Welcome to the Campfire. Today's guest is Joan Ramirez.

There's only a few days left until Christmas. I wish each person a wonderful and blessed season. Welcome to the Campfire only has one more interview after today in 2019. There's an exciting line up for 2020. I'll be asking my guests for quick and easy tips and look forward to learning some life or writing hacks. 
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Today I’m welcoming, Joan Ramirez writing as J L Regen to the Campfire.  I’m excited to here about her adventures as well. What’s your preference coffee, tea, cocoa, or wine?
I do love a cup of hot cocoa on those cold winter days to get my motor running.
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Hot cocoa it is. Tell us Joan, have you ever camped, or as I call what I do, Glamp.    
I camped out as a Girl Scout. End of story.

Well camping is not for everyone. So, tell us about your latest project. What’s the title and genre? What inspired you to start it?
My latest project is my psychological suspense where a serial killer coaches his sons to kill from his jail cell. A trip to Sing Sing inspired me.

Do you have a tagline? Or quote you’d like to share 
Perseverance is the key to success.

You author short stories as well as articles, how different is that from full length novels? Or is it?
Short stories are more of a challenge because you have encapsulated your outline and mine are always very long.

What challenges have you faced during writing? I.e. Writers block, editing, marketing, time. How did you get through it?
The whole nine yards. I got through it with tons of support from good friends.

I have a myriad of projects at various stages of development, how about you? Anything you’re itching to get to?
My photojournalism book on my travels to places of worship around the globe.

Let’s time travel, is there something you would tell your beginning self? Any advice or encouragement? Warnings?
SLOW down. Disaster comes from rushing a writing project.

Joan, I know you’re a photographer. Do you have a favorite image or one which elicits an emotional response you can share with us?
My photograph of a boy in Thailand holding a monkey. He offered to pose for nothing. I was so upset that he was so poor that I gave him enough for dinner for his whole family.

You’re having a dinner party and invite two people (living, dead, real, fictional). Who are they? Why them?
Cary Grant and Queen Victoria—enthralling conversation

Most Authors have a love of books from an early age. What is your Favorite childhood book? Or book that inspired you?
Charlotte’s Web. However, I’ve had a love affair with books since I’m three.

What is your favorite piece of jewelry? Does it have a special meaning which you can share?
A sterling silver heart that was a gift from my mother. When I touch it, I think of her. I adored her.

Most writers need support. Are there any mentors or authors you would like to give a shout-out to? Or favorite schoolteacher? How did they make you a better person?
Earl Staggs, one of the best people and finest authors  in Texas. Sharon Kohn, a caring beta reader.
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Final question. As a writer, what does success look like to you?
It used to be wealth but now that I’ve matured, it is the satisfaction that comes from writing a compelling story.

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​Margo Simmons is ecstatic when she inherits her uncle’s Manhattan apartment and a handsome sum of money. To her chagrin, there are strings attached. She must be gainfully employed in a job for a year. Everything in Margo’s life has complications. When she meets the man of her dreams, she anguishes over how to fulfill her secret desires for a loving relationship because he is still emotionally tied to his deceased wife and afraid to open his heart again. To replace her fractured childhood growing up with a distant stepfather, Margo becomes the guardian of an elementary student who longs for connection and closeness. As the story evolves, readers will see how these individuals unite. Secret Desires is a contemporary romance written from the heart and speaks to anyone who has suffered a loss and had to start over.
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www.amazon.com/Secret-Desires-J-L-Regen-ebook/dp/B01N137HX5
https://www.facebook.com/joan.ramirez.98031
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Recipe corner
D. V.'s Quick and Easy Chicken Parm Sliders
This is great if your feeding a lot of people. Whenever we host a party these disappear.
I buy the largest size chicken nuggets
Jar of marinara sauce
Shredded Mozzarella cheese
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Spay your pan with no stick spray. You'll be glad you did.
Lightly coat the bottom of the pan with a bit of sauce
Layer the nuggets leaving a little space in between 
Sprinkle with both cheeses
Top with the rest of the sauce and sprinkle with a little more of the cheese.
Cook to nugget package instructions
​Serve on small dinner rolls.