Wednesday, February 26, 2014

The Wednesday Word

Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

February 26, 2014


Author To Author's Newsletter is Changing

Inspiration

We've all heard it time and time again. "Inspiration comes, but it must find you working." So, what happens when your work is where you are lacking in the inspiration department? For writers, this can be especially difficult. Luckily, I consider simply day dreaming to be a working task. (One of the perks of being an author.) I stare blankly into space, the husband says something like "What are you thinking about?" and I can reply, "Shh, I'm working!"

Seriously though, nobody wants to waste their time staring blankly at a desk when trying to be inspired. So, when your job requires your imagination, I suggest that excercising that imagination is the "work" that must be done.

I like to do little things like go on walks and observe nature, that's usually enough to spark my imagination. However, when I am having an especially difficult time, I find that playing music helps me. In fact, I played my piano for an hour this morning simply trying to figure out the proper ending scene for To Be Loved. I had one in mind, ah yes. And thought it was a sure thing, it was all typed out, edited, and ready to go. But you all know how those pesky little characters can be, they like to change things up on you, take you by surprise. So, I find myself revising.....repeatedly.

On an occasion when music doesn't work I might move on to something like crafting. I'm a big do-it-yourselfer and working with my hands always helps me to clear my mind. Whether it's refinishing a piece of furniture or painting a canvas (With stencils, mind you. I'm no Picasso.) eventually the creative juices start flowing.

Last but definitely not least, my last resort is always the same thing. Food. I love food. Not Like, LOVE. I could eat for days, probably continuously if it wouldn't make me sick.  I like to cook and try out new recipes and of course while doing so, I begin to imagine a scene that could find a place in my story. However, be warned. Snacking while writing can be hazardous, I practically aspirated a chili cheese Frito just a few moments ago.

So, what say you? What do you do to find inspiration?



By A2A Contributor Andrea Goodson www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members


Join T.M. Franklin for a Cover Reveal

Author T.M. Franklin is presenting the cover for Who is Ainsley Bishop on March 1st, don't miss it! http://www.tmfranklin.com/index.php/blog/who-ainsley-bishop-finally-answer/


Check Out R.E. Hargrave's Latest Novella

Take a look at Unchained Melody, a military novella. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20839842-unchained-melody


April Emerson's Novel Goes on PreSale


Check out April's blog for link to preorder The Righteous & The Wicked now! http://aprilemerson.blogspot.com/2014/02/pre-sale.html?zx=47db010d365288bf

 

Join Andrea Goodson in a Fight for Hearts

Andrea Goodson still has a few days left in the Fight for Hearts campaign to aid Unlikely Heroes.  Visit her website to find out more. www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com

Wednesday's Weird Word


Blunderbuss

A gun with a flared muzzle or disorganized activity

Thank you for reading this edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again in two weeks for more news and savings to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word! Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Tempting Tuesdays ~ Bacon Cheeseburger Pie


I just finished reading Redeemed by a Rebel by Cynthia Woolf set in the 1870's. Cooking over the fire with a cast iron skillet was commonplace during those times. I got the itch to pull out my skillet and try this recipe from Oh, Bite It.

Ingredients

1 lb of lean ground beef
1/2 pound (or more if you like) crispy bacon
Approx. 1 1/2 lb of Velveeta cheese sliced to cover or 2 cups of shredded cheese
1 egg
1 cup of Milk
Salt, Pepper, and your favorite seasonings
2 cups of Bisquick or baking mix
1 8 inch oven safe skillet



Mix together Bisquick and milk in medium sized bowl until thick and smooth. Set aside.


Mix Ground Beef with 1 egg and desired seasonings then press evenly into the bottom of the skillet.


Top with bacon.


Cover with cheese.


Pour Bisquick over the top and smooth it out.

Bake at 350 degrees for an hour or until fully cooked through. Cover with foil at the halfway point.




Enjoy!

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Sunday Sneak Peek - Jennifer Garcia

sneakpeeksunday
divider graphics

~ Just Rewind ~

divider graphics

A Work in Progress

divider graphics

bcd18-excerpt

Don't you wish you could just rewind time

and go back to when things were simple,

people were unchanged,

and we still believed in fairytales?


