Saturday, February 13, 2016

Get Cozy With Your Valentine...

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and it's a great opportunity to introduce you to a delicious mystery author! Caroline Fardig's newest book My Funny Valentine is out and it's HOT! Fardig is the author of the popular Java Jive Mysteries series and the Lizzie Hart Mysteries series. Fardig's BAD MEDICINE was named one of the "Best Books of 2015" by Suspense Magazine. She worked as a schoolteacher, church organist, insurance agent, funeral parlor associate, and stay-at-home mom before she realized that she wanted to be a writer when she grew up. Born and raised in a small town in Indiana, Fardig still lives in that same town with an understanding husband, two sweet kids, two energetic dogs, and one malevolent cat.
I asked Caroline to answer a few questions about her mystery novels:

Tell us about yourself and how you got interested in writing cozy mystery novels.
 I’ve had a lot of interesting and unrelated jobs over the years (including working at a funeral home and being a music teacher!), but nothing seemed to inspire me.  That is, until I started writing.  It was like I couldn’t get enough of it, and still sometimes my fingers can’t keep up with my crazy brain!  I’ve always liked mysteries, and I never was hugely into books that were too terribly serious, so cozies were a pretty good fit for me.  I honestly got into writing because I got irritated by how the books I was reading (and movie and TV shows I watched) would end.  I decided to write something and make it end how I wanted!  And so my Lizzie series was born.


How many books are in the Lizzie Hart series, and give us a description of Lizzie and her adventures.
 There are currently four books in the series (It’s Just a Little Crush, That Old Black Magic, Bad Medicine, and My Funny Valentine), with one more to be coming out in the summer (Wedding Bell Blues).  Lizzie Hart is a copy editor living in a sleepy small town where nothing interesting ever happens.  That is, until she starts tripping over dead bodies.  She’s got a super crush on the new investigative reporter, Blake Morgan, and she’s tried everything in her power to get him to notice her.  Once she decides he could be a killer and starts investigating him, he sits up and takes notice and their adventure really begins. 
 These books are fun and flirty, rated at about a PG-13 for language, violence, and adult situations (any sex is closed-door).  They’re for adults, but all the girls in my high school Sunday school class have read them!
  
Most novelists include a character in their writing that is their alter ego.... Is Lizzie your alter ego?  
 Yes, sort of.  She says the things I scream inside my head but don’t have the guts to say out loud.  Generally, she reacts to a situation the way I would.  She’s snarky and sarcastic, but loyal and always willing to help out a friend.  And she hates cats.


What other projects are you working on and what can we expect to see from you in 2016?
 I’m working on another cozy series.  This one is called the Java Jive series, and it’s published by Random House.  The series follows Juliet Langley, a down on her luck musician/coffeehouse manager who also starts tripping over dead bodies.  This one is set in Nashville, and music plays a big role.  I write a new original song for every book, and as an added bonus, I include the sheet music with every book!  You can see me performing my songs at one of Nashville’s coolest coffeehouses, Café Coco, on my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaBxQXmhgMcsLS4C1vMZYUg

Death Before Decaf (Java Jive #1) is out now and Mug Shot (Jave Jive #2) will be released on April 19th.


You can find a list of all my books, along with buy links for each one, here:  http://www.carolinefardig.com/books/



You're invited to my book signing for my newest release, MY FUNNY VALENTINE. Saturday, February 13, from 2-4 PM at the Evansville Barnes and Noble.  Hope to see you there--I'll have some fun Valentine's themed giveaways!






Purchase my latest release, My Funny Valentine, for only 99c! 









All Lizzie wants for Valentine's Day is for her fiancé NOT to be the prime suspect in a murder investigation.

Is that too much to ask?
Lizzie Hart is finally living the dream. She's engaged to the love of her life, Blake Morgan, and more importantly, she hasn't even given a thought to dead bodies or murder investigations for an entire year. The only hurdle in Lizzie and Blake's way to wedded bliss is introducing their polar opposite families to each other at their engagement party.
Blake's parents have thrown a lavish shindig, but the fun is quickly over when Blake's brother arrives with an unexpected guest, the woman who left Blake at the altar years ago. If that weren't enough drama for one evening, Lizzie and Blake find the town mayor dead and the detectives on the case put Blake at the top of their suspect list.
It's a race against the clock for Lizzie and Blake to find the real killer before the police decide to lock Blake up and throw away the key.

