Non-Fiction

Patriot Priest by Patricia Daly-Lipe – Spotlight and Giveaway

March 19, 2014 by The Long and Short Of It 5 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Patricia will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift card to one randomly drawn commenter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour. Remember, the more you comment, the better your chances to win.

Patriot Priest tells one man’s personal experience over several epochs and areas of history. It is also, in part the story of one unique individual, author Patricia Daly-Lipe’s great uncle, Msgr. William A Hemmick. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, and raised in Europe, he became fluent in five languages. When the First World War broke out, he felt committed to help the troops. After the war, he was proclaimed the Patriot Priest of Picardy by the Army and Navy. After years spent in Paris, William Hemmick was asked by the Vatican to come to Rome. Ultimately he became the only American Canon of St. Peter’s representing the Knights of Malta to the Holy See.

It was he who performed the nuptials of American film star Tyrone Power and Linda Christian. He also converted the future Queen Astrid of Belgium.

Enjoy this excerpt:

Only a few months after entering the American College, William became quite ill. Physicians were called. After checking the boy carefully, they proceeded to give him sad news. William had contracted tuberculosis of the most virulent sort and could not expect to live more than a couple of months. Of course, he wanted to leave for home immediately.

The Rector, Dr. Kennedy, arranged, however, that he should have an audience with the Holy Father (Pope Pius X) before he left. Dr. Kennedy himself took young William to the Vatican and, having first told the Pope in private of the circumstances of the case, the student was ushered into the Pope’s chambers.

The Pope smiled at him tenderly as the young man knelt to kiss the papal ring. Then he lifted his chin, looked him straight in the eye and, very reassuringly, advised the young man, “Don’t worry at all now.”

William looked up at the Pope’s smiling face in disbelief.

“You are going to be all right. Go home and get rested and well.”

Then the Pope placed his hand on William’s head and said, “One day you will be back here.”

The ailing young seminarian would not have dared to hope at that moment the Holy Father was speaking the truth. However, he was.

Soon after he returned to America, William’s health improved. Although his convalescence was long, he was finally able to resume his priestly studies at Mt. St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Maryland, followed by six years at Catholic University in Washington, DC.

About the Author:

Dr. Patricia Daly-Lipe, is an Author and Artist. She has written six books, all different genres. She is winner of the San Diego Book Awards, Best Books Finalist, the JADA Novel Contest, USABookNews.com Finalist, 2009 2nd place in poetry by the Virginia Writers Club, Inc, and 2013 winner in historical fiction at the Annual Royal Dragonfly Book Awards for ‘A CRUEL CALM, Paris Between the Wars and 2013 winner for her short story by the Virfginia Writers Assn.

Although born in La Jolla, California, Patricia spent equal time in Washington, D.C., home of several generations of her mother’s family.

She has taught at colleges and writing centers, written for magazines and newspapers (including the Evening Star in Washington, DC, La Jolla Village News, The Georgetowner andUptowner), and her paintings have been accepted and sold in Juried shows, art galleries, and private homes. Two of her books feature her paintings on their covers.

Patricia served as President of both the La Jolla and DC Branches of the National League of American Pen Women.

Patricia now lives in Virginia with her husband, Dr. Steele Lipe, three dogs, three horses, and two cats. For years, Patricia raised, raced, and showed Thoroughbred horses. Now she rescues them. She is the mother of three and grandmother of six children.

Buy the book at Amazon.

Filed Under: Guest Blogs, Non-Fiction Tagged With: Giveaway, Goddess Fish Promotions, Patricia Daly-Lipe, Virtual Book Tour

Common Mistakes Authors Make When Self Publishing by A. William Benitez – Guest Blog and Giveaway

December 11, 2013 by The Long and Short Of It 9 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $5 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter at each stop and a Grand Prize of a $50 Amazon GC at the end of the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Common Mistakes Authors Make When Self Publishing
by A. William Benitez

Authors write but when deciding to publish it’s easy to forget it’s an entirely different job and proceed without learning the needed skills. Here are just a few common mistakes authors make when jumping into self publishing.

1. The six authors I helped to self publish all made the same common mistake. It seems they wanted to write and format their book at the same time. Writing and book design are entirely different processes to be handled separately or both may suffer. Even if the author is also going to design and format the book, that process should not begin until the writing is finished. Formatting during writing can negatively impact both tasks. Every author delivered a manuscript replete with unnecessary formatting creating problems for the final layout and formatting. One of the manuscripts was so clogged with confusing formatting I finally copied the entire manuscript and pasted it into Notepad to wipe out all the formatting before beginning the preparation for the final book. Writing is a creative endeavor and demands your full attention instead of being part of multitasking.

2. Lack of planning is another serious mistake. Even though I write how to books based entirely on first-hand experience requiring little if any research, careful planning is essential. A basic outline of all the topics in the book is an excellent guide before writing the first word. This is not carved in granite and if an idea comes up while following the outline, I make a detailed note of it and set it aside so as not to forget and come back to it later. Even a loose outline helps make certain everything is covered. Once I start nothing interrupts the flow until the first draft is complete.

3. Editing as you write is a mistake that slows you down and interrupts the creative juices. Once the outline is complete it’s best to follow it and write without stopping to correct mistakes or retype sentences. I prefer to avoid even editing chapters as I go along. Editing and rewriting are best left until the first draft is completed.

4. Another mistake is believing that the tool or application used for writing will influence the quality. For years I’ve used Word to write my drafts. That’s what I call a “so what.” Others use OpenOffice, Scrivner, and other applications. A rare few still use pen or pencil on paper pads or notebooks. The best tool or application for writing is the one with which you are most comfortable.
It’s a big step from author to self publisher but a skilled person can learn to perform all the tasks or at least enough to hire and monitor competent experts to perform those beyond their ken. Whether doing it all or hiring assistance, avoiding these mistakes definitely helps.

About the Author: From age twelve I spent my summers and weekends working with my dad, a general contractor, building homes and buildings. I contracted my first home at age nineteen and built my own home by age twenty. For more than 30 years I have operated one-person businesses. Twelve years of my life were spent working for local government managing federally-assisted housing programs. I started as an inspector with a three month assignment and was Director of Community Improvement with 78 employees when I resigned to do writing and consulting.

Writing, Publishing and Consulting

During the 80’s I established Rehab Notes Library a publishing company that published a monthly newsletter (Rehab Notes) with subscribers in all 50 states, Canada and England. I also did consulting and public speaking on housing related topics for agencies and organizations in cities across the country and testified before the U.S. Congress on housing issues.

I wrote and published nine guidebooks on the subject of housing rehabilitation. After 1980 when most federal funding was pulled from housing activities, I took advantage of my construction and business experience and started a handyman and woodworking business.

Over Twenty Years of Woodworking

For over twenty years, first in Tampa, Florida and then in Austin, Texas, I built hundreds of small and large cabinet and furniture projects for individuals, companies and government agencies. During these years I began writing books about my woodworking business experiences.

Positive Publishing

In 2007 I established Positive Imaging, LLC, to publish a children’s book for my wife and then begin publishing my own books and that of other using methods I call positive publishing. To date we have published twelve paperback books, a half dozen ebooks, and presently have several books in various levels of completion.

Computer Experience

My computer experience dates back more than fifteen years and began in response to poor technical support for our computers. I used home study to acquire A+ and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer Certifications.

I was born and raised in Tampa, Florida and moved to Austin, Texas in 1986, where I now live with my wife, Barbara Frances. We have three adult children, eight grand-children, and two great grandchildren.

Main Sales/Info Page – http://selfpublishingworkbook.com
Createspace Fulfillment Page – https://www.createspace.com/3851405
Main Positive Imaging, LLC Site – http://positive-imaging.com
Self Publishing Support Blog – http://self-publishing-support.com
PublishingSimplified Blog – http://publishingsimplified.com

Frustration With Traditional Publishers Leads To Self Publishing

In 2007 my wife Barbara completed a wonderful children’s chapter book called Lottie’s Adventure and begin sending it to traditional publishers. Despite some great preliminary reviews, all she got was rejections and lack of response. This was quite frustrating for her and I wanted to help.

As an IT professional, I had read a lot about print on demand and made up my mind to learn all about it and then publish Lottie’s Adventure. It was a lengthy learning curve and I made lots of mistakes including the selection of a POD company that was more expensive than necessary. Nevertheless, we produced a high quality book and in spite of our lack of knowledge we sold quite a few copies of Lottie’s Adventure.

After this success I realized that self publishing had potential for some of my own writing and began developing effective, efficient, and lower cost methods to publish the books that I wrote. Since then I have written and published six books and a few ebooks of my own and established a publishing company that has published six books plus several ebooks for other writers.

After consistently producing and marketing quality books worldwide I decided to share these proven methods in a new book covering every step from idea through book creation to worldwide sales. That book is Self Publishing: Writing A Book and Publishing Books and Ebooks For Yourself and Others.

Filed Under: Guest Blogs, Non-Fiction Tagged With: A. William Benitez, Giveaway, Goddess Fish Promotions, Virtual Book Tour

A Day in the Life of Karen Dove Barr –guest blog and giveaway

November 6, 2013 by The Long and Short Of It 17 Comments

VBT Wild Times on Skidaway Island Banner copy

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Karen will be awarding a $25 Walmart gift card to FOUR (4) randomly drawn commenters during the tour, and a Grand Prize of an Apple iPad to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A Day in the Life of Karen Dove Barr

12:01 A.M. My husband, Joe is jerking, half-sitting up, sound asleep. Since he’s been on meds for Lewy Body dementia he doesn’t knock over the nightstand or punch me in the head, but I quickly wake him. “”Sorry,” he mumbles. “Really wild dream.” He’s asleep again before he can articulate. I’m back asleep too. We are used to the sporadic waking.

My alarm is set for 5:30 A.M. but the stray Maine Coon who adopted us likes me up by 5:00. She jumps on my sleeping body and gently taps me with her paw. I know two taps is her limit; before she bares her claws I groggily head for the kitchen. After I mix dry and canned cat food for her and the feral kitties meowing loudly at my back door, I grab a cup of coffee and bowl of fruit for me. I scan the morning newspaper, reading all the comics and my horoscope as I don a business suit, makeup, and high heels.

