Walkabout Wednesday... Your Questions Answered

It's Wednesday. Let's go walkabout.

(I'm bringing along a few of my mates as I wander through the vast wilderness of the publishing industry, learning the ins and outs, and having a grand adventure.)

Walkabout, Week 30:

"Why can't I find your other books anywhere?"

• All of my older titles are currently "out of print." There is a chance, however, they might be republished.

"Do you have any copies of your other books that you could sell me?

• I only have my own personal copies. If I sold those, I wouldn't have any and that would make me very, very sad.

"Is Persephone in Courting Miss Lancaster the Persephone that Seeking Persephone is about?

• Yup. Seeking Persephone is Adam and Persephone's story! Aahhh... I love that book!
"How did you get to be so awesome?"

• Okay. No one actually asked that one.
"Did you know that someone is selling a used copy of one of your old books for over $500 on Amazon?"

• Yeah. I saw that. Don't... I repeat DON'T... buy it. No book that isn't hundreds of years old and extremely rare is worth that much money. Plus--I don't get a single dime of that sale price and that's just wrong! So, be patient. The old books will probably be republished and you can get them for a reasonable price (and with fewer typos!).
"Are you working on anything new?"

• Yes I am. In addition to a couple other things, I am working on a brand new Regency-era romance about one of the characters you met in Courting Miss Lancaster. But which one?!?! Now that is the question!



Today is the last day to enter March's giveaway. The fab prize is an "I Need Friends Friday" t-shirt!!!



(ignore "Read More!")

I Need Friends Friday: Nurse Margaret

It's that time of the week:

(Every Friday I interview a different person and share that interview with you. Perhaps they will be a fellow-author. Perhaps one of my neighbors. Maybe the bagger at the grocery store. A member of my family. A follower of this blog. Maybe it will be you! Hey, it could happen.)

Today's guest is Nurse Margaret. (Her name really is Margaret, and she really is a nurse, but I made up that nickname for her.) Margaret is not only a nurse, but an author. She can be found on the web at her blog and her website!

Heeeeere's Margaret!

SME: Welcome to INFF!I always begin by asking about food, because, quite frankly, that is one of my favorite topics. What is your favorite snack?

Margaret: Just about anything that can fit in my mouth. If I can't pry my mouth open wide enough then I'll smash it down into pieces so I can eat it.

SME: Amen, sistah! Testify!

Margaret: I love bread - any kind of bread - but especially if it is hot and straight out of the oven. I adore fruit. Berries are wonderful - raspberries are heavenly, strawberries are celestial. Fresh peaches or peaches in pie, or cobbler or whatever else are super. I love fruit pizza.

SME: Hallelujah!
As indicated by the schnazzy nickname I gave you in your introduction, you are a nurse. Have you always wanted to be one?

Margaret: My mom said that the first thing I did when my baby brother came home (I was 16 months old) was unwrap him and check to see if he had all his fingers and toes.

SME: How very responsible. I'm pretty sure the first thing I did to my baby brother involved making him cry and probably stealing his toys. I had issues.
Did your interest in being helpful continue after that, or did a screaming infant cure you of it?

Margaret: We grew up on a farm. I tended to the animals, nursed the little runt piglets and so forth. I patched together our pets and the strays. I was also very interested in botany. I collected and cataloged all kinds of specimens, and grew many experiments in my closet--much to my mother’s dismay.

SME: As a mother, I am experiencing sympathy dismay just thinking about it.
You have a novel coming out soon, don't you?

Margaret: It will be out sometime next month --I don't have an exact release date yet.

SME: Exact dates can be hard to pin down in this industry. Tell us a little about the book.

Margaret: The Johnsons are a typical blended American family who reside in Gilbert Arizona. They grapple with one of the Parents VS State issues in recent news. They examine their values as well as their faith as they battle to save their daughter Sharon from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Nancy wants to use naturopathy to treat the child. She strongly opposes chemotherapy. Exploration of conventional medicine and alternative healthcare, parent’s rights verses out current legal system and government bureaucracies dominate the plot. Robert is changing careers mid-life and attending the last year of law school and works part time at law firm. They have run out of Cobra insurance and are very tight financially. Abby, their fifteen year old teen, uses the family car to try to meet a date she makes via internet and she has a tragic accident. She ends up in a coma and is hospitalized midst the medical and legal battle for Sharon. The youngest child, Ben, five years old, attends kindergarten. He feels lost in the shuffle. Phyllis is Nancy’s mother. Ongoing struggles between mother and daughter heighten the drama. Phyllis ends up being the angel of salvation for Abby and Ben and the reasoning factor between Nancy and Robert who edge on divorce due to all the stress and grief. Grandma ends up being the glue for the generation gap and the marriage.

