Teddy Weiss is sick of it all: the jerks who constantly bully him because he is smarter than they are, being poor, and the frustration of being so close to changing lives with an incomplete invention because he is too poor to afford the materials.

Summer Jell-O Poke-Cake

1 white cake mix
1 sm. (4 oz.) Grape Jello mix,
8 oz. Cool Whip
1 c. boiling water
1/2 c. cool water

 

Make cake according to package directions. Cool cake 20 minutes. Using utility fork poke cake at 1/2 inch intervals. Make Jello using 1 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup cold water. Pour Jello slowly over cake covering all holes. Chill 3 - 4 hours. Spread with Cool Whip.

Catching UP!

Books that went to press or back to press this week:  

THE DEPUTY, by C.M. Albrecht    

   "When Deputy Sheriff Wayne Terwilliger hires a handyman to help around his little farm, he sets a terrible and deadly machine into motion."

 

MATTEO'S TREASURE, Moretti Men Series, Vol. 3 by Anna Dynowski
  Jet-setter Santino Moretti died and left the Triple-M property, worth nearly $25 million, to his three neglected sons, Micah, Marek, and Matteo, each born of a different marriage, and each unknown by the others. Before any one of them can inherit, he must take turns living on the farm for three months, then they must return and all three live together for a final three months.
 

Galleys that went out, are still out, or that went out again, this week:

 

REWIND FORWARD: Kathy Sear and Greg Hawkins Series, Vol. 4, by Michael E. Field. 

   Paul Buckler had everything he could want from life: a beautiful wife, wonderful children, and a great home. But all that came crashing down when false allegations were levied against him and he found out that you are really guilty until proven innocent

DEMONCHASER III, by David Berardelli.  

   It's definitely hell in the wrong shoes! Feisty Tiffany LaBoeff is back and ready to solve the world's problems one more time.

I HAVE A FRIEND ON JUPITER, Celine Rose Mariotti
   A story of two young friends who e-mail aliens on Jupiter! When their space ship arrives, so does a lot of adventure. When the space ship leaves-a special bond has been formed.  

THE PROMISE by Karen Rossi

 Katharine Wilder is devastated when her 11-year-old daughter, Maggie, is arrested for shoplifting. Although the girl is only involved by association, Katharine is deeply shaken by the incident and wants to get Maggie involved in wholesome church activities

 

 

 

Work began, or continued, on the following titles: 

 

A VANISHING BREED,Volunteer Series, Vol. 2 by Tom Ward 

   The continued adventures of Medic 1260.

 

LITTLE STORIES: Writers Bloc Anthology III

   A collection of short work from members of The Writers Bloc, one of the oldest writers groups on the Delmarva Peninsula: Short Stories, Poetry, and articles, with artworks by memebes.

 

THE NEW NORMAL: a Novel of Alternate Reality, by A.G. Case and P.A. Papineau. Fiction based on the premise that the Sept. 11 attack was successful in it's aim to change American culture.

TINY TALES: The Writer's Bloc Anthology III

   A Collection of tales by members of the Bloc.

 

 

MINISTER'S SHOES, VOL. 2 by Celine Rose Mariotti
 
   Rev. Castle is back in another cozy mystery.


BLEEDING HEARTS: Killian Kendal Mystery Series, Vol. 1
   Winner of the Stonewall Society's 2002 Pride in the Arts Literary Award in the Whodunit Category!

REAP THE WHIRLWIND: Killian Kendall Mystery Series, Vol. 2,  by Josh Aterovis.
   Suicide, or murder? That's the question in the second Killian Kendall mystery. Will Smith suspects murder when an old childhood pal drowns, and asks his friend Killian for help in solving the mystery.

TRUTH OF YESTERDAY,  by Josh Aterovis

ALL LOST THINGS, by Josh Aterovis

CHANGE  OF WORLDS, by Josh Aterovis 

 

Jack's News!

  by your bookstore cat,  gossip columnist, and feline friend.

 

Perhaps because of all the spam that has been going out from Arline's address, there have been e-mail complications the past few weeks. Apologies to Anna Dynowski, Celine Mariotti, Dave Berardelli, and anyone else who missed messages from us. Rest assured, we are working on getting it fixed. Meanwhile we are checking all mail directly on line, so whatever address you use, we should see it now.

