10 WRITING RESOLUTIONS FOR 2010

1) Write faster - I tend to write slowly even when I don't edit along the way. I am not easily satisfied with my work; I keep thinking that I can improve it. I cannot believe that I managed to get something written, especially this blog post. Just call me pokey!

2) Get in the habit of following up - I must admit that it is 1/2 laziness and 1/2 pride. I have never been good at begging, but I am a persistent devil.

3) Complete something - Did I mention that I have six novellas in my head along with a movie treatment and script, a stage play, eight query letters, five book review letters, a nonfiction book proposal, two nonfiction books, a short story, a young adult book, a middle grade book, and a children's picture book series. The good news is that I have titles for the books and storylines. I am really going to work on my to-do list. Next year at this time, I'll tell you what I completed.

4) Pay my editor on time - I see her jumping up and down right now.

5) Read more - I love to read and I have time to read. I choose to spend my time playing Cafe World on Facebook. I will read more! I will read more! I will read more!

6) Get a new headshot for upcoming book, "The Food Enchantress" - It's time. Plus, contrary to popular belief, that picture is not that old. It is amazing how much damage you can do at a Vegas buffet.

7) Decide on publisher for children's book, "Are There French Fries in Heaven?" - I am tired of hearing myself talk about this.

8) Write every day, excluding emails and work-related stuff - I can go weeks without writing. I do not know how I plan to become a full-time writer with this bad habit. I decided that I have to work on things that excite me each day - sort of like daily food cravings.

9) Throw away scratch paper when it is really scratch paper - This is adding to the unnecessary mounds of paper on my desk. I cannot live this way. Help! I am drowning in paper!

10) Be more strategic with marketing and promoting book - I burnt myself out selling one or two books per event because I wanted to get out there. Now, I have to think in terms of cost effectiveness.

Do we have some resolutions in common? What is one of your New Year's resolutions?

DECEMBER 24 - NATIONAL EGG NOG DAY!

Happy National Egg Nog Day!

I celebrated a day early by purchasing an egg nog shake from McDonalds. It tasted pretty good. Usually, I buy it cold from the grocery store. However, I enjoy consuming warm, homemade egg nog. I have never tried preparing it myself; even though it seems rather easy. Check out this recipe that I found on The Nibble web site. Enjoy!

http://thenibble.com/REVIEWS/MAIN/cocktails/coconut-eggnog-recipe.asp

How are you going to celebrate? 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season. I appreciate your continuous support. Thank you!

Rekaya Gibson, Author of The Food Temptress

THE FOOD ENCHANTRESS

Hello all!

Here is the cover image for The Food Enchantress, the sequel to The Food Temptress. It will be release in 2010 by Xpress Yourself Publishing Company. Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below. I appreciate it. Thank you!

CHILI WEATHER!

What a great night for chili. As promised on Facebook last night, below is the recipe. I like using two types of beans, but you can use only one. When I am in the mood, I combine the pintos with black beans. When I feel adventurous, I try black, kidney, and pinto - look out.

I cannot eat my chili without topping it with cheese, onions, and sour cream. I even like using white onions on top. I definitely cannot enjoy it without cornbread muffins. I ate my meal with a Pinot Grigio wine straight from Italy. Man, did I love my meal tonight! I hope you have the same experience. Enjoy!

*The Food Temptress Chili

Ingredients
1 Ib. Ground Meat
1 Medium Green Bell Pepper (Diced)
1/2 Medium Onion (Diced)
1 tsp. of Ready-to-use Minced Garlic
1 Can (14.5 oz.) Diced Tomatoes (Undrained)
1 Can (15.5 oz.) Pinto Beans (Undrained)
1 Can (15.oz.) Dark Red Kidney Beans (Undrained)
1 Packet Chili Seasoning or 2 tbsp. Chili Powder
Salt & Pepper (For taste)
Sour Cream (Optional)
Shredded Cheese (Optional)
Chopped Green Onions (Optional)

Directions
Cook ground meat in a large stock pot over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper. Add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook meat until brown. Drain excess fat. Put beans, tomatoes, and seasoning into the pot, and stir. Cook until boiling, then simmer while your cornbread cooks. Spoon the chili into your favorite bowl. Sprinkle with cheese and onions. Use a dollop of sour cream for the finishing touch.

*Not responsible for what happens after eating.

NATIONAL COOKIE DAY!

Happy National Cookie Day!

I love cookies. It does not matter what kind as long as they have sugar in them. If I had to choose, I would pick chocolate chip cookies. I like the chewy kind with burnt bottoms. Add some nuts and I am your friend for life. I guess I'll go bake some now with pecans. Enjoy your day!

How are you going to celebrate this holiday?

GIVING BACK!

On Saturday, December 5, 2009, Rekaya Gibson, author of The Food Temptress, and Ni'cola Mitchell, author of Over and Over Again, will be hosting a pajama drive on behalf of the women at The Shade Tree women's shelter. Please drop off your donation during the times listed below. Hot 97.5 FM will be doing a live remote to help us promote the event. Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Pajama Drive and Book Signing
Saturday, December 5 @ 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
ReJAVAnate Coffee Lounge
3300 E. Flamingo Road (Near Pecos in Food 4 Less Parking Lot)
Las Vegas, Nevada 89121