YES, I’M A GROUPIE   The title is true. For May’s newsletter I’m going to be a groupie. And I hope you become one as well after I tell you about Janice Hanna Thompson. She’s a writer, a mentor, a mom, a grandmother, and in her spare time – she directs plays.   And did I mention she’s a baker extraordinaire, which we will cover later? The picture above is one of her creations.   But first I have to tell you - my writing soared under her tutelage. She played a large part in all of my books, but my historical romance, Chords of Love, wouldn’t exist without her. She and I brainstormed a crazy idea and it’s now in print. And I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the cover.   As you can see, my friend means the world to me. And that is why she’s featured in my newsletter this month. Along with everything I mentioned above, she’s started a blog and it needs to get out for the world to see it. Go to: www.outoftheboxbaking.com.   I’ll wait while you click on it and peruse the delectable pictures. I so wish Janice could find a way to make her site scratch and sniff.     Okay, that’s enough time. Now if those photos didn’t awaken your taste buds, you better check your pulse ‘cause you are D.E.A.D. FYI: Ray made the Light and Fluffy biscuits (one ingredient is mayonnaise) and yummy is all we can say (picture below is our biscuit and gravy breakfast).     I owe Janice a huge THANK YOU for the help she’s given me over the years. And today is my turn to give back to her. Please go to her website and click the subscribe button (https://outoftheboxbaking.com/sign-up/). There are two options: you can subscribe to her RSS feed to receive recipes as they drop or to her newsletter, where you can learn more about all of her antics. Oh, and while you’re at it – check out her fabulous books. Janice’s wit is infectious. Also, here are some of Janice’s recommended posts:  Common Baking Substitutions (https://outoftheboxbaking.com/2022/05/13/common-baking-substitutions-best-tips-and-tricks/)   How to Doctor a Boxed Cake Mix (https://outoftheboxbaking.com/2022/02/02/how-to-doctor-a-boxed-cake-mix-the-ultimate-guide/)   Old-Fashioned Pound Cake with Whipping Cream (https://outoftheboxbaking.com/2022/05/06/old-fashioned-pound-cake-with-whipping-cream/)   Whether you like to bake cakes, cookies, cupcakes, or other sweet treats, there’s something on her blog for everyone to enjoy. And talk about tips and tricks! You’ll find a drop-down menu filled with baking hacks to make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable.   Here’s the full story on how this blog came to be: https://outoftheboxbaking.com/about/  Enjoy looking at photos of cakes and cookies? You’ll find a ton here: https://outoftheboxbaking.com/themed-party-ideas/ Here are a couple of examples of her fabulous cakes.            PS: Please share this information with your family and friends. Tell them how to subscribe. They’ll thank you for it. And let me know what recipes you make from the ones on her blog. And I’ll keep you posted on the ones Ray makes. Remember, he’s the chef in our family. Until next time...oh, and before I forget - I'm working on finishing my novel and novella. News on them next month. Hugs to everyone!!!   Blessings! Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romance “Turning Life Into Comedy” E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge