Covington Chronicles Series--Book #7 is coming soon.

1. Secret Promise  Caroline must rely on faith as she struggles between honoring a long-held promise to her family or following her heart. 
2. The Courtship of Miss Loretta Larson A school teacher in her late thirties has grieved over lost love, and she decides it's time to look for love again.
3. The Dream Bucket  A father burns in a housefire, which leaves the family to move into a shack.
4. Manuela Blayne, A Life Apart A young girl suffers as her best friend, who is African American, endures being shot at and raped.
5. Travelers in Painted Wagons on Cohay Creek A young boy abused by his father is befriended by Gypsies in a story of passion, searching for love and romance, and a loss of control.
6. House of Seven In a mixture of romance, comedy, and mystery, seven unlikely characters move into a house and depend on each other for survival.
7. Letter from Belleau Wood  (work in progress) A college student says goodbye to three men going to France during World War I and fights her own battle with the influenza pandemic.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Memories of Marguerite

When my first cousin Marguerite went to heaven last week, my sister Ruth met her at the gate. In my mind I can see them hugging. 

Ruth told me some stories about their childhood. Along with the hope of joining them in the distant future, I find comfort in memories of their past.

 

Marguerite and Tom Woodard
Photo by Leslie Brown

Ruth told about an adventure they had:

When Marguerite was twelve and I was eleven, her mother had been taking us boat riding in a little wooden paddleboat in a nearby pond.

One day we walked over to the pond. We were sure that if we got into the boat we would know how to paddle it, so we piled in and started beating the water with the paddles. The boat started moving out into the deep water.

We couldn’t synchronize our motions. If one of us paddled on the right, both of us did. If one paddled on the left, both did. All we did was go in circles in the center of the pond. For what seemed like two hours, we two girls—with nobody in hearing range—circled around and around in the deep water until finally we landed at the dam, where we were able to climb out the boat.

We never told a living person, and we never tried again. We never had the temptation.

------

Marguerite Hester Woodard, the daughter of Marion and Idell Hester, was an intelligent lady who retired from her career at a bank. She and her husband Tom operated an embroidery business after they retired. I asked her for a recipe to put in a collection. She didn’t send me a recipe, but she wrote me a letter. Here’s the body of it. “Aunt Myrtle” was my mother.

Aunt Myrtle cooked:

I don’t cook much.  I remember more about the way Aunt Myrtle cooked than about how my mama cooked. It was so different.

I remember the time when I spent the night with Ruth and Aunt Myrtle wanted to fix something special for breakfast. She got up and killed a chicken, and she fried it and cooked rice and gravy for breakfast.

I had trouble eating it that early in the day. Mama never fixed that except for Sunday dinner.

Aunt Myrtle used to make fig ice cream. It was unusual. She made fruitcake that tasted different from anybody else’s. It didn’t matter what the recipe called for. She put whatever kind of fruit and nuts she had into it.

            I didn’t like soft teacakes. Aunt Myrtle used to make them for me the way I liked them. They rattled. She said it all had to do with how much lard and sugar you put.

She used to put syrup, eggs, lard, and sugar in them. She would make a hole in the flour and mix them in there with her hand like making biscuits. They were good.

------

Ruth gave me this recipe:

Molasses Tea Cakes

1 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

½ cup molasses

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs, beaten

Enough self-rising flour to achieve cookie-dough consistency

Extra flour as needed

Preheat the oven to 350°. Cream the shortening, the sugar, and the molasses together.  Add the vanilla and eggs.  Gradually add the flour and stir until smooth.  Roll on a floured board and cut with a cookie cutter or shape the dough into teacakes with your hands. 

Bake until light brown.                              

Note from Ruth:

Actually Myrtle sifted a mound of flour into her biscuit-mixing pan, a small galvanized dishpan used exclusively for this purpose.  Then she combined the other ingredients in a separate bowl and poured them into a hole she made in the flour hill.  She mixed the cookies with her hand and shaped them like thin biscuits.

An Interview with Jodi Hockinson of Southeast Media Productions

Introducing Jodi Hockinson--Publisher, Author, Voice Actor, Producer

I first met Jodi Hockinson on Amazon's service for recording books, ACX,  "a marketplace where authors, literary agents, publishers, and other Rights Holders can connect with narrators, engineers, recording studios, and other Producers capable of producing a finished audiobook."  She fulfills the requirements for a producer who records books. Her work in this field is impressive.

Soon it became obvious to me that Jodi is a multi-talented author of fiction and nonfiction publications. I soon learned that she makes excellent trailers (promotional videos) for books. As she and I continued to work together, I discovered she has a vast amount of knowledge about publishing and electronic production. Her educational background is astonishing. She makes few errors in whatever she does and always has a positive attitude. On the other hand, she tactfully points out the mistakes I make. Every writer needs someone like Jodi!

