In Miniature Style II Blog Book Tour, Giveaways & Contest!

** Today's Featured Mini Scene: Cupcake Shop by Kitty Balke**


To start, for fun, thought I'd show a photo of my friend Kitty's latest project, her cupcake shop. We both did tea and teapot shops at the same time a few years ago, sharing ideas. This time she sent me a bunch of cupcakes and cakes, so I'll work on that soon. I'll share more pix of her project probably on Friday, so be sure to stop back

Now on to the blog tour for my new book, IN MINIATURE STYLE II.

** Today, Monday 5/16 I'm at Kat the Hat Lady's blog. Check out her cool hats!

** Be sure to read to the end of this post for contest details -- and where to find the answers!

Recap: here are the questions so far:

Contest Questions:
Question 1: Who is the lovely lady of the sea?

Question 2: What is my "sweetest" miniature scene?

Question 3: What is the dog holding?

** Today's Question:**
Question 4: He sees you when you're sleeping... but he solves the crime. (Dual answer, two sections on website. Either one is right. Bonus for both.)

IN MINIATURE STYLE II is available in eBook/pdf, Kindle and other formats at Smashwords, iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch, Nook, and print.


"Easy to read, the book is a bit like having a miniature club to yourself," says Lesley Shepherd, About.com Miniatures Guide.

** Read the rest of her full-page review at Miniatures.About.com **


The book includes updated and new features, photos & dozens of new how-to projects in various categories by talented miniaturists and IGMA artisans. See book title link for photos, details and where to buy, or buy at direct links.

Huh? What's a blog tour, you may ask?

Well, consider it a virtual house-to-house, er, blog-to-blog visit. I'll be stopping at different blogs, talking about my new book, IN MINIATURE STYLE II, answering some questions, holding contests... ahh, that got your attention, right?

Ok - first the BLOG LIST:
Visit the blogs (see list in left column) for the day's question.

**NOTE: On 5/17, Visit Kathi's blog on the list and come back here for the day's question:
5/17 Question 5: What's to eat? Name one food how-to from "In Miniature Style II."

So, on to... The Contest!
Each blog on the tour features one question for a kind of online scavenger hunt. The answer may be here at my blog (type the words in the search box in left column), but will most likely be on my website. (Hint: click miniatures, a good place to start, or see the IN MINIATURE STYLE II book page and video.)

Comment on that day's blog (DO NOT post the question's answer!) to be eligible to win the day's prize. Then collect all 7 answers --- EMAIL all to me with Blog Tour in subject line to chris @ cverstraete.com (remove spaces or click contact at website or on blog) - DO NOT POST ANSWERS ONLINE!!. There's a new question and prize each day. Names will be drawn from correct entries submitted by 5/20.


Prizes:
1. A plain bust kit to paint and dress as done by Bonnie Glazier in IN MINIATURE STYLE II

2-3. One of two swatches of fabric to make the sundress on the cover by IGMA Artisan Kathi Mendenhall.

4. A plate of miniature cupcakes and a mini cake. Bonus: plate of Christmas cookies. (Can never plan too soon!)

5. One eBook/pdf copy of "In Miniature Style II"

6. Kit to make a chef hat, apron and accessories from Bonnie Glazier.

7. An eBook copy in pdf or other format of "In Miniature Style II." (If other format, cost paid to winner by author via Paypal so they can download own copy at site.)

(NOTE: make sure to list an email or way to contact you in your comments; if you're from an online minis group, please list which one. Come back to check here too as I'll put winners' names by each category, then email me your mailing address.)

***Have fun! Visit the IN MINIATURE STYLE II page for links to buy, photos and details! Thanks for visiting, participating and reading my book!

Welcome to Douglas Corleone, author of NIGHT ON FIRE

Today I welcome Douglas Corleone, author of the legal thriller NIGHT ON FIRE (Minotaur Books, April 2011), second book in the Kevin Corvelli crime series set in Hawaii.

Corleone's debut novel ONE MAN'S PARADISE (Minotaur Books, April 2010), was the winner of the second Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award. A former New York City criminal defense attorney, he now resides in the Hawaiian Islands, where he writes full-time.

