Welcome and thanks for treading the boards with us today!

1. Are you inspired most by places, people or experiences and how do these work their way into your writing?

I think it's a mix of all of the above really. It could be something as simple as a song or in the case of Red Hot, it was the trip that Annie Seaton and I took to San Francisco that triggered it for me. I fell in love with the rugged coastline on the way to Carmel and swore I would write a book set in that area.

You captured it beautifully in Red Hot!

1. Please share one of your favourite moments of inspiration with us.  

I woke up in bed one morning yelling for my laptop. Luckily my DH knew what was going on and passed it over without any conversation. I had just dreamed a new YA book including the title. I had to get notes down before I forgot which happens to me all the time. I got enough information so I can go back when I have the time and fill out the story. Keep an eye out for The Book Exchange, hopefully next year.

1. How did you come up with the idea of Red Hot?

After my trip to San Francisco knew I had to do a book set in that area. I just had to wait for the characters to knock on my door. I'm a pantser and never plan anything. I roll with whatever comes to mind. I may have an idea of what I would like, for example the coast road to Carmel tugged at my imagination but I never have any idea what to write. It didn't take long for Red and Rhian to say hi, here we are.

1. How do you come up with your characters’ names?

That is something I have no control over at all. They tell me what they want me to know and that includes their names.

1. Who would you cast for a movie/TV series as your main characters if given the chance?

In Red Hot I would pick Drew Barrymore for Rhian because she has that lovely positive personality but I would like Red to be an unknown. He is such a unique character, not your normal kind of guy.

1. If you could pick a soundtrack to match your main character’s life, what would it be? Born to Be Wild, Steppenwolf.
2. What is your favorite holiday? One without housework. I love to go camping and chill out. Mind you, it's also the thing my DH does for me when I get too sidetracked from my WIP. It's amazing how much writing I can get done with nothing to do but look at the view and relax.
3. Do you read reviews of your books? What do you do when you read a not-so-nice one? Yes and no. I don't go looking for them. I did read one where the reviewer didn't like my hero in Mistress for Magnus because he was a bit gnarly. But that's fine, I can't please everyone and it doesn't worry me that much. I don't like everything I read either and you shouldn't try to please everyone.
4. How many times were you turned down before you finally got published? Being totally green I subbed to the big six first. Little did I know that getting picked up by them was almost impossible, especially since I was an unknown. I got a lovely letter from one of them, my first rejection and I'm so proud of the encouragement they gave me, I framed it. But from the day I subbed to the day I got my first contract I think it was about twelve months. Five more contracts quickly followed, it's been a fabulous year. And an awesome dual ARRA nomination for your work; congratulations, Ann!
5. What reason(s) did the publishers give for their rejection of your manuscript? The huge amount of submissions they get. They liked my story and my voice but it came down to other people being better than me. I just appreciate the time they took to write me such a nice letter.
6. Who is your literary hero? Too many to name. I read such a wide variety of books and have lots of names that I always buy.
7. Who do you most admire and why? OR  If you could meet anyone and spend an hour with them alive or dead who and why? I think it would be Nelson Mandela - such a strong man with a gentle soul. He never let anything get him down but pushed forward. Something a lot of writers could mimic I think, including me. We all have our bad days but we shouldn't give up. He never did and look where it got him!   I agree – he is such a fantastic role model. And I think of Jane Porter’s determination over seventeen years. Never give up!
8. What is your favorite book of all time that you can reread a hundred times, and it still feels like the first time? Cross Stitch - Dianna Gabaldon
9. What do you need to set the mood for you to write? That's funny because my first five books were written while standing at the kitchen counter with kids running around my feet. I used to do day care from home and it was a challenge every day. Now that I have a choice I put Pink on DVD and let it rip rather loudly while I write as fast as I can. But seriously, I can write in the car and I do a lot. We live in the outback so we are miles from anywhere. Always plenty of time to write in the car when we travel.
10. If there is one genre that you have not written in yet, but would love to try writing a book in that specific genre, what would it be? I've done contemporary, erotic, young adult and I have some ideas on middle grade. I have two books I started for my grandkids that I really should finish and submit.
11. How many blurbs did you have to write before the final one? Way too many to count.
12. If you could bring one of your characters to life, who would it be? And why? Definitely  Jasper from my YA series Witchling. p.s. I write under the pen name Ari Harper for that genre. He is handsome with that deep Irish brogue that makes women go weak at the knees. Plus he is smart and oh so clever. Did I mention that he is a wiccan too? Love my magic men.   Just put him in a kilt and he’s perfect! The Irish wear kilts, don’t they?
13. What are you working on now? Just about finished Outback Thunder, my latest rural contemporary and I'm also working on another YA Blood Bound, Book One is  called First Blood.
14. Would you like to share an excerpt from your writing or a photo or music link that inspires you? I love a man in a kilt. *sigh* I think Sean Connery is the sexiest man alive when he is wearing his.

