Win an Advance Review Copy!

My next novel, Dark Currents, will be released on 26 June. And here’s even better news… you can win an advance review copy, the same printed version that goes out to reviewers before the official release. Here’s a look at the cover.

The contest to win the book is hosted on Facebook, which means you have to go to my Facebook page and “like” me to enter. Official details will be on Facebook around noon, today, 9 May 2012. Don’t worry, it’s easy. You’ll just have to guess which beach is behind me in the author photo in Dark Currents. So, don’t delay! Head over to Facebook, like me, and enter your answer. Thanks and happy reading!

Tortilla Española

Also known as the Spanish Tortilla, this dish is a favorite of mine, especially when enjoyed in Madrid. Since I happen to elsewhere at the moment, I decided to make myself this simple treat. All you need is olive oil, potatoes, onion, a couple eggs, and a hot stove. Dice up the potatoes and fry them with chopped onions (you can add bits of ham or other stuff to your taste) in the olive oil about 10 minutes. Drain off the oil. Whisk the eggs in a pot then dump in the potatoes and onions. Mix it all together gently then pour back into the frying pan on med-low heat. Keep the edges nice and neat with the spatula; you’re going for a pie-like look here. When the one side is cooked, carefully flip the cooking tortilla over onto a plate then slip it back into the pan to cook that other side. (This can be tricky.) When cooked firm all the way through, onto a plate it goes and you’re ready to eat. Here’s a photo of my tortilla with accessories for my Spanish snack last night.

That was a great little meal. As soon as I come up with a reliable source for jamón iberico, I’ll be loving life that much more. Naturally, the albariño wine kicks things up a notch. Even if you can’t get there, you can still enjoy the tastes of your favorite travel spots. Enjoy the journey wherever it takes you.

Published in: on May 6, 2012 at 5:14 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Lulu’s Pizza Bar

If you’re on the east side of center city Philadelphia and you need a snack, try Lulu’s Pizza Bar. It’s located between 2nd and 3rd Streets on the south side of Market Street. They have affordable specials, like a couple slices and a Coke for around $7 at the time of this writing. Here’s a look at the pizza:

It was great pizza with friendly service and no waiting. I like popping into these joints, listening to the conversations, which is a great way to pick up dialog for the books I write. Incredible what people say to each other. At any rate, a slice of pizza hits the rights spot, so give it a try.

Published in: on April 25, 2012 at 5:57 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Interview with ATV 15, Aruba

This afternoon, Yentl Lieuw of ATV 15, Aruba’s NBC affiliate, interviewed me about my novels, An Island Away and Under A Blue Flag. This was fun and informative, working with professional news people, seeing them practicing their craft. Here’s a still shot of my mug.

Next time, I’ll be sure not to reach for the water bottle when someone is taking a snap. Ah, no worries. I enjoy these interviews. Lots of fun talking about books, writing, Aruba, three of my favorite subjects. I only wish I could go back and edit, the way it’s possible to polish up a paragraph in a book. That way, no one gets to see the mistakes.

Published in: on April 3, 2012 at 9:19 pm  Leave a Comment  
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