 Get in touch with Caroline Fardig at her Social Media:
Twitter:  @carolinefardig

Thank you for the interview Caroline and looking forward to reading more about Lizzie's adventures!



My Valentine Nugget For The Day (which I dedicate to My Valentine):



Peace & Love,

Lanea Stagg
www.reciperecordscookbook.com
blog:  www.rockblocks3.blogspot.com
radio:  www.blogtalkradio.com/reciperecords
reciperecordsml@aol.com
www.amazon.com/laneastagg

Monday, January 18, 2016

What Was the Big Deal About David Bowie?

Someone posed that question to me after the shocking news of David Bowie's death and I've been pondering my answer.
Admittedly, I own very few Bowie works, but I always respected his music and never change the station when I hear his songs ("Rebel Rebel" is not surprisingly my favorite.)

His music contains influences of jazz, blues, R&B, soul, funk, and rock which transformed into his own music style = Glam Rock. Proficient on the saxophone, piano, guitar and more, his instrumental talent, was merely a fulcrum for his blast of lyrical genius. Stemming from his study of theatre and mime, the rocker used that experience well as he pumped grandiose theatrics into his presence and performances.
There are a few reasons why I think David Bowie was a big deal.....

July, 1969
Ground Control to Major Tom .....
Released in the UK 10 days prior to Apollo 11's lift off, "Space Oddity" was introspective, innovative and sheer brilliance. The song was not actually released until the safe return of America's astronauts. The lasting power of this song has been remarkable and perhaps becomes more meaningful each decade..

https://youtu.be/nP6xBFyA_aw


Oh! You Pretty Things......
Don't you know you're driving your Mamas and Papas insane....
Bowie burst onto the music scene, a tall, lanky, fair-haired and skinned fellow with crazy hair. We were used to seeing hotties like Jim Morrison, The Beatles, Bob Dylan and the Beach Boys. Did David Bowie's appearance make a lot of people feel uncomfortable? Probably. But guess what? 
A generation of emboldened individuals emerged through the stardust of David Bowie. Those who saw themselves as underdogs, black sheep, and misfits who didn't mesh with the jocks and cool kids responded to the outrageous appearance and innovative music of Bowie. Countless numbers of musicians and bands credit their creative products to Bowie. Perhaps the most appealing quality about Bowie in my opinion...is he created an environment that welcomed the non-jocks, the introverts, the creative geniuses. One of the most basic needs of the human race is acceptance and the Bowie fans found their home "outside of the box" with a man who invented a persona which confused many, but made sense to others. He put himself out there and said "you are cool, too."

https://youtu.be/pBQ-S6njQQw

Fame.....puts you there where things are hollow....
While Bowie enjoyed much superstardom, he suffered the effects of the golden ring, as do most celebrities. The song "Fame" was written with John Lennon, who knew the scarring effects of fame as well.
During this time, Bowie found a niche in the soul, funk and R&B genres. Growing up in England, listening to James Brown and Little Richard, he celebrated those styles and influences in his own sound. He was one of the first white artists to appear on the program "Soul Train."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Shnrnqx_wsY

Another quite interesting interview with Bowie was in 1983   when he spoke with MTv's Mark Goodman and asked why they did not play more black artists on their video programming:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZGiVzIr8Qg


Blackstar.....the stars look very different today.
On Bowie's 69th birthday, January 8, 2016, his 25th studio album was released, "Blackstar." And just when you thought he couldn't blow our minds any further....he took it to another galaxy.
Having produced this album during his terminal illness, he used his music to send us another message. He is saying hey...yes, I'm going beyond this life. 
From the newly released song "Lazarus," he says: 
"This way or no way. You know, I'll be free. Just like that bluebird. Now ain't that just like me."
Listening to Bowie's music has taken on a new sound for me this past week. Thank you David Bowie for blowing our minds, giving those of us a comfort zone, and creating unforgettable music. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-JqH1M4Ya8







