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Ok this is a blog post in progress while I do some research and then repost what I have learned.

I am now at the stage in several manuscripts that I have edited as much as I could without totally ruining it….I think. So now comes the search for an Editor.

One of the things to consider when searching for an Editor, can be qualifications. I will ask a few literary agents to see what tips they can give about searching for an editor, especially when a critique group is not nearby or has dissolved….I will post the question on my twitter page, daeanarah 🙂 I know two different names, but I don’t want to have to create a whole new WordPress page at this time.

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Well I changed the title of my manuscript, had added more, edited it and entered it. This time it did Not make it through the first round. So back to old title, and then search for an editor to read it-go through it and tell me how I can make it publishable, better.

I tend to write in present tense, so I had tried to rework it in past tense, now I really need an Editor.

 

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Now what is the perfect meatball size? Small, medium or huge?

Quick and Easy Meatball Recipe

Meatball Recipe w/w/o Eggs

1-2 lb ground beef, thawed,
1/4-1/2 tsp garlic powder, onion powder
or can use dried onion/garlic, just
rehydrate them in little bit of water.
or 1/4c diced onion, garlic.
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/4-1/2 tsp Worchestershire Sauce
1-2 eggs (dependent on size),
OR 1/2 tsp-1 tbsp Plain Yogurt.
1/4c bread crumbs-more or less
dependent on need.
Quickly mix together 2-4 times.
Don’t over mix.
Form into round balls, whatever size you want.

Cooking options:
Stove top over medium/medium-low heat
sauce pot or fry pan with lid.
place meatballs in pan, not sticking together, cook over medium heat
turning about 5–10 minutes (condensation-water in pan is ok)

Preheat Oven 350 degrees
place on broiler pan, allowing space to turn
roast in oven about 5-7 minutes, turn.

Allow to cool, place in freezer container and freeze.
Just reheat in oven 325-350 degrees for 10-15 minutes

Slow cooker
Place in slow cooker, but don’t stack.
heat medium, allow to cook, turning several times.
optional:
add spaghetti-marinara sauce, or Swedish meatball sauce or stroganoff sauce.
Slow cook, to allow the meat to flavor the sauce. Serve over noodles, macaroni, rice or mash potatoes.

What is your favorite meatball recipe, story?

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Hamburger Roll Surprise

This is a great recipe and can be made into small round, large round, or oval/log shape.
(for the oval-log shape before grilling, form the meat around a thick-wide Popsicle stick—these can be found at any craft store. I’ve found them at Joann’s and Micheal’s.—kids will love the idea, Hamburger on a stick)

1-2lb ground beef, thawed. Split down the middle.
**Note (I’ve found by cutting the chub, package of ground beef
down the middle, makes mixing ingredients to easy, fold.)

1/4 c chopped onion, optional use onion powder, 1/8-1/4 tsp
or dried onion 1-2 tsp.
1 clove garlic crushed, or 1/4 tsp dried garlic
1/4 c green pepper
1/4-1/2 c finely chopped spinach
1-2 tsp dried   parsley
1-2 tsp dried   basil
1-2 tsp dried   oregano
1 tbsp olive oil

Saute the green pepper, onion and garlic
spinach and herbs in 1 tbs olive oil.
Allow to cool. drain on paper towel.
Add to the ground beef.
Add the following ingredients,
(optional 1/8 tsp dry mustard or spicy mustard
in place of barbeque-terriyaki sauce-worchestershire sauce.)

1/4 cup worchestershire sauce Or can use barbecue sauce
or even terriyaki sauce, or soy sauce, makes it kind of chewy…good though.
1 egg or can use instead 1-2 tbsp plain yogurt
1/4 – 1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 meat tenderizer without msg
1/2 tsp black pepper
4-5 crumbled cooked bacon (can use bacon bits if like but the taste maybe different than when used with real bacon chopped, crumbled into the mixture).

Mix all the ingredients. Don’t over mix or the meat will come out tough.
Fold and mix the meat 3-4 times. Before final fold, can add more
sauteed spinach, slice or cubes/shredded cheese.

Broil, or bake in oven 350 for about 20 minutes or grill. Make sure meat is cooked through. Another idea is bake in oven in a glass covered dish.

Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or bake potato or french fries/tater tots.

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1 cucumber sliced    (pickling cucumbers best or try
English cucumbers-no seeds)
1/4 cup sliced/quartered or chopped onion  or 3 green
onions chopped
2 small-medium tomatoes quartered
1/2-1 C broccoli florets
1/2 – 1 cup Cauliflower Florets
3 stalks Celery chopped
1 bell green pepper, julienne/sliced
1-2 carrots sliced thin, or chopped
1/2-1 Cup sliced mushrooms(optional)
1 tbsp Parsley flakes
1 tbsp dried mint flakes
salt & pepper to taste.
1/4 – 1/2 cup lemon juice (adjust to taste)
1/4 – 1/2 cup Olive Oil (adjust to taste)

Mix well and chill at least an hour.

