Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Welcome Anthea Lawson To The Lair!

posted by Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy

Today we welcome not one, but TWO special guests to the Lair! Anthea Lawson is the pseudonym for a husband-wife team who write spicy Victorian romance. Their debut novel, PASSIONATE, was nominated for a Best First Book RITA in 2009 and was a Golden Heart finalist (under a different title) in 2006. Their newest book, ALL HE DESIRES, hit the shelves on November 3rd.

Today, one lucky commenter will win a copy of their first book, PASSIONATE!

AC: You are a husband and wife writing team. Please share how that partnership came about. Any particular challenges with having a spouse as a co-writer? Advantages?


A&L: We didn’t plan on writing together, but like many projects that one of us starts, the other gives it a look and says “hmm, that seems interesting.” It’s a natural extension of our relationship—we’re used to working closely together on all kinds of things (music, house remodels, raising a kid) so it made sense to figure out the craft of writing fiction together. It can be challenging to live with your co-writer, especially when you have different ideas of how much writing is reasonable to do in a day. The advantages are multifold—we get to really explore the depths of the story together and it’s wonderful to have another perspective to bounce plot ideas off and problem solve with.


AC: We love "Call Stories" here in the Lair, please share yours with us.


A&L: Our agent had been shopping around our first book, and we’d gotten a number of rejections – in hindsight we realize that a Victorian-set story featuring a botanical expedition to Tunisia is a hard sell in the publishing industry. Our agent finally called one morning, telling us that Hilary Sares at Kensington loved the story and wanted to offer us a two-book contract! Much rejoicing ensued. Then we looked at each other with wide eyes and said, “We’d better get to work on that second book.”


AC: Please tell us a little about your new release All He Desires. How did you come up with the plot and characters?

Were there any special things that happened during the writing of this book? Anything that made it easier or more difficult than other books you've written?


A&L: We knew we wanted to take one of the secondary characters from the first book, and we chose the hero’s sister. That way we could continue to use the villainous cousin, and we knew our heroine’s backstory—so those parts were easier. We also knew we wanted to use another unusual setting, and chose Crete as the background for part of the book.


ALL HE DESIRES is a more emotionally-driven story than our first book, and it was a challenge to learn how to get deeper inside the characters up the emotional intensity.


AC: Your first book Passionate was a Golden Heart and a RITA finalist! Can you share any special tidbits with us about the writing of this book?


A&L: PASSIONATE was actually the first manuscript we’d ever written,

although we did rewrite it a number of times as we learned how to write fiction. The publisher didn't require any editorial changes, just copy edits, so what you see in print is pretty much what we submitted. Mostly we wrote PASSIONATE because we wanted to see if we could do it—write a fun story that satisfied us and was a complete and solid piece of fiction. Being nominated for the Golden Heart, a RITA, and seeing the book in print really felt like success.


AC: Any tips on researching historical details or the exotic locations you use for settings?


We use the internet to track down source material, then use our fabulous interlibrary loan to get a copy. (The Tunisia of Ahmad Bey, 1837-1855 by Carl Brown was a particularly good find, brought to us from the University of Oregon library.) We have not been to the Mediterranean basin (yet!) but the climate is similar to Southern California, where we’ve spent a lot of time visiting with family. We were able to take some of those sensory impressions of warm days and the scent of orange-blossoms and transmute them into our books.

AC: As a multi-published Golden Heart and Rita finalist, what advice can you give the AYU (As Yet Unpublished) writers out there?


A&L: Persevere. It’s something you’ll always have to do, published or as-yet-unpublished—we’ve found that out in the two years since the “sold” call.


Share the journey with others. It makes writing and waiting so much more fun. The romance writing community is a fabulous resource for support, information, and connection. You’re not alone as you work toward publication.


AC: What is next for Anthea Lawson?


We’re waiting to hear back on an exciting proposal we have out to editors. We’re also delighted that we’ve been asked to contribute a story to the Mammoth Book of Regency Romance, out next summer.


AC: Thank you Anthea and Lawson for being here today and sharing a lot of great info with us! Here's wishing you MUCH SUCCESS with you new book, ALL HE DESIRES and your future projects! Anything you'd like to add? How 'bout a question for our readers?


A&L: It’s great to spend a day at the lair with our ’06 GH Finalist friends! And so exciting to see everyone’s successes, large and small.


