don't dream it…be it

It’s not just my favorite line from Rocky Horror. It’s my best advice to writers. Here’s a chance to do exactly that–THIS WEEK. Do NOT miss this seminar! Info below:
In this issue:

• for writers – a workshop that will change your life
• for readers – cookies and a day at the spa
• for Canadians or people who want to go there – a day-long writing seminar

Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for taking Lakeshore Christmas into your heart, and for making it a bestseller. Your notes to me are so lovely. I wish I could express how much the mean to me! Just…thank you! Readers are like best friends you’ve never met.
That said…I would love to meet you! I have three major book events coming up this month, for writers and readers. PLEASE mark your calendar. It would be an honor to meet you.
Sunday, November 8, 2009 – Bellevue, WA

NOTE: This day is part of a multi-day writing extravaganza with master teacher and literary agent, Donald Maass. The full course is Nov. 5-8, but you can also take a partial class. Full info here.
http://www.free-expressions.com/site/fire_in_fiction.asp
If you’re a fiction writer, you have to promise you will take this class. No matter where you are in your writing career–from beginner to bestseller–you owe it to yourself to explore “The Fire in Fiction” with Don.
The first time I took a class from him, I was writing The Ocean Between Us, a reader favorite. There are many scenes and moments in that book that I created as a direct result of the class. Here is a blog post I wrote about Donald Maass and his work. Sign up! Do it! Do it now! https://www.susanwiggs.com/2007/09/24/this-guy-pisses-me-off/
Here’s a description of my portion of the class:
ROMANCE MASTER CLASS with literary agent and author Don Maass and bestselling author, Susan Wiggs
In this full day course, Don Maass and Susan Wiggs will teach you how to first foster a deep understanding of the romance genre, and then go beyond the expected to create a truly original breakout work.
You’ll learn how to merge elements of literary and genre fiction, how to assure reader investment in the credibility of your world and characters, how to create a palpable voice on the page, how to create a resonant theme, and much more.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 – Bainbridge Island WA

7:30pm Reading and Cookie Exchange with author Sheila Roberts:
http://eagleharborbooks.booksense.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp
Got cookies? You will after this fabulous holiday events featuring Christmas books, cookies and general merriment. Bring a plate of your best cookies, and you’ll be entered to win a day of luscious pampering at a local spa!

Saturday, November 21, 2009 – Vancouver, BC, Canada

Workshop for Greater Vancouver RWA:
http://www.rwagvc.com/meetings.html This is a full-day event, all about bringing your characters to life and creating a book map for your novel. You won’t believe how much fun this is. Trust me, after 40-whatever novels, I know what works.
So there you have it. MARK YOUR CALENDAR. Come see me!
Happy Holidays,
Susan Wiggs
Cookie Tiiiiime!

Lakeshore Christmas features a collection of cookie recipes from favorite fictional characters. Remember chewy molasses cookies? This is the one. I first discovered it thanks to my friend Cheryl, who got it from the Silver Palate Cookbook. I tweaked it here and there to make it unique for the book–that pinch of cayenne is the secret:
Daisy Bellamy’s “May the Best Man Win” Molasses Cookies

(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.
Song suggestion: “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” performed by Nickel Creek