by Wendy C.
Member since:
January 12, 2007

The Frost is on the Pumpkin~Writing Wombats CCCXXI

October 12, 2009 12:41 PM EDT (Updated: October 12, 2009 12:53 PM EDT)
views: 307 | rating: 10/10 (5 votes) | comments: 338

Fall is most certainly settling in here in E. WA. We've had two killing frosts, so denial must be set aside. When the weather turns so do my ideas of what sounds good for dinner.

The grill will be abandon, for the most part, in favor of the range. Stew, hot dish and mashed potatoes replace, grilled chicken, pork, steak and potato salad.

Which begs the question, what do you feed your characters? I mean they can't manage all the feats of heroism required on an empty stomach. Readers would wonder.

In Escape to Love they eat every thing from roast rabbit and snake to lutefisk.  Safe Harbor is more common fare. There's a trip to Pike's Market for fresh seafood that takes top billing. Add a grumbling Vegan and it's quite fun.  In Mystic's Warrior food becomes part of a sensitive scene.

How does food play out in your ms? What wonders do we find on the table or in bed?

My beef stew.

1/2 to 1 pound of cubed beef

1-2 cups cubed red potatoes

2 large carrots, sliced or diced.

1/2 cup each frozen peas and corn

1 can green beans, with the fluid.

*In a dutch oven, brown beef with 1tsp minced garlic and 1/4 cup finely chopped onions.

When bubbling add carrots and potatoes, and 1/4 cup ketchup. Toss vegetables with beef until the bottom of the pot is caramelized. (close to burning) Fill the pot with water.

Bring to a boil and then to medium/low heat for several hours. When the stock is cooked down several inches, add the frozen vegetables and green beans. Bring to a boil, turn the heat to simmer and cover. It's ready when you are. Hot artisan bread is a good complement.

Are you hungry now? I am.  I bet your characters are too.

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Comments: 338

Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 12:44pm EDT
Firsties?
Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 12:52pm EDT
Good morning, 'bats. Yes, when you crawl in bed at 5 AM, this is morning. Wendy, the beef stew sounds yummy. Nothing like the way I make it, but still, yummy!

Food plays an integral part in my WIPs. In at least one scene, feeding one another fruit tarts leads not only to an intimate scene, but other things (hey, one of the tarts is poisoned--yes, someone tosses their cookies. Hey, another food reference!) Almost every important conversation occurrs over a meal. Breakfast in the morning room. Dinner in a candlelit study. Sandwiches in a bedroom.

Because Ashes takes place in 1837 in Cornwall, I had to research what kind of food would be standard fare (for instance, was the word 'sandwich' appropriate for that time period? Did they eat tomatoes then? Were peaches available?) It got even worse researching for the Anne Bonny novel, which had to take into account foodstuffs in the early 1700s in South Carolina, the Caribbean, and England. Oy! Give me a few minutes and I'll hunt up one of my favorite food links for you.
ML S. Oct 12, 2009, 12:55pm EDT
Abandon the grill? Doesn't compute. I grill all year. Only heavy rain keeps me from using it and then only because the food would become swamped between the patio and door.
Vivian A. Oct 14, 2009, 1:52pm EDT
I'm with you here Mike. Even when I lived back east, we just brushed the snow off and grilled. I nice glass of sherry as you dive in and out is a good companion.
Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 12:58pm EDT
Here it is, Food Timeline. Not an easy site to navigate, but there are other pages that also expain how to do cullinary research and stuff.
Judi F. Oct 12, 2009, 1:16pm EDT
I'm with Mike. I grill all year. Even in the (pitiful amount of) snow we get. And I'll occasionally use an umbrella if it's raining. (Mike, hint: move grill closer to the door. Ours is on our patio right off the kitchen.)