      Here is an excerpt from Red Hot for you.

Laying down on the bed beside her, he traced his finger down her cheek. He was getting to know the contours of her face without his glasses on. Her breath hitched and she moaned. Rhian ran her fingers through his hair and pulled him down to her mouth. She traced her tongue over his lips before taking the bottom one in between her teeth and pulling gently.

“Just stay still and let me.” He pushed her hands away and smiled when she lay like a rag doll on the bed.

Red pushed the straps of her dress down over her shoulders and let his tongue leave a moist trail along the contours of her lush breasts. Her nipples puckered under his hot breath and she squirmed on the bed under him. With his teeth he nipped at the tight buds, teasing them to attention. He was intent on keeping control of this lovemaking session. Lifting her bottom from the bed, Red peeled her dress down, dropping it on the floor.

She lay in all her glory, her eyes half closed as she gazed up at him, a small seductive smile on her lips. “Take off your clothes lover boy or I will have to disobey you and do it myself.”

“Disobey and I go home Rhian.” Red stood looking down at her, his heart thumping. For once he wanted to be in charge. He waited with dread for her to refuse him. Instead she closed her eyes and stretched her body like a sensual cat waiting to be stroked.

1. Please share your favourite cocktail recipe or celebration photo. Sorry I don't drink and my favorite tipple is weak black tea.
2. The photo at the beginning is one Elle Finlay took for me when we were at the Gold Coast. She really makes me look good.

Welcome and thanks for treading the boards with us today!

Hi Susanne and mega congrats on your January release of WHITE GINGER. Hope it sells a squillion. LOVE THE COVER!! [Thanks! Pretty hot. J]

Anyway, it’s great to be here, thanks for the invite and a big wave to all.

1.      Are you inspired most by places, people or experiences and how do these work their way into your writing?

Great question. Most of the time I find it’s the places and experiences that colour my first scene. Then the people do the quirky bits :)

For me that’s why writing and travel go together so well. Always a perfect excuse for a trip, so I tell my husband, but new places really do make the ideas bubble so stories from new places are the perfect union of my two loves – writing and travel. [It really is true. Perhaps we’re more ‘awake’ to the possibilities when travelling?]

2.      Please share one of your favourite moments of inspiration with us.

Not a travel story, but years ago, in the winter in front of the fire, it was four in the morning, all kids and husband asleep, and I was writing a scene where my heroine falls down a slope inside a cave after a helicopter crash. The hero had claustrophobia and had to save her. I can still remember the cold and dark of that scene and I lifted my head two hours later after such an intense experience. I remind myself of that moment when the muse is elusive.

3.      How did you come up with the idea of Delivering Love. Your first book title?

Titles are funny things with Harlequin. Authors don’t always have much say in them because marketing decides what’s going to sell.

With my first book I got lucky. It was the story of a midwife and I loved the idea of the use of “Delivering” because midwives ‘catch babies’ and ‘doctors deliver’ them. So she “delivered” him love and he learnt the difference.

Funnily enough, the only other title accepted out of twenty eight books is Delivering Secrets for a romance I wrote with suspense elements, and that amused me because I offered that title tongue in cheek, thinking I’d never get another title through that my editor liked. I don’t even offer them now.  [Interesting how this aspect is handled by some publishers, and it’s a deciding factor in purchasing for many readers – more of that in another blog]

4.      How do you come up with your characters’ names?

Spur of the moment I’m afraid. Which is probably why I might change them a few times through writing the book. I often fall in love with a name - think that would be great for novel - and then forget it. Must learn to write them down. But when I start a book it’s sheer pot luck, though usually with Scottish elements because my mum was Scottish.

5.  What is your favorite holiday?

I think I’m a cruise girl. I just love the idea of unpacking once, yet seeing a new place every day. And I like to dress up for dinner. I enjoy ‘glamping ‘ too. That’s camping with all the mod cons - so at the very least a powered site and lots of appliances. :) [‘Glamping’ I could handle. And I love dressing for dinner – one day, I’m going to take a cruise so I can!]

