Sunday Supper - February for Ten People

From Mrs Beeton's Household Management

First Course

Palestine Soup

John Dory, with Dutch Sause

Red Mullet, with Sauce Genoise

Entrees

Sweetbread Cutlets, with Poivrade Sauce

Fowl au Béchamel

Second Course

Roast Saddle of Mutton

Boiled Capon and Oysters

Boiled Tongue, garnished with Brussels Sprouts

Third Course

Guinea-Fowls

Ducklings

Pain de Rhubarb

Orange Jelly

Strawberry Cream

Cheesecakes

Almond Pudding

Fig Pudding

Dessert and Ices

Look Who's Talking - S.E Gilchrist

My first visitor to ‘Look Who’s Talking’ is sci-fi and contemporary author S.E Gilchrist

Thank you for joining me today S.E. 



Let’s hit the questions.

1. What couldn’t you live without?
     a) Computer
     b) Mobile phone
     c) Your car
Definitely my car.
I’d probably go for my computer, but then I don’t have a day job. Although getting down to see my mum would be a bit hard on my computer.

2. Hugh Jackman is coming to dinner, what do you cook?
     a)Lamb roast dinner
     b) Fish and chips
     c) Find out what Hugh’s favourite meal is and cook that.
None of the above since I’m a lousy cook, I guess he’ll have to make to with cheese platter and antipasto and crackers and some lovely Hunter Valley cab sav.
You and me both, he’d curl over in agony with my cooking.

3. You have been asked to write a novel but not in your normal genre. What would you write and why?I’d love to write a suspense or thriller because I’d love the challenge. I’m in awe of writers who plant little red herrings here and there and can build nail-biting suspense.
I have to agree S.E. I really wish my brain would work like that as well.

4.You have found a time machine in your back yard where would you go back in time or into the future? Why?
I’m heading for the future. I want to see where we as an intelligent species have gone, what we have achieved, whether we’ve ‘saved’ our lovely planet or turned it into a toxic waste land. I also very much want to have my own ‘Jetson’s car.
Now I wonder why I’m not surprised by your answer. LOL.

5. Do you have a new release coming out soon or have you just released a novel?
Yes, I have a sci fi romance coming out with Escape Publishing on 1st February 2013 titled Star Pirate’s Justice.

Excerpt from Star Pirate’s Justice copyright 2014 S E Gilchrist

Cruising the Outer Reaches of the Besa System


Carly gnawed on the ragged end of her fingernail, battling panic. Will the shackles hold him? Maybe I should have administered a stronger dose of calm-meds? That virulent glitter in his frozen, brown eyes when she hauled his sorry arse onto her inter-stellar flyer had caused knife pricks of deep foreboding to undermine her shaky confidence.
   It hadn’t been easy levering his tall, well-muscled body onto the hover stretcher and strapping him down, even with the assistance of three of El Riskert’s bully boys. She shuddered, thankful the injection had worked, temporarily paralysing his limbs. It had been like watching a tower topple to the ground. The rigid, grim expression on his face as she had holstered her stunner gun, promised retribution. But what other option did she have? Time slipped through her fingers way too fast with the elusiveness of space dust.
   I can do this, I have to. There’s too much at stake.
   She sucked in a huge gulp of air and swiped a clammy hand over the panel. Studied the hologram which flickered into life in front of her. Her heartbeat gradually steadied at the image of her prisoner in a black flight suit, chained upright against a wall in the bowels of her small ship. A flop of his black hair masked his eyes as his head lolled onto his chest. Hands hanging limp from the manacles clamped about his surprisingly elegant wrists, his subdued stance didn’t reflect the aura of dark turbulence she sensed seethed within his soul.
   Still there. Relief had air whooshing from her lungs like a malfunctioning missile, the sound abnormally loud in the hushed quiet of the cockpit. She punched code into the keyboard embedded into the soft metal countertop and the display disappeared. One last check and she brought up a smart screen which she scrutinised with care, before giving a relieved sigh. With a wriggle to ease the tension in her shoulder muscles, she slumped back into the command chair.
   You fool! He’s only a man, some lowlife criminal. A traitor to his people. He’s not some supernatural being who can disappear at will.
   She gave a self-deprecatory smile and idly examined the three viewing screens which reflected the interstellar space stretching beyond her ship. Nice and empty, just how she wanted it.
   Cyber data scrolled across the schematic displaying her current position in relation to the nearest jump point, the Karton Vortex. With luck, her flyer wouldn't be hailed by any of the Relic ships that patrolled the entrance to the vortex. She'd cruise on by under stealth mode and be back on Cerciron with her payload before she knew it.