Our question, appropriate for the upcoming holiday season– What’s your absolute favorite kind of cookie? (Extra points for links to recipes) And don't forget, one lucky commenter wins a copy of PASSIONATE!


58 comments:

mariska said...

ME !

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

WTG, Mariska!

Once again, you've lured the wiley GR to your place.

AC

jo robertson said...

Hi, Anthea and Lawson, it's so great to have you in the Lair, fellow 06 Golden Hearters!

Congratulations, Mariska!

A & L (sounds like a law firm!), can you tell us a little about the hero and heroine in ALL HE DESIRES?

And congratulations on all your writing successes!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hey Jo-Mama! You're up late.

Yes, it's great to have some of our fellow 06 Packers visiting the Lair today. We'll need to get the cabana boys to break out the industrial blenders and get this party going!

AC

Helen said...

Congrats Mariska what plans do you have for him today

I have heard so much about this book it is already on my must get list as is Passionate.

Here in Australia we call cookies Biscuits and as everyone knows I love Tim Tams although I buy them not make them but I do make a great caramel biscuit slice that my family love.

The Base
1 cup SR flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup coconut
125 grams (4 oz) melted butter
press into a greased 18cm x 28cm pan and bake on 180c for 10 mins
Filling
400g can sweetened condensed milk
125g (4oz) butter
2 tbsp golden syrup
1 cup brown sugar
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and stir over moderate heat until boiling. Continue stiring constantly for 5 mins spread over cooled base and cool in refrigerator.
Topping
Melt chocolate in microwave careful not to burn and spread over cooled caramel
When completely cooled cut into slices.

Thanks Aunty Cindy for inviting Anthea Lawson to the lair it is a great interview.

Have Fun
Helen

mariska said...

It's our lunch time here so i will bring along the GR with me :)

Welcome Anthea,
it's so nice having you here. Your books cover look so HOT !

cookies ?
I have one link for you to try :
http://slowlikehoney.net/2009/09/13/the-best-according-to-me/
(it's not my blog though *_*)

Unknown said...

Congrat mariska on nabbing the rooster today!

This is a touch question because I love chocolate chip, peanut butter, and oakmeal cookies. I like them soft right out of the oven. My sister make the best peanut butter cookies and she got her recipe for an old Shaker cook book. There is a community here called Shaker Town. I don't have the recipe, sorry.

Helen, your recipe sounds awesome, but I not sure I could make it. I would need a conversion chart to do it. We use inches, oz, and degrees here! I'm not sure what
180c is in our oven tempts. Sorry my huby just looked it up and said it was 356 degree oven tempt. This sounds about right because we bake our cookies at about 350 degrees.

Helen said...

Virginia

Way back when I was young and learing to cook with my Mum we used pounds and ouncs etc as well but While I was in High School we changed to metric and as you can see I did put some ounce measurments in but I couldn't remember the oven temps sorry. I have found and old conversion chart and yes your hubby is correct about the oven temp being 356F = 180c. As for the pan size I have just measured mine withan old tape measure I have and it is 10 in by 12 in. I hope that helps.

Have Fun
Helen

Helen said...

And 400grams is 14 oz

I forgot that one

Have Fun
Helen

Anthea Lawson said...

It's great to be here! And what delicious cookies people are bringing~

Jo, our hero, Alex, is a man with a troubling secret in his past. He's exiled himself from England and walled his heart away. Our heroine, Caroline, is light to his shadow. She breaks through his isolation with her brightness of spirit (and her sweet sensuality!) and compels Alex to face his past in order to embrace his future. :D We believe in the healing and redemptive power of love, and it was a great ride, writing this book together.

Jane said...

Hi Anthea,
Congrats on the new release. I love chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. I got this recipe off the net.

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until just blended. Mix in the quick oats, walnuts, and chocolate chips. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
3. Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

mariska said...

Ouch,I forgot to mention the 'name' of the cookies :)
It's "The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie"
According Amanda (the blog's owner)
" So why are they the best? Well, my definition of “best” means this: super simple, equally delicious, not overly sweet, enough salt to combat the chocolate, sturdy, crispy with a soft center. Don’t believe me? Follow the recipe, and try NOT to fall in love with this cookies"

this site (the one that i had mentioned on my earlier post) is one of my favorite places to look for some great recipes !

Keira Soleore said...

Anthea, welcome to The Lair. I already gushed over your first story when I met you at Emerald City. Writing to say that I LOVED your second story! And the cover? Everyone, say it with me: 'Tis Teh Delish.

