A little Romance Diva Promo

Hi there everyone! I wanted to breeze by and annouce my double debut at The Wild Rose Press! I write romance for Mills & Boon, but love the challenge of a short story. I am so thankful WRP celebrates the medium, giving those of us pressed for time a smile and a bounce to our step.

The love after loss story, How About Tomorrow, is the first Rosette I contracted with WRP. My writing friends at Romance Divas helped me tweak it until it was just right…and then Leeane fixed that to perfection.

Jack hasn’t been out on a date since his wife’s death five years ago. Even his teenage daughter thinks it’s time he finally go on a blind date brokered by his sister-in-law. Jack’s unsure, until he meets Maria. She’s as timid as he is at first, but the more they talk the more they realize they should see each other again, and again.

My English Tea Rose, In Silhouette, was so exciting to write. I work mainly in contemporary romance, so stretching into Regency was difficult, but rewarding! I dedicated this story to my critique partner, American Title II finalist Suzan Hyssen. She writes intelligent, comedic Regency romances, when she is not busy with law school.

James Darby is bored by the ennui of country life, fervidly anticipating his return to London. When he spies Miss Hughes entertaining herself by cutting silhouettes at a party he’s captivated by her talent, and charm. How can someone so fascinating survive in a place so tedious?

In February, another of my stories will appear in the Dreams & Desires charity anthology. Keep a look out for my Last Rose of Summer Rosettes…they are coming soon!

Jenna

Word Wednesday – Success

The dictionary defines success as “the prosperous termination of anything attempted.” 

I think this is one of those words that are more defined by the individual than by an actual meaning in a dictionary.  My idea of success may be completely different from yours.  One could very well do with money and fame, while others might not see those things as anything more than the fancy candy-coated shell of what’s really inside a person’s soul.

Success can be measured in so many ways.  For instance, when my children are away from me I hear they’ve not only been polite, but well-mannered and responsible – I feel successful as a parent.

When your friend calls or E-mails needing a shoulder or advice, you drop what you’ve got on your plate for the day and work through issues over coffee or emails or long phone calls.  The thank-you at the end, the warm fuzzy on your shoulder  – success as a friend, success as a compasionate human.

My name on the cover of a book?  Oh, yeah – that’s a success I’m hoping to achieve.  Right now, the small joys of finishing a chapter, not having it ripped apart by my most honest and trustworthy critique partners, and feeling good about what I’ve got on paper – well that’s success too.

Sending out partials, and queries and holding my breath until I hear back from agents and editors- those are also successes in my mind.  And would you believe the rejections are successes to me too.  Why?  Because if I didn’t submit my work – I never will see the ultimate success of my craft – my name on the cover.  Rejection is a part of life, a big part of every writer’s life.  But it’s not a tombstone – it’s a stepping stone – and success could be lurking under the next boulder I overturn.  Never giving up is the greatest success.

So for right now, I’m happy basking the glory of the successful journey.  I’m on the road.  I’m learning my craft.  I’m struggling to find the balance between being the best wife, mother, friend and writer I can be.

I’m successfully Debora Dennis-Mills – cheers!

How do you measure success?

Conference Time!

RWA National Conference registration is now open!  Look out Dallas here come the romance writers.

Since I started seriously writing in the hopes of being published I’ve missed two conferences.  I’ve sat on the sidelines (or at my computer if you will) watching the pictures posted from people having a great time.  I’ve heard about the fabulous workshops with talented authors.  I’ve envied the others getting the appointments with their dream agents and editors.

Over the past year, I’ve become more determined that ever to make THIS a banner year.  That means getting my work out there (fingers crossed here – I’ve got something ready to send out next week…eeek), finishing another project and doing whatever I have to do to make contacts and learn, learn, learn my craft.

I’ve got a room-mate all lined up – she’s even agreed to have me – yippee!  So looks like Deb’s doing Dallas in July – can’t wait.  Are you going?

Herb Roasted New Potatoes

I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are not only easy to prepare, but something a little different and something that the kids will actually eat.  No easy task.

 Here is a quick and easy recipe that everyone in my family enjoys.

2 1/2 pounds round red potatoes, sliced into wedges

2 tablespoons oil (whatever you usually use)

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic

dried herbs (basil, italian seasoning, etc…)

Salt & Pepper

Preheat over to 350.  Put your wedged potatoes in a large bowl.  Mix with oil, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper to taste.  Toss ‘em up and spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet and back until golden brown. – Approx. 20-30 minutes.

Enjoy.

Raisin-bran muffins

In the spirit of eating healthy for 2007 – what a nice way to start your week with a healthy raisin bran muffin.  This easy recipe makes six muffin and is taken from the January/February issue of Martha’s Stewarts Everday Food Magazine

Enjoy.

1/4 Cup Vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups raisin bran cereal

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup whole-wheat flour

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/4 cup packed dark-brown sugar

Preheat oven to 400.  Lightly oil a 6-cup standard muffin tin or use paper liners.  In a medium bowl, combine cereal and milk; let stand about 5 minutes until softened.  In a small bowl whisk together flours, backing powder, cinnamon and salt.

Stir oil, egg and sugar into cereal mixture.  Fold flour mixture.  Divide batter among cups and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean – approx. 20-25 minutes.

Cool in tin 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.  Cool completely or serve warm.  Store up to 5 days at room temperature in a resealable plastic bag.

Happy healthy eating!

Please visit the SRN author’s blog where I can also be found posting today.