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Exploring the Writer’s Craft Redux
The Writer’s Conference was quite interesting. Many authors shared their craft with those who attended. “How to Hire and Work with an Editor”, presented by Susan E. Lindsey, owner of Savvy Communication, was especially interesting to me because I had worked with Susan as the editor of my book. Getting a chance to look at the editing process from that viewpoint gave me a lot of insights into writing. There was a keynote address to all attendees followed by twelve sessions with differing topics.
The conference brought together those who have already written and those who want to write. It was a success. Everyone seemed to enjoy the day.
After a day of sessions with the speakers, the writers met at Wight-Meyer Vineyard and Winery for a relaxing get-together with great Kentucky wine.
by adminGrimes Mill Winery
Since opening three years ago, Grimes Mill Winery has developed a devoted following. Wine lovers who visit this Fayette County winery return. True to its Italian heritage, Ca’DeSimone has created some wonderful wines and a tasting room that is impressive in style and creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. An Italian phrase that translates, “To the one that does not drink wine, God will also deny water,” is displayed on the wall, as well as on t-shirts. Visitors always ask what it means.
In June, my husband and I took a couple of friends to Grimes Mill Winery for their first visit. They loved it and were impressed by the ambience, the service, and the wine. They enjoyed the lighter and sweeter wines on the tasting list.
The Reserve Malbec is still our favorite. As it ages, it improves. Many wine lovers will notice an aroma and finish of a dark chocolate. This is a 100% Malbec and is a full-bodied, robust wine, but is so smooth that it doesn’t overpower the senses.
This summer, the winery is adding a bocche court, for those who would enjoy trying this popular Italian game. They are also introducing their Second Triple Crown wine, Tre Vini delle Sorelle, a blended red wine.
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- Bocche Court
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- Grimes Mill Winery
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- The Grounds
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- Tasting Room
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- Italian Quote
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- Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes
Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery
After appearing on Great Day Live, we decided to visit Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery, at New Castle, on the drive home. As usual, a visit there is relaxing and full of good wine. We tasted only the dry reds during this stop. There were six excellent choices. We started with a Zinfandel, this vintage has deep red berry flavors, with just a taste of spices. Next, we tried Brother John, made predominately with the Syrah grape. It has a deep garnet color, with aromas of plums or black cherries, and flavors of berries and plums. We also tried the John Harley, a big Zinfandel, that is named for Chuck Smith’s father. The wine has ruby colors, berry aromas, fruit and spice flavors. Both the Merlot, and the Petite Sirah we tasted are lighter reds with more fruity finishes.
Our favorite was the Burley. This wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Norton, and Munson is one of the best reds available this season. Dark garnet in color, the wine has both the aromas and flavors of plum, raspberries, and cinnamon.
While we didn’t do a tasting of the Sauvignon Blanc this visit, I had tried it before and bought a couple of bottles. It is a crisp, dry white with fruity aromas and just a taste of minerals. It is a very good wine for these hot summer days.
Whatever your wine choice, dry or sweet, red or white, you will find something to love at Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery. Just a short drive from I-71, it is a wonderful place to stop on a trip from Northern Kentucky to Louisville. The tasting room is inviting and there are places to sit and spend a relaxing afternoon.
Exploring the Writer’s Craft
Just a reminder to all those interested future writers, the third annual writer’s conference presented by Women Who Write, “Exploring the Writer’s Craft” will be held on Saturday, July 12th. The registration begins at 8:30 AM and the first sessions will start at 9 AM. The $60 registration fee includes lunch. Seniors, students, and members of Women Who Write will pay a $45 registration.
There is a keynote speaker and 12 individual sessions. Attendees can make choices of which ones they prefer. (See my earlier post for the speakers.) A wine reception will be held at Wight-Meyer Vineyard and Winery for those wanting to go. Authors will be selling and signing their books during the conference.
My presentation will be in the afternoon and is titled “Sip, Swirl, and Write: A Guide to Writing About Wine. I hope to see you there.
by adminGreat Day Live
My first experience of appearing on a television show was very enjoyable. I was quite nervous thinking about it, but once the interview began, Laura Rogers made it easy to be comfortable. Talking about my book and Kentucky wineries on Great Day Live will hopefully be the birth of a lot of new Kentucky Wine Lovers and will also bring a lot of interested writers to Exploring the Writer’s Craft on Saturday.
I am attaching a link to the site if you’d like to watch the segment.
by adminExploring the Writer’s Craft
For those who watch WHAS, in Louisville, I will be talking about the writer’s conference and my book on the morning show Great Day Live, 10 AM, on Tuesday, July 8.
by adminSaucy Sirloin Tips
This is a slight variation on one of my favorite meat dishes. It was a big hit with my husband. Hope you enjoy it.
Saucy Sirloin Tips
Ingredients
¼ cup of garlic olive oil
1 pound sirloin steak, cut into ¾ inch cubes
1 large onion, cut into pieces
1 pound Portabella mushrooms, sliced
1 T. basil
½ t. garlic granules
1 t. coarse ground black pepper
2 t. sea salt
4 fresh Sweet Italian Basil leaves
14.5 oz. can of petite diced tomatoes
½ cup Cabernet Sauvignon wine
¼ cup Garlic Balsamic Vinegar
Spinach Fettuccini for four
Pour olive oil in a large skillet. Place steak, onion, mushrooms and spices in the olive oil and cook until the meat is done and the vegetables are tender. Add basil leaves, tomatoes, wine, balsamic vinegar to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Prepare the fettuccini as directed on the packaging. Drain. Pour the pasta into the skillet and blend. Simmer for four minutes. Serve while still hot.
by admin
“Exploring the Writer’s Craft” with Women Who Write
I wanted to share the following announcement, sent to me by Susan E.Lindsey, about a writer’s workshop that I will be taking part in on July 12. Hope some of you will find it interesting. I’d love to see you there.