Back to edits. Pat, thank you for the nice comment on the Bloody Bad blog. Appreciate it!
~Sia McKye~ Oct 13, 2009, 1:35am EDT
I missed a blog? Well Damn. I was gone all day, sorry.
ML S. Oct 12, 2009, 1:32pm EDT
It's as close to the door as I can put it. I have both a porch and a sandstone patio out back.
John Philipp Oct 12, 2009, 1:40pm EDT
Never thought much about food for my characters. Maybe that's why they're so cranky.
Wendy C. Oct 12, 2009, 1:43pm EDT
Low blood sugar will do that. hehe
John Philipp Oct 12, 2009, 1:41pm EDT
Start Your Monday with a smile — advice for men, not that they need it.

Dear Mr. Manly ...
Jamie C. Oct 12, 2009, 1:44pm EDT
Ketchup. Yep, the hero in Brian's Muse has a particularly good time with ketchup. And a couple of lady 'bats insisted I remove the grocery shopping excursion, so you won't get much food talk in that particular manuscript. Clams in one scene, I guess.

Why are we talking about food? My bowl of Special K for lunch was less than satisfying. Now I want stew.
Wendy C. Oct 12, 2009, 1:58pm EDT
Mustn't forget the shrimp. Yeah, that's a good scene. evil grin
Jamie C. Oct 12, 2009, 3:03pm EDT
I forgot there was even food at the beginning of that scene, that's how good that scene is. pretend demure grin
Jamie C. Oct 12, 2009, 1:44pm EDT
And a nap. I'd really like a nap. It's cold, 33 miserable degrees, and I want to hibernate.
Jamie C. Oct 12, 2009, 1:46pm EDT
We'll see if the chocolate mousse, strawberries and champagne in the bathtub scene makes it through the cuts in Sed Pariah. Sed, of course, scarfs down a hamburger in that scene and talks with his mouth full. He's one sexy beast. ;-)
Lisa "Queen Wombat" F. Oct 12, 2009, 1:48pm EDT
It's chilly here too - well, chilly for Venice. Rain on the way, which we could use. And I always love being inside, watching the rain...

Food...I love food a whole lot but it doesn't tend to be a great focus in my books. Though there generally are a few signatures...in RPT, the food is dumplings - jiaozi. In the WIP, hmm, not a lot of food there, but way too many margaritas...
Wendy C. Oct 12, 2009, 1:54pm EDT
Obviously you all missed the 'for the most part' of my grill comment. We grill in the winter. Below freezing temps are prohibitive, I must say. When I was pregnant with DD, I was sent to the store for chicken for dinner. Chuck steak was on sale. I called DH and the conversation went something like this.
Me- Start the grill, I'm coming home with steak.
DH- It's fourteen below and snowing.
Me- I don't care, I want steak. Start the grill.
DH- Yes dear.
This was a Weber kettle, which we still have. Nothing like the nice gas grill we use now. Yeah, he was very accommodating when I was pregnant.

Pat researching the food for Escape to Love wasn't too much trouble, 1868. Figuring out how they baked bread or biscuits on the trail was interesting. I knew they did, but how? We have very inventive ancestors.
Knowing what is served at a traditional ND wedding is something you'd have to grow up with. My friend from Serbia wrinkled her nose and couldn't believe that's what was done at weddings. Then she went to a wedding of a friend in ND. She came home singing my praises of an accurate depiction.

WHY does it have to be this cold so soon? What are these idiots who are predicting a warmer than normal winter talking about? Must be Atlanta, cuz it sure as hell isn't here. huff
Laurie C. Oct 12, 2009, 9:02pm EDT
Acorns. Lots and lots of acorns here in Philly. Worst winter I ever remember, there were so many acorns on the ground in the woods that you couldn't walk for slipping.

I'm thinking COLD winter.
Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 1:59pm EDT
George Forman grill. Countertop. Year 'round. Inclement weather no deterent.
Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 1:59pm EDT
Yes, I'm in edit mode. Sorry. Got carried away!
Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 2:04pm EDT
BTW, Nathan Bransford is having a First Paragraph Contest, open to all. From what I've seen so far, Wombat entrants would likely mop the floor with these guys. We're honed, toned, and kick-ass. Yep, I'm in. I considered using Anne Bonny, but the entire opening paragraph is "Let the hellcat hang!" I didn't think that would work.

