Neal Middleton of Royal Bliss Tells What Helps Him Write Music

 Neal Middleton is the lead singer in the rock band Royal Bliss. Neal has also had to over come some huge events in his life. In 2004, he was seriously injured in a near fatal accident that left him paralyzed in a wheel chair. After months of rehabilitation, Middleton miraculously got back on his feet and was able to walk again. (Neal still has only partial feeling in his right leg, but when you see him on stage, you‘d never know.)

I met Neal back in 2008 after one of the bands high powered concerts. No over exaggeration, this band really gets the crowd on its feet and pumped. I bought an album and couldn't stop listening to it. One night a particular song sparked an idea. The idea grew into my novel. All from one line in a song. (Hear the song here)

Some people have to have food to write. Me, I have to have music. This is why I asked Neal to join us today. He writes a lot of the band's music and lyrics.

Pots ‘n Pens: When writing, what is or has been a major influence?

Neal Middleton: Life, people in it and the experiences I have had. When I write lyrics they just kind of come out. I don't write them until the studio for the most part, it's just what is on my mind at that time. The songs on the new album are reflections of everything that we’ve been through over the past couple of years. I wrote the song “Crazy” about my son. He’s three years old and it’s really hard for him to understand why I’m not home. I explain to him that Daddy’s job is to travel. But it’s really tough to be away from family. 'Singing for Our Lives' is a song we wrote with Monty Powell (Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum) about the last 13 years of our lives. I sing for my life every day to provide for my family and put food on the table.

PnP: You mentioned before that when you guys (the band) started writing your last record, Waiting Out The Storm, you originally had written about 100 songs that over a 3 year process widdled down to the 16 to 18 songs recorded. I know with me I end up cutting and changing a lot of scenes as I go through edits as well. How does your writing lyrics and music change from start to finish?


NM: It's very similar to a movie or a book. You have your rough draft, then you take out the things you don't need and add ones you do. My lyrics are usually pretty rough in the start and then I fine tune them to drive it home a bit more.

PnP: When you toured with other bands such as Hinder, Puddle Of Mud, Buckcherry, Candlebox, and Papa Roach and appeared on the television show THE VOICE last year, did anything help influence the way you now write or perform?

NM: Not really. I think all of those experiences really taught me to be myself, be proud of who I am and my story. The Voice was strange and I am glad I made it our alive.

PnP: Is there a certain type of food or snack that is a must while writing or producing your music?

NM: Late night Mexican food, Cheez Its, beef jerky, and whiskey.

PnP:  I wondered if you would bring that up since two songs "I Was Drunk" and "Whiskey", both great by the way, sound like they were inspired by this style of beverage. If you were marooned on an island with only your guitar, one other musician and only one type of food, who and what would you pick?

NM: Wow.... Uh , hmmm marooned huh... How long? My wife will kill me but since its hypothetical situation I would say Gwen Stafani and Mexican food . That sounds like a good combo.

PnP: Indeed it does. Well, I bumped into Gwen a few months ago. Next time I’ll pass on the word. Only joking. Plus, the Gwen I saw wouldn’t make it very long on that island since she was made of wax.

Thank you, Neal, for chatting with us. It has been great getting to know this side of you. Be sure to check out Royal Bliss and their latest video "Crazy" by clicking here.

Royal Bliss

 



Interview: Laura Ray & Shrimp Lingurian a la Lou

Today I'm pleased to welcome Laura Roodman Edwards Roodman Edwards Ray (she married and divorced the same man with the same problems twice, hence the very long name). We got to talking about books recently at 6 North Cafe in Ballwin, Mo., and I knew her book, BRAIN DEAD IN THE BURBS, was perfect for this fun-loving group of foodies!

Laura lives in a St. Louis suburb with her two daughters, her loving husband, and a stepson close by. She is a full-time mom, law firm sales representative, and first-time author. She is currently finishing the second volume of her “memoir” and plans on making it an annual occurrence if anyone would like to continue reading the strange stories of her life and pick up great recipes at the same time. She welcomes anyone from the “Smoking Gun” or any other “truthful literary agency” to try to prove that her memoir is made up at all. That would be a lot less embarrassing to her, as well as to her family.

About her book: 

"She shares hilarious stories about her first husband (“the same man with the same problems whom I married twice”), job, girlfriends, dating, and spoils readers with recipes that will make you a hit at any party.
Once, when her young daughters snuck into bed to snuggle, Laura guiltily asked them, “How can I be a better mommy to you?”
The oldest looked at her and said, “Oh Mommy, just never leave me again [at grandma’s] when I’m sick.” Laura then turned to her youngest daughter, who, without hesitation looked up and said, “MORE BEEF.” Predictably, that chapter includes a recipe for scrumptious and “beefy” meatballs. With each struggle or bizarre incident, Laura brings us further into her world with a witty tone and positive yet slightly twisted outlook on life. Her insights will ring true to anyone who has ever questioned her own actions, sacrificed for love, or taken a stand to get what she wants. The book contains 24 recipes with full color photos and true stories that will make you laugh, cry and then cook."

