Linda Morelli
P. O. Box 551
Glen Echo, MD 20812-0551
RomRiter@aol.com
www.lindamorelli.us

New Years Resolutions…

I don’t believe in them. I used to, but as the years pass by, I’ve learned that they’re hard to keep.

For instance, I made a resolution to do spring cleaning a little early this year. Being a writer means that I often avoid the little dust bunnies that flit across our wooden floors until they multiply into the millions, and the children’s fingerprints start looking like artwork on our walls. I had every intention of tackling these jobs, but a new gas stove and dishwasher got in the way. The ones that came with our house were at least ten years old when we bought the house in ’92. It was near impossible to set the stove’s temperature, but I could handle it, but when I baked cookies for Christmas gifts, and they took 30 minutes instead of 20, I figured the stove had seen better days. And just because the springs to our dishwasher broke wasn’t a good reason to buy a new one. After all, I was building up my arm muscles lowering and raising it, right? But the inside racks started rusting. When my hubby and I realized how much it would cost to replace them, well, you can guess what happened. We hit the January appliance sales.

Okay, so now we have a new stove and dishwasher coming. So, instead of spring cleaning, I ended up helped prepare the kitchen for the new arrivals. While hubby painted, I stripped off the old caulk along the counters and wall, and re-caulked. Well, one look at our kitchen floor and, well, by the time I was done, I was pooped decided to wait until spring to fulfill my foolish resolution. After all, the dust bunnies are having a blast flittering across our wooden floors. Why spoil their fun?

Then again, there’s that popular after the holidays, “I resolve to loose weight.” Sure I’ve been exercising and even dieting, and lost three pounds, but the flab has turned into muscle. So I’m not going to make any resolutions about losing weight. And I certainly won’t go into the effects of gravity.

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Latest Contest

Congratulations to the lucky winner of my Holiday Gift Basket, Sherri Myers of Strasburg, PA. She wrote to thank me and I just had to share her note:

“I love your basket. So many neat little things were included. My 19 year old was thrilled too and couldn't believe how many things you had packed in there. I love the handmade journal and will make use of that for sure! I can't imagine the time you had just in getting all of those things together, and wanted to let you know I appreciate your thoughtfulness….” She later wrote back and added, “Hubby said the chocolate candy was yummy. :) Little girl is blowing bubbles, I'm using my journal, you get the picture. Very useful and much enjoyed.”

Congratulations also goes to Jeanette Bowman of Lehighton, PA, who won my Holiday Basket in the NUW (Not the Usual Way) 3rd Annual Christmas contest.

I’m having so much fun with these contests that I’ve decided to have another, this time for a “Valentine’s Romance” basket. To enter, simply send me your name and address via E-mail or regular mail. Be sure to put “Contest” in the subject of your E-mail or on the envelope. The deadline to enter is March 30th, so enter soon!

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Gotta Write Network Online Update…

My latest author interview is with Glenda Garland, whose premiere historical romance A Slight Change of Plan was released by Zebra this past November. Soon to appear on GWN are my interviews with Gail Martin and Kate Dolan. My latest links include the ancient world, history of sex and contraception, and links to “how to write sensual scenes. To view them, go to http://www.gottawritenetwork.com/, click on “Genre” and then “Historical.”

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“What a great book!”

That’s what Alane Coppinger, a review for Romance Junkies.com, said of SHADOW OF DOUBT. Here’s her review:

“What a great book! I didn’t know who to trust, who to suspect, or who would be revealed as the murderer. There is a great deal of depth to all of the characters. Cat and Derek are both shaped even more than they realize by the people in their lives and events in their pasts. The plot is complex, well thought out and beautifully executed. There are plenty of supporting characters to keep Cat and Derek’s lives interesting if not always safe, and keep the reader guessing! SHADOW OF DOUBT is an excellent novel with a perfect balance of romance and suspense.”

View the full review at: http://www.romancejunkies.com/artman/publish/article_1003.shtml

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“Romantic Mystery Offers Literary Elements, Sound Psychology”

And interview comes from a wonderful, multi-talented author and lecturer, Carolyn Howard-Johnson, whom I will soon interview for Gotta Write Network Online.

"Here is a modern mystery with enough sexual anticipation to please the most avid reader of romances and enough sound writing to please readers who prefer more in their reading fare….I have read romances that occupy space on the New York Times Best Seller list that are no better than Morelli’s newest novel."

To view the full review, please see: http://www.wordmuseum.com/romance-suspense.html#sod

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Appearances and Book Signings

Charleston WV Book Festival, October 12-13, 2003
I had a great time at this two-day event, held at the Civic Auditorium in Charleston. A good friend and author, Sherri Neilsen, convinced me to go and I am so glad I did. I met some wonderful authors, including Robert W. Clinger, Douglas Boren, and Chris Atkins. I also spoke to many wonderful readers and some booksellers, including Michael Sublette from Frog Creek Books, located at the Capitol "Farmer's" Market.

My husband and our two young joined me and, the first evening, we dined at Chef Dan's, where we listened to some wonderful jazz and enjoyed some of the best Italian food I've ever tried (and being married to an Italian-Frenchman, that’s saying something). If you ever get to Charleston, Chef Dan's is a “don't miss” restaurant!

You can see some photos of the event on my new “News & Photos” site at: http://members.aol.com/romriter/News.html.

December 13th signing at Cockeysville Library

I had fun on this Saturday, signing books with fellow authors Robin Bayne, Jack Bludis, Kate Dolan, Cecelia Dowdy, Michelle Monkou, Candice Poarch, Mary Jo Putney and Mia Zachary. I also made new friends with authors Ann Knoll and Louise Titchener.

