- What or who inspired you to start writing? I was actually first inspired to write by Startrek, if you can believe it. I LOVED that show when I was a kid... my favorite fantasy was to fall in love with Spoke... You heard it right; Spoke. Just loved those beautiful eyes!
- How did you come up with ideas for your books? Most of my ideas come just before sleep. That's when the Muse really likes to torture me. Then I have to get up, write it down, or spend all night laying there developing the idea.
- Have you ever written a supernatural book before? If not, can tell us a little about why you wrote this one? Not really. I write epic fantasy, which is very similar, but a lot more formal. I've always loved paranormal and especially ghost stories. There is that quintessential lure of thrill, fascination, and terror that make them very appealing to me. This was the first opportunity to write one and I loved every minute of it. Plus, it is a comedy, which I also love writing.
- Do you ever watch Ghost Adventures or any of the supernatural shows that are on TV? I am a sworn fan of Ghost Hunters and most other shows featuring real ghosts. Ghost Busters in in my top five all around best movies, I have personally seen 4-5 ghosts and actually lived with one for a couple of years, and I have in my list of future project a ghost story that defines the trust, tolerance, and love of an older couple who have been married for many years. I don't think I've seen Ghost Adventures, but I don't watch a lot of TV.
- I went on a ghost tour in Florida, visiting a graveyard and an old Spanish prison. I'm sorry to say we didn't see any ghosts. Have you ever been on a ghost tour? If so, where and did you see any ghosts? If you could go on a ghost tour where would you like to go? New Orleans, hands down. We were there and had an opportunity, but my DH just couldn't do it, so we passed ~sigh~ However, one day I'll go back and do it. I went on an underground city tour of Portland doing research for this book and am pretty sure I saw one in the century old pub where it stopped.
- If Keenan came into your home, what would he think? That my house was pretty empty, considering.
- What expertise did you bring to your writing? I've had a few incidents with ghosts personally and have read lots of books. Plus I'm a rabid "Ghostie" so I LOVE ghost stories. I've also got four published novels under my belt. I hope I get a little better with each one.
- What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio? That I am 1/4 Greek on my father's side and named after my grandmother.
- As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans? I have lots of books scheduled over the next couple of years; the other two Ghost books, another ancient Rome book featuring a fabulous Egyptian pirate; 2 more Starsight (my epic fantasy) books; a Sci-Fi about the first half alien/half human hybrid who finds out she can kill with her voice, another ghost story taking place at an old inn on the Oregon Coast, just to name a few. There's always ideas in the coffer. :o)
- If you could be one of the characters from any of your books, who would it be and why? I would love to be Delia from The Centurion & The Queen. To be that close to Marius? Hubba-hubba! :o)
- Do you belong to a critique group? If so how does this help or hinder your writing? I actually have an amazing critique partner and a group of beta readers that I couldn't do without. They see so many things I don't see and keep me honest... It absolutely helps my writing.
- When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step? My kids talked me into rewriting a book I had written 30 years ago and I did.
- What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing) Best advice - Get off your ass and write, damn it! - Worst advice - Maybe you should take up knitting instead.
- Do you outline your books or just start writing? I do now because it helps me write faster. I didn't when I first started. I had to develop that habit.
- Do you have any hobbies and does the knowledge you've gained from these carry over into your characters or the plot of your books? Music is usually somewhere in all my books. I am a singer and have been when I sang my very first words, a line from The Flower Drum Song (I think it was 100 million miracles).
- Do you have an all time favorite book? I have read The Lord of the Rings series (beginning in 1969) probably a dozen times. I am also hopelessly addicted to Nero Wolf books.
- Have you started your next project? If so, can you share a little bit about your book? The next project is The Gladiator Prince coming out in August. Here's a blurb:
THE GLADIATOR PRINCE - Excerpt
a historical romance
by Minnette Meador
Book III of the Centurion Series
RELEASE DATE: August 17, 2011
Resplendence Publishing
Prince Thane is the last surviving royalty of the Trinovantes Tribe in Roman Britannia, having surrendered to the Romans after the Boudicca Revolt to save his two daughters, whose identities he sacrifices his freedom to protect. He is condemned by Nero himself to become a gladiator, to fight until he dies in the arena. When his two daughters are taken in a slaver's raid, Thane escapes, forcing the daughter of his master to take him to Rome to save his children. Little does he know that the beautiful Syrian woman holds not only the key to his passion, but a secret that triggers a disaster that ignites the world. Will this spoiled willful girl betray him in the end or sacrifice herself to save them all? Book III of the Centurion Series. - Your interview will be posted before July. Is there a family 4th of July tradition or recipe for that day you would like to share? My potato salad is a family favorite: Potatoes, mayo, a dash of mustard, finely diced onions and celery, chopped boiled eggs, celery seed, garlic powder, salt, pepper, a smidgen of dill weed, and lots of stirring.