Judi, you're welcome. I just want to win the goodies!
Jamie C. Oct 12, 2009, 3:04pm EDT
Ooo, what fun!
~Sia McKye~ Oct 13, 2009, 1:41am EDT
Holy sh!!t he already has over 840 comments. Hmmm, what do I have?
Lisa "Queen Wombat" F. Oct 12, 2009, 2:08pm EDT
I saw the first 50 entries and thought there were some good ones, actually. Then I refreshed and there were 112! I'm afraid to go and look now...
Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 4:43pm EDT
There appears to be one heck of a lot of sci-fi/fantasy/magic in the entries. A lot of YA as well. Yes, he's going to be swamped.
Lisa "Queen Wombat" F. Oct 12, 2009, 4:57pm EDT
There are soooo many people writing fantasy and YA out there...I think it's been speculated that there is a particularly high ratio of people who want to read those genres to people who also want to write them.
ML S. Oct 12, 2009, 2:13pm EDT
Never too cold to grill. Meat, grill, fire ruh ruh ruh
ML S. Oct 12, 2009, 2:18pm EDT
Wow, just saw a report that when you remove AIG from the financial sector Q3 earnings it goes from a 58% gain to a 29% loss. Just wow.
Judi F. Oct 12, 2009, 2:33pm EDT
only way to go is up for AIG, so it's not really surprising. LOL
ML S. Oct 12, 2009, 2:40pm EDT
If only that were true. There's getting better and there's going out of existence through breaking the company apart which is what they've been trying to do for quite a while.
Judi F. Oct 12, 2009, 3:38pm EDT
Having worked in the Incentive/Rewards/Sales dept for a major insurance company and handling reward trips for sales agents, oh, yeah. I can tell you ALL about breaking apart the company. Amazing what our premium money goes toward...
Laurie C. Oct 12, 2009, 9:04pm EDT
Judi --

Can't decide whether I wanted to know that or not.
Rand Phares Oct 12, 2009, 2:48pm EDT
An apple pie plays a key role in my story. Well, the promise of an apple pie.
Beth H. Oct 12, 2009, 4:36pm EDT
Nameless foods bubbling on the stove?
Rand Phares Oct 12, 2009, 5:06pm EDT
Ah, but were those bubbling concoctions actually food?
Beth H. Oct 13, 2009, 7:22pm EDT
We never find out, do we? (I hear Jamie saying, Mwahaha)
Rand Phares Oct 13, 2009, 7:24pm EDT
You don't want to know . . .
Wanda H. Oct 12, 2009, 3:07pm EDT
My characters eat a lot like I do usually. Or did, depending on when I wrote what piece. While food is important in some WIPs I usually fit it in with a couple of sentences. Although a sensitive scene with food sounds fun!
Ken C. Oct 12, 2009, 3:09pm EDT
This (from the Midewest Book Review -- Small Press Watch) makes my heart sing...

Ghost Words
Adina Pelle
Curva Peligrosa
1500A East College Way #554, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
0975431463, $19.95, www.adinapelle.com

