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Nov 19

Lessons Learned from a College Textbook

When I started grad school and took my first fiction class, my professor said, “And I have Writing Fiction, the Burroway book, on the syllabus, but I’m sure you’ve already read it.”  And I nodded my head because I was supposed to have already read it, but, of course, I had not.  In the meantime, I’ve been reading the book from cover to cover and it has almost been as revelatory as reading the Bible cover to cover. One of the biggest surprises has been that good writing is, well, good writing.  Whether you’re writing commercial fiction or literary fiction, [...]

Posted in A Day in the Life... | 24 Comments »
Aug 12

Lessons Learned Along the Way…

It has taken me twelve years to final in a contest. Contests are, by no means, an absolute indicator of talent, but I knew when I wrote Beulah’s story that I had something better than my previous efforts.  I’d like to think she’ll get published some day, but twelve years can teach a girl some patience.  Here are some other things I’ve learned along the way to winning the Duel on the Delta then being a finalist for the Maggies: 5.  Professional jealousy gets you nowhere.  It doesn’t matter if your heartfelt story of a girl coming home isn’t as [...]

Posted in A Day in the Life... | 30 Comments »
Mar 31

Barbara Monajem on Instinct, aka the Shoulder-Whispering Gut-Jabber

Please welcome debut author, Barbara Monajem.   Barbara Monajem wrote her first story in third grade about apple tree gnomes. After dabbling in neighborhood musicals and teen melodrama, she published a middle-grade fantasy when her children were young. Now her kids are adults, and she writes paranormal and historical romance for grownups. She lives in Georgia with an ever-shifting population of relatives, friends, and feline strays. Barbara can be contacted via her website at http://www.barbaramonajem.com/ Instinct, aka the Shoulder-Whispering Gut-Jabber I’m happy to say I don’t have an evil internal editor who hovers around my computer with the sole purpose of [...]

Posted in A Day in the Life..., Guest Chef | 33 Comments »
Mar 15

EXERCISE – What’s your Favorite Opening Sentence?

First, thanks to everyone (bloggers and readers) who have participated in my challenge this month. Hope it’s been as fun for you as it has for me. And stay tuned – we’ve got more inspiration to come. * * * One of the questions in my challenge was: What part of the craft do you love best? For me, the answer is “Whatever I’m obsessed with at the moment.” (I go through craft books like a chick lit heroine goes through shoes.) Right now, I’m fixated on Beginnings. Notice the capital “B”? That’s how important I’m convinced Beginnings are. Some [...]

Posted in A Day in the Life... | 19 Comments »
Mar 12

Thinking Outside the Boxes

By Nicki Salcedo I dislike clichés and when I read them I feel insulted.  It makes me think the author believes I’ve never read another book before.  Don’t get me wrong, I still write about dark and stormy nights and chiseled-chinned heroes, but I delete those clichés during the editing process.  Good writing is never predictable writing.  Surprise your readers and yourself.  When I write I don’t just think outside the box, I think outside ALL of the boxes. It was a dark and stormy what? What do you think of when you think of rain?  A funeral?  A precursor [...]

Posted in A Day in the Life... | 28 Comments »
Mar 11

“I love it when you talk like that.”

by Maxine Davis      What is my favorite part of writing?  Typing The End.  I know.  That is not what this month’s theme means:  “Blog at what you’re good at.”  Well, since I’m not published yet, I’ll just go for personal opinion of the part I enjoy.  I really like to write dialogue:  (from WIP)  “Where is everyone?”  She laughed.  “Hey, anybody out there noticing a girl with a wedding gown stuck on her head and the zipper caught in her hair?” Hands gently tugged her hair for a moment before the dress slid into place and she felt the [...]

Posted in A Day in the Life... | 18 Comments »
Mar 09

Secrets, Lies, and Murder. Oh, my!

  By Tami Brothers  Secrets I’ve been told by those who read my blog posts or who happen by my Web site that it LOOKS like I’m making great progress.  But looks can be deceiving.  The reality is that I haven’t written anything substantial in two years.  Two! Freaking! Years! Yes, there is the chapter I contributed to Aspen Expose’ (and the chapter I just turned in for the sequel), my short story for the October Treasure Hunt, and finally the articles I’ve written for GRW’s Galley and RWA’s PROspects publications.  Aside from that?  Nothing.  Zip.  Nada.     Lies [...]

Posted in A Day in the Life... | 28 Comments »
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PETIT FOURS AND HOT TAMALES

Reading, Writing and Romance

Welcome to Petit Fours and Hot Tamales, a writers’ blog serving a selection of literary styles to satisfy any palate – from sweet inspiration to hot and spicy and everything in between.