6.  Do you read reviews of your books?

Yes, if I find them J and I listen if someone really hates something, though, if I then see a response that someone else loved it, I let it go. But I would rather a critical review than none so I can learn.

What do you do when you read a not-so-nice one? Nobody likes being told their baby is ugly :) but I will survive. It’s one person’s opinion and I usually see who else they hated. That’s enlightening. 

7.  How many times were you turned down before you finally got published?

It took ten years for me to finish a book after lots of partials. All the partials were rejected. The first full book was accepted. So finish the book. :)

8.      What reason(s) did the publishers give for their rejection of your manuscript?

Lack of emotional intensity - I don’t know my characters enough until I know where they are going - perversely I’ve learnt to LOVE the last tweaks now that make the book sing, so for me, again, finish the book.

9.  Who is your literary hero?

Can I have two? Georgette Heyer and Diana Gabaldon

10. Who do you most admire and why? OR If you could meet anyone and spend an hour with them alive or dead who and why?

My mum. Because she was so wise and such a beautiful person. I have so much I’d like to ask her.

11. What is your favorite book of all time that you can reread a hundred times, and it still feels like the first time?

Cross Stitch by Diana Gabaldon. I could read that over and over. The time travel aspects ring so true. One day I will write a Time Travel Midwife Saga. [Excellent - can’t wait for that one, Fiona!]

12. What do you need to set the mood for you to write?

A private space, if I want to get a lot done, in an uncluttered room would be nice, but I’m dreaming. Somewhere without intrusive noises, haven’t mastered the art of writing to music, though music inspires me, and I wish I could write while I drive because the best breakthroughs happen then. [Hands free voice recognition device?]

13.  If there is one genre that you have not written in yet, but would love to try writing a book in that specific genre, what would it be?

My Time Travel Midwife.

14. What are you working on now?

Can you believe that someone is going to have a baby on the Orient Express between Venice and London! Imagine. Heh heh. Did I mention travel inspires me? And thank goodness it’s tax deductible because when Alison Roberts and I made the trip (her bucket list) it hurt the bank balance! The exciting news is we’re both writing linked stories that will be published together. [Do you think you can get ‘Delivering’ into this title? And how cool to have linked stories – can’t wait!]

15. Would you like to share an excerpt from your writing ?

How about from my A Doctor, A Fling, And a Wedding Ring, which came out in December, and was inspired by a Mediterranean cruise. I really wanted cruise ship on the cover, but the cover girl is lovely.

Blurb - A Doctor At Sea- Escaping the African plains for a luxury cruise liner, romance couldn’t be further from Dr Tara McWilliam’s emotionally scarred mind – even if gorgeous cocktail waiter Nick Fender leaves her shaken and stirred! Nick’s the ultimate goodtime guy but he’s hiding demons – and a medical degree – of his own. Soon neither is sure how their holiday fling spun so out of control…

And here’s the link to the excerpt. Xx Fi

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Fling-Wedding-Medical-ebook/dp/B009IJFQBM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358554707&sr=8-1

My next book out in March is Nick’s sister’s story, THE PRINCE WHO CHARMED HER, and they’ve even given me a cruise ship cover. Woohoo. [I hope you put that up on your study wall! – more inspiration – a cruise series, perhaps? J]

I’m on the look out for new holiday adventures so if anyone has a holiday tale they’d love to share please do. Susanne will pick a random post and if someone would like to ‘go on a cruise’ with me, I’m happy to send out those two books. [Thanks, Fiona. Get writing everyone, and share your holiday story for a chance to win two of Fiona’s gorgeous books.]

Thanks for having me, love Fi

Find me at fionamcarthurauthor.com

Xx Fi

Welcome, Erin, and thanks for treading the boards with us today!

 

1.      Are you inspired most by places, people or experiences and how do these work their way into your writing?

Quite often I find myself inspired by people. Their unique personalities spark potential characters in my mind, and they don’t always fit the current manuscript so I do a little ‘snapshot’ of them and write it down for later use.

2.      Please share one of your favourite moments of inspiration with us.

Contrary to the previous question, one of my favourite ‘moments’ was via a song that came on the radio. The lyrics seemed to spell out exactly what I needed to do for a story. It was great.

