It has arrived!

As many of you know, I received a very exciting gift on Memorial Day as we were celebrating with my husband's family by the lake. After a loving day with some of my favorite veterans, I came home to find that my book, Dragonfly, was available to purchase on Amazon.com. I had not expected it to go live for another week, but I could not have been more pleased that they were able to make it available so quickly. With that said, I have a few things to mention about this experience.

First let me say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has purchased the book so far. I can't believe the amazing support that you have shown. I tell my "first read" girls all the time that this is a ride and today I realized that the ride is not just a few people on a road trip, but a bunch of long time as well as new friends on a roller coaster of excitement and fulfillment (my personal favorite would be Aerosmith's Rockin Roller Coaster at Disney World :) ). It is wonderful and I am not sure I can ever express my gratitude enough for the love that has been shown. I just hope that you enjoy reading the book as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

Second, as these books are appearing on doorsteps and the words are drifting through your minds, I would like to ask a small favor. When you are finished, if you enjoyed the experience, please go to Amazon and/or Goodreads and write a review of the book. This helps out in so many ways. As an author, it helps others know a little about me and my writing style. As a review, it helps others decide if it is something they might be interested in reading as well. As a book, it tells others that it is worth a look. It would be greatly appreciated.

Last, and this involves seeing new faces, I would love to come visit your local bookstore, coffee shop, or festival. If you have a place you would like for me to come visit this summer, please let me know and I'll see if we can arrange a book signing in the area. Go to my website www.carriesparksmcclain.com and send me an email through the "Contact Me" section. Also, keep an eye on the "News and Events" section of my web page to see where my signing adventures lead.

Again, thank you for your love and support!!! - CSM

AND SO IT BEGINS...

Well, that probably seemed a little dramatic, but there is so much excitement in my life currently. I have completed my first book and it is going through the normal publishing channels. It can be difficult to put your ideas out there for others to read and criticize. What if they don’t like what I have to say? What if I’m not really a very good writer? What if I’m fooling myself thinking I can make this any more than a hobby? In the end, I remind myself that it all began as a simple challenge, a New Year’s resolution that for once in my life I kept. If it never becomes anything more than that, then at least I know I have answered the challenge (but deep down inside I really do hope that you love it). I look forward to continuing this story as well as creating others for you.

Now, let’s move on to some fun things. I want to be sure that you know about all the important stuff. I am looking forward to having a “win it before you can buy it” contest that will give two lucky readers a chance to win signed copies of my new book, Dragonfly. You will find more information on how to enter to win on my Facebook page and website in the coming weeks. Be sure to check back for that. Also, I hope to be able to visit some independent bookstores this summer to have “meet and greet” sessions and signings. If you have a store in mind that you would like me to consider visiting, please send me a message on Facebook or through the "Contact Me"section of my website. Finally, I am looking forward to a live Facebook chat in June and one in July to answer your questions and talk in general about the book, so be sure to look for information on that as well.

I leave you with something we often talk about in the South and that is food. We are known for feeding people for any occasion-birth, death, celebrations, accomplishments, holidays and Sundays. One of my favorite things to do is cook and entertain family and friends. I can’t imagine a blog post without a yummy family favorite recipe to share. This is not only one of my husband’s favorites, but it was given to me by my mom as one of my dad’s favorites as well. Give it a try and maybe it will become a favorite for your family too.

Crispy Chicken

3-4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts cut into large piece (I usually cut each breast into three pieces)

2 cups crushed Crispy Rice Cereal

1 Stick of Butter melted

Garlic salt

Salt

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. First dip a chicken piece into the melted butter, then coat it in the cereal. Place the piece into a glass baking dish. Continue dipping and coating each piece. Once all pieces are coated and in the baking dish sprinkle with salt and garlic salt to taste. (I normally then pour the remaining butter over the pieces and sprinkle the remaining cereal because I love the extra “crispies”)

Bake for 30 minutes or until the juices run clear. 

ENJOY!