BRAIN DEAD IN THE BURBS is available at Amazon & at most of the independent book stores and gift shops in St. Louis: Left Bank Books, Puddin’Head, Webster Groves,  etc.

If you were marooned on an island, and Pots & Pens granted your wish for only one book and one food, what would you choose? To Kill a Mockingbird and a steamed artichoke with 4 different condiments (I’m the condiment Queen and I would have melted butter, Green Goddess, honey mustard, and a Bernaise)…that way, all of my taste buds would be satisfied!) 

If you were serving one of your characters his or her ideal meal, what would it be and why? Sven (Who really is my husband Tom); I’d make him the Shrimp Lingurian (a recipe that I stole from Balaban’s before they closed….they wouldn’t give it to me, so I just made it up and actually my version (because I add more stuff!) is better, The Strawberry, Candied Pecan salad and warm blueberry bars right out of the oven with Vanilla Bean ice cream.

Let’s say a couple of your characters are raiding your fridge right now, what are they most likely to eat? Are they disappointed or excited about what they find? Every condiment you can imagine and left over Grouper sandwiches from 569-Dine.  Hopefully, they won’t be disappointed, and realize that even the best of cooks (especially the full time working mom ones) have to order take out some time.

What is your A+, number 1 writing/editing/query-reading snack? Drunken Brie with an assortment of crudités and gourmet crackers….to die for!!!!!!

   

Tell about a time when food inspired your writing or a book inspired your cooking. When my daughter and I were cooking three huge beef briskets for her swimming banquet at 7am in the morning (they take forever to cook) and my husband sleepily stumbled into the kitchen trying to make the first pot of perfect coffee and saw all of the beef, he stopped  and said, “Oh hell….Who died?”

Shrimp Lingurian a la Lou

1 Pound of Thawed, Cooked, Peeled & Deveined Jumbo Shrimp

½  Cup of Olive Oil

½ Cup (1 Stick) Butter

½ Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper

½ Teaspoon Minced Garlic

¾ Cup of quartered Walnuts

½ Cup of Rinsed Julienne Cut Sun Dried Tomatoes (found in a jar in the Produce Dept. near the Tomatoes)

Salt and Pepper

 

¾ Cup of Crumbled Feta Cheese

 

1 lb. Of Spinach Fettucinni

1 lb. Of Fettuccini

 

In Large Pot, Boil Water with ½ tsp. of salt and 1 tsp. of Olive Oil.

Cook both types of Fettuccini until al dente, stir so that the two pastas are mixed together.

When done (hopefully at the same time as the Shrimp Saute), drain and put in a Large Pretty Pasta Bowl.

 

At the same time, take large sauce pan, and under medium heat melt the butter and add olive oil.  Add Crushed Red Pepper,Minced Garlic, Walnuts, and Sun Dried Tomatoes. Salt and Pepper, and then add the all ready cooked Shrimp.

Saute all ingredients until hot.  At last minute, crumble the Feta Cheese, stir in lightly so that it is slighty warm.

Pour all ingredients over the pasta and serve immediately.

  

Interview with Jasmine Richards

Today we have a guest all the way from England! I'm so excited to introduce you to this amazing and very beautiful Jasmine Richards. Now a little background about her. She was born in London, grew up in a library, and was the first in her family to go to university. After graduating from Oxford, and following a brief stint at New Scotland Yard, Jasmine chose a career in publishing over being the next Sherlock Holmes. Today she's a senior editor at a leading British publishing house. She now lives in Oxfordshire with her husband in an old wool mill. The Book of Wonders is her first novel and she would love to know what you think about it. Her website is JasmineRichards.com

Jasmine, I love the idea of you living in a renovated mill. I bet it could help give someone great writing ideas. Others (like myself) enjoy nibbling on something while working. What is your A+, number 1 writing snack?

On a good day it is hummus and pitta bread and on a bad day it is sweets, especially chewy cola bottles! Chewing helps me think!

I agree, gummy treats are awesome. Real quick, give us one cheesy “writing is like cooking” thought.

Writing is like cooking because sometimes the best dish is the one you didn’t know you were going to cook.

Speaking of writing, your book just came out. Share with us what inspired The Book of Wonders and what "ingredients" do you hope make it a tasty treat for readers?

The Book of Wonders draws on the tales of 1001 Nights also known as Arabian Nights. Many of the stories in 1001 Nights are well known and include Aladdin's Wonderful Lamp, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves and The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor. For those of you who haven’t read Arabian Nights they begin with a young woman called Scheherazade who tells tales to a cold-hearted sultan for 1001 nights in order to escape execution [the sultan has a nasty habit of executing his new wives!]. Through her stories, she manages to melt the sultan’s heart and they end up living happily ever after.

As a young reader, I loved these stories. I loved that Scheherazade was such a good storyteller and that she always made sure that she was at the most exciting bit of the story when the sun rose so that she would get to live for another day.

However, the 9 year old me was enraged by the idea that the sultan got a happy ending after killing lots of innocent young women! Even back then I wanted to create a new story, where the sultan was challenged and maybe even defeated.

With The Book of Wonders I have created an alternative version of events which I hope will keep readers guessing!

