SPLINTERED author A.G. Howard’s Thanksgiving Recipe

November 19, 2012 2012, ag howard, author interview, fairy tales, guest post, recipes, Wendy 70

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? 

This has been an amazing year for young adult literature, and it’s been especially gratifying to see the number of astonishing debuts we’ve seen. In thanks to the publishers for taking a chance on unknown talent, in thanks to our readers for their enthusiasm, this week we’re taking a little peek at three promising upcoming 2013 debut authors! 

Each day, we’ll be showcasing a brand new YA author, who will share a Thanksgiving memory with us. We’ll also be offering up their downloadable recipes and giveaways, so be sure to check back daily!

To kick off the celebration, we’re starting off with A.G. Howard, the author of Splintered. If you follow young adult literature, you probably already have this hotly anticipated title on your radar. It’s the story of Alyssa Gardner, who hears strange whispers…and finds herself going deep into the rabbit hole as she discovers a family curse leading back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Alice in Wonderland. Alyssa must overcome tasks that test her courage, as well as choices that may break her heart. I’m very excited to read this book and I’m sure you are, too!

We’ll have to wait a couple more months until Splintered is released, but in the meantime, Anita shares a Thanksgiving memory and recipe with us below.

~ Wendy


 Anita Grace Howard’s Thankgiving Memory

When I was young, my grandparents lived on a farm in Whitharral, TX, and we would head up to visit them a few days early before Thanksgiving. My brother and I spent many a chilly autumn afternoon outside in our coats with our cousins, chasing turkeys through a crinkly carpet of leaves. Inevitably, we’d name the fastest birds. We figured it was safe to make pets of those, because they were the skinnier of the lot so there was no chance they’d end up as Thanksgiving dinner. The plan was foolproof until  one year we left the pen open and all of the turkeys escaped but the skinniest one who was exhausted from winning the races. Little Joe was invited to Thanksgiving dinner that year, and there were many tears and gnashing of teeth during the carving.


Now, I am a writer, and I’ve always loved a good yarn. So it’s possible I might’ve embellished a little. At least two facts above are true. I’ll leave it to you to decide which ones they are. Hope you have a wonderful stress-free Thanksgiving! And remember: never name your turkey. It can only end in sadness.

~A.G. Howard

Splintered will be released on January 15, 2012.

Download A.G. Howard’s recipe for Pear-Honey Cranberry Sauce! Be sure to let her and us know if you enjoy it.

About the Author

A.G. Howard was inspired to write SPLINTERED while working at a school library. She always wondered what would’ve happened had the subtle creepiness of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland taken center stage, and hopes her darker and funkier tribute to Carroll will inspire readers to seek out the stories that won her heart as a child. When she’s not writing, A.G.’s pastimes are reading, rollerblading, gardening, and family vacations which often include impromptu side trips to 18th century graveyards or condemned schoolhouses to appease her overactive muse.

Keep in touch with Anita on Goodreads, FaceBook, Twitter, and her website.

Photographs courtesy of the author and D. Sharon Pruitt.

Grab the Debut Authors Button!

By the way, if you’re thankful for debut authors too, feel free to share the love by grabbing the button at the top! We’d appreciate a link back to our blog if you decide to use it.

Be sure to join us tomorrow for another Thanksgiving recipe from another 2013 debut author, too.

Day One: A.G. Howard, SPLINTERED
Day Two: Elsie Chapman, DUALED
Day Three: Lenore Appelhans, LEVEL 2

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70 Responses to “SPLINTERED author A.G. Howard’s Thanksgiving Recipe”

  2. riceball1759 / Janis Katherine

    I have been DYING to get my hands on this book since the release was announced! >< Yes, I have very little life outside of books lol:P The next time my mom decides it’s time to make homemade cranberry sauce, I’ll definitely insist upon trying this one! (not that I don’t like the way she’s always made it:P)

  6. starryeyedjen

    Love that memory! My dad’s a big softy, so he always named the goats. They ALL became pets. He’d even get out there and roughhouse with ’em. :) I love the sound of Splintered! And I’m going to have to try that recipe!

    • Wendy Darling

      Aww, my mother-in-law has always wanted goats! Did you get lots of wonderful soap products and cheese? What kinds of names? I MUST KNOW. I grew up in the suburbs so I’m always fascinated by talk of farm-type life.

  7. Jen Ryland/YA Romantics

    Just requested Splintered on NetGalley after attending a panel on YA bestsellers. Anita’s agent RAVED about this book. Crossing my fingers!

    My family is big on cranberry sauce. It’s really easy to make and it’s way better than that weird jellied stuff out of a can. Maybe I’ll add some pears to mine this year :)

  9. Rachel

    Oh my gosh, I don’t think I could’ve eaten the turkey! I would’ve been in tears! I hear Sam really enjoyed Splintered. Such a pretty cover. Thanks for sharing. :)

    • Wendy Darling

      She’s a tricky one, though–who knows if ANY of this is true! ;) I saw Sam’s 5 stars for SPLINTERED, that makes me very, very hopeful.

  11. Sarahbotbonkers

    Oh man, I’m quite hungry right now and that recipe just sounds so sumptuous. Sigh. Now where to find one??

