Author Cindy M. Hogan: September 2011

Story Engineering by Larry Brooks- the 2nd Plot Point

Story Engineering by Larry Brooks -the 2nd plot point

Make sure you check back tomorrow...OCTOBER FUN begins...

You can still enter the banned book hop and win tons of prizes. Ends tomorrow.

Your story should now shift into resolution mode. Finally!!

This occurs at about 75% of your story.
It is when the final "chase scene" starts.
It accelerates the hero's quest as new doors open, new strategies are hatched and new risks appear with immediate rewards available. In other words, the hero learns something that takes him one step closer to the final step that will give the reader a satisfactory ending.
The reader can totally sense the ending is just around the bend.
No more revelations can be given.
The hero has everything he needs to end it.
It is the lull before the storm, where it appears all hope is lost.

Can you pinpoint your 2nd Plot Point?

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys- A Review

What I'm reading Between Shades of Gray
Review below.
Enter the Banned Book hop for a chance to win tons of Prizes here.

15 year old Lina is living a life she loves when the Soviet secret police come and take her, her mother and brother away from their home in Lithuania. Her father has already been taken. Delivered by cattle car to Siberia, life is suddenly very gloomy and precarious at best. The work camp threatens to destroy them. Lina fights back with her only weapen: her ability to draw, documenting their experience to the minutest detail.

This book is riveting. I listened to this book. I bawled.

While living in Germany and on subsequent visits, I develped empathy for those involved in the horrors of WWI and II. This story highlights a side of the horror I'd never really known or understood. I do now. This story is well written and evokes a high level of emotion.

Everyone should read this book. Despite its graphic nature (it is not graphic in an irreverant way), I suggest all kids read this in junior high. It will open their eyes, not only to the brilliant life they now live, but to the cruelty that exists and must be fought-even today.

Chicken Egg Rolls

The Eats by Cindy Chicken Egg Rolls

You still have time to win a ton of prizes on the Banned Books Week Hop. Click here to enter.

Chicken Egg Rolls

You've got to try these. They are so yummy. They also freeze nicely for lunches.

Chop one chicken breast into small pieces.
Fry in 1Tbl. sesame oil.
Add 1 minced garlic clove, 16 oz washed bean sprouts, 2 cups chopped spinach leaves, 1/2 C finely chopped green onions, and 1/2 C. finely chopped water chestnuts and cook for 3 minutes.
Combine 2 Tbl. soy sauce and 2 tsp. cornstarch. Stir into chicken mixture.
Stir in 1/2 tsp. grated ginger root, 1 tsp. sugar, and 1/4 tsp. salt.
Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool.
Place about 1/4 C cooled mixture on large wonton wrappers
Fold one corner towars the center over the filling and then fold the other corners to create an envelope.
Roll up jellyroll style.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or in a pan to 360 degrees
Deep fry the rolls for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
Drain well and serve immediately

These are fun to serve with soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce or other dipping sauces.

Happy Eating!

Banned BooKs?

Want to win a banned book? You know, a book that maybe you might read, but you wouldn't allow your daughter or son to read? Now's your chance! Not only can you enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card on this blog to get any banned book you want, but you can enter all 200+ giveaways from my friends blogs.

To qualify to WIN the $10 Amazon gift card-

You Must follow this blog.

To earn two extra entries

Follow my Watched blog here
Like my Facebook page here

Okay, there's one more thing...Leave a comment on this blog telling me what you did before Oct. 1st.

You can also win an awesome book called The Hidden Sun here

Now go enter all the other cool giveaways...

Story Engineering by Larry Brooks-Pinch Points

Here's a brief explanation of Larry's Pinch Points.
Read on for an awesome Blog hop with amazing prizes.

Plot Points

Definition: "An example or reminder, of the nature and implications of the antagonistic force, that is not filtere by the hero's experience. the reader sees for herself in a direct form."

There are two of these in the story.

The first one should be found right in the middle of part 2.

The reader needs to experience the antagonistic force of the story for herself.

The second one should be found right in the midle of part 3.

