Adel's March Recipe - World Peace Cookies

by Adel Aschenbrener and Amy Robinson

Make peace with your writing practice now! You'll find a whole world of new classes and workshops at Writing Pad this spring. Call 323-333-2954 to RSVP before they are full!

One Day Classes

• You, in 1200 Words: Revising and Publishing the Personal Essay (Thurs. Mar. 31)
• The Power of the Pitch: Selling Your Ideas Hollywood Style (Sun. Apr. 3)
• It's All About You: A One-Person Show Workshop (Thurs., Apr. 7)
• It's Playtime: Writing For Kids (Sun., Apr. 17)
• Bullies, Crushes, and Pimples: Writing For Young Adults (Sun., Apr. 17)
• Stranger Than Fiction: Writing The Unbelievably True (Sat., Apr. 23)

Multi Week Classes

• Acting Out: One Writer, One Act (Mon. p.m.'s)
• Writing Pad Screenwriting Series: Act I--From Rookie to Rockstar (Tues. p.m.'s)
• So You Want To Be A Writer (Wed. a.m., Wed. p.m., Sat. a.m.'s)
• Finishing School (Wed. a.m., Wed. p.m., Sat. a.m.'s)
• Writing Between The Diapers: Writing For Moms (Wed. a.m., Wed. p.m.'s)
• It’s All About You: A One-Person Show Workshop--4 Wk (Thurs. p.m.'s)

Adel says:
"I came across the recipe for these cookies on a blog and was immediately intrigued by their name. Could a simple cookie really inspire world peace? Turns out this is not a simple cookie. It is a double chocolate sable that is rich, chewy, tender and crispy in all the right ways, deeply chocolaty, and studded with fleur de sel. When you eat them, your eyes will close, roll back in your head a bit, and you will go to a special place where everything is quiet and right. World peace indeed."

World Peace Cookies

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup dutch process unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
5 1/2 ounces (1 stick plus 3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel
5 ounces extra-bittersweet chocolate (do not exceed 85% cacao), chopped (no pieces bigger than 1/3 inch)

Sift the flour, cocoa, and baking soda into medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until smooth but not fluffy. Add both sugars, vanilla, and salt and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add flour mixture all at once and beat just until blended (mixture may be crumbly). Add chopped chocolate; mix just to distribute (if dough doesn't come together, knead lightly in bowl to form ball). Divide dough in half. Place each half on sheet of plastic wrap. Form each into 1 1/2-inch-diameter log. Wrap each in plastic; chill until firm, about 3 hours. The unbaked dough can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for 3 months.

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a thin sharp knife, cut logs crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Space 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Bake 1 sheet at a time until cookies appear dry, 11 to 12 minutes. Be careful as the cookies will not change color to indicate that they are done. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Transfer to rack; cool.

Writing Prompt 3/30/11: Musical Inspiration

By Marilyn Friedman

It's almost April! Put the spring back into your writing practice at Writing Pad. Call 323-333-2954 to sign up for these classes before they are full!

One Day Classes

• You, in 1200 Words: Revising and Publishing the Personal Essay (Thurs. Mar. 31)
• The Power of the Pitch: Selling Your Ideas Hollywood Style (Sun. Apr. 3)
• It's All About You: A One-Person Show Workshop (Thurs., Apr. 7)
• It's Playtime: Writing For Kids (Sun., Apr. 17)
• Bullies, Crushes, and Pimples: Writing For Young Adults (Sun., Apr. 17)
• Stranger Than Fiction: Writing The Unbelievably True (Sat., Apr. 23)

Multi Week Classes

• Acting Out: One Writer, One Act (Mon. p.m.'s)
• Writing Pad Screenwriting Series: Act I--From Rookie to Rockstar (Tues. p.m.'s)
• So You Want To Be A Writer (Wed. a.m., Wed. p.m., Sat. a.m.'s)
• Finishing School (Wed. a.m., Wed. p.m., Sat. a.m.'s)
• Writing Between The Diapers: Writing For Moms (Wed. a.m., Wed. p.m.'s)
• It’s All About You: A One-Person Show Workshop--4 Wk (Thurs. p.m.'s)

Writing Prompt:
Make a list of the first 3 albums or CD's that you or a character from your project owned. Pick one and write whatever comes to mind. Then post your 10 minute write in the comments of this blog! You can see that my first album was Leif Garrett's, "Feel The Need." I will be writing about that.

Comment on this blog! Write about the first album that you owned. You could win a free class!

Feb./March. Comment Contest and Ojai Retreat Scholarship Winners

By Marilyn Friedman

The rest of March is hopping at Writing Pad. Join us for some fantastic classes, retreats, and events. Get your writing practice going and finish those writing projects you've been dreaming about!