[caption id="attachment_70527" align="aligncenter" width="311"]Harlie. JustRewind “She fell off the swing from way up high. I saw it all. She landed on her face and says her arms hurt. She needs a doctor.” With a flurry of movement, several more adults surrounded. But my eyes kept going back to the boy’s. They were my safe place.
“What’s your name?” I asked, my breath coming out in gasps while the pain throbbed in my arms and chest.
“Francisco Javier. Yours?”
“Harlie,” I said. His hand smoothed my hair back and told me I’d be all right.
“Listen, here comes the ambulance. See, you’ll be just fine. They’ll take you to the hospital and get you fixed up.” And I replayed his words over and over as they hauled me off to the emergency room and put a cast on both of my arms.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_70525" align="aligncenter" width="522"]??????????????????????????????????????? “Harlie, why are you here?”
Her blonde hair hung in two braids out of her straw hat. She wore a black T-shirt and a pair of painted on jeans with a pair of very worn, light brown cowboy boots. She looked beautiful and more mature. The lines on her face were more defined and less baby-like.
“My job.” She flicked her blue eyes up and I saw the moisture in them.
“Well, your job is done. Go home, there’s no need for you to come back either. I’m home now.” So much anger was built up inside me, and I just so happened to throw it at this poor innocent girl that did not deserve it at all. However, I couldn’t find it in me to stop.
“Hey, she’s more than welcome here. You can’t just come home after four years and boss us around.” Came the voice of my sister, Lupita, from behind me. She was the same age as Harlie, a year younger than me. They were thick as thieves since they started Kindergarten together.
“Fine.” I moved toward Whiskey, grabbed the curry brushes from Harlie’s hands, and stepped between her and my gelding. “There’s no need for her to be touching my horse.”
“You know, you’re an ungrateful jerk! She’s been here almost everyday since you’ve been gone taking care–”
“Lupita, come on, let’s go.” Harlie didn’t let her finish speaking and grabbed her by the arm leading her toward the main house.[/caption] divider graphics

d368d-abouttheauthor

signature1  photo Authorpic_zps31ad6ac1.png Jennifer Garcia’s (aka Forbes Arnone) home until she was sixteen was a small coastal town near Boston. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. Her lifelong love for reading and writing was put aside for many years while she made her way in the world and nurtured her young family. Even though she is older, and life never seems to settle, she’s finding her way while attending college full-time in pursuit of a B.A. in English Literature. She also runs a business, and is still caring for her family. Believing she can do it all, with the help of her family, she worked on her first novel during the late hours of the night while balancing the rest of her life during the day. Her hard work paid off, as her first novel, My Mr. Manny,  was  published in August 2013 and her first novella, In My Mother's Footsteps, was published July 2013.
30bad-contactinfo

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Saturday Snapshots 2/22/14


Saturday Snapshots is a picture prompt brought to you by Author to Author, meant to inspire the creative genius within you.

Maybe you'll be moved to write flash fiction for it, perhaps it will kick start an old idea for a novel, or it may inspire a new short story. Whatever it does, we hope you'll enjoy these images around the web.

If inspiration does hit, we hope you'll post a snippet in the comments.

Today's image: Peace

©  | Dreamstime.com

Friday, February 21, 2014

Friday Freebies


This week's Friday Freebies picks:


A Truth in Lies - Jeanne McDonald
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Get it for Free on Amazon
Summary:
Micah Cooper, an EMT in New York City, was no stranger to thinking fast and acting faster. His life was a continuous loop of spontaneous decisions. Everything was a matter of life or death in his line of work. He lived for the thrill, and loved the ability to help those in need. 

Being the son of a well renowned surgeon, Micah was well educated in the life of a medical professional. He had seen everything, or at least he thought he had. But when the planes crashed into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, Micah realized he hadn’t seen it all. In a single moment, he lost his ability to think. Trapped inside the south tower was his wife, Hope.

Hope was Micah’s world, his sunshine, and when the towers collapsed, so did his heart. He watched, along with the world, as the heart of America went down in dust and flames. Through the chaos and devastation, Micah only had one mission, to find Hope.

By his side, through the madness, was his trusted partner and friend, Zachary Pearce. Together, they raced against time and destruction to save Hope. In the midst of tragedy, discouraged that all might be lost, Micah holds on to a ray of hope that his wife will be found.

