Friday, September 13, 2013

Chile Relleno Casserole

Good Chile Rellenos can be hard to find. With the exception of this little hole in the restaurant that my family has been going to for over thirty years, no one can come close to a Paco's chile relleno. One evening I was eating at a different Mexican place and their relleno was just no good. They left the tail on it and it was greasy and fried. 




Pacos bakes theirs and gets rid of those inedible tails. I began brainstorming how to make a really good chile relleno and it hit me. It would lend itself perfectly to a casserole. I scoured Pinterest and found a few possibilities but they all included ingredients or methods I didn't want to use. Meat, condensed milk, and so on. So, the other night I decided to try it out and oh my gosh it was delicious. In taste, it was nearly identical to the original and the crispy cheese on top gave it a great texture. 

Ingredients:

6 eggs, I use Egglands Best
Half + Half, but milk would work just fine
Cheese, cheddar or colby would be best...but it is very customizable
8-10 oz of whole green chiles, canned 
Salt, Pepper, and Red Chile Flakes(Optional)


Preheat oven to 400


Arrange slightly damp chiles in the bottom of an 8x8 pan. If you don't dry them, it isn't necessary to grease the pan. The moisture from the eggs and chiles and the grease from the cheese will have you covered.


Sprinkle generously with cheese.


I added one extra egg, as I started out with five. Now is the time to add salt, pepper, and chile flakes to your preference. If you don't like spicy you can omit the flakes. Pour a splash of half and half or milk into the bowl.


Whisk it all together.


Pour egg mixture into the pan. I added the extra egg after this picture.


Add more cheese. Yum!

Bake in the 400 degree oven for 45 minutes. Enjoy. 

Eat as is, or top with all of your favorite Mexican toppings. 


Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Dianne Gardner Guest Post

 Today I have Dianne Gardner here on my blog talking about the creation of an album based off of her novel. How cool is that? Since music is such an integral part of my writing process, I think it would be awesome to have an album based off of any one of my novels. But since I don't, let's learn a little about someone who does.

I’ve always written poetry, ever since I can remember. Poetry to me has been a sort of abstract language that soothes my soul and digs deep inside, excreting thought that I don’t normally expose. So it’s no wonder that I included poems in my Ian’s Realm Sage.

Deception Peak is a story about a young boy who, with his father a widower, enters a portal through their computer into a magical land. The first experiences they share are brought to them with a haunting song sung by a voice on the wind warning of the consequences of their trepass.

You come, you come to lands unknown
You venture farther than you think
You write your purpose on the stones
You can’t go back until you’ve grown
Your ways are marked; your steps are forged
Beware, be strong; be now alarmed
For duty beckons, honor calls
Your fate is written on the walls
This cup of valor you must drink,
This cup of valor you must drink.

Throughout the story Ian learns that the songs on the wind are known as the Songs of Wisdom, and entity that the native people trust as their counselor.
It’s a little wonder that when I made the trailer for The Dragon Shield, book 2 in the series, that I felt compelled to find someone that could help me put a song or two to music. When I asked my videographer, Alex Chandler if he knew of a vocalist he referred me to Lexa Rose. She was so excited to accommodate my request that she called me that evening and in a day had recorded, with four part harmony the Ballad of The Dragon Shield, using the lyrics from the book and her talents to create a hauntingly beautiful piece of music.
Well, needless to say the story continued and we agreed to create an album with all the songs, and some bonus pieces, one which will be Abbi’s Song (for those who know the story, they’re going to love it. It was originally titled My Shit Love Life). All done in Lexa’ wonderful Enya style. The album will have 10 tracks at least and will sell for $10 on bandwidth and our websites. But we’re currently doing a RocketHub fundraiser to pay for sleeves and discs.

Some of what we’re offering besides the CD are posters of Stenhjaert the Dragon, the donor’s name on the label, an ebook, and the entire series for the really generous donors. If you want to hear Lexa, watch the trailer. She’s an extremely talented young lady and I’m thrilled to work with her!

My Website with links to all my books and trailers http://gardnersart.com

Lexa Rose’s Website Facebook Page




Monday, July 1, 2013

Brenda Perlin Home Wrecker Guest Post

Brenda Perlin is an author with Master Koda Select Publishing and she is here today to give you a little insight into her novel, Home Wrecker.In the future I will be reading and reviewing her novel, so check back later for my opinion.


