Pitch Wars ALT: VB-3 - THE INCREASINGLY PREPOSTEROUS ADVENTURES OF ATTICUS SWEENY

MENTOR: Stephanie Funk
ALTERNATE: Mike Samonek
TITLE: THE INCREASINGLY PREPOSTEROUS ADVENTURES OF ATTICUS SWEENY
CATEGORY/GENRE: MG Adventure
WORD COUNT: 36,000

PITCH: Dale Fenwicks’ stultifying summer break is disrupted by the arrival of Atticus Sweeny, a larger-than-life eccentric kid bent on adventure. When Dale and Atticus discover an ancient magic carpet, they’re thrust into the center of a centuries-old battle. Dale must find the courage in himself to destroy the carpet before forces of evil can use its power to rule the world.

Pitch Wars ALT: VB-2 - RIDING ON SHOULDERS

MENTOR: Veronica Bartles
ALTERNATE: Khyl Shumway
TITLE: RIDING ON SHOULDERS
CATEGORY/GENRE: MG Fantasy
WORD COUNT: 51,000

PITCH:  Chandler is a shoulder-guardian angel. Lucy is the infuriating devil on the other shoulder. When a deadly secret society goes after their mortal friend, Chandler and Lucy may have to resort to the unthinkable: working together.

Pitch Wars ALT: VB-1 - DARCY DARKLING AND THE FORGOTTEN CITY

MENTOR: Brent Taylor
ALTERNATE: Stacey Trombley
TITLE: DARCY DARKLING AND THE FORGOTTEN CITY
CATEGORY/GENRE: MG urban fantasy
WORD COUNT: 45,000

PITCH: Darcy finds an abandoned underground city (coolest secret ever) but when she gets lost in the tunnels she’ll have to find her own way out or hope the darkling creatures are nicer than they look.

Better Than "Berger" Cookies Recipe

In November, my friend Amie posted a link on Facebook to an article from the North Baltimore Patch website about how the FDA's proposed ban on trans fats would destroy the beloved Baltimore tradition: The Berger Cookie.

For those of you who didn't grow up in Maryland, a Berger Cookie is a big, soft sugar cookie topped with a thick layer of fudge. And yes, they are delicious. It would be a shame if they disappeared.

The article states:

Berger Cookies, cake-like cookies topped with a thick slab of fudge, have been prepared with the same basic recipe since the 1800s in Baltimore.

But two of the cookies’ key ingredients—margarine and fudge—contain partially hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oil, a source of trans fat.

And then we have this quote from owner and president Charles DeBaufre Jr.:
“We’ve tried it and trust me, it is nasty. It doesn’t taste right,” DeBaufre said. “The texture’s not there. It’s an entirely different product.”

But wait: If they've been using the same basic recipe since the 1800s, wouldn't they already have somewhere in the archives a solution to the trans fat dilemma? As far as I know, cooks weren't using partially-hydrogenated oils in their baked goods 200 years ago. But I'm not a food historian, so I might be wrong. It's entirely possible that trans fats have always been a part of the recipe. Still, I wasn't convinced that the trans fat ban (if passed - anyone know if it actually went through??) would spell doom for this decadent dessert. And to prove my point, I made my own Berger Cookies, which I believe are even better than the cookies I used to buy at the grocery store when I lived in Maryland.

*Note: The following recipe is not entirely my own. I combined my mom's recipes for Sugar Cookies and Fudge, with just a few minor tweaks.

 Better than Berger Cookies

Pitch Wars Team Magic Spotlight: Naomi Milliner

The agent round of Pitch Wars is almost upon us, and I can't wait to introduce the fabulous Team Magic manuscripts to the world! These fabulous folks can really write, and I've been blown away by both the quality of their work, and the level of commitment my fabulous Team Magic people have put into polishing up their manuscripts over the past several weeks. But it's not time to reveal their pitches yet. You'll have to wait a few more days for the magic. In the meantime, I'd like to introduce you to the amazing members of Team Magic. 

Today, we're talking with my mentee, Naomi Milliner.

Pitch Wars Team Magic Spotlight: Khyl Shumway

The agent round of Pitch Wars is almost upon us, and I can't wait to introduce the fabulous Team Magic manuscripts to the world! These fabulous folks can really write, and I've been blown away by both the quality of their work, and the level of commitment my fabulous Team Magic people have put into polishing up their manuscripts over the past several weeks. But it's not time to reveal their pitches yet. You'll have to wait a few more days for the magic. In the meantime, I'd like to introduce you to the amazing members of Team Magic. 

