The title of this quiz sounds like a mystery novel, doesn't it? That's what this quiz is about. See if you can put together the title of these famous detective novels. Each one has an animal's name included. Good luck! 

https://www.funtrivia.com/trivia-quiz/Literature/The-Cat-Who-Caught-the-Canary-396061.html

​I scored 5/10, what about you?
​

I love to read and that’s a given, but I try to rotate the genres of the books that I read. I try to make every other book either spiritual or inspirational, because I enjoy uplifting stories. Writing in the true crime genre can sometimes be difficult for me and I enjoy those uplifting and inspirational stories.    

What are your favorite books to read?

When I took on the project of writing, The Notorious Texas Swindler, I realized I wouldn’t have been able to write it without having such an interest in reading. I firmly believe that reading books and other materials teaches you how to write, and it prepares you for certain details to include in your story.

My editor, John, told me before I ever started writing that he wanted me to read Truman Capote’s book, In Cold Blood, because he wanted me to see the various writing styles of true crime. In Cold Blood is one of my favorite true crime books and Mr. Capote was one helluva an author, so if you haven’t read it I highly recommend it.

​So, if you’re wondering where to begin, I would recommend reading a few books by some of your favorite authors to see what they’re style of writing is and then you’ll be able to find your own style. I’m not comparing my work to Mr. Capote’s, I’m simply saying that his style of writing is what I strived to be like as far as the true crime genre is concerned.  ​

​Today I’m going to share with you all one of mine and my family’s favorite family recipes that have been passed down to me directly from my Grandpa Riley. I had no intention of ever sharing this with anyone outside of our family, but it’s too good not to share with others, so here it is. My grandpa spent years trying to perfect this recipe. My Uncle Kenneth told me that he remembered spending time with my grandpa watching him as he tried to perfect this recipe. This is my Grandpa Riley’s own version of Beef Pot Roast.  
Riley’s Pot Roast
1 Beef Pot Roast (3-5 lbs.)
1 packet of brown gravy mix
1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 packet of Lipton Onion Soup Mix
1 onion
Place pot roast in a crock pot. If you have an instant pot and would prefer to use that instead, I’m sure it will work just fine. Combine a packet of brown gravy mix, cream of mushroom soup and packet of Lipton Onion Soup mix in a cup with ½ cup of water and stir. Once the mixture is combined pour over the pot roast. Add additional water to the crock pot to cover the top of the roast and set the crock pot to cook on medium. I usually cook mine for 6 to 8 hours; halfway through cooking it, I add a chopped onion to the crock pot and let it cook until the roast is done.
 When the meat is tender and falls off the fork, then it’s done and be prepared, because it’ll be creamy. I usually make whipped mashed potatoes with mine and good luck in my household if there are any leftovers, because most of the time with this one, there’s not. It’s a real meal pleaser. You can also add carrots and other vegetables to the crock pot if you choose to, it’s up to you.
                                                                                                                                                Grandpa Riley
​What's your favorite pot roast recipe?

How do you pick your next story and know that it’s the right one for you to tell? What made you choose the genre or genres you write? Was there a story that you felt compelled to tell, or was it an exciting read you couldn’t wait to get out into the world?

I knew when I first learned about the story behind The Notorious Texas Swindler, that I was drawn to it, because it was about a family member, and I was determined to tell the parts of the story that no one else knew.

I recently just learned about another story that caught my attention and I feel the exact same way about this one that I did about Bob’s story. And if you’re wondering, no, it’s not about a family member; rather, someone who I believe will certainly feel like a family member before the book hits the press.

​So, what draws you to a story and makes you feel compelled to write about it?  ​

One of my favorite games is to play word searches! I found this one that is based on Major Crimes. https://thewordsearch.com/puzzle/2627/major-crimes/

Do you have any fun games you like to play?

​I have so many books on my TBR list, and like everybody else, I keep adding more to it.

The next big book I want to read is my second book.

​No, I haven’t written it yet and I haven’t started it, but I do have a good outline for it and a good idea of where I’m going with it. It’ll be a true crime read for sure.

How many books do you have on your TBR list?

 Am I the only one who has an office to work in, and it’s a great place to write, but instead of using it I always go to the main room of my house to work instead?

My office has everything I could possibly need, everything that is but me. I claimed the living room, mainly the area where my couch and ottoman are located. I seem to be more productive there.

​If you’re trying to find the right place to write, the best advice I can give is go where you feel the most comfortable. I’m the kind of gal who likes to be where all the action is and that is where I do most of my work. Find your space and the rest will happen.

Happy Writing Folks!

​It’s recipe Tuesday, folks and I’m going to share one with you that I got from a cousin who just threw something together and it ended up being one of the easiest and fun snacks! It’s spicy crackers and here’s the recipe.
Spicy Crackers
1 box of saltine crackers
1 ¼ c. canola oil
1 pkg. dry ranch dressing
3 tbsp. dry crushed red peppers
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. dry chives

Mix all ingredients, except the crackers, together in a bowl then pour the mixture over the crackers. Place crackers on a cookie sheet to bake in a 325 oven for 2 hours. Every 15 minutes turn crackers over so they evenly cook and don’t burn. These can be stored in an airtight container and are a great snack anytime.

Do you have a favorite snack?