Friday Random

Random Memorial Fun of the Week: Horse back riding. Much more cheerful than some of the other activities available. The kids had a blast. And I found passion flowers growing wild. That has to be a good omen, right?








Random Writing Progress of the Week: I'm almost done with chapter 22. I have 13 scenes left on my outline which will make, roughly, 7 chapters. Maybe a few more, maybe a few less. I make outlines but I tend to throw them out the window half-way through when I come up with a "better" scene.

This is version 2.5 of Under a Dark Star. Some of the chapters I've written ten times or more, some of the scenes are brand new. I'm still not 100% happy with this.


Random Frustration of the Week: Is twofold...
1) I'm still not happy with the ending I have plotted for UDS. It just doesn't feel ending-ish enough. Maybe there aren't enough dead bodies. Or maybe I've been emphasizing the wrong bits of the story. Or maybe it's just the wrong ending.

I guess I need to actually let someone read the ending before I get all bent out of shape about it.

2) I had a beta-reader quite on me because "the story wasn't being written" the way they wanted it to. Okay... I have no way to interpret that. Were they bored? Did they not like my writing style? Was the story too mushy? Not mushy enough? Too violent?

I asked for some details and I'm waiting to hear back. At the end of the day I'll probably have to throw this in with my form rejections for UDS. Not everyone is going to love my writing, I understand that, I can even accept that.

There are books I don't love. There are even ones I've quit beta-reading. That doesn't mean I don't want details!

Random Recipe of the Week: Cajun Chicken Sandwiches

* cajun seasoning
* chicken breast flattened (one large chicken breast makes 2 sandwiches)
* fresh mushrooms, sliced (I like baby bellas)
* 1/2 an onion, sliced
* 1 tsp brown sugar
* olive oil or butter for sautteing
* hamburger buns
*provolone cheese (1-2 slices per sandwich)

-- Flatten chicken, dry, and rub in the Cajun seasoning to coat well
-- Heat the olive oil or butter on medium-high and cook the chicken. About 4 minutes per side.
-- Scrap down pan, add a little more olive oil, onion, and mushrooms. Heat and then add the brown sugar to help caramelize onions.
-- Stack chicken on hamburger buns, top with mushrooms and onion, finish with provolone. Melt cheese under broiler for a minute or until melted.
-- Enjoy!

This was one of those random college recipes that spawns anywhere regional chefs, hungry students, and an eclectic mix of ingredients can be found in close proximity. Feel free to play with the recipe until it suits your tastes :o)