Friday 5 – Changing with the times, blogging, and chocolate chip cookies.
1. Just in case you didn’t know – which how could you not – Alex J. Cavanaugh’s sophomore book, Cassafire was released! He’s in the middle of a blog tour so go check him out if you like science fiction. (And everyone says, yeah, no kidding, Laura.)
2. My blog will be changing with me. I’ve given this a lot of thought now for weeks. I don’t do anything without a plan or research. Starting next week my blogging schedule will be morphing. On Mondays I’ll post about anything and everything related to my tagline: Savvy Spies, Murder and Mystery. I mean anything. Writing posts. Guest posts. Book reviews. Movies. Fun tidbits. Background information on A Spy Like Me. You name it.
On Thursdays I’ll be blogging about the changing industry and my self-publishing journey from the decision to ISBNs to marketing. I hope to bring in more experienced authors for guest posts. Because I never want anything to be just about me. But some of you have been curious.
And on Wednesdays and Fridays you’ll see the occasional blog tour post because a big part of the reason I started blogging was to support my friends and their books.
3. If any of you out there have the recipe for the perfect chocolate chip cookie, I’m open to it. Leave the recipe in the comments. Or email me. Seriously.
4. I downloaded Talli Roland’s book, Build A Man. And totally fell for the first chapter. Can’t wait to read the rest.
5. And next Monday I’ll be revealing my cover over at YA CONFIDENTIAL. Yay! (And they’re having a huge giveaway right now) Thanks so much to the secret agents who run that blog. And here on Monday, I’ll offer a sneak peek at A Spy Like Me, and a giveaway to celebrate!
Extras:
- Feel free to add A Spy Like Me to your Goodreads.
- Oh, and I added a link to my newsletter at the top of the sidebar. FYI Or click here.
- And I’m working on my FB page…almost…not quite ready yet.
Enough about me. Give me the scoop on you. Anything new?
Your blurb on goodreads is awesome!!! GREAT JOB!
And I just signed up for your newsletter. 🙂
I can’t wait for Monday! woo hoo!
Thanks Ansha! You’re the best!
YAY I can’t wait to see your cover so I can add it to my Blog Buddy Must-Reads page!! Do you have an exact release date yet? So excited for you, Laura!!
I use the chocolate chip cookie recipe from the Better Homes and Gardens New cookbook. It’s delicious! After my mom tasted it she changed her cookies recipe, the one she’d been using for more than thirty years, to mine! So I’d say it’s pretty darn good. 🙂
I found it here online: http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1050084
Though I haven’t been baking for a super long time, in my experience the trick to the perfect cookie is to follow the recipe exactly, especially when it comes to beating the dough. If it says beat for only 30 seconds or just until combined, do it exactly!
Thank you, Laura! I’ll have to give it a try! I love choc. chip cookies as do almost every single character I write! The Nestle recipe is okay but I’m always looking for a truly great one!
I’m looking forward to your new blogging direction, Laura. And I’m especially interested that you are planning to share with us the steps you have taken in your new path. It’s something I’m possibly considering.
I debated b/c I wasn’t sure if people were really interested in hearing about my journey esp. b/c there are so many blogs out there about it but maybe sometimes hearing it from someone you know makes a difference. Thanks!
Sounds like a great new plan for blogging! And I personally am thrilled that you’ll be blogging in depth about the self-publishing journey. I pretty much feel like I’m floundering in the dark here, so I’m desperately scrounging for as much info as possible before I have to take the plunge!
Thanks for the encouragement. I still feel a bit like I’m floundering too!
Sounds like some exciting changes are going to take place round here.
I have a killer recipe, but it includes shortening and we all know how healthy that is? 😉
~ Wendy
Why does shortening make everything so much better, yet is so bad for us?
Busy busy! Good luck with everything. 🙂
Thanks Anna! What a great idea for you Tumbler! Everyone loves cute dog pictures. 🙂
Congratulations, Laura!! How exciting to be taking this new step!
I’m looking forward to hearing all about it! Woo-hoo!
Will totally miss your plotbuster series, but I understand 100% about changing your blog for so many reasons.
I look forward to all the changes. It’ll be fun and informative!
I might still have some Plot Busters, just in my genre. Or I have a bunch typed out ready to go. I might offer them as a free PDF for those that are interested!
Can’t wait to see your cover!
Thanks for the mention. Somewhere out there, someone still didn’t know…
Like the schedule! And long after I’m done writing I’ll still be around promoting my blogger buddies.
Can’t wait to see your cover!!
Sounds like a great schedule. I’m excited to see your journey into self publishing.
I have a great chocolate chip receipe.
3/4 cup of white sugar
3/4 cup of brown sugar
1 cup of butter
Mix until almost white.
1 tsp of baking soda
3/4 cup oatmeal
1-2 cup flour.
Blend until just sticky
Chocolate Chips
350 for 8-9 minutes. I undercook them a bit.
Ooh, thanks. I’ll have to try all of these!
Our family chocolate chip cookie recipe is famous. And the secret is that people have no idea how easy it is. Follow the recipe on the back of the bag of Nestle Toll House Chocolate chips, but instead of butter, use Crisco.
Delish. People always love them and they bake up fluffier than regular cookies.
Thanks! Guess I have some experimenting to do. I think it all comes down to the shortening! 🙂
Joyce’s favorite Indulgence
Oatmeal Cookies with Cherries and Dark Chocolate Chips
Ingredients
1 cup whole grain pastry flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup dried cherries
*If you are in desperate need of chocolate, add 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chip.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar and granulated sugar, applesauce, oil, egg, and vanilla. Stir until well blended. Add the flour mixture and stir until combined. Stir in the oats and cherries.
Drop the batter by rounded teaspoonfuls, 2″ apart, onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Let stand on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before removing to a rack to cool completely.
Consider yourself officially invited to take over my blog–either guest or interview–any time you like, my dear!
Can’t WAIT for A Spy Like Me! Will you sign my Nook Cover?
Gosh. So much stuff to do. Already got your book on my to read list.
Thank you!!!
Baking and me don’t get on – I hope you have luck finding the perfect recipe though 🙂
Sounds like you’re going to be super busy. Good luck with everything, Laura, I’m sure it’ll be a huge success!!
Just finished your short story in “in his eyes” – loved it! Can’t wait to read the book too!! 🙂
I’m going to have to try some of those recipes myself!
Thank you so much, Jemi! 🙂 Yay! Glad you liked it!
You’re on my goodreads to read list. Love your blurb! I really can’t wait to read it!!
I’ve learned so much from you already. I can’t wait to be a sponge and absorb more. Good luck with the new schedule. As for the cookies – smash up Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups instead of chocolate chips.