Reviews ZOMG
Library Journal just gave The Clockwork Dagger a starred review and declared it Debut of the Month.
“…The action is pretty much nonstop in this debut steampunk fantasy. The attraction between Octavia and Alonzo is sparked right away, but it’s hard for the former to know whom to trust as her talents have made her a pawn between two political powers. Although readers will enjoy the satisfying climax of this adventure, there is plenty to the plot for a sequel from promising novelist Cato.”
This follows up two solid reviews courtesy of RT Book Reviews and Publishers Weekly.
RT Book Reviews: Four stars! “…Steampunk fans should take note of this exciting new novel filled with airships, magic and political intrigue. Not only does Cato create an intriguing universe, but she also develops a one-of-a-kind, kickass heroine who is determined to forge her own path. Adventure, magic, unexpected romance and heart- breaking betrayal all combine for a thrilling tale.”
Publishers Weekly: Octavia is described as possessing “charming Victorian sensibilities, staunch determination, courage, and outspoken independence… Ample action and a delectably delayed romance propel the story toward a riveting finale, marking Cato as an author to watch.”
I’m having a Sally Field moment. They like my book, they really like it!
Sunday Quote should prepare an offering for the full moon
Read More“It is strange and good that I never come to this book with reluctance–often with terror, but I have never since I started writing it wished I were not writing it–not even for a second.”
~John Steinbeck, Journal of a Novel
Cover Flats and Interviews and More
My editor sent me a seriously cool surprise this week… cover flats!
This is my first time seeing what the whole wrap-around cover is like. It doesn’t come across well in the pic, but the cover is in matte finish but the title is glossy so it has a really classy contrast. I already have Michael’s Crafts at work to make a custom frame for my precioooussss. I’ll post pics in a few weeks when it’s all done.
Lots of interviews and other posts elsewhere, too!
I’m at Reb Kreyling’s blog to discuss worldbuilding, revisions, even the music I listened to as I wrote my sequel.
I can also be found at Fanboy Comics. My good friend Jodi Scaife interviewed me about my path to publication, my influences, and the challenges of writing cross-genre.
The first Tuesday of the month is my anointed day at the Holy Taco Church. For August, I shared a recipe for Chili Spice Chocolate Brownies. These amped-up brownies use chocolates infused with chipotle and chili. It adds some pleasant heat, but not in a mouth-scorching way (trust me on this, I’m allergic to the hot stuff).
The Clockwork Dagger is included in a feature at Library Journal on A Multiplicity of Realms: SF/Fantasy Genre Spotlight.
I also have a guest post as part of Josh Vogt’s Write Strong series, all about authors who utilize fitness and good eating as part of their writerly routine. I talk about my summertime hikes in the desert near my house. ‘Cause I’m a little crazy like that.
Probably going crazier over the next few weeks, too.
Read MoreBready or Not: Healthier Mint Chocolate Pie
Do not be afraid of this pie. Do not look at the main ingredient and go, “NOT GONNA GO IN MY MOUTH, NOPE NOPE.” I say that, because I was leery about this recipe, too, because I generally do not like tofu.
Yes, tofu. Stay with me.
The thing with tofu is, it takes on whatever flavors it is with. So if you dump a whole bag of chocolate in with the tofu, you don’t taste the soy byproduct. (This is why the adjective in the title is “Healthier” not “Healthy.”) Think of the tofu as scaffolding. It’s there to hold up the tastier stuff.
The original recipe comes from Chocolate Covered Katie, who is a great resource for healthier recipes. I’ve made this pie three times now and have adapted it a great deal from the original:
– tofu blocks around here come in 14 ounce, not 12.3.
– my first try, a chalky taste from the tofu was still evident, though it wasn’t bad. I upped the cocoa to mask that.
– increased the peppermint extract, as I couldn’t taste it at all in the original. I also tried this by using mint Hershey’s Kisses as part of the chocolate chip measurement, which was great.
This all mixed up in my Vitamix in a matter of minutes. Then you dump everything into a premade graham cracker or Oreo crust, top with more chips if you want, then let it set for a few hours.
There’s just something awesome about a smooth, cool pie in the summertime, and if it’s a bit healthier than the average pie… even better!
Bready or Not: Healthier Mint Chocolate Pie
Ingredients
- 1 ready graham cracker crust or Oreo crust
- 14 ounce firm tofu
- 4 tsp cocoa powder sifted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons milk almond milk works
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 8-10 ounces chocolate chips optional; also can mix in Hershey's Mint Kisses or other mint chips; reserve some chips for the top
- 2-3 Tablespoons maple syrup or agave or other sweetener
Instructions
- Set aside some of the chocolate if you want it for the top or mixed in. Melt the bulk of the chocolate.
- Add all of the other ingredients into a food processor or blender and pulse until very smooth.
- Scoop it into a prepared pie crust; it will be very thick. Place in fridge for several hours to set.
- Pie will keep perfectly well in fridge, covered, for up to a week.
OM NOM NOM!
