Kitt said to write about the things for which I’m thankful. Easier said than done. I suppose I could start by saying I’m thankful for a husband who watches television alone while I’m sequestered in my office writing, but before you start feeling sorry for him, I should add that I occasionally grace him with my company. And yes, it still counts as togetherness even though I’m reading. I’m also thankful he doesn’t complain about the amount of money spent on my reading and writing habits….although it’s quite possible he’s never seen the figures. Purely accidental. And if you tell him anything different, I’ll deny it ‘til I’m blue in the face.

I’m thankful for writers who plop their butts in their chairs and diligently write, day after day, ignoring husbands, children, and pets until their work is polished and ready to publish. I have endless admiration for their single-mindedness. Truth be told, it’s actually envy. Yes, I envy their determination and hope to emulate it one day soon.

I’m also thankful for authors who take time to read their own work, strive for correct grammar and punctuation, and deliver solid plots and engaging characters. Many great stories have died a miserable death due to poor editing, characters behaving inconsistently, and/or using tired, worn clichés. Just as many marginal stories have done quite well because someone took the time to edit properly, check for inconsistencies, and find new, snappy ways of rewording the clichés. I’m eternally grateful to those people.

Next on my list are the agents, editors, publishers, proofers, artists, and everyone else involved in the publishing business. I’ve developed a tremendous respect for this hardworking group that wades through mountains of drivel to get to the good stuff then labors to polish it and get it out there. They have my undying gratitude.

Even though this is by no means my entire list, I wanted to leave room for one of my favorite recipes. So enjoy the holidays, and if you’re reading and enjoying a book….thank a teacher.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Mona Leigh

Cheddar Apple Crisp

• 6 medium apples
• ¼ cup water
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup flour
• 1/3 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter
• 6 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (approx. 1-1/2 cups)

Peel, quarter, core, and slice apples.
Arrange slices in a shallow, greased baking dish (9×13 works well)
Mix water and lemon juice and drizzle over apples
In large bowl mix sugar, cinnamon, flour and salt
Work in butter to form a crumbly mixture for topping
Add shredded cheese to topping and stir lightly
Spread mixture over apples and bake at 350 degrees until apples are tender and topping is crisp – approximately 30 – 35 minutes.

Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!

Mona's first grade teacher, Mrs. Stanford, gifted her with the love of reading. For that, she'll always live in her heart. But reading took over Mona's life, eclipsing everything but playing sports, and has continued to be a huge part of her life. Although she has always written poetry and stories for her self, last year she decided to try her hand at writing fiction. She is currently editing her first urban fantasy and hopes to have it ready for the agent by summer's end. Besides reading, Mona loves speed in the form of fast cars. The faster, the better! In her next life, she plans to drive race cars (or whatever happens to be their replacement in the future) all while reading and writing. She has also taken up rune reading, and find it to be disturbingly accurate and exciting.

Doll Mona Leigh

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