 

 Celine Mariotti has her newest book all ready to go, as soon as we finish I Have a Friend on Jupiter.

We will get to work on it soon.

 

 

Author Andy Nunez reports GHOSTS II is his best-selling book this summer.  He just placed a third order for more. Andy has been hitting all the local summer events, along with other members of THE WRITERS BLOC. His work will also be featured in the new Anthology from the group.

 

Rae Lynch, the secretary for The Writers Bloc, reports the loss of long-time member Flo Wooten. Flo will be much missed and our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones and all other members of the Bloc. 

 

Have a great week, everyone!

 

Your friend and bookstore cat,

 

JACK!

 

Easy summer recipes.

 Great Summer Reading!

"Chef Merle Blanc, he has the nose. And when millionaire Bernard Goldberg dies during his wedding luncheon in the chef's restaurant, Chef Blanc's nose, he smells the murder! What greater insult for Chef Blanc than that someone would be so callous as to commit a murder in his restaurant during a wedding reception he has so painstakingly prepared. But the doctors and police believe Goldberg's death was natural. Can Chef Blanc keep some forty guests and employees in his restaurant long enough for him to don his apron and cook a killer's goose before closing time?

"A fun read with lots of red herrings and false trails. I'm pleased to recommend Deadly Reception as a well told tale worth the time. Surprises in store for you. You'll want to read other tales by this very able storyteller. Enjoy. I sure did." — Anne K. Edwards www.mysteryfiction.net

Don't Stand Over the Stove 

Summer Crock Pot Cooking

Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds talapia fish fillets
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 5 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup white cooking wine
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
• 2 teaspoons grated orange rind
• 1 bay leaf
• Orange and lemon slices, for garnish
• parsley sprigs, for garnish

Preparation:

Butter slow cooker; sprinkle fish fillets with salt and pepper. Place fish in crockpot. Put onion, parsley, grated orange and lemon rind, bay leaf, and oil over fish. Pour the cooking wine down the side of the pot, so it goes to the bottom wihtout removing seasoning.

Cover and cook on LOW for 1 1/2 hours. Serve garnished with orange and lemon slices and sprigs of fresh parsley.

Great with a salad and a microwave baked potato.

Passed or Past?

Summer Murder can be Fun!

According to the statistics, only 34 percent of murderers are prosecuted and about half of them are convicted. In Volume 2 of the Eva Wyatt mystery series, she is faced with not one but two exceptionally well-organized, clever criminals. As always, Detective-Sergeant Eva Wyatt is trying to beat the odds.

Question from the e-mail: 
People tell me I mix up past and passed. What's the word on that.

Answer:  
Past is a time thing, something that happened in the past, or it’s a synonym for ‘beyond.'

Passed, is used when you mean “exceeded,” or “went by.” 

For instance: “It’s past (beyond) understanding, how Judy  passed her History test. When I passed (went by) her in the hall, she said she didn’t study, because the past (a time thing) was boring.”

Don't Stand Over the Stove Recipe

 Summer Series Roundup

First in the LINDSEY GALE SERIES

Just as recently divorced Lindsey Gale begins to bring balance into her personal life, she discovers that her new role as publisher of the Greensboro Press is anything but stable. Lindsey is asked to investigate the death of a friend who had been staying at The Writers’’ Bloc, a writers’’ retreat located on Maryland’’s rustic Eastern Shore. Lindsey reluctantly takes on the assignment and soon finds herself face to face with the retreat’’s reclusive owner and noted author, Odious Clay. With the help of Conrad Trent, her managing editor and closest confidant, she digs into the background of the retreat, Odious Clay and the eclectic group of residents and attendees and soon finds herself facing a publisher’’s greatest nightmare –– plagiarism peppered with a dash of murder.

 Don't Stand Over the Stove Summer Fare

Spend the afternoon instead, lying in the hammock, or sitting in the porch swing, all curled up with a good book, like the one above. Just put everything in the crock pot, turn it on, and it will be ready when you are.

