crimson Romance, ISBN - 1440560498 (ISBN13: 9781440560491)
Late Regency
After Lady Rebecca Jamison, a mathematical genius, saves her family from financial ruin by secretly investing in railway stocks on the London stock exchange, a greedy syndicate, desperate for Becca's calculations and predictions, murders her friend and threatens the Jamison family, forcing Becca to beg assistance from her childhood friend, Cayle St. Martin.
The newly titled Duke of Sherwyn has returned to London after five years on the continent extending his family's shipping interests. He's shunned his privileged London life and his father's unbending attitudes, and becomes committed to employing the spying tactics he learned on the continent to help Becca indict the syndicate--and using his skills as a lover to seduce her into his bed.
But how will Cayle be able to convince Becca, a determinedly self-sufficient spinster, that he can be more to her than just a protector?
Available: February 18th, 2013
http://suzilove.com

Coming in April
Barbara Monajem
THE MAGIC OF HIS TOUCH
Harlequin Historical Undone, ISBN 978-1-460-31096-0
Regency Novella with a touch of paranormal
Tired of being paraded before every eligible bachelor, Peony Whistleby decides to find her true love--through the ancient custom of rolling naked in the dew on May Day morning. But the magic goes awry when she is caught in the act--and by an entirely unsuitable man. And yet, the way his eyes linger upon her flesh ignites a sensual craving that can only be satisfied by his touch...
Available: April 1, 2013
http://www.barbaramonajem.com
*******************************
L. B. Joramo
THE IMMORTAL AMERICAN
Self-published
American Revolution historical novel with paranomral and romance elements
While Boston roars with protests, Violet Buccleuch fights to survive. The lone provider for her mother and sister, Violet knows that soon enough she must surrender to the only option a woman of 1775 has: marriage.
For two years she's delayed a wedding to Mathew Adams, her fiancé. He's loved her since they were children, and Violet knows he will be a good husband. But he's gone and committed the most dangerous mistake a man can make: He's introduced her to his friend, Jacque Beaumont, a Frenchman and a spy, a dark, dangerous man Violet can't stop herself from wanting.
Then Violet's life is shattered--brutality, death, and the threat of debtor's prison surround her. Both Jacque and Mathew come to her aid--one man rescues her farm, the other rescues her heart. As the Battle of Concord rages at her door, Violet is entangled between her loyalty to Mathew, even as she's drawn further into Jacque's shadowy, mysterious world perhaps a world from which there's no return.
Available: April 1, 2013
http://www.lbjoramo.com

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Wednesday's Chow - Herbed Chicken and Shrimp

2013-02-27T11:34:00.002-06:00

It’s just around the corner….the Brenda Novak 2013 Annual Auction for the Cure of Diabetes. Brenda’s annual auction runs May 1-31. So far, there are over 750 items up for auction, with more to come. I will be posting several baskets/items in the auction, as I have in the past. This year, one of the baskets I’m donating is “Calling All Cooks,” a boxful of cookbooks:

Calling all Cooks

The winner of this auction will win a box full of cookbooks.

Christmas Cookies

1001 Fast Easy Recipes

Cake Pops, Brownies and More

Fun Summer Recipes

Freezer Meals

Slow Cooker Recipes

And more…..

Here’s a recipe I tried from Slow Cooker Recipes. My family really enjoyed it and I plan to make it again (I have a copy of the book myself, too).

HERBED CHICKEN AND SHRIMP

Ingredients:

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 broiler/fryer chicken (3-4 pounds), cut up and skinned

¼ cup butter

1 large onion chopped

1 8-oz can tomato sauce

½ cup white wine or chicken broth

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tsp dried basil

1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Directions:

Combine salt and pepper; rub over the chicken pieces. In a large skillet, melt butter and then brown chicken a on all sides. Transfer to an ungreased 5-qt. slow cooker.

In a large bowl, combine the onion, tomato sauce, wine, garlic and basil; pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until chicken is tender.

Stir in shrimp. Cover and took on high 20-30 minutes or until shrimp turns pink.

I served it with rice.

Anna Kathryn Lanier
www.aklanier.com annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com

Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. ~Doug Ivester

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

2013-02-25T23:04:00.000-06:00

So, I had a whole list of "inquiring minds" questions and now I can't find the file. I am sure I saved it, but I can't even find on my mozy.com backup. This really irritates me! I don't recall all the questions...just goes to show I should have set up some blogs and scheduled them for release. It's just really odd, because I had it open for over a week and I know I saved it. I highlighted the two questions I had already asked, so I would know not to use them again.....

Anyway, enough of complaining about computers, although, sometimes I really hate them! On to this week's question (especially since I skipped last week.....just plain lazy, that's all I can say).

If you could travel back in time, what era would you want to visit? Would you want to be just an observer (like at the zoo) or would you want to be a participant?

Inquiring minds want to know your answer, so please leave a comment.

Anna Kathryn Lanier

www.aklanier.com http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/

Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. ~Doug Ivester

Arbitrary Friday - Dog Breeds that Attract the Opposite Sex

2013-02-15T00:42:00.001-06:00

Okay, it’s after midnight, I should be in a bed, but I just now came across something to blog about today. I’m sure if I’d put my mind to it earlier, I could have found something else to blog about (I did think about blogging on disabled cruise ships)but I didn’t. It’s been a busy day. (Belated Happy Valentine’s Day, btw).

Anyway, I just now saw this link on the AOL home page: Dogs That Attract The Opposite Sex. Well, I had to look at that page; not that I want a dog (as I have one already) nor a husband (as I have one already). But as a romance writer, I thought it would an interesting read.

Men like women with poodles and Chihuahuas because they think the breeds suggest women are easy to bed and dumb (think of the people you see in the news who carry around Chihuahuas in their purses) but the women are NOT girlfriend material. Now, if you want to be seen as girlfriend material, get a Golden or Labrador retriever.

What breeds of dogs do women like to see him walking? Siberian Huskies, with their attractive, vivid blue eyes, ladies tend to think the owners are more manly. Women also like men with Labrador retrievers. This breed of trustworthy and committed dog suggests that the male owner is less likely to cheat. And, like men, women are attracted to Golden retrievers as well. Women think the dog’s fun-loving, happy attitude reflects a more positive and active owner.

Check out the post HERE for more breeds to attract the opposite sex, as well as which ones to avoid!

PS, I'm blogging at Sweethearts of the West Blog today and talking about Mail Order Brides. Leave a comment over at Sweethearts for a chance to win a copy of my own Mail Order Bride story SALVATION BRIDE.

Anna Kathryn Lanier
www.aklanier.com http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/

Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. ~Doug Ivester