Writers' Critique Groups, This Week

The peach roses in our yard are simply exquisite this year. 
They are blooming graciously and filling the air with perfume.
Sad that a rose doesn't last very long. But then, perhaps that's why we appreciate them so much.

I am fortunate to be able to partcipate in two in-person (as opposed to online) critique (crit) groups.  I have been attending the group that meets at the library for many years. Different people come and go in this group. You never know who will attend, but we do require the submission to be sent in to our yahoo group so we can print and crit it before the meeting.

The second group is made up of four members. When we began getting together no one was published. Now all of us have traditional published books. Each time a book is accepted, we all celebrate the signing. Supporting each other whether by critiquing the stories, talking publishing, or even complaining about the kids, is a huge part of being a member of this group.

Are you a member of a crit group? Is it online or in-person? How's that working for you?

I decided to write this post today because I discovered a great guest post on Karen Cioffi's Writers on the Move blog by Shirley Corder titled Tread Gently--10 Steps to Provide a Helpful Critique. Helpful is the operative word here. Take a peek.

This Week:

Thursday, July 26-- The series on How to Begin Recording Your Life Story Part 2 continues. I am honored to share a lovely poem by Tanja Cilia. Be sure to stop in.

Recipe: My Birthday Treat for You--Texas Sheet Cake

Peach rose bush--a birthday gift from my hubby.

Roses on the table.

My birthday is this week and I am celebrating all week long it seems, almost a month long since my husband surprised me with this beautiful rose bush for my gift early in May. Last night a dinner out with friends at a restaurant on a small inland lake (gorgeous evening), tomorrow shopping trip, and Sunday the whole family comes over for a cookout.

Since the family is bringing the food, I volunteered to make my birthday cake, so of course, I get to make my favorite, Texas Sheet Cake. A delicious chocolate cake with chocolate icing (or do you say frosting?) poured over the top of the cake while it is still warm. Mmmmm....good. The cake is baked in a cookie sheet (with sides), so it is a Texas-sized cake for sure. 


Do you want a piece of this delicious cake? Okay, cyberly speaking, you can, but virtually you really can because I am including the recipe for you. My neighbor, Trude, made one of these for us about 38 years ago and gave me the recipe. It has become one of our family's favorites. Thanks, Trude!

Trude's Texas Sheet Cake

Heat oven  to 400 degrees. Prepare a cookie sheet by spraying with cooking oil.

2 c. flour

2 c. sugar

1 cup margarine

1/2 c. cocoa

1/2 c. oil

1 c. water

1/2 c. buttermilk (I make my own buttermilk-- Put 1/2 T. vinegar or lemon juice in measuring cup and add milk to measure 1/2 cup.) You can also use sour cream or plain yogurt. 

2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda

 a pinch to 1 tsp. of salt

Mix flour and sugar in bowl.

In saucepan, heat the butter, cocoa, oil , and water till melted. Pour over the flour and sugar in the bowl, then  stir well. Add remaining ingredients and beat together. Pour into prepared cookie sheet. 

Bake 20 minutes.

Frosting: Begin making this five minutes before cake is done.

1 stick margarine

4 T. cocoa

6 T. milk

1 lb. box powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla 
1 c. nuts (optional)

Bring butter, cocoa, and milk to a boil in saucepan. Remove from heat and immediately stir in powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla. Beat smooth, fold in nuts, and pour frosting over cake.

Mmmmm...making my mouth water now! Serve it warm with ice cream or let it cool and serve with ice cream. It's good just plain too!!! Enjoy....

And no I won't tell you how many candles there are on my birthday cake!! 

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