 

SUMMER Crock-Pot Chicken

Ingredients

6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced or diced
1tsp. salt
1tsp pepper
1/4 cup orange juice
1 TBSP honey
3 TBSP basil
1 garlic clove
2 red bell peppers
2 zucchini, sliced
1 14 0z can pineapple chunks
3 med. red potatoes, quartered

Directions

Season the chicken breasts with the salt and pepper and place in the crock pot. In a small bowl, combine the orange juice, honey, basil and garlic. Add the peppers, zucchini and potatoes, and pineapple chunks to the Crock Pot, and pour the orange juice sauce on top of all the other ingredients. Cover; cook on low 6-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours. Makes 6 servings.

Number of Servings: 6

Deadly Sin Cake Recipe

First in the Ever-Popular Arbiter Series.

Agustus Pilot, a detective assigned to Special Services, is not a new kid on the block. in fact, he’s an Arbiter, a supernatural being assigned to solve any paradox between God and Satan for the disposition of contested souls. He’s not your average cop. These aren’t your average criminals.

Gus Pilot's Deadly Sin Cake

1 cup pecans
1 cup flour
1 stick butter
1 tbsp. sugar

8 oz. cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 lg. box instant chocolate pudding
1 lg. tub Cool Whip

1st Layer: Mix pecans, flour, butter and sugar. Bake at 350 degrees until lightly brown (approximately 10 minutes).

2nd Layer: Cream together the cream cheese, sugar and a cup of Cool Whip. Put on top of 1st layer.
3rd Layer: Mix vanilla pudding as directed on box. Put on top of 2nd layer.

Top 3rd layer with remainder of Cool Whip. Sprinkle nuts on top of Cool Whip. Chill until firm.

Catching UP!

No Books went to press or back to press this week:  
 

Galleys that went out, are still out, or that went out again, this week:

 
THE PROMISE by Karen Rossi

 Katharine Wilder is devastated when her 11-year-old daughter, Maggie, is arrested for shoplifting. Although the girl is only involved by association, Katharine is deeply shaken by the incident and wants to get Maggie involved in wholesome church activities

 

 THE DEPUTY, by C.M. Albrecht    

   "When Deputy Sheriff Wayne Terwilliger hires a handyman to help around his little farm, he sets a terrible and deadly machine into motion."

DEMONCHASER III, by David Berardelli.  

   It's definitely hell in the wrong shoes! Feisty Tiffany LaBoeff is back and ready to solve the world's problems one more time.

MATTEO'S TREASURE, Moretti Men Series, Vol. 3 by Anna Dynowski
  Jet-setter Santino Moretti died and left the Triple-M property, worth nearly $25 million, to his three neglected sons, Micah, Marek, and Matteo, each born of a different marriage, and each unknown by the others. Before any one of them can inherit, he must take turns living on the farm for three months, then they must return and all three live together for a final three months.

I HAVE A FRIEND ON JUPITER, Celine Rose Mariotti
   A story of two young friends who e-mail aliens on Jupiter! When their space ship arrives, so does a lot of adventure. When the space ship leaves-a special bond has been formed. 

 

Work began, or continued, on the following titles: 

 

THE NEW NORMAL: a Novel of Alternate Reality, by A.G. Case and P.A. Papineau. Fiction based on the premise that the Sept. 11 attack was successful in it's aim to change American culture.

A VANISHING BREED,Volunteer Series, Vol. 2 by Tom Ward 

   The continued adventures of Medic 1260.

 

REWIND FORWARD, by Michael E. Field
  Another great mystery by popular author Michael E. Field.

TINY TALES: The Writer's Bloc Anthology III

   A Collection of tales by members of the Bloc.

 

 

MINISTER'S SHOES, VOL. 2 by Celine Rose Mariotti
 
   Rev. Castle is back in another cozy mystery.


BLEEDING HEARTS: Killian Kendal Mystery Series, Vol. 1
   Winner of the Stonewall Society's 2002 Pride in the Arts Literary Award in the Whodunit Category!

REAP THE WHIRLWIND: Killian Kendall Mystery Series, Vol. 2,  by Josh Aterovis.
   Suicide, or murder? That's the question in the second Killian Kendall mystery. Will Smith suspects murder when an old childhood pal drowns, and asks his friend Killian for help in solving the mystery.

TRUTH OF YESTERDAY,  by Josh Aterovis

ALL LOST THINGS, by Josh Aterovis

CHANGE  OF WORLDS, by Josh Aterovis 

 

Jack's News!

  by your bookstore cat,  gossip columnist, and feline friend.