“He was also very jealous and had trust issues; traits I did not possess. In fact, I trusted to a fault”

I have always been very trusting. Maybe trusting to a fault. I always believed that if someone wanted to be with me, then I could rest assured he would be with me, solely. In the past, I have always been someone you could trust. Sometimes I trusted when I shouldn’t have. I believe if you don’t trust someone, the results will come out in negative ways. Even though I never gave my husband reason not to trust me he always had fears and doubts. He saw me as naive and thought every guy I came in contact with had an ulterior motive. I always had to reassure him of my loyalty. Now that I have been caught as a Home Wrecker my reputation as a cheater follows me around. 


“It is amazing that no matter what age we are, we are still children.”

 I thought there came a time when we actually grew up? I am now realizing that we really don’t change much. We might have more life experience and even some wisdom but we are still the child that we once were. My childhood still plays a big role as to who I am. Whatever my parents did right or wrong I will always be a product of them. Fortunately, I am not left with too many scars. My parents did the best they could do. For some, they were not as lucky. 
Hopefully I have grown and learned a few things along the way. I just thought I would feel more mature at this age. At times I still feel like a child. I am as sensitive as ever and worry about what people think. Call me a Home Wrecker and my feelings get hurt. 

 While approaching mid life, I am recognizing that we all stay childlike to some extent. It is just our bodies that age. 

 Home Wrecker Blurb: MKSP is proud to have acquired this project and is presenting this improved and edited, Second Edition of Home Wrecker for the public to enjoy. 

When Brooklyn meets Bo, their lives are instantly turned upside down. 
Brooklyn and Bo, each unhappily married to someone else, have to decide whether to stay with their spouses or give up everything for each other. Find out what Brooklyn's husband and Bo's soon-to-be ex-wife do to break them up.

Home Wrecker is the first book in a three part series that follows the main character, Brooklyn throughout her childhood, adult life and then what seems like an “endless” journey towards redemption.

Grab your copy today for only .99 http://www.amazon.com/kindle/dp/B00CKBWWIU

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Dark Hearts Brings Danger Back Online

The new adult novel, Dark Hearts, is taking the internet by storm. In this day and age, it is safe to say we meet many of our friends and romantic partners online. Dateline specials and horror stories of meetings gone wrong have faded into the background in this age built on technology. Friendship, love, or danger are only a click away. 



 If you are an angst-ridden teenager with illusions of romantic death, there is a place for you to call home. A chat room full of bleeding brains and bleeding veins, Dark Hearts, offers a place for damaged souls to find others who share their misery. Unfortunately, on the fringes of the suicidal society, a killer lurks.

Six young souls that fall in love with death, the lure of blood, and the search of release find themselves drawn into a twisted killer’s game in the anonymity of the Dark Heart’s chat room.

The Players: 
Kara (aka Bloody_butterfly) ~ 15/f/VA ~ The sad product of an absent father, a drunken mother, a life full of torment, seeks a reason to end it. Weapon of choice: Razor blade. 
Sara (aka Decaying_rose) ~ 17/f/FL ~ Abandoned by her perfect family, aims to drown in her own misery, yearns for a pact that ends in forever. Weapon of choice: Narcotics and alcohol. 
Lucy (aka Lifelexx) ~ 17/f/VA ~ Trailer trash country girl with a pension for sexual compulsion and blood. Weapon of choice: Anything sharp. 
Sammy (aka StarryBlade) ~ 18/f/CA ~ Writer, dreamer, college girl, and unlucky enough to land where she doesn’t belong. 
Cherry (aka LifeBlood) ~ 25/f/CA ~ Sexually abused, gun packing, revenge junky. 
Adam (aka Shadows_of_my_soul, aka DarkDreamer) ~ 21/m/anywhere ~ Artist, creep, procurer of broken beauties, searching for the one to heal the hole death left behind.