After kissing a sleeping Joe goodbye, I head out in the dark, off the island, to the end of a wooded peninsular on the mainland to my daughter’s house. Wresting my thirteen-year-old granddaughter and her younger brothers, ages nine and six, from their long time nanny, I pile three backpacks, two computers, a bag of baseball gear, a gym bag, a violin, and a 4” by 6” cardboard poster into the back of my SUV next to my own gym bag.

“Grandma! My mascara is smeared!” wails the thirteen-year-old.

We head across Savannah to the carpool line where I join young moms and dads unloading their children for school, then on to my office.

By 8:30 I grab my files for court, hollering last minute instructions to my paralegals, drive to the courthouse parking garage and race up and down between courtrooms, explaining to deputies where I will be since I have three nine o’clock trials before two different judges.

My uncontested divorce on the second floor doesn’t show. After pacing the halls and calling my office I ask the judge to continue the case. Rushing back to the fourth floor I’m told I will be last, my punishment for being late.

Hurray! I take my seat up front, away from my clients, and surreptiously remove my legal pad with the draft of the nature story I’m working on hidden in the back. As the husband in the ongoing case explains his wife was responsible for their eight-year-old being present at the wife-swapping event they hosted, I revise the draft I typed the night before. While I’m working on the story one of my clients taps me to tell me his wife accepted our settlement offer.

Finally the judge calls my last case. I drag my thoughts from my draft and explain my client only developed a romantic relationship with his secretary because his wife never wanted to have sex. Too bad the wife stole his phone and her lawyer had blown up his texts describing exactly how he wanted the secretary to perform. I reiterate that has nothing to do with the wife’s need for alimony.

Rushing from the courthouse to the jail, I wend my way into the depths of a cellblock and am ushered into a dirty, windowless cell to await my client. Another chance to pull out my pad and add a paragraph detailing the facts of the otter’s life cycle. While my client tries to convince me he’s innocent because the witness who saw him throw cocaine in the trash had already moved out of sight before he tossed it, I ponder whether to cut the neighbor’s reaction to the otter’s pups, since I used it in a previous story.

Five appointments in my office later and it’s 6:00 P.M. I haven’t drafted the orders from this morning’s cases but my paralegal tells me Joe called four times wanting to know when I’m leaving.

I drive to the gym, change, pump iron for forty-five minutes, then home where I grab a maglite and head out for a three mile run. Within minutes the headlights of Joe’s golf cart make my flashlight unnecessary, as he trails behind in our familiar routine. While I think about the owl blocking my driveway this morning, and ponder whether it would make a good story, a half mile goes by without me even noticing.

About the Author:Karen Dove Barr, Attorney, was recently recognized by the Georgia State Bar for providing legal assistance to military families and service members. She has practiced in the field of family law in Savannah for 34 years.

http://www.karendovebarr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/karendovebarr

Wild Times on Skidaway Island, Georgia’s Historic Rain Forest, details life in a unique Audubon-designated, ecologically friendly refuge. There, golfers pitch balls around endangered great blue herons, mama raccoons march their babies across backyard decks where once Guale Indians trapped ancestors of the same raccoons, and residents dodge alligators and rescue snakes.

Even the vegetation is wild. Three hundred-year-old oaks dripping Spanish moss and poison ivy surmount an under-story of wax myrtle and holly. Carolina jasmine, Cherokee roses, and endangered orchids grow wild in the rain forest. The book examines choices residents make when stared down by a bald eagle, when a red-tailed hawk mistakes a golf ball for bird food, when wakened at midnight by deer munching hibiscus. Wild Times on Skidaway Island educates about the species that residents must adapt to on this historic island.

Buy the book from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or the publisher.

Filed Under: Guest Blogs, Non-Fiction Tagged With: Giveaway, Goddess Fish Promotions, Karen Dove Barr, Virtual Book Tour

Halloween Blogfest: Christy Nicholas

October 30, 2013 by The Long and Short Of It 5 Comments

Ghosts on the Isle of SkyeThe Lodge at Edinbane has got to be my favorite B&B on our entire trip in 2008. It was wonderful! Large, rambling property, lots of rooms, a pub and dining room on property, everything run by Hazel, Pete and Cal. It even had resident ghosties to keep you company at night! And yes, even though all the rooms on the website were pink, she had some purple and even some blue rooms available, never fear.

The pub had some wonderful meals – we had dinner there a couple nights, and breakfast was part of our B&B rate. They offered everything from cheese salads to beef bourguignon. One night I had a lovely smoked mackerel salad, and it was quite strong! The cheese salad does sound strange, but looked tasty – a nice salad of greens and veg with several different cheeses on it, including brie, cranberry stilton, feta, etc. One evening, four of us continued to have drinks at the pub until almost midnight, out-waiting several locals who were shepherds drinking in the bar. One decided that he should start serenading us. It would have been lovely if we could have figured out what he was saying or singing.

Hazel always wowed us with her breakfasts. She made Scottish pancakes for all, which are sweeter than the American version. She also served this crystallized ginger preserve with them that was simply delectable, and very addicting. My friend, Kim, practically growled when we tried to take some of hers.

We had a couple ghost encounters – Kim saw a shadowed figure in her room one night, though she felt no fear of it. It went away rather quickly. Jason heard rapping on the closet door (which was right next to where I was sleeping). He looked for any reason for it – air vents, mechanisms, etc., and couldn’t find a rational explanation for the tapping. We were told that the ghost in that room was a rather prim Victorian lady, and if we told her we were married, she would stop complaining. Jason also heard a ghost dog walking across the hardwood floor in front of him. Now, he had been sipping whisky in front of the peat fire, relaxing that afternoon, and while the place had three dogs, they were all big dogs (Labradors) and all outside. This sounded like a small dog, like a terrier, click-clicking along right in front of him.

Hazel and her family made us feel so much at home, that we will definitely be back the next trip we make to this place. And Skye is such a fantastic area, that we can’t help but go there again!

Leave a comment for a chance to win a digital copy of Ireland: Mythical, Magical, Mystical.

About the Author:My name is Christy Nicholas, also known as Green Dragon. I do many things, including digital art, beaded jewelry, writing and photography. In real life I’m a CPA, but having grown up with art and around me (my mother, grandmother and great-grandmother are/were all artists), it sort of infected me, as it were. I love to draw and to create things. It’s more of an obsession than a hobby. I like looking up into the sky and seeing a beautiful sunset, or a fragrant blossom, a dramatic seaside. I then wish to take a picture or create a piece of jewelry to share this serenity, this joy, this beauty with others. Sometimes this sharing requires explanation – and thus I write. Combine this love of beauty with a bit of financial sense and you get an art business. I do local art and craft shows, as well as sending my art to various science fiction conventions throughout the country and abroad.

Find Christy here:
www.GreenDragonArtist.com
www.facebook.com/greendragon9
www.facebook.com/greendragonartist
www.facebook.com/greendragontravel
www.facebook.com/music-from-ireland-for-your-pleasure
www.facebook.com/musicfromscotland
www.twitter.com/greendragon9
Find Christy’s book at her publisher and at other eBook stores.

Do you find yourself drawn to the magic of the Emerald Isle? Would you like to see places beyond the typical tourist traps? Come, join me on a journey through the mists of legend, into the hidden places of mystery. Immerse yourself in the legends and myths, the history that has made this island precious in the hearts and minds of millions. Along with the tales and history, there is practical information on planning your trip, budgeting your costs, and finding the best places to while away the magical hours of your holiday.

Filed Under: Guest Blogs, Non-Fiction Tagged With: Christy Nicholas, Giveaway, Halloween Blogfest

Play Twenty Questions: Question 20

August 30, 2013 by The Long and Short Of It 5 Comments

Enjoy these answers from a host of authors in multiple genres, from YA to mystery to romance — then enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a $100 Amazon or BN GC and more!

Tasarla Romaney Duck Dynasty. I love Jace and Si. To sit and drink coffee with them would totally rock

Linda Palmer Reality shows are way too revealing. Though I’m a big fan of Survivor and Big Brother, no amount of money would make me be on either.

Debra St. John I wouldn’t want to be a contestant, but I’d love to get a reservation for a meal at “Hell’s Kitchen”. We watch it with friends every week and always talk about going there. However, since many times the food doesn’t get served in a timely manner or the kitchen gets shut down entirely, we’d be sure to nibble beforehand and have a back up dining plan for afterwards!

Kaylie Newell The Deadliest Catch. Of course, I’d just make them give me a ride in the harbor and then take me back to the dock.

Judy Alter One of the cooking reality shows–unless someone starts on about mystery authors

Linda Rettstatt They’d have to create a new show for me. One where whoever could sit in a recliner and work on the laptop the longest without getting up would win. I’d suck at Survivor (see earlier note about spiders and snakes). I can’t play games well enough for Big Brother–I’d insult everyone. And Dancing With the Stars is really out of the question given my two left feet. Recliner sitting and typing is my forte.

Maeve Greyson Duck Dynasty. They remind me a lot of my own family.

Niecey Roy UFO Hunters!!! Because…we are not alone

Tess Morrison The Apprentice. I’m sure I’d kick butt, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t take it so well if I was fired. Actually, I just want to get a gander at Donald’s hair. I think I could help him with that.

Tina Pollick Definitely not any survivor show. Nope. No singing shows, because that would be just mean. No cooking shows because people wouldn’t want to come over anymore to eat. No dating shows because I’m happily married. Are there any more shows left?

Debra Doggett That one where they put you back in time and made you go live on a farm without electricity or running water. I don’t think I’d last long but it’d be a great weekend and with the money they pay me I can buy a real house and pay the electric bill.

Nia Simone Anna Nicole Smith, but she’s gone. My heart just breaks for her. It always did. I get teary-eyed just thinking of her. I just always felt she was so vulnerable. And no one really saw it. She was so easy to ridicule. I would like to go back in time and make things turn out better for her. For her not to lose her son and then her own life to despair.