They are snacks between the big meals of the first plot point, the midpoint, and the second plot point.
This is where the reader sees that ominous force that is the antagonist in its purest, most dangerous and intimidating form. It is when the reader is reminded that that the antagonistic force is still there.

Can you find the pinch points in your story?

Welcome to the September Blog Hop! Celebrate the beginning of fall with me and my blogger friends by hopping around, visiting our sites, and entering our contests! There are no limits - you can enter the contest on every blog. With over 40 blogs participating, that's over 40 prizes you could win. Just click on the links below to move on to the next blog.

On my blog, you can win …

The Hidden Sun by J.Lloyd Morgan

Would you like to win this prize? You just need to do two things.

1. Become a follower of this blog.

2. Leave me a comment in the trail and tell me why you'd like to win this prize.

That's it! You are now entered. The contest ends on Saturday night, September 24th, at midnight MST, and the winner will be contacted shortly thereafter. Please either leave your e-mail address in the comment trail or make sure it's visible through your profile so I can contact you to tell you that you're the lucky winner.

Now go visit my other friends ...

September Blog Hop Participants

1. Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author

2. Joyce DiPastena

3. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

4. Mandi Slack

5. Michael D. Young

6. Six Mixed Reviews

7. Pam Williams

8. Laurie Lewis

9. Kristy Tate

10. Marilyn Yarbrough

11. Stacy Coles

12. Kristie Ballard

13. Lynn Parsons

14. Pushing Past the Pounds

15. Sheila Staley

16. cindy Hogan

17. Jamie Thompson

18. Jaclyn Weist

19. Cathy Witbeck

20. Secret Sisters Mysteries

21. Tamera Westhoff

22. Tina Scott

23. Lynnea Mortensen

24. Danyelle Ferguson aka Queen of the Clan

25. Jeanette A. Fratto

26. Bonnie Harris

27. Melissa Lemon

28. Mary Ann Dennis

29. Stephanie Black

30. Jane Still

31. Janice

32. Laura Bastian

33. Tamara Bordon

34. Betsy Love

35. Maria Hoagland

36. Amber Robertson

37. Debbie Davis

38.

39. Christy Monson

40. Carolyn Frank

41. Rebecca Birkin

42. Melissa Cunningham

43. Emily L. Moir

44. Ronda Hinrichsen

45. Lisa Asanuma

46. Joan Sowards

47. Jordan McCollum

48. Diane Stringam Tolley

Learn more about September Blog Hop here.

Get The Code

The Hidden Sun by J. Lloyd Morgan - A Review

What I'm reading The Hidden Sun- and you could Win it!! Read below about the Fall Blog Hop!

A faraway kingdom. A beautiful princess.

A courageous hero.

A ruthless villain.

An impossible choice.

When Eliana and Rinan find a way to be together under the law, it would seem all would be well. Unfortunately, bad luck strikes again and again and again, allowing Abrecan to rule the kingdom and bring it into a steep decline. Rinan has one chance to right the wrong.

This is a fun read with a very satisfying ending. The characters are rich and you will love the ones you are supposed to love and despise the ones you should despise. This book is full of great description and you feel like you are there, in the story. With all the twists and turns woven into The Hidden Sun, near the end, I simply couldn't put it down. I had to find out how the hero was going to triumph when all seemed lost.

The only thing that bugs me about this book is the cover. I think the publisher missed the mark on this one. They should have a created a cover that would entice YA to read it. After all, they are the audience for this book. They would do well to re-evaluate this before it's second printing.

If you like YA suspense set in medieval times, this book is for you. Clean and enjoyable.

Fun stuff about the author-

J. Lloyd Morgan is an award-winning television director.

He graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in

communications and a minor in English. Morgan has lived all

over the United States, but now resides in North Carolina with

his wife and four daughters.

Aside from writing, Morgan is an avid reader. He’s also a

huge fan of baseball and enjoys listening to progressive rock.

One of his goals is to visit Littledean Hill in England, where his

Morgan ancestors are from.

The Hidden Sun is Morgan’s first published novel. For a

glimpse at the upcoming sequel, The Waxing Moon, please visit

www.jlloydmorgan.com. Once there, be sure to read the “secrets”

behind The Hidden Sun. The third book in the Bariwon series is

still rattling around Morgan’s brain, waiting to escape.

