So, what's your super power...?

As you know, I’m published through Astraea Press. Stephanie Taylor is the boss lady and with permission of my sweet friend, Heather Gray, I’m going to share a post that she shared on our author loop. While it obviously points at AP and Stephanie, so much of it could be for all authors out there. Do enjoy, and thank you Heather for allowing me to spread your words. *smile*

So, what's your super power...? 

I got a box today. Thankfully, it was wrapped in plastic when it got dropped off. (What ever happened to knocking on the door and handing the package to a real live person...?)  

I digress...  

I've been working on these Headtalker campaigns, and when it's time to describe the publisher, I've been saying something like this: "Astraea Press is a publisher that enjoys giving new authors a voice..." That's not a perfect description (nor the whole description), but you get the idea. (I say "new and established authors" if it's an author that's got a backlist.) Anyway... (again w/ the digressing) ... 

I got a box today. I opened it up, and you know what was inside? Books! My books! And while I know the money isn't in print sales, there's still a thrill at holding one of my own books in my hands. And today, doing so got me to thinking about super powers...
I haven't figured out my super power yet. I'm debating between sarcasm and over­-organization. I'm really good at drinking coffee, too.  

And snoring.  

I do know Stephanie Taylor's super power, though. She turns writers into authors, and she makes dreams come true. 

Being an author isn't easy. There's criticism, self­doubt, constant comparison, etc. Just when we think we've become our own worst enemy, somebody gives us a review that makes us want to hide in a dark corner and rock back and forth while sucking our thumb. We grow from that, though, even if some days that growth is measured only in the thickness of our skin. And it eventually balances out. We keep it at, we hone our craft, we work hard, and we get better. We put out more books, we get more reviews, and then the moment comes when someone tweets their squee moment of the day...meeting their favorite author. 

And we're tagged in the tweet. Sure, we have to read it a dozen times before it sinks in and we realize who they're talking about...but still. What a moment.  

The thing is, if somebody didn't give us that first chance, none of the rest would follow. The bad reviews that make us work harder, the editor comments that make us better writers, the good reviews that make us want to keep going, and the chance we have to do it all over again ­­ none of that would happen if nobody ever took a chance on us to begin with.  

I know that not everybody with AP is a first-­time author, but I also know that a lot of us are (or were). And so, while I'm all filled with holiday sentimentality and glowing with the joy of holding my own book, I want to say thank you to Stephanie Taylor for using her super power for good instead of evil.

Want to get to know Heather better? Look her up. She's all around the web!

Website: http://www.heathergraywriting.com/
Twitter handle: @LaughDreamWrite
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.gray.1029

Grilled Balsamic and Grapefruit Glazed Salmon~Savory Sunday

Its that time of the week again! New recipes for y'all to try out! 

~Blythe, Charlene A. Wilson's PA

Grilled Balsamic and Grapefruit Glazed Salmon 

Ingredients

• 1  cup(s)  freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• 2  Tbsp  balsamic vinegar
• 2  Tbsp  brown sugar
• 4  salmon fillets, 6-ounces each
• 1/2  tsp  salt
• 1/2  tsp  pepper
• 8  grapefruits slices, 1/2-inch thick, 1 1/2-oz each

Directions

1. Combine grapefruit juice, balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in medium saucepan.
2. Boil until reduced by half, approximately 15 minutes.
3. Hold warm.
4. Season each side of salmon fillet with 1/16 teaspoon salt and 1/16 teaspoon pepper.
5. Grill salmon, presentation side down, until just done in center, about 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness of fillet.
6. Brush salmon with 1 tablespoon grapefruit glaze during grilling and just before removing from grill.
7. Place 2 grapefruit slices on serving plate and top with cooked salmon fillet.
8. Drizzle 1 tablespoon glaze on top of salmon.

Tell me if y'all tried it! And if y'all have any requests let me know :)

~Blythe, Charlene A. Wilson PA

Savory Sunday~ Thai Shrimp Pasta Salad

Its that time of the week again! New recipes for y'all to try out! This Sunday I am giving y'all the recipe to Thai Shrimp Pasta Salad!
~Blythe, Charlene A. Wilson's PA

Thai Shrimp Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 6  ounce(s)  farfalle (bow tie pasta), uncooked
• 1  lb(s)  unpeeled medium-size fresh shrimp
• 2  tsp  hot chile oil
• 2  tsp  commercial roasted garlic, minced
• 1/2  cup(s)  low-fat spicy Indonesian dressing
• 1  cup(s)  green pepper, cut into strips
• 1/4  tsp  freshly ground pepper
• 1  (15 oz) can straw mushrooms, drained
• 8  lime wedges (optional)

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain; rinse with cold water, and drain again. Place pasta in a large bowl; set aside.
2. Peel and devein shrimp. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add shrimp and garlic; sauté 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Add dressing to skillet, deglazing skillet by scraping particles that cling to bottom. Stir in green pepper, ground pepper and mushrooms. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 2 minutes.
3. Add shrimp mixture to pasta; toss lightly. Serve warm or chilled. Garnish with lime wedges, if desired.

