Free Writer's Conference in SLC, Utah

I have two upcoming events. One is an amazing opportunity for authors in the Utah area. Writer's conferences usually cost hundreds of dollars a day, this one is free.

Speakers are coming from all over the US and even as far away as the UK:

•Rhett Hoffmeister; President and Publisher, Rhemalda Publishing will speak on the ever changing scene of book publishing on small presses, ebook publishing and its current results, book and author marketing and publicity, social media impacts, etc.


•J. S. Chancellor; Author of Guardians of Legend trilogy, Icarus and A Thief of Nightshade has a degree in psychology, as well as some graduate work in professional counseling, will discuss the skill of in-depth character development. Why do humans (and human-esque beings for that matter) do what they do? What details are pivotal to believable growth and change? Join Chancellor as she explores the careful art of weaving concepts of basic human psychology into your novel.

•Michelle Davidson Argyle; Author of Monarch and The Breakaway: will speak on etiquette of blogging, book reviews, handling public negativity, forums, social networking sites, talking with agents, editors, publishers, and much more.

•Amber Argyle; Author of Witch Song will discuss ‘MistaKes Ameature Writer’s Make’. She will discuss how to avoid them, plus simple concepts that take your writing from poor to powerful. Specifically she will cover flashbacks, descriptive patterns, poor writing, overkill, and bad story.
•T. J. Robinson; Author of The Academy Defenders will outline the Five Keys to Getting Started: Selecting Your Genre and Target Audience; Great Idea to Great Book; Outlining – The Right Amount For You; Use Your Strengths; and last but not least, Enjoy The Ride.
•Robyn Chance; Author of C is for China will talk about how authors can learn valuable techniques from an illustrator’s approach to narrative. This will be an interactive session.
•Cas Peace; Author of Artesans of Albia trilogy, will go over Fantasy World Building and the elements you’ll need to consider when creating a fantasy world from scratch.

•Karen Amanda Hooper; Author of Tangled Tides will discuss will discuss how connecting with others can help writers navigate the crowded, turbulent and sometimes scary waters of networking, social media and publicity. She’ll discuss critique groups, blogging, Twitter, Facebook, and joining forces with other writers.
*Author signing from 2:00-3:00 pm.
To register, go here: http://gotstories.rhemalda.com/register/

Also, I have a signing July 20th(Friday) from 7-9 PM at Barnes & Noble, 7157 South Plaza Center Drive, West Jordan, Utah. With two of my favorite authors: Lani Woodland and Angela Corbett! I hope to see you there!

Witch Song for Free on Amazon

If you'd like to read it before the sequel comes out, here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Witch-Song-ebook/dp/B005K074SG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1337800529&sr=8-3

Already we're #304 Free in Kindle Store, #8 in Love and Romance, and #10 in Fantasy and Magic.

We are listed on Pixel of Ink and Digital Book Today.

I'm giving away the book in hopes that you'll take a moment to write a review and/or share the link on any social networking sites. 

Also, thanks to everyone who signed up to be part of Witch Born's blog tour (you can still sign up, there's a tab at the top of the blog)! I appreciate all of you so much.

I'll post more updates as they become available.
*2:12 MST
#219 Free in Kindle Store, #6 in Love and Romance, and #6 in Fantasy and Magic.

May 24th:
#18 Free in Kindle Store, #1 in Love and Romance, and #1 in Fantasy and Magic.  Woot!

May 25th:
#14 in Kindle Store, #1 in Love and Romance; #1 in Fantasy and Magic

Guest Post by Christy Dorrity

*Note from Amber* Comment for a chance to win 22 books (leave your email addy!), and don't forget to scroll down to the next post about Cami Checketts to enter to win TONS of fitness prizes. And now on to Christy Dorrity (I'm hungry already)!