3.      How did you come up with the idea of Christmas Eve at Etford Park?

Quite simply, my publisher had wanted a Christmas romance so I brainstormed ideas and plots until I had a scene pop into my head where the heroine was wrestling a chicken...it’s a long story..lol.

[I love that scene—it’s so funny! If you haven’t yet read Erin’s book, you’re in for a real treat.]

4.      How do you come up with your characters’ names?

Basically, the internet. I try to be faithful to names belonging to the period I’m writing in. I usually select names I haven’t used before – even for minor characters – and ones that are a bit unique. Sometimes I also get an idea in my head of how a character looks and acts, so now and then a name I had chosen may not suit and I need to pick a better one.

5.      Who would you cast for a movie/TV series as your main characters if given the chance?

Hmmm...For Christmas Eve at Etford Park, definitely Richard Armitage as Gabriel and Kate Winslet as Lily.  [I loved Christmas at Etford Park and can see these two—absolutely!]

6.      If you could pick a soundtrack to match your main character’s life, what would it be?

“Better Man” by Robbie Williams.  [Another RW fan! May I say, you have excellent taste in music!]

7.      What is your favorite holiday?

I’m hoping it will be when I go to the UK this year.

8.      Do you read reviews of your books? What do you do when you read a not-so-nice one?

I do read most of them and look forward to the different responses from readers. Getting a ‘bad’ review depends on the type of review. No one likes bad news, but if the reader has a genuine reason they couldn’t connect with your work then I also like to know. Just remember, bottom line is that you can’t please everyone, so try not to take poor reviews to heart.

[Excellent advice for those of us beginning our journeys as published authors this year.]

9.      How many times were you turned down before you finally got published?

Once.

10.  What reason(s) did the publishers give for their rejection of your manuscript?

I was fortunate as I got a ‘good rejection’. I was told I had made a lot of ‘beginner mistakes’, but they loved the story. The editor said they didn’t do the line I was aiming at, but took the time to critique a whole chapter and gave me direction. Although they didn’t take the book, I was eternally grateful for her help.

11.  Who is your literary hero?

Julie Garwood. She is my favourite author.

12.  Who do you most admire and why? OR  If you could meet anyone and spend an hour with them alive or dead who and why?

I would have liked to meet Georgette Heyer. She sounds like an amazing lady.

[Me too—love her books. My favourite is Devil’s Cub. I love a feisty heroine like Mary Challenor. Tell us who is your favourite?]

13.  What is your favorite book of all time that you can reread a hundred times, and it still feels like the first time?

Ransom – Julie Garwood.

14.  What do you need to set the mood for you to write?

The mood...lol. But, seriously there is nothing worse than trying to pry words from my fingers when I’m not in the mood to write.

15.  If there is one genre that you have not written in yet, but would love to try writing a book in that specific genre, what would it be?

Sci-fi/fantasy. I was once dared to write a time travel – which I did – and it’s one of my favourite books.

[Now I want to read it!]

16.  How many blurbs did you have to write before the final one?

Ergh, not fond of writing blurbs. I much rather enjoy writing a synopsis. I’d usually have to draft about four attempts before settling on one blurb.

17.  If you could bring one of your characters to life, who would it be? And why?

I would bring a character called Edward to life. He’s a nasty piece from one of my current works-in-progress. He is gorgeous, conniving, cruel, witty, malicious and completely unredeemable. I’d like to buy him a drink and bring him down a peg or two.

18.  What are you working on now?

In truth? Six novels. However, my priority is a rewrite of a previously published book which will be book one in a new trilogy I am releasing next year (can’t release the name yet).

19.  Would you like to share an excerpt from your writing or a photo or music link that inspires you?

This is an extract from another previously published book, which will be re-released through another publisher shortly. It’s called ‘Fire of My Heart’....

Ellen placed the pot back on its shelf, only to have the fragile display give way. The precious antique crashed to the floor along with several others.

“Oh, crap!” Pieces of porcelain scattered about the room, dry soil clouded the air. She

coughed and waved the heavy dust away from her face. “Michael’s going to kill me.”

She tucked a long lock of hair behind her ear, bent down and began the task of picking up the pieces. With a heavy sigh of impending doom, she calculated the possible replacement cost of the precious heirlooms, according to the last antiques show she’d seen on television. Good grief.

Perhaps her cousin wouldn’t be too hard on her. After all, they were related.