Virginia Crane None. I really don’t like reality shows because they are fake. Think about it. There has to be a camera person and tons of film that will be edited. Everyday life is reality enough for me.

Graeme Brown I think anyone ho brought a camera into my house would be able to start their own reality TV show.

Nancy Fraser The Biggest Loser. I find most reality shows useless, but this one is life-changing. It would be nice to get a firm handle on good eating habits, a constant exercise routine and improve my overall health.

Robyn Bachar Ghost Hunters! It’s one of my very favorite TV shows. I’d love to go on an investigation with the TAPS team. I have a life-long interest in the paranormal, which is what first inspired me to write paranormal romance. I even have an homage to the TAPS team in my novella FIRE IN THE BLOOD.

Jeanette Baker I have no idea. I’ve never watched a reality show. Sorry.

Kim Hornsby I’d like to be on The Bachelor if I were young, single and gorgeous. If I was on the show with the wisdom I now have at the ripe age of 56, I’d be the most intelligent and appealing contestant in the history of The Bachelor. When I watch the show (and I’m a huge fan!) I play along and groan when the girls say and do something stupid, then remember how stupid I was when I was twenty-two. If you read my novella The Husband Hunt, you’ll see that I created a character who comes to her senses mid way through the first month on The Bachelor and tries to pull out of the competition.

Juliet Waldron Perhaps Dancing With the Stars. But only if I could have my 25 year old body back again.

Willa Blair One of those cooking shows where you get to sample all the great food they’re making. Maybe Dancing with the Stars. It looks like fun, despite all the injuries. On second thought, being in their studio audience would probably be sufficient.

Lynda J Cox Ice Road Truckers–but I’d be in the office lining up loads. As much as I love to drive (and as often as I drive over the road going to and from dog shows), there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell of EVER getting me to drive a big rig across a frozen lake. NO THANK YOU!

Lynda Coker I hate reality shows. What an oxymoron, there is nothing remotely real about reality shows.

Brenda Gayle I am a big reality show fan, but think I would be a disaster on most of them. I’d never survive on the Island without my morning coffee, I have a terrible fear of heights so Amazing Race is out, and I’m not tactful enough to survive the Big Brother house. However, one reality show I think I’m perfectly suited to is Take Home Chef (I’m not sure if it’s still on TLC). I fantasize about being picked up by Chef Curtis Stone while I’m shopping for rutabaga in the vegetable aisle of my local grocery store. “Hello, beautiful. Can I take you home and show you how to mash that veg?”

Mary Hughes It’s not a reality show but I have a fantasy of driving the Reasonably Priced Car on Top Gear. Meeting Jeremy, James and Richard, being coached around the race track by the Stig? It would be the coolest thing ever.

Shannyn Schroeder I’m not a huge fan of reality shows, but I think it would be fun to be on The Apprentice. The Apprentice rewards not just business acumen and intelligence, but also creativity. Some of the best players on the show have been people I wouldn’t have pegged to be great. They’re not loud and outgoing; they stay in the back and observe, plan, and learn before attacking. I’m good at leading a group and taking charge, but I have little patience for the BS that gets tossed around, so I might not make it far in the game.

Lynn Crandall I can’t imagine any type of reality show I would try to get on. I watch one or two and they are entertaining, but I don’t know why people subject themselves to such situations. However, if I were going to pick one it would maybe be Ice Road Truckers. There’s a lot of drama on the ice roads and some interesting, though frequently volatile, drivers. I imagine enjoying a sense of accomplishment in surviving and getting the jobs done.

Weird that I picked driving. I don’t like to drive in bad weather. Maybe I have an inner truck driver waiting to be let out.

Barbara Meyers Survivor…except I’d probably get kicked off early on. Not because I couldn’t get along with everyone, but I might not be able to handle the physical distress of sleeping (or not being able to sleep) outside, not having enough food, getting eaten up by bugs, etc.

Carol Henry Actually, I don’t watch reality shows—well I did watch Survivor at first in order to see something of the romantic locations where they were filmed. I soon became embarrassed at how badly the people acted. I can’t imagine me taking part in any such show—I’d more than likely act just as stupid and embarrassing, and can’t stand the thought of my family seeing me as conniving, arguing, and acting so badly on live TV– world-wide. It’s just wrong.

Robin Renee Ray Swamp People….Why? Because I am part Hillbilly and helping catch then eating a gator would ROCK…then I could write a short horror read about some killer gator getting payback..LOL

Joya Fields ”Survivor.” I’d love to see if I had what it took to survive in the wilderness with no modern conveniences.

Patty Campbell The dog whisperer, to find out if Caesar is really as sexy as they say he is.

Genie Gabriel No thanks. Life is enough reality for me.

Pamela S Thibodeaux None, I hate reality shows because they (for the most part) are scripted…how is that real?

Elysa Hendricks Renovation Raiders, Kitchen Crashers or any HGTV show. My house desperately needs a kitchen remodel.

Allie Boniface The only reality show I watch (religiously, every episode since the first season) is Survivor. While I don’t know how well I’d do (I’m not great at manipulating and backstabbing people), the idea of putting all those different personalities together and watching how they interact is fascinating. So yeah, I might give that a try. Plus I hear it’s a great way to lose weight fast!

Ryshia Kennie I wouldn’t love to be on any reality TV show. Okay, was that not the right answer? But really, there are some reality TV shows I watch but none I’d want to get closer than the other side of my television set. I suppose if I wanted to break into show business I’d say American Idol – but I don’t. Besides, some of the reality TV I watch is a little bizarre and more than likely, that’s exactly why I watch it. It’s just a nice break and not something I want to participate in.

Troy Lambert I’ve already been on COPS, so I wouldn’t mind going back, I suppose. I just want to get away this time.

Jane Toombs Sorry, none. I don’t like reality shows.

Jaleta Clegg I want to invent my own called Chocolate Coma. The whole point is to see who can concoct the most chocolate dishes each episode. They have to taste good so no chocolate meatballs or chocolate lima beans. If I had to be on a real reality show, I’d love a shot at the next superhero one hosted by Stan Lee. I’m nowhere near buff or young or athletic, and I look terrible in spandex, but I liked the values they were promoting with that show.

Beth Trissel Not Survivor, that’s for sure. I’m not certain they’ve come up with the right reality show for me. Maybe life in a castle, and I would be the duchess, of course.

Helena Fairfax I’d love to be on a reality dance show. That would be awesome. Of course, I’d have to be able to dance.

Kelly Whitley Not a big fan of reality TV.

I suppose Bear Grylls Get Out Alive (not sure I’ve got the name exactly right). At least these people are facing real challenges and acquiring survival skills they could actually use some day!

Some of the stuff they have to do is gross, but compared to the angst of The Kardashians…no contest.

Paty Jager I think it would be fun to be on Dancing with the Stars. As I said before I love to dance, but I’m not sure I could stand up to the pressure of all those people watching and having to talk to people. And my klutziness would be a huge problem. But I find dancing fun and would love to learn how to be better.

Linda McMaken Oh, please, my life is reality enough! I want fantasy baby, that’s why I write romance. Give me a good, juicy fantasy anytime over reality. Get me lost in a book with great characters and a solid plot, and…..who needs reality?

Penny Estelle Wipeout! I’m sure it would kill me, but it looks like such a fun time!

Isabo Kelly Top Chef as a judge! Because while I may not do a lot of cooking, I do love to eat (which is why I have to lie about my weight).

Lynne Marshall Property Brothers – I’d love for those two strapping twin brothers to come to my house and fix it for me!

Melissa McClone I would love to be on The Amazing Race. I think the show itself is great and the things they put contestants through challenging. Traveling around the globe like that would be so much fun. I’d love to see how I would do against the other teams.

Aaron Speca Extreme Makeover: Home Edition – because to be deemed worthy of being on that show, it means I would had to have done something that really helped someone.

Pamela Turner Masterchef, although I suspect I wouldn’t even make it through the auditions. But I like Gordon Ramsay and how he inspires people to do their best.

Shirley Martin Sorry, I don’t watch reality shows. And even if I did, I wouldn’t want to be on them. Would not want the publicity.

Amy Corwin: None of them. Are you kidding? I’m not that masochistic. LOL Although I wouldn’t mind accompanying Survivor-man on a trip because I love camping and think it’s great to have good survival skills.

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Filed Under: Guest Blogs, Horror, Mainstream Fiction, Mystery/Suspense, Non-Fiction, Other, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: Anniversary 2013, Twenty Questions

Play Twenty Questions: Question 19

August 30, 2013 by The Long and Short Of It 3 Comments

Enjoy these answers from a host of authors in multiple genres, from YA to mystery to romance — then enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a $100 Amazon or BN GC and more!

Linda Palmer I was in sixth grade and at a dance at the American Legion. The room was dark. My boyfriend of the moment sneaked in a quick kiss.

Judith B. Glad I was five,so was he. His big brother told him he’d pay us each a nickle if we’d kiss each other. I close my eyes. He pecked at my cheek. I opened my eyes and looked into his. Swiftly i touched my lips to his (just like in the movies!), and we both jerked away almost as quickly. His face was bright pink, and mine was hot.

Popsicles cost a nickel in those days.I can’t remember what flavor he bought, but I got a Fudgesicle.

Kaylie Newell It was at my first boy/girl party in sixth grade. His name was Kenneth and he was a foot shorter than me. He also had really slippery lips.

Judy Alter Awkward with a geeky boy. I was shy, figured he was the only boy who would be attracted to me. Thanks heaven, I turned out to be wrong about that and went on to better things.

Linda Rettstatt I played guitar in a band with two high school friends and, cliche as it sounds, the boy next door who had since moved to the next town. The four of us piled into my friend, Liz’s, big old Chevy Impala (it was a long time ago), and Frankie and I ended up sitting together in the back seat at a drive-in movie. To this day, I don’t remember what movie we saw. I know I only saw the first half.

Maeve Greyson Since I’m too old to remember my very first kiss ever, I’ll share the one with Hubby.

