Welcome to the Campfire. Today's guest is Susan Antony

Today I’m welcoming back Susan Antony to the Campfire. She was such fun last time so if you missed her head to the archives. Susan is  also a fellow Wild Rose Press author. We are both blessed to be in such great company and publishing house. The fire is lit and crackling. Smokey goodness is filling the air. We've blankets tucked around us since January is a bit chilly but we're cozy and ready to chat. Last time your preferred beverage was a diet coke. Still?
Blueberry Acai Diet Coke. There is no better.

Hmm, that's new. Let me rummage and see what we can do... Ta-da! Camping is truly magical. Any new camping adventures for you?
I don’t like camping outdoors, but I love camping indoors in The Great Wolf Lodge resort with my son.

Oh that sounds fun. A friend of mine loves going with her family. Last time you were with us, you shared about a book I thoroughly enjoyed titled Cherokee Summer. What are you working on now? 
I am currently writing YA paranormal Romance. I am dismantling it and rewriting so it’s a bit of a mess now. The title is up in the air.

I can relate as I bet many authors do. First drafts often need to be reworked and sometimes that's harder than starting from scratch. Is it too early to tell us a little bit more?
Not at present because the plot is changing.

Writing and editing can be quite along process. Can you remind us how long the last book took from conception to publication?
For my last novel, Cherokee Summer, it took about two years. One to write and one to be fortunate enough to be accepted and published by The Wild Rose Press.

We talked about what literary success look like to you?  Any changes? New insights?
I’ll let you know when I achieve it.
 
Ah, still the elusive dream. One of the things I like bringing to the campfire is wisdom and insight for those who are struggling. Do you have anything to share with them?
Learn to take criticism, even the kind that hurts, though never blindly. My harshest critic helped me the most, but that doesn’t mean yours will. Always evaluate the advice and then follow your heart.  Never let anyone convince you, you are not good enough. 

Excellent insight. Even when it's hard to hear, sometimes if you pick through carefully, there are pearls tucked away. Unfortunately, sometimes, especially when anonymous, people can be harsh either intentionally or carelessly. Artists, which include writers, must develop a thick skin. Okay, now let's have some fun.

If they made a movie about your life, what would the title be and who would play you?  Jack of Too Many Trades.   Not only do I write, I work on a computer helpdesk, and have a degree in Automotive Technology.  As far as who would play me, I have been told I look like Steven Tyler (I’ve learned to embrace it), but also Gina Davis so I think it would have to be her.

Do you have a special object like a piece of jewelry or keepsake of some sort? Can you tell us what makes it special to you?
I have many, but my favorite are vintage Christmas ornaments. I have some from my Grandmother’s tree predating my birth passed on to me. Now that my grandparents and parents have passed they serve as a window into my childhood and many Christmas’ of yore. I do get some of my trinkets from Ebay.  This year I hosted Christmas for the family and kids played a counting game and noted I have one-hundred and eleven knee-hugging elves watching from various places in the house.

What is your favorite T-shirt with graphic.
I love my Billy Idol T.  He was my eighties wannabe boyfriend.

Favorite childhood book? Or writing that inspired you to become an author.
It was my dream to become an author as a child, but I couldn’t sit still long enough. My inspiration to actually write came from The Twilight Series. Stephenie Meyer inspired me to read on a regular basis again and eventually share the stories brewing in my head.

If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be? Runaround Sue by Dion.  Having my nickname in a song just feels so personal. Especially in such a cool Rockabilly tune. 

​Susan, thanks for stopping by. Hanging with old friends around the campfire is such an amazing privileged. I'll be sure I keep Blueberry Acai Diet Coke on hand. And for our guests, in case you missed it last time here's a little bit about Cherokee Summer. 

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When Ace leaves home to spend the summer in Cherokee, North Carolina the last thing she expects to find is a boyfriend—until she meets Cherokee Tribe member John Spears. As Ace and John's friendship blossoms, they find their life experiences mirror each other and they fall in love. Despite hurdles thrown by well-meaning family members and jealous frenemies, the star-crossed lovers remain committed to their mutual belief that the universe has drawn them together. However, when Ace sends John a strange text and then suddenly disappears, the two must rely on their trust in each other to save both their lives and their love.
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​www.susanantony.com/

www.amazon.com/-/e/B07N31L812

​https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cherokee-summer-susan-antony/1129952570?ean=9781509223985​

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Today's Movie Recommendations are chosen in honor of young love and of course, Susan's inspiration...
Twilight Series starting in 2008 and ending in 2012. Can you believe it was that long ago!
And star-crossed lovers like Ace and John...
Romeo and Juliet 1996 with Leonardo DiCaprio and Clair Danes

Today's recipe is based on me going Keto for 2020. And because I have an RV, I can cook and keep stuff cold.
Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
3 boneless chicken breasts
1/2 tsp seasoning (I prefer Montreal Steak Seasoning on almost everything.)
1 stalk of celery
1/2 small red onion
Salt to taste I use Kosher which seems to need less so I just use a pinch.
Fresh ground pepper to taste
1/4 tsp of smoked paprika
1/4 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 mayonnaise
Lettuce (I use iceberg. It wraps very well.)

Season the chicken and bake at 350 until done but tender. Usually about 20-30 minutes. While it bakes mix together mayo, salt, pepper, paprika, vinegar, and mayo. Add diced celery and onion. When chicken is done and cool, add and mix well. Carefully remove the largest leaves of the lettuce. Depending on how big the head is use appropriate amount of filling. Tuck up short sides and then roll like you would a cabbage roll or wrap. Yum.

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​“Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”– Will Rogers

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