In terms of the ingredients that make my novel a tasty read I would say magic, friendship and adventure. That is what I like writing about and I hope that is what readers will get from my book. I also hope that reading The Book of Wonders might inspire them to read some of the tales in Arabian Nights. That would make me very happy indeed!



Can you share a bit about your next project?

At this very moment, I am writing the second part of Zardi’s and Rhidan’s adventure. It is provisionally called the Spell Scrolls but I still need to agree that title with my editor! In this second novel we get to learn more about Rhidan’s home, The Black Isle, and Zardi’s and Rhidan’s relationship is put under massive strain. I’m having an absolute blast writing it.

Sounds like you are busy writing away then. What’s your go-to meal when you need to serve something quick and easy?

Chilli Prawn linguine – it is so easy and so tasty.

Here is a link to this amazing dish!


If Pots ‘N Pens could grant you the wish that you could only live with one book and one food, what would it be?

I would choose Sophie’s Worldby Jostein Gaarder. This book had a huge influence on my understanding of the world and people when I was a teenager. I almost did a philosophy degree because of it! I love this story for its clarity yet complexity and urge you to have a read – you won’t see the world in the same way afterwards, I promise. I think if I could have only one book this one would keep me entertained.

In terms of food it would be my Grandma’s soup. This is a good old fashioned Caribbean soup which I have whenever I feel low or am feeling run down. I do a pretty good version of it but it is never as good as my Gram’s! It has pumpkin, chicken, carrots and dumplings in it. Yum, yum, yum.


Looks like we are out of time. It was a pleasure chatting with you. Congratulations on your book release.

Thanks so much for having me on your blog. If you would like to find out more about my book, read an excerpt or see the book trailer, please visit jasminerichards.com.

Interview with Christine Fonseca - and Yummy Pasteli!

We've got the awesome Christine Fonseca with us today, author of the soon-to-be-released Dies Irae, a novella that is launching her Requiem series. Christine was kind enough to answer a few questions for us and also provided a yummy recipe for a delicious Greek treat, something the characters in Dies Irae would really love.

About Christine Fonseca

School psychologist by day, critically acclaimed YA and nonfiction author by night, Christine Fonseca believes that writing is a great way to explore humanity. Her debut YA Gothic series, The Requiem Series, including DIES IRAE and LACRIMOSA, examines the role of redemption, sacrifice and love. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, she can be sipping too many skinny vanilla lattes at her favorite coffee house or playing around on Facebook and Twitter. Catch her daily thoughts about writing and life on her blog.

DIES IRAE will be released next week!! Be sure to check it out.

Some sacrifices should never be made—even for love.

Mikayel lives by one rule—obey the orders of the angelic Council at all costs. But when he and his friends, Azza and Demi, are sent to Earth as teenagers, following the rules is more difficult than they expected.

Being human isn’t the only problem facing the three angels. Unbeknownst to the Council, demonic activity is on the rise, threatening to break a tenuous peace that has existed for a millennia.

Caught in a struggle for power with unseen demonic forces, and fighting against his rising emotional, Mikayel must now decide how many rules he is willing to break to save his friends, a decision that could reignite an ancient war and will threaten the only thing that matters to the angels, the survival of humanity.

Author Endorsement(s):

“Dies Irae is the perfect introduction to Christine Fonseca’s Requiem series. The beauty of the words will tempt you, the tragedy of the story will break you, and the love, woven throughout like music through the trees, will haunt you for days afterward. Dies Irae promises a tale unlike any you’ve read before.”
~Ali Cross, Author of BECOME

INTERVIEW:

OA - Describe the best cook you know and something wonderful he or she has served you. 
CF - My mom is easily the best cook I have known. My childhood memories are steeped with the sights and sounds of her cooking – making everything from her famous Leek soup (so amazingly good), to Beef Bourguignon (also amazing) to delicious holiday meals. She instilled a love of cooking in me and now, whenever I find myself creating something new in the kitchen, I think of mom and her influence on me. Incidentally, she is also the one who instilled such a passion for reading and books.

OA - Too much salt can ruin an exquisite meal, and the perfect dessert tempers earlier mistakes. What ingredients can destroy a book through overuse or salvage a book despite its flaws? 
CF - OOhh, great question. I think that nothing kills a story faster than purple prose- thick, overused language that bogs down the pacing and plot. No matter how fabulous the storyline, or how authentic the characters, purple prose can ruin a great book. As for what saves even the worse book – characters I love. I can think of a few examples of books that were not written particularly well, nor were they particularly well crafted stories. But I loved them. Why? The characters. Something in the characters connected with me on a personal level, enabling me to overlook the typically fatal flaws within the story itself.

OA - If you could invite a character to dinner who would it be and what would you serve?
CF - Another great question! I would definitely invite Aydan, one of the main characters from the series. He is not in DIES IRAE, sadly, but he is a main character in LACRIMOSA. As for what our meal would consist of, that’s easy. Aydan is a highly sensual character. His meal would need to be as well. Additionally, it needs to be a hearty meal. He is a warrior of sorts, so he needs his protein and a balance of carbs. Here is the menu I’d prepare for him:


• Green herb salad with champagne vinaigrette
• Steak with shallot-red wine sauce
• Artichokes with béarnaise sauce
• Warm molten chocolate cakes


A rich meal, but a yummy one. Hmm…now I want to make it!