About the Book:

Former NY defense attorney Kevin Corvelli, practicing in Hawaii to dodge the spotlight, is deep in his mai tais at a resort when he hears an argument between a pair of newlyweds. He dismisses the argument until a fire breaks out later that night, and he barely escapes his hotel room. That new husband is dead; the wife, prime suspect for arson and murder, becomes Corvelli's newest client. She also has motive opportunity...and a history of starting fires.

What inspired the book? How was writing this different than your other works?

"The inspiration for NIGHT ON FIRE was a frightening night from my childhood. My family was vacationing in Canada and we were staying in a high-rise hotel in Toronto. In the middle of the night, the fire alarm went off, waking everyone up. I was terrified. We escaped the building, and the fire, which started two floors below ours, was put out before anyone was seriously injured. But that night remains emblazoned in my memory, even though the rest of the trip was lost.

"Writing this book was different from any of my other works because this was the first book I wrote that was already under contract. It gave me tremendous confidence knowing the book was already sold and that it would ultimately reach my readers. I think that confidence shows in my writing and it’s a better story because of it. I realize many authors suffer through their sophomore novel, but for me, it was a joy to write. Hard work, yes, but still a joy."

What's your favorite part of the book, and why?

"My favorite part of the book is when defense attorney Kevin Corvelli is trapped in his hotel room trying to escape the blaze. He’s every bit as terrified as I was as a child, but he now possesses the wherewithal to take control of the situation. I’ve now read that part countless times, yet I still feel a sense of dread as I peruse those pages."

Share how you got your book deal and your path to publication?

"My debut novel ONE MAN’S PARADISE won the Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award. It’s a fairly new competition. I was only the second winner. The inaugural winner Stefanie Pintoff went on to win the Edgar Award for Best First Novel for her historical masterpiece IN THE SHADOW OF GOTHAM.

"Winning a competition is an unconventional way to get published, but some of today’s best crime writers got their start thanks to competitions like Minotaur’s. My editor felt strongly that Kevin Corvelli should lead a series, so we entered a deal for the next two legal thrillers, NIGHT ON FIRE and next year’s CHOICE OF EVILS."

Where or how do you write? What's your writing schedule like?

"I write on a laptop in my home office, usually first thing in the morning after breakfast until sometime in the late afternoon. My work clothes are shorts and a tee shirt year round, no shoes. I’ve tried in the past to give myself word goals, but they never seem to work. So now, I write as much as I can, and then stop."

Any writing tips and advice on getting published that you'd like to share?

"In terms of constructing a novel, do what works best for you. Dismiss advice that sounds too rigid, such as 'Don’t begin revisions until you have a complete first draft.' That’s nonsense. I revise as I write; many successful writers do. But I read that piece of advice in just about every writer’s forum and magazine that I stumble upon.

"As for getting published, develop a thick skin and persevere. The publishing industry moves at glacial speed, so once you type 'The End' on your first manuscript, don’t be disappointed if it takes you five years to get it published. And once it’s published, that’s when the challenges really begin."

Excerpt from NIGHT ON FIRE:

As I rise to consciousness I realize the prison alarm is just an alarm clock, maybe the loudest alarm clock on earth. Lying on my stomach I feel around for an extra pillow, place it atop my head and try to smother my ears.

When the cougar begins clawing at my back I realize this is no alarm clock. It’s a goddamn fire alarm, the kind of fire alarm even the dead could hear. I reach for another flat, lifeless pillow and tug it down hard over the first.

The cougar’s growling something at me.

“...time is it?” I shout.

I peek out from beneath my pillowed teepee and glance at the window. It’s still night, no light spilling in at all. My eyes flutter toward the digital alarm clock, which reads two-twenty something, the last digit blacked out by one of my socks.

Quickly I take inventory of myself: pounding head, burning stomach, a mouth that tastes like rum and coconut suntan lotion. So, nothing out of the ordinary.

The cougar meanwhile is on her feet, slipping back into her sundress, shouting at me to get out of bed.

“No way,” I say, lowering the heavy lids of my eyes.

Fire alarms, they go off all the time. Like car alarms, only louder. I’ve been putting up with this ever since my first semester at URI, some jacked-up resident advisor constantly chasing me naked out of the freshman dorm. Drills they called them. Drills held in the dead of night just to get the girls outside in their underwear, nipples instantly hardening under white cotton tank tops in the brisk New England air. Gossips loitering with their binoculars ready to report the following morning on who is sleeping with whom. Dorms, hotels, condos, apartment buildings, it’s always the same. Always a prankster, some joker or toker higher than an elephant’s eye blowing bong smoke up at the ceiling. Never is it a bona fide emergency.