Some things once said cannot be taken back. "Ghost Words: And Other Echoes" is a collection of short stories from Adina Pelle. Almost flash fiction, she presents her stories, which sometimes carry narrative over multiple tales, in very short bite-sized morsels that easy to digest and enjoy. Fine, fun, and thought provoking reading, "Ghost Words" is a treasure trove of unique tales and will do well to please any short story reader who wants something different.
Jamie C. Oct 12, 2009, 3:30pm EDT
Congrats to you both.
Judi F. Oct 12, 2009, 3:38pm EDT
Hey, that's AWESOME! Congrats to both of you!
Rand Phares Oct 12, 2009, 3:49pm EDT
Today, ze midwest. Tomorrow, ze world!
Ken C. Oct 12, 2009, 3:56pm EDT
The best part is the sense that the book was actually read. Gotta like that.
Beth H. Oct 12, 2009, 4:34pm EDT
Wonderful review! Yeah, Adina! Yeah to Ken! A treasure trove of unique tales. Keep that one on your wall, Adina.
Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 4:45pm EDT
Definately a big W00t! to Adina and Ken. Yes, I really did like this book.
Lisa "Queen Wombat" F. Oct 12, 2009, 9:52pm EDT
It's in my shopping cart, I swear!
Wanda H. Oct 12, 2009, 9:55pm EDT
Awsome! What a great review! I gotta get this book! But right now the $$$ is too tight! *sigh
James R. Oct 12, 2009, 9:57pm EDT
Excellent review. Congrats to Adina and Ken.
John Philipp Oct 12, 2009, 10:47pm EDT
Most excellent, guys. Congratulations.
~Sia McKye~ Oct 13, 2009, 1:46am EDT
Sounds good for you two. Congratulations. Hard getting good reviews for small presses, Ken. Hell, it's hard getting reviews at all. Takes a lot of persistence on the part of the publisher and publicist--doncha love wearing multiple hats?
Vivian A. Oct 14, 2009, 2:05pm EDT
Awesome Ken and Adina! Congrats!
Judi F. Oct 12, 2009, 3:39pm EDT
Answering the question, finally. Mine eat what anyone under the sea would eat. They just have to make sure it's not their neighbor...
Judi F. Oct 12, 2009, 3:40pm EDT
But seriously, in order to make the suspension of disbelief believable (I think there's something seriously flawed with that statement, but can't come up with any other way to say it), I had to consider the eating habits and come up with something that would make sense. That was fun.
Rand Phares Oct 12, 2009, 4:03pm EDT
Yeesh. Nothing like writing a spooky scene while scary music is playing.

Kettle drums = ***** in the pants.
Rand Phares Oct 12, 2009, 4:11pm EDT
Have to take a break from this. Yertle the Turtle anyone? With It's a Small World in the background?
Beth H. Oct 12, 2009, 4:40pm EDT
Rand, now we're all singing It's a Small World. We may have to ban those words from all Wombat threads.

Got my juror paperwork ready for the mail. Good. Signed up to judge the Golden Heart. Another good. But could not bring myself to simply call GA State to set up an appointment to talk to someone about the Ph.D program. What's that about? It's not as if there's a commitment just by calling and going down to talk to someone. Tomorrow. There's always tomorrow.
Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 4:47pm EDT
Yes, Scarlet, but it's better if you do it today. Carpe diem, sweetie!
Beth H. Oct 12, 2009, 5:00pm EDT
I know, I know. I don't know which is more fragrant, the roasting chicken sizzling away downstairs in the oven or the big one sitting here at this desk.

I'm thinking that my mind recognizes this as an internal commitment. So... Tomorrow it is. For now it's errand time.
ML S. Oct 12, 2009, 6:10pm EDT
Or you could do like I did and just keep taking hours until you're several past having the doctorate without getting one...lol.
Wanda H. Oct 12, 2009, 10:00pm EDT
Dearest Queen, I ask for the outright ban on the those words "it's _ _____ _____ after all" from all Wombat threads!

I can't get them out of my head once it starts!
Lisa "Queen Wombat" F. Oct 12, 2009, 10:23pm EDT
Okay, how about this instead?:

"Duff Beer for me,
Duff Beer for you,
I'll have a Duff,
You'll have one too!"
Wanda H. Oct 13, 2009, 5:36pm EDT
That's a good one, I've never heard of it before! heh
Lisa "Queen Wombat" F. Oct 12, 2009, 4:42pm EDT
Well, Beth, it's Columbus Day, so GA State might be closed anyway...
Beth H. Oct 12, 2009, 4:58pm EDT
Perfect! I will latch on to this excuse, pretending that I guessed they were closed all along. Thanks, Lisa.
Jamie C. Oct 12, 2009, 5:51pm EDT
Wellllll, we weren't closed today. No excuses, Beth!
Wanda H. Oct 12, 2009, 10:01pm EDT
Beth, you just gotta do what ya gotta do, hon. And this sounds like a very good thing to do!
Wendy C. Oct 12, 2009, 4:44pm EDT
Okay, I threw my paragraph in the virtual ring. Ken, I believe Nathan has read your contest rules, they are suspiciously close. His are much shorter though. Noted your paragraph. Smile.