OA - If you were marooned on an island, and Pots 'N Pens granted your wish for only one book and one food, what would you choose? 
CF - Hmm, see this is hard, because I think wine and a book is ideal. Or cheese, wine and a book. But the cheese would not last on an island. And the wine…well, the wine may still be a great choice. After all, I can try to catch fish…right??? So, how about a fab bottle of wine, and a copy of anything by Cassie Clare or Libba Bray. Yes, that would work. At least temporarily.

RECIPE!! Pasteli (pronounced pah-STEH-lee):

Treats my characters would love! Mikayel and Azza love this special sweet treat Demi makes for them. Hannah and the other teens in the village can often be seen nibbling these treats when they should be finishing their chores. It’s fabulously easy to make and keeps the angels human bodies well fueled for their battles:

• 1 1/3 cup honey
• 3 cups hulled sesame seeds (approx 1 pound of seeds)

In a medium saucepan, bring honey to a boil. Add sesame seeds, stirring continuously. Continue to cook, thoroughly mixing the seeds and honey. When the mixture returns to a boil, remove from heat. Spread hot mixture thinly (about ¼ inch high) and evenly on a piece of parchment paper (on a cool surface). When the pasteli cools to room temperature, refrigerate on parchment paper (no covering needed). Chill for 2-3 hours. Using kitchen shears, cut the pasteli and parchment paper into small pieces. Peel off the paper before eating. YUM!

Thanks for joining us today, Christine!! For more information on Christine and her books, be sure to visit the links above. And LACRIMOSA, the first full length novel in the Requiem series, will be out very soon. Here's a little teaser:

As if casting out demons isn’t hard enough, five-hundred-year-old Nesy has to masquerade as a teenage girl to do it. Nesy is the best of the warrior angels called Sentinals. She never makes mistakes, never hesitates, never gets emotionally involved. Until she meets Aydan.

He is evil incarnate; a fallen angel that feeds off the souls of others. Everything Nesy is supposed to hate. But she can’t, because he’s also the love of her former life as a human girl—a life that ended too soon, tying her to emotions she was never supposed to feel.

Now Nesy must choose between doing her duty—damning Aydan to the fiery depths of hell—or saving him, and condemning herself.

Author Interview: Megan Curd

Hey everyone! Today joining us at the table is the talented Megan Curd. Megan is an exciting new author of fantasy books. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Matt, and their son Carter (aka Peanut). Bridger is her first book, soon to be followed by its sequel, Traitor. In early 2012 she will release Forbidden, the first book in a new series, The Guardian Chronicles.

What are three must-have seasonings in your kitchen?

I have to have red crushed pepper, lemon juice, and salt. I like my food hot, extra lemon juice on my seafood, and I'll end up giving myself a heart attack with the amount of salt I use on my food!

What is your A+, number 1 writing snack?

Texas Chili and a Turtle Mocha from Acoustic Cafe in Eau Claire, WI! Love that place.

What inspired your latest book, THE GUARDIAN CHRONICLES: FORBIDDEN, and what ingredients do you hope make it a tasty treat for readers?

THE GUARDIAN CHRONICLES Actually started from a dream I had. Cliché, I know, but that's the truth. I dreamt about this guy that was trying to fix his wrongs, but couldn't. I wondered what that'd be like, so I wanted to see what would come of that. Ingredient wise, readers will get a fresh take on a YA book and enjoy the twist on what the afterlife might hold. Plus there are cute boys. What more do you need? :)

Tell us about your edible specialty, and rate your skill in the kitchen: novice, not bad, or nominate me for a Michelin star.

I honestly stink at cooking. I'm lucky I married a man who loves to cook. :) I can make a pretty good chicken alfredo pizza, but that's the extent of my prowess in the kitchen.

If you could invite a character to dinner who would it be and what would you serve?

I would invite Albus Dumbledore, and I'd probably ask him to bring a house elf and have the little guy whip up some of the awesome food they have at Hogwarts! Is that cheating? :)

One final question, if you were marooned on an island, and Pots 'N Pens granted your wish for only one book and one food, what would you choose?

I would choose Angels & Demons by Dan Brown for the book, and my Mamaw's potato casserole for the food. I could live for quite a while on those!

Thank you Megan! Come visit us again when THE GUARDIAN CHRONICLES comes out. Oh, and have fun with your new baby!

A little info about her book BRIDGER, Ashlyn McVean doesn’t believe in fairy tales.

That is, until Ashlyn is thrown into the crosshairs of grudges her grandmother created long ago. After finding out she is one of two people able to cross between faerie realms, Ashlyn is faced with trying to understand her abilities, along with navigating a new relationship with her boyfriend, Liam. As if being on a centuries old hit list and dealing with crazed pixies isn’t enough, her new abilities mean trouble for Liam.

Knowing her new life puts everyone she loves in danger, Ashlyn must decide what’s most important in her life between friends, family, love and ultimately, realms.