SME: Cool.
What's your favorite continent?

Margaret: I am proud to be American and be from Home of the Free – The United States of America. My mother is Dutch. My father’s lineage is from Denmark. So second is Europe.

SME: I have had a plethora of double picks lately--something I am totally cool with.
I have a fabulous game for you. It is entitled, "Laughter is the Best Medicine." I will ask you three medical related questions and you get to try to select the correct answer from among the choices I give you. Get them right and you will be crowned INFF champion for the day!

Margaret: Well don’t make fun of me if I miss. I officially retired from nursing over a year ago.

SME: Absolutely no making fun, I promise. And, pssst, this is a "typical" game here at INFF. Having knowledge of anything remotely useful or intellectual will be of no use here.
Question #1: A man in Michigan wins the "Worst Setting in Which to Sport a Hospital Gown" prize because...
a.) He showed up for his wedding in tux pants, his dress shoes and a hospital gown. He claimed the cleaners ruined the rest of his ensemble
b.) He, a fugitive, was apprehended by police at a bar in a hospital gown and, you guessed it, nothing else
c.) Afraid of missing his flight when the doctor's office was running behind schedule, he never bothered to change out of the hospital gown after leaving the office and making a bee line for the airport.

Margaret: I guess B. (I actually had a woman I took care of in the hospital that ran away so she could gamble at the casino.)

SME: Wow. Way to use life experience to answer an INFF quiz question! The answer is, in fact, B!!!
Let's see if you have experience with Question 2, as well: In a remarkably related item, a fashion designer in the UK is being heralded for a new and improved hospital gown design featuring, among other things, which of the following improvements:
a.) It is floor length for added warmth and coverage
b.) It glows in the dark for added safety in a power outage or other unforeseen disaster
c.) It snaps down the side instead of tying in the back to keep everything *ahem* covered.

Margaret: I choose B again. Floor length – yeah but it would get in the way. C has been done. Glow in the dark would be nice – except it may cause nightmares in the elderly.

SME: The new hospital gown was made of pajama material for added comfort and style, a pocket for carrying portable electronics (just in case you need your iPhone on the way to surgery or something, I guess) AND.... *drum roll* snaps down the side. So the answer was actually C, but your nursing experience tells me that is not so innovative as it seemed. Hmm...
Alrighty, last question: 3.) The patient who limped into a New Mexico emergency room recently was unique because...
a.) the injured patient was a dog who somehow knew just where to go for emergency medical care
b.) it was the patient's third trip the ER that day for three unrelated injuries
c.) the patient was a doctor who had just finished his shift when he was struck by an ambulance in the hospital parking lot

Margaret: My final answer is C. Sad but oh so probably true.

SME: If I were a doctor, that would SOOOO happen to me.
In this instance, the patient was A-an injured dog who somehow knew just where to go.
But you know what? You're a nurse and an author and that makes you cool, so... you win anyway!!!

*streamers and shouts of celebration*

SME: I'm feeling celebratory and, therefore, wish to make an immediate trip to the portrait gallery to see your portrait!!

*Portrait is unveiled!!!*

NOTE TO READERS--due to an unfortunate technical glitch, I was not able to actually show Margaret her picture during the interview. I am posting it here, along with a "fill in the blanks" type of discussion of it. You can decide what witty things we said.

SME:


Margaret:


SME:


Margaret:


SME:That brings us to the final question of the interview. Top 5 reasons this is the best blog interview you've ever done. Ready. Go.

Margaret:1.) Because you are fun lady.
2.) Because you ask fun questions.
3.) Because I almost got to do a new kind of interview. (again, the glitch)
4.) You tailored the questions just for me.
5.) TGIF it’s time for INFF!!!

SME: So glad you enjoyed it, Margaret! Thanks for coming by. *cue exit music* Well, this has been "I Need Friends" Friday. Come back next week when I will make another friend!!

If you'd like to be interviewed for "I Need Friends" Friday, shoot me off an email: friends at sarahmeden dot com!
I am looking for anyone and everyone, whether or not you think you are interesting. You'll get a fantastic stick figure portrait of yourself, a little promotion (if you're looking for that sort of thing) and the opportunity to tell your friends and family that you've been interviewed by SME, er... by ME!