I gave up on finding the insurance checks and called the company. Admitting defeat isn't easy for me, but there comes a time...

Stalling? Me? Nevah! Okay, okay, off with me.
Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 4:48pm EDT
I noticed the same thing about the rules, Wendy. Lisa, have you got Nathan peeping in on the wombats? Shoulda warned us. I'd have put my clean sweatshirt on. Or at least my less dirty one.
Lisa "Queen Wombat" F. Oct 12, 2009, 4:58pm EDT
Not me, Pat!
Ken C. Oct 12, 2009, 5:58pm EDT
I'm sure it's highly advanced minds thinking along elegant, sophisticated pathways. Or something like that.
~Sia McKye~ Oct 13, 2009, 1:48am EDT
*snork
Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 5:04pm EDT
From the last thread: Ken C. Oct 12, 2009, 12:19pm EDT
I feel like someone applied a cheese grater to my soul. (in reference to me amputating the prologue from my MS).

Buck up, little buckaroo. Honest, I think you'll end up liking this version. I love that you encourage all my worst traits, but a girl can't live on cupcakes and candy corn forever, and that's what the old version was. Sooner or later, you have to cut back. That's what I'm doing. Done right, even fish and veggies can taste wonderful. Or so I've been told.
Ken C. Oct 12, 2009, 5:54pm EDT
I won't like it and you can't make me. Eventually, I suppose I'll tire of kicking and screaming...and cry myself to sleep.

Wait, did someone say something about cupcakes?
Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 6:24pm EDT
And candy corn. Much as I hate the idea of losing a potential fan, I'm comforted knowing you'll still like ME, even if you hate the BOOK!
Jamie C. Oct 12, 2009, 5:55pm EDT
Trying to talk myself into getting on the treadmill. Quick! Someone kick me in the pants. *presents derriere to computer screen

I'm considering tossing a paragraph at Nathan. My problem is trying to figure out which of my multiple WIPs has the best opening paragraph. sigh....
Judi F. Oct 12, 2009, 6:01pm EDT
\_ *ouch!

(my cyberkick for you)
Judi F. Oct 12, 2009, 6:02pm EDT
Jamie - Brian's Muse. Isn't that the one you're getting editor requests with? Nathan's an agent. Seeing any correlation here?
Jamie C. Oct 12, 2009, 7:26pm EDT
But the first paragraph isn't all that compelling, IMO. The second paragraph, probably. I guess I could fudge a little. :-P

And thanks for the kick. It worked. I sweated off another 1.4 pounds. This workout is INSANE! But it works. And now I have to go cook dinner. *groan
Jamie C. Oct 12, 2009, 7:33pm EDT
Besides, Brian's Muse is Olivia's "thing". I was thinking more along the lines of Death Domain.
Judi F. Oct 12, 2009, 8:22pm EDT
If the first paragraph isn't compelling then you need to either get rid of it or make it compelling. Opening line is incredibly important.
Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 8:49pm EDT
Yes, it surprised me how this galvanized me to take another look at both my opening paragraphs. I revised both. Sometimes we need an incentive like this.
Wendy C. Oct 12, 2009, 6:57pm EDT
Ken, are you insane? We've been prodding, poking, gently guiding and in some cases on the verge of rude to get Pat to trim a few of her eloquent, well chosen words. When you're done with your fit, there's stew on the back burner. Can't have you sleeping on an empty tummy.

Jamie, agrees with Judi.. send Brian's Muse. Brandishes wet noodle, get with it girl!