BRIDGER is available now. Click here for more details. Megan Curd Books

Interview with Ann Malaspina

Hi all! Hope you had a wonderful New Year and 2012 is off to a productive and awesome start. My interview today is with the lovely Ann Malaspina who dishes (see how I threw that food pun in there) about her island must read, a delicious recipe, and her new picture book: TOUCH THE SKY: ALICE COACHMAN, OLYMPIC HIGH JUMPER (Albert Whitman & Co.) which just came out this month!

Let's begin!

Ann, so glad you can join us today. It's a new year and I'm in the middle of a new project, as I'm sure are many others. So I wanted to pose a question that could help us writers avoid some pitfalls. Just like too much salt can ruin an exquisite meal, and the perfect dessert tempers earlier mistakes, what ingredients can destroy a book through overuse or salvage a book despite its flaws?

Writing picture books is a test of how few words you can use and still tell a story. These days, picture books are "supposed" to be 500 words or much less. A 50-word story is not unusual. So every word has to count, and when I pare down a text, I start by getting rid of most of the adjectives. I don't often use adverbs, but if I did, I'd get rid of them, too. As far as an ingredient than can salvage a flawed story... I'd say a really spectacular ending, preferably a surprise, with a dash of some really delectable loose ends.

Wow, I can't imagine telling a story in just 50 words, but paring down is a tip I can definitely use. It forces writers to focus on the necessary words as opposed to the filler ones. And, speaking of necessary, what is your favorite kitchen accessory or appliance and a favorite writing accessory or reference?

Both my kitchen and writing accessories are in desperate need of upgrades. Our stove is from the 1950s and the oven walls are actually disintegrating. My computer is about as old in computer-years and crashed twice this year. I do like my rolling pin and my trusty black stapler, both inherited from my grandmother; and I have to mention my favorite online writing reference, thesaurus.com. I started using the site when I was writing analogies for an educational testing company. I still turn to it when I’m stuck on finding the right word.

The computer crashing story gave me the chills. What a nightmare! Let's take a small break from writing questions while I recover. Can you share your three must-have foods/seasonings in your kitchen?

Lately, I’ve been cooking a lot with couscous. To me, it's a miracle food because it takes five minutes, and never burns or sticks to the pan. Also, I found a really good whole wheat couscous at Trader Joe's. My favorite supper right now is couscous with chunks of chicken, golden raisins, diced sweet potato, and cinnamon. I have a pot sitting in my refrigerator right now. Sweet potatoes and cinnamon are also favorites of mine in the winter, especially.

What a wonderful winter comfort food! I'm going to have to get the recipe from you. Let's continue with soothing food. Can you please share your favorite literary feast or treat. What makes this food and/or writing so memorable?

The hot cocoa that Charles Wallace heats for his sister Meg and mother on a stormy night in the first chapter of Madeleine L’Engle’s A WRINKLE IN TIME is pretty memorable. He also makes them sandwiches; tomato for Meg and liverwurst-and-cream cheese for his mother. The family’s midnight meal is a last moment of peace before Meg’s world turns upside down (Mrs. Whatsit soon arrives and Meg makes her a tuna sandwich with celery and sweet pickles), and the way L'Engle describes the close caring family makes me want to be in the kitchen with them.

That does sound like such a warm, inviting family. Is there another person whose zest for writing and/or life you would like to borrow? Why?

I’m in awe of Jane Yolen's zest for writing and life. Though I don’t know her personally, I follow her on Facebook and am amazed at her writing discipline, the many genres she writes in, from novels to picture books to poetry, and her continuing successes. She always seems to be starting new work, revising, submitting, and basically continuing to grow as a writer, when she could easily be resting on her laurels. I recently read her beautiful and disturbing novel Briar Rose.

I also really enjoy Jane Yolen's work and am so impressed with her productivity. However, you're quite productive yourself with yet another book out now. Can you tell us about it and your next project?

The 1996 Summer Olympics inspired TOUCH THE SKY. Since my parents live in Atlanta and had tickets, I was able to attend the Summer Olympics in 1996 and heard about Georgia high jumper Alice Coachman when she was honored during the ceremonies. I hadn't started writing picture books back then, but I got a nonfiction research grant for Alice's story from SCBWI in 2006, which gave me a big boost of encouragement. I researched and revised for literally five more years until it finally became a picture book manuscript. Many submissions later, I was thrilled that my editor at Albert Whitman believed it was an important story to tell.

As for what else I'm brewing, I just got back from Virginia, where I followed a caravan of trucks carrying some 90,000 wreaths from Maine to lay in Arlington National Cemetery. I hope that a picture book can come out of it. Like I do with many projects, I try to find something personal in my research, in case the book doesn’t happen. After the wreath ceremonies, my husband and I went to the cemetery's Visitor’s Center information desk to find the grave site of my great uncle, Ira Woodruff Black, an army colonel who retrieved art stolen by the Nazis after World War II. After much hiking, we found the grave on a pretty green hill, and my mother was thrilled to get the photograph. Also I have to mention the incredible crab cakes my husband and I ate at the Quarterdeck Restaurant in Arlington afterwards, which made the trip extremely worthwhile.

Ann, it was so lovely to have you, but our interview is now coming to a close. Before you go, can you tell us what book and food you would choose if you were marooned on an island and Pots & Pens granted your wish for only one book and one food to keep with you on the island?

