thoughts • images
a pit stop
fascinations • nuisances
So happy to be included intros informative and important list of books that share the true stories of our Thanksgiving history.
Check out the other wonderful titles on their site as well.
https://www.kidlit.tv/2023/11/childrens-books-depicting-thanksgiving-accurately/
… and even though this year has been extremely different from those past, it is still possible to get personalized books shipped wherever you want, wrapped up and ready to go.
I am, as always, working with my beloved independent bookstore in Asheville, NC, Malaprop’s, to offer personalized, autographed copies of my books. Signed, personalized books make great gifts and autographing eReaders simply hasn’t taken off yet.
If you want an autographed book you can call Malaprop’s directly at 1-800-441-9829 or 828-254-6734. The store is chock full of helpful, cheerful folks. Once one of these charmers answers the phone, just tell them which book(s) you want to order, the author’s name—that's me—and how you would like the inscription to read.
FOR TIMELY DELIVERY: ORDER SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.
How do you want the book personalized? To you? To the in-law you’re always trying to suck up to? Do you want it to say “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” “For a history buff,” or nothing at all so that you may re-gift at will? Will I inscribe anything that you desire? Oh no, my dears, I absolutely will not. Outright offensive or just weirdly personal inscription requests will be completely ignored. So there. Once you’ve decided on your (sane, courteous) inscription request, Malaprop’s can handle it. Simply give them your payment information and shipping address.
Yes indeed, they gift wrap! I told you they were wonderful. So, you can have that autographed book gift-wrapped AND have a gift card slapped on it. That package of holiday reading cheer will be shipped wherever you want and will arrive ready to be shoved under a tree, stuck in a (larger than usual) stocking, placed next to the menorah, or donated to your local library.
My books are available wherever books are sold, and if you would like to patronize an independent bookstore closer to your neck of the woods while shopping from the convenience of your own home, pay a visit to bookshop.org. Links to all vendors can be found on my “Buy” page.
Happy Happy Merry Merry Joy Joy!
… and even though this year has been extremely different from those past, it is still possible to get personalized books shipped wherever you want, wrapped up and ready to go.
I am, as always, working with my beloved independent bookstore in Asheville, NC, Malaprop’s, to offer personalized, autographed copies of my books. Signed, personalized books make great gifts and autographing eReaders simply hasn’t taken off yet.
If you want an autographed book you can call Malaprop’s directly at 1-800-441-9829 or 828-254-6734. The store is chock full of helpful, cheerful folks. Once one of these charmers answers the phone, just tell them which book(s) you want to order, the author’s name—that's me—and how you would like the inscription to read. FOR TIMELY DELIVERY: Order by December 14th. You may also order at the link below.
Sooner is better depending on your needs. Might it arrive sooner than you think? Possibly. But this year has been nothing if not unpredictable and chaotic, and who needs the added seasonal stress?
How do you want the book personalized? To you? To the in-law you’re always trying to suck up to? Do you want it to say “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” “For a history buff,” or nothing at all so that you may re-gift at will? Will I inscribe anything that you desire? Oh no, my dears, I absolutely will not. Outright offensive or just weirdly personal inscription requests will be completely ignored. So there. Once you’ve decided on your (sane, courteous) inscription request, Malaprop’s can handle it. Simply give them your payment information and shipping address.
Yes indeed, they gift wrap! I told you they were wonderful. So, you can have that autographed book gift-wrapped AND have a gift card slapped on it. That package of holiday reading cheer will be shipped wherever you want and will arrive ready to be shoved under a tree, stuck in a (larger than usual) stocking, placed next to the menorah, or donated to your local library.
My books are available wherever books are sold, and if you would like to patronize an independent bookstore closer to your neck of the woods while shopping from the convenience of your own home, pay a visit to bookshop.org. Links to all vendors can be found on my “Buy” page.
Happy Happy Merry Merry!
Bones and herbs, ready to go.
I have often shared that I like to roast a chicken—usually obtained from the folks at Fiddler’s Green Farm in Western North Carolina. After I’m a few chickens in, I’m ready to make some broth, which I can then use for any number of soups, sauces, or just sipping. The days may be getting longer, but February is definitely broth month for me. Here’s a pretty basic, I-made-a-few-tweaks way to do it.
