Week 28 - Writing Seminar - Diana Gabaldon

My friend Vicki B and I attended a writing seminar featuring Diana Gabaldon (Outlander, Firefly in Amber) today. We rode there in style in Vicki's new Corvette.

Gabaldon was very witty and inspirational. She talked about her writing process and gave us some pointers on researching for historical fiction writing. She recommended looking for random things and to not be afraid to stray off your path when doing research. "Turn over a rock and see what crawls out."

She is coming out with a new book this fall-- the seventh in the Outlander series. I believe she said the title will be An Echo of the Bone. She also said Outlander has been optioned out for a movie. She graciously agreed to let me have my picture taken with her. Horrible photo of me, but she is very lovely.

Week 27 - The Mission Restaurant

Went to eat at The Mission restaurant in Scottsdale on Brown Ave. It was a very happening spot on Saturday night. We had homemade quacamole, mahi mahi tacos and some spicy chicken dish (Pollo de Braso or something like that). I liked the Sangria the best! The food has a trendy mexican/spanish influence with lots of speciality drinks and tequilas. It also has a nice cozy patio in front with a fire place. I highly recommend The Mission!

Week 26- Chihuly Exhibit at Desert Botanical Gardens

Here are some pictures I took when I went to the Arizona Desert Botanical Gardens Chihuly art exhibit last night. The glass sculptures were really unique and beautiful. I will put a whole series of these on my flicker photo page if you want to see more.

Week 26 - Scottsdale Farmers Market

I rode my bike over to the Scottsdale Farmers Market this weekend. It was small, but had some very interesting specialty food items. It was really easy taking the bikes along the canal, so I think I will do this more often. I snapped a picture of this cool old mission across the street. It is next to the restaurant, The Mission, which is owned by my friend's son, so that will be one of my next new things, trying it out. It looked very cozy and fun.

Week 25 - The Light Rail is Running!

Jose, Heidi, Traci, Amber and I rode the train from work down to eat at Alexis in downtown Phoenix and back. It only took three hours! We are hoping that the free fair and the novelty was the reason for the crowds. Everyone was very friendly, maybe too friendly, on board. (I met a nice guy who told me that my money was hanging out of my purse.) It was very crowded, but I am glad it is finally up and running. I think it will be good for Phoenix - I just don't want to take it to have lunch again!

Week 24 - True Foods

Lauren and I visited the new restaurant at the Biltmore Fashion Park called True Foods - http://www.foxrc.com/true_food_kitchen.html This restaurant was created by the Fox group here in Phoenix (Olive and Ivy, Bloom) and health guru Dr. Andrew Weil. In fact, he came in and had lunch while we were there. (He did not have to wait for a table - but we did!)

The food was really healthy and very good. I would highly recommend this place. I did not see any red meat on the menu, but there were lots of veggies, fish and some chicken. I had the Medicine Man juice drink and the salmon sandwich. Lauren had the Miso Sea Bass. Everything was delish!

Week 23 - Writing Workshop

My friend Vicki and I went to the Third Annual Fall Writers Workshop this past weekend at the Scottsdale Civic Library. I attended the following breakouts: How to structure a compelling novel; Villains Have Feelings Too - delving into the mind of diabolical killers; Terms of Engagement - engaging your reader with emotional intensity; and Plotting. The main speaker, Vicki Lewis Thompson, who is a NY Times best selling author, spoke on How to Become an Overnight Success in 25 Years or Less. What a great workshop - and all for free! It was sponsored by the Desert Rose Chapter of Romance Writers of America, but it was not romance writing oriented. I think I learned a lot in one day. We will have to see when my novel comes out!