Well, almost never.

The cougar smacks my bare back so hard that it stings. “There’s a fire,” she shouts.

I groan. “How do you know, baby?”

“Because there are flames out in the hall and there’s smoke coming in under the door,” she yells. “And stop calling me baby!”

Another Great Review for "In Miniature Style II" from miniatures site!

New review for IN MINIATURE STYLE II from Lesley Shepherd, About.com Miniatures Guide:

"...The book is full of good basic information for people who are starting out in miniatures, and want to learn some classic techniques and experiment with various types of miniatures across a range of themes. The photos illustrate achievable projects, items which are not going to take forever to plan and build.

"...Easy to read, the book is a bit like having a miniature club to yourself. The chapters feature formats that seem like club speaker topics, or club class sessions for beginners."

See full page review

BUY: Print (see title link for other formats)

New Reviews, In Miniature Style II

A couple of great new reviews for In Miniature Style II!

From Camille Minichino (author, The Miniature Mysteries series):

"In Mini Style II is an outstanding source of ideas and instructions for the miniaturist. All levels are accommodated, from the intrigued beginner to the expert craftsperson, from using found objects to crocheting the most detailed afghan. I especially liked the ideas around finding a "structure" in which to "plant" a miniature scene, like a soda fountain inside an empty ice cream container. The text is fun and inspiring to read and all the instructions are very clear."

And from a reader:

"Love the new book, it is so easy to understand even the "MINI Dummies" like me can understand all the amazing project ideas - Jam packed with so many easy to do projects, something for every miniaturist - Cant wait for book number 3...."
--Lianda, Kelirosh Studio, South Africa

BUY: (See Mini Style link above for ebook and other links):

Z Award: A to Z Blog Challenge

It's over. Finito. Done.

Wow.

I didn't visit as many blogs as I wanted, and missed a couple posts, (got sick at beginning) but it was an experience. Great blogs out there.

Elizabeth Mueller shared this final award and is ambitiously visiting all - gulp - 1282 blogs! in the challenge. Wow. She deserves an award just for that. And another for leaving me off the hook for thinking up another blog idea. haa!

** And ThelmaZ at WidowSphere picked my blog as 1 of 26 of her favorites - and that's after visiting over 1,000 blogs. Wow! Thanks, Thelma!

No Zzzz: Rising Early for a Royal Wedding, A to Z Blog Challenge

Well, the event is over, and I have to say, well worth watching.

Kate, now Princess Catherine, was beautiful, regal, stunning. Her dress was simple yet elegant, as lovely as the bride. And as photos have shown, she did have a regal look of Princess Grace about her. It was charming to see the glances between Prince William and his bride.

Fantastic scenery, great pageantry, really something to see. And the Queen wore yellow, which for me, was the icing on the cake! (My favorite color!)

Wishing the couple the best in the future and a happy life.

W to X: Tornadoes, what gives? A to Z Blog Challenge

Holy cow.... hundreds of tornadoes in one day? Hundreds for the month? What gives?

This is nothing like Dorothy's trip in The Wizard of Oz.

Interesting details and map about tornadoes at the Washington Post.

Fascinating, though frightening, but I never want to see that swirling mass too close. On odd weather days when it's cool, then suddenly warm, you just wait to see if the sirens will go off.

Living in Wisconsin, we've had our close calls. The closest was some years ago when a tornado went through, violent winds, sudden hail and storming. It tore off a bunch of trees a mile away. Scary stuff.

We still are arguing about the safest spot to go: under the deck? I'm thinking the closet, but then I'd have to move all the junk first. And get the dog in with me. a big stubborn German Shepherd. I can see how that would go.

** What's your scariest weather situation?

The Latest for Miniatures Monday: A to Z Blog Challenge

A couple of the latest pix on my half scale (1/2" to 1') Tudor style dollhouse. The bottom floor is a garden shop; the top floor is a cafe/cake/book shop.

The cakes were made by my friend, Kitty. Most are about 1/4" in size; the larger cakes are 1/2" on the bottom.