Hubby and I have been married nearly thirty-four years. Our friends all said it would never last because we only knew each other three months before we got married. But Hubby and I both knew it was meant to be as soon as our eyes met. Here he was a military man home on leave and I was a just graduated eighteen year old. When he brought me back home after our first date, he cupped my chin in his hand and while his lips were barely touching mine, he said, “You need to marry me.” The kiss sealed the deal.

Niecey Roy It was terrible. I was only in the third grade, I think. Good thing it was only a peck or I might have decked him.

Tess Morrison Behind the Donut Hole. Yes, you read it right – the Donut Hole. It was the most popular hang out when I was in Junior High. He was the most handsome guy in my class, but dropped me as soon as the new girl showed up with boobs three times the size of mine.

Tina Pollick It was my neighbor and he wasn’t cute, I think it was a dare. And this girl never has been nor never will be a chicken. *laughs*

Debra Doggett I was at a party when I was about sixteen and there was a guy I thought was the coolest guy ever. It was near Christmas and we sat down by the fireplace and talked then he leaned over and kissed me. Even after all these years I’d love to hunt him down and tell him how much that kiss stayed in my memory.

Nia Simone Like I said. I never confess.

Virginia Crane Wow! You sure do want to take me back a lot of years. Well, back in the day we used to play spin the bottle at parties. That is where a lot of us, both sexes, got our ‘first’ kiss.

Graeme Brown It was to a girl when I was 17, and she and I both agreed: it was wet!

Nancy Fraser I was 15, I had braces. The boy had braces. Old-fashioned metal braces. (Yes, I’m that old!) It was not a good kiss. Neither of us knew what we were doing. It’s a miracle we didn’t get our mouths locked together. How embarrassing would that have been!

Jeanette Baker A friend’s older brother, 14, and I were walking on top of block wall fences. I fell into someone’s yard and a dog chased me. The brother reached down, gripped my hand and hauled me back to the top of the fence. Then he kissed me. I was 12 and I fantasized about that kiss until I had real ones much later.

Kim Hornsby I don’t even remember. Isn’t that terrible? It was probably in 7th grade when we played spin the bottle at Christine Scott’s house. I wasn’t an early kisser and lost my virginity at a very late age (19). I was chubby from age 15 to 19 and that successfully kept the boys away from my lips, I guess. I was also very shy around boys. Now I’m a little too friendly with everyone and have to remind myself to use some control and not overwhelm people when we first meet.

Juliet Waldron All my friends were going out on dates and having romantic feelings about boyfriends. I didn’t really have those feelings about anybody of my own age–or even about anybody who was alive because my first crushes were on historical personalities–but I felt that I would be left behind by my peer group and so had to do something about it. A young man liked me, and asked me out to his sixteenth birthday party. This was in Barbados, and I didn’t realize that the custom there was for him to cut his birthday cake and then kiss his date. I was embarrassed when I realized, but, always polite and always in the “when in Rome” mode because I was a foreigner, I gave him the expected kiss. This was instant photographed and duly passed around among our classmates. I resigned myself to the teasing, because I had established myself as a girl who boys liked and one who went out on dates.

Willa Blair Sadly, I don’t remember it. It must not have been too earth-shaking.

Lynda J Cox This could get me in trouble…

I was sixteen and visiting my grandmother in Florida. I went to the city pool and was being hit up on by a guy who was in actuality a total jerk. I ended up shoving him into the pool and telling him to go do something anatomically impossible. When this guy said that he’d sooner do that than try to talk to me again, I said, “Thank God.”

The life-guard on the stand right above my head leaned over and told me, “You’re welcome.”

We started talking and when the pool closed that night, he walked me back to my grandmother’s house. He asked if he could see me again. I thought about it (for a millisecond) and said that would be nice.

Two nights later, after he walked me home again, he asked my grandmother if he could take me out on a date. I didn’t know if I should be angry because he didn’t ask me first or happy because he was so respectful. Gramma told him a date was up to me, not her.

After our dinner date, when he dropped me off at Gramma’s again, he kissed me on her porch. I still remember the butterflies in my stomach, the sound of the crickets and frogs chirping in the darkness, and then Gramma flashing the porch light. We jumped apart like two scalded cats.

He was my first kiss, my first love, and my first heart-break.

Lynda Coker It was awful!
It was stolen!
It led to marriage…

On my first blind date, which I wasn’t suppose to be on since my father forbade them, I was paired with a man four years older than my seventeen years. Later I found out that his boldness was due to the reputation of the girl I was with. You know the old adage, you’re judged by the people you hang with; that happened to be the case with me. He thought I had the same moral standards as my friend and saw no problem proceeding accordingly. Of course, I set him straight after that stolen kiss, which to my surprise, led to him taking a serious interest in me. We’ll be married 49 years in September of 2013. He really is a sweetheart and the love of my life.

Maryann Miller Actually, this is the story of the first kiss I missed. When I was in 7th grade I had a huge crush on a neighbor boy who lived on the corner of our street. He was Italian – and gorgeous – and a charmer. My best friend, Jan, and I decided to have a party in my basement and invite some of the neighbor kids, including gorgeous Joe and his friend Marvin.

During the party someone said, “Let’s turn out the lights.” So we did and we all danced in the dark. Then when I turned the lights on, I saw Joe kissing Jan. I was devastated. She knew how much I was hoping to dance with Joe and maybe get a kiss, so I blamed her, even though he probably instigated the kiss.

It took me a year to forgive her, and several more years to get over Joe. Kissing Marvin was not nearly the same thrill.

Shannyn Schroeder I’m going to ignore the junior high, fake kisses and talk about what I consider my first real kiss. His name was Jesse. We were both freshman, but we went to different schools. I was at an all-girl school and he went to the nearby all-boy school. We lived only a couple of blocks from each other, so we rode the bus together in the mornings and afternoons. A girl I knew from elementary school introduced us and he asked me out. I don’t think we even made it to a first date, but we walked the neighborhood a lot. One night he walked me home and we sat on my front steps and he kissed me. It was a sweet kiss and I remember all the churning nervousness and excitement.

Too bad Jesse didn’t turn out to be such a sweet guy. Within the next week or two, I discovered that he was cheating on me with the girl who had introduced us.

Lynn Crandall LOL! My most memorable early kiss was not my first. My husband and I were on our first date, but we were 30 years old, so not like we’d never kissed people before. We went out to dinner and saw a really amazing movie we both enjoyed. When he took me home we stood outside for a bit — and it was freezing! He kept looking at me and not making a move to kiss or leave. We were standing very close to each other and (maybe my impatience kicked in) finally I asked, “Are you going to kiss me?” He laughed, but then did. More than once.

Sheila Claydon It can’t have been a good one…not close to the quality of those in my romances…because I can’t remember it. I can remember the first kiss that turned me on though. I was on holiday and he was staying at the same hotel. It was sunny, the beaches were beautiful, I thought he was too. We were fifteen, and we went out together for another 3 years , travelling a 140 mile round trip every time we wanted to see one another, much to our parents’ consternation.

Carol Henry You really want to know about my ‘first’ kiss? Well, it wasn’t anything to write home about, that’s for sure. In fact I wondered what all the fuss was about. It took me a couple times to figure out that the right boy hadn’t come along yet. When he did, wow. We were all over each other—I learned what a kiss was and how to kiss back—my tummy is turning over just thinking about it now. Of course, I’m talking about my hubby—his kiss still makes my body tingle. And that’s all I’m saying about that!

Robin Renee Ray I was really 12 and it was my gay best friend…we just wanted to know what a french kiss was all about..LOL Never told that before! ; )

Joya Fields Teen Night at the local pool. It was very nice, and very sweet and I can’t tell you any more because my husband or the “first kiss” guy might be reading this.

Patty Campbell I was 13. Scholarly Donnie Dutton gave me a sweet gift for Valentine’s Day, then clumsily kissed me. He had to stand on tiptoe. I was taller.

Our family moved, but years later I saw him again. He was about 6’4″, a football player, and a total jock.

Genie Gabriel It was so mundane, I’ve forgotten. Which may explain why I write romances. I can make up hot boyfriends whose kisses make the heroine’s toes curl.

Elysa Hendricks Sad to say I don’t really remember my first real kiss. It’s been too long and frankly it must have been totally unremarkable. I much prefer the kisses I get from my hubby now.

Allie Boniface Ah…..it was with the guy I’d been crushing on for 2 years in high school. I went to a party with another guy – who ended up leaving that party with his ex-girlfriend – and my Crush offered to drive me home. Sigh. I missed curfew that night, but it was totally worth it. I still remember the kiss in perfect detail.

Ryshia Kennie My first kiss – wow I had to think really hard to remember that. I was six years old and he was the boy that would pick me up and double me on his bike to school despite my mother’s strict warnings. I remember walking to the end of the block out of her sight before getting on that bike. And the kiss – well it was a light peck and I believe it was on the cheek. I hate to admit it but my first kiss was kind of forgettable.

Troy Lambert I took a girl named Angela Peck behind the modular trailer that served as my mom’s first grade classroom, and I tasted the sweetness of her lip gloss. I was six, I think.

Jane Toombs I still remember it well. We were playing Spin The Bottle in someone’s basement. and I got chosen as the one to go into the furnace room with a guy I sort of knew from school . He kissed me and the world went a bit off kilter. It was the the first time I’d been kissed by a guy who knew what he was doing.

Beth Trissel My high school sweetheart, my first date, the man I married and have been with ever since. the love of my life.

Helena Fairfax My first kiss was with a really handsome young boy at school. Bright blue eyes, dark hair – he was gorgeous. Sadly, his name was Rex, and I couldn’t handle going out with someone who had the same name as a dog. (I was young then. Sorry Rex.)

Kelly Whitley The kid across the street–first grade.

It didn’t last.

The kiss was because his family was moving away. As I recall, it was BLECH! Didn’t try it again for a long time.

Paty Jager It was the summer between my junior and senior year of high school. I’d lost weight going from the chubbiest girl in my class to a regular size and was just enjoying the attention of boys. I was attending a Jazz Band camp at the nearest college and there was a boy with light blue eyes and dark brown hair who took my breath away. Especially because he seemed to only have eyes for me. Chubby(still how I thought of myself) me. He sat by me between workshops and the night we had a movie, he sat by me and held my hand. Afterward’s he walked me to the parking lot to meet the family I was staying with and he kissed me on the lips one soft kiss and walked away. I never saw him after that camp and we didn’t exchange addresses to write.

