Make Your Fiction Meaningful and Chocolate Ritzy Butter Patties

Where Are You Going With Your Writing?

In the past, I may have been reading too much "women's lit-rah-tyer" and "oh god, wasn't it awful"memoirs; but when I recently read two best-selling novels, I was surprised at the subject matter. Current events. World events. Political events. Financial events.

Though the topics were spun in the sugar of sex and violence, I have a feeling the authors were serious about their subjects and were giving them a palatable coating to entice some of us mental lightweights to read the books and maybe begin thinking about and understanding some unpleasant realities. (Note: Now that I have finished the second book, I'm not so sure about my above statement.)

James Patterson, know for his Alex Cross detective series character, as well as his Women's Murder Club series, in his recent book, Cross Country, takes us with Alex Cross on a murderer's trail that leads from Washington, DC to Nigeria where, through the eyes of this character we know and trust, we see the horror of corruption, refugee camps, and young boys trained into killers . It's a novel, right? Exaggerated for effect, right? Yet, maybe not so far off from what is really happening there, seemingly overlooked by the United States and other countries.

Now I am reading One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell. When my library request for it was filled, I looked at the cover and wondered why on earth I had requested this book. When I read the dust cover author bio I was even more puzzled. Candace Bushnell is the author of Sex and the City. I have neither read the book, seen the TV show or the movie. Likewise for her book and TV series, Lipstick Jungle. Nevertheless, I began reading. Ah, now we are in the world of wealthy New York co-op owners, Hamptons weekenders, shoes-collecting-entitlement-demanding-plastic-surgery-perfected-twenty-somethings, and -- best of all (she said sarcastically) -- a genius mathematician hedge fund manager who purchases part of the stock exchange in China. Having finished the book yesterday, I can say I think I have never read a book with such a cast of unlikeable characters. I'm wondering how I am going to make what I thought was my point about writers shining a light on the ills of the world. If there is anyone who is not already fed up with the super rich and super sexed and super excessive, reading this book should take care of that. And that, I guess, was my point. The author has so clearly drawn, and exaggerated, the acquisitive nature of our recent past, that any wannabes surely must see how shallow and morally corrupt that way of life is, instead of wanting to emulate it. Or -- maybe not. The reviews of this book mentioned only that it was "entertaining."

Here's the point: you, like these two authors, can add an extra dimension to your novel by bringing in a social aspect. Create a compelling story and interesting characters propelled by social or world events and you have a potential best seller. It doesn't have to be brutality and sex. Think Grapes of Wrath or To Kill a Mockingbird. Ask yourself, what it is you care about, what riles your righteous indignation? Include that in your writing and readers will be unable to put down a book you have written.

And -- if you create the following recipe, you won't be able to put these yummy little morsels down either -- Chocolate Ritzy Butter Patties.

This recipe comes from Terri Lynn, an excellent cook. However, these little gems were given to Terry Lynn during the holidays. She plans to include them in the gift bag of goodies she gives next year. (Thank goodness I'm on Terry Lynn's gift list.) She didn't know what they are called so let's just name them Chocolate Ritzy Butter Patties.

Chocolate Ritzy Butter Patties

Spread a generous amount of peanut butter between two Ritz crackers. Dip into melted almond bark chocolate (not the white kind). Place on wire racks or waxed paper to harden. Repeat for as many Ritzy Patties as you need/want. Store in airtight container. Will keep for three weeks (unless, of course, you eat them before then).

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You are at the Angel In Your Inkwell blog. For specific tips, resources, and information for writers, go to my website: http://www.angelinyourinkwell.com/

The website is updated the first of every month.

The blog is updated the first of every week.

Stop -- Do Something New and Crock Pot Chocolate Cake

A few days ago, a woman called to register for the Beginning Life Story Writing class. She said she is not a writer but is excited about trying it. She went on to say that a few years ago she resolved to try something new every year. Even though we were on the phone and she couldn't see me, I found myself nodding and saying, "Yes, yes, how nice."

She enthusiastically began listing things she had done. "Last year, I had a knee replacement."

Hm. Not what I was expecting to hear.

"And the year before that I took an art class at the Art Institute. Oh, those young people were so nice, and I learned a lot. Now I think I'll try writing. My name is Mary -- so you can remember me when I come."

