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Online Auction today! January 16, 2021

By Patricia Sands January 16, 2021

Have fun today and bid on items in the online auction to raise funds for the non-profit PAT CONROY LITERARY CENTER. THIS IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and part of our #pulpwoodqueensgirlfriendweekend . Here’s what I donated and there are other tempting items! Check it out!

40 AMAZING items and services are now listed on the auction site. Many thanks to all of the talented authors, artists, and presenters who have contributed to the auction! Have a look at www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/PQ-PCLC2021-19645

Another fine example … donated by interviewer/reviewer extraordinaire, Annie McDonnell of The Write Review!

MANY THANKS TO KATHY L. MURPHY, the fearless leader of #thepulpwoodqueens for the many hours of organizing that have gone into this enormous literary event! Although the weekend required a ticket to participate, this auction is open to the public and who does not love the work of the late Pat Conroy? Thanks for your support!

January 6th ~ la fête du roi in France

By Patricia Sands January 6, 2021

Eat cake like a king!

If you are in France (or Louisiana, hello N’awlins!), it’s again time to celebrate … oui … bien sûr … more food! Don’t you love it? This time it’s all about a rich, almond cream (frangipane) enveloped by layers of light, flaky pastry (feuilleté).

Another joyful opportunity to bring friends and family around the table to share La Galette des Rois/The Kings’ Cake, takes place on the first Sunday of January or January 6th and recognizes Epiphany, the arrival of the three wise men (Magis). The history of this special pastry can be traced to Roman times.

If you read my Love in Provence series, Kat first finds out about the tradition in Book #2, Promises to Keep.

During the French Revolution, the name was replaced with ‘Gâteau de l’Égalité’ (equality cake), as the word ‘king’ was a little out of fashion!

It’s so popular, many patisseries make the scrumptious cake through the entire month of January.

The cake is cut in the specific number of slices for the people present, with one extra symbolic slice for the first poor person passing by. The youngest child (or the most innocent adult, if no children are present, which can result in great hilarity) goes under the table and calls out who will receive each slice to ensure fair distribution. The greatest excitement comes when one person discovers la fève (a lucky charm) hidden in a single slice. Just don’t accidentally bit down on it … they’re usually a small porcelain or plastic trinket!

Bon appétit!

Click here to read an excellent account of the history and traditions of this special fête by my friend, Margo Lestz.

Would you vote for my cover?

By Patricia Sands January 3, 2021

They say not to judge a book by its cover, but that’s just what I’m asking you to do! I keep hearing from readers and book sellers that they love the cover of this new release. We love it too and I am grateful to the talented Sharon Clare of Clarity Book Cover Design for all of the work she put into producing this gorgeous piece of art. I’ve just received word this weekend that this cover is in the running for the January “Cover of The Month” on allauthor.com If you like the cover too, please take a minute and click on this link to vote for it. Thanks a million!