Keeping History Alive with Food and Traditions

12 July 2022 by Tambra Nicole Kendall

Hello y’all,

As some of you may know, I’ve been busily trying to buy all of the BBC farm series and the companion books that go with them. I think I’m missing two of the series: Tudor Monastery Farm and Secrets of the Castle. It took ages and ages to find Wartime Farm for a price I could afford.

Coffee in a dainty gold floral china cup

In Edwardian Farm Ruth learns to make Cut Rounds from Executive Chef Richard Hunt and they looked wonderful. Cut Rounds are savoury with a sturdier texture than scones, to hold more cream and jam. Searching for recipes I kept finding Cut Round recipes using yeast and the recipes in Edwardian Farm did not use yeast. I finally, FINALLY found a recipe at a fantastic blog, For the Feast. This is new discovery but I will be back to search through Carrie’s recipes. Here’s the link to her Devonshire Cream Scones https://forthefeast.com/devonshire-cream-scones/

If you have family recipes make sure they are written down and put together so you can find them. Copy and share them with your loved ones. Children and grandchildren need the connection of recipes from generations. The stories and traditions should be with the recipes as well as photos if you have them. Family history is just as important as history in the wider scheme of things. Family recipes and traditions are jewels to be treasured. Create an ebook or print book to share with your family. Once family members are gone so is the opportunity to hear their stories and the food that was important to them.

I’ve been looking for recipe books during the Great Depression and World War II. A few years ago, I found Clara Canucciari’s YouTube channel and then purchased her cookbook which has her memories of the Great Depression. You can find her book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005LVOA2M/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

Teddy Bear tea picnic

Here are some of my historical recipe resource books: Dorothy Hartley’s Lost Country Life and Food in England. Dr. Lucy Worsley has a fabulous program called Food in England about her. You can find it on YouTube.

Fabulous Feasts by Madeleine Pelner Cosman https://www.amazon.com/Fabulous-Feasts-Medieval-Cookery-Ceremony/dp/080760898X, Julia Child Mastering the Art of French Cooking Volume 1 and 2. Modern Cookery in All Its Branches by Eliza Acton https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Cookery-All-Its-Branches/dp/1375610406, Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management by Isabella Beeton https://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Beetons-Book-Household-Management/dp/1510760253. The New Butterick Cookbook by Flora Rose, Cornell University, copyright 1924, American Cookery by Amelia Simmons, an American Orphan published in 1796. Carla Emery’s Encyclopedia of Country Living https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Country-Living-50th-Anniversary-ebook/dp/B07QXG7266/ref=sr_1_1crid=ZVL6M6L6U7RS&keywords=carla+emery&qid=1657658683&s=digital-text&sprefix=Carla+Emery%2Cdigital-text%2C119&sr=1-1

I hope you found this post helpful for preserving the history of your family. My historical books are a great resource for writers and those interested in history.

Blessings to you all, Tambra

The Essentials of Characterization and Plotting Workshop Links

May 28, 2022

Hi y’all,

Here are the social media links that take you to Savvy Authors to sign up for my month long workshop. If you’ve been considering taking my class now is the time.

This is the only one scheduled this year. I hope you’ll join me as we go through the essentials of characterization and plotting. These two areas of writing are vital for the creation of fiction writing.

Details for The Essentials of Characterization and Plotting with Tambra Nicole Kendall

https://savvyauthors.com/community/classes/the-essentials-of-characterization-and-plotting-with-tambra-nicole-kendall.1873/

Level Mixed Basic and Premium Members Prices

Premium Members $30 & Basic Members $40

Register by June 20th and save $5, use code ESSENTIALSKENDALL2022 at checkout! Category

1. Characters
2. Description/Setting
3. Dialogue
4. Structure
5. GMC
6. Plotting
7. Worldbuilding

$5 off Early Registration Coupon-expires 1 week before class starts ESSENTIALSKENDALL2022 Class Length 4 Weeks

This workshop material is for beginning and intermediate writers, but all are welcome!

Having a good foundation in fiction writing skills is vital. Our goal is to keep readers turning the pages and buying more of our books. Join me as we learn and discuss the techniques of characterization and plot and their relationship. Ready to get started? Here are a few of the lesson topics:

• Brainstorming: various ways to brainstorm your ideas
• Backstory, using plot sketches, show, don’t tell
• Creating three-dimensional characters
• World building, and more!

This workshop also includes a mini course on writing hot. Class Format

Savvy Authors’ workshops are held on a forum: a bulletin board based system. You will receive a reminder notice one day prior to the start of the workshop that includes instructions on how to access the workshop forum. If you have not received instructions by the day the workshop begins, please check your spam filter.
The forum will be available the morning (EST) of the day the workshop starts and will remain accessible to all participants thereafter.