Cover Reveal ~ Aumelan, Blessed of the Gods

I have great news! 

Aumelan, Blessed of the Gods, is slated for release in January 2015, and I got the cover! Of course, I'm excited to share it with you. Sweet!

Chad Aumelan is in love, but his world isn't right. Not when he's forbidden to have Dee just because she's his slave. 

When Salana Goffin meets Chad, she's faced with the unbelievable: A man who must take energy from a host to survive. He wants to find a cure to free the woman he loves. How can Salana turn away such a noble cause?

Together, they search for answers, but fate has another plan.

A story of love, devotion, and courage, Aumelan introduces us to a world where hearts and souls unite to ensure freedom is a gift for all and love between peoples is possible.

I can't wait for this story to be available for everyone. It's been in my head since I was 15. That's right, 15! Now that's got to be a record. Lol!

Until next time,

May your dreams be magical.

Savory Sunday~ Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Hey y'all! As the seater gets cold I always love to pull out my fall recipes. Now here in Texas its still quite warm but I though it would be nice for those who live in the more chilly climates right now. This is one of my favorite things to make so I hope you try it out and enjoy!
~Blythe, Charlene A. Wilson's PA

Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients: 

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp dried tarragon

3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2 inch pieces 

3 cups carrots, chopped

3 cups small mushrooms, quartered, about 1/2 pound

4 cups chicken broth 

1 tsp hot-pepper sauce

4 oz dry, chiocciole or any small pasta

1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped 

Directions:

1. Combine flour, salt, and tarragon in a bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat.

2. Lightly coat the bottom of a 4 to 5 quart pot with cooking spray. Add the oil and place over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring frequently, 5 minuets, or until lightly browned and no longer pink on the inside. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Stir in carrots, mushrooms, broth, hot-pepper sauce, and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 15 minuets, string occasionally. 

4. Stir in the pasta and reserved chicken and cook for 12 minuets

Savory Sunday~One Day Late

Hey guys, Blythe here Charlene's PA. I totally dropped the ball on getting y'all your Savory Sunday post but I'm here today to give y'all one! This is my absolute favorite holiday drink ever. I hope you enjoy and let us know if you tried it out.
~Blythe

Todays recipe is:

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Recipe

                                               

Ingredients 

• 1/4 cup of sugar                                            
• 1/4 cup of water                     
• 3 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 3 tablespoons powered cocoa         
• 3 tablespoons warm water
• 1/2 cup hot espresso                    
• 1.5 cups steamed milk

Directions:

1) Stir water and sugar in pot until sugar dissolves and bring to a boil

2) Reduce heat to a low simmer and add 1.5 teaspoons of peppermint extract

3) Allow mixture to simmer for 20 minuets 

4) Mix coco and water in a cup until paste is formed 

5) Add expresso and 1.5 teaspoons of peppermint extract 

6) Add milk and serve immediately 

Where I got this recipe today: 

http://www.thedallassocials.com/blog/starbucks-holiday-drink-recipes/

Watch for My Interview on The Authors Show!

My interview with Linda Thompson of the Author Show went absolutely marvelously. She is such a gracious hostess, made me feel right at home as we talked about common ground near where she lives in Phoenix. We had a great chat before we settled down for the interview. 

As the Author Show is pre-recorded, I just found out when it will go live. The magic date is December 1st! Be sure to check in and listen anytime that day. She asked some very engaging questions and made them easy to answer. 

We discussed the Cornerstone Deep series, but I was able to share what else I've published and what's to come! Very excited to share this interview with you all~

Until next time,

May your dreams be magical.

First review of Aumelan ~ Blessed of the Gods

It's always exciting when someone reads your story and not only loves, but gets it. In January, I'll be launching a new series called Aumelan. 

Aumelan ~ Blessed of the Gods

Chad Aumelan is in love, but his world isn't right. Not when he's forbidden to have Dee just because she's his slave.

When Salana Goffin meets Chad, she's faced with the unbelievable: A man who must take energy from a host to survive. He wants to find a cure to free the woman he loves. How can Salana turn away such a noble cause?

Together, they search for answers, but fate has another plan.

I haven't exactly been quiet about Aumelan, I've posted a teaser or two. Considering, I should be shouting it from the rooftops. From conception to published is right around 35 years. That's right you read correctly. 35.