That's a really hard question but I would probably be happy to be stranded with TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee, because the characters are so great. For the food, it would have to be my mother’s tiropita, a Greek cheese pie that melts in your mouth.

Thank you, Ann, for joining us today. What recipe will you be sharing before you go?

I have to choose a recipe with lemons, since Alice, the heroine of my new picture book biography TOUCH THE SKY: ALICE COACHMAN, OLYMPIC HIGH JUMPER (Albert Whitman & Co.) always sucked on a lemon before she competed at track meets. She believed the lemon juice made her feel light and gave her good luck, and she made sure to bring a lemon to the London Olympics in 1948. It must have worked, because she won the women’s high jump, becoming the first African American woman to win a gold medal at the Olympics.

EASY LEMON CAKE

1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Mix 1 cup sugar and butter.
Add eggs and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir well.
Add salt, flour, and baking powder to mixture.
Add milk and lemon zest.
Bake in a 8” x 4” well-greased loaf pan for 1 hour or until golden brown.

Cool on rack.
Mix 1/3 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup sugar.
Drizzle mixture on the cake when removed from the oven.
Serve either warm or cool.

Three Ladies Chatting at a Table with Lisa Amowitz

Good morning everybody! Today we are in for an amazing interview. We get to have a conversation with two amazing authors. One you have met already. She is another contributor on Pots ‘N Pens, Michelle McLean. *blows kisses to our wonderful readers* The other is the beautiful Lisa Amowitz. *smiles and waves to everyone while the room irrupts with applause*

Lisa is an artist, graphic designer and illustrator who writes young adult fiction. She is a mom of  an actual teen, so YA; She's living it. She is represented by the incredibly awesome Victoria Marini of Gelfman, Schneider, and is currently working on her most recent book, BREAKING GLASS. You can visit her on the web at: http://lisa-amowitzya.blogspot.com/

Hello Ladies, welcome to the table! If you were serving one of your characters his or her ideal meal, what would it be and why?

LA: Well, let's see. I write both dark supernatural YA and illustrate and write picture books (I have just completed a collaboration with your blogmate, Michelle McLean), so I would have to feed my two most recent MCs very different meals. For Jeremy Glass, the lovesick boy from BREAKING GLASS, I'd make chicken soup. Poor Jeremy can really use some mothering. As for Lyria, Michelle and my highly imaginative MC from our picture book, LYRIA'S EXTRAORDINARY WISH, I'd probably make something nutritious, yet magical--like a delicious yogurt parfait, topped blueberries, bananas, strawberries and honey.

MM – LOL the first thing I thought of was this cake I saw that was called Unicorn Birthday cake (or something like that). It was seven layers, each color of the rainbow, neon bright, covered in white frosting that glittered with sugar crystals. I think Lyria would LOVE that :)

I think my daughter would love that cake as well! She loves unicorns and glitter…Anyway back to your character. Let's say they are raiding your fridge right now, what are they most likely to eat? Are they disappointed or excited about what they find?

LA: I think BOTH my MCs would be incredibly unhappy. Jeremy exists on a diet of pizza, meatball heroes, Indian food and whatever takeout stuff his dad brings in. Lyria would most likely want mint butterscotch chocolate ice cream or whatever. I don't bring much sugary stuff into my house, so if either MC is interested in leftover broccoli soup or seafood pasta (actually Jeremy might approve of that) they'll be in heaven.

MM - I agree. Lyria is pretty much unhappy with everything about her ordinary world, and there is certainly nothing extraordinary in my fridge. She could probably dream up something fabulous though.

Share your favorite literary feast or treat. What makes this food and/or writing so memorable?

LA: I guess a memorable moment for me is when, in the first book of the Hunger Games, Katniss is treated to her very first sumptious meal in the train on the way to the Games. The way her mouth waters, even though she is consumed with guilt over how her friends and family back home will never experience such a savory delight, is so vivid and well written I can still practically taste the meal.

MM – one scene that has always stuck with me is that one from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (I believe) where Voldemort possesses Harry for a moment. Dumbledore and his friends are standing there helpless while Harry writhes in agony trying to fight Voldemort off. Just the thought of watching a loved one suffer like that, or suffering like that for your loved ones, was an very memorable image for me. If we are going for plain food…every feast scene in Harry Potter LOL How awesome would it be to just have tables full of amazing food appear before your eyes!

Is there a food you'd love to learn how to cook or a different genre or type of book you'd love to try to write?

LA: Hmmm...I think working on this picture book with Michelle was a big stretch for me. Though I am trained as an artist and illustrator and have been writing YA for years, I found writing in picture book language was nearly impossible. That's how I ended up begging the amazing Michelle for help. But I got more than help. I got a partner--a partner who has inspired me and spurred me toward real enthusiasm for the project. One thing I do plan to tackle down the road is a middle grade book. But first my agent would dearly like me to write another YA thriller to pair nicely with BREAKING GLASS.