(Margaret gets 2 extra entries in February's giveaway if her interview receives 5 or more comments!!)

(ignore "Read More!")

Walkabout Wednesday... Wanna Know a Secret?

It's Wednesday. Let's go walkabout.

(I'm bringing along a few of my mates as I wander through the vast wilderness of the publishing industry, learning the ins and outs, and having a grand adventure.)

Walkabout, Week 29:

Can you keep a secret? No, seriously. 'Cause I have something to share with y'all--if you're trustworthy.

Okay raise your right hand and repeat after me "I solemnly swear that I can keep a secret most of the time but make no guarantees and, therefore, suggest that nothing too top secret be shared with me."

Whew! I feel better!

Alright, the secret... I am excruciatingly close to submitting another manuscript to my fabulous publisher!!!!!!!!!!!!

Waaaaaaaahoooooooooo!!!!!!

PSSSTTT... We're racking in the entries for March's giveaway. But, just in case you need more incentive, here's another look at the big ol' prize! --------------->

(ignore "Read More!")

I Need Friends Friday: Ginny Miller, aka "Mom"

It's that time of the week:

(Every Friday I interview a different person and share that interview with you. Perhaps they will be a fellow-author. Perhaps one of my neighbors. Maybe the bagger at the grocery store. A member of my family. A follower of this blog. Maybe it will be you! Hey, it could happen.)

Today's guest is Ginny Miller. Ginny's awesomeness defies description. I will attempt to convey the magnitude of her coolness in three words: She's my mom!

In the words of every person to ever appear in a camera shot of a televised sporting event: "Hi Mom!"

SME: Welcome to INFF!

Mom: I'm excited to be here. *manages to squeal in unfettered excitement*

SME: Because you are my favorite mother, today's INFF is going to have a "My Favorite Things" theme.

Mom: Good job.

SME: Thanks, Mom.

Mom: A mom has to encourage her children, you know. Always. So they feel encouraged. A mother's job is never done.

SME: I feel very encouraged, thank you. What is your favorite candy bar?

Mom: Mounds. It's very difficult to find you know, which makes it even better when you have them.

SME: The scarcity drives up demand thing, right.

Mom: *laughs*

SME: I was thinking fondly of our pie fest days at grandma's house every Thanksgiving and reflecting on the copious amounts of pumpkin pie I always ate. Which of Grandma's pies was your fav?

Mom: Definitely the chocolate--the one with the little curly shaved chocolate on top. A chocolate theme runs through my life.

SME: It runs through INFF, too.
What's your favorite continent?

Mom: North America, because I'm too afraid to leave.

SME: Um, yeah. We kids remember well your reason for not wanting to leave the cruise ship to go see the sights in Mexico: "What if I die?"

Mom: It could happen.

SME: I guess. Okay, more "favorites" questions. Which of your kids was your favorite? (heehee)

Mom: Well, on the day you were born you were my favorite because I was so happy to be done with that pregnancy.

SME: I'm pretty sure I heard as a kid that you cried with joy when you heard another baby (me) was on the way.

Mom: *laughs* That's right. And cried and cried and cried.

SME: Okay, let me try this approach. Who is your favorite author of regency era romance novels?

Mom: You by far!! Good job.

SME: Yeah, more mom encouragement.

Mom: You know you can be anything you want to be.

SME: Got it. Tell us truthfully, I was the perfect child, huh?

Mom: *a long, worrisome pause* After the age of 6 you were the perfect child.

SME: Perhaps we shouldn't revisit those first 6 years.

Mom: No. There are too many witnesses to make it possible to lie about it.

SME: In honor of the week of the Holiday of Coolness, I have a brand new game--"The Game of Coolness."

Mom: I've never played a game of coolness. So this is extra cool.

SME: I will ask you three trivia questions about the world's coolest holiday. Answer them correctly and you will be crowned INFF champion for the day.

Mom: Aaah!

SME: Mom, you can play any game you want to play.

Mom: Sometimes daughters need to encourage their mothers. I seem to require a lot of that.

SME: I'm here for you. Question #1: What is a Leprechaun's job in the fairy world?
a.) Investment Banker
b.) Tax collector
c.) Author
d.) Shoemaker
hint: Authors don't make enough money to have a pot of gold.

Mom: Can't you tell your mother the answers so that she will get them all correct? They have a pot of gold so they must have something to do with money.