Sunday, March 17, 2013

Finding Sanity Paperback Pre-order

I have spent the last week formatting my psychological thriller novel, Finding Sanity, for paperback. If you want a signed copy, I would love to make that happen. The price will be $13.95 plus shipping. For a signed copy, we will need to do a paypal transaction. My email is theresa.renee.stoddard@gmail.com



Synopsis: Waking up in solitary confinement is never fun for anyone, and Randall is no exception. He is subjected to relive crucial moments from his past until he finds himself out on his own, free. Deciphering what is real vs. fantasy is half the fun. He finds new love, but as always an old flame complicates things. His reality and fantasy worlds collide putting him in a very compromising position. Can he make it out with his relationships intact?

Reviews:

"I was one of a small fraction of lucky people to have read parts of this novel as it was in progress, and to see the final result is wonderful. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat as Randall goes about his day-to-day life and the crazy things meandering through his mind. Sorting out what is real and what is a figment of Randall's imagination keeps you guessing until the very end."-Jason (Amazon)

"T.R. Stoddard takes the reader on a maddening ride in Finding Sanity. Randall and Amanda's story unfold in a vivid tale like no other I have read. In a flash of movie-like scenes that play inside Randall's head, the reader learns how a quietly tormented man can find himself in solitary confinement awaiting death. Not for the light at heart or the weak stomached, this book will awaken your senses and keep you up turning pages."-Catherine (Amazon)

"Reading this book I was reminded of Patrick Bateman from American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis -- The protagonist has that element of complete whack-job crazy about him. Also, the violence, in particular the sexual violence, is similarly detailed. T.R. Stoddard provides an imaginative and genuinely creepy view from within the mind of a homicidal maniac. Sometimes, the action comes so thick and fast it nails you to the chair, other times you're almost scared to read on, knowing that at any second, her nutcase going to go from an everyday activity like feeding his cat to being a bloodthirsty psychopath. This book is not for the faint-hearted (had it been released twenty years ago, it'd probably have been banned, just like American Psycho was) and that makes it a must read in my book."-SJBgilmour (Amazon)

"What an amazing twist of events in this book. Just when you think you have it figured out, it throws you for another loop. Intense, gory, sexual..I'm ready for more!"-Amanda J (Amazon)

"I remember reading Stephen King's book "IT", and being so scared and creeped out that I had to put it down, take a breather, and continue again...It's been a LONG time since a book has done that to me~ until "Finding Sanity". I really really wanted to hate Randall, and I did in the beginning. I was cursing at Ms. Stoddard for her brilliant way of making me feel sorry for him! And Allison, wow....I didn't see THAT coming! And the ending!!! Omg...perhaps a sequel in the works!!???"-Tonya (Amazon)

"With a prose so intense you feel as though the words are engraving themselves onto your soul, T.R. Stoddard has captured my interest as well as a deep dark secret side of me within the first few pages of Finding Sanity. As the pages turn, I grow more and more infatuated with the characters Randall and Amanda. I have reached the point in the book where I want to continue reading as fast as I can, but at the same time don't want to because that means the story will end. Truly a page-turning, edge-of-your-seat read. Intense, mind-blowing, and ground-breaking are all terms I'd use to describe Finding Sanity."- EffinNikktastic (Amazon)

"After I decided to pick up this book I honestly couldn't put it down, from the detailed descriptions that made you feel like you were a part of Randall's world that was turning upside down to the suspense you felt with every turn of the page. At moments I could feel myself cringing at the grotesque scenes but I feel that is one of the things that make this book truly amazing. The title truly fits the book because through out it all you're left guessing to if he really does find his sanity or if it's just another figment of his imagination. As you continue on you are left with many questions that leave you hoping for a sequel to come. All in all this book is really worth your time and I would certainly recommend it."- Ginny (Amazon)






Saturday, January 26, 2013

Music is My Muse: Catherine Stovall Blog Tour


Catherine Stovall is a great author and friend, so keep track of her on the haunted blog tour. Things go wrong, almost to the point where it seems sinister. So if you dare, read on and enter to win a copy of Reborn. You won't regret it. Leave a comment stating how music inspires you for another chance to win.





Music is My Muse

By
Catherine Stovall

     Other than Hatter, the voice of insanity inside my head, music is my muse. I couldn’t carry a tune in a five gallon bucket, the list of my musical instrument capabilities consists of dashboard drummer, and I would fail miserably if I was asked to keep time to anything. Now that I have made it clear that I am by no means a music expert, I can share with you the music that has guided me through the creation of the Requiem of Humanity Series. Here is a sneak peek into some of the songs that helped build scenes in both Stolen and Reborn.

