Late Night Reading and Writing

Right now as I'm writing this post most of you are in bed getting a good night's sleep in preparation for the next day. You will rise early, get dressed, and rush out the door to work. That used to be my routine, too. But ever since 2006, when I quit my full-time job to pursue a writing career, my days have been long and my nights even longer.

I'm currently under deadline for my 8th novel, working feverishly to complete it. In the meantime, the page proofs for my 7th novel, Secret Indiscretions (July 28, 2015) arrived on my doorstep with a deadline of its own. So while I'm writing one book I'm proofing another. The page proof stage is important because its the last edit before publication, and I have to devote the proper time to it. Thankfully, I've finsihed my first "read through" and now I'll re-read it again in between my writing. It's also time for me to start promoting and marketing my book in order to get the word out and have a successful release. As you can imagine, it's a lot of work.

It's not unusual for me to work until 3:00 a.m., sleep until 7:30 a.m., and then work until 3 or 4 the next morning. This is my routine. Sometimes my heavy workload is tiring and frustrating, but it's also a blessing. I've been given a great gift-- I'm able to do what I love! There's not a day that goes by that I'm not thankful for it. Talk about a fabulous life!

I'm getting ready to jump back into my manusript and tangle with the colorful characters dancing around in my head!

Until next time, be fabulous!

Blessings,
Trice

How Writing Can Produce Blueberry Muffins

I'm currently under a writing deadline for my 8th novel. It's exciting, stressful, scary, exhilarating, and exhausting all wrapped into one. As I've stated many times, writing is a solitary endeavor that requires hours upon hours of uninterrupted time. Every writer has their own unique approach to their writing process, and they must establish a rhythm and environment that works for them. For me, it's important that I have an aesthetically pleasing environment (I love feminine things with bling) and it's got to smells good (I have a crazy amount of scented candles).

Two weeks ago I was in my office, typing away at my computer, when a sweet aroma tickled my nose. I'd lit a blueberry scone scented Yankee Candle and it smelled absolutely delicious. As the smell became more and more intense my stomach started rumbling. I was literally craving a blueberry scone. Well, I don't know how to make scones, but this certified Southern Belle knows how to make a mean muffin! Before I knew it I was in my kitchen pulling flour and sugar out the pantry, milk and eggs from the refrigerator, and a bag of frozen blueberries from the freezer. Then voila! Delicious homemade blueberry muffins.

The art of writing can produce great literature, but it can also produce delicious blueberry muffins!
  
                                                              

Delicious blueberry muffins

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2tbsp. baking powder (plus an extra pinch)
• 3/4 cup sugar (plus 1/2 cup for topping)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg well beaten
• 1 1/4 cups milk (I use skim milk)
• 1 cup blueberries (use fresh or frozen)

Stir dry ingredients together. make a well in the center of the bowl and add oil, egg, and milk. Stir only enough to moisten the ingredients (too much stirring will cause tough, dry muffins). Lightly grease muffin pan and fill 2/3 with batter. Sprinkle sugar atop the batter. Bake in 425 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until muffin tops are golden. Serve warm and enjoy!

The sugar sprinkled on top adds a deliciously sweet crunch