SME: Unless I just threw in 2 money-related jobs just to throw you off. *winks in an obvious fashion and nods emphatically*

Mom: d. Shoemaker

SME: *speaks dryly* It's a miracle. You got it right.
Question #2: Which of the following St. Patrick's Day occurrences would be considered the most significant by discerning people?
a.) The Coasters recorded "Yakety Yak." in 1958
b.) Future author of fantastic Regency romances, Sarah M. Eden, was born!
c.) Bishop Patrick, who would later become St. Patrick, died in Saul, Ireland in the year 461 AD.
d.) The postage stamp canceling machine patent was issued in the late 19th Century.

Mom: I don't know, D is pretty significant.

SME: Nice.

Mom: No, it's definitely B. I am a discerning person, you know.

SME: That's why I asked you. Last question: Kissing the Blarney Stone is supposed to give a person what?
a.) Swine Flu
b.) A really bad taste in their mouth.
c.) the gift of gab
d.) a great photo op

Mom: It's the gift of gab. You have always had the gift of gab.

SME: And yet, I never kissed a rock. Another INFF miracle. You got three out of three correct. That makes you the INFF champion!!! *green streamers and ballons float down in celebration*

Mom: I've been dreaming of this day. Good job, Sarah.

SME: I feel very encouraged. So encouraged, in fact, that I'm going to take you to the INFF Portrait gallery to view your very own portrait.

*draws an extremely realistic and talent-laden portrait*

SME: Tuh-duh!

Mom: Where's the Mounds bar?

SME: Encouragement, Mom. Remember?

Mom: Great portrait, Sarah. It really is.

SME: Gee, thanks!

Mom: Your drawing skills are improving with each portrait. It still would be nice with a Mounds bar.

SME: Next time, I promise.
That brings us to the final question of the interview. Top 5 reasons this is the best blog interview you've ever done. Ready. Go.

Mom: 1. I got to do it on your couch in slippers in a snuggie.
2. I've never been on a blog before. I don't know if I know how to be on a blog.
3. I got to remember some of our favorite things. *sings "My Favorite Things"*
4. I got to view your entire portrait gallery in person.
5. Thinking about Mounds bars always brings joy. Not Almond Joy, just joy.

SME: Awesome.

Mom: Good job, Sarah.

SME: Thanks for being my INFF friend and the mother who birthed me.

Mom: It was a pleasure. *laughs*

SME: *cue exit music* Well, this has been "I Need Friends" Friday. Come back next week when I will make another friend!!

If you'd like to be interviewed for "I Need Friends" Friday, shoot me off an email: friends at sarahmeden dot com!
I am looking for anyone and everyone, whether or not you think you are interesting. You'll get a fantastic stick figure portrait of yourself, a little promotion (if you're looking for that sort of thing) and the opportunity to tell your friends and family that you've been interviewed by SME, er... by ME!

(My mom gets 2 extra entries in February's giveaway if her interview receives 5 or more comments!!)

(ignore "Read More!")

Walkabout Wednesday... The Holiday of Coolness

It's Wednesday. Let's go walkabout.

(I'm bringing along a few of my mates as I wander through the vast wilderness of the publishing industry, learning the ins and outs, and having a grand adventure.)

Walkabout, Week 28:

The Holiday of Coolness

I love St. Patrick's Day. This particular love of mine dates back many, many years--my entire life, in fact. I can site a myriad of possible reasons:

• I love the color green.
• My mother saw to it that every single bite of food we ate on March 17th was green: green kool-aid, lime jell-o, mashed potatoes with green food coloring...
• I'm not only Irish, but also look like I am!
• I have an oddly deep attachment to Irish drinking songs, despite not being a drinker myself.

These are all really good reasons. They are also not the real reasons.

You see, St. Patty's Day is my holiday. I firmly believed growing up that my friends all wore green to school on March 17th in honor of me. No, I wasn't a horribly conceited child with overblown ideas of my own significance. March 17th is.... my birthday.
<-----(My brother and I when I was just a little, bitty baby. [I'm the one with the groovy pink pants.])

Yep. I LOVE St. Patrick's Day!

An Irish Blessing,

in honor of the coolest holiday of the year

May those who love us, love us.
And for those who don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if he can not turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles,
So we may know them by their limping.

Happy Holiday of Coolness, everybody!

[Don't forget to come back for I Need Friends Friday--My mom's gonna join us (and she's a funny lady!)]

(ignore "Read More!")

The launch party recap and other really cool things!

I'm blogging on a Monday again. What!?