- What is your favorite reality show? I really don't watch them. I watch Idol the first year, but I don't have a lot of TV time anymore. Oh, and I have a secret passion for Tots and Tiaras... :o)
- Who is your favorite sexy actor? I have always been in love with Sean Connery. Even older he is still a fox.
- Anything else you might want to add? Just that I am so honored to be here and hope everyone will follow my blog hop. I'm giving away 2 Kindles, 2 Portland Totes full of goodies, a $100 GC to Amazon, and lots more in drawing of anyone who comment on any of my blog hop stops. Just go to http://minnettemeador.blospot.com and you'll find a complete schedule with links. Keep in mind you can still visit most of the sight since they are still live, thus increasing your chances of winning.
Thanks so much for inviting me! You guys are the best... Minnette :o)
Minnette,
Here are some interview questions for my blog. Please feel free to pick and choose what questions you would like to answer. Also, please attach a short blurb and an excerpt from your book. I had hoped to finish reading your book by the time I sent this but have been so busy and tired, I haven't even feel like reading. I walked/jogged a 10K on Friday setting a personal record and I think I am still recovering from the even. I have you scheduled for my blog on the 6th and Rogue's Angels blog on the 10th. If we need to make any changes let me know. I am soooo looking forward to hearing from you. I've also been trying to follow your blogs. I've only missed a few.
Happy writing,
Christine
22 comments:
Good morning all! I thought today we'd talk about favorite family recipes, since July 4th just went by. I list one of my in the interview. What about yours? Make sure to leave a comment so I can put you in the drawings. M:o)
Morning Minnette, That was definitely interesting insight. Back before I let my mother read any of my stuff, she advised me to take up crocheting that way I could at least make me a sweater to keep me warm if things didn't work out, of course then I let her read it, and she's been pushy for more ever since.
Favorite recipes, hmm... I have a lot but I think I'll give you a couple of my favorite summer desserts.
Tropical Frostie
White Peach Grape or White Cranberry Peach or Peach Orchard Punch juice
pineapple sherbert, softened
Frozen Mango slices, thawed
sweetened coconut
Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
Blend Mango slices, coconut, rum and 1 1/2 cups of juice in blender until well blended, add pineapple sherbert and blend until smooth, pour into tall glasses.
I make these individually, as I adjust the rum to individual tastes, usually 1 shot per drink, though some prefer more, some prefer less. Peach Orchard Punch is my preferred juice, I believe it's by Tropicana and found in the refrigerator section.
Banana Split Cheesecake
1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, divided
2 medium firm bananas, sliced
1 reduced-fat graham cracker crust (8 inches)
1 package (8 ounces) fat-free cream cheese
1 1/2 cups pineapple sherbert, softened
1 package (1 ounce) sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed and divided
4 maraschino cherries, divided
1 tbsp chocolate syrup
1 tbsp caramel syrup
1 tbsp chopped pecans
Drain pineapple, reserving juice. In a small bowl, combine bananas and 2 tbsp reserved juice, let stand for 5 minutes. Drain bananas, discarding juice. Arrange bananas over bottom of crust. set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and 2 tbsp reserved pineapple juice. Gradually beat in sherbert. Gradually beat in pudding mix. beat 2 minutes longer. Refrigerate 1/3 cup pineapple until serving; Fold remaining pineapple into cream cheese mixture. Fold in 2 cups of whipped topping; Spread evenly over banana slices. Cover and freeze until firm.
Remove from the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving. Chop 3 maraschino cherries and pat dry; arrange cherries and reserved pineapple around edge of pie. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and caramel topping. Dollop remaining whipped topping onto center of pie. Sprinkle with pecans, and top with remaining cherry.
Makes 10 servings, 247 calories each.
~Grins~ Everyone tells me this pie is awesome, of course I add slices of strawberry, and drizzle Smucker's strawberry sundae topping as well.
Using that recipe I came up with an alternative that I could actually eat.