I’m thrilled to be able to teach again and share my material with you. My website has testimonials from former students if you’re interested in seeing how the course helped them. Join me and we can learn from each other!

Hugs to all, Tambra Nicole

Photo by Hannah Grace, Unsplash website. Writing motivation.

I’m Teaching a Workshop!

Hi y’all!

Fountain Pen Nib

May 4, 2022

I’m so excited to announce my workshop The Essentials of Characterization and Plotting that will begin at the end of June for Savvy Authors. As soon as I get a link for you to sign up I’ll post it.

THE ESSENTIALS OF CHARACTERIZATIOHN AND PLOTTING

Instructor: Tambra Nicole Kendall

Code: ESSENTIALSKENDALL2022

Characterization, plot, GMC, saggy middle, viewpoint, worldbuilding, tension

Course length: 4 weeks

Date: June 27, 2022 to July 24, 2022

This workshop material is for beginning and intermediate writers, but all are welcome!

Having a good foundation in fiction writing skills is vital. Our goal is to keep readers turning the pages and buying more of our books. Join me as we learn and discuss the techniques of characterization and plot and their relationship. Ready to get started? Here are a few of the lesson topics:

• Brainstorming: various ways to brainstorm your ideas
• Backstory, using plot sketches, show, don’t tell
• Creating three-dimensional characters
• World building, and more!

This workshop also includes a mini course on writing hot.

I hope you’ll join me for this workshop on characterization and plotting plus all the other fun aspects of writing!

Hugs, Tambra

Writing, Research, and Life

New cover for my short erotic romance, Wicked Temptations

April 6, 2022

Hello everyone,

It’s been a little while since I’ve posted. I had breast reduction surgery during the first part of December 2021. My neck doesn’t hurt as much and the strain on my lower back has been reduced, less headaches too. The surgery took 5 hours. The swelling can take up to a year to go down. There are areas that are still swollen. Was it worth it? YES.

At the end of December, I found out I had Covid and bronchitis at the same time. Not an experience I want to repeat. But, I am so grateful and blessed I didn’t have to go to the hospital.

Recently, I’ve joined the professional writing group Sisters in Crime. I’m looking forward to learning from the members and the activities offered. As with any writer, there are topics I love to research. Currently, I’m researching spycraft. Some of the books I’ve purchased: The Official C.I.A. Manual of Trickery and Deception by H. Keith Melton and Robert Wallace. OSS Special Weapons & Equipment Spy Devices of WWII by H. Keith Melton. And Ultimate Spy by H. Keith Melton. If Mr. Melton’s name is familiar you might have watched him on the Netflix show Spycraft.

Other topics of interest to me are the Victorian and Edwardian eras, Celtic mythology, Scottish and English history along with some Welsh and Irish history too. Cooking and hand sewing techniques. The Knights Templar, King Arthur, my family ancestry, aromatherapy and essential oils, herbalism, Ayurveda. Toss in a bit of paranormal stuff. When you write, you gravitate to things that interest you and that inspire your passion and imagination.

I’m a big fan of the Tudor Monastery, Victorian, Edwardian, and Wartime Farm series. I have Tales from the Green Valley, Victorian Pharmacy, and Victorian Farm. As you can tell, I love Ruth Goodman, Alex Langlands, and Peter Ginn. I still need to purchase Tudor Monastery Farm, Edwardian, and Wartime Farms. I have favourite historians (y’all aren’t surprised at this information.): Lucy Worsely, Ronald Hutton, Susannah Lipscomb, Dan Jones, and Neil Oliver.

If you’re looking for a wonderful craft person I’ve been watching Nik the Booksmith and Jennibellie on YouTube for a number of years. Nik and Jennibellie are fun and creative. Bernadette Banner is wonderful! Her skill in working with Vintage clothing is amazing. Amber Burchart’s series A Stitch in Time is interesting and well done. Other YouTubers I subscribe to are Lost in the Pond, Dr. Kat, and Dr. Octavia Cox.

I never know when an idea for a story or character will come so I try to keep my mind open. Ideas for characters and plots are everywhere. Write what you love and be a life-long student learning the craft of writing. I hope you found some useful information in this blog post.

Wishing you much love and happiness, Tambra Nicole

A Season of Reflection and Gratitude

28 November 2021 by Tambra Nicole Kendall

Image of a starry sky by Larisa Koshkina

In the past hubby and I have tried to make it to a Transiberian Orchestra concert during the Christmas holiday. It would have been lovely to attend this year but with Covid not under control, I don’t want to take any unnecessary risks. They put on such a wonderful show. You feel energized and happy when you leave.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHioIlbnS_A

I hope the link works so you can hear the Transiberian Orchestra if you haven’t before. I grateful we’ve had the opportunity to attend their concerts in the past. Ten years ago that wouldn’t have been possible. There are so many blessings. Food, shelter, a nice little town where I can walk Smudge and not worry about my safety.