Writing Retreats:
Writing Pad Ojai Retreat
March 25 - 27, 2011 at the gorgeous Casa Barranca ecosanctuary
Instructors: Thaisa Frank, Alex Cohen, Marilyn Friedman
Only 2 spots left!
Cost: $715, $300 deposit holds your spot

Writing Events:
--From Page to Stage: Writing for the Theatre with Aaron Henne (Fri., March 18)

One Day Classes:
--You, In 1200 Words: Writing The Personal Essay (Thurs., Mar. 17)
--It's Playtime: Writing For Kids (Sun., Mar. 20)
--Writing Pad Show and Tell (Sun., Mar. 27)
--You, In 1200 Words: Revising and Publishing The Personal Essay (Thurs., Mar. 31)

Multi Week Classes:
--So You Want To Be A Writer (Wed. a.m., Wed. p.m., Sat. a.m.'s)
--Finishing School (Wed. a.m., Wed. p.m., Sat. a.m.'s)
--Writing Between The Diapers: Writing For Moms (Wed. a.m., Wed. p.m.'s)
--Acting Out: One Writer, One Act (Thurs. p.m.'s)

And now, for the announcements that you've been waiting for! First, the winner of the January/February comment contest is Ashley Laub! Ashley, congrats--you win a free class at Writing Pad.

You can read her fantastic story here:
http://wellfedmuse.blogspot.com/2011/01/writing-prompt-pucker-up.html

Ashley says that her favorite place to write "used to be at my college library, but since I've graduated, my favorite place is my kitchen table, some nice candles burning and a glass (or two) of wine." Sounds good to me!

And, the winner of the Ojai Retreat Scholarship is. . .Jim Gillett!
Congratulations, Jim! You can read his fantastic story here:
http://wellfedmuse.blogspot.com/2011/03/ojai-retreat-scholarship-prompt-and.html

When I asked Jim what inspires him to write, he said, "For some kids it was sports, others math and science, but for me it was telling a story. Even before I could write, I couldn't wait for my Mother or Grandmother to read me a story before going to bed. As I grew up, I remember having a story contest with my Grandmother on who could tell the best ghost or horror story. I want to write because it reunites me with that child who couldn't wait to tell you a story."

I can't wait to hear Jim's exciting tales at the retreat!

Thank you so much to our Ojai contest esteemed judges, Joe Donnelly, Michelle Wildgen, James Brown, Adrienne Sharp, and Dan Dunn, and thank you to everyone who participated!

Please keep commenting on this blog. I love your writing! There is a new comment contest every 2 months, and we will be having another retreat scholarship contest in October for our Joshua Tree retreat.

February Raffle/December Contest Winners

By Marilyn Friedman

We have lots of great things happening in March. Call 323-333-2954 or email marilyn@writingpad.com to sign up before they are full!

Writing Retreats:
Writing Pad Ojai Retreat
March 25 - 27, 2011 at the gorgeous Casa Barranca ecosanctuary
Instructors: Thaisa Frank, Alex Cohen, Marilyn Friedman
Cost: $715, $300 deposit holds your spot

Writing Events:
--Building Your First Blockbuster (Fri., March 11)
--From Page to Stage: Writing for the Theatre with Aaron Henne (Fri., March 18)

One Day Classes:
--Blog Your Way To The Top (Sun., Mar. 13)
--You, In 1200 Words: Writing The Personal Essay (Thurs., Mar. 17)
--Stranger Than Fiction: Writing The Unbelievably True (Sat., March 19)
--It's Playtime: Writing For Kids (Sun., Mar. 20)
--Bullies, Crushes, and Pimples: Writing For Young Adults (Sun., Mar. 20)
--Writing Pad Show and Tell (Sun., Mar. 27)
--You, In 1200 Words: Revising and Publishing The Personal Essay (Thurs., Mar. 31)

Multi Week Classes:
--On The Page, On The Stage: Finish That One-Person Show (Mon. p.m.'s)
--WP Screenwriting Series: Hookups, Robbery, and Alien Invasions (Tues. p.m.'s)
--So You Want To Be A Writer (Wed. a.m., Wed. p.m., Sat. a.m.'s)
--Finishing School (Wed. a.m., Wed. p.m., Sat. a.m.'s)
--Writing Between The Diapers: Writing For Moms (Wed. a.m., Wed. p.m.'s)
--Acting Out: One Writer, One Act (Thurs. p.m.'s)

And now, for the announcements that you have been waiting for. The December comment contest winner is Natalie Kottke!

Natalie's favorite place to write is "in a noisy coffee shop full of interesting strangers."

You can read her fantastic stories here:
http://wellfedmuse.blogspot.com/2010/12/writing-prompt-staycation.html
http://wellfedmuse.blogspot.com/2010/12/writing-prompt-feeling-cool.html

Great job, Natalie! You win a free class!

Also, our Ojai Retreat Scholarship raffle winner is Rob Ripley!