     In the opening pages of Stolen, you will find Jenda in the midst of a struggle with the mysterious and frightening vampire Matteo. As I wrote this particular piece, the forlorn sound of Falls Apart by Hurt played on my iPod. Something about the raw emotion of the song speaks to me about the battle waging.

     Excerpt: The intruder stood inches from her, his black eyes boring into her as if the entire world depended on this very moment in time. He stood almost a full foot taller than Jenda. His broad shoulders tapered down to a trim waist. He appeared to be well muscled but not overly large. He was almost handsome except that his presence sent tremors of pure undiluted terror screaming to every brain cell and nerve ending inside her. All of her senses told her to wake up, to run, and to escape as quickly as she could.

Link to Falls Apart by Hurt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLXbEx1Jlcs

      Another great moment in Stolen features Jenda’s change from frightened human girl to vampire fledgling. As every ounce of torture and fear compounds around her, Jenda is brought to the finality of her life. For me this moment was sad. To see Jenda robbed of her humanity tore at my heart and no other song could express that sadness better than Hurt by Johnny Cash.  

     Excerpt: “Oh my God! No, no, no!” Was all Jenda could think. This wasn’t death. This was being changed. Belle was making her a vampire, a monster, an inhuman soulless being. She could feel the pin prick of Belle’s teeth now, could feel the pulling on her veins from the same spot. They were sharing blood! Jenda tried desperately to regain control of her body. She fought through the fog so hard that it did start to clear. Trying to ignore the painful burning, Jenda struggled to find the surface.

Link to Hurt by Johnny Cash: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aF9AJm0RFc

     One of my favorite parts of Stolen is when Soborgne loses her mind and starts hunting the streets for blood. She finds her victim, a depraved and morally corrupt monster, lingering near an alley. The pure evil that pumps through Sobo as she stalks her prey surprised even me. The upbeat, dark tempo of This is the New S**t by Marilyn Manson captures the heat of the moment perfectly.

     Excerpt: At first, he was confused and then recognition dawned on him. He began to cry, to blubber like a baby. Soborgne dropped him to the ground in front of her and in a cold and passionless voice, she continued. “Beg. Beg as you made them beg. Scream for your mother and your father. Better yet, scream for your god. Bargain for your life. Promise anything so I will spare your pathetic existence.”

 Link to This is the New S**t by Marilyn Manson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kQMDSw3Aqo

     Reborn took on a personality all its own and along with it, came several new playlists. One of the most powerful scenes for me was Jenda’s first feed from a living human. It was a moment of self-discovery and of understanding for her. The melancholy and melodic song Blood by The Pierces swayed me through this section so well.

     Excerpt: Jenda’s mind raced, her body felt as if her nerve endings were coming to life for the first time. The blood poured into her and she wandered how it could ever be wrong to do this act. Only moments before she was afraid and now, she was in pure ecstasy. As her mind locked in on the rhythm of Dominique’s heart, the images came.

Link to Blood by the Pierces: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBg9wpLqboA

     Soborgne may be reckless but without her, the Requiem of Humanity Series would be just the good guys against the bad. I always have had a soft spot for the grey area. Letting herself slide into the dark side, Soborgne learns how the other half live as she finds her prey within a chemically enhanced club, deep within the 8th District of Budapest to the sound of Blood by In This Moment.

     Excerpt: She could taste a hint of the cheap whiskey in his blood but it only gave it a heady spice. She did not fear the alcohol. She did not fear anything. The darkness came into her with his blood. It danced and dipped through her mind. It told her to follow the heartbeat down into the abyss. It guided her to the boys’ death. It told her she was doing what she meant to do. Its reasoning was winning her over.

Link to Blood by in this Moment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZF5m-vmDzM

     I try to avoid the love stuff as much as possible but without it, The Requiem of Humanity just wouldn’t be complete. Matteo and Jenda are overcoming many obstacles to love each other and one moment brings them together so completely, the reader will believe nothing would ever come between them. As they declare their intentions and bare their hearts, I could hear the song Stolen by Dashboard Confessional in my mind.