Today, I'd like to introduce you to alternate #1: Khyl Shumway. 

Pitch Wars Team Magic Spotlight: Toni De Palma

The agent round of Pitch Wars is almost upon us, and I can't wait to introduce the fabulous Team Magic manuscripts to the world! These fabulous folks can really write, and I've been blown away by both the quality of their work, and the level of commitment my fabulous Team Magic people have put into polishing up their manuscripts over the past several weeks. But it's not time to reveal their pitches yet. You'll have to wait a few more days for the magic. In the meantime, I'd like to introduce you to the amazing members of Team Magic. 

We'll start with alternate #2: Toni De Palma,

Pitch Wars: You Might Have Been Closer Than You Think

 

As you know, I'm one of the lucky authors participating as a mentor in Pitch Wars this year. In December, hundreds of hopeful entrants sent their carefully-constructed queries, along with the first five pages of their manuscripts, to their favorite mentors. And we spent days reading through the entries over and over again, discussing our favorites behind the scenes and trying to narrow down the list of fabulous entries to ONE (well, three actually - we did get to pick two alternates). 

I've always had a ton of respect for the difficult job agents and editors face, but selecting my Pitch Wars team showed me how totally awesome these people really are.

Cover Reveal: THE DEVIL'S TEMPTATION by Toni De Palma

I've always said I have the most talented Pitch Wars team ever. Team Magic is truly magical! On Friday, I'll post the first of a series of interviews with my team, so you can get to know the magicians behind the sparkle. But for now, I'm both proud and excited to have this chance to share with you the brand-new cover of Team Magic alternate, Toni De Palma's upcoming novel: THE DEVIL'S TEMPTATION (book two in the Devil series)! 

THE DEVIL'S TEMPTATION by Toni De Palma (Crescent Moon Press) - Release date 14 March 2014

Book Review: RESISTING THE HERO by Cindi Madsen

 

Cindi Madsen's latest novel, RESISTING THE HERO (book 3 in the Accidentally in Love series), is out today, and I'm so excited to share it with you all!

After having her heart crushed one too many times, Faith swears off good-looking, confident men forever. And she's definitely not looking for a hero.

Bliss Blast: Sweet Romances and a Sweet Deal!

I don't often read romance novels for grown-ups, because I get way too blushy at the intimate scenes. But I've come to love the sweet romances from Entangled Bliss, where I can get all of the swoony, make-your-heart-race-and-your-tummy-flutter romance that I love without the intimate details that make me blush clear down to my toes. That's why I'm excited to help share the news of all the exciting things happening with Entangled Bliss right now. They're sure kicking off 2014 with a blast!

Three amazing new Bliss releases are out today, January 13, with heroes you won't be able to resist: Falling for her Soldier by Ophelia London, Resisting the Hero by Cindi Madsen and Love Songs for the Road by Farrah Taylor.

 

She fell for the nice guy, but will she fall for the real guy?

Guest Post: Anna Staniszewski's Favorite Dessert

As you already know, I'm a huge fan of Anna Staniszewski. Can you blame me? Just look at this adorable trailer for her latest middle grade novel, THE DIRT DIARY.

And of course you know that delicious recipes are one of my favorite things. So I'm thrilled to have Anna herself here on my blog today, sharing her favorite dessert recipe with you!

Happy Book Birthday! DIRT DIARY by Anna Staniszewski

If you're familiar with me and my blog, you probably already know that I'm a HUGE fan of Anna Staniszewski. I've raved about her books here and here, and I even wrote about how MY VERY UNFAIRY TALE LIFE turned my "worst day ever" into a total "best day ever." So yeah, when I got a chance to read an advance copy of her latest book THE DIRT DIARY, I'm sure you can guess that I was beyond thrilled!

Rachel's parents are separated, but she's certain she can get them back together if she could just get to Florida to talk to her dad in person.

Happy New Year 2014!

Last January, I declared that 2013 would be the year that:

1. I would conquer my fears and start sending queries for my manuscripts.

and

2. I would simplify my life and say "no" more often.

Check, and (almost) Check!

I joined Sub It Club to give myself a feeling of accountability. If I had a whole group of people asking me whether I was submitting my work, I'd be more likely to do it, right?

Absolutely!

And it worked!! In 2013, I accepted an offer of publication for my debut novel (TWELVE STEPS) to Swoon Romance and signed with my literary agent, the fabulous Jessica Sinsheimer, who fell in love with my middle grade novel, LETTERS FROM HEAVEN.