Jodi has a rare combination of qualities, both personal and professional. She is always pleasant, always enthusiastic, friendly, and ambitious to succeed. She has a high standard of quality. Jodi always looks on the positive side. It is my pleasure to share her with you here in the Collard Patch. If you are a writer, you'll be amazed to find a small, but rapidly growing publisher, who is willing to look at the submissions of authors working in various genres. If you enjoy reading or listening, you'll delight in the various trailers she has produced, which are entertaining simply to watch.

Here is an interview in which she tells about her business.

What is Southeast Media Productions?

Southeast Media Productions is a video production and book publishing company located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

What is your website address (URL)?

https://semediapro.com

What is your physical address?

401 E. Louther St., Suite 216, Carlisle, PA, 17013

What services do you offer?

Locally, we offer video production and podcast services.  This can be anything from a video trailer to a broadcast commercial, promotion video, instructional video or even a documentary.

Nationally, we offer book publishing services - that's my department!  We are a zero-investment publisher.  As an author myself, I understand the need to focus on writing, and not on all of the other things needed to get a book published.  When we accept a manuscript for publication, we work on editing, cover design, Kindle layout, paperback interior layout, and even a video trailer as well as posting a dedicated author page.

How long have you been publishing books?

Wow - I had self-published my first book back in 1998 and kept going from there!  Over the years, I have published 7 books that are currently in print. We started adding on additional authors early in 2019.  I'm honored to say that Mary Lou Cheatham was the first one!

You say you do traditional publishing. Why do you consider yourself a traditional publisher?

We don't require any investment from the author in order to publish.  We publish through Amazon, which offers a print-on-demand service.  Once we enter into a publishing agreement with an author, we edit, layout the interior and design the covers for a professional, quality product that can be ordered as a Kindle or paperback through Amazon or through expanded distribution (depending on trim size). 

We understand how much work the author has done to get to the finished manuscript.  After writing that manuscript, there is still a ton of work to be done, and that's what we're here to do.

How do you get paid?

We keep one-half of the royalties paid by Amazon.  The author gets the other half.  

What are some of the unique benefits for a writer publishing with your company?

Although anyone can self-publish through Amazon, there are a lot of benefits to using our company.  

• No charge for professional editing and proof-reading
• No charge for professional cover design
• No charge for videos made with stock footage and images
• More time to spend on writing
• You can promote your book any way you like  

What types of books do you publish?

We are open to works of all genres.  We have published special interest diet books (for gout and ulcerative colitis), tutorials, self-help, poetry, and an assortment of novels from historical fiction to fantasy, to cozy murder mystery, and even a suspense thriller.

Who are some of the authors who have published through Southeast Media Productions?

• Dallas Monroe
• Mary Lou Cheatham
• Jonni Rich
• Lyn Morgan
• Debi King
• Stephanie Basco Sullivan
• Larry Jorgensen
• Stormy Chalmers
• Jodi Hockinson

What are some of the ways you provide publicity?

We provide some publicity, such as posting in our newsletters and on Facebook, and we create a professional video trailer that is provided to the author.  We also create a dedicated author page that the author may use as a media kit page.  Since there are a lot of ways the author can promote via social media that are low cost, we leave that to the author.  In addition, we continuously conduct assorted promotions via YouTube, Amazon, etc.  We also provide a podcast interview for our authors, also free of charge.

Besides publishing books, what else do you do?

I write, play piano, exercise, host a podcast show, and work as an audience development specialist for a B2B publishing group. 

What are your long range goals in the publishing business?

My goal is to reach 200 authors - and when we reach that goal, we'll set a new one!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Houston, Texas.  I was surrounded by elegant, southern ladies who always had a smile.  I still say that Texas has the most polite people I know.

Where did you go to college?

I have three degrees - a BA in social sciences/history from Thomas Edison State University in New Jersey, an AA in liberal arts through Polk State College in Florida, and an AS as a dietetic technician, registered, through Central Arizona College.  I also attended USF (in Florida) and Chaffey College (in California). I am a CDM (Certified Dietary Manager) and NDTR (Nutrition and Dietetics Technion Registered), as well as CFPP(Certified Food Protection Professional).

When did you become interested in writing, publishing, and voice acting?

I wanted to write ever since I can remember!  I grew up in a Methodist family, and sang in the church choir since I was in kindergarten.  I performed in musical productions at least twice a year, often playing leading roles.  I also attended the High School of Performing and Visual Arts in Houston.  I always loved singing and performing, so it seemed natural when the opportunity arose to begin narrating and recording voice-overs.  Publishing became a new love - I have great fun in copy editing and project management, so publishing, for me, is the perfect outlet.

What are the various subjects you have studied and how do these help you in your publishing business?