The chairs were made from a kit. I made the table from a mat board folded into a cone. I might try another one but from sturdier material. I'd like the top a bit larger.

S is for Steampunk'd and Steampunk Romance Anthology

Cool new cover for upcoming anthology, Hot and Steamy: Tales of Steampunk Romance - coming June 7 from DAW Books.

The anthology contains my second story,"Kinetic Dreams" about my character Alva Edison and her family. The saga of Alva Edison and her famous brother, Thomas, continues with newly married Alva realizing her life isn't as she thought it was. Can she help Thomas get back to the past and escape a threat from the future?

About the book:
From the co-editor of Steampunk'd comes an all-new collection of adventure and romance amid Victorian steampunk settings. Sparks fly in these original stories of a steam-driven airship searching for a lost city, a crazy inventor in a powered wheelchair with a plot to take over the world, and a love story set in an alternate history version of America. Adventure abounds in these stories of love, loss, and danger- and there is plenty of steam!



The first story,"Kinetic Light and Steam Power" appeared in the anthology, Steampunk'd, also from DAW Books.

In the story, an unexpected accident has Alva Edison assisting her brother Thomas in developing some of their time's most amazing discoveries, and improving on some of H.G. Wells' work.

R and S - Books to Read at Mysterical-e Author Snapshot: A to Z Blog Challenge

I wanted to put up two S posts so thought I'd add one today.

In case you didn't see it - check out the latest and new mysteries from authors Donis Casey, Vicki Delany, Neil Plakcy, Jacqueline Seewald and various authors in the new Mark Terry anthology, Deadly by the Dozen, at my Spring Mysterical-e Author Snapshot column.

Q-R: A Royal Wedding, A to Z Blog Challenge

Yes, I admit to being a royal watcher. I loved watching Princess Diana and was saddened at her tragic death. I've been to England a couple times and love the atmosphere and history, so of course, I've loved watching Prince William grow up and now find his Princess.

It does seem that he and Kate have had enough time for her to grow into her prospective role, and you hope that she is getting some say in all the planning and her future life. She's stepping into a formidable role, albeit a gilded one which still comes with many restrictions. You can only hope they have a long and happy marriage.

See: * Royal Wedding site * British Monarchy photos

A to Z Blog Challenge: Oh, Please! oDDities

Well, what better topic for the letter O than Oddities?

Here's one:

Paint your house like a big, bright billboard Why? They pay your mortgage! Good reason but you have to like yellow and purple (I do) and chances are the budget won't be big enough for a lot of houses. Okay, okay, maybe not too odd. Don't worry, read on, it gets weirder...

Why I thought of this topic, I'll never know... (The mind works in mysterious ways...)

I remember staring in fascination at all the weird, freaky stuff in Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum. The weirdest, of course, were the shrunken heads... so indulge at this strange site complete with pix: Doc Bwana's House of Shrunken Heads

In Chicago, we had the Riverview Amusement Park- an amazing place of roller coasters, the house of mirrors and what in those pre-pc days was the freak show. Persons with unusual physical characteristics....

* See Chicago Tribune Riverview photos

* Sideshow banner art (How times change! Check out the tattooed lady banner!)

* Check out this fascinating display of Victorian freak show posters

Okay and maybe the oddest category of all: (Not for the squeamish!) Post-Mortem Photos (cabinet cards, card de viste)

I happened upon this section on eBay one day by typing in de la morte or post mortem photos. From Civil War to Victorian times, people who didn't have access to photography as in modern times regularly had that one last portrait made of a beloved child or baby that had died, or of a loved one or a war hero. It also was a custom of European families to take that final portrait of a loved one in their casket.

The photos are sad, stark, even kind of creepy (I have to wonder sometimes what nightmares the little kids had after posing with their dead baby brother/sister.) And it seems odd to see the Civil War portraits of a soldier posed upright, the only giveway his sunken eyes. Morbidly fascinating, though I had some whopper nightmares when I first saw these. And they are highly collectible. Take a look, if you dare...

K to N, Lizzie Borden and Macabre Nursery Rhyme, A to Z Blog Challenge

Posting a combination as I was sicK aLL Week with the flu so I got behind.

As for M and N... remember that macabre nursery rhyme: Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother 40 whacks...

