Sprinting to the finish line...

There comes a time in every manuscript where I start to panic. My husband reminds me of this each time I get 3/4 through the book. He ought to know. He's seen me through writing 16 manuscripts and knows that I get crazy. Yeah, crazy.

My problem is that I'm a puzzle writer. I envy those linear writers who can start on page one, keep writing their manuscript in order and end with typing The End. Come to think of it, I don't even write The End when I finish a manuscript. Being a puzzle writer, I piece my manuscripts together and I'm always afraid I'm not going to make all the pieces fit until I've done my final run through.

My husband, Tom, reminds me that the story always comes together, even though I'm convinced it won't. He hands me chocolate, rubs my shoulders and puts on another pot of coffee. Then he lets me vent. A lot. And walk around the house talking to myself while I figure things out. As long as I don't put a pot on the stove and then forget about it when I have a brilliant breakthrough, I'm okay.

This is why I use my crock pot a lot while I'm finishing a manuscript. Not only do I not have to stop working to make dinner for the family, I don't have to worry about forgetting a roast in the oven when I'm deep into writing a scene. I've collected quite a few quick and easy crock pot recipes over the years to help me get through my sprint to the finish line. Throughout September I'll share with all of you my family's favorites. Print them off and keep them handy for those days when you're busy carting the kids around or writing your next book!

Until next time, many blessings, Lisa

Crock Pot Pot Roast

2-3 pound pot roast
3-4 medium size potatoes cut up or 8-10 small red potatoes
1 onion, peeled and quartered
1 - 1 1/2 cups baby carrots
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tablespoon Worsteshire sauce
1 tsp Paprika
1 1/2 cups of water
1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch

Put the vegatables in the bottom of your crock pot. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and mix with 1/2 cup of water. Place roast over vegetables and add salt, pepper and paprika. Add Worsteshire sauce to remaining water and then pour over roast. Cover and set crock pot on low. Cook for 8-10 hours. Dinner is done when you are ready!