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Rhyanna’s Eggless Meatloaf Recipe

1-2lb ground beef, thawed.
1/4 c chopped onion
1 clove garlic crushed
1/4 c green pepper
1-2 tsp dried   parsley
1-2 tsp dried   basil
1-2 tsp dried   oregano
1 tbsp olive oil

saute the green pepper, onion and garlic
and herbs in 1 tbs olive oil.
Allow to cool. drain on paper towel.

Ground beef in med-large bowl.
cut open the meat down the middle
add the cooked mixture
include
1-2 tsp plain yogurt (for those allergic to eggs
yogurt will still bind the meat)
OR 1 egg scrambled.

1/4-1/2 c bread crumbs
1/4 tsp meat tenderizer
1/4 tsp onion powder
1-2 tsp Worchestershire sauce

mix all ingredients, but don’t over mix.

form into a rectangle, circle or square
whatever form you will be using to cook the meatloaf.
(This will also freeze to cook later)
place the meat on 1-2 slices of bread.

Use a dash of A-1 sauce- spread across the meatloaf.
Bake in oven at 350 degrees, 30-40 minutes.
Insert meat thermometer, should be 165 degrees
Serve with rice, noodles, mash potatoes
or just with veggie salad

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It had been years since I had lobster and thought, just once
I’ll splurge and for $24, a good price. I ordered mine to go, so that was an added plus of being able to eat it at home.

So McGraths is another place to go eat fish and/or steaks
especially when there isn’t a Red Lobster around.
So I’d say watch out Red Lobster, McGraths is nearby.

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Fast Food Restaurant Reviews.
I just had to post on this after watching a local TV station do ratings of restaurants in Portland area. Funny that no one seems to want to do Fast food restaurant reviews, or I guess admit that they will eat at fast food places.

Anyway, I tried out the new Wendy’s Natural French Fries with Sea Salt. I couldn’t tell the difference in the salt, but they sure did have a lot of salt on them. I think someone hasn’t gotten into the less salt is better.  However, while in drive-thru it took a while to place my order, get my order. I think they should consider adding a second window, one to pay at the other to pickup. Also, if a customer’s order isn’t ready, then have them pull to the side and Walk IT OUT to the customer!

Then I have to say I love McD’s any size soda-drink for $1.25. I also like Carl Jr’s Big Hamburger which is only $1.29. This hamburger is bigger than Mc D’s quarter pounder, and Wendy’s hamburger (Not to mention thicker than Wendy’s). I have to say kudos to Wendy’s for adding Vanilla Softies to their menu, besides fruits. I wish they’d bring back the Chicken Pita. I loved those, grilled chicken, with lettuce, tomatoes, topped with Feta Cheese. I’m not sure what kind of dressing they put on it, but oh they were good.

Yesterday I went to 3 fast food restaurants. Yeah I know, but I love Wendy’s French Fries, they are usually thicker/fatter than Mc D’s. Didn’t care for the french fries at Carl Jr’s. It could just be my taste buds which have change with the medication I need to take. Or it could be just old age, things that used to taste good in our youth, don’t taste as great. What’s your opinion on this? Any way, Carl’s Jr have their Western Bacon Hamburgers 2/$5 back. Please Take advantage, as they are good.

Don’t forget that on Tuesdays Mc D’s has their Quarter Pounders for $2 and Thursdays $2 Big Macs.  Dominos still has their 2 medium 2 topping pizzas for $5.99. ALthough I have to say the pizzas tastes great while hot, but when try to heat up and eat the next day, blech.

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Although I haven’t written anything new, posted in this blog, I do have to say that I have written down some ideas, I have been working on the old college papers. Yep taking classes. Next Term is in less-than a week.

I still have problems typing, thanks to muscle spasms. But I am determined for after all I am a Writer.

I have been going over and over 3 manuscripts one of which I plan to submit soon. I have to agree with the advice that was once given, and forgot which agent/publisher/instructor had given it years ago. Its an excellent idea to set aside that manuscript for a week or so, then work on something new. Then a week later (So that’s two weeks), go back over the other manuscript and see if you can see/hear any errors. So Therefore, go over  your work after its been set aside for a couple of weeks is an excellent idea, for then you have a fresh idea and can see (I hope) any errors or words that just doesn’t sound right.

Another good idea is signup for Query Tracker newsletter. signup for your favorite literary agent/publisher blog for tips on perfecting your manuscript, submission rules, etc.

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Who is your favorite author?

Would you read new writers, first time writers? WHy or why not?

Does price play a part in your choice of book to read?

Are you interested in: Paranormal– Sci-fi– Romance– Mystery  

What about the above draws your interest?

What made the book call to you, want to pick it up? w

hat about the book held your interest?

What about the book made you put it down, lose interest?

 Would you read other books by the same author?

would you recommend the book to family, friends?

If you could write a similar book, what traits, (no plagerizing), could you see that would appeal to yo to write that type of book?

Example: you read a Mystery-perhaps by Agatha Christie Or Sci-fi like David Eddings.

One thing I enjoy is Paranormal with added romance, sometimes time-travel, historic, mystery added. One author that I like a lot is Johanna Lindsay, especailly her Warrior Woman novel. I also liked Beatrice Small a lot of her historical novels pigued my interest. Then of course there are some books by Dara Joy that I like, as well as Nora Roberts.