Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes with Pirouettes - Progressive Dinner

Welcome! Today we are so excited to be joining four other bloggers for something completely different - a progressive dinner - five bloggers, five homes, five courses!

First, here is the menu:

Didn't the main course over at Kelley Nan's look delicious?!?  Now it's time for dessert in our home. Come on in and make yourself comfortable. We are serving Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes with Pirouettes.

You can make them in a mini bundt pan like we did for this one:

Or in just a regular cupcake pan and then place them in some cute little wrappers or cups. We love the  flavor the hazelnut frosting adds and the pirouettes are a fun little touch that make a basic cupcake seem a little more "fancy". 

Personally, I love water with my dessert, by my husband often drinks coffee with his so we had both water goblets (with a pitcher of water on the side table next to the sofa) as well as coffee. 

Here is the recipe. It is nice and easy! 

Cupcakes:

For the cupcake just use your favorite cupcake mix and follow the directions. Once the cupcakes have cooled it's time for the frosting.

Frosting:

1 cup of butter, softened by not melted

1 cup hazelnut spread 

2 tsp. vanilla

4 cups powdered sugar

2-4 tsp. heavy cream (if you don't have any you can use milk)

First beat the butter and hazelnut spread together then add vanilla. After that mix in powdered sugar one cup at a time. Add cream as necessary until you get the right consistency. Then we scooped the frosting into a pastry bag and starting frosting each cupcake. This is an old photo from a rosette cake post we did almost four years ago (ahhh - that seems crazy!) but we still use these exact same tools (although we've gone through several packages of pastry bags in the last several years and I have a couple of different tips I play around with). 

You can find the Tip Coupler here, the #1M tip here and the disposable bags here. 

Then just frost each cupcake. We added a few sprinkles. I used these Williams-Sonoma sprinkles that I just use when I am making stuff for special occasions. We have lots of other fun and more colorful (and much less expensive - ha!) sprinkles that the girls use when they are baking. 

Then we just topped them off with some of these hazelnut pirouettes to dress them up just a bit more. I cut each one in half and just used a half of one per cupcake.

And that's it! Nice and Easy!

Thank you so much for joining us! Now it is time to head on over for the last course - after dinner drinks on Sarah, from Our Vintage Farmhouse's, gorgeous porch! 

And if you missed any of the courses be sure to check them all out:

Appetizers with Randi Garrett Designs

Salad with Driven by Decor

Entree with Kelley Nan

Dessert  with Dear Lillie (Us)

After Dinner Drinks with Our Vintage Farmhouse

And here is the Source List for our room:

Wall Color - Midsummer Night in Matte by Benjamin Moore

Trim Color - Simply White in Semi-Gloss by Benjamin Moore

Door Color - Mopboard Black in Semi-Gloss by Benjamin Moore

Sofa - Barbara Hartmann Interiors

Pillows on Sofa - HomeGoods

Chairs - Birch Lane Solomon Chairs in Talc Basketweave

Chocolate Pillow on Chair - HomeGoods

Knit Pillow on Chair - Soft Surroundings

Ottoman - We Made It Using the Same Method as Here

Plaid Throw - HomeGoods

Gold Mirrored Tray - HomeGoods

Books Stacked Next to Chairs - Gifts from Family Members 

Mirror and demilune painting above Fireplace - passed down from family members

Grand Plaza Print - Arhaus

Gold Side Table - HomeGoods

Wood Side Table - Joss and Main

Books on Table - miscellaneous gifts

Trophy Urns - The Arrow's Nest

Little Tiny Vase on Table  - Was a candle from Target that we now use as a vase

Lamp on Table - HomeGoods

Golfer - HomeGoods

Gold Frame - Gift 

Standing Lamp - Consignment Shop Find years ago

Rug - Joss and Main/Wayfair

Drapery Panels - Ritva Panels from IKEA

Frames and Mirror on Gallery Wall - Michael's

Books on Shelves - Passed on down or gifted from family members

Large White Book - Blurb photo albums

Small White Books - Chatbook photo albums

Dog Bookends - Birch Lane

Airplane - Gift years ago 

And Source List for the Serving Pieces:

White Beaded Square Dishes - Milford Square Dishes from Birch Lane
Gold Plated Flatware - Wilmington Flatware from Birch Lane
Hobnail Detailed Water Goblets - O'Keefe Water Goblets from Birch Lane
Small Wood and Marble Cakestand - Russo Cake Stand from Birch Lane

Pitcher - Classic Glass Pitcher from Birch Lane

Small Beaded Plates - Pottery Barn Emma Collection

Chocolate Cups and Saucers - L.A. Burdick Chocolates

Marble Board - Sur La Table 

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may get a commission if you make a purchase through one of these links.  

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Interview With Victoria Schwab

Today I'm excited to have Victoria Schwab, author of THE NEAR WITCH, on the blog. Victoria's cover is one of the prettiest I've ever seen, and it perfectly matches the writing within. THE NEAR WITCH is a fairy tale (an original fairy tale which required Victoria to research all kinds of interesting things in order to create a unique mythic structure), and Victoria's writing is lovely, ethereal, and haunting. Here's a peek at THE NEAR WITCH:

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.

But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget.