 
Barbara Grengs, who writes the popular T0BY MARTIN Series is planning more personal appearances this summer.  I like her books a lot, even it they mostly only have Dog characters.

 

Andy Nunez orderd a bunch of books the first of June and has sold out of GHOSTS II already. Way to go, Andy!

 

Arline's grumpy again. Someone is sending spam using her e-mail as the return address again. Anyone can type ANY address where it says "Return To."  We know you know she doesnt' send it. But...

 

Trouble is, sometimes folks will mark it as Junk to put it on their "NO" list, so then when she tries to send them e-mail it goes in their Junk folder.   

 

Makes it hard when she tries to keep in touch with authors. Two people this week have written to her wondering when their galleys would be done, when she had SENT the galleys out a week or two ago.  If you are having trouble communicating with us, please be sure arline@mail.com is not on your "no mail." list.

Both arline@mail.com and arlinechase@comcast.net should be good for us. arline@mail.com has been good through 8 different Internet Providers and for more than 15 years.

 

What is foreshadowing?

The kids in Kwame Freeman's 6th grade class often trade barbs and are antagonistic toward each other as they navigate their way through one conflict after another. If they could just call a truce, they might be able to team up to play a charity soccer match to help raise funds to help a classmate whose father was seriously injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) while serving in Iraq.

Question from the e-mail: Okay, I'm taking my first writing class in years. The teacher keeps talking about "foreshadowing" and I remember (won't say how long ago) you talked about that in your workshop, but I blew it off thinking it would be stupid to let the reader know what's going to happen next and give the story away. And here it is. Again. Am I missing something?

Answer: I think you may be. You don't tell them everything, Donna. You only hint. For instance if, later, a playful dog is going to knock Mrs. Stuffed-Shirt into the pool, you have to describe the pool when you are setting the scene for the party, and at least mention the dog before he escapes (or is let off) his leash to run amok.

Foreshadowing is a technique that leads the reader smoothly along, hinting at what is coming next without giving too much away. Done properly when the reader hits the end of the story s/he will slap self in forehead and say, “I shoulda KNOWN!”  Foreshadowing is tricky, because you can’t give away enough information so that they DO know, but it makes future action more believable.  Properly done, it will increase both tension and suspense in the story.

In the example above, maybe the kids could be complaining about what a critical teacher Mrs. Stuffed-Shirt is. And for more foreshadowing, they should remark that the thinks dogs are  unsanitary, groan when their mother makes them lock the dog in the kennel, and argue, "But he LOVES the pool!" Then, when the dog knocks her in, it'll still be a surprise, and because she's been the character-you-love-to-hate, there will be a joyful reaction to her discomfort. But if the pool isn't described as part of the backyard barbecue scene, People will feel cheated when she falls in. Or worse, confused.

Ginger-Kiwi Cheesecake

Marita made a wish that her mundane life would change. She lived above her hairdressing salon in a seaside village which she describes as "boring Beaconhead" because nothing out of the ordinary ever happens there. Boy, does her wish come true!

Ginger Kiwi Cheesecake!

Ingredients:

Units: US

2/3 cup gingersnap crumbs
1/2 cup minced crystallized ginger
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 2/3 cups low-fat ricotta cheese
4 large egg whites
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
long thin strips of lemon, zest of, candied lemon or orange peel (optional)
1 (8 ounce) package fat-free cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon grated lemon, rind 

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 kiwi fruit, peeled

Directions:

1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2 In a medium bowl combine the cookie crumbs, 1/4 cup of the diced ginger and melted butter.

3 Pat evenly over the bottom of a 8 inch springform pan.

4 Bake for 10-12 minutes.

5 In a food processor or blender whirl ricotta cheese, egg whites and lemon juice until mixture is very smooth.

6 In a large bowl mix the cream cheese, sugar, grated lemon peel and vanilla.

7 Add ricotta mixture and stir until well blended (this will be thin).

8 Pour onto cooked crust.

9 Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes.