I've thrown off my own groove. Isn't there some kind of law against that? Next thing I know the blog police are going to knock on my door and take me in for questioning. I'm picturing a really drably decorated room and a painfully bright light and a series of increasingly intense questions focusing on my understanding of the days of the week. Sheesh! My blood pressure is growing just thinking about it.

Let's talk about something else, okay?

Not unlike the last time I messed up my own schedule, I'm posting today because I have something to talk about and I figure now is as good a time as any. Sound good?

Other-People's-Books News

I know a lot of authors, but you probably already figured that out. I first became acquainted with Nichole Giles, a fellow author and all-around nice gal, when she hooked me up with Clear Horizons Academy--a school for autistic children in Utah County--and I had the opportunity to participate in a silent auction benefiting the school. (I'm also running in a 5K in May to benefit the school.) Anyway... Nichole has a book coming out very, very shortly and I thought I'd give her a shout-out. I haven't read it yet, but it looks good!

"Most people would have panicked, sitting bound and gagged on a boulder in the middle of the desert as I was, but for some reason, I didn’t. A strange kind of reassurance washed over me from somewhere deep within. Whether it was peace that I’d go quickly, or comfort that I was being protected, I wasn’t sure."

Based on a true story, "The Sharp Edge of a Knife," follows a man, Mel, and his captors, two escaped convicts, on an unforgettable ride that will have you questioning the depth of your faith and sitting on the edge of your seat as it grabs your attention from the first sentence and keeps you riveted until the very end.

Alright, now on to...

My Books News

I am still in awe. Or shock. It's hard to tell the difference. Sooooooooo many people came to the fabulous Triple Book Launch Party on Friday (March 12th) night!------------->

I got to meet a lot of you in person whom I had only previously ever "met" in cyberspace.

I started the night with a scratchy, very Punky Brewster-ish voice (thanks to the ill-timed cold I managed to catch), and I ended the night with no voice at all. *sigh* It was way worth it.

<-----Our "fabulous prize" winner, Tanja, came [sans her really cute hat]. Amie brought her husband and, thus, <-----received extra coolness points for getting a guy to come to a book signing for what my son describes as a "gross kissy book." I got to chat with Aubrey Mace, H.B. Moore, L.T. Elliot, Karlene, the lovely Shannon and her mother, most of the extended Larsen family... the list goes on and on and on and on and on. I'd list all of you but my fingers are already starting to go numb from overuse!!

I'm telling you... it was fabulous! We had lines of people there,------>
lots of books were sold (I was blown away when I asked one of the employees for the final count of the night--thanks everyone!) and some
<---fantastic prizes were given away. I'm thinking this whole launch party thing should become a tradition. I have four more book signings to go (five including the one at the Storymaker's conference) and I know they won't be the crowded fest of happiness that the launch party was, but I'm feeling pumped enough to be excited about probably sitting alone in a book store eating the chocolates I brought with me and writing my next book. Actually, that doesn't sound too bad, does it? This whole promote-my-books gig is getting better all the time.


Reasons You Should Come Back for Walkabout Wednesday and I Need Friends Friday

Wednesday is the Holiday of Coolness. Did you know that? St. Patty's Day is on my list of top favorite holidays--it's right up there with Christmas. The cool kids know why. With St. Patrick's Day arriving on a Wednesday this year, this week will be the Walkabout Wednesday of Coolness. You should stop by. It'll be... cool.

Friday--do you really need a reason to come to INFF? I didn't think so. Just in case, I'm going to let you in on a little secret. This week's INFF guest is none other than my very own mother. Trust me---you're going to want to read this.


(ignore "Read More!")

I Need Friends Friday: Tristi Pinkston

It's that time of the week:

(Every Friday I interview a different person and share that interview with you. Perhaps they will be a fellow-author. Perhaps one of my neighbors. Maybe the bagger at the grocery store. A member of my family. A follower of this blog. Maybe it will be you! Hey, it could happen.)

Today's guest is Tristi Pinkston, author, editor, homeschooling mommy, and (according to her blog) headless chicken. Her upcoming novel, Secret Sisters, hits shelves on March 16th. Tristi will be part of Valor Publishing's Book-Launch Lollapalooza on March 16th (notice the doubly important date)!

Time to meet Tristi!

SME: Welcome to INFF!

Tristi Pinkston: Thanks! I'm excited to be here.

SME: As always, I must begin the interview by addressing a topic near and dear to my heart... dessert.

Tristi Pinkston: I understand.

SME: At the Eden house last night, we had a choice between slightly undercooked brownies and slightly overcooked apple pie. Which would you have chosen?