You’ll need:
3 lbs. bones—chicken, beef, pork or a combo. (I keep mine in the freezer until I’m ready to go.)
1 head garlic (Yes. A head. At least. Love your immune system!)
1 TBSP. apple cider vinegar
1 large carrot (the kind that would hurt a Hobbit if he rolled down a hill and fell on it).
1/2 yellow onion
4 fresh bay leaves
1 tsp. peppercorns
2 tsp. sea salt
3 big sprigs fresh rosemary and several smallish sprigs each of fresh thyme and parsley. I get these out of my garden. Store bought is fine. If rosemary isn’t your jam, leave it out.
Put everything in a pressure cooker. I use an Instant Pot.( I know, I know. You’re sick of hearing everyone talk about their Instant Pot. I was too…then I got one and now I’m THAT person. Guilty as charged. Let’s move on.) Fill with enough water to cover. Let it sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes. Then cook on low pressure for 3 hours.
Let the steam release naturally, then strain and transfer to the container of your preference and put in the fridge. It should have a nice, jelly-like consistency once it’s cool.
Heat it, sip it, mix it up with some rice and beans. Warm those innards!
Winter is for soups, stews, and chilis at my house. As a writer—and especially one on deadline—food prep on the weekend makes my work week much easier. Roast a chicken. Make bone broth. Make a big chili. Prep salad fixin’s for my lunches. And one of my favorite make-ahead meals—that also takes advantage of some awesome local Asheville producers—is chili verde.
Here’s how I kinda-sorta do it, more or less. (Or as my grandmother used to say as she tossed a few pinches of the nearest spice into the pot on the stove: “What do you mean how much? I don’t know how much. THIS much!!”)
Pork butt, 3-4 lbs.. I use local farmers Hickory Nut Gap out of Fairview, NC.
1 16 oz. jar of salsa verde from Smoking J’s Fiery Foods, another local favorite.
4 cans Hatch diced green chiles, 2 each of mild and hot.
1 head garlic, chopped. (Yes, “head.” I sometimes use even more. Spice it up! It’s good for you!)
1 yellow onion, chopped.
1 cup or so broth. I make my own bone broth, but any chicken broth will do.
Olive oil. Cumin (I use 1 TBSP, then taste.) Oregano (I use at least 2 TBSP, but that’s me.) Salt, pepper…to taste, of course.
Wanna kick things up? Add a half cup sliced jalapeños.
My favorite—easy— way to do this is in a pressure cooker: (But a slow cooker is also fine.)
Salt and pepper the pork.
Cover the bottom of the pressure cooker in oil, and sauté the pork until brown on the outside. You can also brown in a pan if you must. Doing everything in one pot—pressure, slow cooker, whatever—means you keep all the juices and fat. LOTS of fat. Why keep the fat? Fat is tasty. That’s why.
Dump in everything else. No need for ceremony or any particular order.
Pressure cook on low for 3 1/2 hours. Let steam release naturally. OR, slow cook on high for at least six hours.
The meat should come apart very easily with only a fork. If the pork was particularly fatty, you may wish to spoon off some of the fat at this stage OR, refrigerate and scrape it off once it solidifies.
Serve over rice. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, or whatever else floats your culinary boat. Add sharp cheddar and mix it up for a tasty, warm tortilla chip dip.
It’s gift-giving-buying season once again. I am, as always, working with my beloved independent bookstore in Asheville, NC, Malaprop’s, to offer personalized, autographed copies of The Last Castle, The Girls of Atomic City, Signing Their Lives Away, and other titles. Signed, personalized books make great gifts and autographing eReaders simply hasn’t taken off yet. Though I work with Malaprop’s all year long, during the holidays I get lots of questions about wrapping and shipping and so forth.
The easiest way to get an autographed book is to call Malaprop’s directly at 1-800-441-9829 or 828-254-6734. The store is chock full of helpful, cheerful folks. Once one of these charmers answers the phone, just tell them which book(s) you want to order, the author’s name—that's me—and how you would like the inscription to read. FOR TIMELY DELIVERY: Order by December 17th. Will it get to you if you order a day or so after that? Very possibly. But who needs the added seasonal stress?