I'd been reading about the infamous accused murderess before it was featured on TV this morning. A story that continues to fascinate with plenty of info if you scout around.

Well, if you're really curious, you can book a night or two at the Lizzie Borden B&B in Massachusetts - yes, the home where Lizzie supposedly did in old mean dad and her evil stepmom with an axe back in 1892.

The house has been converted back to its original look, inside and out. Some furnishings, of course, are reproductions but... is that the original carpet where stepmom met her demise? Sure matches the photo...

Wow, if you owned such a house, wouldn't you play up the famous history?

So, the question remains: though Lizzie was pronounced not guilty at the trial, what say ye? (Given she inherited everything, sounds like a case of greed? I say guilty.)

Some interesting sites:

* Lizzie Borden trial records * Lizzie Borden site * Lizzie Borden Virtual Museum - Victorian era topic magazine, The Hatchet *

A to Z Blog Challenge: Just got....

Posting a new mini I just got as a gift from another miniaturist. A great set of mini books with a feather 'pen.' Susan also makes a great assortment of "magical" miniatures under the name Tabitha Corsica.

A to Z Blog Challenge: I'm a collector! Miniatures Monday

Since I'm a collector, I'll share the latest step in finishing a half scale Tudor-style house. the house is 12" tall at the front peak and 10" wide. I'm decorating the bottom floor as a garden shop and the top floor is a bakery/cafe/bookstore. Not much but it made a big difference - just finished trimming the window, putting frame around it, and putting trim around the walls by the floor. Also thought I'd share the new cabinets I got at the dollhouse show. I split the cabinets on right side from a tall bookcase. Fits perfect! I had made a counter but this one is smaller and does fit better. Hopefully will have more progress soon! Just sharing the outside to show those who haven't seen it. I still have to glue in bottom window and door, and add door trim.

A to Z Blog Challenge: Dollhouse Show Must- Haves!

Hopefully will try to post a few of my new items I found and had to have from the dollhouse show. Not that I don't have enough stuff saved or waiting to be assembled. but if you don't buy it, then you never find it again, it seems!

G: A to Z Blog Challenge! Gone to the show!

Gone to the IMA Dollhouse Show today and Saturday!

Will try my best to get some show pix on here late Friday or for Saturday!

F: Faberge eggs in Miniature - A to Z Blog Challenge; In Miniature Style II new project!

Came across something that I had to mention.

A display of fascinating handmade Faberge-style miniature eggs is being held by a Bellefonte jeweler.

The eggs from the 800-piece collection by Russian artist Ilya Abelsky measure 3/4" of an inch long. The sterling eggs feature 24-karat gold, multicolored enamels, many with precious and semi-precious gem decorations. And check out the jewelry! See link above for the photos.

** New Mini from In Miniature Style II:

** An addition: adding some pix of a new chair I made from my pattern in In Miniature Style II. Just have to add some bunka trim.

BUY: In Miniature Style II ebook

In Miniature Style II print

E: Remembering Elizabeth Taylor: A to Z Blog Challenge

I love old Hollywood movies and Elizabeth Taylor was one of the stars that I always found fascinating.

Not only was her beauty and talent admirable, but as someone recently mentioned, she typified old Hollywood style. Unlike today's stars who walk around in sloppy clothes or no makeup, Elizabeth always looked like a star when she appeared in public.

I was always interested in the life of Cleopatra, so that film (even if it was bad) is a favorite strictly for the amazing scenery and costumes.

** Something neat: some vintage Elizabeth Taylor paper dolls

D is for Dog of course! A to Z Blog Challenge

This is my German Shepherd Gracie not long after we brought her home. Now she's a much bigger baby. ha!

One of my favorite projects was making what I call "The Dogcatcher's House" in miniature. You can see photos here.

Miniatures Monday: C is for Cookbook in Miniature! A to Z Challenge

Some new visitors wanted to see more miniatures, and I am only too happy to oblige!

This is probably one of my favorite scenes that I made. The fun was trying to make something I'd never done before. The fruit and watermelon bowl were great to make and try to get as close to real as possible.

I handmade all the food from FIMO oven-bake polymer clay. The idea came from copying a cookbook cover as part of a miniatures group challenge. See more of my miniatures at my website, click miniatures.