So when I got my first review, I wanted to bear hug this person. While the stories I've written so far have fallen right smack into the Romance genre first, Aumelan would probably hit Sci-fi/Fantasy with romantic elements. The plot doesn't hinge on the hero and the heroine being together. The story goes on whether that happy fact exists or not. So that being said, expect some twists and unexpected turns.

Anyway, I gotta share this review with you. Thank you, Jennifer Brown. I'm glad you loved book 1. I'm working on book 2, World Beneath the Rock, right now while it's in the final stages of publication.


What they’re saying:


“Aumelan is much more than a love story. Ms. Wilson has crafted a masterpiece in which she closely examines the human condition: How far will we go as a society to survive? How far will we go as individuals for compassion? The literary genus is covertly wrapped in a delicious genre romance where readers are submerged in the lives of her characters and the fantastic sci-fi backdrop of their imperfect world. Make no mistake, Aumelan may easily become a classic to transcend time. A definite recommended read!” 

                                                               ~Jennifer Brown

Until next time,

May your dreams be magical.

Are We Ready For The Holiday Recipes?

It's that time of year again, my loves, when all the great food and recipes come out of those cookbooks. And I'm back with the weekly shares to make your holidays buzz with happy tummies!

This year, I'm going with Savory Sunday, so all foods are apt to be shared right here on Charlene Blogs. *big smile*

We're starting off with a luscious Creamy Pumpkin soup, thanks to Woman&Home.com*. 

This is healthy vegetarian soup to warm those hearts and tummies, and according to W&H, it's great for kicking those colds and burning that fat!

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

• Serves: 4
• Prep time: 15 mins
• Cooking time: 25 mins
• Total time: 40 mins
• Calories: 108 per serving
• Freeze: yes
• Prepare ahead: yes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 to 3 fat red chilies, deseeded (if you don't like it too hot) and diced
• 2 lemongrass stalks, finely chopped
• 18fl oz vegetable broth
• 1lb 9oz pumpkin (or butternut squash) flesh, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 7fl oz reduced-fat coconut milk

PREPARATION

1. In a large non-stick pan gently cook the onion, chilies and lemongrass in 1 to 2tbsp of the broth for 5 minutes to soften.
2. Add the pumpkin and carrot and cook for a further 5 minutes before adding the remaining vegetable broth and coconut milk.
3. Bring to the boil, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes or until very tender. Blend until smooth and garnish with chilies to serve.

*Get this recipe and more at Woman&Home.com!

Until next time,

May your dreams be magical.

Freeness Is Going Around!

After the big Goodreads giveaway of The Transformation of Anna last month, I didn't expect to have another Free moment for a while. But with Aumelan coming out in January and Destiny slated for May, we're pushing promotion of one of my favorite titles to give everyone a chance to fall in love with the characters who've stole my heart. Watch out, they'll steal yours too! Lol.

So, from now until Midnight October 4th, The Transformation of Anna will be free to download in any e-version your reader requires. No reader? No problem! It's available in PDF also, so you can read it on your computer. *smile*

And let me take a moment to THANK YOU ALL for your support and love. Without you, my stories wouldn't be half as much fun to write. I love sharing my worlds with you!

Until next time,

May your dreams be magical.

Goodreads Giveaway Coming to a Close!!

The Goodreads Giveaway for 5 copies of The Transformation of Anna is counting down to close! Have you entered yet?

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Transformation of Anna

by Charlene A. Wilson

Giveaway ends September 05, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Good Luck!!

Multi-Author Giveaway!‏

On August 18th from 10 am-10 pm. It's a Multi-Author Giveaway, hosted by JS Cooper!

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Good Luck!!!

Big Giveaways On the Way!

Gotta let you all know! We have a great evening of fun with some amazing authors going on tonight! Join us for the Saints & Sinners Facebook Event. It all starts at 5:00pm (cst). See you there!

August 1st and 2nd ONLY download The Transformation of Anna from Amazon FREE!!

And get ready to enter to win your own paperback copy of The Transformation of Anna! Beginning August 5th, a Goodreads Giveaway will be taking entries and I'll be giving away 5 signed copies of book one in the Cornerstone Deep series!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Transformation of Anna

by Charlene A. Wilson

Giveaway ends September 05, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

GOOD LUCK!

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" Giveaway

Enter to win 1 of 2 great prizes. Winner’s choice of a Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash! The first prize is available via the rafflecopter below. The 2nd is available only to bloggers who post about this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter the 2nd giveaway in the
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Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

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The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

  

Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

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Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups  

Giveaway Details 

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Aumelan Character Sketch

A while back we had a little photo shoot with some fantastic young people who are excited about my new series, Aumelan. We had a lot of fun, and I'm excited to share the first skit with you. I hope you enjoy this sneak peek into the world of Aumelan, starring Dee, Losette, Iolet, and a just a tad bit of Tara. *smile*

Dee:  How did things go while I was in the World of the Sun with Chad, Losette?