GRAMMY SYMPOSIUM - APRIL 1 - 2, 2016
Cleveland, Mississippi
Grammy Museum - Cleveland, Mississippi
The Grammy Museum in Cleveland Mississippi and Delta State University are presenting "GRAMMY Beatles 2016: From Cavern to Candlestick" 
Headlining the event are distinguished Beatles authors: Jude Southerland Kessler and Ivor Davis. I am honored to be part of the symposium as well!
It is going to be a Beatles lover's dream -- right in the Mississippi Delta where the blues originated and we all know how much The Beatles were influenced by the blues. 
Mark your calendar now to attend!
Here is information on tickets -- buy them NOW!

http://www.grammymuseumms.org/events/detail/beatles-symposium-2016-from-the-cavern-to-candlestick



GRAMMY SYMPOSIUM CONTEST:



Now through February 14: 
Any time you like, share, or comment on one of the GRAMMY posts on the 910 Public Relations Facebook page, you'll be entered to win a FAB prize package! 
Included are two tickets to the Beatles Symposium event at the GRAMMY Museum in Mississippi (April 1-2), a limited edition GRAMMY vinyl featuring 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,' and a blu-ray of the GRAMMY Beatles salute featuring Paul and Ringo. 

Find 910 Public Relations Here:

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/910PubRel
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/910pr/

Good luck!


Follow The Grammy Museum Here:

Twitter:   @GRAMMYMuseumMS
Facebook:   GRAMMY Museum Mississippi



Community Garden Revolution Magazine-January issue
It's time now to start planning those gardens - for real!
Here's the link to Mary Hukill's dynamic publication:


You can sign up to receive notifications of the magazine. Stay tuned for new formatting updates in 2016!



Peace & Love,

Lanea Stagg

Recipe Records Cookbooks
www.reciperecordscookbook.com
blog:  www.rockblocks3.blogspot.com
radio:  www.blogtalkradio.com/reciperecords
facebook:  RecipeRecords (send request)
twitter:  @RecipeRecords and @LaneaStagg
Evansville, Indiana
reciperecordsml@aol.com

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

A Local Christmas!

The Bitterman Shoppes
During the holiday season everybody is searching for the perfect gifts. I have found an excellent place in Evansville to shop for artisan wares and locally raised food items. You will find gifts that appeal to any recipient at Bitterman Mini Shoppes & Farmer's Market.

Please try to visit your local merchants and allow them to have a great holiday as well. It's very difficult to compete with online shopping, but I guarantee you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you directly impacted someone locally.

The Bitterman Shoppes
On Saturday, December 19, from 2:00 pm. to 5:00 p.m. - Evansville authors will be at The Bitterman to sign and sell books! Each author is featured below and there is a wide variety of books that will appeal to all readers. 
The authors represent a wide variety of reading materials that will touch all shapes and sizes: cozy mystery, biographical fiction, poetry, children's books, fantasty/sci-fi and hands-on. Of course, I will be there with all of the Recipe Records cookbooks and the Little Dog series.
Please take some time on Saturday to visit The Bitterman and these fabulous writers:  Caroline Fardig, Carolyn Howard, Honey Angela Williams, Patricia Easley, C. A. Jamison, Donna G. Hendricks, Robin Wright and Maryanne Burkhard. Each author has contributed books for door prizes giveaways, a harpist will be there and there's terrific foods for sampling! I promise you won't regret getting out there.

The Bitterman - Mini Shoppes & Farmer's Market,  204 Main Street, Evansville, IN.

