Jennifer Sommer
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Orange Brownies

12/14/2015

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Ingredients:
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, divided

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 orange
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 Tablespoon orange liqueur (I used Cointreau)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
2/3 cup cup coarsely chopped roasted hazelnuts
5 slices candied orange peel, cut into pieces (recipe to follow)

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NaNoWriMo 2015 - Result

12/1/2015

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NaNoWriMo 2015 is over. Did I reach 50,000 words? I know everyone is just dying to know. The answer is no. I only reached a little over 43,000. Only. The more important question is, did I reach my goal? If the question is, did I find my narrator's voice, then I think the answer is most definitely yes. And I think I finally figured out the story's structure as well.

I was trying to write a story with a narrator and a main character who wasn't the narrator. But the main character wasn't really the one I wanted to write about. I wanted to write about the narrator. The cat. He was also the one everyone else seemed to be interested in hearing about. Not the main character, a princess. It turns out I really wanted to write about cats and fairies, and not humans quite so much. So, that's what I did. The humans have taken a backstage to cats, fairies, a leprechaun, and lots of gloved hands. That last bit is hard to explain without a lot of backstory, which I'm not going to do, so take my word on it.

I'm moving through the new version of the story with pace and sliding into the final third of my manuscript. It's all working nicely. I'm pleased with it. I think it's a good story. I consider NaNoWriMo 2015 a success. Even without 50,000 completed words.  


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    I am a writer of Children's and Young Adult books. I received my MFA in Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, and am an active member of SCBWI. I also have my MLS in Library Science with an emphasis on children and happily worked as a Children's Librarian for nearly 20 years. One of my favorite activities was reading books aloud to kids, especially to school-aged kids. Like the kids, I enjoy having stories read to me, so I listen to many of my books on audio and serve on audio judging committees.
    Another favorite activity is creating fun snacks for library programs, friends, and family. I do that a lot and continually search for more ideas.
    I have a very large Russian Blue mix cat named Bosley from the shelter, and a rescue dog named Prince Albert. He's a Cavapoo, which means he's part Cavalier King Charles and part poodle, and adorable. I am married and live in Dayton, Ohio with my husband Rod.
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    You can find more detailed information about me by clicking the link below:
    View my profile on LinkedIn
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