Author Archives: aliceaudrey
How to Reduce Ossification in Writing
For me the most effective way of getting over ossification is simply to give it some time. When I’ve finished another project and come back I often see the story with fresh eyes. This allows me to get over the firm belief nothing really needs to be changed, and to see clearly what should be preserved Unluckily people like Ericka aren’t always going to have time because they are under contract. I think most of them are going to […]
Ossification in Writing
What do I mean when I say something I’m writing has ossified? I mean I’ve gotten too ridged in my thinking to be able to work with the material anymore. There is a tendency for writers to suffer from the Written in Stone Syndrome. I know I’m not the only one because my professors discussed it. The Written in Stone Syndrome is the tendency for a writer to think whatever ended up on the page shouldn’t be changed because that’s […]
Tudor Follies: A Conversational Gambit
Put your breakfast down before you read today’s installment of Henry’s life and wives. Mr. Al is in rare form today! *** In the summer of 1546, a woman, Anne Askew, was imprisoned in the Tower on charges of heresy. For some reason Wriothesley considered this a golden opportunity to gather evidence against the Queen. Under questioning she denied knowing any members of the Queen’s household, let alone the Queen herself. Wroithesley ordered her racked. When no information was forthcoming, […]
French Silk Chocolate Pie
I used to absolutely adore this pie when I was a kid. 8 in. baked pastry shell 1/2 c. butter 3/4 c. sugar 2 sq. unsweetened chocolate melted and cooled 1 t. vanilla extract 2 eggs, unbeaten Cream the butter in a mixing bowl at low speed. Gradually add sugar, creaming well. Blend in chocolate and vanilla. Add eggs with mixer at med. speed one at a time, beating 5 min. after each. Spoon into baked pastry shell. Chill 2 hours. […]
Deathly Hallows
I just finished reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Wouldn’t you know, I want to talk about it and everybody else has already done their talking! Darn. Now I’ll have to go back through my blogroll’s old posts and see if I can figure out who might still want to talk. Alice edited: Spoiler warning in the comments!!
Suzie’s House 29: Guilting the Lilly
Suzie leaned forward, her elbows resting on the top of her desk and her face resting in her hands. She heaved a sigh. Everything she had done today she had done poorly. Making mistakes didn’t really bother her. Not that much, anyway. But dishonorable mistakes haunted Suzie with guilt and regret. Today she’d made a ton of them. Taking the recipe file from Miranda might qualify. But Suzie wasn’t about to remove it from the locked drawer in her desk […]
Gumby Scorned
Gumby had to take matters in hand. Let’s just say he gave them what for. Uh oh. Jane’s turn. Alice
Jane and Gumby Sitting in a Tree
Yep, the two of them have been carrying on. It all started when Jane toilet papered Mr. Al’s desk. Gumby gave her a hand. The two of them hit it off. Unluckily Jane met someone else. Well, actually, a couple of someone elses. Gumby was not amused. More on this story tomorrow. Alice
The Tudor Follies: Marital Bliss with Henry
When we left off last week, Henry and Katherine Parr had just gotten married, and Henry was in the mood to celebrate. Now, back to the words of Mr. Al.**** Henry decided on a celebration that would combine business with pleasure. Accordingly, during a visit to Windsor Castle, Henry had three Protestant heretics burned at the stake on the front lawn. Yes, all was well in the Tudor household. Katherine had prevailed upon Henry to be nice to Mary and […]
Home Made Pizza
Crust: . 1 c warm water 1 pkg yeast 1T sugar 1 1/2 tsp salt 2 T vegetable oil 1 1/4 c flour 2 more cups flour (can use whole wheat) Combine first two ingredients in a large bowl. Dissolve. Add next four ingredients. Beat until smooth. Add remaining flour. Knead until elastic – about 5 minutes. Place in greased bowl and let rise until double – about 45 minutes. Form 2 balls. Pat and stretch to fill 2 greased […]
Building a Web Site
As an unpublished author, what do you put on your web site? I feel so silly pushing myself this way, but want to do something. Everyone says it’s important to have an Internet presence, and it’s never too soon to get started, but really, I’m not so sure. If editors and agents don’t bother to look at a writer’s web site, then it seems like a lot of work. On the other hand, I think it helps other writers see where […]
Suzie’s House 28: Hey Babe
“Hey, Babe. Why don’t you come on over here and sit down?” Vin patted the seat next to him on the couch. He had the remote in his off hand, the one set gingerly on the armrest. “Shouldn’t you keep your arm in the sling?” Miranda approached cautiously. Knowing Vin, he would crack a joke about her cooking now. She shouldn’t feel so shaky, as if the least little thing might break her. Not with Vin. Vin was just a […]
Gossip and News
I was hoping I’d be able to unveil my new web site tonight. I’m afraid that isn’t going to happen. Instead, I’m going to share some gossip. Gumby is in love with Jane Austin. Alice
Potter Mania
Has everyone read the book already? Do you have your copy yet? I don’t! I didn’t get caught up in the media blitz because I don’t get much in the way of media. Now it’s catching up with me because everyone is blogging about it! I’m going to have to hurry up and get my copy ASAP because I’m terrified someone will let something important slip before I can read it. Meanwhile everyone is emailing behind the scenes to discuss […]