Could you tell us a bit more about this Mammoth Book project? It sounds like such a cool idea! Are you all writing short stories? How many authors are contributing?

(Please count me out of the contest. I own both of Anthea & Lawson's books.)

Blodeuedd said...

Oh it's a cookie I won, called Walkers Highland butter cookies. They tasted like heaven. Mmm would so love to find a recipe or the brand

Laurie G said...

These are a few samples of cookies I made recently. I got the recipes from various websites.STOVE TOP COOKIES
1 stick butter 2 tbsp cocoa 2 cups sugar ½ cup milk 3 cups uncooked "quick" oatmeal ½ cup crunchy peanut butter ½ tsp vanilla
In a boiler or non-stick Dutch oven, mix the margarine, cocoa, sugar and milk. Bring to a boil. Boil hard for one minute. Remove mixture from heat. Pour in peanut butter and oatmeal and vanilla. Stir until well mixed and then drop by teaspoon on waxed paper.

CHOCOLATE TIPPED LOG COOKIES

1 cup butter, softened 1/3 cup sugar 2 teaspoons brandy 2 teaspoons vanilla ¼ teaspoon salt 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups chopped pecans Powdered sugar Melted milk chocolate
Cream butter. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
Add brandy, vanilla and salt; mix well.
Add flour, stirring until blended; stir in pecans.
Shape dough into 1 ½ x ½ inch logs. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake at 325 for 15 to 20 minutes. Cookies should not brown.
While warm, roll cookies lightly (or dust with) powdered sugar. Place on wire racks to cool. When completely cool, dip one end in melted chocolate. Let stand on wax paper until set.YIELD: 4 dozen

Best Darn Sugar Cookies Ever

1 cup sugar 1 cup butter 1 cup powdered sugar 1 cup vegetable oil (NOT olive oil!) 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cream of tartar 4 1/8 cups flour
Cream sugar, butter, powdered sugar, and oil. Then cream in eggs and vanilla.In a separate bowl mix baking soda, cream of tartar, and flour. Start adding dry ingredients to creamed ingredients less than 1 cup at a time.
Chill in refrigerator at least 2 hours. Drop 1-2″ balls on the cookie sheet If you would like, you can flatten the balls with the bottom of a pretty bowl or goblet that's been dipped in sugar Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are browned.

Daisy Bellamy’s “May the Best Man Win” Molasses Cookies(Susan Wiggs/Silver Palate)

(24 cookies)Ingredients
3/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup molasses, 1 egg, 1-3/4 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Line cookie sheets with baking parchment.
3. Melt the butter; mix well with sugar and molasses.
4. Beat in the egg, then slowly add the rest of the ingredients, mixing well to create a wet dough.
5. Line a cookie sheet with foil or parchment.
6. Drop the batter by scant teaspoons onto the parchment. Leave plenty of space, because cookies will spread.
7. Bake 8-10 minutes, just until the cookies darken.
8. Remove parchment from cookie sheet, and let cool. These cookies are delicious as is, or you can dress them up with a drizzle of lemon icing.

I'd love to read your book Anthea!

Gillian Layne said...

Thanks for the great interview, I am very much looking forward to your next release!

These cookies are from the "semi-homemade cooking" show, and easy, thank goodness. :)

Candy Cane Cookies

* 1 box sugar cookie mix
* 1/2 stick butter, melted
* 1 egg
* 1/3 cup softened cream cheese
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus additional for surface
* Red food coloring
* 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

In a bowl, combine sugar cookie mix, melted butter, egg, cream cheese, and flour; mix together to form dough. Separate dough into 2 equal portions and place in 2 different bowls. Add red food coloring gradually to 1 bowl of dough, kneading together until desired shade of red is created. To second bowl of uncolored dough, add peppermint extract and knead together. On a floured work surface, shape each dough into balls and then roll each ball into 1/4-inch-wide ropes, each about 6 inches long. For each cookie, carefully twist some of the red and white ropes of dough together and shape into a candy cane. Spread candy canes out on cookie sheets and bake on the top shelf of the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool before serving.

Alison said...

Favourite cookie - anything to with chocolate, but ideally double chocolate chip with melted chocolate on top.

Minna said...

My favorite cookie is coconut-chocolate-vanilla cookie.

Susan Sey said...

Anthea and Lawson! Two of our own class of 2006 GH finalists, in the lair! It's always so wonderful to see people in our 'class' going on to such success! I can't wait to pick up a copy of All He Desires.