The week before my conversation with Mary, another woman called. She asked, "What do you do in the class? How much time does it take? What do you cover? How many people are in the class? Do I have to have that workbook?" Then she concluded by saying, "Maybe I'll come and just sit in the first meeting and see if I like it."

I laughed and suggested she call the registration office (City of Mission is sponsoring the class) and see what their policy is on allowing unpaid attendance.

Believe me -- I lunderstand her urge to avoid the unexpected. I love a rut. Give me routine. Give me the expected. Then I am happy. And I'm not a follower of Oprah's message about every experience having a wonderfully enlightening "lesson" for us. But the two conversations definitely gave me something to think about. What if we looked at every event, no matter how good or bad, even a knee replacement, as trying something new?

Highway closed? It's an opportunity to try a new route. Doctor retires? Try a new doctor. The ice cream shop is out of mocha fudge? Try peppermint. Okay, those are the easy ones. What if your events are more serious? Like Mary's knee replacement? What if your whole comfortable way of life suddenly changes? I guess a person could try to apply Mary's philosophy. Hey, I'll try something new. Recently I read a newspaper article about a woman I had met several years ago, at a time when she seemed to have a perfect life: big, beautiful house, successful husband, nice children, a little part-time graphic arts business. Then one day the perfect husband of twenty years abruptly chose to leave the family. I heard from friends that she was devastated, but what did she do? She tried something new and today she has several successful books and websites. I admire her. I admire the Marys of the world. Would I have their courage and the strength? I don't know. But I do know I'll remember Mary's plan: I'll try something new this year.

You know -- it doesn't have to be something huge. It could be just this week's recipe.

Crock Pot Chocolate Fudge Cake from Alissa who received it from a co-worker. Note serving instructions -- you have to love a cake that is served by "spooning" it into a bowl.

1 pkg. plain devil's food cake mix
1 pkg. milk chocolate or chocolate instant pudding

16 oz. container sour cream
4 large eggs

3/4 cup vegetable oil

2 t. pure vanilla extract

1 cup water

1 16 oz. pkg semisweet chocolate chips

vegetable oil cooking spray

Put first six ingredients in large mixing bowl. Add the water. Beat with electric mixer on low until blended - 30 seconds. Scrape down side of bowl. Increase speed and mix until well blended - 2 minutes. Fold in chocolate chips.

Spray bottom of Crock Pot with cooking spray (or use a plastic liner). Pour in batter and cook the cake until it begins to pull away from the side of the cooker (31/2 hours on high or 6 1/2 hours on low). May take less time. Spoon the warm cake into bowls and serve with ice cream. Serves 12 happy people. Enjoy!

Scroll down to see the title of this month's favorite book and for links to other blogs you might like.

You are at the Angel In Your Inkwell blog.
For specific tips, resources, and information for writers, go to my website: http://www.angelinyourinkwell.com/

The website is updated the first of every month.

The blog is updated the first of every week.

Too Much of a Good Thing and Chocolate Devil Bars

Hi Friends in Chocolate and Writing and Whatever else Strikes Us At the Moment,

I have a new camera (a gift from my gentleman friend), and it is way smarter than I am; but here is my first shot with it.

Since our last recipe, posted lo so long ago, was "Barking" Crackers, it reminded me:
This week our thoughts are on our doggie friend, Colby, a sweet mutt (excuse me Colby) from a shelter. He woke last Thursday unable to stand on his front legs. The vet checked him out and found no problems. No tick bites. He receives tick medication regularly. Now his People are waiting to get him in to the doggie neurologist next week. Meanwhile, Colby and People are uncomfortable and anxious, but they are keeping me posted on any progress.

And since the draft of this blog post was started, lo so long ago, I am happy to report that Colby has made an (almost) complete recovery.

Now, back to the Barking Chocolate recipe. Beckyy wrote from Texas that it is a familiar favorite in her area. Leslie wrote that the recipe also can be made with Matzo crackers. And, Rachel said she served the Barking Chocolate and the Ice Cream Cake for the 4th. And, best of all, she sent along an easy recipe of her own to share with us. Thanks, Rachel.

I hope you have been as lazy as I this summer. But, with the help of our wonderful, cool weather, I am feeling ready for fall life story classes. Registration is open.

