Making changes...and chaffles! Roxanne Rustand

When I developed a yearning to be a writer, it seemed like an impossible goal. I couldn't imagine actually "getting the call" from an editor. During those next five years, give or take, it seemed like an insurmountable barrier--like scaling Mount Everest barefoot. In the winter. But it also seemed as if once over that first peak, the process would be easier.  Surely then I would have learned the necessary skills! I was so naive. I didn't realize that the learning process would continue over the years--which has actually made it all so much more interesting, fun and challenging. Even after twenty years of writing for Love Inspired and other Harlequin lines, I never cease to be fascinated by all that I don't know, and the ways I want to become better.

In September I attended the Novelists Inc annual conference and also the the all-day pre-conference "Un-con" where authors discuss all aspects of being published; sharing what works (or doesn't work) for them. I couldn't take notes fast enough--and by the end of the week, I had filled a spiral notebook. It was wonderful!

I've been learning in other ways this fall.  That annual resolution for trying to lose weight usually lasts a day at best, because I'm an avid cook.  I love experimenting, love cooking for family and, well...love eating, too. LOL! There are two tall sets of bookshelves in the kitchen plus a smaller one, crammed with over three hundred cookbooks that I've collected over the years, and I subscribe to a number of cooking magazines as well.  I love trying out new ethnic restaurants, Do you have an engrossing hobby?  It might be better for me if mine didn't involve calories!  :)

At any rate, I finally heeded my doctor's advice and got more serious about health at the end of August.  Because so many friends have found success with a low carb diet, I've been trying that. And, despite the siren's call of my favorite cookbooks on the shelves and the glossy food magazines that arrive every month, I've found it fun to learn about a new way of thinking.

For instance, I had no idea that there were a number of Facebook groups devoted to low carb eating--and a number of groups are devoted to "chaffles." A new word in my lexicon, but instead of experimenting with a new souffle or unique versions of creme brulee, I've been experimenting with these sweet or savory mini-waffles that have almost no carbs (around 1-3 grams) and can used as, well, a waffle--or as a sub for bread. Or, with sweetener and flavorings, a treat!

Here are the pumpkin-shaped chaffles I made this morning, with this tiny waffle iron. The recipe is so simple, and one of these cuties is just 67 calories, 5 grams of protein and 1 gram of carbohydrate. Two could be a sandwich!

CHAFFLES
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1 egg
Pinch of salt
1 Tbsp almond flour
Seasonings of choice

This morning I added lemon zest, pumpkin pie spice, and a bit of sweetener, but the options for sweet or savory versions are endless.

What do you enjoy doing?  Have you developed new interests over the years?  Have you tried making positive health changes lately? I would love to hear about what you have been doing!

Leave a comment and you'll be entered in a drawing for my new Love Inspired novel, SNOWBOUND WITH THE COWBOY, which will be out in late December!

All the best,
Roxanne Rustand

RWA, NINC and the wonderful world of writers. And a drawing for a free book! Roxanne Rustand

Last week reminded me of just how much I love the writing community.

Back in 1993, I had my first experience with the wonderfully open, giving world of writers, when I began meeting with a very small group of aspiring writers.  I knew less than nothing--really--and had not a thought in my head about being published. I simply enjoyed the process of writing. But everyone was serious about writing. A mere social gathering it was not! We were learning together, honing our skills through detailed critiquing, and wanting each other to succeed. Lyn Cote was the most advanced and dedicated member of our group, and she taught me a lot!

  Later, when we learned about Romance Writers of America, an organization currently over 10,000 members, we began going to workshops, regional conferences and the national conferences, where there were chances to hear successful, multi-published authors sharing their knowledge about the writing process and the industry as a whole. It amazed me that these authors were so open and giving, wanting to help others be successful.  Not every successful professional group is that nurturing toward the upcoming generations in its field! Here is a photo of our little writing group at the 1995 RWA Conference in Hawaii--our first national conference. I was in awe of every author there!

Another wonderful group is Novelists Inc-- an organization of published authors.  My daughter (who helps me part-time as my author assistant) and I have just returned from the Novelists Inc annual conference in St. Pete's Beach, Florida.  Wow. Publishing industry professionals gave excellent presentations, and there were many, many outstanding workshops given by successful authors.  My spiral notebook had fifty pages of notes by the time the conference was over.  Yet another example of just how giving and open authors are toward each other, rather than guarding their knowledge. This is a photo from our balcony.

Have you had a similar experience in your own profession? Or in a social or church group? I'd love to give someone an e-copy of my novel Summer at Briar Lake. Just leave a comment at the bottom of this post to be entered in the drawing!

Best wishes to you all for a wonderful fall!

Roxanne Rustand