Tristi Pinkston: Brownies, baby!

SME: You are now my 9 year old's new best friend. He made the same choice without a moment's hesitation.

Tristi Pinkston: What's to hesitate? Brownies. It's brownies. It's so simple.

SME: You speak words of truth, my friend.

Tristi Pinkston: That is what I always try to do. In life, love, and chocolate.

SME: What's your favorite continent?

Tristi Pinkston: My favorite continent is by far the North American continent. This is home, and it's the land of the free because of the brave. Rock on, America!!
Or Europe.

SME: I do believe North America is winning in the "Favorite Continent" poll. And Europe is in a close second. Makes me wonder how the numbers would roll out if I interviewed more people from Asia or Australia.

Tristi Pinkston: It would probably lead to more balanced results. But then you run into the whole dilemma, "Does balanced really equal fun?" My feeling is no. Unbalanced is more fun.

SME: "Unbalanced Is More Fun"--a possible title for my autobiography. I am SO writing that down!
I happen to know that you are among the few, the proud, the authors with books being released in March. We are a very select and talented bunch, I must say. First of all a big "Wahoo" to you on that!

Tristi Pinkston: Aw, thanks! You too, by the way. I'm very excited to read your book.

SME: And I am ridiculously excited about yours because the premise is right up my alley--just plausible enough to be hilarious, but ridiculous enough to be... well... hilarious! Give us a quick pitch, eh? (Looks like those Canadian Olympics rubbed off on me, doesn't it?)

Tristi Pinkston: Take the Relief Society and plunk it down in the middle of Columbo. My main characters are a Relief Society presidency who turn to espionage in order to make sure that a family in their care has food. They employ super spy tactics, and listening devices, and hidden cameras. It's all very plausible.

[FYI: "The Relief Society" is the women's organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They serve as a support group for one another and a service organization throughout the world. Each congregation has its own local chapter of the Relief Society, who look out for one another, enjoy the companionship of the other women, work to meet the needs of their congregation and participate in relief efforts the world over.]

SME: Hee hee. Having been a RS president, I can sort of understand. You want to help, but aren't always sure how.

Tristi Pinkston: And when you aren't sure how, go with espionage! It's the quick answer to every problem.

SME: I have gained an autobiography title and a new life mantra all in one day. Score!

Tristi Pinkston: Aren't you glad you invited me to be here?

SME: Excessively glad.
I have invented an entirely new game (Let's face it, it's the same game but with a different theme and a new corny title). You up for it?

Tristi Pinkston: Game? Game? You bet! Bring it on!

SME: Ask any member of the LDS church what dessert is most likely to make an appearance at any given LDS function and you will inevitably receive the same reply. In honor of this aspect of the LDS culture, I have entitled our game today "You Say Goodbye, I Say Jell-O."

Tristi Pinkston: Okay ...

SME: I will ask you three trivia questions related to jello. Get them right and you will be crowned INFF champion!!

Tristi Pinkston: Okay ...

SME: 1.) Liz Hickok will go down in gelatin- dessert history for what remarkable contribution to the world of jiggly, colorful treats?
a.) She invented the jiggler
b.) She first suggested the flavor lime-- yum!
c.) She sculpted a replica of the entire city of San Francisco in jello

Tristi Pinkston: I'm guessing you don't want me to open up another window and Google. So I'm going to say that she suggested the flavor lime. (Holding breath ... wincing ... )

SME: Thank you for your honesty. The actual answer is... C. She sculpted a replica of SF (among other things) in jello. Here's a link. It's incredible!

Tristi Pinkston: Really? That seems like ... such a waste of time. I don't mean to be harsh on this lady, who is probably very nice, but think of all the books she could have read in that amount of time. Oh, well. To each his own.

SME: And Ms. Hickok probably would look at my list of books read and think, "What a waste of time. Think of all the jello sculpture she could have made."

Tristi Pinkston: Hee hee hee ... Sarah, you're such a rebel. Off writing books when you could be sculpting Salt Lake City.

SME: So very true. Salt Lake, of every city on earth, needs to be sculpted out of jello.
Question # 2--How were gelatin desserts prepared before Peter Cooper first invented an easier-to-make boxed version in 1845?
a.) sheets of prepared gelatin were clarified by boiling with egg whites and shells, then dripped through a jelly bag before being placed in a mold
b.) there were no gelatin-based desserts before 1845
c.) They were prepared the way self-respecting dessert preparers always prepare gelatin--with floating vegetables

Tristi Pinkston: I choose A.