A Beginning Life Story Writing Class will meet at the Powell Community Center in Mission, Kansas on Tuesdays, from Oct. 7 - Nov. 11, 9:30 - 11:30 am. The center is at 6200 Martway, near 68th & Lamar. Fee is about $50 and includes a workbook. This is sponsored by the City of Mission Parks & Rec so call them to register: 913-722-8228.

And -- big news -- there will be an Advanced Life Story Writing Group, open to anyone who has taken one of my life story writing classes in the past. In this advanced group we will have more writing time and more sharing time. The advanced group will meet at Lenexa United Methodist Church on Thursdays, from Sept. 25 - Nov. 13, 10 - 11:30 am. The church is at 91st Terrace, 2 blocks east of Pflumm in Lenexa. It is just north of Old Downtown Lenexa. Fee is $40. Pay at first meeting. E-mail or call me, 913-681-1168, to register.

Life story writers (actually, all writers) often ask about including uncomfortable or excessive detail. I suggest they imagine a conversation with a casual friend. How much would you tell that casual friend?Well, I had not taken into account the likes of Paula Deen, the popular restaurant owner, cookbook author, and cooking show host. I have been zipping through her co-authored memoir, It Ain't All About the Cookin. Talk about TMI: Too Much Information! I absolutely could have done without the description of bird poop and roaches in her house. (Uh-oh, did I just give TMI too? Yes? Guilty.) And I could have done without the image of her and her husband lying in bed nude chatting. (I can't quit.) She excuses it by saying "I promised ya'll the truth." To which I reply, "Please, spare me."

As I always say, everything in writing is on a spectrum. Choose your place on the spectrum. If you feel uncomfortable, you've gone too far. If you feel bored, you haven't gone far enough. Paula Deen is definitely true to her persona, way out there at one extreme edge of the spectrum. You can find a place comfortable for yourself.

And now --

Chocolate Devil Bars (Rachel says that name appeals to her...)

BASE
1 pkg Devil's Food Cake Mix
1/2 c quick-cooking rolled oats
1/3 c butter, softened
1 egg
FILLING
1 can chocolate Ready-to-Spread frosting in a can
8 oz. pkg cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1/2 c chopped nuts
powdered sugar
Heat oven to 350. Grease and flour 13x9: pan. In large bowl, combine all BASE ingredients at low speed until crumbly; press in prepared pan. In small bowl, combine frosting, cream cheese and egg at low speed until well blended; beat at highest speed until smooth. Stir in nuts; spread over BASE. Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes or until firm. Cool completely. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into bars. 36 bars.

So You Want to Write a Book 8,9,10 and Weird Chocolate Recipe

Good Afternoon Greetings,

What did you do this weekend? (I started this on Monday. Got sidetracked.) Something to write about? I'll bet you did. Think about it. Can you remember last weekend? If not, just make up something and write about that.

Saturday I visited Holy Trinity Orthodox Church where I spoke to a small group about Five Fun Ways to Write Your Life Story. From what my friend, Betty, told me, and from the church website, I learned the following: Holy Trinity Orthodox Church was settled in 1917 by Russian immigrants in the Kansas City, Kansas neighborhood known as Russian Hill. Over the last 85 years, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church has grown from a small Russian-speaking parish to one whose members are primarily American-born, English-speaking converts to Orthodoxy. The growth of the parish mandated the sale of the small Russian Hill church, and a much larger temple was built a few years ago in Overland Park, Kansas at 119th Street and Pflumm Road.

This history is wonderfully documented in photographs lining a downstairs hallway. The heading over the photo collection perfectly captured our mission in exploring life story. The heading read: Respecting the Past . . . Embracing the Future.

Thank you Betty and the women and men of the church who were such a a warm and interested audience Saturday.

Now, let me ask you -- Are you tired of this dragging on? Let's do it! Here are the last three items on the Ten Things You Need to Know if You Want to Write/Publish a Book:

8. How is your book unlike other books in its category? Show how your book is even better than other similar books and will be even more successful and fits a more compelling need. (Remember -- Number 7 was how is your book like other books in its category.)
9. How many chapters/sections/divisions will your book have? Is it long enough to be a book? Do all the chapters stick closely to the subject?
10. How are you uniquely qualified to write this book? Don’t worry if you don’t have an advanced college degree or publishing credits. If you are writing about how you were mother to a handicapped child who lived 22 years longer than doctors predicted, who better than you to write about such a subject? If you are writing your life as you are living with Stage IV cancer, who better than you to write about it? Your life experience qualifies you. If necessary, you can hire someone to help you with the mechanics. Publishers are looking for compelling stories told by the people who lived them.