     Excerpt: They stared lovingly into each other’s eyes for a moment before he kissed her. Soon she was lost in the kisses and vows of love so thoroughly, nothing, not even Soborgne mattered. Somewhere off in the distance she thought she heard someone weeping and a strange image of an angel flashed through her mind. Jenda didn’t care.

Link to Stolen by Dashboard Confessional: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j82FBbgpUy4

     I hope you have enjoyed this musical journey. In closing, I would just like to say thank you to the music makers of this world. You inspire, uplift, and give the gift of joy to so many.

Bio:

Catherine Stovall is the author of The Requiem of Humanity Series and the short story Fearful Day. Catherine received her Associates of Science from Colorado Technical University. After working in the Criminal Justice field for several years, she has decided to dedicate her life to her true passion, creating captivating works of fiction. She lives in Southeast Missouri with her husband, three children, and pets.

Stalk Me:
Twitter: @CathStovall
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Where to Buy:
Stolen and Reborn at the Untreed Reads Store: http://store.untreedreads.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6_202

Monday, January 14, 2013

Author Friendships

Author Friendships
Guest post by Jason E. Maurer
 
 
The bond between true friends can never be broken. You may fight over something trivial or monumental, but eventually find your way back to each other because you’ve come so far in your relationship. So what if he slept with your brother behind your back? It’s just water under the bridge, right?
 
Maintaining a steady relationship with those we care about is part of who we are as a species. Most of us do not like being alone, and strive to create connections with everyone, lovers and friends alike.
 
Take my friends, for example. They are classified into two distinct groups: Those I can hang out with in real-life, and those I know online but have yet to meet.
 
My close circle of real-life friends is mainly the same people I knew in high school, with a few new faces added over the years.
 
The same can be said about my online friends. There are not many, but a few of the people I’m friends with through the vast expanse of web space seem as much a part of my inner circle as do the friends I have in person.  Some online friends have been in my life for a decade or more.
 
Does knowing someone that you’ve never met make them any less of a true friend? No, because we know each other’s secrets and are supportive of one another in spite of the vast distance between us.
 
Humans, as a whole, can have support in many ways, but in my personal experience friends are the ones who will stand by each other, through thick and thin.
 
If you are an author and have a friend who is also an author, this is equally important because they are your true supporters, the ones who tell you to push forward even when you think you will NEVER get that damn novel finished. They understand what it’s like to feel pressured.
 
You can talk to each other about your craft, and understand when she tells you the reason she didn’t clean her house today was because she just needed to get these thoughts out on paper. You accept this statement, because you know exactly how she feels.
 
Writing is a fickle thing, at least for me. I can wake up in the morning, have breakfast, sit down at my laptop and write a few thousand words in what seems like a few seconds. Other times, I can stare at a blank screen for HOURS and not write a single sentence. Our author friends know how it is, and can relate because they’ve been in the same boat. No matter how little we write, our friends are the ones sitting on the sidelines, pumping their fists in the air and screaming for us to reach the finish line.
 
One of my favorite quotes of all time found online many years ago pokes fun at the sincerity of friendship:  “If you and I were together on a sinking ship and there was only one life jacket, I’d miss you heaps and think of you often.”
 
What kind of friend would throw the other one ‘under the bus’, so to speak? Or in this case, out of the boat? A true friend would share the lifejacket, in the hopes of being rescued before you both drowned.
 
Why should the friends of an author be any different? If you have written something that another author friend doesn’t like, should she tell you truth or keep her mouth shut and allow you to shoot yourself in the foot, thereby pushing you out of the proverbial boat?
 
The simple answer is: She should tell you how she feels. A true friend will be honest, at all times. But, there is a difference between being honest and being cruel. You can be constructive in your criticism, judgmental without being harsh.
 
True friends are not afraid to tell you what they think. If you arrive dressed for a night on the town in a mumu and stilettos, your friend should laugh his ass off and tell you that you need to change your clothes because he will absolutely NOT be seen out in public next to you while you’re wearing such a ridiculous outfit!
 
Just because you are friends does not mean they need to coddle you and gush over how amazing your novel is.  In fact, your author friends should use their trained eyes and be the first to point out the flaws.
 