Losette:  Oh, Dee, I helped a lot! Iolet made Mistress Tarah's special cream desert when Master Tyro and Master Styne came for dinner.

Losette:  She let me take the bread out of the oven and place it on a plate. Then I had a thought to make the desert even more special! I put the bread pan on the pie's creamy top like a hat. Oh, Dee, it was so funny! It went slippy slide to the side!

                    

Losette:  Mistress Tara was not happy with me.

Dee:  Oh, Losette.

Iolet:  Losette does not belong in the kitchen, for sure.

Dee:  I think it is best for you to stick to cleaning, Losette.

Until next time, may your dreams be magical.  

     Charlene

Extra! Extra! April 2014 Newsletter Out!

* Updates * Giveaways * Appearances * Events * News *


Another month has passed and that means it's time for another Charlene A. Wilson and Highlighted Author Updates Newsletter!  Those of you who've signed up to receive them already should have them in your trusty Inboxes. *smile*  If you haven't signed up for them yet, I invite you to subscribe now.  The signup form is right in my sidebar there.

OR

You're welcome to 

READ ONLINE HERE

and enjoy.

* Updates * Giveaways * Appearances * Events * News *

Until next time, may your dreams be magical.  

One for Kami Book Trailer

Life has been sending my head into a whirl lately and I have to apologize for not sharing with you guys for such a long time! I'm so sorry! But, I'll get it together and hop back on the blogging highway soon.

One for Kami as been doing great, and I just got the completed book trailer from the very talented Opal Campbell.  And, of course, I gotta share!!






Feel free to share it with your friends! *big smile*

Until next time, may your dreams be magical.  

     Charlene

RoseAnn DeFranco's SECONDHAND ROMANCE Book Blast

RETURN TO AUDUBON SPRINGS

Brothers of Audubon Springs Series, #1

Genre:  Contemporary Romantic Comedy

When Emma Grant returns to her family's Audubon Springs beach house to fulfill the stipulations of her father's will, she has every intention of forcing her former lover out of the house for good. She's never fit into her wealthy family and would prefer avoiding her past, but with her brother threatening to reveal her young daughter, she has no choice.

Rafe Iuliano has other plans. The wealthy Grants tried to bribe him out of Emma's life years ago, but he's determined to prove once and for all that a master carpenter is worthy of Emma and the house.

Their ridiculous and steamy battle for the house reignites the love and passion that bloomed between them years ago. But when Rafe discovers she's kept their daughter a secret for two years, can he overcome anger and pride to claim his family and the love of his life, or will the deception drive a final wedge between them?

"Over 60 5-Star Reviews on Amazon"

AVAILABLE NOW & ON SALE for $2.99 until January 3rd:

Amazon Kindle & In Print!

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18586846-return-to-audubon-springs

SECONDHAND ROMANCE

Brothers of Audubon Springs Series, #2

Genre:  Contemporary Romantic Comedy

Annie O'Malley's dream of owning a secondhand bookstore in tight-knit Audubon Springs is coming true. Still reeling from her parents' sudden deaths, she believes that signs or messages can be found within the pages of books. She loves her job and has made plenty of friends but longs for the acceptance only love and a family can provide.

Tony Iuliano is there to fix the wiring in her shop. He doesn't believe in fate, magic, or the power of a good book. All this combined with his sexy-as-sin presence and all-knowing attitude infuriates Annie. The quirky bookworm intrigues him enough to accept her bet to read a book from her shop. When he discovers a stack of fifty-year-old love letters in the book, he wants to leave the past alone, but seeing it as a sign, Annie challenges him to read the letters and search for the long-lost lovers or lose the bet.

While shaking the dust off several ill-fated romances and fighting their attraction at every turn, the pair soon become the town gossip daily special. If they can stop arguing long enough, they may just discover this particular sign was meant for them all along.

AVAILABLE NOW

Amazon | Print

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18907459-secondhand-romance

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

RoseAnn DeFranco grew up in upstate NY with her nose in a book and a song in her heart. Following the pursuit of a musical theatre career in NYC, she turned her creative energy to writing funny, steamy romance with heart. A NJ shore transplant, she enjoys time spent at the beach with her family and would love to one day live in a quaint shore town like the fictional town from her BROTHERS OF AUDUBON SPRINGS series.  

More information about these Contemporary Romantic Comedies can be found at radefranco.com.

Connect with RoseAnn:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Website:  http://radefranco.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/roseanndefrancoauthor

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/radefranco

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7303095.RoseAnn_DeFranco

TOUR GIVEAWAY: 

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