Boy, was that pushing the whole ‘blood is thicker than water’ thing. On her knees, she gathered the last of the large fragments and was about to stand up when she noticed a pair of worn brown boots close beside her.

That was odd. She hadn’t seen them there before. They must belong to someone, maybe a gardener. She looked up, and her mouth dropped open.

Someone was standing inside them.

The pottery fragments slipped from her fingers, and the sharp crunch of porcelain on stone shattered the silence, caused her to wince.

“Shit,” escaped her lips before she could stop it. Nice one. Above the boots were two sturdy, muscular looking legs in old-fashioned suede breeches. She brushed the dirt from her hands onto her jeans and stood. The broken pot could wait. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there Mister....um…”

As she raked long curly strands of hair from her face, his linen-clad chest came into view. God, he was tall. Must be six-foot-four at least, maybe more. A tilt of her chin, and her breath caught.

Staring down at her were the most incredible emerald green eyes. Vibrant. Breathtaking. They mesmerized her, made her forget all about the trail of destruction strewn across the conservatory floor.

“You are not Kathleen.” The incredible vision spoke in a deep, masculine voice that shook her from her blissful daze.

With almost painstaking effort, she forced her attention from his eyes, and her gaze landed on his lips. They were full, determined and far too distracting.

For heaven’s sake. Don’t just stand there gawking, say something! Something clever, sophisticated… “I broke a pot.”

Real smooth.

 

20.  Please share your favourite cocktail recipe or celebration photo.

Homemade Irish Cream

600ml Fresh cream

250ml Irish whiskey

1 egg

1 can condensed milk

1level tsp coffee powder (dissolved in a tbsp hot water first)

3-4 drops coconut essence

Place all ingredients into a jug and whisk gently until well mixed. (You can adjust each item to taste.) Strain mix into glass bottles and store in the fridge.

 

Thanks for taking the stage today, Erin. And your Irish Cream recipe? I made it and it’s delicious!

 

Leave Erin a comment. Or share your favourite Georgette Heyer novel. Or just say hi!  

 

 

Welcome and thanks for treading the boards with us today! 
Are you inspired most by places, people or experiences and how do these work their way into your writing?
I’d have to say all three play an important role in my contemporary Australian stories.

Places: Small town settings in country Australia are as colourful as any character I might create.

People: My actual characters I shape from real people I’ve known or have observed (eg a cafe worker, a mother in the supermarket dealing with toddlers, etc).

Experiences: While my work is fiction, it’s hard to not write in personal experiences and emotions. In fact I’d say it is my highly emotional nature (verging on hysterical with a hair trigger according to my family – I blame hormones!) is what gets me into character.
I refer to myself as a ‘method writer’. I become my characters. By acting out scenes I can more confidently convert actions, expressions and emotions into words. I can also confirm (you heard it first) I talk to myself when I write – especially heated arguments or those big reveal moments – and I’ve been known to use anything remotely human (or breathing) to assist me: the partner, the dog, the budgie (or as a last resort the bathroom mirror).

[I am seeing more and more likenesses between us, Jenn. Role playing works for me too!]
Please share one of your favourite moments of inspiration with us.
Not so much a favourite moment. More a poignant one...

House for all Seasons has a four-part structure: Surviving Summer, Tall Poppy, Autumn Leaves, Wynter’s Way. The first part is Sara’s story and it has particular significance. The character is based on a determined and brave woman I had the pleasure of knowing, albeit briefly. Sara’s story gives a courageous woman the happy ever after she deserved.


How did you come up with the idea of House for all Seasons?
The changing seasons inspire me. I remember it was early spring. I was sitting outside relishing the warmth on my face after a cold, cold winter and appreciating the different seasons we get to experience here, in Australia. I love the contrast – and contrast makes for great characters and conflict. So I wanted to create four female characters as different as the seasons.

The house idea came from a childhood memory. Where I grew up (Headland Road, Dee Why) there was a run-down house on a corner, tucked behind an overgrown front yard. The kids in the area referred to it as ‘the spooky house’ and it was of course the source of many slumber party stories and schoolgirl screams. I think I was making up stories about the place back then, even though I don’t recall ever seeing the people who lived inside. If I could turn back the clock I think I’d like to know them. 


How do you come up with your characters’ names?
With the four-part structure in House for all Seasons (each character with their own story) it made sense to have characteristics and names reflective of each season. 