I have a good team of doctors helping me live life as best I can with the chronic conditions I have. The coming new year will find me focused on getting back into doing Zumba Express and some Bollywood Dance to lose some weight and strengthen my muscles and stamina. There are a number writing projects I’d love to finish and share with you. One of my goals is to figure out how to focus better. Recently, I had someone confirm that my creative energy in art and craft feeds my writing energy. This reminder came at the perfect time.

I’m grateful for the people who read my blog and Smudge’s Doggy Bloggy. We thank you for your comments and for staying with us. The act of being grateful changes your whole focus. Jack Canfield is one of the people I listen to on the topic.

A few days ago, I watched my favourite Christmas movie, White Christmas the song, Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep explains gratitude perfectly and simply. Here are the lyrics if you don’t know them.

Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep

Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby

When I’m worried and I can’t sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings. I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you’re worried and you can’t sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you’ll fall asleep counting your blessingsI think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you’re worried and you can’t sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings

Source: LyricFindSongwriters: Irving BerlinCount Your Blessings Instead of Sheep lyrics © Concord Music Publishing LLC

Vintage illustration of a Westie and Scottie dog wearing red bows and looking through a window

My wish is for all of you to have the happiest holiday season with your loved ones. Until we meet here again, take care of yourselves and each other.

Tambra

NaNoWriMo According to Smudge MacRuff and a Printable Word Count Calendar

10 October 2021

Hi y’all,

Here’s no frills NaNoWriMo calendar. After you print it out you can add stickers or washi tape. 🙂 I think there’s enough space for you to write your word count beneath the word count number to keep you on track. I hope you find inspiration from the forums, meeting writers from all over the world, and being inspired to write the story of your heart. NaNo is supposed to be fun, not a drudge. Should you persevere at the end you’ll have a draft of a manuscript, a big portion of editing, forward progress on whatever you’re writing.

NaNo is all about getting the story down. Editing comes later.

Smudge Alpin MacRuff wants to help writers with NaNo so here’s his POV on what happens when you undertake the month of November’s literary abandon.

Think about what you want to write. Be sure you like it enough to write on the story everyday.

After you join NaNoWriMo get some writing friends to join you. Friends always make everything more fun!

Stay focused. Don’t quit! Quick, word sprints!

Why aren’t you cooperating story? I give you the evil eye. I do not like you anymore.

You see these shreds manuscript…that’s what will happen to you if you mess with me again.

Swift kick in the writing pants. I can do this because I’m the Boss!

You did it! Do something nice for yourself. All that hard work was worth it.

nanowrimo-2021-word-count-calendarDownload

All the best writing vibes and positive thoughts to everyone! Love, Tambra and Smudge

An Excellent Course

My sweet friend, Rae blogged about my upcoming workshop. Thank you, Rae!

powerfulwomenreaders

Always wanted to be a writer? Here’s a course that will help.

The Essentials of Characterization and Plotting Instructor: Tambra Nicole Kendall Registration Deadline:October 10, 2021 Start Date:October 6, 2021 End Date:November 1, 2021Class Fee in USD:$15 for HHRW members / $25 for non-membersGoogleiCalendarREGISTER NOW

In this course, we will discuss how to plot, what keeps it moving, and how storytellers drag readers into a fictional world and keep them there. We’ll learn point of view, story structure, pacing, world building, how to connect the beginning, middle and end, and more.

Tamara is a friend and a very capable teacher who has written since forever. She has mastered the skills of engaging writing, which is evident on every page of her books. I highly recommend this author and her course.

Thanks, Evin

---

---

View original post

Preptober for NaNoWriMo

24 September 2021

Old books on a shelf

Hi y’all,

I know this is a wee bit early before October but I wanted to go ahead and share some resources to help you prepare for National Novel Writing Month (November). If you have problems finishing a manuscript NaNoWriMo might help you finish. It teaches you how to muffle/choke your inner editor. Bribery works for my inner editor.

What if you aren’t writing fiction and still want to participate in this frenzied event? You can be a NaNo Rebel. A NaNo Rebel is a NaNoWriMo participant who chooses to write something besides a novel of at least 50,000 words in November. Some rebels choose to revise and edit their novels, while others wander into the worlds of nonfiction, video games, scripts, and academic writing.

Back to the topic of novel writing. It’s easy for a nonwriter or someone who only writes short stories to say, “writing a novel can’t be that hard.” It can be. Many people wistfully say they want to write a novel one day. I’ll bet they started to really think about it, then broke out into an icy sweat while slowly backing away from that idea.