    PS. I just noticed your picture at the blogger corner. I love the hat! ;)

  12. Maji Bookshelf

    YUMMM! I will definitely try this recipe one day!! *writes it down on my recipe book* My sister is reading Splintered right now, and she’s really enjoying it! Cant wait for me to read it!! Thanks for sharing!
    – Farah @ MajiBookshelf

  13. Shirley

    *drools* IT SOUNDS DELICIOUS!!!! I’ve been seeing Splintered around for some time now…hopefully I’ll get to it soon :) It sounds SO awesome《3

    • Wendy Darling

      I feel like you could probably just spoon this into your mouth and you’d be really happy. :) And yes, the book has so much potential to be AWESOME! I’m hoping to read it right after the holidays.

  14. Sarah (saz101)

    ADFDJAFHDHA.
    THIS STORY MAKES ME SAD AND HORRIFIED.
    AND REMINDS ME WHY I BECAME VEGETARIAN.
    *continues naming all the aminals*
    *weeps for Little Joe*

    ;(((

    Seriously though. THIS BOOK. WANT.
    And I’m thankful for Wendy and K and Tonya and *grins*

    AND WENDY. YOUR PHOTO! THERE’S A REAL-PERSON PHOTO OF YOU! Did you know? :D

    • Wendy Darling

      Ahhh, Sarah! I was hoping you would not see this story, I knew it would make you sad. :(

      But aww, you are the sweetest thing and we love you to pieces, too.

      As for the last bit, shhh! What if someone else notices?!

    • Sarah (saz101)

      I’m pretending I didn’t read it so it didn’t happen… but it sounds very fairytalish, and I really really REALLY want Phillip Pullman’s Grimm Fairytales for Christmas (hints to husband have been VERY SUBTLE, like so: *hands him book* I want strong). So maybe it’s good preparation? AND WHY IS IT I FIND THE IDEA OF SOMEONE KILLING AND EATING THE POOR TURKEY SO CREEPY, BUT NOT WITCHES EATING CHILDREN? O__o

      Soo… I should… uh… cancel the order on the flashing neon sign saying ‘LOOK LOOK LOOK! WENDY’S A REAL PERSON NOW?’ It was going to have a flash 10ft high arrow and everything… or… it did in my imagination :D

      And by real person, I mean non-cartoon version… not… like… you’re not actually a real person.

      And I think sometimes I should maybe not type comments when I’m drinking coffee O__O

  15. readingdate

    What a fun Thanksgiving/debut author feature! Looking forward to reading Splintered next year and trying out that cranberry sauce recipe. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got cooked up for us tomorrow :)

    • Wendy Darling

      I think it’s awesome that publishers give new writers a chance, and we’ve been seeing some really good debuts this year. Thanks for stopping by, Lucy!

    • Wendy Darling

      It’s so gorgeous in person, Lyn. And I keep seeing 5 star ratings from friends, so I’m not going to be able to resist this one much longer!

  20. Karen

    Great feature!

    Someone just recommended Splinter to me the other day and told me that I had to read it! lol

    Poor Little Joe – if that one was true :-)

    • Wendy Darling

      Well, if it wasn’t Joe, I’m assuming it would be some other poor, delicious creature. :P I wonder if she’ll tell us which one is the truthful part…

  23. Keertana

    I love the originality of this post! Gosh, that sauce looks and sounds delicious – I need to try to make it for sure! ;) Thanks for sharing! :D

  25. Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings

    I am sorry I didn’t get this one, maybe I should see if I can still. I am starting to hear good buzz. I agree we have had a whole crop of wonderful new debut authors this year and I don’t know how 2013 can top it but let’s hope it does!

  26. Sam

    I only just finished reading this book (and loved it to pieces!) and your post is the first I visit today. What a funny coincidence! :) Love Anita’s post. Never name your turkey – good advice, I say! ;)

    • Wendy Darling

      SAM. I saw your 5 star rating! I’ve been trying to ignore the ARC since I’m trying to power through possible 2012 favorites, but I’m not going to be able to resist much longer. Especially after seeing the much-coveted star rating from you. :)

  27. Aneeqah

    Haha, I loved that story! Although, I’m horrible at picking out the truths/lies in a story (I’m extremely gullible…) so I’m not even going to try to pick out the 2 truths. But the story was too fun to read. =) I’ve been looking for some cool Thanksgiving recipes to make with my mom, and I will definitely have to try this out! It looks so delicious!

    Thanks for sharing Anita and thanks Wendy for hosting such an awesome feature. I will definitely be back tomorrow!

  29. Jasprit

    Oh this is such a fab post Wendy, the pear honey cranberry sauce recipe sounds delicious! I may have to try it at Christmas! I can’t wait to see who will be stopping by the blog tomorrow! :)

    • Wendy Darling

      It sounds like a good festive side dish for any holiday. :) I really like the dishes our authors have come up this week, and I’m excited to share them!

  30. Christina

    Awww, what a cute interview theme! Also, does anyone else spend time thinking about how pretty authors are these days? I remember when I was young that looking at the author photo usually resulted in fear. Now so many are gorgeous AND talented. I deem this unfair. :-p

    • Wendy Darling

      It sounds like something that would taste really good as a frozen dessert, hah. Maybe a granita, the flavors sound like they’d go really well together.

  34. Amy

    Ohh that recipe sounds delicious! If I was cooking Thanksgiving dinner I would try to make it, but I’m not. I will definitely make it a different time though.

    • Wendy Darling

      The lemon juice and lemon zest are what make it for me–I’m not normally a big cranberry sauce person, but this one sounds delicious!