The Lost Librams: The Foundlings - R. M. Garcia
Genre: Fantasy | Alternative History
Get it for Free on Amazon
Summary:
Foundling: A Vampire caused by accidental means

This title is the first Compendium offered in the Foundlings Series. It contains:
 

Book Two: The Vampir Manual of the Reich
 

Can you fathom the horror of being chosen and kidnapped by vampires, simply because you fit their "ideal" racial requirements? To make things worst these are vampires were all once part of the Nazi Third Reich. They give you a terrible choice, which is really no choice at all. Join us or we will kill everyone you love in front of you and then kill you. Gripped by an unimaginable fear you agree; the whole while panicking over the reveal of your secret, the one thing that they don't know. They hand you a manual and expect you to learn it. This is the terror that Abbie experiences within the pages of The Foundlings. This is the very
manual she is handed, and expected to memorize.
And to your despair, your secret Jewish heritage has been discovered. In this nightmare, what would you do next? 

***********
Book Four: The Codex of Vampiric Bloodlines 
What if there existed a hidden tome entrusted to a secret religious Order that branched off from the Catholic Church? And held within it, everything we know about vampires, including all of their Bloodlines and Bloodsources, unstoppable beings born and bred in evil? What if this tome held all of their secrets, and more importantly, their weaknesses?
And even knowing of its existence, can mean a death sentence, for vampires are adamant that not a word of this information is leaked out. Knowing so, would you dare read it still?

The codex was rumored to have been initially written by R.M. Garcia, a priest of the Order of the Second Life in 1871. It was later passed down to Father Hubert Garcia and has now been entrusted to Father Dominick Luna, who could possibly be this generation's greatest vampire hunter. Are you brave enough to read and use this knowledge in the upcoming war against Evil?
**********
Book Five: The Shrouded Sagas 
In a veiled world, containing shadowy truths and deadly secrets there are those that speak out and shed light on the darkness. These are their stories. 

How did a priest fall in love with a Cherokee medicine woman?
Why did a vampire of the Reich take the ultimate risk to gain his freedom?
How did this generation's greatest vampire hunter first meet vampires, and the evils that befell him?
How were the cruelest and malicious twins chosen to become part of The Reich Bloodline?
How did a blind medium end up leading a motorcycle gang dedicated to the slaughter of all things vampire?
And perhaps the greatest secret of all. How was the oldest and most powerful of Bloodlines wiped out in a single night?  

There are many secrets that are kept. Their very existence is one of them. In the Shrouded Sagas, you will discover many tales that have been kept quite for a long time. As you turn the pages, you will slowly lift the veil of their secrecy. But beware, such information often comes at a price, and Vampires don't forgive easily. Ask any Foundling, if you dare.

Rivulets of Blood - CS Forster
Genre: Mystery | Thriller | Suspense
Get it Free on Amazon
Summary:
A simple matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time turns into a terrifying nightmare 
A Sheriff who is past his prime, an inexperienced Deputy and a temporary one who knows all about deadly dangers. 
Advertising Executive Jason Hadley’s wonderful life is plummeting into an abyss. Will he and his beautiful wife Shelby be able to overcome their problems despite all the horrifying obstacles in their way? 
Throw in the mix a ruthless, savage rapist/killer and you have a thriller and suspense novella you will not be able to put down 
Not suitable for readers under 18.






No Easy Hope - James N. Cook
Genre: Thriller | Horror
Get it Free on Amazon
Summary:
My name is Eric Riordan. Once, I was a wealthy man leading a comfortable, easy life. Then my old friend Gabriel told me how the world would end. Gabriel tried to help me. He taught me everything he learned as a Scout Sniper in the Marine Corps. All the hard lessons from years spent in the sand choked battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. I did everything I could to prepare. I thought I was ready.

I was wrong.

When the Outbreak came, it destroyed everything. The dead rose to consume the living, and all that mankind spent so many millennia working to build was laid to waste in a matter of months. The undead spared no one, leaving only ashes and death in their wake.

For those of us still alive, every single day is a struggle. In spite of the danger, and the darkness, I still believe there is a chance that the human race can rebuild. If I can make my way North and enlist Gabriel's help, maybe we can find enough people to start over again. It won't be easy, though. I have to make my way across the ruins of the old world, and along the way my will to live, my humanity, and my very soul will be tested.

I have food, I have a pickup truck, and I have my trusty rifle. Most importantly, I have hope. Hope is a powerful thing, but I will need much more than that if I am to survive the dead.

This is the beginning. This is my story.

Honourary Mention:
Grave Possesions - Angel Lawson
Genre: Suspense | Paranormal
On sale For release week. Get it for 2.99 on Amazon
Summary:
Strong.

