So after writing and editing my manuscript a few weeks ago, I thought my stress-filled life was going to be one of ease now. My manuscript was done and it was ready to make it’s debut on the bestseller lists! (Ok I’m kidding, I knew this wasn’t going to happen).
I knew I had to write a query letter. No bid deal, I though to myself. Been there, done that! But I sort of forgot that the last query letter I wrote was when I was 15. Not to make myself sound old, but that was almost 10 years ago!
Given this gap, the art of writing a query letter had sort of disappeared from my brain. Oh sure, I researched the thing to death (that’s what the internet’s for, right?), but no one had prepared me of the Herculean task of trying to summarize a novel-length manuscript into a short paragraph. Especially when said manuscript is 113,000 words and the paragraph should be about 150. Shoot me, please?
Somehow, I managed to write the synopsis and was just in the process of doing a victory dance around my room and triumphantly emailing my beautiful crafted synopsis to my dream agents, who would ALL naturally come banging down my door with offers to represent me, when I realised that manuscript was STILL too long. Again, shoot me?
So yeah, this week has not been a terribly fun one as I try to grapple with this mammoth sized manuscript, which REFUSES to lose a few pounds, while also grappling with a new story idea, which refuses to do anything other than twitch randomly, while remaining immobile. So yeah, I’m a wee bit grouchy…
But! If I still had a plateful of these M&M Blondies that I made for my best friend, I’d probably be a lot happier. Buttery, with a crunchy top, these blondies are soft in the center, and filled with colourful M&Ms. Because chocolate makes everything better, right?
Have a look and let me know what you think!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix both butter and sugar. Let the mixture cool a few minutes before adding the egg and vanilla.
- Then, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the M&Ms last.
- Pour into baking dish and bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the centre comes out mostly clean.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares and enjoying. Store in an airtight container.
Recipe inspired by Sally from Sally's Baking Addiction.
They kind of look like my Sugar Cookie Squares, except they’re homemade! And by removing the cookie mix and making them from scratch doesn’t take that much longer. These only take a few minutes to prepare, and then the oven does all the work for you. Chewy and dotted with rainbow coloured M&Ms, these Blondies are a treat for all ages!
Now please excuse me while I get ready to battle a manuscript that’s overdone to the point of being burnt and another manuscript that only consists of ingredients on the counter. Wish me luck!
Thanks for reading,
Ikhlas
Ohh blondies, love those! Great recipe!
You’ve got nominated for the ‘Liebster Award’ ! http://livinglifebright.blogspot.nl/2013/01/liebster-award.html
Xx Arlette