MM – I’ve got to say, working on the picture book with Lisa has been beyond amazing for me. I actually write several different genres. Non-fiction, historical romances, and YA urban fantasies, as well as picture books. But I can’t draw to save my life. And the really stunning ideas for PBs aren’t always there for me. So to pair with Lisa, who had this amazing vision and is able to create these absolutely gorgeous illustrations has been a dream come true for me.

Actual cooking…yeah, I’d like to do it ALL better LOL I can bake, but my husband is the gourmet cook in the family. When I attempt anything other than spaghetti, the family revolts :)

What are three must-have foods/seasonings in your kitchen?

LA: pepper. olive oil. fresh garlic.

MM – chocolate, bread, chocolate :D

I love chocolate too, but my kids can sniff it out so it is never in my kitchen longer than a few hours. Speaking of kitchen, what's your favorite kitchen accessory or appliance? How about a favorite writing accessory or reference?

I LOVE my blending stick. It's how I make all my puree soups. My favorite writing accessory is the software Scrivener. I put all my research in there and do my outlining.

MM – umm it’s a toss - up between my microwave and toaster :D For writing, google. And I’m just starting to use Scrivener and liking it so far.

What is your A+, number 1 writing snack?

LA: that's easy--late at night it's a steaming mug of chai tea. For a writing lunch its egg salad on a rice cracker topped with a slice of tomato. Or if I want a quick breakfast, I make a scrambled egg, melt some cheddar cheese and top that with a slice of tomato.

MM – okay, Lisa is making me feel like such a slob LOL I generally go straight for the Goldfish crackers :)

If you could borrow one person's zest for writing and/or life, whose and why?

LA: I think I would borrow Michelle's! She is one of the most disciplined, positive and amazing people I know.  And she is lightning quick, reliable and super-efficient. Then there is my critique-mate Dhonielle Clayton, who is brimming with ideas, plans, and so much imagination I don't know how it fits into one tiny little woman. And last, can I borrow genius? I would borrow a QUARTER of the brain of my critique-mate Kate Milford (THE BONESHAKER, 2010). This woman is utterly, insanely brilliant and so jaw-droppingly creative it takes my breath away. And, guess what, she's as nice as a person can be. And one more? How about the amazing Libba Bray? I have had the good fortune of meeting her several times and she is SO funny, and kind that I would like a little (or a lot) of her GRACE. To be so successful, yet so grounded and have a sense of humor about herself is a thing to behold.

MM – I think my kids’ zest for everything. They get so excited over the littlest things – it always reminds me to look at the good in everything. Last Christmas, we got my kids little work desks and I stocked them with office supplies – pens, crayons, glue, paper – and I wrapped everything just for fun. My son opened the paper, looked confused but with a smile, and then said “I don’t know what to do with this but it’s awesome!” :) And I’d love to have their energy for sure :)

Please share one cheesy "writing is like cooking" thought.

LA: Don't have one of these.

MM – *crickets*  

What inspired your latest book, and what ingredients do you hope make it a tasty treat for readers?

LA: I guess part of what inspired BREAKING GLASS was thinking back to high school and how there was always some guy who would put me on a pedestal, but not really like me for who I really was. In other words, they would form some romantic notion of me, and love that person. I had a boyfriend like that and it always annoyed me that I couldn't really be myself. That's why we broke up after I went to college, because I came back as ME and that was that. Then, there is the somewhat spooky magical Northern Westchester town my close friends live in. The town is Croton-on-Hudson and the town in BREAKING GLASS (Riverton) is close visual replica of Croton, with its winding roads, gorges, reservoirs and rivers. Otherwise, I have no clue---it's just a mishmash of the dust collecting in my head.

MM – My lips are sealed on this one. Sorry.

Hey. I totally get it. What's cooking? Can you share a bit about your next project?

LA: Michelle has a whole lot of PB ideas up her sleeve, so she'll have to fill you in on those. My next WIP will be about a country boy who finds himself afflicted with a strange supernatural malady that puts him on the trail of a serial killer. I don't really want to say too much more about it!

MM – ah yes, poor Lisa…I’ll keep her drawing till the end of the century :) Since Lyria’s story is a bit more girl-centric, we want to do a book with a cute little boy hero who will have all sorts of fabulous adventures. And…I have a few more but I don’t want to send the illustrator into a panic attack ;-) For my other projects, I have an NF book on how to write poetry and my fiction WIPs a historical about 3 sisters set in Gold Rush California and a YA urban fantasy partial verse novel :)

 What's your go-to meal when you need to serve something quick and easy?

LA: A variation of the above---melted cheese on a rice cracker topped with tomato.

MM – spaghetti – it’s fast, easy, and my kids will eat it

If your book were a menu item, describe the restaurant that would serve it?

LA: BREAKING GLASS CAFE would be dark, moody and candlelit. There would be Tarot card readings and the waitresses would all be dressed like Pirate Queens. There would be no alcohol, but you'll have to read the book to find out why.

MM – hmm I think it would be very bright and colorful, with wispy drapes of iridescent fabrics hanging from the ceilings, crystal drop chandeliers, with a glass bottomed floor above a massive fish tank…and they would only serve desserts :D

LA: I think I’d rather eat at Lyria’s Luncheonette than the Breaking Glass Café. J

Tell us about your edible specialty, and rate your skill in the kitchen: novice, not bad, or nominate me for a Michelin star.