10 You want it cooked but the center barely jiggly.

11 Remove and cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.

12 Run a sharp knife around the rim and place in the fridge until cooled.

13 Cover with plastic wrap and cool overnight.

14 Right before serving remove rim and arrange kiwi slices around the edge of cake.

15 Sprinkle with remaining ginger and candied lemon strips.

16 Serve.

writer's breakfast

How many people does it take to write a best seller? How many of them will live to brag about it? In this dark novel of intrigue and deception the line between good guys and bad guys is blurred. Very blurred.

Writer's Breakfast

Basic Scones

3 cups self-rising flour, sifted
1/2 cup sugar
1 stick cold butter, chopped
1 cup milk
Preheat oven to 350 f

Place flour and sugar into a cooled bowl and combine.
Add the chopped butter using a fork to blend it into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
Make a well in the centre and pour in milk gradually. Use a butter knife to gently mix the milk into the flour mixture until just combined.

Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and gently bring the dough together lightly with your hands. Avoid overworking the gluten in the dough (this is what makes scones Into Rocks). If it’s still a little flaky don’t worry. They will bake light and fluffy  that way.

Drop the mixture into a square baking dish lined with grease proof paper and cut into squares.

Brush with a little extra milk (You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon-sugar) if you like.

Serve warm from the oven, with your favorite jam or marmalade.

Catching UP!

Books went to press or back to press this week:  
 
Dark Paradise, by Carolyn LeComte

Sara Chandler has come to the big island of Hawaii to escape her troubled past and find peace in this place all the guidebooks call "Paradise." Lucas Henshaw is the first obstacle in her path to happiness. But he's not the last…

Galleys that went out, that are still out, or went out again, this week:

 

I HAVE A FRIEND ON JUPITER, Celine Rose Mariotti
   A story of two young friends who e-mail aliens on Jupiter! When their space ship arrives, so does a lot of adventure. When the space ship leaves-a special bond has been formed.  

 DOING DEAD MAN'S TIME, by Matthew L. Schoonover
     From the author who brought you the supernatural thrillers of The Arbiter series and the impossible mysteries of The Tornado Man series comes a new tale of supernatural suspense. Phil Talbot is in the here-after, awaiting judgment. He is given the opportunity to come back to the mortal plane and fix the one mistake that changed his supernatural fate. 

 

 THE DEPUTY, by C.M. Albrecht    

   "When Deputy Sheriff Wayne Terwilliger hires a handyman to help around his little farm, he sets a terrible and deadly machine into motion."

DEMONCHASER III, by David Berardelli.  

   It's definitely hell in the wrong shoes! Feisty Tiffany LaBoeff is back and ready to solve the world's problems one more time.

 

Work began, or continued, on the following titles: 

A VANISHING BREED,Volunteer Series, Vol. 2 by Tom Ward 

   The continued adventures of Medic 1260.

THE NEW NORMAL: a Novel of Alternate Reality, by A.G. Case and P.A. Papineau. Fiction based on the premise that the Sept. 11 attack was successful in it's aim to change American culture.

REWIND FORWARD, by Michael E. Field
  Another great mystery by popular author Michael E. Field.

THE PEOMISE by Karen Rossi

 

Katharine Wilder is devastated when her 11-year-old daughter, Maggie, is arrested for shoplifting. Although the girl is only involved by association, Katharine is deeply shaken by the incident and wants to get Maggie involved in wholesome church activities. 

 

A VANISHING BREED,Volunteer Series, Vol. 2 by Tom Ward 

   The continued adventures of Medic 1260.

 

MINISTER'S SHOES, VOL. 2 by Celine Rose Mariotti
 
   Rev. Castle is back in another cozy mystery.


BLEEDING HEARTS: Killian Kendal Mystery Series, Vol. 1
   Winner of the Stonewall Society's 2002 Pride in the Arts Literary Award in the Whodunit Category!

REAP THE WHIRLWIND: Killian Kendall Mystery Series, Vol. 2,  by Josh Aterovis.
   Suicide, or murder? That's the question in the second Killian Kendall mystery. Will Smith suspects murder when an old childhood pal drowns, and asks his friend Killian for help in solving the mystery.

TRUTH OF YESTERDAY,  by Josh Aterovis

ALL LOST THINGS, by Josh Aterovis

CHANGE  OF WORLDS, by Josh Aterovis 

 

Jack's News!

  by your bookstore cat,  gossip columnist, and feline friend. 

 
 No news is good news, I guess. But I'm feeling neglected.