How do you want the book personalized? To you? To the mother-in-law you’re always trying to suck up to? Do you want it to say “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” “For a history buff,” or nothing at all so that you may re-gift at will? Will I inscribe anything that you desire? Oh no, my dears, I absolutely will not. Outright offensive or just weirdly personal inscription requests will be completely ignored. So there. Once you’ve decided on your (sane, courteous) inscription request, Malaprop’s can handle it. Simply give them your payment information and shipping address. That’s it! Malaprop’s will get me in to sign and then ship your book out to you or to the person of your choice, autographed and ready to go.
Yes indeed, they gift wrap! I told you they were wonderful. So, you can have that autographed book gift-wrapped AND have a gift card slapped on it. That package of holiday reading cheer will be shipped wherever you want and will arrive ready to be shoved under a tree, stuck in a (larger than usual) stocking, placed next to the menorah, or swapped at an office party.
Technically, yes, but calling is much more efficient and, in the long run, will take up much less of your time.
Almost any of them, really, as long as they are in stock. A full-ish list is available here.
Yes. There are many wonderful indie bookstores—especially around the south—that often carry signed copies of my books. Check with the one nearest you first. If they don't have it, and the store has several copies on hand, they can contact me and I can mail out signed bookplates. Not exactly the same, but still a nice touch.
Happy shopping, and thanks for supporting a local independent bookstore!
Our publisher just let us know that the bestselling book Signing Their Lives Away: The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed the Declaration of Independence —written with my husband and sometimes co-author Joseph D’Agnese—is on sale. The special Nook ebook price is $2.99, so if you’ve been meaning to check it out, now is the time.
The deal is supposed to run through Memorial Day weekend, and end late on 5/27. If you are traveling or have plans for the holiday weekend, don’t take a chance. Carpe that freaking diem.
Quick reminder: Signing Their Lives Away tells the often quirky stories of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. We think it pairs nicely with summer, frosty brews, a slab of ribs, a beach umbrella, and a red-white-and-blue muumuu. Get your patriot on.
Meanwhile—if you need another reminder: The Girls of Atomic City is still on sale for $3.99 through the end of June 2. Yay.
Things that will cost you $3.99:
Subway’s “Sub of the Day” special
8.4 fl oz of Desert Snow Body Mist from Victoria’s Secret
A slightly used Fisher Price Mickey Mouse Hot Rod or…
So, depending on what you’re in the mood for, I thought I’d just share. Please feel free to do the same with anyone you think might be interested in sandwiches, Disney, smelling nice or a fascinating true story about some awesome ladies.
—Cheers!
Denise
Happy to share that The Last Castle is a Kindle Goldbox Deal this coming Sunday, Feb. 10.
For that day only, the ebook will be on sale at Amazon for more than half off its usual price.
Just follow this link on Sunday, and dive into a world of Gilded Age glamour and intrigue.
It’s gift-giving-buying season once again. I am, as always, working with my fantabulous independent bookstore Malaprop’s to offer personalized, autographed copies of The Last Castle, The Girls of Atomic City, and other titles. Signed, personalized books make great gifts and autographing eReaders simply hasn’t taken off yet. Though I work with Malaprop’s all year long, during the holidays I get lots of questions about wrapping and shipping and so forth.
The easiest way to get an autographed book is to call Malaprop’s directly at 1-800-441-9829 or 828-254-6734. The store is chock full of helpful, cheerful folks. Once one of these charmers answers the phone, just tell them which book(s) you want to order, the author’s name—that's me—and how you would like the inscription to read.
How you want the book personalized? To you? To the mother-in-law you’re always trying to suck up to? Do you want it to say “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” “For a history buff,” or nothing at all so that you may re-gift at will? They can handle it all. Simply give them your payment information and shipping address. That’s it! Malaprop’s will get me in to sign and will ship your book out to you or to the person of your choice, autographed and ready to go.