Linda McMaken It was ugly and shall never be repeated, ever, again. Twelve year old kids should never under any circumstances kiss — blech! It’s a wonder either of us ever dared to try and kiss someone again.

Penny Estelle Let me tell you about my first french kiss. I went out with this boy and I was probably 15. He gave me this big french kiss and I hated it. He asked me out again and I sobbed to my mom, “I don’t want to go out with him again. His tongue choked me, and it was huge.” It took me a while to get over that!

Isabo Kelly I was on a school ski trip (where I fell down a lot) and on the bus home we played truth or dare. I got dared to kiss one of the cutest boys in school. I never shirked from a dare. It was a sweet, lovely kiss. Years later when I told my best friend this story, she still squealed over the fact that I got to kiss that particular boy.

Lynne Marshall Ack – it’s pitiful! I was in a school play – sweet sixteen, never been kissed (we’ll almost was at fourteen but that didn’t pan out) I had the second female lead, and there was a scene where I had to be kissed. The guy who played oposite me was anything but cute and I don’t think he’d ever kissed anyone before either! We had to kiss on stage for four performances. Sorriest kiss I’ve ever had!

Shirley Martin If I recall correctly, it was at an amusement park, when I was 14 or so. We were riding something I think called “The Tunnel of Love.” Whenever we went through the tunnel, he kissed me. I still remember his name, but I’ll never tell.

Aaron Speca Working retail in high school – got grabbed from underneath a clothes rack by a girl who worked there. We went on a couple of dates. At least, that’s the first kiss I remember LOL …

Amy Corwin: I was in Scotland for a year abroad (school) and met this cute guy at a school dance. We went out on a date, which actually was getting together with other friends of his and playing a board game. It sounds weird but it was loads of fun. THen he walked me back to my room and well–you get the idea.

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Play Twenty Questions: Question 18

August 30, 2013 by The Long and Short Of It 3 Comments

Enjoy these answers from a host of authors in multiple genres, from YA to mystery to romance — then enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a $100 Amazon or BN GC and more!

Linda Palmer I’ve lied about how good someone looks. Sometimes it’s nicer to be less than honest.

Judith B. Glad My weight. Always. While I could never convince anyone I only weigh 100 lbs, I can, and do, shave ten pounds off what i admit on my driver’s license. Now if I could only figure out how to bollix the scales at the doctor’s office…

Kaylie Newell I told someone that I’ve only seen Magic Mike twice.

Judy Alter my weight

Linda Rettstatt Telling someone, “I can’t hear you. You’re breaking up,” when I’ve wanted to end a phone call.

Maeve Greyson Hmm…I don’t know. With my faulty memory, I’ve discovered it’s a lot easier just to tell the truth.

Niecey Roy Exercising…ha!

Tess Morrison I was fifteen and my mother heard me say the word ‘horny’. I said I had no idea what it meant.

Jana Richards My weight. Enough said.

Tina Pollick That I’m still twenty-one. Yeah people kind of look at me funny now, but until somebody calls me on it I’ll be twenty-one forever!

Debra Doggett My real feelings, usually when someone has hurt them. I smile and say it’s okay.

Nia Simone I never confess.

Virginia Crane My weight. I’ll tell anybody my age but shave points when it comes to weight.

Graeme Brown If I told you that, then I’d have to kill you. <grin>

Nancy Fraser Years (and I mean years) ago, I was part of a group of students who painted large green footprints from the Atlas-like statue in front of City Hall in downtown Detroit across a busy main street to another statue of a naked woman in front of the Gas Company building. When questioned, I denied it. Now, since the statute of limitations has passed …. YES, I was there! I did it!

Jeanette Baker My age but I lied backwards. I skipped 2nd grade and thought no one would like me if they knew I was younger than everyone so I told everyone I was a year older than I really was. That actually lasted until after I graduated from college. I realized that no one cared how old I was.

Kim Hornsby My weight. That is something I lie about whenever asked. I tend to say I’m way heavier than I am. Just kidding. I say I’m about 10 pounds lighter than I am but in my head I’m thinking “well I could be that weight if I’d just stop eating late at night or give up cheese” Then I resolve to get to that weight on Monday.

Willa Blair What do women always lie about? Their weight. Or their age.

Lynda J Cox I lie about my hair color–but only Miss Clairol knows for sure. Other than that, as I said previously, I’m a terrible liar.

Lynda Coker My weight. I detest being lied too and don’t know why I always fudge a few pounds when asked what my current weight is. The weird thing is, I’ve done this when my weight was just right as well as when I’ve been overweight. So what’s up with that? It’s beyond my reasoning curve.

Mary Hughes I don’t lie very well at all. Even my kids as youngsters could see right through me at gift-giving time. (No-o-o-o, that’s not a box of Legos…really!)

Denise Golinowski Why would I confess if I’d gone to all the trouble of constructing and maintaining a convincing lie? Yes, it may be exhausting to maintain a lie, but sometimes needs must when the devil drives. So, after going to all that trouble and keeping up appearances all this time, I’m not about to flip on it now. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Lynn Crandall I say I’m fine all the time, because people really don’t have the time for an in-depth answer. How are you? is just a greeting. But I love it when people give me a sense of where they are in their thoughts and emotionally at any given time. People are fascinating and so complex!

Sheila Claydon Parking tickets. As far as my family is concerned I’ve never had one:-)

Carol Henry What? Me Lie? Not on your life. I’ve never lied. Ever. Really. You can trust and believe me on this?

Robin Renee Ray That I was 15 when I got my first kiss..LOL

Joya Fields Oh, wow. I used to lie all the time as a kid and I always got caught. Once, I gelled my sister’s hair with Dippity-Do (remember that stuff?) and when my grandmother asked if we got into her hair gel, I shook my head and said “no” even though my sister’s blonde hair stood straight up…stiff as cement.

Annette Bower I always under state the amount of time I spend writing a list, a note, a dedication in a book, a sympathy card, a short short story, a short story, a novel.

It appears to me that other writers accomplish these challenges a great deal faster than I do. How could I ever tell anyone that it has taken me at least an hour and a half to answer eight questions on this promotional event? So now you have to ask yourself is an hour and a half the truth or has she spent more time than this for these simple questions?

Patty Campbell I’ve told a happy new mother that her baby was adorable, even though he was homely as mud fence.
I lied to a friend when I said I liked her boyfriend, because it was important to her. I really thought he was a boorish clod.

I’ve often said “I’m fine,” when I felt like shit, because who cares?

Genie Gabriel You don’t really think I’m going to confess, do you?

Pamela S Thibodeaux That I’m okay when I’m really falling apart

Elysa Hendricks I lie about everything for goodness sake – I’m a fiction author.

Kate Robbins I’ve lied when I knew telling the truth was really going to hurt someone’s feelings. I really grapple with that. Oh I will tell you if you really, really need to hear the truth, but if the only result is that you will be hurt, I’m not gonna do it. I don’t ever want to be the cause of someone else’s unhappiness.

Troy Lambert Almost everything in this interview.

Jane Toombs Ooh, hard to say. Like most of us I ‘ve lied mostly to either save face or so as not to hurt someone’s feelings. But at least I’ve never told anyone I loved them unless it was true.

Beth Trissel My age

Helena Fairfax My age. When I was younger, I lied about my age to get into night clubs. Now I’m older, I lie about my age to appear younger!

Kelly Whitley Hmm…
I suppose pen names are technically lies. I’ve got three of them. With my job, I can’t have explicit stuff out there under my own name. If someone asked me, “Hey, are you so and so?” I imagine I’d lie about it.

Linda McMaken That’s the one Commandment that has suffered greatly. I have a list: age, weight, age, weight, age, hair color, weight,…..pretty much sums it up.

Penny Estelle My weight

Isabo Kelly I once told a kid in my college dorm I was a vampire. I’m such a good liar, he believed me for a little bit. Then I had to come clean cause I was afraid of waking up with someone standing over me holding a stake! Also I always lie about my weight.

Shirley Martin I hate to sound like a goody-goody, but I can’t remember lying.

Amy Corwin: “No, really, you look GREAT!”
I think you need to support the people around you and make them feel better, regardless of what you might think privately. Caveat: I ALWAYS tell people when their dress hem is stuck in their panties, collar is up, and that sort of thing. But when a person tries their best to look good, you need to encourage them. Social lies can be very important.

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Play Twenty Questions: Question 17

August 30, 2013 by The Long and Short Of It 6 Comments

Enjoy these answers from a host of authors in multiple genres, from YA to mystery to romance — then enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a $100 Amazon or BN GC and more!

Tasarla Romaney Diet Coke, Peanut M&M’s, my husband, and my kiddos.

Linda Palmer Potatoes, movies, music, and books.

Judith B. Glad Books (of course!), Chocolate (a basic necessity of life), Diet Coke (caffeine free, because I really enjoy my chemicals), music (radio goes on first thing in morning, off last thing at night; jazz and classical are my favorites)

Kaylie Newell My iPhone (I’m a well known iPhone junkie). My lipgloss, my flip flops, and my wedding ring.

Judy Alter cottage cheese, chardonnay, chocolate, tuna

J.A. Garland Lula’s chocolates, Wicked Wolf coffee…oh, and my family and friends, lol.

Linda Rettstatt Computer, Binky the cat, pizza on occasion, and walks in the woods on a fall day.

Maeve Greyson Family, Jasper, Coffee, Quiet

Laura Strickland Music, my dog, Shannon, time to write and chocolate.

Niecey Roy My laptop, Internet, a book (so maybe my iPad so that I can have books all the time, though I prefer a paperback over eBook any day!), my kids, and heels.

Tess Morrison Chocolate, wine, music, and a push-up bra. Okay, forget the bra. These girls of mine are beyond help. A great book would round it out. And if I could have a fifth – flowers.