Who would you cast for a movie/TV series as your main characters if given the chance?
Too easy. Four strong females:

1. Cute as a button Abbey Cornish (Sara),
2. Tall, lanky, kick-arse Cate Blanchett (Poppy),
3. Fiery, feminine and fabulous Nicole Kidman (Amber),
4. All-'round good egg, Toni Collette (Caitlin).

[And doesn’t it help to see real live people in these characters]


What is your favourite holiday?
It’s been so long since I had a holiday! I’m lucky to live in semi-retirement and happy running a B&B for people who travel with their pets. I live vicariously through them (and have an never-ending source of characters arrive on my doorstep). I write every day and I feel very blessed. 


How many times were you turned down before you finally got published?
I submitted two manuscripts, dozens of times, over a couple of years before finally finding my voice. House for all Seasons secured me an agent who submitted to multiple Australian publishers, with Simon & Schuster offering a two-book deal.



How many blurbs did you have to write before the final one?
My writing process usually begins with a blurb. It gives me direction. I am a pantster so my “let’s start a new story” plotting regime is this: title, tagline, paragraph/blurb, start writing – in that order. 


If you could bring one of your characters to life, who would it be? And why?
Oooh, that would be a secondary character. Either Will ‘Wheels’ Travelli who owns the local cafe, so he makes a mean soy latte. (Plus he reminds you every day how precious life is and how quickly you can lose everything.) Or I’d bring Alex – the vet – to life, because every girl needs a guy-pal like him; the type of guy you can snuggle under the same blanket with: laugh at each other, cry with each other, strengthen each other.


What are you working on now?
I will start my edits for Simmering Season after things settle down from my March 1 release and I must pick up my 3rd book in the Seasons Collection which is currently sitting half way at around 60,000 words. 


Would you like to share an excerpt from your writing or a photo or music link that inspires you?
I’m planning a pretty fabulous musical inspiration for my launch day (subscribe to my blog NOW so you don’t miss it! http://www.jennjmcleod.com/blog/ ) and with excerpts are hard to pick (too many faves) I’ll share that blurb we were talking about…

Four women,

Four lives unravelled.

The truth will bind them forever.

Bequeathed a century-old house, four estranged friends return to their New South Wales hometown, Calingarry Crossing, where each must stay a season at the Dandelion House to fulfil the wishes of their benefactor, Gypsy.

But coming home to the country stirs shameful memories of the past, including the tragic end-of-school muck up day accident twenty years earlier.

Poppy, a tough, ambitions journo still craving her father’s approval;

Sara, a breast cancer survivor afraid to fall in love;

Amber, a spoilt socialite addicted to painkillers and cosmetic procedures;

Caitlin, a third generation doctor frustrated by a controlling family and her flat-lining life.

At the Dandelion House, the women will discover something about themselves and a secret that ties all four to each other and to the house - forever.



Please share your favourite cocktail recipe or celebration photo.
I know you, Susanne Bellamy, will LOVE my homemade Limoncello recipe. Cin! Cin! [You do know me Jenn J! It was my favourite drink in Italy.]

ITALIAN LIMONCELLO

Zest of 7 lemons

750 Ml Vodka

2 Cups Sugar

2.5 cups water

Makes about 2.5 bottles.

Method:

PART 1:

Wash Lemons with a vegetable brush and hot water to remove any residue of pesticides or wax. Carefully zest the lemons with a zester or vegetable peeler so there is no white pith on the peel. In a 1 gallon (or 2 litre jar), add half the vodka and the lemon zest. Cover the jar and let sit at room temperature for at least 10 days, and up to 40 days in a cool dark place.

PART 2:

After 40 days.

In a large saucepan, combine sugar and water and cook until thickened, approx 5 to 7 minutes. Let syrup cool before adding it to the Limoncello mix resulting from part 1. Add the other half of the vodka. Then back to the dark place for another 10 to 40 days. (The longer time produces the best results, as does patience)

PART 3:

After the rest period, strain and bottle, discarding the lemon zest. Store in the fridge to serve. Remember the longer the zest and vodka mix rests, the better the taste.

This recipe can be doubled if you have the storage jars. (Go to your local cafe and ask them for their empty olive or sundried tomato jars. They are the perfect size.)

PART 4 (yes, I clearly love four parts in everything!)

Drink!

On that note, Susanne… Thank you and cheers!

[CHEERS—HIC!!! Love your Limoncello, Jenn. Thanks for starring!]

www.jennjmcleod.com House for all Seasons out March 1, 2013