I have studied nutrition, which has been instrumental in my special interest diet books (so far, gout and ulcerative colitis).  I have also studied history, public speaking, social sciences, literature, ethics and mass communications.  I have interned as a newspaper reporter and as a dietetic technician, registered.  I also once worked as a weather anchor.  I feel like anything I read, learn or experience helps increase my understanding of the publishing business and my role within it.  

How does your husband help with your publishing business?

My husband, Craig, has years of video production experience, dating back to the days of linear editing, which could be excruciating!  He has always been supportive in helping me achieve my goals, and he is constantly helping out with video and still shots, artistic design, and even as a sounding board for ideas.

Jodi's Crabmeat Salad

Jodi Hockinson, who is publishing my books, is an excellent cook. She is generously sharing a recipe. This looks tempting, and it is easy to prepare. Here is Jodi's recipe with special instructions:

My Favorite Crabmeat Salad

This is my go-to dish for pot lucks.  I normally use imitation crab meat in this recipe, because I like the red color accents, and because I have friends who have shellfish allergies.  If you decide to use real crab meat, switch the green bell pepper to a red one.  

Crabmeat Salad

1 pound imitation crabmeat, finely chopped

1 medium Vidalia onion, minced

1 jalapeño pepper (pith and seeds removed), minced

1 green bell pepper (pith and seeds removed), finely chopped

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Combine ingredients in a large mixing bowl and fold until all is evenly distributed.   Add a little cayenne pepper to your taste, especially if the jalapeño is a mild one. Makes about 5 cups of salad.

The pic shows a serving of crabmeat salad along with cool ranch nachos and a spring mix salad.

Thanks, Jodi, for sharing!

John's Potato Salad

Boil, cool, and peel:
6 eggs

Boil or slow cook. Cool. Peel if you like. Cut into cubes:
5 pounds russet potatoes

Mix together: (Use mortar and pestle if you wish.) 
Black pepper to taste
Cayenne pepper
About 1 teaspoon ground paprika
About 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle
About 2 teaspoons Goya Adobo All Purpose Seasoning (This is salty. You won't need extra salt.)
1-2 teaspoons sugar (no more!)
Add this as you wish. You may want to use some of it as a garnish.

Chop or slice. Mix:
A bunch of green onions including tops
4 celery ribs
1 green bell pepper
1 small purple onion
Fresh cilantro as desired
Fresh parsley as desired
1/2 cup pimiento-stuffed olives (Slice in half. Don't substitute ripe olives.)
1/2 cup bread and butter pickle slices
Add all these ingredients to the potatoes except celery.

Add as you stir:
1/4 cup dill pickle juice
As much Hellman's mayonnaise as you need
Mustard as desired

Finish by adding the eggs and celery.  Don't stir it too much after you add the eggs.

Cover and chill.

Come on, friends. Let's get happy.

My birthday occurs this week. It's a  time I like to shop for new clothes until I drop. This year I asked my daughter to take me fishing. Yes, we socially distanced. No, I didn't catch any fish, but we had a great time. At my age, why do I need so many clothes anyway? I just need to deal with the shrinkage they're experiencing from hanging in my closet.

You may think it's impossible to be happy because of circumstances. Sunday night I was thinking about writing this blog just to tell you why I'm happy. First we wanted to take a quick walk, but it appeared that a storm was coming. I came back home in time to hear on the radio that a hail storm with 60 mph wind gusts was headed toward us.  We've had two powerful hail storms lately, I'm thankful we've cleaned out enough of the garage to park the car inside.

The storm didn't come, and I decided to take out the garbage. Here's what happened next. The garbage bag popped open for some mysterious reason and dumped the garbage on the floor. So I decided to sweep up the garbage, but John had moved one of the plants and dropped the saucer under the pot. He was busy sweeping up the glass at the front door.

By then, I started thinking maybe this wasn't the night to blog about all the circumstances that make me happy, and John said something profound. He said, "I'm going to be as strong and upright as the bench.

Oh, here comes the storm.

 In this crazy time when life has a new set of rules, what are  you doing to stay happy? I'd love to hear from you.

My niece suggested we have a food service deliver us a package of meal kits every week. She and her mother have been enjoying doing this. We cook like we've never cooked before.

I'm writing more and faster than ever. Jodi Hockinson, of Southeast Media Productions, is helping me reproduce Manuela Blayne, A Life Apart, a short book about an African American girl, who endures an incredibly horrible life lacking in opportunity. She knows the secret of happiness. I first wrote this short novel in 2015, and I'm really excited that Southeast Media Productions is breathing new life into it and giving it a new cover. When it is released, I'll mention it here in the Collard Patch blog.

Also I'm writing a novel about the flu pandemic of 1918 during World War I. Conditions then were similar to what we're going through now. I've been reading about influenza and the first world war.

John is gardening and learning to play tuba. We enjoy our life together.

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. (Habakkuk 3:17-18, KJV)

Seriously, I'd love to hear from you. Tell me what you've been doing. You can always reach me on Facebook Messenger.