Looks awesome, doesn't it? When I invited Victoria to come on the blog, she decided to take on the Spork of Doom. Having spent some time hanging out with Victoria, I can honestly say she has the moxie necessary to handle the Spork.

Spork of Doom

 

Victoria Schwab

 
Now that you know who's who, it's time to reveal the incredible cupcake my hubby made in honor of Victoria's book. There are spooky woods by the town of Near, and an even spookier witch. (According to legend, of course. If you want to know if the legend is true, you'll have to read the book.) My hubby made a creepy looking twisted tree trunk with a bony witch hand clutching it (perhaps preparing to beckon you to meet your doom?). Without further ado, I give you the haunting Near Witch cupcake and Victoria vs. the Spork of Doom.
 

Come to me, my pretty.

 
1. I’m all about world domination, and I’m always looking for good help. Why would you be an acceptable minion in my quest?


Because I’ve already started! Through my continuous use of and reference to narwhals, cupcakes, chocolate, fairy tales, and diet coke, I’ve begun a system of Pavlovian response where the general public hears any of those words, and thinks of me. I shall branch out until the majority of the populace’s daily speech makes them think of me!

2. I suppose that could be rather useful. I might even employ that tactic myself. But the only word I'm interested in being associated with is DOOM. Being a Spork of Doom takes moxie. What’s the sporkiest thing you’ve ever done?

I got arrested for hitchhiking in France, jumped out of an airplane, and dream of owning a bakery where every dessert is named for a fairy tale (trigger word!) character.

3. I expect you to name a pie after me. You can call it Pie of Doom. Or you can call it The Last Pastry You Will Ever Eat. I don't care which. When I’m not busy taking over the world, I like to eat pie. What kind of pie do you think is worthy of my Spork of Doom status?

I’m quite partial to chocolate (trigger word!) chess pie, but also love a good peach cobbler :)

4. I like the idea of a chess pie. The world is my chess board! CHECKMATE, WORLD! What’s your favorite thing to do with a spork?

Spear helpless little cubes of fruit! But not grapes. Grapes are evil and evasive of sporks.

5. You would waste the spectacular stabbing ability of the spork on ... fruit?? I may have misjudged your minion potential. I have the ability to be simultaneously spoon, fork, and weapon of mass destruction. What unique ability do you have?

I have the ability to transform into a giant cupcake (trigger word!). No, really, I do. Complete with detachable sprinkles. And that cupcake is evil. Her name is Sickly Sweet.


6. A giant cupcake that is both ridiculously cute and thoroughly evil? Mwahahaha! Everyone would be too distracted by your sugary sweetness to notice their own imminent doom. You are hereby reinstated as my minion! In this day and age, a savvy spork bent on world domination can’t afford to ignore a good marketing campaign. I’m thinking t-shirts with “Spork or Die.” If you made a shirt with your own slogan on it, what would it say?

Buy a Book, Feed and Author (Chocolate). <--trigger word! But seriously, I have a team of graphic designers hard at work on the graphic representation of this sentence.

7. You seem to be implying tht most authors will work for chocolate. *checks astonishingly large supply of reserve chocolate* I may need to hire more of your kind to help in my quest. If I had to compare myself to anyone in history, I’d have to say I’m most like Napoleon. Only skinnier. And shinier. And smart enough not to lose my empire at a place with a ridiculous name like Waterloo. Who are you most like and why?

I’m obviously like Marie Antoniette, because she liked cake so much. Wait, what do you mean that’s not what she meant...

8. I can appreciate someone with a dessert fixation. Why is your job just as much fun as world domination?

Because I get to LIE. Elaborately.

9. And people believe you! You have now been promoted to Head Minion. In between conquests, I like to read a good story. What can you recommend and why?

I’d recommend some Brothers Grimm, because they’re morbid, but have found ways to infiltrate today’s society under the guise of harmless childhood tales. We can learn much for them.

10. Stop. You had me at infiltrate. You need to accomplish a secret, night-time mission as my minion. Cloak? No cloak? Why?

Cloak, OBVIOUSLY. And why? Because it’s BALLER.

11. So few realize that. My best piece of advice to others is this: “Fear the spork!” What’s your best advice?

“Eat the cupcake!” <--trigger word!

 
Thank you, Victoria, for such an entertaining interview! Of course, the fun isn't over yet. Victoria is giving away a copy of THE NEAR WITCH to one lucky reader. If the winner lives in the U.S., the book will be signed. If the winner lives outside the U.S., Victoria will order a new copy sent to you from Book Depository.
 
To enter, fill out the form below. The contest is open until 8 p.m. central time Monday, November 21. Good luck and happy reading!
 

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Interview with Rae Carson

I met Rae last year when she signed with Holly. I have a soft spot in my heart for all of my agent-mates, but when I heard about Rae's book, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it--for reasons that had nothing to do with our agent and everything to do with how amazing GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS really is. From the vivid, compelling world, to the captivating story of one girl's struggle to rise to the greatness everyone expects from her, this is a book you don't want to miss! Here's a peek:

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.



Elisa is the chosen one.


But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.


Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.


And he’s not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.


Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.


Most of the chosen do.

GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS is the first in a trilogy, and I can't wait to see how the story ends! Rae decided she wanted to take on the Were-llama (brave girl!). Let's meet today's guests.