Yes indeed, they gift wrap. I told you they were wonderful. So, you can have that autographed book gift-wrapped AND have a gift card slapped on it. That package of holiday reading cheer will be shipped wherever you want and will arrive ready to be shoved under a tree, stuck in a (larger than usual) stocking, placed next to the menorah, or swapped at an office party.
Technically, yes, but calling is much more efficient and, in the long run, will take up much less of your time.
Almost any of them, really, as long as they are in stock. A full-ish list is available here.
Yes. There are many wonderful indie bookstores—especially around the south—that often carry signed copies of my books. Check with the one nearest you first. If they don't have it, and the store has several copies on hand, they can contact me and I can mail out signed bookplates. Not exactly the same, but still a nice touch.
Happy shopping, and thanks for supporting a local independent bookstore!
Log on to Facebook.com/DeniseKiernanAuthor or Facebook.com/simonandschuster on Friday, Sept. 8 at 1PM EST for a LIVE Q&A with me about my new book, The Last Castle.
Jamon Iberico de Bellota. #yum #foodie
Ah, airport food.
#writinglife
Not to be confused with "instagrammars."
Inaugural post is up: https://instagram.com/p/BBu-BUluknK/
You can follow me here: Instagram.com/iamdenisekiernan
Tree peaking in our front yard.
Today is both Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. Enjoy the following trailer for a book I wrote with Joseph D'Agnese about the signers of the Constitution: "Signing Their Rights Away."
Just arrived: Here are the latest international editions of "The Girls of Atomic City."
Colleen making her NPR debut.
Into the lobby of Greenfield Assisted Living stepped a vision of sassy Christmas cheer. She was bedazzled in glitz, animal prints and smiles with a blinking holiday-light necklace draped around her neck and antlers sprouting from her head. Now burned into my memory like some nuclear-powered yule log, this was my first glimpse of the force of nature that was Colleen Black.
Colleen entered my life as a potential interview subject for the book I was writing at the time, The Girls of Atomic City. She was surprised I wanted to talk to her about her role in the Manhattan Project. After all, she assured me, she had no idea what she was working on at the time. While she couldn't imagine why I would want to hear about her adventures as an 18-year-old single gal living and working in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, during World War II, I couldn't imagine this vibrant 80-something-year-old not having plenty to say once I'd sat with her for a bit. Boy, was I right.
Long after interviews were logged and the manuscript edited, Colleen and I stayed in touch. We wrote and called, and I often visited whenever I was in town for an event. If I didn't get a hold of her beforehand, I always knew I could find her holding court at Panera's after morning mass, where their old-timer's coffee klatch often turned into impromptu book signings for Colleen. Friends and strangers often approached and asked her to sign their copies of The Girls of Atomic City. Colleen would write to tell me about these and other "celebrity" experiences, as she called them. She was Skyping with book clubs across the country, speaking to school kids down the road, and charming everyone in her path with her ration tales, wartime songs and Irish country wit, all wrapped up in that Tennessee twang.
I have a collection of collages Colleen has sent me over the years, most of them given to me long after the work on my book was done. Photos casually snapped in her apartment showed up in my inbox and mailbox, draped with historic news clippings and photos of the other atomic city "girls." She was always there with a daily joke or up-by-your-bootstraps encouragement, with remembrances and prayers for my own mother, who is next to me as I type this, sleeping, waking and sleeping again, nearing the end of her own time with me. Colleen's daughter Suzanne called me earlier today to tell me that Colleen had died this morning. We had been in touch, Suzanne and I, two daughters waiting and watching as the mothers they loved began to move on from this world.
She is a collage all her own now, my Colleen. My mind today is a visual mish-mash of leopard-spotted, fuzzy-slippered, sing-songy snippets of chats—both on the record and off— and babblings over cheap wines with goofy or naughty names that gave her a giggle. (Fat Bastard was a house favorite.) Colleen died as she lived, surrounded by family and song and love, held close in the hearts of many of us who knew the joys of her friendship. I will lift a glass of Marilyn Merlot in her honor. I can almost hear her laughing.
Giveaway! Want to win 3 books by @DeniseKiernan & @JosephDAgnese? RT & follow them! 3 random followers will win! pic.twitter.com/XdZe4RB18Q
— Quirk Books (@quirkbooks) February 13, 2015