http://www.thebittermanshoppes.com/about/



Death Before Decaf
A Java Jive Mystery #1
by Caroline Fardig

Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich and Diane Mott Davidson, Caroline Fardig’s captivating new mystery novel takes readers behind the counter of a seemingly run-of-the-mill coffeehouse . . . where murder is brewing. After her music career crashes and burns spectacularly, Juliet Langley is forced to turn to the only other business she knows: food service. Unfortunately, bad luck strikes yet again when her two-timing fiancé robs her blind and runs off with her best waitress. Flushing what’s left of her beloved café down the toilet with her failed engagement, Juliet packs up and moves back to her college stomping grounds in Nashville to manage an old friend’s coffeehouse. At first glance, it seems as though nothing’s changed at Java Jive. What could possibly go wrong? Only that the place is hemorrhaging money, the staff is in open revolt, and Juliet finds one unlucky employee dead in the dumpster out back before her first day is even over.
Caroline Fardig
The corpse just so happens to belong to the cook who’d locked horns with Juliet over the finer points of the health code. Unimpressed with her management style, the other disgruntled employees are only too eager to spill the beans about her fiery temper to the detective on the case. Add to the mix a hunky stranger who’s asking way too many questions, and suddenly Juliet finds herself in some very hot water. If she can’t simmer down and sleuth her way to the real killer, she’s going to get burned.

Caroline Fardig will be selling and signing her Lizzie Hart series on Saturday. Get more info at www.amazon.com/caroline fardig

http://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Fardig/e/B00C1866NE/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1449601191&sr=1-2-ent

http://www.carolinefardig.com/

Facebook:  Caroline Fardig
Twitter:  @carolinefardig




Liza, Ever Always

by Carolyn Howard

Liza seemingly had everything going for her, except that it was the 1800s, she was female and her family were 40-acre farmers. Even though her future held marriage, many children and toil each day, she still approached life with joy. Contrast that with her rich neighbors in French Lick, Indiana, who couldn't get enough power or enough money, and perhaps Liza's life wasn't so poor after all.

Carolyn Howard

Carolyn Howard is an author of 1800s biographical fiction novels. Her first: "Blood of My Ancestor," which is about her family. Her second is "Faith Healer's Daughter," the first volume in Lost River Saga. "Liza, Ever Always" is the second in that series. Carolyn lives in Evansville, Indiana.

Link to Carolyn's Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Carolyn-Howard/e/B00A8RV1CG/
_______
Carolyn Howard, author: Liza, Ever Always
Faith Healer's Daughter 

Blood of My Ancestor

Carolyn's Blog:  http://authorhoward.blogspot.com/


Carolyn Howard on Facebook










Life More Abundantly and other powerful & empowering works
by Honey Angela Williams


A couple of years ago I had this lovely woman on my radio show. She shared several of her powerful poems!
Ms. Williams has found that by the grace of God, adversity can be part of the abundant life, promised Christians in John 10:10. She has made poetry of
experiencing homelessness as a child, the collapse of her marriage, dating after divorce and many other events which she addresses in her poetry. Her drive and tenacity is quite admirable and I feel that she can inspire and encourage others with her honest prose. How fortunate I was to meet this poet and I predict that her works will shine brighter than the sun. Don't miss the chance to meet her this Saturday at The Bitterman!








Honey Angela Williams 



Check out Ms. Williams' book of poetry here:
http://www.amazon.com/Abundantly-Other-Powerful-Empowering-Works/dp/1493681060


You can hear Ms. Williams on my radio show at this link:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/recipe-records-cookbook/2014/01/18/author-honey-williams-confronts-adversity-with-poetry






Myeda, Molly, & Me!
by Patricia Easley

Myeda, Molly and Me tells the story of three friends who are Muslim, Jewish and Christian, and who talk together about their individual faith traditions.  They discover that “God’s love is big and wide, and holds us all inside, so when we see someone new, we ask them to join us because they’re God’s child too.”   
The book is for ages 5 to 8 and allows children and parents to talk about different religions.
I have 12 other books, including one coming out just before Christmas, which is about the spirit of Christmas.  My first book, This Old Goat, is about imagination and has with it a CD in which a musician sings the whole story.  
Patricia Easley

My other children's books are about:  composting, monarch butterflies, drought, bees, self esteem, grandmother’s love, puppies, arrogance and prejudice, and a special one about the mascot for the soon to be opened Freedom Heritage Museum.


Check out Patricia's books at this link:






Polarity, Children of the Orb
by C. A. Jamison

Rush James and his brother, Chris, are “plasmetric” people—a unique life form born of human parents. Their blood cells are alive with alien electronic energy—and living a normal life in the human world creates havoc for those of their kind.
But Rush and Chris aren’t alone—there are others. As their parents slowly die, the Children of the Orb must find one another to survive. Rush must share his life with the only woman in the world that can keep his blood cells charged.