LA: I make a great ratatouille with eggplant, zucchini and polenta. I would rate myself as an intermediate cook--definitely not Julia Child, but not half bad. No one starves in my house. One thing I am awful at is baking. I leave that to my husband (not that he is that good, but beggars can't be choosers). :)

MM – I can bake – I make a chocolate cake to die for :D but cooking…yeah, not so much. I mean I’m not horrible…but I’m close :D

Describe the best cook you know and something wonderful he or she has served you.

LA: My dear friend Debbie Cohen is a great cook, but her son, college student Josh Karp is an awesome baker. Now, 20, when Josh was 13 he made a peach tart that was literally the best thing I ever tasted in my life. Sadly he is much too busy (and far away) at college--but I know we'll get him back in the kitchen eventually. (Hi Josh!)

MM – my husband. He really should have been a chef, he’s AMAZING. We do a huge taco night once or twice a month with the neighbors. He makes this incredible marinated shredded pork with homemade chips and a corn guacamole that I could live off of. And his souvlaki is soooo yummy!

Leftovers can be great, especially when the same ingredients are retasked into another magical meal. Name a book that you wish had a sequel (or another sequel) and what kind of story you think that literary remix would tell.

I adore the Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness. I would nearly sell my soul for a fourth book in that series (or fifth or sixth). AND I am still waiting for another book by Marcus Zusak of the Book Thief. Drumming my fingers. Marcus? What the heck is taking you so long? Oh, and while we are at it, Libba Bray, what about a sequel to Going Bovine? And lastly--if only there was a sequel to one of my favorite books of all time. The Secret Garden. Hmmmm..maybe my MC can bring Frances Hodgson Burnett back from the dead to write that one.

MM – hmm you know, I really liked The Host by Stephanie Meyer. Keep hoping for a sequel to that one.

Not every idea is a winner. Written or not, what's the most ill-conceived story idea you've ever had?

LA: I had this idea of alien kids growing up on Earth with a jewel in their bellies that transmitted a signal to the other alien kids. Yeah. NOT!

MM – lol I wrote this picture book about a caveman who had to learn to share and he gathered a bunch of stuff for a meal and ended up sharing his fish and caveman salad with a dinosaur (because, you know, I wanted him to have a healthy meal lol) :D

Too much salt can ruin an exquisite meal and the perfect dessert tempers earlier mistakes. What ingredients can destroy a book through overuse or salvage a book despite its flaws?

LA: I have a long list...

Negatives:

LA: Too many exclamation points.

To many dialogue tags. Add adjectives and it gets even worse. (said, Mary, excitedly.)

Passive writing--I think that's what this is called (I saw the man lift the vase. I smelled the lingering smoke)

An unlikable MC

excessive description of items, scenes, etc that have nothing to do with the narrative

Telling the reader in the first paragraph the color of the mc's hair and eyes--particularly while they look in the mirror.

Positives:

Beautiful, lyrical writing

a great mc with great dialogue

a clever and unique plot

MM – negatives – too much body language, especially during dialogue. Force-feeding the reader info or being redundant. Trying to use dialogue to info dump “You know Mom, the tall blonde with the glasses who went to Harvard and then gave up her career to raise five boys? She’s making lasagna for dinner, your favorite meal!”

For me, a great character saves the book every time. The rest might be dreadful but if I care about the character, I’ll usually put up with the rest.

Tell about a time when food inspired your writing or a book inspired your cooking.

LA: I have a blog post from February 2010. I had just seen Julie/Julia, the movie and ran out to buy a fancy French casserole dish. It was a time that I was feeling rather blue about my writing..but cooking excited me--and not just for the outcome, but for the simple joy of it. I decided to approach my writing the same way--focus on the process and worry about the results later. It paid off--that summer I signed with my wonderful, wonderful, (I can't praise her enough) agent Victoria Marini and haven't looked back. Oh--and I do like to make sure Victoria gets her share of cupcakes, though she wouldn't want any I baked myself. :)

MM – I read a blog post from someone who had just come back from a trip to England. They had tried lime marmalade there and loved it. I’d heard of orange marmalade, but never lime. It sounded delicious lol So it became my MC’s favorite breakfast item :)

If you could invite a character to dinner who would it be and what would you serve?

I would invite Molly Weasly from Harry Potter and ask her to conjure the meal. She is one tough chick and I love her!

MM – agreed!

Me too! She’d have to be a great cook with all those boys. One last question, if you were marooned on an island, and Pots 'N Pens granted your wish for only one book and one food, what would you choose?

LA: Oh--man. Harry Potter of course! And the food? Papaya? Refreshing, healthy and sweet? Uhhh--I think I would hate that after the first day if it was all I had to eat. Maybe I should change it to rice pudding. I never get sick of rice pudding, but I try to avoid it since it is one of the most fattening foods on the planet!

MM – hmm probably Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I love that book (well the series really). And it’s really long so that would be helpful. As for a food…something I wouldn’t find on the island…like steak LOL

Pudding and steak, sounds good to me. Thank you, ladies. It was a joy talking to you. We look forward to reading your work.