YOU'RE INVITED to join in our 3rd Anniversary Celebration and see what's cooking during our blogging party Jan. 1 - Jan. 31. The Petit Fours and Hot Tamales are thankful for our loyal followers and wish to continue rewarding them and new readers with a month of prizes!

Looking to buy our cookbook? Send us an e-mail.

PF&HT Books and Stories

Brenda Novak Auction

Petit Fours and Hot Tamales' Blog Bounty offerings did well during Brenda Novak's 2010 and 2011 Online Auctions to benefit Diabetes Research. Some lucky bidders won great prizes and we won an award in 2010 and 2011

Look for our Blog Bounty again in 2012 with many great items, critiques, baskets and tote bags full of goodies! Check out Brenda Novak's website and auction efforts today.

Guest Chefs

for previous Guest Chefs, visit our Guest Chefs page.

Jan 25 - Judy Hubbard
Jan 26 - Stephanie Bond
Feb 1 - Barbara White Daille
Feb 8 - Alicia McCalla
Feb 15 - Connie Cox
Feb 22 - Marilyn Baron
Feb 29 - Cynthia D'Alba
Mar 07 - Writing Contest - TBA
Mar 08 - Kristina McMorris
Mar 14 - Writing Contest
Mar 21 - Writing Contest
Mar 28 - Writing Contest
Apr 04 - Brenna Lauren
Apr 11 - Christie Craig
Apr 18 - Mary Marvella

Daily Specials

Wednesday - Guest Chefs (bloggers)

Saturday - Reviews - What we're reading, viewing, etc.
The books we review on this site, unless otherwise noted, are our own personal copies. The Petit Fours and Hot Tamales blog members do not accept payment in exchange for a review or mention.

Review Rating System:

PETIT FOURS = Quality/Enjoyment
3 – I enjoyed it
4 – I really, really liked it
5 – LOVED it, couldn’t put it down

HOT TAMALES = Heat Rating
1 – Sweet/no love scenes
2 – Sensual
3 – Spicy
4 – Hot!
5 – Inferno!

Sunday - Travel With Us - Get the scoop on far flung areas of the globe as well as our own USA.

Prize Winners Posted Here

Winners posted here after a Guest appearance or special event, when applicable.
_________________
If your name/profile ID is posted here, e-mail your snail mail addys to pfhtbloggers@yahoo.com and we'll get your prizes to you ASAP*. If an e-book, please send your e-mail address. PLEASE PUT "PFHT PW" IN THE SUBJECT LINE so your e-mail doesn't get sent to spam. Thanks!

Congratulations and thanks for participating on Petit Fours and Hot Tamales!

Jan 30 - Julee won her choice of ebook or tree book of Leslie Tentler’s newest release, Edge of Midnight, donated by Pamela Mason.

Jan 29 - Judi Phillips' electronic version of Night of Turmoil goes to Mary Preston

Jan 27 - Susan Carlisle's basket of books written by Georgia authors including her Heart Surgeon, Hero...Husband? goes to Linda Henderson

Jan 25 - Winners of autographed copies of Judy L. Hubbard's These Arms of Mine are Christine Warner & Carol Burnside

Jan 24 - Laura Russell wins a $10.00 Starbucks gift card from Darcy

Jan 22 - Winner of a fancy Moroccan bookmark is Blythe Gifford

Jan 20 - Winner of an autographed copy of Allison Brennan’s Fatal Secrets, donated by Lindy is Mary Preston

Jan 19 - Dorree Anderson won a $10 GC to Starbucks from Maxine!

Jan 18 - Winner of an autographed copy of Tawny Weber's latest story, SEX, LIES AND MIDNIGHT is Chris S

Jan 17 - Elishera CN is Sandy's 1st winner: A gift card for Amazon OR Barnes & Noble for $5.oo PLUS a gift card for Starbucks for $5.00 PLUS a coupon for a download of one of her e-books (your choice which one)

Linda Hendersonis Sandy's 2nd winner: A gift card for Starbucks for $5.00 PLUS a coupon for a download of one of here-books (your choice which one).

Jan 16 - The winner of Sally's $10 Amazon credit goes to Jenn H

Jan 15 - The winner of the Moroccan bookmark is StacieD

Jan 13 - Sheila Anderson won an autographed copy of Suzanne Brockmann’s “Kiss and Tell” from Pam!

Jan 12 - Janel wins a signed copy of Debbie's first book, THE DOCTOR’S MISSION and a $10.00 Starbucks card.

Jan 11 - A print copy of Susan Carlisle's Heart Surgeon, Hero…Husband?goes to Michele Stefanides

*Prizes not claimed within two weeks will be withdrawn.

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