Trulie Morgan is the positive to Rush’s negative. When they touch, polarity moves energy, their passion grows, and the battle of opposites begins. Trulie’s kind heart is naïve to the dangers that surround them, and Rush must learn to use her optimism and strength if he wants to claim victory, and love.

But the danger is very real for all of them--both from humans and from others of their kind. As they search for the answers they're desperate to find, someone is killing humans and animals. When an attempt is made on Trulie's life, Rush is determined to get to the bottom of it--even if it means it could be one of their own--one of the CHILDREN OF THE ORB.

http://www.amazon.com/C.-A.-Jamison/e/B01187AI14/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1




C. A. Jamison


Jamison also has an anthology released in November, 2015:  Nine Deadly Lives. Dream Weaver. 
Available in all E book locations.





We're Combing the Beaches and Doing Projects
by Donna G. Hendricks
"We're Combing the Beaches and Doing Projects" is a children's adventure-project book about beaches of creeks, rivers, lakes, wetlands and oceans. There are 60 fun projects for children to do!The time is now. The story is written to you, the child reading this book, any race or hair color. Come with me into this book and I will be your tour guide. I want you to see, hear, and feel everything!I’ll show you all sorts of places: Paddling a canoe down the river, you watch as an alligator stretches out on the beach, an egret fishes nearby, or a manatee family rises through the water to breathe the air; you snorkel with the fishes in a creek; you take a ferry to an island and drink tea by a big lake. Walking along the beach, you find shells and pebbles to make a cool rhythm instrument or pick up a feather to use as a prompt to write a poem or draw a treasure map. Some of the projects are easy; some are harder. You pick one you can do. We’ll have a grand time together, you and I.
Donna G. Hendricks

Donna G. Hendricks grew up in Elberfeld, Indiana and moved to Evansville when she was grown. She always liked to make things, and it’s no wonder because making things ran in her family. Her dad worked with wood–building their house, play house and furniture, plus all kinds of whirligigs, bird figures, candlesticks and Christmas ornaments. Her mom sewed their clothes, doll clothes, and designed beautiful quilts.When she first met her husband, John, he was driving a tiny brown car topped by a 17 foot canoe, immediately catching her interest. He took her canoeing on the Blue River. She loved looking along the beach of the river, finding a couple of fossils, while John photographed it all. After they married, they visited Big Creek, Wakulla River, The Adirondacks, Okefenokee Swamp, Isle Royale, The Atlantic Ocean, and The Pacific Ocean, Lake Erie, and the Sea of Cortez to name a few. Her special interest was looking for American Indian artifacts on the beaches wherever they went. Each time they returned home she made things from shells, fossils, driftwood, and rocks she found and was inspired by the scenery they enjoyed.
Donna earned a BA degree in art education from the University of Evansville. Later she attended Ivy Tech Community College, taking classes in photography, Photoshop, creative writing, including poetry. With poetry and writing she discovered she could also paint pictures with words. For a time she painted hundreds of little wood figurines at home when her daughter, Shirley, was a toddler because she didn’t want to leave her with a sitter. She’s had poems published in Grit and Trellis (Ivy Tech’s Arts Magazine) and designed the book cover and wrote four short stories included in Midwest Writers Guild’s 2013 anthology, Truth & Tales.
Over the years she has been a wife, mom, step mom, and grandma. Jobs have included paste up artist and typesetter, floral designer, school photographer, working at the Girl Scout office, family & children caseworker, and an elementary art teacher.


You can find Donna's book at:  
Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 624 S. Green River Road, Evansville, IN 
Online at
www.amazon.com  
Website: donnaghendricks.tateauthor.com
Also found at these retailers:  The Bookworm Bookstore, Carbondale, IL, Audubon State Park Gift Shop, Henderson, KY, Abe Martin's Lodge Gift Shop, Nashville, IN, and Island Tales, A Children's Bookshop, Balboa Island, CA.