S.E this sounds so interesting. All the best with your release on the 1^st of February.

Thank you S.E for being my first guest on ‘Look Who’s Talking’.

Thank you very much for hosting me here today, Sandie.

For more information on S.E Gilchrist, you can visit her website:

http://www.segilchrist.com
Facebook
Twitter

Sunday Supper - November for Eight People

From Mrs Beeton’s Household Management

 
First Course

 Mulligatawny Soup

Fried slices of Codfish and Oyster Sauce

Eels en Matelote

 

 

Entrees

Boiled Pork Cutlets and Tomato Sauce

Tendrons de Veau a la Jardiniere

 

 

Second Course

Boiled Leg of Mutton and Vegetables

Roast Goose

Cold Game Pie

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third Course

Snipes

Teal

Apple Souffle

Ice Charlotte

Tartlets

Champagne Jelly

Coffee Cream

Minces Pies

 

 

Dessert and Ices

Author Talk - Ari Harper

Today I have the pleasure of chatting with fellow Hunter Romance Writer  Ann B Harrison/Ari Harper.

Hi Ann/Ari and welcome to my blog.

Thanks for having me Sandie, I love visiting.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? ?

I swear I was born with a book in my hands and have never put it down. A lifelong love of reader has finally culminated in achieving my dream of writing...and publication.

I lives in the beautiful Hunter Valley with my own handsome hero of many years. I've always loved the ups and downs of life in small communities and I shares this with readers in my rural romances.

Strong sexy heroines with a good dash of sass thrown in feature in my stories, whether they are rural or young adult. Of course these women need an equally strong hero. Bring on the outback hero and watch the passion ignite.

When not writing I enjoys reading, gardening, walking my very large dog Hugo and fighting with my computer.

1.       You have a new release out, what is it about?

Changling is Book Two in the Curse of Kin series. In Book One, Witchling we watched Nera come into her powers and take of the family curse. In Changling we get to see where her best friend Sully fits into the picture. When they realise what he is and his fate, the race is on to save him.

2.      How did you come up with the idea for your novel?

Book one in this series is the first story I wrote. I never had plans on becoming a writer until the day I actually sat down and put pen to paper so to speak. It all began with a sentence running around in my head about a dream and wouldn't let go. After months of trying to push it away I finally gave in and started writing.

3.      Do you plot your novels or fly by the seat of your pants type of girl?

Definitely a fly by the seat of my pants type of person. But, now I've decided to attack a single title romance I have to do some plotting to make my word count. I'm finding that a bit of a challenge to tell you the truth.

4.      How long does it normally take you to write your first draft?

 Novellas 45k, around four weeks. Single title takes me about eight weeks.

5.      Who are your favourite authors?

I have way too many which is bad for my bank account. In romance I can't go past Nora Roberts/J D Robb, Paranormal, Deborah Harkness, YA I love Abbi Glines. And that is just this week. Next week I may discover someone different.

6.      You have had an offer from Hollywood to turn your novel into a movie, who would you have play the lead roles? Why?

IF and it's a big if, that ever happened I think I would like unknowns. I've seen what happens when an actor gets stereotyped, they can't get away from their character. I want mine to me themselves, not someone from Harry Potter.

7.      Who would like to direct it?

Angelina Jolie. She is so talented. Forget she has one of the worlds sexiest men as her partner, I only look at the talent.

8. Can you give us a small extract from your novel?

          Sure.

"I am just so sick of having you in my face," I shot back. "I can't sleep, eat, or do anything without you there. From the moment I was born, you were with me. Maybe I just want some time to myself. Is that so hard to understand?"

Bones stared at me through my outburst and stormed from the room, his mouth set in an angry line and his fists clenched by his side. I watched him go, feeling the gaze on the back of my head accusing me of once again biting the hand that saved me. I sat quietly for awhile, collecting my thoughts. I knew I would have to be the one to apologize again. It was my mouth that got me into trouble. Again. Bones had done nothing wrong. He never did. It was just my sense of independence that was offended, not thinking I needed the shadow I had been given at birth.

I swung my feet over the edge of the couch, preparing to stand. The black spots appeared in front of my eyes and I swayed. I put my hand out to stop my father coming to help. "Stay here," I said getting to my feet.

I stood until I felt a little more stable and slowly made my way to the door. I grasped the wall and paused for a minute, then I made my way up the stairs to the workroom where I thought Bones would be.

At the open door, I paused and leaned on the frame for support. Bones was leaning on the workbench, his back to me. His shoulders and back were tense. I saw the minute that he sensed I was there. The subtle change in his stance was enough to alert me. Slowly he turned to me, opening his dark pain-filled eyes.