6 Sentence Sunday: Excerpt In Miniature Style II

For fun, I thought I'd participate again in 6 Sentence Sunday. This time, I decided to do something different-- my six sentences will be taken from different chapters of my just-released nonfiction book, IN MINIATURE STYLE II. The book features profiles of miniaturists, photos, and over 40 how-to projects.

Here are a couple sentences or quotes from a few of the persons profiled; others will be excerpted on the blog later. (Click their names to see some of their fantastic miniature creations!)

Miniaturist Fern Rouleau:

Rhode Islander Fern Rouleau grew up inspired by art, thanks to her mother, Alice Singer, a sculptor and painter. What Fern didn’t know was that the mini food magnets she was making from bread dough would be the basis for her later fascination with dollhouses and miniatures.

Doll maker Bonnie Glazier:

Texan Bonnie Glazier originally dressed large porcelain dolls and made costumes at doll shops. When mass produced dolls made the hand-made dolls too costly to produce, Bonnie discovered a whole new creative outlet through miniature dolls.

Doll costumer Kathi Mendenhall, La Petite Belle Patterns:

This Tennessee resident initially wanted to make dolls to sell, but it was too much to keep up with while working full-time. Then she began teaching weekends at a Nashville miniatures shop and realized she enjoyed it. “I found teaching rewarding and fun,” she says.

B is for Books! A to Z Blog Challenge

I'd be remiss in this challenge if I didn't post the obvious - B for Books, my books. ha! Note that most of the books are also in e-format so a good price and you can try out something new for a fraction of the price! See more at my books and Ebooks pages at my website. There's also short stories in DAW's steampunk anthologies, other short horror and holiday short stories.

* Collectibles: photos, profiles, and over 40 how-to's (pdf, Kindle/mobi, etc. and print) In Miniature Style II

* Short Horror:

* The Killer Valentine Ball - Every girl dreams of having a night she'll always remember... forever... (Kindle, various Ebook formats)

A young woman faces her greatest fear, and her family's darkest secret to save her own daughter... (Kindle/mobi, other formats, Smashwords Ebook) - Motherly Love

* Kid's fiction: Sam, her BFF Lita, and a friend's mischievous Dachshund named Petey, face an angry housekeeper, a dog-hating gardener, and an ancient family curse as they search for a missing miniature replica of Van Gogh's famous painting, "Starry Night." Ages 9-12. * (Kindle, other ebook formats, Print): Searching for a Starry Night

All About Collecting: A to Z Blog Challenge

I'm a collector meaning I collect everything: paper, glues, paints, scraps, miniatures, houses, kits, colored pencils, and probably much more I can't think of at the moment. It takes up a lot of room. It's everywhere.

I love making dollhouses as I can combine different crafts in one project. But my real house is small; not a lot of storage. So...

I QUIT!

I've decided to give up on miniatures. Clean off the table and counter. Give away the projects and supplies. Want some?

NOT! To hubby's regret. And if you didn't catch on, today is April 1 - HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY!!! haaaa! I couldn't resist!

It's also the first day of the A to Z Blog Challenge. All month I and others will be posting by letter, so be sure to stop by and add your comments!

** BUY: In Miniature Style II ebook (pdf)

** Author page (eBook Vol 1 and II)

** Download other formats: Smashwords In Miniature Style II ebook

** See project info and photos In Miniature Style II

**BUY: Print

It's out! In Miniature Style II in Print - In Stock!!

Just found that the page for In Miniature Style II shows the print version in stock!

**BUY: Print

** BUY: In Miniature Style II ebook (pdf) ** Author page (eBook Vol 1 and II) ** Download other formats: Smashwords In Miniature Style II ebook ** See project info and photos In Miniature Style II

Favorite Miniature: Totes, In Miniature Style II

I love making these tote bags - great for carrying things or make a smaller handbag version. I love the faux "leather" fabric with a contrasting cloth interior.... yes it's in the book, In Miniature Style II ** BUY: In Miniature Style II ebook (pdf) ** Author page (eBook Vol 1 and II) ** Download other formats: Smashwords In Miniature Style II ebook ** See project info and photos In Miniature Style II

Miniatures Monday: In Miniature Style II Mini Eats!

