Tag Archives: eBook Bargains

How Baking is like Writing #WritingTips #writingcommunity #amwriting @jacqbiggar @mimisgang1

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Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Do you like to bake?

I’ve had my share of ups and downs when it comes to the world of cooking. It’s long been a standing joke in my family that all they have to do is follow the smoke to our house and they’d know I was cooking.

And the thing is, I actually kinda, sorta, enjoy working in the kitchen.

There’s nothing better than the aroma of fresh baked bread, or peanut butter cookies, or chocolate cake, or…well, you get the idea.

I always connect those aromas to my childhood. We walked home from school and never thought twice about seeing my mom busy baking for the family. Often, there would be warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies on the counter waiting for our grubby little fingers, a roast in the oven tempting our taste buds, and a welcoming smile on her rosy cheeks.

She made it look so easy.

Then I grew up and realized just how much work went into those tasty treats we took for granted. My efforts were much more like Lucy’s:

You’re probably wondering where I’m going with this.

I equate baking to writing.

How, you say?

Some people are naturals. Anything they put on the page comes out sounding fresh and entertaining—perfect.

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But when you cut into the heart of it, the center may seem underdone, lacking in flavor—mediocre.

How do we overcome this to become true culinary chefs in our writing instead of merely cooks?

Maybe if Lucy had admitted to being overwhelmed, her boss might have offered her a few tips and a little guidance.

I’ve found the writing community to be kind and generous with information, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

I think one of the things that helped me the most is my critique group. I belong to a local group of ladies who are invaluable. We meet once a month (pre-Covid) and share chapters by email the rest of the time. Their insights and editing have made my books shine!

You have to be a little bit brave. Just like when you put the ingredients of your baking together and nourish it to completion, you have to send them out to be consumed. Your book is waiting for hungry minds to give it a taste.

It’s not always easy taking criticism, and yet, it’s so rewarding when that pan comes out of the oven and your family’s eyes light up with joy.

If you never try, how will you know what you can accomplish?

Check out our new release coming June 1st!

IRRESISTIBLE – SHH…IT’S A SECRET BABY (Irresistible Romance Book 8)

International: https://books2read.com/IrresistibleShhItsASecretBaby

Recommend us on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/irresistible-shh-it-s-a-secret-baby-irresistible-romance-book-8-by-jacquie-biggar-and-jen-talty

#Romance #Kindle #Reading #Boxset

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Shh…it’s a SECRET BABY…

Some parents would do anything for the sake of the kids they love.

Here’s your SPECIAL DELIVERY of SEVEN BRAND-NEW, NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED STEAMY STORIES from New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Authors.

Reusable Shopping Bags Around the World by Donna Fasano @DonnaFaz

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Years ago, I traveled to the south of France with my husband. We visited Antibes, Nice, Menton, La Grande-Motte, Montpellier, and other lovely little towns along the Mediterranean Sea. I have visited several towns and cities in Italy, and I’ve also visited the UK and Brussels, Belgium. One of the things that struck me on these travels was that everyone brought their own reusable shopping bags when they went to buy groceries. I wondered why we didn’t do that in the US. So when I returned home from that very first trip, I started taking reusable shopping bags with me to the grocery store. Back then, cashiers didn’t like it when customers brought their own bags to the store because it slowed them down. I can’t tell you how many annoyed looks I received back then. But I’m happy to say, this attitude is changing!

Reusable Shopping Bags

I visited Albuquerque, New Mexico last month. (I rode an aerial tram to the top of the Sandia Mountains. What a stunningly beautiful place! Please see the picture above.) I learned that the stores in Albuquerque charge 10¢ for each bag that is provided by the grocery story. I was very pleased that businesses in the south west are strongly encouraging customers to bring in their own reusable shopping bags. I am hoping businesses all over the country will soon do the same.

Did you know that there are some reusable shopping bags that are made of recycled soda bottles? I love these bags I found on Amazon. You can even find light-weight reusable produce bags. How do you feel about recycling, renewing, reusing? Would you consider bringing your own reusable bags when you go shopping?

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Christmas is coming! To celebrate, I’ve put all three of my Christmas books on sale for 99¢ each. These heartwarming stories are sure to fill you with the spirit of Christmas. The Kindle prices are good worldwide and the links below should take you to your area Kindle Store. Happy Holidays!

Her Mr. Miracle

An Almost Perfect Christmas  

Grown-Up Christmas List

As an Amazon associate, Donna Fasano earns from qualifying purchases. This post may contain paid links.

Toe-Curling Blueberry Muffins #Recipe @DonnaFaz

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Toe-Curling Blueberry MuffinBecause September has arrived with its cooler temperatures, we can turn on the oven and begin baking again. (Baking is a favorite pastime of mine!) I’m using this recipe for Toe-Curling Blueberry Muffins in a new novella I am currently writing. The recipe will be included in the book, but I just couldn’t wait so I’m posting it here. Blueberry muffins with crumble topping are my favorite. These are easy to make. If you decide to give this recipe a try, I hope you’ll let me know if they make your toes curl!

Toe-Curling Blueberry Muffins

Makes 8 large muffins

For the muffin batter:

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

For the topping:

1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
4 tablespoons butter, softened

  1. Preheat oven to 400° F. Prepare muffin pan by spraying with cooking spray.
  2. To make muffin batter: combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the oil, milk, and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir just until all the dry ingredients are incorporated. Do not over mix. Gently stir in the blueberry just until they are well distributed. Do not mash the fruit.
  3. To make topping: in a small bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and stir with a fork until all ingredients are combined. Topping will be crumbly.
  4. Fill the muffing tins to the top with batter and top each muffin with a heaping tablespoon of topping. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the muffins comes out clean.

I currently have 2 wonderful deals to offer you.

The first is a FREE download – FOLLOWING HIS HEART is available free (through Sept 5th only!) for Kindle, Nook, iBooks, Kobo, and Google.

The second is a savings of $3.00 off the regular price of RECLAIM YOUR HEART. You can download the Kindle version of the book for just $0.99 through Sept. 30th.

Following His Heart

Download FREE!

Reclaim My Heart

Save $3 through Sept 30th!