Remember that you cannot please every person, all of the time. Roll with the criticism, and strive to perfect your work. As authors, we need this validation and analysis of ourselves, for without it we are simply gliding along in a world of loneliness.  We need friends who will hold our hands and keep us grounded when shit gets crazy.
 
Also, expect some good-natured jealousy. If your novel sells a hundred copies, while your friend’s novel sells only ten, they may become envious. However, just because they have turned an ugly shade of green does not mean they want you to fail.
 
The important thing to remember is that true friends support each other, through the good AND the bad. We want the best for our comrades-in-arms, and to see our names in lights, side by side on the New York Times Bestseller list.
 
If she becomes successful while you are still struggling to get noticed, you simply need to try harder, push yourself more and work with a new outlook. And by all means, support each other!
 
Hold your friends close to your heart. This is important, because without them, we are alone. And no one likes or deserves to be without a companion, in love or otherwise. Be proud and treat each other with respect and honesty, and above all remain loyal and treasure them. With enough hard work, friendships can last a lifetime.
 
From quiet homes and first beginnings
Out to the undiscovered ends
There’s nothing worth the wear of winning
But laughter and the love of friends
.”
---Hilaire Belloc

~*~*~*~*~*~*~
 
Author Bio:
Jason E. Maurer is the author of several short stories and novels that range in genre from romance to mystery, and everything in between. The work he produces is the result of a mind that can only be defined as ‘eclectic’.
 
His latest novel “Trust and Love” is a gay story that centers around the hope for a better future by advocating the “It Gets Better” Campaign, a cause that helps prevent teen suicide.
 
Jason lives in central Pennsylvania, and has chosen to dedicate his spare time [which at this point is anytime he is not sleeping] to the pursuit of the American dream on the road to happiness.
 
The links to his extensive list of social media can be found on the “About Me/Links” page of his website.
 
Where To Buy “Trust and Love”:

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Reborn (Requiem of Humanity book two) by Catherine Stovall

5 out of 5 stars!




SynopsisJenda, Matteo, and Soborgne have escaped to Budapest in search of a safe hiding place from the Dracul. Knowing their future is unsure and danger surrounds them, they seek out the help of Matteo’s old friend, Celeste, at the Castle Vajdahunyad. When Matteo confesses all his secrets, the girls learn their part in an ancient prophecy that foretells the destruction of humanity.

After a deadly attack on the castle, Soborgne disappears with the strange man from her dreams and Jenda is left trying to convince the others of her friend’s innocence. While Soborgne is busy relishing the life of a vampire unrestrained and learning the dark secrets of her own life, Celeste calls together a meeting of the Coven and the Clan--a group of vampires and witches--to prepare for war against the Dracul.

Trying to save her and Soborgne from certain death, Jenda works to unravel the mystery of the prophecy. Driven by unanswered questions, she ventures back into the astral world where she comes face to face with an enemy they all thought could never hurt them again. Jenda learns the key to finding Soborgne and preventing the prophecy, but it comes at a steep price.


Review: Reborn, the second installment in the Requiem of Humanity series, by Catherine Stovall starts and ends with a bang. The action doesn't let up from the first to last page and does sequels everywhere a favor. I enjoyed Reborn even more than Stolen, and I enjoyed Stolen quite a bit. They are different in the fact that Stolen builds slowly and envelopes the reader in back-story and lore, and by the time Reborn comes around you pretty much know it all and can get right into the meat of the story. Holding true to her writing style, Stovall keeps the emotions raw, the scenes mystical and enchanting, and the characters convincing.

Reborn doesn't read like a vampire novel. It is more like the hero's journey that just so happens to be about vampires. She is keeping the series fresh and away from the tired vampire cliches. Faraway places, rich culture, witches, vampires, and demons await you in this enthralling read. I can now say for certain that the Requiem of Humanity series(so far Stolen and Reborn) are the best vampire books I've read in I don't know how long. I honestly can't think of one that I've enjoyed as much or more than this(especially one that doesn't rely on sex, profanity, and over-the-top-violence).

If you haven't read Stolen, make sure to do so you can enjoy this stellar read.

You can get your copy of Stolen HERE, and Reborn HERE Happy reading!