When I asked Rob what inspires him to write he said, "Inspiration for my work comes in so many different forms, from people, music, nature, politics, emotions, good times and bad. In general, I write to better understand the world, to forge more meaningful relationships with others and to evolve."

Wonderful! Congratulations, Rob--you win a 5 week class series at Writing Pad.

The comment contest winner for January/February will be announced soon. Please keep commenting folks, you are doing some great writing, and I am really enjoying your stories!

Ojai Retreat Scholarship Prompt and Rules: Escape To Ojai

By Marilyn Friedman

We raised enough money for the Writing Pad Ojai Scholarship Fund! Thank you SO much to everyone who donated and volunteered! We will grant a full scholarship ($715 value) to our luxurious retreat on Mar. 25-27 through a writing contest! All rules are below.

Are you a broke writer who wants a mini-vacation, a weekend of fantastic classes, delicious food, and focused writing in a beautiful Ojai ecosanctuary? Please don't be intimidated--apply for the scholarship. You can do it! Good luck! :)

Rules
These are the rules you must follow to apply for the scholarship spot. Note: Anyone can respond to the prompt and be entered into the Mar./Apr. contest for a free writing class!

1. Post your writing sample in the comments of this blog AND email a copy to marilyn@writingpad.com NO LATER than Thursday, March 10 at 9 a.m. It should be a maximum of 5 paragraphs (the shorter, the better).

2. Also email proof of current or long-term economic hardship to marilyn@writingpad.com NO LATER than Thursday,March 10 at 9 a.m. Ex. Bank statements, letter demonstrating that you have been laid off from your job, etc. Feel free to summarize your situation in the email. This will be kept completely confidential.

3. Writing submissions can be in any form (poetry, short story, dialogue, fiction, non-fiction, a rant, etc.) but must apply to the prompt about escaping below.

4. The contest will be judged by the following esteemed writers (see the next blog entry for their bios): Joe Donnelly, Michelle Wildgen, James Brown, Adrienne Sharp, Dan Dunn. The contest winner will be announced by Tuesday, March 15.

Writing Prompt: Write about a time when you (or your character) escaped. Pick one and write for 10 minutes about it. Then post your 10 minute write in the comments of this blog. For a chance at the scholarship spot, also email your writing sample and proof of current or long-term economic hardship to marilyn@writingpad.com, following the instructions above.

Comment on this blog! Write about a time when you escaped. Even if you are not applying for the scholarship, comment! You could win a free class at Writing Pad!

Meet Our Judges for the Ojai Retreat Scholarship!

By Marilyn Friedman

We are proud to introduce you to our very esteemed and completely impartial panel of judges for the Ojai Retreat Scholarship Competition. Behold our marvelous panel! They will determine whose writing submission will win the full scholarship to the retreat (cue the music)!

About Joe Donnelly:

Joe Donnelly is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in numerous publications and anthologies. Donnelly was the deputy editor of the L.A. Weekly from 2002 to 2008. Before that, Donnelly was the arts editor of New Times Los Angeles and editor in chief of the seminal Los Angeles pop-culture magazine Bikini. Most recently Donnelly, along with Laurie Ochoa, launched Slake Los Angeles, the bestselling quarterly journal.

About Michelle Wildgen:

Michelle Wildgen is the author of the novels, You're Not You and But Not For Long, as well as executive editor at the literary magazine Tin House and the editor of the anthology Food & Booze: A Tin House Literary Feast. Her work has appeared in the New York Times,

O, the Oprah Magazine, Best Food Writing 2004 and 2009, Best New American Voices 2004, and various other journals and anthologies.

About James Brown:
James Brown is the author of several novels, and the memoirs, The Los Angeles Diaries and This River. He's received the Nelson Algren Award in Short Fiction and a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. His writing has been featured in numerous publications including The New York Times Magazine, GQ, and Ploughshares. He is the Director of the MFA Program in Creative Writing at Cal State San Bernardino.

About Adrienne Sharp:
Adrienne Sharp is the author of White Swan, Black Swan (Random House, 2001), a Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers selection; The Sleeping Beauty (Riverhead, 2005), one of Booklist’s 10 Best First Novels of 2005; and The True Memoirs of Little K (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2010), one of Oprah Book Club’s 10 Best Books for Fall 2010.

About Dan Dunn:
Dan Dunn is the author of the enormously popular “Imbiber” column for Playboy and his new book, Living Loaded: Tales of Sex, Salvation, and the Pursuit of the Never-Ending Happy Hour (Crown Books; 2011). A longtime journalist and raconteur, Dan’s work has also appeared in GQ, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, and the Los Angeles Times. His blog (www.TheImbiber.net) is a popular destination for adult-beverage enthusiasts all over the world. He is a weekly guest on the Playboy Radio Morning Show on Sirius/XM satellite radio, and a former staff writer for the Emmy-nominated Talk Soup.