SME: A is correct!!!! I'm still cringing at the "clarified by boiling with egg whites and shells" part. And shells? Why were there shells?

Tristi Pinkston: To remind you of the beach.

SME: Beach jello. Got it.

Tristi Pinkston: Of course, just ignore the fact that they are egg shells and not seashells, and you'll be fine.

SME: Okay. Last question. Which of the following was NOT a flavor of Kraft Jell-o at one point?
a.) Celery
b.) Mixed Vegetable
c.) Salsa

Tristi Pinkston: Every one of those is making me cringe. I mean, really. I'm going to say, C, salsa.

SME: Celery and Mixed vegetable (along with "Roasted Tomato" and "Italian Seasoning") were all jello flavors at one time. *bleh* Therefore, C is correct, although not necessarily any more appetizing.
That's 2 out of 3. You are today's champion!!!!!!

Tristi Pinkston: Today's champion? Who am I competing against?

SME: You're competing against yourself. See, that's the beauty of it.

Tristi Pinkston: If I'd gotten them all wrong, would myself have beaten me?

SME: Pretty much. Therefore you would still be the winner. Sort of.

Tristi Pinkston: That's really sad.

SME: I know exactly what would cheer you up!! Seeing your portrait!

Tristi Pinkston: Why, yes! I believe that would suit me very well.

*drawing like the wind, or something like that*

Tristi Pinkston: I'm so skinny! I love you!

SME: I should provide the "after" portraits for weight loss gimmicks. I'd make millions!
I gave you your own one-of-a-kind pair of red Keds (designed by myself). I love Keds and it's finally warm enough to wear them again. *blissful sigh*

Tristi Pinkston: They are adorable. You should design shoes. Like, for a living. But don't stop writing books to do it. That would be sad.

SME: Maybe books about designing shoes--you know cover both at once. hmmm... Well... we've reached that part of the interview: The Final Question. Top 5 reasons this is the best blog interview you've ever done. Ready. Go.

Tristi Pinkston: 5. I was asked questions about Jell-O. That has never happened to me. Definite high marks for that.
4. No one has ever drawn a picture of me with such incredible likeness. I mean, the glasses are nearly twinners to the ones on my face, and I'm lovin' on my svelte physique.
3. It was held at 11:00, which isn't too early. Most people want to talk to you at unearthly hours like 8 and 9, and I'm just not awake. I do most of my work at night, and so I must sleep in the mornings. 11:00, I can so deal with.
2. It involved the discussion of chocolate. You cannot go wrong discussing chocolate.
1. And the biggest, bestest reason why this was the most favorite blog interview I've ever done: my host! Sarah Eden rocks.

SME: "Sarah Eden Rocks"--another autobiography title. Wow. You are my new go-to gal for book titles!! Thanks, Tristi, for stopping by and joining in the insanity. Best of luck on your book release!

Tristi Pinkston: Thank you!! And you, too!

SME: *cue exit music* Well, this has been "I Need Friends" Friday. Come back next week when I will make another friend!!

If you'd like to be interviewed for "I Need Friends" Friday, shoot me off an email: friends at sarahmeden dot com!
I am looking for anyone and everyone, whether or not you think you are interesting. You'll get a fantastic stick figure portrait of yourself, a little promotion (if you're looking for that sort of thing) and the opportunity to tell your friends and family that you've been interviewed by SME, er... by ME!

(Tristi gets 2 extra entries in February's giveaway if her interview receives 5 or more comments!!)

We have a winner, folks!!

I have taken a break from the Dance of Joy so that I could share with you a fantastic bit of news.

Courting Miss Lancaster has been spotted in the wild. That's right--the book has hit store shelves.

My good buddy (do you like how she's my new best friend?!) Tanja was the first to send me a photo. She even took the assignment a step further and did a photo op with 2 copies!---->

Tanja wins the "fabulous prize" and the right to be the only person who knows what that prize is (except for me). Maybe if you're really, really nice to her, she'll tell you what she got! (Although I will tell you this--part of the prize is that Tanja gets 5 extra entries into March's giveaway!)

PS--Don't you love her hat?!?!

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Walkabout Wednesday... Huge Prizes!!!!! Really Huge Prizes!!!!

It's Wednesday. Let's go walkabout.

(I'm bringing along a few of my mates as I wander through the vast wilderness of the publishing industry, learning the ins and outs, and having a grand adventure.)

Walkabout, Week 27:

Hey, remember this fab li'l announcement from last Wednesday?