June 4-6, 2004 at Shepherd College, Shepherdstown, WV

My next scheduled event will be held at Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, from Friday, June 4th through Sunday, June 6th, where I will speak on several panels regarding editing and writing. I will also do a reading from my award-winning romantic suspense/mystery, SHADOW OF DOUBT, as well as sign books with fellow authors who include Mary Jo Putney and Nora Roberts. More information will be provided later as additional speakers and authors are firmed up.

I am also in the process of lining up future signings at area bookstores as well.

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Latest News

I’m thrilled to say that SHADOW OF DOUBT and FIERY SURRENDER are now available for purchase online through Amazon.com’s main book store. They are already available online through B&N.com. Check it out!

When my publisher, Port Town Publishing, first published my book, FIERY SURRENDER, it was considered a small publisher. Its theme remains, “Quality books for quality readers at affordable prices.” Now, it has grown to become a medium-sized publisher whose inventory of books encompasses virtually every genre. The big news is that all PTP titles will soon be available through a major book distributor – Ingram! What does distribution of my books through a major distributor like Ingram mean? More book signings!

One of the problems I’ve had lining up signings is that the major book store chains, like Walden’s and Barnes & Noble, require authors’ books be available through a major distributor. That way, they can order the books directly. Now that my romance novels will be available for order from Ingram, more bookstores will be willing to host my author signings, and I’ll be contacting the local stores at the end of the month.

I’ve also been busy working on a contemporary mystery/romance and a time-travel romance, as well as my non-fiction book about adopting children from abroad.

And, as always, I’m keeping up with my two youngest children. My daughter has joined the Girl Scouts and has been busy going on trips, one camping and one a tour of the White House, as well as selling cookies. (I have to admit, I ordered a dozen boxes of my favorites.) She still plays basketball in a league. My young son just turned nine, and is still enjoying his ballet classes.

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SHADOW OF DOUBT wins as a Best Contemporary Long Finalist in Affaire de Coeur's 2003 Internet Reader/Writer Poll!

This came as a complete surprise to me, because I wasn’t even aware that SHADOW was entered. I wouldn't have known about being runner up for first place if my dear friend, romance author Michelle Monkou (a wonderful writer!), had not sent me an email this past October to alert me. Among the other finalists are authors Susan Wiggs, Donna Kauffman, Bertrice Small, Hope Tarr, Janet Elaine Smith, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Patricia Potter, Kristie Leigh McGuire, and even Nora Roberts!

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SHADOW OF DOUBT is a winner in the Romantic Suspense category in the 2003 Laurel Wreath Awards!

I learned about this third place win in November and have been in seventh-heaven ever since. This makes the second contest in which SHADOW has won, the first being the 2003 Write Touch Readers’ Awards.

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Recipe Corner…

This is a family favorite, one which is often requested by guests as well. Be prepared, however, to have guests wear comfortable, old clothing, for they’ll use their fingers to eat this scrumptious meal. This can be cooked in a pot large enough to hold two chickens, side by side, or a large electric skillet.

Moroccan Chicken (Serves 8)

2 whole stewing chickens – 3 to 4 pounds each, skin removed
¼ cup olive oil
1 cup water
½ stick (4 tablespoons) butter or margarine, cut into 1 tablespoon pats
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon dried saffron threads (or turmeric)
½ teaspoon salt
3 cloves garlic
2 medium yellow onions
Grated rind of 1 lemon
24 almond-stuffed or plain green olives

1. Place whole chickens in a pot large enough to set them side by side.
2. Pour ¼ cup olive oil over the chickens.
3. Pour 1 cup water in the side of the pot.
4. Dot chicken with four one-tablespoon pats of butter.
5. Sprinkle ginger, saffron (or turmeric) and salt over chicken.
6. Cut off both ends of garlic cloves, and gently crush each clove with the side of a large knife. Remove skin and add to pot.
7. Cut off both ends of onions, remove yellow skin, and add to pot.
8. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat.
9. Using a baster or brush, baste chickens.
10. Cover and reduce heat to low-medium, and cook for 1 hour or until tender, basting every 15-20 minutes.
11. When done, uncover and add olives.
12. Simmer an additional 3-4 minutes on low-medium heat.

You can test for doneness by pinching a small piece of breast meat. If it pulls away easily, the chicken is done.

To serve, place chickens in a large serving bowl. Add the liquid and olives from the pot. Then, invite diners to reach from the platter with fingers or using pieces of slightly warmed pita bread.

My family loves to use pita bread, but they always ask me to make my home-made hummus as well to go with the above meal. You can buy hummus ready-made, but if you feel adventurous, here’s my own special recipe. This dish also makes a great appetizer:

Hummus (about 2 cups)

One 16-ounce can chickpeas, drained
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons Tahini (sesame butter)
2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon olive oil

1. Drain and rinse well the chickpeas in a colander.
2. Place chickpeas in a food process or blender, and add the lemon juice, Tahini, garlic and salt.
3. Puree until smooth, then add the olive oil and, if you prefer, add a little water for a smoother consistency.

You can garnish the hummus with paprika and some fresh parsley, if you wish. Serve with pita bread heated to desired crispness. Or, if you like, purchase pita chips from your local grocery store.

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Question or comments? I hope you enjoyed this newsletter. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to write me c/o my post office:

Linda Morelli
P.O. Box 551
Glen Echo, MD 20812-0551

Or by Email: RomRiter@aol.com. I’d love to hear from you!

And please be sure to visit my website at www.lindamorelli.us for my latest news, contest, events and signings.

Until next time, all the best!

Linda Morelli