Thought I'd share some recent foods I made. I love miniature salads! The green salad uses FIMO canes I bought. I made the lettuce from plastic snow painted with leaf green acrylic paint. Cut into small pieces and glue in bowl. The miniature potato salads are made with egg canes I made from FIMO polymer clay and a "secret" ingredient per my how-to from In Miniature Style II. Very easy and you'll be amazed at what it is! Any guesses?



** BUY: In Miniature Style II ebook (pdf)

** Author page (eBook Vol 1 and II) ** Download other formats: Smashwords In Miniature Style II ebook

** See project info and photos In Miniature Style II

In Miniature Style II Coming Soon: See Completed cover! EBook links available!

Finally! My new miniatures how-to book, IN MINIATURE STYLE II is on its way! The first copies will be coming soon and it'll soon be available for sale.

** BUY: In Miniature Style II ebook - Author page (eBook Vol 1 and II)

** Download other formats: Smashwords In Miniature Style II ebook

** See project info and photos In Miniature Style II

Stay tuned for the launch party with sales links, prizes and who knows what else!

Here's a better look at the back, featuring my food table and the fabulous paint can scene by miniaturist Fern Rouleau, who's also featured and supplied a really neat how-to! Love her imaginative work!

Goodbye to Legend Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was always one of my favorite actresses. Such beauty and grace. A wonderful actress. I was just watching Cleopatra recently and the costumes are astounding! Another Hollywood legend gone...

Welcome Linda O. Johnston, author of Beaglemania! A mystery with bite!

Today I welcome Linda O. Johnston, author of the new doggie mystery, Beaglemania (A Pet Rescue Mystery).

About the Book:
Lauren Vancouver is the head of HotRescues, a no-kill animal shelter north of Los Angeles, but it's often human nature that puts her in the path of danger. Just like when she helps rescue four adorable beagle puppies that were dumped down a drainpipe at a nasty puppy mill. One of the mill's employees has a history of dog abuse-and a bone to pick with Lauren. And when he's found dead at HotRescues after threatening her, Lauren will have to sniff out the real killer to keep herself out of a cage...

Review:
Having received an arc of the book, I have to say that the first thing that struck me was the book's cover picture. Wow! This has to be not only one of the prettiest, but the cutest book covers I've seen! Who can resist a bunch of puppies?

The inside is just as good. Lauren is a likable, strong investigator who will stop at nothing to solve the crime and protect animals. What's neat is that the author also works in pet rescue, bringing an air of reality to the series. Definitely something to bark about!

Dogs, Mysteries and More
By Linda O. Johnston

As you probably can see while reading this, The Candid Canine blog says it’s about "All the Dog, Book and Minis News Fit To Bark About."

I’m here to bark about my new Pet Rescue Mystery series. It combines two of those topics--dogs and books! The series debuted this month with BEAGLEMANIA. It starts off at a puppy mill rescue where, yes, beagle puppies and others are saved.

The series is a spin-off from my Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mysteries. Both are from Berkley Prime Crime. You can read one without reading the other, but I of course suggest you read both.

I consider Kendra an alter-ego of mine. She’s a lawyer who lives in the Hollywood Hills with her Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Lexie. I’ve been a lawyer, and I live in the Hollywood Hills with my two Cavaliers, Lexie and Mystie, as well as my husband. I’ve fortunately never become a murder magnet, though.

The protagonist of my new Pet Rescue Mystery series is Lauren Vancouver, the director of HotRescues, a no-kill animal shelter. She was introduced in HOWL DEADLY, the eighth Kendra mystery, and also appeared in FELINE FATALE, the ninth. I adore Lauren and her obsession with saving animals, but I didn’t think she’d become an alter ego of mine, too.

But that was before I started researching her stories. I met with pet rescuers of many kinds. I visited shelters, both public and private. I talked to people. Met animals.

Now I volunteer at a private shelter, Pet Orphans of Southern California. I’m a dog adoption counselor, which means I both screen potential adopters and introduce them to dogs they might fall in love with. It’s always such a thrill when a match works and the people I’ve first screened bring a dog to its new forever home. I’m also the Los Angeles Pet Rescue Examiner for the Examiner.com website.

