Monday, December 15, 2014

Thankful and Hopeful at Year's End

by Christy Carlyle

While I look forward to guest posting on Romancing the Genres in the future (including a post about cover design on Saturday, December 20th), this will be my last monthly post as a Genre-ista. As I'd always hoped it would, my writing is taking up more and more of my time, and I hope to spend even more time writing in 2015.

Publishing my first novella in January 2014 was a scary, exhilarating experience, but it was just a start. I've worked this year on growing as a writer and as an author-entrepreneur. My plans for next year are ambitious, perhaps more than I'll be able to accomplish, but I believe in setting big goals. I don’t know about you, but I need challenges to keep me motivated. 

Next year I hope to publish multiple books under several pen names and in various genres. I know it will require planning, hard work, and discipline. I’m already juggling calendars, due dates, and plotting out various stories so that I can stay on track to meet my goals.

As I embark on my awfully ambitious 2015, I’m looking back with gratitude for my time at Romancing the Genres. I’ve learned and gained so much from being part of a group blog—camaraderie with fellow authors, the chance to interact with blog readers from all over the world, and endless enjoyment from the contributions of each unique and talented Genre-ista. 

Like many of you, as well as planning for next year, I’m rushing around during the busy holiday season. Do you like baking during the holiday season? I always manage a batch of cutout and frosted sugar cookies, but my favorite holiday cookies are actually Russian Tea Cakes, sometimes called Mexican Wedding Cakes. I got the recipe from my grandma’s Betty Crocker Cooky Book, which is now falling apart, but one of my prized possessions from her kitchen.

Russian Tea Cakes

1 cup butter or margarine, softened 
1/2 cup powdered sugar 
1 teaspoon vanilla 
2 ¼ cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (I like walnuts best!)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar

1.    Heat oven to 400ºF.

2.    Mix butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the vanilla in large bowl. Stir in flour, nuts and salt until dough holds together.

3.    Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

4.    Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set but not brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool slightly on wire rack.

5.    Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar; cool on wire rack. Roll in powdered sugar again.

Mixed in with buying presents, sending cards, and juggling holiday events, I'm also putting the finishing touches on my third Whitechapel Wagers story, Reckless Wager, a sensual Victorian romance. I still hope to have it out by the end of the year!

As a gift to anyone who's interested in reading it, leave your email address in a comment on this post, and I'll send you an ecopy of Reckless Wager as soon as it's live. 

Thank you to Romancing the Genres and all its readers for the many enjoyable years as part of this wonderful blog! 

10 comments:

Sarah Raplee said...

Thank you, Christy, for your many contributions to RTG! We're so happy your career is taking off!

Russian Tea Cakes are one of my favorite Holiday cookies, too. Thank you for sharing the recipe.

Unknown said...

Thanks, Sarah! It's been a pleasure and I so wish all good things for every Genre-ista in terms of their writing and all their endeavors.

Diana McCollum said...

We'll miss you Christy! Congratulations on your writing goals. I love to bake during the holidays, and Russian Tea Cakes are one of my favorites.

Unknown said...

Thanks, Diana! Wishing you all the best with your writing ventures too. :)

Judith Ashley said...

Oh my, Christy - Russian Tea Cakes! They melt in your mouth they are so light. I don't even have to look the recipe up now...maybe I will break down and bake a batch up.

You will be missed! in so many ways. Your posts are interesting, your short stories on Free Reads are some of our highest ranked of all posted stories - the list is even longer but

What is most important is you are following your dream and sharing your talent by writing more and more stories. So in the end, I'm thankful your career as an author is on the rise.

Lana Williams said...

I haven't had Russian tea cakes in years. Yum! Might have to make some now. :) Love to bake cookies and make candy over the holidays. Looking forward to reading many more of your stories, Christy!

Unknown said...

Thanks, Judith! I appreciate all of the opportunities you and Sarah have given me. I hope I can pull off my plans and make this difficult decision worthwhile. :)

Unknown said...

They're surprisingly easy, Lana, for how good they are. :) Thank you!

Vonnie Alto said...

I admire ambition. I can't wait to see your career take off! Yes, I would love to read a copy of your book!

Margaret Tanner said...

Hi Christy,
Sad to see you go, but onwards and upwards as they say. Best of luck with all your publishing endeavours.

Regards

Margaret