I can't imagine writing a book with my husband. His creative bent is so different from mine--even when I come to him for a sounding board on plot twists, he goes places that I never anticipated and sometimes don't even understand. The conversation always ends with something like, "Um, okay. Thanks anyway."

:-)

I have all the admiration in the world for a relationship that can withstand the pressures of writing a book together.

As for Christmas cookies, my favorite has to be the Oreo Truffles:

One pkg Oreo cookies, smashed to powder.

One pkg. cream cheese.

Blend together until it's a sticky mess.

Roll sticky mess into bite-sized balls. (Be conservative--these are rich!)

Dip the balls into melted chocolate, let dry on waxed paper.

Enjoy, but be careful. They're like little nuggets of crack. Addictive, cheap and easy.

Hellie Sinclair said...

This may sound boring and I'm sorry, but my favorite holiday cookie is a rolled out sugar cookie, cut into whimsical shapes, and coated with a thick crunchy layer of royal icing.

They have to be powdered sugar cookie cut outs though...the dough is just better.

http://www.bigoven.com/160672-Dutch-Sugar-Cookies---roll-out-recipe.html

The icing is usually just a little powdered sugar, butter, and milk with coloring. But dried egg whites make it harden like appropriate icing for cookies. I like almond flavoring in the icing.

BUT I consider these cookies way too much work. My friend and I decided to make 4 batches one night for Christmas giveaways and ended up like extras for a I Love Lucy show. Crazy. I never was so sick of making cookies.

Now I'd rather keep to these puppies:

http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/features/crafts/food/rocktoffee

AWESOME. TASTY. EASY. And a Harry Potter theme. And I think Christmas and Harry go together like cocaine and waffles.

Hellie Sinclair said...

Oooh, SUSAN put up the Oreo Crack Truffles! Those are CRACK!!! I make those whenever I can too. *LOL* Everyone loves them. I might have to make them for Thanksigiving.

Christie Kelley said...

Welcome back to the lair, Anthea and Lawson! It was sit across from you during the book signing at Nationals this year. Hopefully we'll be near again next year.

Congrats on your new release! It sounds great and I can't wait to read it.

Absolute favorite cookie? Really only one? I have recipe for ginger cookies that are awesome but I haven't pulled out the Xmas recipes yet. I did buy the mint M&Ms at Walmart this morning for cookies. Just take a Toll House recipe and substitute the mint M&Ms for the choco chips. My kids love them.

CrystalGB said...

Chocolate chip is my favorite.

Deb said...

Hello, Anthea. I enjoyed the interview.

My fave store-bought cookie is an Oreo. My fave homemade cookie is chocolate chip. However, I do make either Danish Puff or Scottish Shortbread at Christmastime for my neighbors. They are my faves as well. I could provide the recipe for DP, but unless you watch someone make it, it would be hard to follow the recipe instructions. I'm here at work, so I can't look up the SS recipe.

Dorthy said...

my favorite kind of cookie? Is there a bad cookie?????
Well a really good cookie I just recently made with my kids is Pumpkin Cookies, so here is that recipe.

1/2 cup butter, room temp
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 cups all -purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup milk

Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Bean in molasses and egg. Stir in pumpkin puree.

In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg.

Stir flour mixture into creamed mixture along with the milk. Blend thoroughly but DO NOT over beat.

Drop dough by tea spoon full on to a baking sheet.

Bake at 375F for 12 min.

Dust with confectioners sugar (optional)

These disappeared just about as fast as we made them.

jo robertson said...

Yum, Helen, that sounds delish. Is 180c about 350 fahrenheit?

And what kind of chocolate and how much?

Thanks for sharing!

jo robertson said...

LOL, AC, I think the clock's off. I wasn't quite up that late. More like 9:45. I turned into a big fat pumpkin when it gets too late!

jo robertson said...

Thanks, Anthea! That sounds wonderful. I adore stories of redemption too.

pjpuppymom said...

Hello! I haven't read your books yet but I can see I'll have to add them to my tbb list. They sound terrific and I love romances set, or partially set, in exotic locales.

I've been hearing a lot of buzz about this Mammoth Book of Romance. Can you tell us anything about the story you're writing for it?


My absolute favorite holiday cookie is the chocolate dipped log cookies. My family would probably disown me if I ever stopped making them.