Loyal.

Independent.

These aren’t the words Jane expected to use to describe herself, but in the years since she first began seeing ghosts things have changed. A lot. Jane has spent the last two years losing one person after the other. Both dead and alive. But this year things will be different. She’s entering her freshman year of art school, rooming with her best friend Ava and has a new boyfriend. Oh, and she’s no longer afraid that she’s Shadow Bound with a direct connection to ghosts. In fact, she’s learned to use her abilities for her benefit.

Jane soon discovers she can’t walk away from her past. The wounds from her battle with Charlotte are deep and no matter what she tells herself, the break up with Connor weighs heavy on her heart. Balancing these emotions prove to be a weakness for her and Jane finds herself in a fight against the most dangerous spirits she’s encountered yet.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Tempting Tuesdays ~ Pancake Fried Sausage Patties


I was in the mood for a twist on breakfast and found this recipe on Oh, Bite It. This is NOT a healthy breakfast, so please eat in moderation. Maybe add some fresh melon to get some valuable daily nutrients.

Ingredients

Pancake batter
Sausage patties (defrosted or pre-cooked if you prefer)
Vegetable oil for frying




Mix up your pancake batter according to package directions.


Coat each patty in batter.


Fry until golden brown on both sides. Make sure the oil is at least 350 degrees F. 





Add your favorite syrup and enjoy!


Saturday, February 15, 2014

Saturday Snapshots: 2/15/14


Saturday Snapshots is a picture prompt brought to you by Author to Author, meant to inspire the creative genius within you.

Maybe you'll be moved to write flash fiction for it, perhaps it will kick start an old idea for a novel, or it may inspire a new short story. Whatever it does, we hope you'll enjoy these images around the web.

If inspiration does hit, we hope you'll post a snippet in the comments.

Today's image: Making Music


http://www.aguilaramp.com/gfx/FeaturedArtist_morganjahnig_main_lg.jpg 
Photo Credit: http://www.aguilaramp.com/gfx/FeaturedArtist_morganjahnig_main_lg.jpg

Friday, February 14, 2014

Friday Freebies


This week's Friday Freebies picks:

Window by T.M. Franklin
Genre: Young Adult | Paranormal Romance
Get it for free on Amazon
Chloe Blake has a unique gift, an odd connection to her house that results in glimpses of the past, present, and future via the picture window in her living room. Unfortunately, it's a gift that sometimes proves to be more of a curse. Especially when she tries to help out Ethan Reynolds, the gorgeous boy who lives across the street - an endeavor that, for some reason, always seems to backfire. 

Or leave her covered in mud. 

But the house is convinced Ethan's life is in danger and Chloe's the only one who can save him. The problem is, he thinks she's more than a little crazy.




Force of Nature by Sydney Logan
Get it for free on Amazon
Genre: New Adult | Contemporary Romance
Living in Tornado Alley has caused twenty-two year old Laura Pratt to grow cynical when it comes to storm warnings. When a tornado rips its way through her college campus, Laura becomes trapped in the library basement with fellow music major and longtime crush Aiden Barnes. After the storm clears, and the two are faced with the harsh reality of Mother Nature's vengeance, will Laura and Aiden emerge from the rubble with their hearts intact?





Mangled Hearts by Felicia Tatum
Genre: New Adult | Contemporary Romance
Get it for free on Amazon
Can two loves find their way back to each other despite an addiction and a hardened heart? Will their love overcome it all? 
Francesca Taymon is young, successful, and broken. A tragic accident years ago haunts her to this day, and she blames only one person--the one that holds her heart. When she finally gets her first case, will she be able to handle seeing him again? Can she do her job and keep her heart intact? 
Cade Kelling doesn’t take life seriously. He’s reckless and irresponsible, drinking all his problems away. When his parents bail him out for the last time, will he be able to handle seeing Francesca after all of these years? Will he be able to tell her what really happened that night 5 years ago or will he lose her forever? 
And the most important question…. Can these mangled hearts be mended? 