Writing a novel can be a daunting task. I’ve found that breaking such a large project into smaller pieces makes the process less overwhelming and easier to organize. I write my stories in Word but keep them organized in Scrivener.

To have an idea of where I’m going, I write out what I know about the major plot points and/or the pinch points in my story. This is a good start but I also need a way to keep myself on track without interfering my flow of creativity. Using the Hero’s Journey and the 3-Act Structure, along with the plot points I’ve written out give me a road map to follow. BUT, this method also gives me the room I need if I come up with ideas that are better than my initial effort. A Google search brings up lots of resources to help you prepare for NaNo.

Reedsy has an article that explains the Three Act Structure if you’re unfamiliar with this story structure. https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/three-act-structure/

Here’s a link for the Hero’s Journey if you’d like to know more. https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/heros-journey/

Author, Eva Deverell has plethora of writing worksheets to help get your Preptober off to a great start! https://www.eadeverell.com/preptober-schedule/

The NaNo website has helpful information, too. https://nanowrimo.org/nano-prep-101

Here’s the word count breakdown to reach the 50,000 word goal: 1,667 words per day or 7 pages. If you can’t sit down and write that number of pages in a single sitting you can write 556 words in three sessions which will keep you at the daily goal.

Do you have a child or teen who’s a writer? NaNoWriMo has a Young Writer’s Program.

I hope the links provide a good starting place for your novel preparation. If you’ve always wanted to write a novel, don’t put it off. Take the plunge! Don’t worry if you don’t reach the 200 pages goal what’s important is that you learned more about writing, yourself, and maybe made some new writing friends.

Keep writing and creating!

Tambra

P.S. Don’t forget my Essentials of Characterization and Plotting workshop starts October 6. Here’s the link to register! https://www.heartsthroughhistory.com/event/the-essentials-of-characterization-and-plotting/

My October Workshop

September 10, 2021

Hi everyone,

cartoon cat writing at a desk.

I hope y’all are doing well!

I wanted to let you know I’ll be teaching my Essentials of Characterization and Plotting workshop. It begins October 6, 2021 and ends November 1, 2021. The cost for Hearts Through History members is $15, non-members $25. This is the only time this year I’ll be teaching it.

The length of the course is four weeks. I post lessons every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. If you’d like to read testimonials from people who’ve taken the course you can find it on my website: https://tambrakendall.com

Here’s a list of the lessons. I’ve tried to organise the material so the lessons build on each other making the material as cohesive as possible.

• Lesson One: Brainstorming
• Lesson Two: Backstory, Plot Sketches, Show, Don’t Tell and Effective Description
• Lesson Three: Character is Action, Plot is Action
• Lesson Four: GMC – Goal, Motivation and Conflict Goal, Urgency, Motivation
• Lesson Five: Writing Strong Characters and Viewpoint, Deep Point of View, Stimulus and Response
• Lesson Six: Sagging Middles
• Lesson Seven: Scene and Sequel Structure
• Lesson Eight: Plotting Methods
• Lesson Nine: Creating Dimensional Characters
• Lesson Ten: Adding Tension and Danger
• Lesson Eleven: Writing Sexual Tension
• Lesson Twelve: Basic Worldbuilding

As you can see, most of the lessons can be applied to other genres of fiction besides romance. I hope to see you in October!

Here’s the link to register for the workshop: https://www.heartsthroughhistory.com/event/the-essentials-of-characterization-and-plotting/

If you’re at my website, please consider signing up for my newsletter. In exchange for signing up, I offer a mini-journal. The schedule is approximately every quarter, unless something special is occurring. I’m passionate about using essential oils/natural healing, recycling/upcycling, Celtic mythology, the Templars and Arthurian history.

Have a great weekend!

Tambra

Recycled Lay’s Plastic Chip Container

July 1, 2021 by Tambra Nicole Kendall

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share with you my latest recycle. I’m sure you’ll find a number of uses for this project. I hate throwing away the plastic Lay’s chip container. Here are some of the things I used them for: watercolour brushes, silverware/plastic ware for camping or picnics, crayons, markers.

Today, I used some decorative tape (with paw prints) around the body. It will be added to Smudge’s tote bag to hold an extra leash, a roll of doggy poop bags and leaving enough room for a baggie with some treats and a small squeaky toy. I’m positive cat lovers would find a use for this idea.

Recycled plastic Lay’s chip container

I hope y’all are doing well and that this quick idea will help you. Camp NaNoWriMo starts today, so I’m off to see what I can get on the page. If you happen to participate in the literary activity you can find me as Tambra Nicole.

Hugs to all! Tambra