Anne Van I’m a chocoholic so chocolate is at the top of the list. Next is avocados. I eat them everyday. Surprised I haven’t turned green. My house. It’s a Victorian and I just love everything about it. And of course my husband. He’s my everything. Should be at the top of the list. : )

Jana Richards 1. Coffee
2. My computer
3. Sleep
4. My glasses

Tina Pollick 1. My family
2. My faith
3. Internet- I’m including the power and computer, LOL
4. Underwear- Yeah commando doesn’t work for me.

Debra Doggett I started to put chocolate, bacon, Coke and bread but I will give the serious ones as well: water (in some form or other); flowers; music and laughter.

Nia Simone A dishwasher. Greatest invention of mankind.
My laptop. Greatest invention of mankind.
It gets pretty hard after that. I guess I’d say the Internet. For a “Connector” like me, it is heaven.
My car. I didn’t have one for a long time as an adult. My first car changed my life, literally. It enabled me to go back to school, change careers, and meet my husband.

Zoe Forward Laptop. Internet. Family. Dog.
Those are the necessities of life for me, although food would probably be the most realistic answer…and water.

Virginia Crane Family, books, computer and car.

Graeme Brown Writing, reading, running and math.

Nancy Fraser 1. My grandchildren – they keep my heart beating!
2. The rest of my family and good friends – they keep me grounded!
3. My writing – it keeps me solvent (for the most part)!
4. Coffee – it keeps me awake (and sometimes manic)!

Robyn Bachar In no particular order: caffeine, the internet, my best friend, and my mini van. I definitely couldn’t live without my best friend, because she is also my roommate.

Jeanette Baker ice cream
books
sun block
hair color

Kim Hornsby The survivor in me wants to say air, water, my heart etc but let’s have a bit more fun with this, shall we?
1. I love to swim and be in water whether it’s a lake or ocean, or even our backyard swim spa. I feel best when wet and submerged and that’s why I was a scuba instructor for 10 years on Maui
2. I absolutely adore cheese. Feta, camembert, blue, cheese with little bits of peach (had that at a party last night on a rosemary cracker), almost any type of cheese. Oh yes CURD!
3. Dogs. I have two and they are my kiss and hug recipients when the kids won’t let me near them. I like all animals but dogs satisfy more needs for me.
4. Sunny days–I live in the Seattle area and sunshine isn’t a given. Having gone from living on Maui to Seattle was tough at first and this is why I write about women who live in the sunshine.

Juliet Waldron Music, computers, cats, vision. Computers have moved to the “books” spot these days, because it’s not only a tool I use every day, but because books can be accessed through them. A love of music has been with me forever. My Mom told me I could pick out exactly the gramophone record I wanted from the stack and then wind the old machine up to play long before I could read the labels. My husband was originally the cat person, but I’m a passionate convert. They are endlessly fascinating companions, and each as unique as children.

Mary Jo Burke Mint gum, books, music, and my reading glasses.

Willa Blair Chocolate, red wine, the internet, and hmmm, only four? Friends. Air, water, kittens, a good steak
A nap, a perfect fall day, berries, books
True love, art, color, music

There, that’s four sets of four. I could go on.

Lynda J Cox My DH–he truly is my soul mate.
My dogs–they make me smile and bring me so much happiness.
My imaginary friends–they know me there, so it’s okay.
My teaching career–I learn something from my students every single class I teach.

Lynda Coker My God, my family, my friends, my love of writing and reading

Brenda Gayle Coffee. Coffee. Coffee. And did I say coffee? If you ever have the unfortunate experience of meeting me on the way to the kitchen for my first cup of joe, you’d understand completely.

Meg Benjamin My MacBook, my hubs (well he should probably come first), my sons, and string cheese

Mary Hughes Food. Shelter. Clothing. Cat hair. Actually I probably could live a while without the first three but I think I’m doomed to the cat hair.

Shannyn Schroeder Avoiding the obvious things like my kids, the 4 things I couldn’t live without are:

1. Diet Coke – I’ve tried, I really have. Even knowing that too much aspartame will give me a migraine hasn’t convinced me to completely give it up. I have switched to the Splenda version at home, but there’s nothing like a fountain Diet Coke.

2. Popcorn – this is my all-time favorite snack. I eat it probably 4-5 times a week. I do air-pop it, so it’s a little more healthy than other versions, but I still use butter and salt.

3. My DVR – I love to watch TV. I watch way more than any person probably should, which is why I love my DVR. Lots of TV, no commercials. I can record any show and give it a try. If I don’t like it, I delete the timer. And I only have to set a timer once and it’s good forever (or until I get a new DVR). I no longer have to remember to set the timer (remember the days of the VCR when you had to do that?) And the DVR timer is smart – it will record only new episodes.

4. Music – I listen to music while I write, while I clean or cook, while driving in the car (which is a huge chunk of my time with 3 kids). I don’t buy tons of music, except for my playlists, so it’s usually the radio for me. But I like music as background sound while I do other things. I really hate silence. When I was younger, I did my homework in front of the TV. Whenever I had to work at the library in college, I always had my headphones on. I made quick photocopies of whatever I needed and went home to work with my usual background noise.

Denise Golinowski Air, water, warmth, & shelter. Once you get beyond those, I’d say books – I actually get cranky if I don’t have a good book on the go, sometimes two. Next, writing materials (can I make that “one” item?) – the nervous ticks are very unpleasant to witness. Love and family to keep me grounded and balanced.

Lynn Crandall I hate it when people answer this question with “air.” Not so fun but true. The “things” distinction rules out people, but of course I love my family and friends and don’t want them to disappear. There are so many pleasures that I could live without but would rather not. So I’m going to pick books, my computer, favorite foods, and favorite shows. I also wouldn’t want to be without my bike.

Sheila Claydon Radio, books, cosmetics and fruit.

Radio is my constant companion. It helps make housework interesting, it educates, it keeps me aware of what is happening in the world and it plays music too.

Books. I just can’t imagine living without them. I read when I first wake up, often at meal times, always before I go to sleep and at many other times during the day.

Cosmetics. Why not? I don’t look as if I use make-up because I favour the natural look but oh my goodness the difference if I don’t use it. It makes me look younger, fitter, healthier and who wouldn’t want to look like that?

Fruit because if I don’t eat fruit and vegetables during the day I start to feel sick, and I like fruit best.It’s a simple as that.

Barbara Meyers My cell phone. A good book. Coffee. My laptop.

Carol Henry I can’t imagine living without my husband of 48 years. We complete each other and although we both belong to separate clubs and organizations (as well as belonging to the same ones), we help and support each other at special events. I would be lost without his love.

I can’t imagine living without any one of my wonderful family—they are very special and precious to me.

I can’t imagine living without any one of my ‘5 senses’—having had a scare with a retinal vein occlusion that left me partially blind in my left eye, I’m more aware than ever of the loss what it is like to lose what everyone takes for granted.

It would be hard to live without that ice-cold glass of milk with a cookie.

And, of course, that first cup of coffee in the morning to get me going. Without it, I’d trudge through the day and get nothing done.

Robin Renee Ray My grands, my critters, my Dr Pepper and my laptop.

Joya Fields My family would be the first thing. They are there for the best and worst times for me. Secondly, since I need coffee to wake up (I am NOT a morning person), that’s next on the list. I’m addicted to my cell phone with its social networking and email, so that’s third. And lastly…chocolate.

Annette Bower 1. My bathtub, in the morning I plan my day as I soak.
2. My one cup coffee maker. I set it up at night and in the morning in two minutes I have piping hot coffee. It is a rudimentary maker, it doesn’t keep the coffee hot, and if I get distracted, I just have to make a fresh cup.
3. My runners. I live in downtown Regina and I walk to obtain my essentials for living as well as for recreation. I walk around a portion of Wascana Lake. When I leave my home and around the lake and back is approximately six kilometers.
4. My passport. I love to travel and experience life in other communities, whether they are in Canada, the United States or Europe. When I am in other cities, I join walking tours and experience communities on foot. I also go into the thrift stores, I get a sense of a community by what they donate to the less fortunate.

Patty Campbell Physically – food, water, air and shelter.
Emotionally – love, books, friends and family.

Genie Gabriel My dogs, my kids and my grandkids–which add up to more than four…

Pamela S Thibodeaux God, Books, Music, Love

Elysa Hendricks My family, dark chocolate, my writing, and laughter.

Allie Boniface Let’s see…besides food and water? OK, books, Zumba class, CHOCOLATE, and my friends and family (uh oh – does that last one count as two?? I suppose I could cut out the chocolate if I really had to)

Kate Robbins I cannot live without:
1) Coffee (it’s a sickness really. It smells and tastes like crap but I’m totally addicted to it)
2) My family (don’t tell them I put coffee first ok?)
3) Books (I have to have something to read always. Could be the back of a shampoo bottle, but I’d prefer a book)
4) My cat (he’s a fluffy savage called Freddie. Laziest cat on the planet who loves to nibble on my fingers)

Liana Laverentz My husband, son, hot tea, and chocolate….oh, and sleep. Don’t do well without sleep at all. I’m an essential needs person…as long as those needs are met, I am fine. Food, drink, sleep, safety, and warmth. As long as I have those, I can deal with anything.

Ryshia Kennie Well other than the obvious, air and food. Here goes:

I can’t live without books. Take away the television but don’t touch the books.
I can’t live without love and laughter in no particular order. There’s nothing better than having friends and family around and laughing and sharing stories.
I can’t live without adventure. That doesn’t mean I need to be on a voyage around the world but there should be something new and intriguing in every day. Sometimes it’s just someone new you meet around the corner from home and sometimes it’s something more dramatic.
I can’t live without my computer but only because my entire writing life resides there. So I suppose it’s not so much the computer I can’t live without but the ability to access my stories and the community of people that I have met and linked to in one way or another.

Troy Lambert Oxygen, water, food, and whiskey. Is that four? There are probably others too.

Jane Toombs My SO. Chocolate. A car. Friends.

Jaleta Clegg Toilet paper, chocolate, my computer, and a good book to read. Without those, who would want to live?

Beth Trissel Dark Chocolate
the internet
chapstick
green tea (seriously healthful)

Heather Haven My husband, my cats, my writing, and chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.