For more go to http://www.thehiddensun.com/ or http://www.jlloydmorgan.com/

Where to buy The Hidden Sun

To read more reviews of The Hidden Sun

check out these links

Sept 20

Sept 26

Win this book! The Hidden Sun. Just leave a comment below that you are entering and follow this blog for a chance to win. Then jump from blog to blog to have a chance to win a ton of other fun stuff!

Learn more about September Blog Hop here.

Get The Code

Happy HOpping!!

Chicken Salad Croissants

The Eats Chicken Salad Croissants

I love this version of the classic chicken salad croissants better than all others. It has the perfect balance of sweet and salty

Cook 4 large chicken breasts and cube or shred them.
Dice 4 stalks of celery
Cut 1lb. of red grapes in half
chop 1/2 cup of green onions
Mix 1 C mayo and 1/2 C Miracle Whip in a large bowl
Add 1/2 tsp salt and 2 Tbl. Salad Supreme seasoning and mix
Stir in 1 C slivered almonds
Stir in celery, green onions and chicken cubes or shreds
Stir in grapes

Scoop onto halved croissants and serve with fruits and veggies. Yum

Happy Eating!

Writers' Retreat

I spent the weekend with some of the most amazing ladies at a writers' retreat.

It rocked!

Jenny's cabin was more like a castle (and her food was delicious-no servants to help, either), Gaynell had lightning fingers, Angela brought the best book of synonyms, ever and cute Cindy A. was the queen of the night (she didn't hit the sack until around 2am--a story of a haunted cabin keeping her eyes wide open).

I got another chapter of the-still-not-named third book in the Watched series written and had a ton of fun with the girls.

I am so lucky to have such great writer friends!

Happy writing!

Story Engineering by Larry Brooks- The Hero Attacks

Larry says that once you enter phase 3 of your book, your hero had better start "doing his business."

That means your hero needs to be on the attack. This is a proactive attack of the problem.

While your hero may have tried to be proactive in part 2, he was never successful. In part 2, the strength of the opposition needs to be shown.

In part 3 it's the hero's turn.
He must now do more, be more-become the conquerer.

Not only has he hatched a plan, he institutes it. While it is no easier to defeat the villian or opposition, the reader can see the growth of the character and the fact that he "got over his self" to reach his goal.

The reader needs to see this growth!

P.S. Don't forget to show that the villian has also evolved and become more at this point.

Happy Story Engineering!

Delirium by Lauren Oliver- A Review

What I'm reading by Cindy

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

They say that the cure for love will make me happy and safe forever. And I’ve always believed them.
Until now.
Now everything has changed. Now, I’d rather be infected with love for the tiniest sliver of a second than live a hundred years smothered by a lie.

Catchy isn't it?

I thought so. I listened to this book. It is, of course, another dysopian novel in the realm of Matched, Divergent and Hunger Games. It has a nice twist, though. In her safe, government controlled society, she anxiously awaits her surgery to be cured of the disease, deliria, or love. Haunted by her mother's suicide that was attributed to the disease, she counts down the days. Much to her chagrin, she meets a boy, Alex, who causes her to show the signs of the disease. At first, she is horrified, but then decides that this feeling, this thing called love, is amazing and she never wants anyone to take the feeling away. Especially not the government.

Lauren Oliver has a clean, beautiful style that captures each moment, bringing the reader inside the story. While I thought this was good, there are a few scenes that make it less than optimal for all teen readers. The sad part is that the scenes did not need to be a part of the story. I do not want my teen girls reading a book where the characters explore each others naked bodies. It's unfortunate that a few pages make me unable to recommend this book to the audience for which it was intended.

I'm listening to Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys and Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. I just finished AYear Down Yonder by Richard Peck, and started Exile by Rashelle Workman, and The Hidden Sun by J.Lloyd Morgan.

Cindy M Hogan: London Broil Sandwiches- Simply Delicious

Cindy M Hogan: London Broil Sandwiches- Simply Delicious: The Eats by Cindy London Broil Dip Sandwiches These are a never-fail-crowd-pleaser. We have these a lot when all or most of my nine sibl...

