Moira Keith

with the sound of music. With songs they have sung, for a million years! 

So this is what progress feels like? Oh sweet elation may I never know a day without remembering this feeling. My fingers and mind have been working feverishly on Marked and it finally feels as though it is clicking. 

Surely every author goes through a time in their draft, where they wonder if an element is working, knowing that to cut the element would change the course and possibly the plot of the entire story. Then that magical moment comes and….. CLICK! Just like that the pieces begin to fit. That is where I am now. over 30k in and I can feel the excitement building within. Anticipating what will come next, because I admit, even as the author, I found a few surprises in there I had not planned. Hopefully, they add to the story. I am keeping this particular story somewhat coveted at the moment. Not sharing as readily as I have in the past. 

In fact, I think it was said by the great and powerful Stephen King (Yeah I know, we are not in OZ but could you imagine his take on it?), never let anyone see it until you type the last word. Well, I would surely have failed Mr. King’s course, seeing as I rely heavily on the feedback of a few prized opinions, to ensure my story is making sense or flowing as I had intended. Though for the most part, I admit, there is truly only one person who really can grasp the whole story concept and even she (though she has read a lot) does not know all of it. Thank god, she is struggling with her patience and sheer will to keep from showing up on my doorstep to demand a copy or to steal my laptop.  

So, as usual, if you do not hear from me, this is why… I am traveling to the Swiss Alps so I can sing with Julie Andrews! Slàinte!

Being a fan of shapeshifters, I am always intruiged by the animals used in writing. Really nothing is off limits, though I don’t see the benefit of a shapeshifting turtle, which is probably why I’ve never read a story with that angle. So for this edition of Think Tank Thursday I wondered what animal would I shift into if the ability were mine. I think I would have to go with a lion. There is just something very appealing to me about a lioness. She is the huntress of the pack, strong, and also very sexy creature in a way.

Your turn….. You have the ability to take the form of an animal of your choosing. What animal would you ‘shift’ into and why?

to be an underwear model for Calvin Klein and a Soccer God? Well in the case of Freddie Ljungberg the answer is yes-or at least it was since he’s disrobed himself of the CK briefs. No worries ladies, I am featuring him here for Temptation Tuesday. he would make a good hero don’t you think? 

Maybe he could be a delectible badboy shapeshifting panther. Why not? He already bears the mark. Oh by the way, I am not much of a soccer fan, but it is very possible he could inspire me to become one. On October 28, 2008, Seattle Sounders FC, a new Major League Soccer franchise, officially announced they had signed Ljungberg as their Designated Player for the 2009 season. What do they say? Oh yeah! 

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!

My lack of posting here this past week is truly due to being in the zone with my work in progress. Well, that and the server decide to take bit of time out. So if you tried visiting last week and had difficulty viewing the pages, I apologize.

Back to my progress. I think I have added over 5k in the last week and going. Yes the muse has been in my corner and I am feeling better because of it. Or at least I was. The muse and I are having a bit of a disagreement at the moment. Don’t worry, I am sure we will be able to work out our differences and find that happy medium. (Or I will cave and give in to the muse. Hey, she is the muse, what do you expect me to do?)  

This is a short update today, because I really want to push myself past this scene, torture my characters a bit more, and move on to new territory with them. I will give you an update soon. Maybe I will reach 30k in the story by the end of the day. A girl has the right to dream.  Slàinte!

In the interest of having a little fun with my current work, I just threw some random words out there which are related to my story. Wordle is both fun, and a time waster if you need a break.  

It is fun and exciting to find new authors to read. Now I discovered a new author purely by chance when someone asked if I could do a review for the Girls on Books. Of course, reading the blurb hooked me and I couldn’t wait to read. I find inspiration in other authors. Reading a well penned story renews my love for the skill it takes to craft and hone to the point of sheer perfection. Lisa Hendrix, though published before this particular book, had not yet graced my TBR pile.

Now, after reading her new book-Immortal Warrior-and writing it’s review, I found myself refreshed, and ready to push myself over the proverbial road block. In all honesty, there are a handful of writers who do this for me, and I keep them in arms reach. if you have not yet had the pleasure of reading Lisa Hendrix, I suggest you do. As a reader, I think you will find her stories thought provoking, imaginative, and full of wit. As a writer, you may just find a uniqueness in her style that will inspire you to continue on your path. Remember a well written story isn’t always the one that fits in the cookie cutter mold. It is about having fun and loving every aspect of the writing process. (Yes that includes enduring the fifth round of edits for those of you who dread them so.)

If you’ve discovered an author you have never taken a chance on and totally fell in love… give a shout out.I love sharing new discoveries!

There are many people from creative walks of life who rely on inspiration to kick start them when the ideas slow. I am no different. Only my muse has a very twisted and sick sense of humor. Ok, she is sarcastic and full of  wit, but shares only when she wants to. 

Many writers have spoken of their muse over the ages. Some were only able to find their muse when besotted with drink. Others such as Stephen King, as rumor would have it, have garnered their inspiration from dreams. (Makes you wonder if Mr. King ever gets a peaceful night sleep.)

Now if my muse could be counted on to make her appearance upon drink or dream, then I would gladly consider pursuing those options. However, truth be told, she does not speak well to bribery. (Although having a fine Belgium chocolate on hand doesn’t hurt.) No the muse and I have our moments of sheer bliss, but more often than not, she toys with me. However, in her defense, there are occasions when it works. For example, As I sat writing last night, I penned this line:

“Now, you can get up willingly, or I can fetch a man to come roust you from the bed.”

Roust? Who uses roust in a story set in modern day? Obviously my muse was channeling a different century. Needless to say, the line worked. So, while at times I may wish to put my muse in a choke hold, or steal her Louboutin’s, I won’t. Well, wait about those Louboutin’s…

My sister makes this soup around the Holidays and it is always a hit. It has become a comfort food for me and is quite a welcome treat on a cold winter evening. Hope you find it just as enjoyable.

Zuppa Toscana

Makes: 6-8 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1½ tsp crushed red peppers
• 1 large diced white onion
• 4 Tbsp bacon pieces
• 2 tsp garlic puree
• 10 cups water
• 5 cubes of chicken bouillon
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 lb sliced Russet potatoes, or about 3 large potatoes
• ¼ of a bunch of kale

1. Sautee Italian sausage and crushed red pepper in pot. Drain excess fat, refrigerate while you prepare other ingredients.
2. In the same pan, sautee bacon, onions and garlic for approxiamtly 15 mins. or until the onions are soft.
3. Mix together the chicken bouillon and water, then add it to the onions, bacon and garlic. Cook until boiling.
4. Add potatoes and cook until soft, about half an hour.
5. Add heavy cream and cook until thoughouly heated.
6. Stir in the sausage.
7. Add kale just before serving. Delicious!

Buon appetito!

Courtesy of Writers Digest we have our next Think Tank Thursday writing prompt. Thought some of you could have fun with this.

You and a friend have just finished a lovely meal at your favorite restaurant. But things take a turn when you notice that the waiter has scribbled an unexpected—and startling—message on your bill. Write this scene.

Have fun!