Lauren’s way of dealing with animals is different from mine. She’s in charge at HotRescues, her private, no-kill shelter, and does a great job of helping the animals with whom she comes in contact. As I mentioned, BEAGLEMANIA begins with a rescue from a puppy mill. Some of Lauren’s later adventures will involve an animal hoarder and a shelter that takes in unadoptable pets.

I can still identify with her and her obsession. Check her out, and let me know what you think. Maybe you’ll identify with her, too. And I most certainly hope you find her fun enough to bark about.

By the way, in the Pet Rescue Mysteries, “no-kill” means pets, not people....

Please come visit me at http://www.lindaojohnston.com/ and at http://www.killerhobbies.blogspot.com/ on Wednesdays. Friend me on Facebook. I’d love to hear what you think of pet rescue--and BEAGLEMANIA!

Miniatures Monday: Cupcakes!

A few of my friend Kitty's new cupcakes (and cookies)!

My friend, Kitty is fantastic at making miniature foods. She's on a cupcake kick now and well, she's got me hooked, too! She made a bunch of teapots for me before and we both made a tea shoppe. So this time we're both going to make a cupcake shop. The fun part is trading things back and forth between the US and Holland, and seeing how we both do our shops. I have to decide yet whether to put it in a house or a shadowbox. We both like shabby chic, so we're leaning in that direction for colors.

Welcome JQ Rose, author of mystery, Sunshine Boulevard

Today I welcome new author JQ Rose, whose debut mystery, SUNSHINE BOULEVARD, has just been released!









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About SUNSHINE BOULEVARD:

Who or what is killing the seniors on Sunshine Boulevard? Jim and Gloria Hart are snowbirds who annually migrate to Florida for warm sunshine, fun, and golf with friends in snow-free winters. However this season, Jim Hart, a volunteer First Responder in his retirement community of Citrus Ridge, is drawn into the investigation of the mysterious deaths. Even in the midst of the unfortunate demise of the residents on Sunshine Boulevard, the Harts try to get together with friends. They don't realize that their friends are getting together for their own kinds of affairs with each other. The neighbors are in a dither over the deaths, but perhaps more intrigued by the gossip about the affairs and why the naked lady was found lying in the geranium bed.

Excerpt:

As they stepped into the bright kitchen, Jim turned to her. Looking straight into her eyes, he said, “Royce called this morning. George’s death was peculiar. I guess, that’s what the Medical Examiner is saying.” Jim was friends with the county M.E., Royce Williams. They worked together on investigations involving the First Responders Unit. Living in a retirement community, the Medical Examiner and medics were frequent visitors. An ambulance at a home was not a significant event at Citrus Ridge. It was part of life and death.

“Royce told us George’s body did not rot. It couldn’t have decomposed that quickly because Miss Lottie checked on him every day when she brought him the mail in the afternoon. She delivered it the day before he died. He was alert and talked about the weather.

“When Lottie called 9-1-1 at one o’clock yesterday, she was so upset she couldn’t even speak. They traced the call to her house. When the police arrived, she only pointed to George’s house.”

Jim stopped a minute. Gloria saw the anguish in his face. “They discovered George sitting in the living room in his recliner[. His body was mustard yellow."

* Check out JQ Rose's blog


Writers Are Observers

Watch out! Your conversation with your girlfriend in the local coffee shop may end up in a story. The little old couple walking hand in hand along the beach may be the fodder to develop into murderers, child snatchers, or lovers escaping from their spouses in a mystery/suspense novel. A writer’s creative mind can make up stories from observing everyday scenes. Go to Walmart and discover a gentleman who will become the beloved uncle in a children’s story. The lady checking out in front of you would be a great model to be the crazed hooker in the next mystery.

Watching people is one of my favorite things to do. I don’t mind waiting in the car or mall because I can see all kinds of stories developing as the shoppers walk past. They have no idea who they could become in my author’s mind. What is more fun than combining the features of a gentleman with the quirky habits of your Uncle Leroy and throw in some pet sayings of your grandmother to develop one funny guy for a story? Or how about choosing your favorite celebrity to be the main character in your latest romance work-in-progress (WIP)?

Writing is an escape into another world of familiar but new characters. Have fun with your creative side. If the Muse leaves you for awhile, go out to the mall or restaurant and just observe humanity. Your excursions will result in all kinds of ideas for character development, settings, plot, etc.