London Broil Sandwiches- Simply Delicious

The Eats by Cindy

London Broil Dip Sandwiches

These are a never-fail-crowd-pleaser. We have these a lot when all or most of my nine siblings with their families are together.

This recipe serves 5-6, so multiply if you must.

Cut a one lb. london broil or beef flank steak 1/8th of an inch deep with a diamond pattern on both sides.
Mix 21/2 Tbl. vegtable oil, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper and 2 cloves of minced garlic in a glass container.(or marinating container)
Place steak in marinade and turn it over, basting both sides. Let sit.
Turn on broiler to low
Slice one large onion thinly.
Melt 1 Tbl. butter in a saute pan and add the onions. Saute until transluscent and then lightly browned. Set aside.
Place beef on a broiler pan or aluminum foil with the edges curled up so as to not let any juices drip over the edges and place in oven.
Broil about 2 inches from the broiler for 5 minutes. Meat should be brown.
Turn beef over and brush with any remaining oil mixture.
Broil another 5 minutes or until it has reach the doneness you desire.It should be pink in the center.
Let meat sit for 10 minutes
Cut 6 ranch or 3 hoagie rolls in half and butter. (I've even used french bread before)
Put under broiler for 15 -30 seconds until it starts to be crispy, but not brown.
Put a thin slice of swiss cheese on the top 1/2 of the roll and return to oven until cheese is melted and sides turn a golden brown. This takes at most 1 minute, don't leave them.
Cut beef on an angle into thin slices and place on roll.
Top with onions and then place cheesed bun on top.

Simply delicious.

Fall by Jennifer Hurst- A Review and a Contest

What I'm Reading by Cindy-Fall by Jennifer Hurst

Fall

JD is excited to prove to her gramps that she is ready to be project manager. She is good at what she does and can't wait to turn an old school house into a bed and breakfast. She must battle the stigma that women and constuction shouldn't mix. At the same time, she meets a handsome contractor, Matthew, who steals her heart. It also quickly becomes apparent that something is mot right in the schoolhouse and she soon finds herself in a battle for her very soul.

From the second I picked up the book, it lived up to it's thriller nature. I was down right scared at the begining of the book and the eerie feeling kept me up to read more. I definitely didn't want to turn out the lights.

I would have liked to have seen the passage of time more clearly indicated. I thought important time frames were overlooked and I would have liked to have seen what happened during those times. I am also a bit confused at what happened in the final battle for her soul. I can't say more, or it would spoil your experience, but I'm not sure what happened there.

This read will keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next.

This will appeal to lovers of paranormal romance.

Get your copy here or here

Find out more about Jennifer here

Contest

In conjunction with this blog tour, Jennifer is holding a contest. It will involve any of the blogs that Jennifer visits or where her book is featured and will close on December 31st, 2011. The entrants have to answer three questions about the book they’ve read (bought, borrowed, or stolen - shame on you) and post a link to Jennifer's website on their Twitter, Facebook, or blog (need link for verification).

Then the names will be entered in a random name picker generator (http://textmechanic.com/Random-Line-Picker.html) and announced on Jennifer's website (www.jenniferhurst.com) on January 31st, 2012. The winner will receive a gift certificate for a night’s stay at the actual bed and breakfast where the story takes place.

Other prizes include an autographed copy of FALL, and she will randomly select 3 contestants’ names to use in the sequel to FALL. Plus, they will receive a free copy of that book when it is published.

Each blog that Jennifer Hurst visits will have a different set of questions people can answer, and they may enter as many times as they want - but they can enter once per blog site that they visit. So the more sites you visit, the more you can enter your name, thus increasing your chances of winning the gift certificate, a copy of the book FALL, and your name in the sequel.

Get the book, read the book, and then read over the questions below. Once you have your answers, e-mail them to Jennifer. fall.jenniferhurst@gmail.com

Your privacy is respected and your email address will NOT be used for anything but the contest. Once the contest is over - your email address will be deleted from the database.

