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Hi, All!

Summer is on its way out—

And nothing says fall more than the beginning of football.

Coaches, players, bands, dance teams, and fans everywhere are in it to win it! My household will be tuned in for NFL games, college ball, and high school Friday night lights. I’ll admit, I’m a football fan by marriage. However, over the years, I’ve recognized first-hand (my husband is a coach) the dedication, determination, and focus coaches and players must embody to play the game. And nothing says job well done like a win!

What’s On My Desk

A final manuscript, a book cover, and an audiobook!

I canvassed another group of readers to vote on a book cover for my upcoming novel, Pompey Hollow Road.

The cover artist nailed it. She created four covers. I chose my two favorites and then sent them to a group of readers for their vote. I sent 40 texts and received 38 responses with a thumbs up on a favorite choice cover. The results were 2:1 on a favorite. The cover will be revealed at the book’s debut—coming soon!

Pompey Hollow Road has made it through the editing process. So, what’s next? One last round of revisions based on the editor’s line edits. Then, it’s off to the proofreader. We’re getting so close to the finish line.

The Fifth Floor Has Found Its Way to the Audio World!

My first novel, The Fifth Floor, is being made into an audiobook. I am a huge fan of audiobooks, and I cannot believe my books will soon be part of this circle. I’m thrilled! Many talented actors auditioned for the book’s narration. It was an honor to be surrounded by incredible storytellers. More information on this exciting news is coming soon. So stay tuned!

What I’m Reading Now

I love book recommendations— here are a couple I’m reading now.

Books On My Nightstand

Here are some books next up in my queue.

From the Dog’s POV

My human is choosing a book cover for her upcoming novel. Back and forth, she goes.

This one. No, this one. How about this one?

Now, it wouldn’t be such a big deal, but she’s on the floor petting me and scrolling from image to image, and before long, the soothing pets that were putting me to sleep suddenly stop, and she’s sending another email for another vote or something like it because I hear her phone ding. Ding! Ding! And with each chime, my human makes a little mark on a paper: Cover #1. Cover #2. Cover#1.

She simply cannot jot tally marks and massage behind my ears simultaneously. It’s impossible!

Finally, the votes are in, and my human is back on track—scratching under my muzzle and using her sweet voice, saying what a good boy I am.

It’s an open window of opportunity.

I quickly place my paw on my human and present my best self to remind her it’s ME time.

I do this for my human’s benefit, of course. Taking me for a run keeps her mind sharp, and a cookie for me afterward is a fair deal for both of us—a win-win. And I’ve offered to share, but she always declines. My human has no idea what she’s missing. Or maybe it’s because I deserve the whole treat.

After all, I am the most committed dog in the world.

Good Vibes

Fall is a busy time of year, and it’s also when I love to bake. With the start of teaching and Mike coaching, I like to make cookies on Sunday afternoons.

A favorite—and an all-time requested cookie that I like to make are my Mom’s Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies. With a sweet twist—adding character to the cookie—and an unforgettable taste, these favorites make it to every party, special event, and cookie jar. I think the recipe is a spin-off of Mrs. Fields, so we don’t take full credit, but my mom tweaked it to perfection.

Print the Recipe

Delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies

Directions

Preheat oven to 350*
Cream together the first three wet ingredients. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix and set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients.
Slowly add the flour mix to the sugar mix. (I usually add ½ cup at a time. I also use a mixer on low power.)
Like a great book, the twists and turns will have you recommending it to your friends.
Add in:
1 cup Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips
8 oz. Chopped Hershey bar (or Symphony) cut into pieces
Add in 1.5 cups of your favorite chocolate candy:
These are a few favorites*.
*Rolo’s candies- each piece cut in half
*Almond Joy candy bars-cut into pieces
*1 cup M&M’s (your favorite kind)
Add one of your favorites:
½ cup slivered almonds
½ cup chopped pecans
½ cup sweetened coconut flakes
1 cup whole salted cashews (a favorite with Rolo’s)
Place a large spoonful of dough on a cookie sheet 3” apart.
Cook for 12 minutes.
Cool for 7 minutes.
Place on a paper bag then cool completely.
Makes 1 ½ dozen large cookies

Wet Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) butter-do not use margarine
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 cups flour
2.5 cups old-fashioned oats—pulverize in blender or food processor. Do not use instant oatmeal.
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt

Mix Ins

1 cup Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips
8 oz. Chopped Hershey bar (or Symphony) cut into pieces
1.5 cups of your favorite chocolate candy
½ to 1 cup of your favorite nut (see recipe)

Set the Oven to 350*

Mix In Your Favorite Candy

Place on the Cookie Sheet 3" Apart

Place on a Paper Bag to Cool Completely

As always,

Your support of my writing and novels has always brought me joy, and being invited to book clubs, school events, presentations, and Zooms is a pleasure.

September 2023

What’s On My Desk

The Fifth Floor Has Found Its Way to the Audio World!

What I’m Reading Now

The Third Twin

I Found You