Tropical Cheesecake
1 1/2 cups sweetened flake coconut, divided
2 mango's, peeled, sliced and chopped
2 large cans mandarin oranges in juice, divided with juice reserved (I use Dole's large cans, when making a single pie, and 1 large can, 1 small can for topping when making individual desserts)
1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries, divided
1 tsp rum extract
1 reduced-fat graham cracker crust (8 inches)
1 package (8 ounces) fat-free cream cheese
1 1/2 cups pineapple sherbert, softened
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed and divided (I use Cool Whip Free, or whip heavy cream myself)
1 tbsp strawberry syrup (I use Smucker's Sundae Topping)
1 tbsp caramel syrup (I use Smucker's Sundae Topping)
Drain mandarin oranges, reserving juice. In a small bowl, combine mango's and 2 tbsp reserved juice, let stand for 5 minutes. Drain mango's, discarding juice. Add rum extract and toss lightly. Arrange mango's over bottom of crust. set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and 3 tbsp reserved juice. Gradually beat in sherbert. Beat until well blended. Reserve half of the mandarin oranges until serving; Fold remaining mandarin oranges into cream cheese mixture. Fold in 1 cup of Sliced Strawberries. Fold in 1 cup of coconut. Fold in 2 cups of whipped topping; Spread evenly over mango. Cover and freeze until firm.
Toast reserved 1/2 cup of coconut on a foil lined cookie sheet at 350 for about 5 minutes. (or until golden brown but not burnt)
Remove from the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving. Arrange 1/2 cup of sliced strawberries and reserved mandarin oranges. Drizzle with strawberry syrup and caramel syrup. Dollop remaining whipped topping onto center of pie. Sprinkle with toasted coconut.
I usually get the mini crusts, that way everyone gets their own. using a cookie cooling rack that has multiple shelves make it easy to freeze the individual deserts. When I use the mini crusts, I tend to get 12-18 individual desserts.
Hope everyone enjoys.
~Christiana
p.s. Christine, a wonderful blog.
Enjoyed the interview *s*
Our favorite recipe that we make for the 4th is a potato salad recipe that was handed down to my husband, it is one of those that nothing is written down, it has bacon it in and then the drippings from that is mixed in with the miracle whip, some cider vinegar, some sugar, you have to taste it and keep adding this and that *L* Then that is mixed with the potatoes, celery, onion, bacon and eggs.
i like to make a watermelon cake.
it is a 1/2 gallon of key lime ice cream,1/2 gallon of strawberry ice cream and 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips. soften key lime ice cream and spread inside a a somewhat large metal bowl(leave center hollow). freeze until solid.
next soften strawberry ice cream and mix in chocolate chips. place into hollow of key lime ice cream mold and spread evenly. cover with plastic wrap and tin foil to protect until served. freeze until solid.
remove from freeze and set in hot water for 30-45 seconds to loosen from bowl.
on large serving plate with green gel frosting pen draw watermelon vines as desired(optional).
turn "cake" upside down onto plate and slice into watermelon slices.
ENJOY!
NOTE:any green and red flavors that complement will work for this.
trvlagnt1t@yahoo.com
Great interview ladies!
Hi Minnette and Christine! Interesting interview indeed!
I once saw a ghost in my house three times in a short period, but I don't believe in ghosts so I'm quite sure I was just hallucinating due to lack of sleep.
What a fantastic interview! So insightful! These are probably the best questions asked of you so far in that they reveal so many interesting facets of your life.
Unfortunately, I am not a cook and have no interest in cooking. Lately, I have had to cook for my ill mom. Imagine what strange concoctions I brew! Thank goodness for TV dinners. I haven't even attempted her potato salad. Come to think of it, I need to find the recipe because she probably doesn't remember the ingredients.
So my questions are: 1) What are beta readers? Would a bookseller qualify as a beta reader? and 2) How did you find so many places to blog hop? I'm in awe your PR finesse!
I am quite envious you went on a ghost tour in Florida, even though you didn't see one. That is on my must-do list and especially if I can do it in exotic locations such as England and Scotland :) Speaking of ghosts,my favourite ghost show was A HAUNTING. They were recountings of true ghost encounters and it aired on the Discovery Channel and I loved it but sadly, they stopped producing it.
Cooking is not my forte, so I have no recipes to share. I can make a mean submarine-sandwich though and its ingredients consists of fresh vegetables and honey ham (or any meat) with mayo and some herbs. Thank goodness for my mom and aunt who are superwomen in the kitchen. I get to enjoy some pretty yummy meals but I do plan on learning to cook soon :)
Christiana - What amazing sounding recipes. I wrote several of them down and will try these... yummmm...
The Tropical Frostie sound especially good...