Susan, I made the oreo truffles for the first time last year. This year I'll have to make sure I give them away faster. They started calling my name before they were even out of the bowl! lol

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Cookies and books, two of my most favorite things. I have not read your book, as usual I come to the lair to find new to me authors and once again I will be adding to my tbb list.

My favorite cookie doesn't have a name and I don't have the recipe but one of my aunts made it for holidays and it was enough to send you into chocolate/sugar shock. The best way to describe it was a brownie in cookie form. Chocolate cookie slightly soft with chocolate chips (semi-sweet) and walnuts. Oh my, that brings back memories but I am not good enough at baking to replicate it.

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Morning Everyone!

Aunty is STILL under the weather, so may not be here for long. :-( All these cookie recipes sound DEVINE! Anything with chocolate and I am THERE! But sugar cookies are fun too. Like Laurie, I make them with powdered sugar and like Hellion, I always cut them into shapes.

One year when my son was about 3 I decorated the entire tree with sugar cookies cut into different shapes and colors. Funny thing, by Christmas, there were only about a half dozen cookies left, and my son could not REACH nearly all of them... The ex never fessed up!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Morning Anthea!

I've never been to Crete (YET!) but it sounds like a great place to be exhiled to me. :-)

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Morning Virginia!

You live near Shaker Town? How fun! They make great furniture, so I'm betting their cookies are equally good. Yes, I know there is NO LOGIC to that, but I'll still bet it is true!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hey Smoov,
I'm with you, I could NEVER write a book with my DH. Now, he might ILLUSTRATE a book, but he is not into the writing...

Even if he were, our thought processes are so far out of whack that I could never see us melding them into anything coherent! LOL!

SO BIG KUDOS to A&L for managing to be such a great writing team!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hi Jo-Mama,
9:45 FELT late to me last night... which proves I am NOT well! I think I was in bed not long after 10. :-P

AC
the puny

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Alison,
Double chocolate chip with melted chocolate on top sounds a teeny tiny half-step from HEAVEN!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Dorthy, I must agree... There is NO SUCH THING as a bad cookie!

And your pumpkin ones sound WONDERFUL!

BTW, a friend offered me some persimmons. Does anyone have a recipe for persimmon cookies?

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

OMGosh, Dianna!

Your description of your aunt's brownie/cookie is making my mouth water! (my nose was already running) I'll take a BIG BATCH of those, thank-you-very-much!

AC

Lydia Smith said...

Oh I want to win the book! Sounds wonderful. My favorite cookies (besides everyone's favorite chocolate chip) is Snickerdoodles.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/snickerdoodles-i/Detail.aspx

Helen said...

Jo

I buy blocks of cooking chocolate either in milk or dark what ever I feel like they are big blocks and I usually use about half of it. It depends on how thick you like the chocolate spread on the top. And yes 180c is 350f.

Have Fun
Helen

Helen said...

Aunty Cindy

I do hope you are feeling better soon.

I do love the settings for your books Anthea and Lawson it is probably the only way I will get to visit other countries is through the books I read.
How did you both decide on the Countries you chose to be in your books?

Have Fun
Helen

Pissenlit said...

Congrats, mariska!

Happy belated book birthday to Anthea and Lawson!

No recipes 'cause I don't know how to bake...
I love gingerbread cookies and shortbread cookies(Walkers Shortbread! *drool*), sugar cookies(esp. w/frosting & sanding sugar), cookies that involve chocolate, peanut butter cookies...uh, okay, I love cookies, in general, as long as they don't contain any nuts that I'm allergic to(ahhhh! I ended a sentence in a preposition! :D)

Pissenlit said...

Susan - As for Christmas cookies, my favorite has to be the Oreo Truffles:

Dip the balls into melted chocolate, let dry on waxed paper.

So, what kind of chocolate do you pick up for that and uh, this is probably a really dumb question but how does one melt it? I seem to be lacking what appears to be common sense when it comes to the stove/oven. The other day I tried to make something and ended up burning the oil in the frying pan. :S

chey said...

Hi! Your books sound interesting. I want to find out more!
My favourite cookie is
Whipped shortbread.
1 lb butter
1 c icing sugar
1 c corn starch
3 c flour
Cream butter and sugar.
Add cornstarch and flour.
Roll dough into balls. Flatten with spoon or fork. Bake at 350F for 8-10 minutes, one tray at a time.

Lady_Graeye said...

I'm a the true cookie monster. It doesn't matter what kind. "Just Give Me Cookie!!"