Registration Opens for “Exploring the Writer’s Craft” Speakers at July 12 workshop include novelist Allie Pleiter and biographer Alanna Nash; registration discounted until June 15
Writers across the region are invited to the third annual writing workshop organized by Louisville-based Women Who Write, July 12, at Jefferson Community and Technical College, 505 Buffalo Run Rd., Shepherdsville, Ky. The full-day workshop, “Exploring the Writer’s Craft,” focuses on helping writers build skills.
Keynote—prolific novelist Allie Pleiter of Chicago (The Firefighter’s Match and other novels)
Guided Writing / Poetry—Dr. Annette Allen (Country of Light and What Vanishes)
The Right Word: The Power of the Particular—Bobbi Buchanan, editor of New Southerner
Swirl, Sip, Write: Writing About Wine—P. Faye Collins (A Wine Lover’s Odyssey Across Kentucky)
Audio Books: Part of Your Publishing Model—Carol Dines, narrator of 400+ books
Humor for Lunch—Joan Dubay, Women Who Write member
The Exhilaration of Writing Historical Nonfiction—Sid Easley (A Courthouse Tragedy: Politics, Murder and Redemption in a Small Kentucky Town)
Blogging with Purpose—Amy Higgs (http://write-is-might.com)
How to Hire and Work with an Editor—Susan E. Lindsey, owner of Savvy Communication
A Perfect Romance—Sandy Loyd, author of fifteen romance novels
Writing Biography—Alanna Nash (Baby, Let’s Play House: Elvis Presley and the Women Who Loved Him)
Izhiibii’an (Write Things a Certain Way)—Ojibwe poet and professor Dr. Selene Phillips
Writing Historical Fiction: Getting Started—Mary Popham (Back Home in Landing Run)
Free Write: Give Yourself Permission to Just Write—Linda Satterlee-McFadin
Although the event is organized by Women Who Write, all writers (female and male) at all levels of experience, are encouraged to attend. Books published by the speakers will be available for purchase. After the workshop, attendees can mingle with speakers at a reception featuring Kentucky wines.
Lunch is included in the registration fee of $60; a discounted rate of $45 is available for seniors (60+), students, Women Who Write members, and those who register by June 15. Online registration is now open at www.WomenWhoWrite.com or attendees can register by mail: Women Who Write, PO Box 6167, Louisville, KY 40206.
Women Who Write Inc. • PO Box 6167 • Louisville, KY 40206 • www.WomenWhoWrite.com
by adminForest Edge Winery
Last spring we visited Forest Edge Winery and were very impressed by the tasting room and by the wine. While we were unable to get back for a visit, we were happy to find them at Jane’s Saddlebag’s wine festival this past weekend. Their wine was just as good as we remembered. They have a lovely, light, dry Riesling. Wine lovers who enjoy a Riesling with want to give this one a try. After a taste, I wanted more. Forest Edge’s Riesling has all of the wonderful qualities of dry, German Rieslings, a fruity, floral aroma and a tart citrusy taste that lingers.
We also had the privilege of meeting the maker of their memorable wine. Raymond “Butch” Meyer is one of Kentucky’s premier winemakers. A few years ago, Meyer won a Best of Show Red in an International Amateur Winemaker competition. Today, he is winemaker at Forest Edge Winery, as well as at Millanova Vineyard and Winery and Brooks Hill Winery; and is winning awards. At the 2014 KY Derby Festival Wine Competition, five Forest Edge wines won Gold.
Forest Edge Winery is located just off I-65 in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. I recommend visiting if you have a chance and look forward to our next trip.
by adminJane’s Saddlebag’s Wine Festival
Last weekend, over 3000 people enjoyed the 2nd Annual Wine Festival at Jane’s Saddlebag. From noon to six, visitors spent time strolling through the grounds, exploring the vendors’ booths, and tasting the wine. Many bought glasses or bottles and found a cozy place in the shade to while away the afternoon listening to the music. Even though the weather was hot, the festival was a success.
As a vendor, I spent most of the weekend greeting many old friends and interested wine lovers who stopped by to chat or to look at my book. Luckily, my tent was next to Lovers Leap so I was able to enjoy wine during the festival.
Sunday, I did take a little time to explore and taste a few of the wines. I tried a Seyval Blanc at Rose Hill Farm Winery. Though it was too sweet for my taste, it is very good and I recommend it for those who like off dry whites. At Smith Berry Vineyard and Winery, I tried the new vintage of their Burley which is always a good choice for those who like full-bodied reds. I tried Traminette, another off-dry white, at Horseshoe Bend Vineyard and Winery and again I recommend it to those who like a sweeter wine. My last stop before returning to my table was Verona Vineyards, where I tasted one of my favorite Kentucky wines, their Dornfelder. It was as good as usual.
At the end of the festival, Jane’s Saddlebag was already looking ahead at ways to improve next year’s festival and wine lovers are already looking forward to their 3rd Annual Wine Festival.
by admin