grace grits and gardening

ramblings from an arkansas farm girl

because every author needs a special book signing pen!

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special book signing pen

Look what I got for Christmas! Santa (John) was good to me.

Before Christmas, I looked for an interesting pen at the New York Public Library gift shop. I wanted a special pen, one specifically to be used at book signings. I didn’t buy anything (although the shop was very cool). And can I just say, the New York Public Library is GORGEOUS. Built in 1911, it’s a research library only. Books can be checked out the branch library just across the street. And by street, I mean 5th Avenue.Continue Reading

Chocolate Crinkles: the most magical cookie of all!

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Chocolate Crinkles

Chocolate Crinkles are everyone’s favorite, especially at Christmastime. This throwback recipe is from Betty Crocker herself. I haven’t changed a thing because why trifle with chocolate perfection? My mother made these when I was a kid, and I remember thinking they were magical because in the end, there’s a powdered sugar design on top. Like a snowflake, no two are alike.

These were Santa’s favorite, too. We always left a few on a plate near the fireplace, with a glass of milk. Santa needed lots of strength for traveling around the globe on Christmas Eve.

And the reindeer always got carrots.Continue Reading

about the Setting for my Novel…

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Setting: The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee

Today I’m discussing the setting for my novel, The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee. First of all, the definition of setting… Setting includes the environment and surroundings of a story. From A. A. Milne’s 100 Acre Woods to Henry’s hospital bed in Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms, the setting includes the landscape and time period as well as items on the kitchen counter.

The setting for my book is rural Mississippi County, Arkansas, the place I grew up. In my story, not only does the setting provides background information and paint a picture of the place, but the setting is integral to the story, affecting tone and mood. At least I hope you’ll find that to be true.Continue Reading

Food. Farm. Garden. Life.

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