I'd love to stay and be entertaining (if that is possible) but I've got places to go, people to see....
Ken C. Oct 12, 2009, 7:03pm EDT
Yes, of course I am insane. However, we should all be word wise and not word count foolish.
Judi F. Oct 12, 2009, 8:23pm EDT
unless you're hoping to get pubbed by NY, Kenneth. They are word count focused.
Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 8:56pm EDT
Ken, my dear, think of it this way. Why do you impose word count limits on your delightful contests? I know part of it is so that folks don't get carried away. But the other reason is to get folks to focus not on using a lot of words, but on selecting the BEST words to convey the message. Bless you for loving my mad villain and wanting to give her voice, but think about this. In my favorite book, Rebecca, the title character never utters a single word. Not one. And yet she is the most powerful character in the book. My poor Lily still has a voice; she's just less overt.

And Wendy, bless for saying "eloquent and well chosen". Makes me feel better for the 10,160 of those words that I've trashed in the last two weeks.
Judi F. Oct 13, 2009, 7:47am EDT
told you you could do it, Pat! Brava!
Ken C. Oct 13, 2009, 10:17am EDT
Don't trouble me with facts, my mind is made up.
Beaker (just Beaker) Oct 12, 2009, 7:06pm EDT
There's a storm coming our way....
Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 8:57pm EDT
Stay safe!
Wanda H. Oct 12, 2009, 10:05pm EDT
Storm heading here too, supposed to be hard rain, up to 5" of it, winds 45-55 mph and gusts more. Hard seas, big waves and gale warnings. Ah, yes.... life on the sea.
Jill Lynn A. Oct 12, 2009, 7:08pm EDT
I might have to admit defeat and turn on my furnace. It just seems so early yet. Maybe a sweater and slippers will do the job. And gloves.
Jamie C. Oct 12, 2009, 7:31pm EDT
My furnace has been on for a couple of weeks already. Makes me sad. And poor.
Lisa "Queen Wombat" F. Oct 12, 2009, 7:13pm EDT
It's RAINING in Los Angeles! That is, we had a few drops earlier and supposedly a real live storm is on the way! Which is great except for the possibility of mudslides in the burn areas from the fires...
Jamie C. Oct 12, 2009, 7:27pm EDT
I haven't seen the sun in days. :-(
John Philipp Oct 12, 2009, 10:48pm EDT
We're waiting. Should be here anytime now.
Rand Phares Oct 12, 2009, 7:27pm EDT
Wow. Over 500 entries in the first-paragraph contest.

I read a few.

"He was dead for about four hours, bleeding all over the place the whole time."

Now, that's a heart.
Jamie C. Oct 12, 2009, 7:32pm EDT
*attempts not to SNORK!

Fails.
Judi F. Oct 12, 2009, 8:24pm EDT
I didn't even make the attempt. Knew I couldn't do it.

Seriously? And that author wonders why he/she hasn't sold?

Unless... it could be a paranormal and some otherworldly being could bleed for 4 hours while dead.
Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 8:59pm EDT
It's way up over 600 now. I can't tell you how tempted I am to copy a few of them here for educational purposes. But mostly, I feel sad for folks who don't have a wombat buddy to smack them upside the head and show them the light.
Pat S. Oct 12, 2009, 9:05pm EDT
Heaven help me, I can't resist. If my eyes have to bleed, so do yours. Here's my choice for "Let's hunt this person down and smash their laptop":


The recorder pronounced itself with a faint tick, modest as a first flake of snow striking a window, undetectable by the irritated caller who was surely winding up some incredible invective, but noted, nearly subconsciously by the agent, Carter, whose fingers returned instinctively to the home keys midsentence and dutifully lined up like a firing squad, or its targets.


Yeah, folks, that's the opening line. The "first paragraph" goes on for another 165, pretty much in the same vein. I'm feeling better about my chances.
Lisa "Queen Wombat" F. Oct 12, 2009, 9:54pm EDT
Almost up to 700 now. Wow.