Were-llama

Rae Carson

Now that you know who's who, it's time to reveal the beautiful cupcake my hubby made in honor of GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS and dive into the interview. Elisa has a godstone in her belly button, a magical blue gem that is a symbol of her destiny. Also, much of the book takes place in the desert. My hubby decided to make the godstone and set it on a bed of sand. Without further ado, I give you the cupcake and Rae vs. the Were-llama.

1. So, you’re a writer. I’m a super-scary shape-shifter who can command obedience with the awesome power of my glowing red eyes. What do we have in common?


Hey, I have glowing red eyes, too! But mine are due to late nights staring at a computer screen.

2. I think you missed the salient point of my statement. I can COMMAND OBEDIENCE. What's the point of having glowing red eyes if you can't do that? I like to spit at my enemies from whichever end is closest to them. Do any of your characters have cool abilities like that?

Nothing, and I mean nothing, beats butt-spitting. But my main character, Elisa, has a Godstone, which is a magical jewel, lodged in her belly button. There may or may not be magical spitting from said magical jewel. You’ll have to read to find out.

3. I will grudgingly admit that belly-button spitting is almost as awesome as butt-spitting. Almost. If I had a nickname, it would be The Awesome. You?

The Bluntifier. I have the ability to paralyze people with the power of my socially inappropriate frankness.

4. If you had the power to command obedience with your glowing red eyes, you'd have them paralyzed long before that. I hang around this blog because I love stories. What’s your story about? Bonus points if it includes a llama.

Chosen for an extraordinary--and fearsome--destiny, a sixteen-year-old llama princess becomes the heart of a revolution.

5. Finally! A story that shows true literary genius. You’re making me a cake worthy of my awesome Were-llama status and decorating it to represent your story. What does it look like?

It is sinfully chocolate, with butterscotch frosting shaped into a landscape of sweeping desert dunes to represent your savage beauty.

6. *licks the last of chocolate cake and butterscotch frosting from face* I hope you weren't hoping I'd share. Any Were-llamas in your book?

There is an army of Were-llamas, though they’re disguised as tribal mountain people. Come to think of it, I never actually mention the word “Were-llama” in the book. A technicality. You and I both know that mighty Were-llamas come in many guises.

7. Indeed we do. In fact, I could be standing behind you right now disguised as ... as whatever is behind you right now. Anyone who might be a Were-llama and you just haven’t figured it out yet?

I think Lord Hector of the Royal Guard might be a Were-llama. It would explain his utter awesomeness.

8. Only a true were-llama can claim the descriptor "utter awesomeness." Llamas or camels and why? Think carefully.

My story takes place in a desert, and there are lots of camels. So I have to take a stand and say CAMELS ARE RAD.

Think about it. They can chew thorns. They can survive long distances with very little water. They have bonafide, certified, Fergie-approved HUMPS. And have you ever heard the phrase “Llama-toe?” No, you have not. Case? Rested.

9. *glares with glowing red eyes* Careful! Or I shall rest YOU six feet below the ground. Besides, it's not like the phrase "camel-toe" is a compliment. I give you a baby Were-llama as a companion. What do you name her?

Princess C.J.

10. How appropriate. My favorite word is “awesome” because, yanno, look at me. What’s yours?

Viscosity. It’s a word every Were-llama worth her spit is fond of.

11. I am the Queen of Viscosity. Want proof? Keep singing the camel's praises. *readies a load of spit* As a young Were-llama, I dreamt of taking over the eastern seaboard one face full of spit at a time. What did you dream of doing when you were young?

I dreamt of discovering I was adopted and that my birth parents, who were royalty and wealthy beyond imagining, had hidden me away to learn how commoners lived so I would better appreciate my eventual existence of fame and fortune. Also, dating Luke Skywalker.

12. Who, incidentally, is half were-llama. His father, of course, is ALL were-llama. Cake or cookies?

Cookies. Lots of cookies. A mountain of cookies. Unless they’re hard and crunchy. I would take cake over a crunchy cookie any day.

13. Do you share chocolate?

Yes, of course! And by “yes” I mean “no.”

14. Oh, you'll share it with ME. *aims glowing red eyes your way and commands obedience* The Zombie Goat invasion is upon us. How will you fight them off?

Llamas may be the lesser cousins of camels, but no one doubts their bravery. For this reason, they will be the front line of the Zombie-Goat-Defeating Army of Even-Toed Ungulates. Camels will make up the second defensive wave, and I promise you, they will weep as they step over the broken bodies of their comrades.

Thank you, Rae, for the fabulous interview! To learn more about Rae and her books, head to her site. Of course, the funny isn't over yet. Rae is offering a signed copy of GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS to one lucky commenter. The giveaway is open to North America and will be open until 8 pm Central Time Monday, September 12th. To enter, fill out the following entry form. Be sure to leave a comment for Rae in the blogger comment box below the entry form so she can see it!

Good luck and happy reading!

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Interview with Gretchen McNeil

I met Gretchen McNeil after I signed with Harper Collins because she and I share an editor. (Shout out to the amazing, insightful, hilarious Kristin Daly Rens!) Kristin sent me a "Welcome to Balzer + Bray" box of books. Included in that box was an ARC of Gretchen's POSSESS. I read the synopsis for the book and immediately snatched it up to read! POSSESS is intense and atmospheric. It's set in San Francisco, and I appreciated how vivid and real it felt. Also, I don't mind telling you there is a scene in this book that disturbed me so much, I have no idea how I'll ever face going into a doll shop again. Here's a look at POSSESS:



See what I mean? When I asked Gretchen if she'd like to come on the blog, she immediately decided to take on the Spork of Doom. (I guess when you write about freaky demons and nasty conspiracies, a megalomaniac eating utensil doesn't seem quite so scary.) Let's meet today's guests.

