Lyn Cote on Romance and Writing

This week I have guest blogger/interviewee Lyn Cote and we're celebrating her latest release, Desires of her Heart with Avon Inspire. I met Lyn at the Faith, Love, Hope chapter's mini-conference in San Fran where she spoke and shared her nuggets of wisdom with us. Below is an interview with Lyn and ways to win books by Lyn Cote and more!


There are 3 ways to win books which include Lyn’s.

1-Enter the quarterly drawing at http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com

2-Drop by Lyn’s blog http://www.StrongWomenBraveStories.blogspot.com in MEGA Month May. A large basket of goodies and autographed books will be given away in a drawing from the names of those who send in stories about brave women in their families (including their own) or a friend which I will post as a blog; also those who post a comment this coming May.

3- Drop by my website http://www.LynCote.net and click Meet Lyn Page and scroll to the bottom to join the ChapterAWeek Club. Several times a year, this group gives away a prize of 10 lbs. of autographed books by notable Christian Authors.


Q. What’s your favorite meal/comfort food?

A. I am kind of a “foodie.” I love going to a larger city and trying restaurants that have foods I couldn’t get at home. Recently on a trip to Chicago to visit friends, they took us to an Armenian restaurant. The food reminded me of Greek food, but just a little more spicy. It’s winter now and I make a lot of pots of homemade soup. It’s economical, healthy, easy and it lasts for more than one meal! My family’s favorite soups are Chicken with Dumplings and Beef Vegetable with Noodles. Right now I have a pot of Ham and Northern bean soup on the stove.

Q. What do you feel is the best and worst part of writing/publishing?

The uncertainty. I fear for writers who think that their publisher and their editor are their bosom pals. Business is business. Publishing is an EXTREMELY competitive business. If your books don’t sell well, the editor whether she likes you or not will cut you from her list. She has to show a profit to keep her job. So if you become published, never-never take anything for granted. And never forget you can be up one day and down the next. Stuff can happen that fast.

Q. What practical advice do you have for unpublished writers?

Never stop learning. Never think that your writing has come as far as it can. There is always room for improvement. Also never believe what your publicist says. GRIN. Remember what Jesus said about taking the important seat. If you do, you might be embarrassed when the host comes and asks you to move to the humbler seat. Because someone REALLY IMORTANT has arrived. Ouch!
FYI, I will be teaching a class on conflict in May ’09 at http://www.rwaonlinechapter.org

Q.What do you find romantic about (your) life?

I married an electrical engineer. So being romantic is not his forte. However, he has learned to be romantic. I get unexpected flowers and little gifts occasionally. But most of all, he supports me in everything I do. It took me over a decade to go from starting my first book to my first sale. And he never once doubted that I would be published even when I had doubts.
I also love that he reads my books. He just finished my February book, The Desires of Her Heart, the first in my “Texas Star of Destiny” series for Avon Inspire.

In 1821, Dorritt Mott is a woman ahead of her time. When her family is forced to leave New Orleans, she meets Quinn. The New Orleans lady and the half-breed scout, become unlikely allies on the trek to the Austin settlement in Texas. Two armies, marauding Comanche and a traitor in their midst stand between them and their destination. All Dorritt thinks she wants is her own independence, but is it possible that she will gain the unrecognized desires of her heart? And teach Quinn to enlarge his vision also?

My dh really loved it and I hope others will too.

Visit Lyn at her own blog and website too.


Lyn’s Recipe

Well, since I said it’s soup season and chicken is my family’s favorite, here’s my chicken and dumpling soup recipe. I’m guessing that your family will love it too!
Basic Chicken Soup
1-2 lbs. chicken (either uncooked or leftover chunks)
8 cups water
2 regular carrots, peeled and sliced
4 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1 small onion, diced
8 cubes chicken bouillon (These are the salt source and the secret of the rich chicken flavor.)

DIRECTIONS

In a large saucepan, brown the chicken lightly with a little olive oil (or other oil of choice) and then add water and simmer the chicken until tender and no longer pink. Skim off any foam that rises to the top. When chicken is cooked, take it out. And when cool, (de-bone it if necessary) and chop it.
Mix together the water, carrots, celery, onion, and chicken bouillon and add to pot with meat. Simmer the mixture approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer at least 2 hours before serving with dumplings which are made at the end.

Dumplings:
2 c. flour
¼ tsp salt
¾ c milk

Blend and drop from rounded spoon into hot soup. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. SECRET OF LIGHT DUMPLINGS: Don’t lift the lid. That’s what makes them tough.

Serve hot and yummy with a dash of nutmeg on top of each bowl. (The dash of nutmeg will bring out all the flavors, but just a dash. This is from my maternal grandmother.)

Remember soup is one of those recipes that vary so you may have to add water or more bouillon or whatever. Learn to taste soup at its various stages (after the meat is cooked of course!) and make it the way YOUR family will like it. You can add green pepper or more veggies if your family likes that. Or less too. Add noodles. Or rice. Or not. Be creative. Soup is a fun meal to experiment with. (And a good way to use up leftovers.) Just keep tasting and adding till tastes right for your family.