Gail Pallotta Wow! I have lots of needs. It wasn’t easy narrowing this down, but here they are– God, family, outside interests and fun. God gives my life purpose, direction, comfort and hope. My husband and daughter give me love, support, comfort and encouragement. Outside interests give my life balance–writing, lunch out with friends, meetings, charitable endeavors and church groups. I’m going to include good health via taking care of myself by eating well, swimming and exercising in outside interests. Fun includes peaceful moments relaxing with family and friends, laughter, and activities I enjoy. It all works together to make a happy person.

Helena Fairfax Cups of tea. My dog. Reading. My family.

Kelly Whitley 1) Adequate sleep. Gone are the days of staying up all night and functioning well the next day.
2) Dark chocolate. It’s full of antioxidants, and people who like milk chocolate won’t steal it from your desk.
3) Coffee. Starbucks Blond Roast, brewed at home–black.
4) Companionship. Some day when I am old and gray, I want a person by my side, not a cellphone. You can’t argue over checkers with a phone.
I could live forever without seeing my phone ever again.

Laurel O’Donnell Coffee with lots of sugar.
My cat, Charming. He calms me and loves me so much! I just adore him.
Chocolate. I just want a little bit of dark chocolate every day. Just a little!
A good night’s sleep. I can’t function without getting a good solid night’s sleep!

Paty Jager my family,
Chocolate
computer
books

Linda McMaken My hubby, my dog, my cowboy boots, and my blue jeans. Everything else pales in comparison to those. Although a large box of Dove chocolate with a carafe of chilled wine wouldn’t hurt.

Penny Estelle my hubby, my kids, my grandkids, french fries

Keena Kincaid 1. Coffee
2. My laptop
3. My Westie, Melrose Abbey
4. My passport

Isabo Kelly My boys, coffee, pizza, and books.

Lynne Marshall My family, my faith, my friends, books!

Aaron Speca Easy – my wife and my three kids. I know it sounds like a canned answer but it’s true.

Pamela Turner Coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee… Oh, wait, it has to be four different things? Okay, well, did I mention coffee? Let’s see. My computer, amulet… Hey, don’t laugh. One more thing. My cat. Yes, that’s it. Of course, if you ask me five years from now, my list might change.

Shirley Martin Assuming we are taking for granted a place in which to live, with food and utilities, there are some things I really would have trouble doing without. There is tea and chocolate, but more important, books to read, friends and loved ones to talk to. The last thing listed is the most important for me. And just one more–church.

Amy Corwin: My husband.
My pets (we have 3 dogs and a cat)
My kitchen (I love to cook)
My garden

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Play Twenty Questions: Question 16

August 29, 2013 by The Long and Short Of It 4 Comments

Enjoy these answers from a host of authors in multiple genres, from YA to mystery to romance — then enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a $100 Amazon or BN GC and more!

Tasarla Romaney A dragon. Sometimes good and sometimes bad. Depending on the author a dragon can be either but they always have gems and what girl doesn’t want a giant stash of gems????

Linda Palmer A fairy godmother. I try to keep everyone in my family happy and help them in any way I can.

Kaylie Newell A unicorn.

Judy Alter Etta Plae

Linda Rettstatt Definitely not one of the Furies. They were created from the blood of Uranus–need I say more? I like to think I’m like the Phoenix because I keep reinventing myself.

Maeve Greyson The Phoenix. Life has burnt me to ashes many times but I keep rising to fly again.

Laura Strickland I feel I am most like Odin, because I wander endlessly through the landscape of my imagination, acquiring wisdom and sorting fantasy from reality.

Niecey Roy A dragon.

Tess Morrison Medusa on a bad hair day!

Anne Van Hands down the unicorn. They look like a normal horse but have a horn coming out of their forehead. They are unique like me.

Jana Richards A leprechaun, because we’re both short. Sure wish I knew where that pot of gold was.

Tina Pollick Maybe a shifter… I wear so many hats it’s sometimes hard to figure out which role I’m in.

Debra Doggett A brownie. I’d love to be able to come out at night and make mischief and never get caught.

Nia Simone A unicorn. Not really. I’m nothing like a unicorn. LOL But it is the most beautiful creature ever conceived, I think. But seriously, a Hobbit. I am Bilbo Baggins, happy at home with my huge larders of food. I’d probably be the reluctant adventurer, too.

Virginia Crane Haven’t a clue because I’m not into mythology.

Graeme Brown I’d have to say a dragon, and as for why, ask anyone who sees me a few moments after I wake up.

Nancy Fraser The Phoenix. Due to other things in my life (having to work, family and my own serious health issues) I’ve come close to giving up on writing a number of times and then come back stronger, better and more successful each time. It (writing) gets under your skin, inside your soul, until it’s the only thing you want to do.

Robyn Bachar A vampire. I burn in the sunlight, and I’m much happier at night than I am during the day. I’m very pale, so my skin is either “corpse in winter white” or “boiled lobster red”. I’ve never had a tan in my life.

Jeanette Baker An elf because I’m small, freckled and have pointed little ears.

Juliet Waldron I would like to be a centaur. More exactly, I’d like to be a centauress, although I don’t think these creatures existed before the animated cuties in Disney’s “Fantasia”. I’ve always loved horses, and being part horse and able to gallop about would cheer me endlessly. Perhaps my granddaughters, who used to love those My Little Pony dollies, could be persuaded to come and comb and braid my long silver mane and tail.

Willa Blair A dragon. I can breathe fire when riled, enjoy curling up in my den, and love shiny things.

Lynda J Cox A dragon. Dragons have gotten a bum rap, you know. They actually have very big, generous hearts, but they’re also very easily heart-broken, so to avoid being hurt, they have long spines, breathe fire, and fly away to keep the things that would hurt them far away.

Lynda Coker None, I hope. I’m not a fan of mythological creatures. So many are based on concepts and traits that I find less than endearing. I know I’m probably in the minority on this, so please don’t yell at me…

Brenda Gayle I would like to think I’m most like the Phoenix who rises from the ashes of adversity. I look at each day as a gift, a chance to start again and create a new and better self.

Lesley-Anne McLeod I would like to think that I am most like a sphinx. I do have the face of a woman–that part is easy. My wings are my writing; they fly me to times and places I could not otherwise reach. The haunches of a lion, I am not certain of. They may perhaps symbolize my strength, which I did not know I had, but now need every day.

Mary Hughes Mermaid. I love the water. I love playing in it, especially jumping into ocean waves and being swept back to shore (even though I live nowhere near an ocean and have only done it twice). I love the feel of a cool shower steaming off my scalp after mowing the lawn; the warmth and silky smoothness of an evening bubble bath; the blast of chlorine diving into a lap pool. A glass of cold, clear water after working hard is the best nectar in the world.

Shannyn Schroeder This one required some research on my part. I’ve never thought about myself as a mythological creature (unless you count my kids calling me Medusa when I’m mad). I think I am most like a Kitsune from Japanese folklore. In Japanese, Kitsune means fox. In Japanese stories, the Kitsune are “intelligent beings possessing magical abilities that increase with age and wisdom” (Wikipedia). I certainly hope that this sounds like me. They’re also portrayed as “faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives” (Wkipedia). These are all roles that I play as a writer and in real life.

Denise Golinowski The first thing that popped into my head is not really mythological, but fictional (Dr, Dolittle)- a “push me/pull you.” I blame my Pisces sun and Libra moon for my inability to make snap decisions. I have to weigh pros and cons, try to reach consensus, and yet leave room for changing my mind. It drives my darling husband crazy.

Lynn Crandall I think I’d have to pick mermaid, ’cause I’m frequently swimming in emotions and enjoying the feeling of spaciousness, that is when I’m not stressed. I’m not someone who tries to sabotage people, though, which if I remember correctly is a mermaid trait. You know, singing sailors to their death on a rocky shore, stuff like that.

Sheila Claydon An English Brownie – one of those legendary little creatures who carry out a lot of household tasks at night, when they can’t be seen, and who do this in exchange for food. If the householder tries to pay them they leave the house and go looking for another one. Well there’s no risk of me being paid for all the things I do for the various members of my family…not that I’m complaining. Better to be needed than not.

Carol Henry I am most like Eos—Titan Goddess of the Dawn. I’m a very early riser even without an alarm clock. These early hours is when I get the most done—whether it’s writing, cleaning house, working outside, and taking care of business, I’m more active in the morning. And I love the early morning air, especially when I’m still lying in bed and the birds start twittering outside my window. The time when it starts to get light is like God giving me a new day to set things right. And, of course that early morning coffee on the deck at dawn when the small wildlife starts to wake up and scamper around my back yard is special. Yep, I’m most like Eos.

Robin Renee Ray Most say the vampire…so I guess because I do stay in my cave until the sun goes down…I wear black tank tops all the time and I never cut my hair…down past my knees now…most really do call me a vamp or vamp like creature..LOL, Vamp!

Joya Fields Well, I might be cheating with this a little since she is a mythological figure, not a creature, but I’m going to say I am most like Demeter, Goddess of grain, agriculture and the harvest, growth and nourishment. I love farming, learning about nutrition, and growing things.

Patty Campbell I used to think I was Wonder Woman, but now think it’s more likely Oscar the Grouch.

Genie Gabriel The Loch Ness Monster. She’s reputed to be silent and elusive, but I think she’s just a shy, introverted writer who’s more at home with a computer than with a room full of party-goers.

Elysa Hendricks Depends on which time of the day. First thing in the morning I’m more like Bigfoot – all hairy and grumpy. By mid-morning, I’ve morphed into a elf/troll hybrid. In the afternoon I become a fairy, in the evening I’m all fairy and at nightfall I turn into a shape shifter.

Allie Boniface I actually think I resemble my zodiac sign, the Centaur, pretty closely. Half-man, half-beast, the Sagittarius Centaur is supposedly torn between 2 worlds, optimistic about life (I truly am) but intuitive enough about life to see the pain and suffering as well (yup, I do that too). It’s an interesting duality…

Troy Lambert An ogre: at least that’s what my kids would tell you.

Jane Toombs I’d like to think I’m like a griffin.