Spork of Doom

Gretchen McNeil

Now that you know who's who, it's time to reveal the uber freaky cupcake my hubby made in honor of Gretchen's book. Usually, I ask my authors for a few different cupcake ideas and let my hubby choose the one he'd like to do. But in this case, there was only one option: a possessed doll. *cue recurring nightmare* My hubby was more than up to the task! Without further ado, I give you the possessed doll cupcake and Gretchen vs. the Spork of Doom.

Take me home with you, little girl. I'll be a goooooood doll. I promise.

1. I’m all about world domination, and I’m always looking for good help. Why would you be an acceptable minion in my quest?


Like you, I’m a multi-tasker. You can scoop up some yogurt AND stab a tater tot. I can load a shotgun AND shoot down a government helicopter with a grenade launcher. (Um…theoretically…) Win-win.

2. A grenade launcher might come in handy. *bestows Minion Status on you* Being a Spork of Doom takes moxie. What’s the sporkiest thing you’ve ever done?

I’d have to say the ballsiest (also, least practical) thing I’ve done is major in vocal performance in college. While it didn’t exactly get me on stage at the Metropolitan Opera, it did teach me a lot about telling a damn good story. Although it did give me the opportunity to sing with the circus, which is like the Met, only scarier.


Also, my mom wanted me to be a doctor so…that didn’t happen.

3. A circus performer who can handle a grenade launcher? *gives you the Spork Eye* Are you sure you aren't trying to unseat me from my rightful throne? When I’m not busy taking over the world, I like to eat pie. What kind of pie do you think is worthy of my Spork of Doom status?

I love pie. I really, really do. Favorite has got to be Grasshopper pie with an Oreo crust. What’s not to love? It’s minty. It’s chocolatey. It’s a shade of green you couldn’t find in nature.

4. I find your offering to be acceptable. What’s your favorite thing to do with a spork?

Sporks make excellent catapults. Just saying.

5. Just as long as you don't plan to use ME to launch your grenades. If you do, I will see your vocal performance degree and raise you three titanium tines of DOOM. I have the ability to be simultaneously spoon, fork, and weapon of mass destruction. What unique ability do you have?

Aside from my previously mentioned guerrilla warfare prowess, I’m simultaneously a writer of scary stuff, singer of scary opera, and clowner of scary…clowns.

6. Perhaps you can write a scary opera befitting my incredible rise to power. Just don't sing it while dressed as a clown. I hate having to spork my minions. In this day and age, a savvy spork bent on
world domination can’t afford to ignore a good marketing campaign. I’m thinking t-shirts with “Spork or Die.” If you made a shirt with your own slogan on it, what would it say?

“Gretchen McNeil: Girl Friday.” I think that sums up my multi-facetedness. It also reminds me of the movie His Girl Friday with Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. Damn, I love that film.

7. If I had to compare myself to anyone in history, I’d have to say I’m most like Napoleon. Only skinnier. And shinier. And smart enough not to lose my empire at a place with a ridiculous name like Waterloo. Who are you most like and why?

Well, at least you’re taller than Napoleon.

I’d go with Dorothy Parker. Never before as a woman been so regarded for her wit. And me? Never before has a woman so desperately wanted to be regarded for her wit.

8. Can you annihilate a pack of mutinous rebels with your wit? If not, I don't see the value. Why is your job just as much fun as world domination?

Two words: circus clowns. (Did I mention I sing in the circus? Yes? Just checking.)

9. In between conquests, I like to read a good story. What can you recommend and why?

Just finished WITCH EYES by Scott Tracey and just started WILDEFIRE by Karsten Knight. Highly recommend them both. Also, because I’m a nerd like this, my favorite book of all time is THE THIRTY-NINE STEPS by John Buchan. I love to recommend it.

10. I wonder if that's thirty-nine steps to total world domination? Because I can totally do it in thirty-eight. I'm just saying. You need to accomplish a secret, night-time mission as my minion. Cloak? No cloak? Why?

Could the cloak be form-fitting? No? Damn. Okay, no cloak then. I really need something that cinches at the waist, and besides, what kind of shoes does one WEAR with a cloak?

11. Combat boots! All the better to crush your opposition. My best piece of advice to others is this: “Fear the spork!” What’s your best advice?

Embrace your inner spazz.

I would have been so much happier if I’d learned that lesson at 18 instead of…yesterday.



Thank you, Gretchen, for such an entertaining interview! To find out more about Gretchen and her book, visit her (incredibly awesome) site. Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Gretchen is offering a signed copy of POSSESS to one lucky commenter. The giveaway is open to North America and is open until 8 p.m. Central Time Monday, September 12th. To enter, simply fill out the entry form. And don't forget to leave Gretchen a comment in the Blogger comments section!

Good luck and happy reading!