I trembled with what I saw, knowing I was the one responsible for the pain he was feeling. How many times in my life had I wished that I could take back what I said once it was out of my mouth?

He stepped toward me. I tried not to flinch as his face came barely inches from mine. "Didn't you say enough downstairs, Nera? Do you want another shot at me?" he asked in a very quiet voice. His gaze flickered over my face taking in the blush that I could feel creeping up to my hair line.

"N-n-no, no. I um, I came to apologize," I stammered.

He lifted his hand and ran his finger down my cheek. His gaze stayed on mine and I shivered under his touch. His free hand came up and cupped my other cheek as he touched his nose to mine.

My stomach plummeted to my toes and my mouth worked to talk, no sound coming out. Slowly, his lips brushed over mine, lightly touching and tasting. My eyes closed and my breath caught. My body was not doing what my brain ordered as my hands crept up and circled his back.

That was all the prodding he needed. His mouth crushed down on mine, the feeling knocking the breath out of me. As I responded, my mouth hungry for his, he pushed me away, breathing heavily and held me at arm's length. He was shaking his head, looking horrified at what we had done.

"Sorry, I'm so sorry," he mumbled before running from the room, leaving me standing against the wall.

I was gutted. I had let myself be pulled into his moment, only to be rejected. I did what any normal girl would do. I ran to my room, threw myself on the bed, and cried my heart out until there were no more tears left.

9.      Now the most important question. Where can we get a copy of your novel?

http://www.amazon.com/Changling-Curse-Kin-Ari-Harper-ebook/dp/B00GB128TI

 

You can find Ann at any of the links below. Don’t forget to stop by and say “Hi”.

http://www.ariharper.com/index.html

http://www.annbharrison.com/index.html

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ann-B-Harrison-Author/311207972338638?ref=hl

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ari-Harper-Author/406907439406290

Thank you Ann/Ari for joining me today. All the best on your new release.

Sandie

Author Talk - S.E Gilchrist

Today I have the pleasure of chatting with S. E. Gilchrist fellow cofounder and member of Hunter Romance Writers.

Hi  SE and welcome to my blog.

Hi Sandie, its lovely to be here and I like the look of your new site.

Well thanks you.

1.      Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m Australian, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend. A writer and lover of animals especially dogs, although at the moment, I’m feeding stray cats at my day job.

2.      You have a new release out, what is it about?

This story is a contemporary, rural romance set in outback Australia and features a heroine who cherishes her childhood dream of belonging and family. Abandoned by her mother when young, Melanie spent a long time in the system before running off to live on the rough streets of The Cross in Sydney. She has offered to help her best friend restore his marriage and heads off to the outback to ‘babysit’ his two daughters. But his brother-in law is not that impressed with her and makes it obvious he wants her off his cattle station and out of their lives.

3.      How did you come up with the idea for your novel?

I love the concept of the trope, ‘fish out of water’ and admit it’s one I seem to use a lot. I also wanted to write a series of contemporary stories about a group of young people who’d had it tough in life and who manage to find happiness. So my idea of friends from a children’s shelter was borne.

4.      Do you plot your novels or fly by the seat of your pants type of girl?

The first two or three chapters are usually pantsing, then once I have a better concept of my characters, I work out their backgrounds, history and fears and see how I can work these aspects into the story. I guess I end up being a plotter then for the remainder of the story.

5.      How long does it normally take you to write your first draft?

Oooh, what a hard question! That depends on the length of the novel, what other dramas and demands that occur in my ‘real’ life and whether I get side-tracked by social media. And the lure of spreadsheets. I love them. Any excuse and I make up a spreadsheet – I do this in my day job too.

6.      Who are your favourite authors?

Another not fair question –here are a few: John Birmingham, John Grisham, Lisa Gardner, J D Robb, Elizabeth Peters, Dorothy Cannell, Janet Evanovitch, Matthew Reilly, Agatha Christie, Georgette Heyer, Denise Rossetti, Anne Gracie, David A Rollins, Jo Beverley, Julia Quinn, Teresa Scott, Betty Neels, Linea Sinclair, Angela Knight, Karen Marie Moning, Dara Joy, Karen Hawkins, Tess Gerritson, James Patterson, Kerry Greenwood....

7.      You have had an offer from Hollywood to turn your novel into a movie, who would you have play the lead roles? Why?

No idea, maybe...Abbie Cornish and Chris Hemsworth.

8.      Who would like to direct it?

Hunter Romance Writers – wouldn’t that be fun? I can just see us, yelling out ‘action’ ‘camera’ and laughing an awful lot.

9.      Can you give us a small extract from your novel?

Extract from Dance in the Outback © S. E. Gilchrist

“How far are we from the nearest town?” Melanie asked.