Summer Dreams by Hebby Roman
Genre: New Adult | Contemporary Romance
Get it for free on Amazon
Where else but in her beloved New Mexico would Natalia Colon want to spend a summer---preferably in the strong arms of her macho childhood friend, Esteban Montalvo. But when she arrives home, hurting from a broken engagement, Natalia discovers her childhood pal has become a minor league baseball player, and with his dark, athletic good looks, is attracting women like bees to honey. She fears he'd never be interested in a bookish school teacher like her. But how wrong she is! Esteban has been secretly in love with Natalia from the time they were children, but he worries his love isn't good enough for her. Can he win Natalia's heart . . . with a soul-searing romance that fulfills all of her summer dreams.


Head Over Heels by Marley Gibson
Genre: New Adult | Contemporary Romance
Get it for free on Amazon
Irina “Ira” Jeffries and her roommate, Fernanda Lopez, turn heads, even in a paradise like Miami’s South Beach where beauty is the rule, not the exception. Ira lands local modeling gigs while working at an ultra-hip art deco hotel. Fernanda’s classic Hispanic looks catapult her to the top of the local pageant scene. Both women take a mind-blowing ride into the cutthroat and competitive fashion and pageant worlds filled with seductive men, thousand dollar champagne toasts, Botox parties, spiked drinks, and the most incredible cities. 

Ira must choose between the frenetic pace of the fashion runways or the man she loves, sexy Spaniard and aspiring shoe designer, Pablo Andrews. Fernanda’s quest for being the best and nabbing the crown of Miss United States drives her into the arms of local celebrity and former trash-talking Miami Tarpon football player, Thomas Traylor. 

Each woman eventually has to make the biggest decision of her life about who she really wants to be. The options leave them both Head Over High Heels.

Carved In Stone by Donna McDonald
Genre:  Humor | Contemporary Romance
Get it for free on Amazon
Even though his sons tease him about not dating, and his ex-wife thinks he is still hung up on her, 53 yr old retired principal and stone sculptor, William Everett Larson, is glad he waited to date until he found 47 yr old high school art teacher, Jessica Daniels. He admires Jessica for her courageous art and for how she has dealt with her life. 

As far as Will can tell, the only part of Jessica damaged by her past is her heart. Jessica assures Will she is incapable of lasting love, but Will refuses to believe it’s true. 


Check back next week for more great free books.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

The Wednesday Word

Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

February 12, 2014


Author To Author's Newsletter is Changing

If Not You... Then Who?

This is a question I have found myself struggling with lately. Every time that perfect idea strikes and it seems to get added to the never ending list of things I want to do. Or, things I should do. Or perhaps, the things I must do.

As writers, I am sure we all have so many fantastic ideas that our minds feel as though they are about to burst at the seams. Whether it be plot ideas, character traits, new strategies for marketing and promotion, or how we can positively use our platform, all of these ideas take up quite a vast amount of space in our imagination. So much so that it becomes extremely easy to become overwhelmed.

The feeling of being overwhelmed can be more stressful and tiring than actually accomplishing the idea you have in mind. When this happens, I find my "idea notebook" to be of great use. I keep my notebook divided into sections with enough room to include step by step instructions for myself. These instructions dictate how I will go about completing whichever task it is that I have set out to accomplish. I find that lists tend to keep the mind uncluttered.

My newest idea came to me while watching a program about human trafficking a few weeks ago. This idea isn't for a book and it isn't for promotion. With over 2,000 Facebook followers I feel a moral responsibility to use my platform in a way which will positively impact our world. Yes, I realize 2,000 isn't some astronomical number and that there are plenty of other authors around who have a much larger fan base than that. Still, how can I have access to so many human beings and not try to spread the word about something so horrific?

With everything that is going on in life, day-to-day chores, working, being a fulltime wife and mother, writing and rewriting my current work in progress, as well as the many promotional tasks I sig myself up for, I had to wonder... How can I effectively make a difference?

So I busted out the idea notebook and went to work.

That's when I came up with the idea of raising money for Unlikely Heroes. They are a fantastic organization that not only spreads the word about the millions of children in human slavery around the world, but also rescues and rehabilitates these victims! After talking with their Program Manager, I started the February Fight for Hearts Campaign.

During the month of February all proceeds from my books sales as well as donations to the campaign will be sent directly to Unlikely Heroes.

I haven't had a huge influx of donations yet and I barely have the time to keep up with it. But does that mean I shouldn't try? Does that mean I should leave this task for someone else who might be able to devote more energy to the cause?

No.

Because the same is true with this scenario as is true with all of our ideas. When we come up with that book that absolutely must be written, we have to find a way to do it. Because if not you...then who?

