Merry Christmas....

From all the Bootcampers here in the 101 camp --- we would like to Wish You a

and a 

~Eleni

Writers love chocolate

Have you ever noticed how writers love chocolate?

In our household there is a special chocolate recipe from my husband's family that is always prepared for Christmas, and I thought I would share our fabulous Chocolate Truffles with you. Plenty of time to whip a batch of these up before St Nick comes down the chimney. Providing you can find sweetened condensed milk. Both our local supermarkets are out, sparking a mad rush across town, stopping at supermarkets all over. But finally, we had success and the Christmas delicacies are prepared, ready for the big day.

Christmas Truffles

1/2 cup icing sugar

1 teaspoon instant coffee

60 g copha (vegetable shortening)

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

4 tablespoons of cocoa

60g of plain sweet biscuits (crushed)

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

chocolate vermicelli/sprinkles

Sift icing sugar, cocoa and coffee into a bowl. Add crushed biscuits and mix well. Melt copha and mix in. Add condensed milk and vanilla and mix. Beat until thick. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Pinch off a small amount and roll into a ball. Coat well with chocolate vermicelli/sprinkles. Refrigerate and enjoy.

Mission Report - Tracey and Alison

Yah, I did it. Found my way home from bootcamp Spain. Don't ask. This is the second time I'm doing this within a few minutes. I thought I pressed the right button, but it's gone, gobbled up by cyber space. So, take two.

I have news, good news. Two of our members have finaled in competitions run my RWA.

Tracey Turner is a finalist in the Selling Synopsis with her Sweet Romance. Her entry is on its way to Ethan Ellenberg. Congratulations, Tracey, we're thrilled for you. Goes to show, determination always pays off.

Alison Leake finaled in the STALI with her Fantasy Romance. Her entry is going to Rose Hillard at St Martin's press in New York. Woohoo Alison.

As soon as I hear news, I'll post it here.

At conference a few bootcampers pitched their work to editors and agents. Although no-one received a request for a full, the comments received were encouraging. These woman are tirelessly working toward improving their craft. And they will achieve their dream.

Until next time.

Remember. Bootcampers Rock.

Christmas Gifts for Romance Writers

As Christmas rolls around again, our thoughts turn to gifts for our writer friends.  This year, I’m hoping someone gives me the gift of inspiration for my WIP and here's a peak at my Christmas wish list.

1. Shifting Gear – a calendar featuring my favourite racers – the Vodafone V8 Supercar  racing team , supporting the McGrath Foundation. http://www.vodafone.com.au/shiftinggear/
   
2. Men of Cricket – a calendar featuring my favourite cricketers – the Aussie team, supporting the McGrath Foundation. http://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/latest-news/249-men-of-cricket-calendar
   
3. The Firefighters Calendar – some of Queensland’s finest fire and rescue staff, raising funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital (Brisbane)  Burns Centre http://www.firefighterscalendar.com.au/
   

So, if you’re looking for a Christmas Gift to inspire that special writer friend, there are more than enough muscular chests to go around. And whichever one you choose, you’ll be supporting a great cause. 

Happy Christmas Shopping.  

Writing Companions

I didn’t reach my target with the Bootcamp 101 Book-in-a-Month challenge and I wondered if it might have something to do with a recent change in writing companion. Most writers I know love to get the words flowing with a warm furry body snuggled up on their lap or at their feet. 

Winter this year saw the demise of our much-loved, foot-warming Labrador and to fill the hole in our hearts we headed to the local animal shelter. There were too many animals needing home and we fell in love with a black lab cross with huge brown eyes, large paws and very little in the way of training.

Four months later, our house has descended into lab puppy chaos with plants ripped up, beds chewed and the other dog threatening a mutiny. Right now, we are referring to her as “The Migraine”. You never know when it’s going to hit, or how bad it’s going to be, but you know it’s going to be a pain. 

So, for the next little while I’ve accepted that my writing time will be squeezed around frequent trips to the off-leash park, plenty of backyard time and long training walks. It’ll probably be this time next year before she can sit still long enough to let me write anything without interruption, but already I’m looking forward to winter mornings spent writing with both my furry foot-warmers keeping me company.