Dirk drawled, “Missing the bright lights already? Longreach is the largest town and it's to the nor-east of us. It’s more than a fair day’s drive. I wouldn't go thinking you can take off for a coupla hours at the beauty salon and be back by lunch.”

Irritating man.

“I was making polite conversation.”

He laughed.

The deep sound did something funny to her insides. After clearing her throat, she asked, “Is this the Diamantina Country?”

She fielded the surprised glance he shot her by batting her long eyelashes and was rewarded with an upward quirk of the edges of his mouth. Dear me, is that a smile I can see? "I've always been interested in the Outback. It's so vast and untamed."

"It is all that and don't forget it can also be deadly. You must carry water on you at all times," warned Dirk. “The Diamantina Country is further south of us. We're on the edge of the Channel Country.”

“Oh. Then I guess flooding could be a problem during the wet season.”

“Sometimes, it depends on how much rain we get up north. Of course if a cyclone crosses the coast, anything could happen. Especially if she's a category four or five. There's a low pressure system churning about in the Arafura Sea at the moment.”

Charming. Another fly buzzed about her face and she swatted uselessly at the pesky insect. Heat, flies and possible floods. Sounds like a fun break. I wonder if I'll get to see an emu. She sank back into her seat feeling the heat press in on her from all sides. Longing to rest for a moment, she resisted the urge to close her eyes, unwilling to reveal her weariness in case it was construed as weakness.

As if he was in tune with her thoughts, he asked, "It might take some days before your body acclimatises to the heat. You'll need to take it easy for a while before you can start pulling your weight."

"Pardon?" Startled, Melanie turned to stare at his profile.

Dirk said in a smooth voice, "This is a working cattle station. Everyone has a job to do. We need everyone we can get to help with the mustering out in the western region. Probably only take about seven days. Ever ridden a horse? Or maybe a camel might suit you better."

Mouth open, Melanie shook her head. Was he serious? Visions of a female version of Lawrence of Arabia chasing a cow floated about in her head. She’d wear a pit helmet and a long floaty white scarf. She swivelled round and looked at James who nodded encouragingly.

James said, "You'll love it, Mel. Just think; no need to worry about bathing every day, sleeping under the stars with scorpions and meat ants and nothing but red dust for miles."

“You’ll need to keep a sharp lookout for camel spiders too. Ever seen one?” Dirk turned on the car’s fan and immediately hot air blasted from the vents.

Melanie shook her head again.

Dirk made a sweeping motion with his left hand. “There’re bigger than my hand and can run about 16 kph.”

“What?”

 

10.  Now the most important question. Where can we get a copy of your novel?

Amazon US

     Amazon UK

     Smashword

 

    Thanks so much Sandie for hosting me.

You can find Suz at::
     Website
     Facebook
     Twitter @SEGilchrist1
      Amazon
      Hunter Romance Writers

Thank you S.E for joining me today. All the best on your new release.

Sandie

Sunday Supper for 12 People - November

Sunday Supper

Each Sunday I will post a menu for six to twelve people from Mrs Beeton's Household Management.

November Dinner for 12 People

First Course

Hare Soup

Julienne Soup

Baked Cod

Soles a la Normandie

Entrees

Riz de Veau Tomatoes

Lobster Patties

Mutton Cutlets and Soubise Sauce

Croutades of Marrow aux fines Herbs

 

 

Second Course

Roast Sirloin Beef

Braised Goose

Boiled Fowls and Celery Sauce

Bacon-cheek, garnished with Sprouts

Third Course

Wild Ducks

Partridges

Apples a la Portugaise

Bavarian Cream

Apricot-jam Sandwiches

Cheesecakes

Charlotte a la Vanille

Plum pudding

Dessert and Ices

 

 

 

 

Sandie

 

A New Name

As you can see I have had a name change. Yes, I will be writing as Sandie James. James being my wonderful husband’s given name.

So what have I been up to of late? Nothing of great interest. My computer died a few months back and I lost some of my manuscripts, that’s what happens when you don’t back up your work at the end of each day. I’ve learnt my lesson now. Luckily I had a hard copy of regency romance, but then I had to transcribe it back onto the computer, save it to my external hard drive as well as a UBS and send myself an email each day with the new words written. I’m covering all the bases now.

I’m working on a new novel 'Captain Seabrook Takes a Bride' during November for NaNoWriMo. Then I’ll be back into doing the writes on Josephine, because I had one scene which really didn’t do anything to the story so I deleted it, yes 4,000 gone in a hit of the delete button.

Well enough chitchat from me today, I have 2,000 words to write.

  Sandie