Twisted Candy Published 5-22-15

It's official! I'm a published author now!  Twisted Candy went live Friday, May 22, 2015. I hosted a Facebook party, gave away gifts and had fun with my friends. Currently, Etopia Press  and   AWritersHouse.wordpress.com have interviews posted, which include excerpts. Hop on over and take a peek. Hope you enjoy!

https://etopiapressblog.wordpress.com/2015/06/03/interview-with-ashley-m-burner/

Publishing Contract for Twisted Candy

I am pleased to announce I received a request for my full manuscript of Twisted Candy when I submitted a pitch to Etopia Press during a Savvy Author Pitch Session in February.  I submitted a cover letter, manuscript, and synopsis for the series on March 23rd.  On March 24th, I received a contract offer to publish my debut novella, Twisted Candy.  Etopia Press is also interested in the second and third in the series.

Twisted Candy, in short, is a story about a twenty-eight year old woman fighting the demons of migraines.  During her research of possible cures, she stumbles upon a theory that sex produces chemicals in the brain that curb the migraine cycle.  Eager to test the theory, she accepts an invitation to get to know Max.  Only she isn't interested to find out if his conversation can stimulate her brain, rather she wants to know if his tongue can stimulate her clit.  Her first encounter with him yields surprising results for both her migraines and her heart.  Twisted Candy has very heated sex scenes.

I am beyond excited.  Please stayed tuned for more updates over the next few months. You may also visit their website for more information or to browse the books they have published  http://etopiapress.com/

Why Writers Should Attend Conferences

I read an interesting article this morning on ten reasons why writers should attend conferences.  Tell me what you think.

http://tinyurl.com/q7jcwly

Twisted Candy

I am very excited about the work I have completed on my novella, Twisted Candy.  I can't wait to share it with you.  Here's a teaser:

Her sweaty fingers wrapped around the edge of the smooth stone.  Time stood still.  The only sounds were the rustling leaves and a bird chirping overhead.  A light touch skimmed across her fingers causing the breath to catch in her throat.  Country boy stepped around the stone, heat from his body told her he is mere inches away.

Candy took a deep breath, smelling hay mixed with horse, mixed with man before opening her eyes.  Country boy might be nineteen.  A scar swept across his right brow.  His green eyes were flecked with gold.  Although he squinted against the brightness of the sun, he didn’t have deep, grooved lines around his eyes.  Full, kissable lips stretched into a wicked grin.  Standing several inches taller than her, he had broad shoulders with muscles bulging from everywhere under a soft looking, blue t-shirt wet with sweat down the center of his chest. 

Hooking the fingers of her loose hand into his belt loop, she drew him closer.  His eyelids grew heavy as he leaned towards her parted lips.

“Do you treat all the boys you meet this way?” his voice a mere rasp.

Migraine Safe - Sugar Cookies

1              C             Butter, softened

4              C             Flour

1 ½         C             Sugar

2              tsp          Soda

½             tsp          Salt

½             tsp          Almond Extract

2                              Eggs

½             C             Milk

In a medium sized bowl, cut flour into the butter.  Mix in sugar, soda, and salt.  Net add the extract, eggs, and milk.  Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for at least one hour.  Divide dough into 3 sections.  On a flour counter, roll out 1 section of dough to 1/8” thickness.  Cut dough into shapes and place on cookie sheet.  These cookies raise versus spreading out, so depending on the size of your cookie cutters, you can place approximately 15 cookies per tray.  Repeat with remaining 2 sections of dough.  Bake on 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.  Cookies do not brown so be careful not to over bake.  Makes approximately 4 ½ dozen medium sized cookies.

Frosting

½             C             Butter, softened

½             tsp          Vanilla extract

¼             C             Milk

4              C             Powdered Sugar

In medium mixing bowl, mix butter, vanilla, milk, and powdered sugar (gradually).  You can use all white frosting and then add sprinkles or you can divide your frosting and add food coloring.

Country Shephard's Pie - A Migraine Safe Recipe

1 1/2 - 2 lbs             Ground beef
1             tsp             Salt
1/8          tsp             Pepper
10           oz              Green beans, frozen
2 - 10      oz   Cans   Tomato soup
9             med           Potatoes, peeled and diced
1             tsp             Salt
1/8          tsp             Pepper
2             T               Butter
1             C               Milk
8             slices         American cheese (optional)

Cook ground beef with salt and pepper.  Drain grease from meat.  Stir in the green beans and tomato soup, cook on low for 15 minutes.  Meanwhile, peel and dice potatoes.  Cook potatoes for 10-15 minutes or until the pass the 'poke test'.  Drain potatoes.  With mixer, blend until fairly smooth.   Add the salt, pepper, butter and milk.  Mix until thoroughly combined.

Transfer meat into 3 qt baking dish.  Spread evenly.  Place cheese on top of meat.  Spread mashed potatoes over meat and cheese.  Serve.

Place leftovers in the refrigerator.

Snickerdoodles - A Migraine Safe Cookie Recipe

1  C      Butter, softened
3  C      Sugar
4           Eggs
2   tsp   Cream of Tarter
2   tsp   Baking Soda
1   tsp   Salt
5  C      Flour
             Colored Sugar

Mix thoroughly butter, sugar and eggs with an electric mixer.  Blend in slowly, cream of tarter, soda, salt and flour.  Chill one hour.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Use cookie scoop to scoop cookies.  Roll top and sides of cookie ball in the colored sugar.  Place twelve cookies per tray.  Bake 8-10 minutes.  I always set my timer for 1 minute shy of the lowest time because ovens bake differently and we don't want to burn our cookies.  These cookies will not darken.  Remove from cookie sheet immediately after removing from oven.  Makes approximately 6 dozen.