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Interview With Lisa Mantchev

I've been a loyal Lisa Mantchev fan since I met her on Twitter two years ago, a few months before her first book, EYES LIKE STARS, came out. I was fortunate enough to get an advanced copy of ELS, and I was WOWED. Smart, original, vivid, compelling, and addictive! Then, PERCHANCE TO DREAM came out, and I was thrown for a loop. I'd thought I was staunchly Team Nate, but ... PTD made me wonder if maybe I was really Team Ariel. Or both! Can I please have both?

So now, as the final book in the trilogy is released, I thought I'd have Lisa on the blog to introduce these fabulous books to my readers. (I won't tell you which team I finally decided to support! You'll have to read and decide for yourself!) Here's a sneak peek at SO SILVER BRIGHT:

Things are never easy for Beatrice Shakespeare Smith. Something's happened to the Théâtre Illuminata, putting the only home she's ever known in limbo. Her mother's sanity is fraying under the strain, her father has vanished and an angry goddess is out for revenge. Bertie is caught between her duties and her dreams, just as her heart is torn between Ariel and Nate. But hope glimmers in a Distant Castle, and if Bertie can put on the performance of her life, maybe she can win the magical boon that may save them all.

Lisa decided to be interviewed by the Spork of Doom. Considering how easily she handled Captain Jack last year, I think the Spork should be worried.

Spork of Doom

Lisa Mantchev

Now that you know who's who, it's time to reveal the cupcake of ... well, this is a PG blog, so I can't really use the adjective this cupcake deserves. If you've read Lisa's books, you know the fairies from A Midsummer Night's Dream are mischievous scamps who both help and hinder Beatrice in her journey. The fairies are especially distracted by dessert. When Lisa told me the theme of SO SILVER BRIGHT is dreams coming true, my hubby decided to make a cupcake of a fairy's dream come true. It ... well ... he was tired. It was super late. And I think that while his original vision was sound, this is the cupcake destined to go down in cupcake history as the Frosting Crotch. Without further ado, I give you Lisa's interview with the Spork of Doom and one lucky fairy getting his ultimate cake dream.

1. I’m all about world domination, and I’m always looking for good help. Would you be an acceptable minion in my quest?


Probably not. I'm the older sister, which means I am bossy as all get out. I don't follow orders well (never have) and prefer to take the reins in almost any project, be it business or pleasure. Hence the reason I started writing short stories... I got tired of the "rules" of online roleplaying. What's that you say? My elfin elemental sorceress can't become a vampire? Well, screw you! I'm taking my writerly toys and playing by myself over there! *stomps off*

2. The only rule you need to understand is that I make the rules. Being a Spork of Doom takes moxie. What’s the sporkiest thing you’ve ever done?

I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die!






Interesting. I didn't think a spork could raise an eyebrow like that.


3. Funny. You don't look like Johnny Cash. Besides, shooting is for wimps who don't have titanium tines at their disposal. When I’m not busy taking over the world, I like to eat pie. What kind of pie do you think is worthy of my Spork of Doom status?

My mom makes the most Awesome Pie Ever... it's called a "flat apple pie" and it's made in a cookie sheet. Seriously! You roll out enough crust to cover the bottom of the cookie sheet, then put down a thin layer of crushed corn flakes (stick with me, I know it sounds weird) then slices of Granny Smith apple, then the top layer of pie crust. Bake, and douse with lemony powdered sugar glaze. When it's cool, you can pick up a big square of it in your hand and NOM NOM NOM.


4. *glares* While I'm sure that travesty of a "pie" is delicious, a REAL pie is one where you can use your tines and not your hand. What’s your favorite thing to do with a spork?

Eat pie and poke people. I actually own a titanium spork from ThinkGeek that was a gift from my friend, Jenna Waterford.


5. Ah ... so that's where one of my minions resides. Don't worry about any noises you might hear in the kitchen on October 9th, 2011. I'm sure it's just the cat and NOT the soon-to-be infamous Spork Uprising. I have the ability to be simultaneously spoon, fork, and weapon of mass destruction. What unique ability do you have?

I'm the Queen of Show and Tell... which is a fancy way of saying I like going overboard when it comes to things like parties and projects. For my senior thesis project in college, I did the costume, scenic, and lighting design for an imaginary production of Much Ado About Nothing set in WWII-era New Orleans Mardi Gras. I built a replica of our on-campus theater out of foamboard, added working colored lights that ran on dimmer switches, installed speakers to the back that played swing music, painted and displayed more than a dozen watercolor costume designs, then decorated the table with masks, beads, plastic champagne flutes, and banners.

*might have taken home a prize for that*


6. So, you're saying your superhero ability is to be an over-achiever? HOW does this make sense with your paltry little under-achieving pie from question 3? In this day and age, a savvy spork bent on world domination can’t afford to ignore a good marketing campaign. I’m thinking t-shirts with “Spork or Die.” If you made a shirt with your own slogan on it, what would it say?

I have "Taste the Bad Candy" written in silver on my (black) business cards. Let's just say it never fails to get the conversational ball rolling.


7. Actually, that has a nice ring to it. *takes notes* If I had to compare myself to anyone in history, I’d have to say I’m most like Napoleon. Only skinnier. And shinier. And smart enough not to lose my empire at a place with a ridiculous name like Waterloo. Who are you most like and why?

Considering my obsession with cake and the fact that I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached--I blame the kids!--I have to answer Marie Antoinette.