Here are the questions for you to answer:

What did JD think was "the absolutely best way to die"?

How many demons did Nathan nab right after JD's first kiss?

What treat did JD eat on her trip to Utah

If you would like to visit the other sites, go here for the master list of all participating sites: http://fallbyjenniferhurst.wordpress.com/

Happy reading!!

Moist and Perfect Carrot Cake

The Eats by Cindy Hogan

Carrot Cake
**I love this cake. It only has a tiny hint of spice and is so moist, it melts in your mouth. Enjoy each delicious bite.**

I had a ball signing at Costco in Bountiful. I'll be there this Wed. and Fri. from 11-5. Come see me! Sept. 7th and 9th.

Mix 1 1/2 c. sugar, 1 c. oil, and 3 eggs in a large bowl until totally blended about 1 minute.
To make it lowfat, use 1/4 c. oil and 3/4 c. applesauce along with 2 eggwhites and 1 egg. It will lose richness, but still tastes good.
Stir in 2 c. flour, 3/4 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. vanilla, and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg.
Once blended, add 3 c. shredded carrots.
If you like nuts, add 1 cup chopped nuts.

Pour into a 13X9X2 pan that has been greased and floured. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 mins. Do not overcook. Check at 35 mins with a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean.

Once cooled, frost with Cream Cheese Frosting

Whip one 8 oz. pkg. of cream cheese with 1 Tbl. milk, 1 tsp. vanilla until nice and smooth
Add 4 c. powdered sugar one at a time until smooth.

This cake freezes really well. I like to cut it into squares and freeze it for about 2 hours and then wrap each piece and put in a gallon freezer bag. Easy lunch treats or dessert for a later date.

Totally Awesome News and Where Your Story Really Begins

Story Engineering-Where your story begins.

So, I promised you earlier today that I would be back with some more great info. from Larry Brooks and Story Engineering. Here it is!

If you haven't already hopped over to this Cover Contest, (Like me, Like me) you still have a chance. Vote for your 3 favorite. Amazing Covers.

Thanks to everyone who hopped around the blog hop. I made a lot of new friends. I hope you did, too.

And... Some awesome news! I'm going to be at Swiss Days in Midway, Utah tomorrow, Saturday, September 3rd. I can't wait! I have the best time, too. I'll be there from 8:30-10:30. I'll be in the Book Shop on the corner aisle, booth #60. Come visit me bright and early.

So, onto Story Engineering!

A summary of the most important moment of your story...

It's the first plot point.

It is where everything changes for your hero.

Once you get this Larry says:

"Welcome to the rest of your writing life"

Since we do want to move on....

It will be the thing that gets you published
It must happen at the 20-25% mark in your story
This is non-negotiable
That means you have 60-80 pages to make your reader have an emotional investment in the story
If you do it too early, your readers won't care and they won't finish the book
If you do it too late, you risk losing your reader because they are waiting and waiting

However....Larry does give you an out if you do wait a bit long...

"Don't sweat the percentages. Sweat the stakes, the dramatic tension, and reader empathy."

What does he mean by that? If your first plot point comes after the 25% mark, make sure there is good reason for it. Make sure that whatever scenes you are using to set the story up raise the stakes, add dramatic tension and make your readers have a wrenching desire to know the outcome.

I just realized Protected, the sequel to Watched has it's first plot point past the 25% mark...Guess my first set of beta-readers will let me know if I've done as Larry demands.

Yes, it's with the first round of beta-readers.... Yahoo!

Happy Friday!!

Awesome News

If you haven't already hopped over to this Cover Contest, you still have a chance. Vote for your 3 favorite. Amazing Covers.

Thanks to everyone who hopped around the blog hop. I made a lot of new friends. I hope you did, too.

And... Some awesome news! I'm going to be at Swiss Days in Midway, Utah tomorrow, Saturday, September 3rd. I can't wait! I have the best time, too. I'll be there from 8:30-10:30. I'll be in the Book Shop on the corner aisle, booth #60. Come visit me bright and early.

So, onto Story Engineering!
Come back later today to read all about it...I've run out of time this morning. It's off to Northridge High.
Happy Friday!!