Kate Carlisle said...

Did somebody mention COOKIES???

Lovely interview, Auntie! Andwelcome back, Anthea and Lawson!! Congratulations on the new book -- and what a beautiful cover! I'll be ordering mine today!

Now, about this cookie question. A better question might be: Is there one I DON'T like? Hmm. Can't think of one. Being a purist, I especially love chocolate chip, still warm from the oven. Oh, yeah!

Congrats Mariska! The GR likes cookies, too. :-)

buddyt said...

What a question for a chocoholic !

Chocolate chip cookies of course!

Please include me in the drawing.

Thanks
Carol

Juli D. Revezzo said...

Awesome story, Anthea and Lawson. Congrats on all your successes!
I can't get my hubby to write with me, much less read my WiPs. He does let me bounce things off of him, though. :) So if I ever get published, I've threatened to mention him in the acknowledgements. hehe. So it's very cool to hear you both can work together on your stories. :) Good luck to you in future projects!

Favorite cookie is absolutely Pecan sandies. Yum

jo robertson said...

Anthea and Lawson, I know you've mentioned your writing process before but I'm so curious about writing a romance with your spouse. It's so unique!

How does that work exactly? Do you both have DDJ's dreadful day jobs? Do you brainstorm together and then write separate scenes that you later mesh?

I've worked on writing educational grants with another person and it can be pretty tough.

Obviously, you love it or you wouldn't be doing it. So, what makes it work for you two?

Linda Henderson said...

My favorite cookie is White Chocolate Macadamia Nut. I could eat them until I'm sick. So I try not to make them very often. I've heard great things about your book, I would love to read it.

Beth Andrews said...

Welcome to the lair, Anthea and Lawson! Your new book sounds fabulous *g*

I don't have an absolute favorite cookie but my son and his friends love my Snickerdoodles and I love them because they're a pan cookie and so easy to make :-)

I'm loving all the recipes! And collecting them for future baking *g*

Anna Campbell said...

Congratulations, Mariska!

Anthea and Lawson, welcome to the lair! I remember how excited we all were to be Golden Heart finalists in 2006. Congratulations on all your success with Passionate. The new story sounds great! I love books that use exotic locations!

Anthea Lawson said...

Mm it's a perfect day for baking here in the rainy NW!

Keira, the Mammoth Book of Regency Romance will be a short story collection with a number of participating authors. Other fabulous writers have been asked, but there's no official word out yet of everyone who will be in the collection.

For those interested in our writing process, we've done a number of interviews this month! Check out the blog tour at our website for full details. In a nutshell, we brainstorm the story, Anthea writes the first draft after much discussion of what's going to happen in each scene/chapter, and then we edit together. Lawson fixes plot holes and character motivations and some of the male POV. :D

Thanks for all the congrats and well wishes on our new release. We're having a great time with it!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey, Mariska! You got the bird! go you! He probably wants to hide out over there, with our Thanksgiving coming up next week..

AC, great interview!

Anthea and Lawson, welcome to the Lair! HUGE welcome!

I'm just popping my head out of the cave - picture one of those meerkats popping up - to say hi, then retreating back to deadline-land.

grins.

Of course, since it's my day to blog tomorrow, I'll see you all then! :>

Deb said...

If anyone is interested, here is my Scottish Shortbread recipe:
2 c butter, slightly melted
1 1/4 c sugar
5 c flour
1 tsp. vanilla
pinch of salt
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour, salt, and vanilla and mix well; use hands if necessary. Press evenly (with hands or a metal spoon) into a jelly roll pan and prick with a fork. Sprinkle with sugar--colored crystals are pretty for Christmas or special occasions. Bake at 325 degrees for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cut immediately into squares and then cut squares into triangles.
This recipe is a double batch.

Pat Cochran said...

I am so late, it's almost 10 pm
here, it's been a crazy day!

Greetings to Anthea Lawson, welcome
to the Lair!

My favorite cookie in the whole
wide world is a Chocolate-Vanilla
Pinwheel cookie that Mother used
to make. Mother held tight to her special recipes. She didn't share,
and the recipe never made it to
any of us. I'm going to try to
replicate the recipe and pass it
on to all the family.

Pat Cochran

Dorthy said...

Thanks everyone who posted their recipes, or links to the recipes. I've been copying and pasting so I can print them all and add them to my cookie file!

Mari said...

My favorite is chocolate chip...no skimping on the chocolate chips, please....