Jaleta Clegg The kraken. I love squids. I like destroying things when I’m upset. They’re usually virtual but sometimes I kill weeds and do pruning. I’m sure the kraken weeds and prunes her undersea garden. I also like hiding in my lair for eons at a time.

Beth Trissel I’m often mistaken for a Greek goddess.

Helena Fairfax A mermaid. I love to swim and snorkel. I once went diving in the Caribbean, and it was asolutely breathtaking. If I could swim under water all the time, I’d love it.

Kelly Whitley A vampire, I suppose. I like them best, and can’t imagine being anything else. In my writing world, they live among people undetected. It’s kind of like being a secret writer and living undetected, minus the super strength and the need for hemoglobin (the iron-containing protein in blood. If you want more details, check out Into the Red from Muse It Up Publishing.)

Linda McMaken I’m not crazy about flying, so Pegasus is out. I’m slightly cuter than Cyclops, but not cute enough to be a Unicorn….Oh, a Siren – they were gorgeous, beautiful femme fatales whose music lured men……oh, never mind.

I’m probably most like a Phoenix. I’ve risen from the ashes so many times, that ‘soot’ should be my middle name, and my scorched tail feathers are a dead giveaway.

Isabo Kelly Probably a European dragon. I have a really wicked temper when provoked, I tend to horde money and books, and I like my cave.

Aaron Speca ”If someone asks if you are a god, you say YES!” — so that’s where I’d go with that *wink*

Shirley Martin Oh, dear. I think you have me there. I suppose I might most resemble Pandora. I never know what trouble I might be getting into.

Amy Corwin: A unicorn–because it’s just a horse with a birth defect. LOL
In other words, it’s just like all the other animals except it is slightly different. Some might say it is weird.

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Play Twenty Questions: Question 15

August 29, 2013 by The Long and Short Of It 6 Comments

Enjoy these answers from a host of authors in multiple genres, from YA to mystery to romance — then enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a $100 Amazon or BN GC and more!

Tasarla Romaney Cherry S’more – I put cherry pie filling on my s’mores. So I think an ice cream that would have cherries, marshmallow, chocolate, and crushed graham crackers would rock! And of course it would be calorie free – heck it would burn calories

Linda Palmer Chocolate Strawberry Swirl. (I love chocolate dipped strawberries.)

Kaylie Newell Orgasmic chocolate truffle.

Judy Alter raspberry with dark chocolate

Linda Rettstatt ChocoMochaCrackoLotta.

Maeve Greyson No calorie double fudge brownie better than sex sorbet

Niecey Roy Yumolicious. It’s chocolate…with chocolate…and fudge swirls…with chocolate chunks.

Tess Morrison Lick Me. It would be pink with strawberries and dotted with chunks of chocolate. Honestly, I can’t get beyond the fact that Almond Joy is my absolute favorite. Just mention ice cream and it’s all I can think of.

Anne Van There are so many crazy favors out there mine has probably been invented. I’d love a giant scoop of brownie, raspberry, Godiva chocolate swirl ice cream. I’d call it Heaven.

Jana Richards Vanilla Bean Supreme. It’s vanilla ice cream mixed with bits of chocolate covered coffee beans. Three of my favorite things, all together in one bowl.

Tina Pollick Chocolate chip mint moose tracks, with chunks of cookies and crème. Mmmmm

Debra Doggett It’s called the Kitchen Sink. It has chocolate, vanilla and a thin ribbon of strawberry with three different kinds of nuts, caramel, fudge and marshmallows. One bite and you throw up.

Nia Simone Really? It’s been done. It’s called Ben and Jerry’s. They really get it. GIANT chunks of whatever. No skimping. My favorite ice cream besides the heavenly creations out there by B&J, is mint chocolate chip. My husband hates it, which is perfect. More for me. I’ll eat any brand. When I was growing up, my dad and I used to share the mint chocolate chip ice cream. He bought Lucerne, the Safeway brand, in a half-gallon size, and he would scoop out a bowl for me and a bowl for him while I eagerly waited. I was always a “good eater” as my mom would say, approvingly. I was always proud of being a good eater and still am.

Virginia Crane Vanilla almond caramel crunch. It has all the flavors I love combined into one.

Graeme Brown Everyberry, with a bit of all my favourite berries: blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, saskatoon, and raspberry.
Mmmmmm!

Nancy Fraser I’d take the ultimately rich dark chocolate ice cream, mix it with ribbons of solid white and milk chocolate and lightly salted pecans. I’d call it, Triple Super Choco-Pecan Heaven!

Jeanette Baker Rhombauer Zinfandel with fudge swirls.

Kim Hornsby Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Surprise. I know every yummy flavor in the world is already invented but the surprise part would be free tickets inside for a round the world vacation for 4! I’d take my 17 year old son, my 11 year old daughter and of course my hub and off we’d go on the adventure of a lifetime. Love to travel!!

Willa Blair I don’t think I can top Ben & Jerry’s Karmel Sutra. It’s perfect on so many levels. It’s also my favorite B&J combo flavor. Half caramel icecream on one side, half chocolate icecream with chocolate chunks, and a ribbon of caramel running down the middle. Yep, hungry again.

Lynda J Cox Wyoming Peaks–vanilla with just the tiniest bite of spearmint.

Lynda Coker Graham Crackers and Cream

Susan Fox Candied ginger ice wine. Ice wine is a dessert wine made from frozen grapes and the flavor is intense and fruity, in a kind of sophisticated way. It’s like the essence of summery sunshine in a glass. I think it would make a great ice cream flavor, enhanced with tiny bits of candied ginger scattered throughout.

Mary Hughes Death by Chocolate. Cocoa ice cream with dark and milk chocolate chunks, swirls of chocolate caramel and chocolate sprinkles.

Shannyn Schroeder Nutella ice cream. Doesn’t that say it all? Nutella is chocolatey smooth goodness and a bit addictive. Oooo…And I’d add chunks of brownie because I love fudge brownie ice cream. Adding brownies to Nutella–yum!

Sheila Claydon I don’t think this is possible. All the flavours have been created unless you’re into things like cabbage or meat flavours. yuk! But if you push me then how about sweet chilli? Of course somebody might have already created it but if not, then I think sweet chilli and the cold of the ice-cream just might be a good combination. Personally I’m still going to buy mint-choc-chip or coconut though.

Carol Henry That’s easy, I love Kahlu, Mocha and almonds, so I’d have it swirled together, put dark fudge on top and sigh with pleasure. I’d call it Dream weaver’s Delight.

Robin Renee Ray Double fudge swirl, chocolate cover peanuts, dark chocolate ice cream mix….called: Touch and Die

Joya Fields Wow, it seems like every ice cream flavor is already out there. I love nuts, chocolate and cheesecake, so maybe Chocnutcheesecake flavor? LOL.

Patty Campbell Peanut butter, dark chocolate and chili peppers. I call it Hot Nuts.

Genie Gabriel Paw Prints. It’s creamy vanilla and contains peanut butter and honey, plus a side of bones for the furbabies and another side order of chocolate for the humans.

Elysa Hendricks Dark chocolate with chunks of semi-sweet chocolate.
Chocolate Heaven
I know it’s not very original, but what can I say I like chocolate.

Allie Boniface Mocha Grey Goose Divine (in case you couldn’t tell, it combines 2 of my favorite things, chocolate and martinis!)

Ryshia Kennie I love, love ice cream. And I’ve never thought of creating an ice cream flavor. How can you improve on plain old soft ice cream drizzled over with hot fudge or cheese cake ice cream with blueberries or strawberry shortcake or a rainbow of flavours all on one cone? As I say that I’m imagining my favourite ice cream shop. The Milky Way – a little shack on a busy street that has a menu that is an ice cream lovers’ delight. There’s a lineup spring through fall – and as it’s done for years, it closes through the long cold prairie winter and we’re all forced to go elsewhere for our ice cream fix.

Jane Toombs Mine would be choclate raspberry, with little peppermint crunchies in it. I’d call it Decadent.

Jaleta Clegg Horribly Depressed – Use just enough vanilla ice cream to cover the following – raspberry truffles, peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, marshmallows, chocolate covered macadamia nut caramels from Costco, stripes of butterscotch sauce, hot fudge, almond roca, dark chocolate orange sticks, dark chocolate raspberry sticks, fudge, Twix bars, Butterfinger crumbles, mini Charleston Chew bars, and Junior Caramels.

Darn it! Now I’m hungry.

Beth Trissel mocha dark chocolate peanut butter mint

Heather Haven Wild Hopes and Dreams. Made out of a rainbow of colors and flavors, sprinkled with chocolate, non-fattening, sugar free, 0 calories, and absolutely delicious. Baskin Robbins, are you listening?

Helena Fairfax Shamrock. I’d create an Irish icecream, flavoured with Guinness, and coloured bright green. It would go down a treat on St Patrick’s Day!

Kelly Whitley Name: Dream Machine:
Vanilla frozen yogurt with chunks of spun caramel and dark chocolate-covered cinnamon imperials.
Ben and Jerry, if you could just whip that up for me I’d be much obliged.

Laurel O’Donnell Cinnamon Coffee. Sounds kind of Christmas-y, doesn’t it? I love cinnamon! And I love coffee! So, the two together would be delicious.

Paty Jager Peppermint pieces, chocolate wafer cookie pieces, and vanilla ice cream. Peppermint Paty Crunch.

Linda McMaken I’d call it – Paperback Writer – Creamy vanilla ice cream, swirled together with a lovely black cherry with bits of cherry in it. Served in an edible chocolate cup, covered with chopped nuts, and topped with a generous dollop of chocolate whipped creme – served with a good book.

Isabo Kelly Vanilla ice cream with chocolate chip cookie dough, oreos, and peanut butter cups. Destructo’s Delight. (My oldest’s nickname is Destructo and those are all his and my favorite sweets.)

Shirley Martin Strawberry, mint, marshmallow, and chocolate. It’s pink and called “Pink Delight.”

Amy Corwin: The mango-ginger Thriller. Vanilla ice cream base mixed with chunks of sugared mango and ginger. Yum. And a real taste thrill!

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