If you'd like to participate and put an end to this worldwide atrocity you can donate here.

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members


T.M. Franklin Hosts Giveaway

Author T.M. Franklin is hosting a giveaway from February 13-19! Take a look and enter to win! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5c62db24/

Many readers have been wondering Who is Ainesly Bishop? Find out on February 17th! www.tmfranklin.com

T.M. is also offering her novella, Window, free from February 11-15! Download your copy today! http://www.amazon.com/Window-T-M-Franklin-ebook/dp/B00BU7TYBS


Jeanne McDonald Offers Giveaway and FREE Download


Join Jeanne for a Goodreads giveaway running now through March 3rd. https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/79912-the-truth-in-lies

You can also download A Ray of Hope for free between February 21-25! http://www.amazon.com/Ray-Hope-Jeanne-McDonald-ebook/dp/B00D7L9BXG

Join Sydney Logan's Stupid Cupid Gieaway


Author Sydney Logan is holding a giveaway now through Valentine's Day! Don't miss your chance to enter! http://www.sydneylogan.com/2014/02/cover-reveal-stupid-cupid-by-sydney.html

Enter Sydney Logan's Valentine's Giveaway


This giveaway is live and goes until February 1st! Take a look and enter to win! http://www.sydneylogan.com/p/giveaways.html


Join Sandi Layne for a Blog Tour and a Sweet Deal


Follow along on Part Deux of Sandi's blog tour! http://sandyquill.com/2014/02/06/blog-tour-part-deux/

Don't miss the new release of Justin's Second Chance. It will be available on Valentine's Day for a low 99 cents! http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/books/detail/134



Visit Goodreads to enter April Emerson's Giveaway


Take a look and enter The Righteous and The Wicked Giveaway on Goodreads! https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/79358-the-righteous-and-the-wicked

Don't miss the new book trailer for April's book which goes live on February 14th! www.aprilemerson.blogspot.com

Wednesday's Weird Word


Doohickey

unspecified object or small device, especially a mechanical one.

Thank you for reading this edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again in two weeks for more news and savings to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word! Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Tempting Tuesdays ~ Sweet Chocolate Cherry Bombs




Valentine's Day is just a few days away and I wanted to give you a special recipe. I searched through dozens of tempting treats, but this was the one I always kept coming back to. I had never made cake pops before. I just didn't understand how you could actually get cake on the end of a stick. This seemed like an easy alternative.

This recipe is adapted from Hungry Happenings.

Ingredients

1 Devil's Food or Chocolate Cake Mix
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1/4 cup - 1 tub Classic White Frosting
30-48 Maraschino Cherries with stems
16-22 oz. tempered semi-sweet chocolate (or
  dark confectionery coating/candy melts)


First we need to bake our cake. Instead of following the directions on the box, combine your cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.


Heat your oven to 350 degrees and prepare you pan. Use two round cake pans or one 9 x 13 inch pan.

Tip:

To grease your pan, combine two tablespoons each of all purpose flour, vegetable oil, and Crisco. Mix together until you make a paste then coat the bottom and the sides of your pan. The cake will slide right out of your pan. No more problems with sticking and losing clumps of cake!



Pour cake mix into pan(s). Tap gently on the sides to get all the air bubbles out. Bake 29-35 minutes (check package for specific cooking time for pan size.)



Cool cake completely.


Crumble cake and add frosting. This part is where you use your own judgement. Some people use the whole tub, while I only used about half a tub. It's up to you how dense or fluffy you would like your cake to be.



Form a disk out of cake mixture, place cherry in the middle, then form cake around the cherry until completely covered.


Melt your chocolate in the microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring between each. If you can find cherries with stems, just hold by the stem and dip into the chocolate until coated. Unfortunately, after an exhaustive search I still couldn't find Maraschino Cherries with stems. If this is how you find yourself, just roll each ball in melted chocolate with a spoon until completely covered. Place on a baking sheet covered in wax paper then pop in the freezer for 5 minutes to set up.




Mine turned out a little on the big side, so I only got 24 out of this recipe. I'm sure if I made them half the size, I could easily get twice that many. Big plus, my sweetie loved them and is already asking about making them again. You can use chocolate cake with chocolate frosting or white or yellow cake with white frosting. Sweetie suggested chocolate cake, chocolate frosting with pineapple chunks inside. That might be the next treat I make in our household.

Have a SWEET Valentine's Day!