Ghost Orchid 
by B. W. Wrighthard

In "Ghost Orchid," the reader will follow Sara's journey from San Francisco to River City, Indiana to reconnect with the mother who abandoned her years earlier. Once she is in Indiana, Sara blends in with the artists at Addicted to the Arts Co-op, where her mother is a vital member. She also meets and befriends Jane, and before they know it, the lies and truths that weave through their parallel lives are exposed in a crashing reality.


A Needle and a Haystack
by B. W. Wrighthard

In River City, Indiana, local cake baker Charly Angell thinks she has her hands full dealing with the new dynamic of her long marriage to a husband turned rocker wannabe, her teenage son's bedroom, which resembles the local dump, and the absence of her sweet daughter, newly installed at an out-of-town university. 
But those things pale when there's a murder in town and Charly's son becomes a person of interest in the case. She and new friend Violet Shades, aka "Boots," a divorcee, freelance advertising agent, and California transplant, join forces to investigate the crime.
As they eat cake, drink wine, and fumble their way through the investigation, the two women uncover shocking secrets and lies in the city that's home to Addicted to the Arts Co-op. While they try to absolve Charly's son of any involvement in the murder, another murder, related to the first one, occurs, escalating their sleuthing to new and more dangerous heights.




Robin Wright and Maryanne Burkhard
B. W. Wrighthard is the pseudonym for Robin Wright and Maryanne Burkhard, two friends who met in a creative writing class in college. Robin Wright has lived in Evansville, Indiana all her life and currently resides with her husband in a home two cats graciously share with them. Maryanne Burkhard has lived in Evansville, Indiana since 1990. Before moving to Indiana, she lived in New York, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Florida, and for a short stint, Egaila, Kuwait. Although she's been a guardian to dogs and many cats throughout the years, she is currently a servant to only one member of royalty, her cat, Smokey. 



You can follow them at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BWWrighthard/?ref=hl




outsidethegiftbox.gifts
Outside the Gift Box will be coming soon to downtown Evansville, IN. Choose the trendiest gifts from dozens of categories like greeting cards, restaurant and store gift cards, hip t-shirts, novelties, flowers, specialty candy and gourmet chocolate, humorous stationery, gift books, balloons, jewelry, art, and, of course, the entire line from Suds on Main. The new store will be open on Main Street early 2016. Their online store outsidethegiftbox.gifts is now fully stocked with the legendary natural skin care products from Tracy, the owner of Suds on Main. New product categories will be added closer to the grand opening. When the storefront launches, local vendors will be displayed and proceeds from several product lines will be donated to local charities through the "Imagine Project." Super-snazzy embossed gift boxes will be available in multiple sizes for you to customize your gift at our Build-A-Box Bar, or we can help you with seasonal and special event gift boxes made to order.
outsidethegiftbox.gifts






Community Garden Revolution Magazine-December issue

It's time now to start planning those gardens - for real!
Here's the link to Mary Hukill's dynamic publication:
http://joom.ag/IN2p

You can sign up to receive notifications of the magazine. Stay tuned for new formatting updates in 2016!


GRAMMY SYMPOSIUM - APRIL 1 - 2, 2016
Cleveland, Mississippi
Grammy Museum - Cleveland, Mississippi
The Grammy Museum in Cleveland Mississippi and Delta State University are presenting "GRAMMY Beatles 2016: From Cavern to Candlestick" 
Headlining the event are distinguished Beatles authors: Jude Southerland Kessler and Ivor Davis. I am honored to be part of the symposium as well!
It is going to be a Beatles lover's dream -- right in the Mississippi Delta where the blues originated and we all know how much The Beatles were influenced by the blues. 
Mark your calendar now to attend!

Follow on Twitter:   @GRAMMYMuseumMS
On Facebook:   GRAMMY Museum Mississippi
Read more at this press release by BeatlesNews.com


Music Nugget o' The Day:
Yer Blues by The Beatles:

Peace & Love,

Lanea Stagg

Recipe Records Cookbooks
www.reciperecordscookbook.com
blog:  www.rockblocks3.blogspot.com
radio:  www.blogtalkradio.com/reciperecords
facebook:  RecipeRecords (send request)
twitter:  @RecipeRecords and @LaneaStagg
Evansville, Indiana
reciperecordsml@aol.com