Hi, Jean! My recipe is like that too. I got it from my mom and you just make it. I couldn't tell you how much of everything to save my life! ~Grin~
Oh, Tammy - I am so going to make that this weekend! :o)
Thanks, Paty!
Hi, Mindy - Good heavens! You never know...
Hi, Vonnie - I had to learn to cook because of all those kids and got pretty good at it, but if you asked me if I like it... Well... Beta readers are people I ask to read my book right before I send it to my editor (if I have time). They just read the book and tell me what they think. What did they like. What they didn't like, etc. It helps to give me a cross section of opinions. Actually, Debbie over at Jan's Paperbooks happens to be one of my beta reader, so absolutely. I think they make some of the best. Thanks for the praise, but the amazing ladies over at Goddessfish.com put most of the tour together for me. They got people to sign up (I added a few to their list), told me what they wanted and all I had to do was write and show up.
I LOVED A Haunting. When I was on unemployment, I watched that everyday. Herb on a sub is a fabulous idea. I never thought of that. Moms and aunts are the very best, aren't they?
Ack, can't believe I missed this one yesterday.. I was tired :P I'm trying to give up caffeine in the day so I can actually sleep at night.. which worked.. but I was up at 5 am.. so not cool lol
Hmm I don't have any favorite recipes of my own but I LOVE my sons grandparents greek recipes *drools* Spanakopita, Dolmadas, Pastiso to name a few... oh my god *drooling on self* Seriously yum ;)
Found that interesting that you are Greek Minnette, which greek food is your favorite dear? :)
yummy recipes! my favorite thing is no bake cookies. i have a recipe that was handed down from my grandma and its so good! i dont have the recipe with me right now, so ill come back later. congrats on all your books minnette and i wish you much success for your up coming books. im definitely interested in your egyptian pirate. :)
Great post.
My favorite is my moms Chili.
And Ghost Hunters is the best of the bunch for that type of show.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Hi, Chelsea! I LOVE (and we're talking pure passion down to my toes) Dolmas and my own recipe for humus. I also have a passion for Slovaki and greek olives. Yummmm....
Thanks, Shadow - Look forward to that recipe - You meet Hasani in The Gladiator Prince coming out in August. Thane is gorgeous, but when I added a foil for his affection for Phaedra, Hasani was born. He HAS to have his own book, so I'm studying up on ancient pirates right now! :o)
I agree, Donna - Used to watch it religiously, but been too busy lately ~sigh~ I'll get caught up though! :o)
Hi Minnette!
I'm half cambodian, half canadian and my family recipe is spring rolls! We make them at every occasion : Christmas, birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving... My father is the one who prepare the filling (pork, shrimps, carrots, cabbage, ginger, garlic, mushrooms, soy sauce...). My sister, my mother and I assemble the rolls. Then, my brother and my husband can fry them. It takes some time, but it's totally worth it!
Kanya
kanyachhetATyahooDOTca
Oh, man, Kanya! You are making me soooo hungry. One of my favorite things in the world! ~sigh~
Oh i cant wait to read those Minnette! All of your books are on my wishlist. :)
No Bake Cookies
1 1/2 cups of milk
2 cups of sugar
1/3 cup of coco
1/3 cup of butter
3 cups of oatmeal
1 1/2 cups of peanut butter
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
Step 1: In a sauce pan, combine milk, sugar, coco and butter. Turn the heat up on high and boil for one minute. Then take off heat.
Step 2: Mix in vanilla extract and peanut butter. Keep stiring until all of the peanut butter is melted and mixed with the chocolate from step one. (You might have to put the pan back on the burner to help melt the peanut butter. Thats ok, just dont leave it on for to long.) Then poor in oatmeal and stir until everythings mixed good. Sometimes the consistancy is runny, just add more oatmeal. I do!
Step 3: You can set out wax paper and drop spoon fulls of the cookie on there or you can just poor them into a cake pan and cut them as you go. (I do the cake pan, its easier and less of a hassle)
Step 4: Once you decide to put the cookies on wax paper or in a cake pan, put them in the fridge for about an hour until cold. Then eat and enjoy!
I hope thats not confusing!
Yum, Shadow! I am so trying these this WE! :o)
i hope you enjoy them! i love em!
the no bake cookies, I have made them for over 25 years...MMMMmmmMMM are the good and SOOO easy !!
kym
lol they are easy and yummy! i always made them and brought them to school. they were a big hit! whenever it came to a party, i was automatically assigned to bring them in. :)
Great interview!
shygrumpychica1@hotmail.com
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