Karelynn A. Spacek : Spinner of Tales

  Types of Chocolate Unsweetened Chocolate (sometimes known as baking chocolate) contains 100% cacao and 0% sugar. It’s held together by cocoa butter. Most people find unsweetened chocolate too bitter to eat as is, but it is often used in baking. Cocoa Powder also contains 100% cacao and 0% sugar, but is missing the cocoa butter to keep it together. Cocoa powder is only used in baking and should not be confused with hot chocolate mix, unless you enjoy really bitter beverages.    Dark Chocolate is chocolate that contains over 70% cacao. Not all 70% chocolates will have the same flavors or bitterness since the provenance of the cacao bean can radically alter the flavor, but all will contain the same amount of cacao to sugar ratio. Bittersweet Chocolate is chocolate that contains around 70% cacao and 30% sugar. Nowadays this chocolate is more often used in baking than the traditional unsweetened chocolate. In Europe, bittersweet chocolate is simpl...

 The Hike By Karelynn A . Spacek      Flapping wings. A stray owl swooped in and out of the treetops, beating a frenzied rhythm. Spooked by my presence, it took off in alarm. I continued down the trail. Camp was another mile or so back through the thick foliage.     I could have gone to a spa or the beach, you know, typical vacation destinations designed for relieving stress. Having never been typical, seclusion was what I most desired. While the other choices held allure, the woods were calling my name.     After being dumped by my long term boyfriend, I wanted to escape from reality, even if it was just for a little while. The sting of betrayal left an unsettling feeling, a deep ache that needed to be healed.The forest opened up, my light blue tent awaiting my return from the stream.     A floral aroma from the surrounding wildflowers tickled my nose. It was like having your own personal candle without the dangers o...

Cats As Pets Basic Facts: Lifespan is generally 2-16 years at least Scientific name - Felis Catus Average body temperature - 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Daily sleep amount is about 12-16 hours Adult cats have an average of 244 bones Gestation period is 58- 67 days Fun Facts: Cats can jump 5x their height The record for longest cat is 48.5 inches Genetically, a house cat is 95.6 percent tiger Cats can dream Cats have a special organ that allows them taste scents in the air  An ailurophile is a person that loves cats The Cat Owning Writer Ever since I was a child, cats have been a part of my life. They may be aloof at times, but I couldn't ask for a better companion. Owning a cat is no different than owning a dog in one respect, it's a long term commitment, so be prepared for many years of furry affection. On the aspect of a cat's attitude, I find them to have a more independent streak than other pets. They usually don't come begging to be fed, it is expected of you. Of course,...

  Writing Prompt # 2 - Japan Haiku Poems   This week's writing prompt highlights a country known for its tranquil beauty, and colorful pop culture scene. It is a  land of temples, and brightly patterned kimonos. Welcome to Japan. I have come up with three Haiku poems that describe different elements of this country. Enjoy, and leave feedback.  Basic Facts: Population: 126.5 Million Currency: Yen Language: Japanese Capital: Tokyo Main Islands: Hokkaido , Honshu , Shikoku , Kyushu , and Okinawa Climate: Varies from north to south, divided into 6 main climate regions Leader: Prime Minister, with a emperor in a ceremonial role  Geography: Prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. 73% of Japan is forested.    Orchids bloom, soft pink A fiery peak sleeps in snow Pops of color shine   Rumbling ground, watch out Pillars of water rain down Sparks fly, the earth screams Tranquil, a beauty Stone temples, blooming gardens Petals dance mid air ...

  Have you ever reached your final destination and regretted not packing something? I know I have. Little details that you didn't think were important can become contributing factors to a less than stellar experience. Check out my top 4 packing tips. No matter the location, always have a pair of sensible shoes handy. Whether utilizing taxis, buses, or trains, comfort is key. The wrong pair of shoes could lead to some sore feet or even a blister, and no one wants to be in pain. If you're like me, and dont want to blow all of your money on take-out, I like to frequent local grocers for nutrisional provisions I can prepare in the hotel room. For this reason, I like to pack a set of portable utensils. Now more than ever, cleanliness and sanitation is essential for any traveler. Comfortable and breathable masks are a must, as well as packable bottles of hand sanitizer. Use it for day to day excursions, or for an unexpected mess. Put those germs in their place. Before traveling, espe...

  A Risky Proposal       "We could get in so much trouble for this Evan." I whispered.     "No one will even notice, as long as we don't act suspicious." His hand trailed across my cheek to rest at my waist.     "I want to believe that, but you know how our co-workers like to gossip. One slip-up and we'll be screwed. None of them could keep a secret to save their own lives." I wanted to believe that none of them would hurt us on purpose, but I wasn't 100% sure.     "I have spent too much time regretting not asking you out sooner; I won't let anyone stand in the way of our happiness. Now that I have you, I don't want to let you go."     "Neither do I. All those months I longed for your touch were maddening."     "My track record with dating someone I work with hasn't gotten me the best attention here, so I was hesitant, despite how much I was attracted to you."     "Well I'm...

 Writing Updates 1 new chapter written for "Threads of Blood and Silk" (Stone Wielder's Legacy 2) 60 more pages to edit, and I will finish my latest corrections for "Queen of Swords" Received PW magazine with my booklife.com review   The Book Reading & Editing Writer   When writing becomes a chore, I step away and catch up on my reading. Normally reserved for my breaks at work, I set aside time at home to immerse myself in another novel from my "To Read" pile. I just finished "The Muse" by Jessie Burton. If you like history, art, and mystery, then this story is for you. Next up for me will probably be another Eve Duncan book by Iris Johansen.   Check out my review here:  Review of The Muse Editing for me takes your full attention and dedication, especially if you are going to do it yourself. Before getting started, you need to keep open mind, and not let personal feeling get in the way. I know with the first couple read-throughs, I didn...

What better way to understand an author's work, than by looking at what makes a writer tick. In this case, myself. I'll call this an introspective account of what it means to me to be an author. You will find questions and discussion related to my background as a writer and as a person. Enjoy. Karelynn A. Spacek Basic Facts Age: 33 Hair: brown Eyes: green Height: 5'6'' Hobbies: writing, gardening, walking, cooking, illustrating, sewing, and collecting Japanese Kimonos Pets: 3 cats named Wallace, Darwin, and Kamiko Questions What inspired you to be a writer, and what inspires your writing? - My mom is the primary reason that I write. She herself was a writer and reader of murder mysteries, and almost had one of her novels published. Sadly the company went bankrupt shortly after taking her on as a client. You could say that I am picking up where she left off. Now as to topics that inspire and influence my writing, I turn to myths and legends as well as global folklore...