But there are some good ones too. Though I can't speak for the third page of entries...haven't looked at those.
Jamie C. Oct 12, 2009, 10:06pm EDT
Wow, Pat. Just wow. I can't even follow it. Maybe I'm stupid.
Judi F. Oct 13, 2009, 7:48am EDT
If you're stupid Jamie, then I must not have a brain. I can't make any sense of that sentence at all.
Laurie C. Oct 13, 2009, 11:36am EDT
I love it! It's sooooo bad. Maybe it could win the Bulwer-Lytton contest.
Judi F. Oct 12, 2009, 8:27pm EDT
Oh, yay! I won a book on Goodreads! The Hunt for Atlantis.

Yes, I know, it's a little late, but it sounded interesting. The guy is giving away 25 copies. I'm wondering why you'd give away that many? One or two, sure, but 25? IN one contest? Why not a few contsts to spread out the marketing? He had 492 people request. I forget how many I had for IOHH, but it was close to that amount and I only offered one copy.

*scratches head
Laurie C. Oct 12, 2009, 9:14pm EDT
May I play, too? Judi will vouch for me. (I hope.)
ML S. Oct 12, 2009, 9:22pm EDT
There's a 3 dozen fresh baked chocolate chip cookie cover charge...lol.
Pat S. Oct 13, 2009, 1:15am EDT
Laurie, as we say around here, any friend of Judi's... (is probably exhausted by her energizer bunny life!) LOL! Welcome, Laurie--we love new folks! Tell us about yourself!
Pat S. Oct 13, 2009, 1:16am EDT
I thought we changed the initiation to latrine duty at the Hicken & Spleen? And beer runs.
~Sia McKye~ Oct 13, 2009, 1:54am EDT
Welcome Laurie. It's fun to play here once you understand half the things that are said or reference of said things. :-)

One of my sisters lurks occasionally and said, holy god, how do you kep track of it all? um...you just do, lolol!
Judi F. Oct 13, 2009, 7:49am EDT
Laurie spoke to our group this past Saturday and, well, I'll let her give you her bio.

But, Laurie, you need to get rid of the "sock puppet" head and upload an avatar/photo. :)
Laurie C. Oct 13, 2009, 11:41am EDT
Judi -- working on the sock puppet thing.

About me: recently downsized from my job as web editor. I'll get unemployment, so I've decided this is the cosmos saying (in a voice of doom, ominous organ music in background), "Write the damned novel already!"

So I'm moving back to upstate PA (cheaper), where I'll tuck in for the winter, write, send out resumes, and pester my friends for dinner invites.

Judi's aching for me to mention my depraved past as a Golden Heart winner, a line editor for Kensington, and a reader for Harlequin/Silhouette, but I'll skip that if you don't mind. ;)
John Philipp Oct 13, 2009, 1:49pm EDT
Welcome, Laurie. Clever skip :)
Beth H. Oct 13, 2009, 7:21pm EDT
Laurie, what a cool job history! We're going to have to pick your brain. Hope you don't mind. Painless, I assure you.
Rand Phares Oct 12, 2009, 9:53pm EDT
So the Rockies had a clutch 8th inning, but the Phillies had an even clutchier 9th to win.

Go Phillies!
Judi F. Oct 13, 2009, 7:50am EDT
Ta Da!!!

How 'bout them Phillies!!!!
Ken C. Oct 13, 2009, 9:13am EDT
Is my neighbor going to pitch a playoff game this year? I felt sorry for him when I watched the prank video. Cruel! I don't think I would have been as composed as he was.

Kyle Kendrick Prank Video
Rand Phares Oct 12, 2009, 9:55pm EDT
Welcome, Laurie. Initiation is that you have to give yourself a picture.

Oh, yeah, and the cover charge that Mike mentioned.
Rand Phares Oct 12, 2009, 10:00pm EDT
You know you're getting on in years when a baseball team that wasn't around when you were growing up has a player who is the son of a previous player for that team.