8. Why is your job just as much fun as world domination?

Because I literally get to do and say everything I've ever wanted to... all I have to do is imagine something and then write it down. Best magic trick ever.

9. I get to do and say everything I've ever wanted to. If someone tries to stop me, I spork them! In between conquests, I like to read a good story. What can you recommend and why?

Michelle Zink's trilogy, starting with Prophecy of the Sisters, Cindy Pon's lush Asian fantasies that start with Silver Phoenix, Stephanie Burgis's Kat books (different titles here and in the UK), Tiffany Trent's forthcoming Unnaturalists, Y.S. Lee's The Agency series, and Ysabeau Wilce's Flora Segunda series. Obviously, I like my YA well-written and full of good costuming!


10. Speaking of costumes, you need to accomplish a secret, night-time mission as my minion. Cloak? No cloak? Why?

I think Edna Mode said it best in The Incredibles... NO CAPES.


11. My best piece of advice to others is this: “Fear the spork!” What’s your best advice?

Play nice with the other kids (unless they hit you first, then clean their clock!) Also, eat dessert first.

 
Thank you, Lisa, for such an entertaining interview! To find out more about Lisa's books, included links to where you can purchase them, head to her website. Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Lisa is offering a fabulous giveaway to one lucky commenter.
 
Prize package: Signed paperback of EYES LIKE STARS, signed paperback of PERCHANCE TO DREAM, and assorted Theatre Illuminata swag!
 
The contest is open to North America until Sunday, August 28th at 8 p.m. Central Time. To enter, simply fill out the form below. Good luck, and happy reading!
 

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Interview with Christine Johnson

I met Christine Johnson on Twitter several months ago and was immediately impressed. She exudes kindness and class. Plus, she's a ton of fun! So, when I learned she had NOCTURNE, the follow up to last year's gorgeous CLAIRE DE LUNE, coming out, I couldn't wait to have her on the blog. Not only did she agree to be interviewed, she offered to give away a signed set of both CLAIRE and NOCTURNE. Yay! Here's a peek at both books:

CLAIRE DE LUNE:

Hanover Falls hasn’t had a werewolf problem in over one hundred years. Seattle, Copenhagen, Osaka–they’ve had plenty of attacks. But when humans begin dying in Claire Benoit’s town, the panic spreads faster than a rumor at a pep rally. At Claire’s sixteenth birthday party, the gruesome killings are all anyone can talk about. But the big news in Claire’s mind is the fact that Matthew Engle–high-school soccer god and son of a world-renowned lycanthropy expert–notices her. And flirts with her. A lot…

NOCTURNE:

After the tragic events of the summer, Claire is looking forward to a new school year. All she wants to worry about is finding the most gorgeous dress to wear to the Autumn Ball with her perfect boyfriend. But as Claire know all too well, the life of a werewolf is never that simple, or that sweet…

I've always been a sucker for a good werewolf story! Naturally, being storyteller who loves shape-shifters, Christine chose to be interviewed by the Were-llama. Let's meet today's guests.

Were-llama

Christine Johnson

Now that you know who's who, it's time to reveal the beautiful cupcake my hubby made in honor of Christine's book. My hubby would like it noted that he is most grateful to Christine for having a simple tree branch design on her book cover, with nary a decomposing limb or intricate design in sight. He hopes other authors lined up for interviews on this blog are equally considerate but considering his wife's love of books with decomposing limbs and intricate designs on the cover, he doesn't hold out much hope. Without further ado, let's reveal the NOCTURNE cupcake and dive into the interview!

1. So, you’re a writer. I’m a super-scary shape-shifter who can command obedience with the awesome power of my glowing red eyes. What do we have in common?


Glowing red eyes, obviously. Though I find I get less screaming in public when I wear my regular, hazel-green contact lenses. *muah, hah, haaaaaaa* Seriously, though, writers are complete shape-shifters. It’s one of the things I love most about it. Before I was a writer, I was in the theater and it filled the same need for me - that desire to get right down into someone else’s head and see the world through their eyes. As a writer, I get to do that *all the time*, which makes me incredibly lucky. My job is to imagine how other people think and work and walk and talk. I get to be whoever I want while I stare at my computer. I love that.

2. I feel no need to be anyone else. Being ME is a full time job. I like to spit at my enemies from whichever end is closest to them. Do any of your characters have cool abilities like that?

Not so much with the spitting, no. But I do love things that are beyond the ordinary, which is one reason I love paranormal and sci-fi so much. In the CLAIRE DE LUNE novels, my Super Awesome All-Girl Werewolves do have the occasional extra-extra special ability, like Claire’s gift for hearing conversations that are taking place miles away. She can only do it in wolf form, but then I’m guessing you can only spit dangerously in Llama form?

3. Are you casting aspersions upon my spitting ability? *glares* Tread carefully, madam, lest you meet my business end and rue your very existence. If I had a nickname, it would be The Awesome. You?

The Klutzy. Possibly also The Random. Or maybe The Sarcastic. Which are all fairly lame as nicknames go, but are pretty accurate descriptors.

4. All nicknames except The Awesome are fairly lame, and that one is taken. I hang around this blog because I love stories. What’s your story about? Bonus points if it includes a llama.