Here's even more reasons to come:

If you weren't excited for the Triple Book Launch Party YET . . . you will be after reading this post.

Here are some of door prizes we have in store for those who attend:

Pendragon's Book Binding

The nearly lost art (truly an art!) of hand-bound books is alive and well at Pendragon's Book Binding. Their work is stunning, high-quality, and costs about half what similar companies typically charge.

One winner gets a hardbound journal, 8.5" X 5.5" with 160 sheets (320 writing pages). The actual journal made especially for the launch party is pictured below: hand-sewn binding with red butterfly paper and a black suede spine!

They have a ton of choices for cover styles (fabric, paper, photos, soon even leather) and you can have the book blank or have them print your own book inside for a family heirloom.

Retail value: Through other channels, about $40. Through Pendragon's, $20.

Pendragon's Book Binding is run by a husband and wife team, and they do all the work right at their home, sewing and hand binding journals, projects, manuscripts and anything else that might include paper and two covers. Everything is customizable. They're in the process of completing their website and will soon be hosting their own Grand Opening Contest Giveaway among their Facebook followers. (Become a Facebook fan HERE.)

Lola's Lovelies

Just as the name suggests, Lola's Lovelies has lovely, hand-made hair accessories.

Door Prizes: TWO skinny wrapped headbands with decorative flowers on the side: one purple. the other blue! Both have been specially made just for the launch party and our readers.

Visit her blog for more "hair lovelies" HERE.

Two Julie Coulter Bellon Gift Baskets

Two winners will get to benefit from this one. Julie Bellon is putting together two fun gift baskets:

A Book Lover's Basket

AND

A Movie Night Basket.

Two of Annette Lyon's Books

One winner will receive copies of both Lost Without You and At the Water's Edge, Annette's first two books, which are out of print and therefore hard to find (but will soon be available on the Amazon Kindle!).

Meg Hall Photography

One winner will get a free photography sitting, along with a disc of the images and a copyright release letter so you can make as many copies of any photo you like.

Visit Meg Hall Photography to see more of her awesome work!

Heimdahl & Son Soaps

We have THREE cool products for GUYS, using all-natural products and fragrances (essential oils, for example. Not the fake stuff). Whether we give them all out together or separately is yet to be determined: Lemon soap, Bay Rum aftershave (which I hear smells just right: not too strong or weak and is oh so good), and a shaving bar. They're all packaged and sealed with wax in the company's trademark wooden containers.

Walls of Wisdom Home

This great company can customize any vinyl lettering project just for you.

(A particularly fantastic one says, "A balanced diet is chocolate in both hands.")

They're offering a several prizes:

One winner will receive $20 gift certificate for anything on the Walls of Wisdom Home site.

SEVERAL OTHER winners will receive vinyl lettering ready to put on a wall with awesome quotes about reading and books.

Visit Walls of Wisdom Home to see more of their products.

UPDATE: ANOTHER CONFIRMED PRIZE

Dippidee $25.00 Gift Certificate

The Dippidee tagline is "Place of Sweet Surprises," and it couldn't be more true. Annette is an avid fan and I can feel my own fan-ness increasing by the moment. (Go check out their website!)

ONE person will be the lucky winner of a Dippidee gift card. (Attached to a Dippidee treat! Mmmm . . .)

UPDATE #2:

Another Annette Lyon FAVORITE: Colorado Kernels (a

gourmet popcorn company

located in Orem) is donating TWENTY-FOUR mini bags for door prizes. Um... wow. Popcorn and I are old friends--the bags might be slightly empty if I get too close too soon.

(According to Annette: "Their Chocolate Cherry Cordial is divine. As is their Chocolate Avalanche, and their . . . oh, man. I'd better stop before I drive over there.")

I have only just spent an inordinate amount of time salivating at their website: HERE.

Convinced yet? Hope so! We have more prizes in the works; these are the ones we have confirmed so far.

So please come . . . and spread the word!

(Thanks, Annette, for letting me steal the door prize post pretty much word-for-word!)

The Hunting Expedition Update #2:

The fabulous prize for being the first to send me a picture [sarah {at} sarahmeden {dot} com] of "Courting Miss Lancaster" on a bookstore shelf is still up for grabs - but not for long!! How 'bout another hint:

• Your chances should significantly increase today (not saying it'll be on shelves today, just that we're really, really, really close at that point). Just sayin'. [Oh. Wait. That's the same hint I gave last week. *shrug* That's the best clue I can come up with.]
  

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