Our chocolate recipe for today was found under the heading of weird desserts. Actually, it is only the name that is weird -- Barking Crackers. Let's change it to Chocolate Bark Crackers or better yet, Chocolate Toffee Crackers. (You know my love of all things toffee.)

Anyway, this recipe is from Carroll Pellegrinelli, the dessert authority at About.com. When I read it, I realized I had tasted this a couple of years ago at a party. I think it was this recipe. I kept asking, "What is this? What is this?" Everyone else seemed to know and had the recipe so all I got was that it was "Oh, it's that cracker toffee." Salt, chocolate, crunch, nuts. This recipe has it all.

Barking Crackers

40 (plus) soda crackers

1 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar, packed

12 ounce package (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup finely chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a jell roll (15 x 10-inch with sides) pan with foil and grease lightly. Completely line pan with crackers. Boil butter and brown sugar for 3 minutes. Stir constantly. Pour mixture over crackers. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven. Sprinkle chips over pan. Let chips soften so they can be evenly spread. Spread nuts over top. Refrigerate for 1 hour and then break apart into bite-sized pieces. Store in refrigerator.

If you would like to schedule Five Fun Ways to Write Your Life Story for your group, contact me at: carol@angelinyourinkwell.com. Scheduling now for fall.

Meanwhile, find writing tips and other fun stuff at my website -- (updated monthly) www.angelinyourinkwell.com

Help a Fellow Artist - Eat Ice Cream Cake

Dear Friends,



If you are an artist of any kind, imagine your work floating in water. That's the situation for some Iowa artists. Jane, an oral historian of Iowa women artists, tells us how we can help. I have copy/pasted a message from her below. Don't worry. It's not all bad news. We can still indulge in chocolate -- and ice cream. Recipe at bottom. It's summertime after all.



(1) In cooperation with the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Legion Arts has established an Iowa Artist Relief Fund. This fund will provide support to individual artists who have lost studios and tools, equipment and musical instruments, canvases and manuscripts, photos and archives, even their homes, as a result of the flooding. For more information on giving to this fund, and to check on future information on applying for help: http://www.legionarts.org/

(2) Have you or do you know of a professional craft artist who has experienced a recent, career-threatening emergency? You or your friend may be eligible for Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) assistance. CERF emergency relief assistance includes small grants, no-interest loans, access to resources, waivers and discounts on booth fees, and donations of craft supplies and equipment. If you need help: http://craftemergency.org/programs/relief/ To contribute to the fund: http://craftemergency.org/support/contribute/



Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Cake (or Pie) Wow! This recipe has it all!



1 (18 ounce)package small chocolate chip cookies

1/4 cup margarine (my theory is -- use butter)

1 cup hot fudge topping

2 quarts vanilla ice cream (hm, I might go for chocolate -- all the way.)

1 cup whipped cream

12 cherries



Crush half the cookies (the recipe says about 20) to make crumbs. Combine crumbs and melted margarine and press into bottom of 9-inch springform pan or pie plate. Stand remaining cookies around edge of pan. Spread 3/4 cup fudge topping over crust. Freeze 15 minutes.


Meanwhile, soften 1 quart of ice cream. After crust has chilled, spread softened ice cream over fudge layer. Freeze 30 minutes.


Scoop remaining quart of ice cream into balls and arrange over spread ice cream layer. Freeze until firm, 4 hours or overnight. To serve, garnish with remainder of fudge topping, whipped cream and cherries.

OR -- put some crushed cookies, ice cream and fudge sauce in a bowl, top with cherry and eat it standing at the kitchen sink or while watching Oprah.

Find Writing Tips, Writing Prompts, Life Story Writing FAQ, Resources and Fun Stuff for Writers at http://www.angelinyourinkwell.com/. Updated monthly. Except I might take a break in July.


And -- scroll way, way down to the bottom to find links to other blogs. Maybe. I'm trying.