No llamas. Sorry. NOCTURNE is the continuation of Claire Benoit’s story. Claire, part of an all-woman werewolf species, is struggling to find a way to fit her new, secret life as a shape shifter into her normal high school world without blowing either of her identities to smithereens. When the pack’s challenges prove to come with unimaginably dire consequences and her strained secrets threaten to burst her whole life at the seams, Claire has to find a way to stitch it all back together or lose everything she’s ever known - herself included.

5. It does sound fairly exciting, but you have to admit if you threw a llama into the mix, no one could resist your story. You’re making me a cake worthy of my awesome Were-llama status and decorating it to represent your story. What does it look like?

I can’t remember. I ate it too quickly. Cake doesn’t last that long around me. Okay, okay! Um, it would be a red velvet cake with white and black frosting, so that all the colors of my AWESOME new covers would be represented. And I think it would be a long, skinny, rectangular cake, with black shimmer-coated fondant. Across the top would be a very simple pattern of the phases of the moon, in white fondant, with the full moon smack in the middle of the cake and the waxing and waning phases stretching out to the left and right. Simple, but strong and elegant. Which is what I hope the books are.

6. YOU ATE MY CAKE??!? *prepares spit* I'll have you know the only thing saving you right now is C.J.'s hubby, who is unduly impressed that you know what fondant is. Any Were-llamas in your book?

There *were* Were-llamas. Then the werewolves ate them. Sorry.

7. Brace yourself. I'm told death by llama spit is most unpleasant. Anyone who might be a Were-llama and you just haven’t figured it out yet?

I have my suspicions about a particular sales clerk at the mall in Hanover Falls, but it’s hard to say.

8. Llamas or camels and why? Think carefully.

Llamas. Better hair. (Fur? Hair? Crap. Now I have to Google this.)

9. Better EVERYTHING. I give you a baby Were-llama as a companion. What do you name her?

“Little Lily-Llama the Magnificent”. Or “Spitty”. It depends on my mood.

10. I'd go with the first one, unless you want the second to constantly be mistaken for a command. My favorite word is “awesome” because, yanno, look at me. What’s yours?

I love too many words to pick a favorite. A short list would include (but is not limited too, see me later for full legal disclaimer): Cerulean. Kerfuffle. Antediluvian. Effervescence. I can say, definitively, that my most hated word is “ointment”. I’ve never willingly said it. I don’t even like to type it. Excuse me, I have to go wash my hands now.

11. I find I sound suspiciously like a pig when I say "ointment" so I avoid it as well. As a young Were-llama, I dreamt of taking over the eastern seaboard one face full of spit at a time. What did you dream of doing when you were young?

As I mentioned earlier, I wanted to be an actress. I was quite serious about it - I even spent two years in a very competitive university conservatory program. Ultimately, it wasn’t for me. Or, more accurately, I wasn’t for it. I’m not cut out for a theater lifestyle. Writing suits me better, and, in the end, I love it more. I do occasionally miss treading the boards, and I still know the opening speech to Shakespeare’s Henry V by heart.

12. O for a Muse of Fire that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention ... or failing that, a gloriously awesome were-llama to take the stage. Cake or cookies?

GOOD CHRIST, WHAT KIND OF MONSTER ARE YOU?! *sigh* Fine. Cookies, but I’m staring longingly at the cake the whole time I eat.

13. Oh, no you don't. No cookies for you. No cake either. WHY??! Because earlier you ate my cake. *clears throat* You may call me Were-llama of Justice. Do you share chocolate?

I will share white chocolate with anyone. I will share milk chocolate if I like you. If I did not grow you in my womb, then DO NOT TOUCH MY DARK CHOCOLATE.

14. Does spitting on it count as touching? The Zombie Goat invasion is upon us. How will you fight them off?

Me, personally? Probably I’d run for the hills. If that wasn’t possible I guess I’d try to feed them old tin cans and hope for the best, but in reality I don’t think I’d last all that long in a hand-to-Zombie-Goat battle. Hey - thanks for having me over to chat. I really enjoyed it!



Thanks, Christine, for a thoroughly entertaining interview. And because the Were-llama ate the cookies AND the cake, I'll give you your gorgeous cupcake.

Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Christine is generously offering a signed set of books to one lucky commenter. The winner will receive a paperback CLAIRE and a hardback NOCTURNE. Don't forget to vote on the poll at the sidebar, and tune in next Wednesday when Christine posts her Top Five blog and gives away a one of a kind piece of jewelry designed just for Claire!

Contest is open to North America and ends at 8 p.m. Central Time Sunday, August 14th. Please fill out the form below to enter.








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Interview With Dawn Metcalf

I met Dawn Metcalf on Twitter a while ago, and noticed right away that she was rather a big fan of Captain Jack. NOT as big a fan as me, you understand. I still get dibs. But still, she is a fan. So, when her debut novel came out, I offered her the opportunity to go toe to toe with the Captain himself. She accepted in less than two seconds. Her novel, LUMINOUS, is being heralded as a stunning debut, rich and vivid, with a plot unlike any you've seen in the realm of YA paranormals. Here's a peek:

When sixteen-year old Consuela Chavez discovers that she can remove her skin, revealing a lustrous mother-of-pearl skeleton, she slips into a parallel world known as the Flow; a place inhabited by archetypal teens with extraordinary abilities. Crafting skins out of anything – air, water, feathers, fire – she is compelled to save ordinary people from dying before their time. Yet now someone is murdering her new friends, one by one, and Consuela finds herself the focus of an intricate plot to end the Flow forever when all she really wants is to get back home, alive.

