September 2003, Issue No. 8


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HURRICANE ISABEL'S VISIT

I am so happy that my two young children are back in school, which means I can get back to my writing full time. Of course, the arrival of Hurricane Isabel put a damper on everyone’s plans. We weathered the storm better than most in the D.C. area. Our electricity went off for only a short while, but many area residents were out of power for more than a week.

My eight and ten year-old children were frightened by the TV’s reports on the pending hurricane, but happy when the schools closed. We kept them busy reading, playing family games and offering our reassurances that no tidal waves would reach us. The winds gusted up to 60 mph but, fortunately, after they were asleep. The following morning, after the storm passed, the kids, my hubby and I cleared away fallen tree limbs, and hubby even had to cut tree limbs that threatened to rip out the electrical wires that lead to our home.

We went to the grocery store to pick up a few items. (Like, how could I forget to buy toilet paper? Duh!) Many roads were blocked by fallen trees or electrical wires and most of the local stores were closed. Our local Safeway boasted, using a cardboard sign, “Yes, we’re open!” We entered and immediately noticed the dimmed lights and the empty shelves that usually housed perishables, like meat and dairy products— not to mention frozen foods. The food, we learned, was stored in refrigerated trucks out back.

My hubby took me out to dinner in nearby D.C. on Saturday night to celebrate my birthday. What a trek and the drive through the streets was eerie. More than half of the homes and businesses had no electricity. Crowds of people flocked around the few restaurants that were open, waiting patiently to get a table. No doubt many of these families had no electricity or water in their homes. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for them not being able to cook a meal, let alone wash clothes or keep up with the news.

One thing I learned from this experience: if you purchase food to prepare for an emergency, don’t buy frozen food. If the electricity goes out, so will your fridge. Those without electricity eventually had to toss their frozen items. The smart ones bought canned food, bottled water and lots of batteries for their flashlights. Some even purchased those inexpensive 5” black and white TVs that run on batteries. I have one, believe me, and it comes in handy—especially when you have small children.

The hurricane affected everyone who lived on the East Coast in one way or another. I count my blessings daily. My family’s safe, and that’s what matters. I hope that all of my dear friends, like you, are safe and sound. My thoughts are with you.

*** SPECIAL HOLIDAY CONTEST***

The holidays are fast-approaching, and so is my latest contest. This time, the lucky winner will receive a Holiday Gift Basket! I’ve already selected some wonderful items for the basket, including a hand-made (by yours truly) cloth-covered notebook for your personal jottings, candles, chocolate and other special treats, all designed for one lucky winner!

To enter, simply send me your name and address via E-mail (RomRiter@aol.com) or regular mail (P.O. Box 551, Glen Echo, MD 20812-0551). Be sure to put “Contest” in the subject of your E-mail or on the envelope. The deadline to enter is December 15th, so enter soon!

Purchase FIERY SURRENDER or SHADOW OF DOUBT between now and the December 15th deadline date and you’ll automatically be entered to win! Remember, books make great holiday gifts!

ADOPTION INTERVIEW...

As you may know, I was a featured guest on the online radio show, “Let’s Talk Adoption.” The show is archived at: http://www.letstalkadoption.com/. Just click on the "Archive" and it'll lead you to the interview.


GOTTA WRITE NETWORK ONLINE UPDATE...

I’ve been busy amassing more historical links and author interviews for my Historical Editor columns at Gotta Write Network. New author interviews include Elizabeth Holcombe and multi-published award-wining Susan King. To view them, go to Gotta Write Network (http://www.gottawritenetwork.com/), and then click on “Genre,” then “Historical.” My upcoming interviews include Thea Devine, “The Queen of Erotic Romance” (Romantic Times) and “…the divine mistress of sensual writing…” (Affaire de Coeur).


"SUSPENSEFUL TALE"...

SHADOW OF DOUBT continues to get wonderful reviews. I have Kathy Thomason, of the Murder and Mayhem Bookclub, to thank for the following:

“Cat Madoc, despite having a rocky relationship with her older sister Jennifer, feels nevertheless obligated to return to their family home in California and handle the details of her estate after Jennifer unexpectedly commits suicide. Cat has trouble believing that her self-centered sister, on the verge of marrying a wealthy older man, would commit suicide. But when she arrives, the detective in charge of her sister’s case doesn’t seem totally convinced that Jennifer committed suicide, and her old friend Tom, also the family attorney, has his doubts as well. When Tom has to go out of town shortly after Cat’s arrival, he asks Derek Driscoll, Jennifer’s dark, brooding next door neighbor, to keep an eye on Cat. Derek readily agrees, since he also believes that Jennifer was murdered and he fears that Cat’s life may be in danger as well. And when he finds himself falling in love with Cat, it becomes even more imperative to find Jen’s killer, especially when an attempt is made on Cat’s life. … Linda Morelli has written a suspenseful tale of romance, betrayal, greed and complex family relations that will appeal to not only the romance fan, but to the mystery fan as well.”

The complete review can be seen on their site: http://www.murderandmayhembookclub.com/shad_d.html


APPEARANCES AND BOOKSIGNINGS

I attended Romance Writers of America’s Annual Conference in New York City this past July, and autographed books at RWA's “Readers for Life” Literary book signing, which was a huge success. RWA offered so many wonderful workshops during the conference that I had a hard time choosing which to attend. I was definitely at the one given by my friend, Cathy Maxwell, since I had the delightful privilege of introducing her to the attendees. I met some wonderful authors, many of whom I will interview in future columns at GWN, and also finally got to meet members of ESPAN, a chapter of RWA to which I belong. It was great to finally put faces to names. Oh, and I’m so very proud of all WRW members and close friends who won the RITA and Golden Heart awards.

Of course, Hurricane Isabel meant the cancellation of many area events, including my scheduled signings at several local bookstores, as well as George Mason University’s 2003 Festival of Books on September 20th. Here’s what I have scheduled thus far through December 2003:

Saturday & Sunday, October 11-12, 2003
West Virginia Book Festival
Civic Center, 200 Civic Center Drive, Charleston, WV 25301. Phone: (304) 343-4646 (Library); (304) 345-7469 (Civic Center) Website: http://www.wvhumanities.org/bookfest/bookfest2.htm

Saturday, December 13, 2003 (afternoon-Time TBA)
Cockeysville Library
9833 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville, MD 21030
(410) 887-7750

I hope to see you there! And if you can’t attend, you can always order an autographed book directly from me. Just write me c/o P.O. Box 551, Glen Echo, MD 20812-0551, or email me: RomRiter@aol.com.


RECIPE CORNER...

Don’t toss out those pumpkin seeds from your cut Halloween Jack-o-Lanterns! Separate the seeds from the “meat,” then make this delightful treat. (I use a colander to rinse the seeds, pat them dry with a paper towel, then use olive oil -- it’s healthier than butter.)

ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS (1-1/2 cups or 6 servings)

1-1/2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds
1 teaspoons olive oil or butter
Salt (or your favorite seasoning salt) to taste

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F
2. Toss seeds in a bowl with the olive oil or butter.
3. Sprinkle lightly with salt or seasoning.
4. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Remove and, once cooled, store in a container.

From my experience, however, they don’t last that long, and I'm one of the biggest culprits. Fortunately, I understand pumpkin seeds are good for you. :-)


I hope you enjoyed this newsletter. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to write me. I’d love to hear from you!

Don’t’ forget to visit my website for the latest news, events and signings: www.lindamorelli.us

Until next time...

All the best!

Linda Morelli
RomRiter@aol.com