Yipes!
Jamie C. Oct 12, 2009, 10:04pm EDT
I managed 1700 words tonight. Are they coherent? I'm not sure. I did work today. And go grocery shopping. And do my super, extreme treadmill workout. And cook dinner. So, no promises. But they're words. I do love Dr. Wicked. He tortures me in just the right way.

Hi, Laurie!
Wanda H. Oct 12, 2009, 10:08pm EDT
Howdy Laurie, nice to see you!
James R. Oct 12, 2009, 10:15pm EDT
Bienvenue, wombats. I've temporarily shifted northwest two hundred and seventy miles or so to Montreal. I'll stay here a couple of days for meetings.

Last night there were frost warnings in the Boston area. The morning exuded a brisk chill, but left no telltale signs of white on the lawn.

We drove up. For once, the colors of Vermont and New Hampshire lived up to their billing -- many shades of gold, rusty brow and bright yellows, interlaced by the brilliant whites of birches on the edge of the forests. Normally the leaves are all gone in these states by now, so it seems the foliage will last longer than usual this year. We're just starting to see the colors turn in Massachusetts. It will play out over the next few weeks.

Yes, winter is the time for stews and stick-to-the-ribs dishes. But tonight, we went out for Indian food and dined on their hearty versions of winter food, including chick peas, lentils, two flavors of naan, vegetable somosa, coupled with main dishes of tandoori chicken and a lamb roganjosh. I expect I'll sleep well tonight.
Pat S. Oct 13, 2009, 1:21am EDT
Bonsoir, cher James! Sounds utterly beautiful! One of these days, I plan a leaf peeping trip to your area. We're noticing the color is later this year as well! That bodes well for me, as the planned southern migration through the Smokies looks to be on delay for a bit. If nothing else, we'll aim for day trips to the south of the state. J'adore your charming travelogues!
Lisa "Queen Wombat" F. Oct 12, 2009, 10:25pm EDT
Howdy, Laurie! Yes, you need an icon picture. We have a thing about the orange squiggle.

Gah, I need some food to fix itself.
Pat S. Oct 13, 2009, 1:22am EDT
Laurie, the "thing" Lisa means is that we either tend to run screaming from them, or develop severe rashes. Or both. Nothing uglier than a screaming wombat with a rash!
Laurie C. Oct 13, 2009, 1:26pm EDT
Can't update until tomorrow. Please buy Benadryl by the railroad car load.
ML S. Oct 12, 2009, 10:25pm EDT
Can't Stop - Mozella
Beth H. Oct 12, 2009, 11:30pm EDT
I'm guessing that first paragraph thing isn't a Dark and Stormy Night contest? Dead and bleeding for 4 hours is kinda cool.

James, I always want to try something new and yummy after you've been through. Hope the trip is interesting and successful.

Welcome to Laurie. We love playing with new friends.

I'm guessing the west coasters are standing out in the rain. Storms at the beach can be overwhelming and beautiful.

Thanks, encouragers. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Had another wombat dream. Lisa, again. And Pat. But Pat, you never turned around even though you talked to us. And there was another wombat, but when I woke up, I couldn't remember who it was. One of the guys, I think. Of course, I only slept for about 2 1/2 hours last night and I woke several times thinking about my WIP. So why not dream about other writers?
Pat S. Oct 13, 2009, 1:24am EDT
That's because I'm shy, Beth. And elusive. And snooty. Gah, I hope I wasn't doing anything revolting. One never knows!
Beaker (just Beaker) Oct 13, 2009, 11:47am EDT
That was me, Beth. People often mistake me (in Beaker form) for a guy, rather than a lady guy.
Beaker (just Beaker) Oct 13, 2009, 11:50am EDT
I'm almost never mistaken for a lady guy.
Beth H. Oct 13, 2009, 7:18pm EDT
It's the snappy outfit, Beaker.

Pat, it was funny. You just wouldn't turn around though nothing was wrong.
Lisa "Queen Wombat" F. Oct 13, 2009, 12:28am EDT
I don't remember -- what did I do in the first one?!

No rain yet, but we have hopes...