Intriguing, yes? Let's meet our guests for today.

Captain Jack Sparrow

Dawn Metcalf

Now that you know who's who, lets dive into the interview and reveal the gorgeous cupcake my hubby made in honor of Dawn's book. Because one of the skins Consuela can use in the Flow is a skin of butterflies (note the gorgeous cover), my hubby made a beautiful butterfly cupcake for Dawn. Without further ado, I give you the cupcake and Dawn's interview with the legendary Captain Jack.

1. Would you classify yourself as a pirate or a member of Her Majesty’s Royal navy? Why?


I confess that it's hard to imagine myself as a member of Her Majesty's Royal navy--or any military organization--as I have a nasty tendency to question authority. However, I prefer order over chaos, law over anarchy, and a spot of good, clean fun...which often requires civilized things like baths and soap.

Either way, if it involves ordering around strapping seamen while wearing a fabulous hat, count me in!

2. Baths? Soap? You may be a tad too civilized for my taste, dear. What’s your favorite thing to do in Tortuga?

Sunbathe on the beach atop an exotic rug from the East stretched over a mountain of stolen booty. Preferably male.

3. You may sunbathe over any stolen booty you like, as long as it isn't mine. I’m offering you free passage aboard my ship to anywhere in the world. Where shall we go, love?

I've always wanted to return to Italy and Greek Isles! Warm sun, hot sands, and more good food than a body can stand...so why not lie down?

4. Now you're speaking my language. You and I may have more in common than I thought. Who is the hero of your story most like: me (savvy, debonair, and unquestionably smooth with the ladies), the insufferably honorable Will Turner, or that deceptive little minx Elizabeth?

No one is like you, Mr. Sparrow. The most savvy and debonair of my characters is Tender, although I'd seriously question his ability to woo. The honorable bungler would most likely be Wish, good heart that he is, and Consuela, our heroine, is none of these things, so I guess that deceptive little minx would be the author, me. *cocks eyebrow* *cocks pistol*

5. You're a devilish little thing, aren't you? *cocks own pistol* Mine is bigger. Rum? Or more rum?

I prefer to indulge in other vices. More for you!

6. You'll be hearing no argument out of me! I'm always a tad short of rum. Which leads me to the age old question: Why is the rum always gone?

I suspect Book Faeries. Instead of flittering around helpfully finishing my books while I sleep, they seem to be suspiciously absent. I'd look for tiny, ink-stained footprints and errant pencil shavings in the hold if I were you.

7. *peers closely at you* Darling, with a story like that, I feel positive you know there whereabouts of my missing rum. What’s the most piratish thing you’ve ever done?

I hit, kick, punch, and throw fighting men around regularly and with deadly intent for fun and profit, swords optional. (Quite optional as I still sport a crescent-shaped broadsword scar to this day.)

8. I see I'm going to have to keep you on my good side. Are they rules? Or more like guidelines?

You can always tell when they are rules: guidelines don't make that satisfactory cracking noise when you break them.

9. We understand each other completely. I understand you’re a story-teller. Any undead monkeys in your stories?

Alas, no. The stains are a bear to get out of the floorboards. And then there's the smell...

10. Isn't that the truth? Any curses? Heartless monsters? Irritating women who insist on taking matters into their own hands?

Yes, Yes, and most certainly Yes! That is if you mean swearing, murderous psychopaths, and my main character, Consuela. In fact, I think that describes all my favorite stories...not to mention my diaries.

11. How ... delightful. I believe I'll just ... clean my sword. *draws sword just in case* One of my favorite words is “egregious.” Care to share one of yours, love?

Taboo. It's not only a wonderful idea fairly begging for corruption, but it's awfully fun to say!

12. I believe anything that corrupts you should have the decency to be fun to say, don't you? Parlay? Or draw your sword?

Parlay. I always try to talk it out, speaking calmly, and in a soft voice. This requires the other person draw close enough to hear you, putting them conveniently within sword's reach. Problem solved.

13. *continues cleaning sword* I can hear you well enough from here, thank you very much. You’ve got a crowd of cursed sailors and a nasty sea monster on your trail. How do you escape?

Start throwing things overboard: excess ballast, insufferably honorable crew members, cursed sailors, corsets, you name it. If that fails to work, bribes of chocolate often suffice. And if *that* tactic fails, nuke 'em from orbit--it's the only way to be sure.

14. We'll start by throwing your corset overboard, shall we? Romantic night in? Or adventure on the high seas?

A romantic night in IS an adventure! They don't call it the "little death" for nothing.

15. Especially when behaving like a pirate. My personal motto is: Take what you want, give nothing back. What’s yours?

"Why be normal when you can be remembered?"


Thank you, Dawn, for such an entertaining interview! To learn more about Dawn, visit her site. To purchase Luminous, go here. Of course, the fun isn't over yet! Dawn is giving away a signed copy of LUMINOUS to one lucky commenter. To enter, simply fill out the form below. The contest is open for North America and I will accept entries until Monday, July 18th at 8 pm Central Time. Good luck!

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