Alison Henderson's Blog - Posts Tagged "alison-henderson"

After writing, my second love is gardening, and because we recently bought a second home on the beautiful Central Coast of California, I'm starting to explore a whole new world of wonderful, unfamiliar plants.

I've always lived in the midwest and understand what will grow here. I even managed to adapt to the brief growing season in Minnesota with the most beautiful rose garden in the neighborhood. But a climate that never varies more than 15 degrees and has only rainy and dry seasons is a completely new challenge.

Because we won't be living there full time and water is in short supply, I'm interested in native plants that don't require irrigation. My husband found a lot of helpful information on the Monterey County website with lists of appropriate plants. I'd never heard of a single one, but how can I pass up something called sticky monkey flower? They have gorgeous yellow or orange flowers, and I have to have one for my tiny new front garden.

A large part of the fun of living in a new place is the adventure of discovering new things, and we're having a blast with this new adventure.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the issue of theme. Writing-related articles and blogs on the subject seem to pop up wherever I look. Isn’t that always the way when you’ve got a topic simmering in your brain? Because I write in multiple genres, I’ve been wondering how my stories connect—why I write what I write.

A writer’s theme is different from her subject matter or her author brand. Theme is not whether you write about highlanders or cowboys, dukes or detectives. To read more, please check out http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com

Are you aware of squirrels? You should be; October is Squirrel Awareness Month! At my house, we have no choice but to be aware of squirrels. They hang out on the patio, pound on the sliding glass door, and frequently try to break in. To read more and see some really funny squirrel pictures... http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com

A Man Like That has been chosen as one of the top 100 rated e-romaces of 2011 by The 100 Romances Project! Here's part of what the reviewer had to say:

"I loved this book for the wonderful characters to the setting. I actually felt I was on the trail with Morgan and Jessy. The scenes are described in great detail you could picture yourself riding along. I wanted to see what was going to happen with the family and if Morgan would change his mind. There are a couple of twists which keep the reader hooked. I finished this in one night, because I had to know what was going to happen. I even cried a few times along the way as I felt for the characters with what they were going through.

A must read."

To read the whole review ... http://onehundredromances.blogspot.co...

I don’t remember many of the costumes I wore as a child, but one stands out—the turquoise fringed cowgirl outfit I received when I was five. In the late ‘50’s and early 60’s, Westerns filled the television screens of America, and I loved every one I was allowed to watch. I still remember perching on the red leather ottoman in my grandmother’s den every Saturday morning with my brother and sister watching Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, and Trigger. I also loved the Lone Ranger, Zorro, Paladin, Bonanza—well, you get the idea. To read more visit http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com.

As the holidays approach, we’re often drawn to reflect on what we value most. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how this applies to both my life and my writing. In writing, an author’s values are expressed through theme. These days theme is a hot topic; writing-related articles and blogs on the subject seem to pop up wherever you look. Because I write in multiple genres, I’ve been wondering how my stories connect—why I write what I write.

A writer’s theme is different from her subject matter or author brand. Theme is not whether you write about highlanders or cowboys, dukes or detectives. My first two published books are western historical romances set in Missouri just after the end of the Civil War. That tells you something about the setting and subject matter but nothing about the theme. It also might brand me as an author if I let it (although brand encompasses an author’s style and voice as well). Because my newest manuscript and current WIP are both snappy contemporaries I wanted to figure out what they have in common with my historicals.

To read more and for a chance to win a free book: www.rosesofprose.blogspot.com

I’m not quite sure how it happened, but I am now the keeper of The Family Secret. I am the only known maker of Gram’s Gravy.

My mother’s mother died in 1998, shortly after her 98th birthday. Widowed at 49 and not quite five feet tall, she lived a few blocks away while I was growing up and was an essential part of our family life. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas until she was well into her 80’s, Gram was in charge of making the turkey gravy. There was nothing fancy about her method, no exotic additions or sophisticated techniques, but somehow she concentrated the flavors into the richest gravy imaginable. A couple of tablespoons brought plain turkey and ho-hum stuffing to life. We rationed our helpings to make sure the gravy would last as long as the leftovers because when it was gone, it was gone. Powdered or bottled gravy was no substitute.

To read more and have a chance to win a pdf of A Man Like That ... http://www.rosesofprose.blogspot.com

My latest western historical romance, A Man Like That, is featured today at http://kellymoranauthor.blogspot.com/

I invite you to stop by and leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy!

When was the last time you organized your kitchen? Probably the last time you moved. If you’ve moved in the past five years, you might be in pretty good shape—unless you’re like most people and just throw everything into cabinets to get the boxes off the floor. Well, it’s a new year and a great time to improve the organization in your kitchen!

Please join me at wwww.rosesofprose.blogspot.com for some helpful tips!

I just received a lovely review from Romancing the Book for A Man Like That.
The reviewer said, "Ms. Henderson finds a way to make you laugh, cry, hope and fall in love with this couple. I got so wrapped up in their lives and wanted to step in and whack Morgan up alongside the head to get him to see what he is missing out on...I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from Ms. Henderson. She has a way of showing all sides of life and the way a strong woman who is determined can help show a family what real love is and help them to heal and rebuild their lives. Simply Wonderful."
To read the full review... http://www.romancing-the-book.com/201...