I did say "no" more often in 2013, but I still took on a lot of challenges.

In May, I accepted the challenge from SCBWI MD/DE/WV once again to write a middle grade novel in 72 hours. (I completed the challenge this year. And eventually, I might even get around to revising and editing that manuscript!)

Book Review: DON'T PUSH THE BUTTON by Bill Cotter

DON'T PUSH THE BUTTON! by Bill Cotter was a fun, silly read-aloud book that left my whole family in fits of giggles. 

3.1415926 - or The Ultimate Pi(e) Recipe

Update (23 October 2025): I have once again updated this recipe. This time, to include a gluten-free crust! You can find a printable version of the recipe with both the original chocolate crust and gluten-free crust here, or read my #KidLitConfections post from 21 October 2025 to find the gluten-free recipe AND my thoughts on the latest boook by Khadijah VanBrakle, MY PERFECT FAMILY!

I love pie. Cream pie, fruit pie, custard pie... Any kind of pie. And every year, for Thanksgiving, I make a TON of pies. A few years ago, I started inventing new pie recipes each year to add to our pie menu. (The Chocolate Walnut and Apple Cranberry varieties have become staples in our pie diet.)

This year, I decided to try something a little different. Something rich and creamy, and totally decadent. So I present to you: 3.1415926 or The Ultimate Pi(e)

Book Blitz & Excerpt: CAMP CHRISTMAS by J.K. Rock

This is my stop during the book blitz for Camp Christmas (Camp Boyfriend #1.5) by JK Rock, Camp Christmas is a novella which is part of the Camp Boyfriend series and is free to download on the publisher website . While it is part of the Camp Boyfriend series it can also be read as a stand alone.

Cover Reveal: TWELVE STEPS by Veronica Bartles (That's Me!!!)

I'm so excited to share the beautiful cover for my debut novel, TWELVE STEPS, with you!!

Crock Pot Gourmet: Pumpkin Custard

I always make too much filling when I bake pumpkin pies, and I usually pour the excess into a dish to bake alongside the pie for a delicious, Baked Pumpkin Custard. This year, I decided to omit the pie crust altogether and try baking the custard in my Crock Pot instead. It was delicious and super simple, and this recipe will definitely be returning as a staple in our home. (It's nutritious enough - packed with all the lovely vitamins from the pumpkin - that I've even made it for a special breakfast treat!)

You will need: 

2 eggs

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin (or 2 c. pumpkin puree)

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

dash cayenne pepper (optional, but totally delicious!)

1 c. dry milk

1 c. water

Beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and spices. Add sugar and dry milk powder. Beat until thoroughly combined. Slowly whisk in water. Pour into greased 2 1/2 quart crock pot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, until a knife inserted into the center of the custard comes out clean.

(For a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe.)

Book Review: LITTLE CHICKEN'S BIG CHRISTMAS by Katie Davis

As we enter the Christmas season, and advertisers everywhere try to convince us that 'tis better to receive than to give, I present to you a picture book for toddlers that emphasizes the true, giving meaning of the season.



LITTLE CHICKEN'S BIG CHRISTMAS by Katie Davis (illustrated by Jerry Davis) is a cute picture book perfect for reading with your little one while curled up on the couch together by the Christmas tree. A sequel to LITTLE CHICKEN'S BIG DAY, this book tells the story of Little Chicken's anxious wait for Christmas morning. He's excited about one present in particular. Not a present from Santa under the tree, but a present he made for his mama. I love the message that the best part of the holiday isn't in what you get, but in what you give to others.

I received a review copy of this book from Katie Davis, and when I read it through quickly, I thought it was cute, but I have to admit I wasn't rave-to-all-my-friends impressed.
But then I sat down with my children and read the story to them. The sparse words allowed them to fill in their own observations on the story, and they noticed things in the illustrations (an expression on Little Chicken's face, or his untied shoelaces, for example) that I had totally glossed over. The read-aloud experience pushed this book from a four-star to a definite five-star rating in my mind. This is a perfect book for reading over and over again with your children. (Even my teenage son got into the fun!) The story may evolve and change as your child's ideas and interests mature, making it ideal for a wide range of readers.

And through December 12, every purchase of Little Chicken's Big Christmas  will come with a FREE download of a Write Your Own Story Coloring Book! It's the entire book as coloring book - a great gift in and of itself or to go with Little Chicken's Big Christmas. Just email your receipt to support@katiedavis.com and you'll be sent the link to download!