This is the first time I've ever given two recipes to one book. I love it when food plays a role in books and Witch Song by Amber Argyle inspired two recipes, Golden Curry Soup and Honeycakes.
Brusenna is shunned in her hometown and when she begins her journey away from home she indulges in a few honeycakes. These simple but occasional treats show how Brusenna has been denied the pleasures of a normal childhood. "She saved the honeycakes for last, savoring every tiny bite. At first, the honey was strong and sweet, but it also dissolved earliest. When it did, she was left with the medly of citrus and nuts" (p.44). Is your mouth watering yet? Read on.
In her journey, Brusenna visits many exotic places, including an extravagant Tarten household where bowls of a spicy, golden soup are waiting on the table for her. Brusenna isn't sure if she likes the soup and that same idea is reflected in her reaction to the strange people and places she encounters. "Raising the bowl, she took another tentative taste. If she sipped the spiciness was bearable. But when she stopped, her mouth burned" (p. 182).

Golden Curry Soup is spicy, but not too hot. Easy to prepare, the soup combines eastern flavors with western convenience. Honeycakes complement Golden Curry Soup with its citrisy sweetness.

Golden Curry Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup carrots
1 small onion
2 garlic cloves
15 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
3 cups chicken broth
1 stalk lemon grass*
4 lime leaves*
3 tablespoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup coconut milk*
1 cup cooked rice
handful of cilantro, chopped
1/3 cup roasted red peppers
fresh limes

In a medium saucepan cook carrots, onion and garlic over medium heat until tender. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, lemongrass, lime leaves, curry powder and ginger. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Remove the lemongrass and lime leaves. Blend soup in a blender with the coconut milk, rice, cilantro and red peppers. Squeeze lime juice over each bowl before serving. Serve with Honeycakes.

*If you don't have lemon grass and lime leaves on hand, omit them. Substitute milk for coconut milk if desired.

Honeycakes
1 batch of Raised by Magic Quick Rolls (http://www.dearestdreams.com/2011/03/tasty-tuesday-raised-by-magic-quick.html)

6 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup honey
1 large orange rind, grated
cinnamon, to taste
chopped walnuts, optional

Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Combine butter, honey and orange rind. Using a pastry brush, apply half the glaze evenly over the dough, reserving the other half for a glaze. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nuts if desired. Roll the dough as you would for cinnamon rolls. Using dental floss or a piece of string, loop underneath the roll and cross over the top to cut even cakes from the large roll. Place on a cookie sheet and let rise for 30 minutes or until double the size. Cook for 8 minutes in a preheated 375 degrees. Brush with reserved glaze.

More recipies you might be interested in: “Caramel Crack” from Shatter Me, by Tahereh Mafi, "Everliving Soup" from Brodi Ashton's Everneath, and "Jagged Ham" from Elana Johnson's Possession.



About the cookbook:

The 2012 Book Blogger's Cookbook is a community project from some of the blogosphere's best book bloggers in a simple, easy to read format. The cookbook combines a love of reading and dining to help you find books you'll devour and recipes you can't put down.


You’ll love The Book Blogger’s Cookbook because…

The Book Blogger’s Cookbook has 50 different book reviewers from every corner of the blogosphere. It bridges the gap between author and reader—putting you in touch with book reviewers who can separate the 5 star books from the mediocre.

The Book Blogger’s Cookbook showcases great reads and provides an interactive experience with links to author and book reviewer websites. The cookbook is created for those who like to experience what they read long after they’ve closed the book.

The Book Blogger’s Cookbook tells why each recipe complements its companion book. Recipes and books combine to make the reading experience satisfying and entertaining.

Book launch and Contest

During the first week of the book launch, The 2012 Book Blogger's Cookbook will be available for a reduced price of .99 cents. Please spread the word.

Every person who comments this blog will be entered to win a grand prize: a copy of every book featured in The 2012 Book Blogger's Cookbook (22 in all, over $200 value). Make sure you leave your email address!

About the author:
Christy Dorrity loves to read about cooking and cook about reading. She was taught early to have a discriminating taste for both books and food. Christy grew up on a trout ranch in Star Valley, Wyoming. She taught elementary school and lives in the mountains with her husband Devon and their five young children. When Christy's not reading or writing, she's probably trying out a new recipe in the kitchen.
www.christydorrity.com
christy@dorrity.net
twitter: @christydorrity