KW

Sounds interesting. I admire you for sticking through it as you have. It's true that we've "lost something" with much of todays writing -- but it comes along with our fast-paced, suped up special effects, disposable world. If it's not RIGHT HERE,RIGHT NOW and bigger than life, well, it's just not gonna hold some people's attention. I'm not saying I agree with that, but it certainly is in all of the guidelines I, as a writer, read from publishing houses/agents/editors out there buying.

1 c ( 2 cubes ) soft butter 3/4 c white sugar 1/3 c cocoa 2 Tb instant coffee 2 Tb vanilla 2 Tb water Mix until creamed. Add: 1 3/4 c. flour 1/2 cu finely chpd pecans or walnuts 1/2 cup semi-sweet chips Mix with creamed mixture and place large golf-ball sized balls on cookie sheet. Bake at 325 for 12 min. Let cool thoroughly. Douse with powdered sugar.

I'm assuming we're talking IFFFFFFFF we had the money and knew the restaurant was excellent and were celebrating a one-time occasion...shudder to think anyone would assume I'd go out and blow 250.oo on something that's just going to add to my waist line!

Now I was only in the UK for two weeks, but I became quite fond of: pastys, mashed peas and this WONDERFUL carbonated Apple Beer type soda...holy cow that stuff is divine! Not sure what it's called, but I'd love a case of it - sugar free of course!

Two hundred and fifty dollars.

Actually, one of my favorite Christmas stories ever is, "Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect." Is that the one you mean? the premise sounds similar.

Is muggle not a man????Yikes -- again, with these funky usernames -- how's anyone to know????

"Girls, girls! Above all...self control" - the wicked step mother in CInderella

I found the recipie thread, Thanks Michelle...for the gently poke in the right direction..

Wasn't sure...but ever since I was a little girl, I was sad for all the pine trees that didn't gt picked for Christmas. Same thing here, I guess. Hate sad faces.

Ah, just found the food and recipies place....no doubt my choc hip cookies are hiding around here somewhere!!!

Is this the place to post recipies? Mychoc chip cookies seem to have vanished! Hope you all enjoyed them - LOL- they vanish here, too. Seriously, I have another killer cookie recipie that's great with coffee or tea. But don't want to put it in the wrong place.

Sorry for the dinky question. Thanks for your answers. I was losing sleep over this.

I searched high, I searched low, I COULD NOT find anywhere on site what the little, sad, blue, faded face means next to all of the author names in this forum...someone?

The 'must try' list...ah, yes...if it's anything like mine, well -- good luck! But he's worth it. More posts on him later. I might just have to track him down under...if you get my wink.

Since he doesn't have a spot here, I'll start one because I simply ADORE him. ( HAve you seen his picture???heck, the man is gorgeous ) But aside from that -- LOL -- he writes beautifully. My first book of his was Fighting Reuben Wolfe. A marvelous story about two brothers who live in a depressed part of town. Their dad is out of work and therefore in a constant state of depression. Their sister parties with the wrong kind of guys but has a heart of gold. And then there is Reuben, the oldes brother -- a hottie all the girls love and the guys revere. Telling the story is little brother, Cameron. Quiet, shy and always in Reub's shadow. The brothers love their folks, and sense the heaviness the lack of adequate funds throws over the entire family. Wanting to do their part, they take up with a stranger that offers them money if they'll fight in his underground, traveling fight club. Zusak's language is right on. You're there in Australia, on the dark, dirty streets with these brothers. (But there's very little, if any foul language! Get that! ) He manages to create the dismal world they get themselves involved in without it being too crass or R rated, which this reader appreciates. It isn't long before the fights become what the boys live for -- they're making money, making reputations for themselves. But the story also heads in the ultimate direction: the two brothers will have to fight each other. The final fight scene where Reuben is pitted against tender-hearted Cam is unforgettable! Have a tissue handy... The story will linger in your thoughts for days, and I wouldn't be surprised if, after reading it, you decide Fighting Reuben Wolfe is a keeper for your shelf.

About the Thirteenth Tale -- far be it from me to take away from any author's chance to shine. Go for it. It might appeal to you. It just didn't to me, but then as I've said before ( as an author ) I'm really stingey with my time and therefore, if something doesn't sink its teeth into me, I'm onto the next read. I picked it up for the same reasons as you: stunning reviews. Good luck!

LOL, yeah, at that price! sheesh...that was the most expensive first chapter I'VE ever read...

Sadly, yes, MJ -- I know this is an old post, but I was skimming the author list, and since NR is one of my favs, I had to read the thread. They're all rather disappointing. Nohting good since River's End.

UPDATE: Couldn't get into it. Sold it on Amazon. NEXT...

Thanks! I'll have her do that.

I came here from Divas' I'm going to use it on my websites to go to my blog -- wait! I can't use it to link to my blog, can I? Does my webmistress have to attach a html link????

But how do you get it to sparkle and look like it's moving???? (Pardon my stupidity, I'm not very computer savvy)

Do you mind if I use it???I thank you for the offer. It's sooo cute!

MJ --- where did you get the cute littel glittering avatar for your "my blog" button???? I simply MUST have one!