Wednesday Words: Worse Things

Posted on May 6, 2026 by Silver James

Wednesday’s child is full of woe. I always thought that sucked for them but the rhyme rather fits Aisling, the heroine in Ariel’s book that has no name beyond what I (via Sade) have declared it. Anyway, it is Wednesday and it time for new words. The judge in last week’s Thursday Threads opted to pick a winner and then leave comments on the other entries. This can happen when not many of us participate. I, for one, appreciate any feedback. The judge had this to say about my words: Clean. Engaging. Well done ensemble dynamics with a grounded emotional core. Real talent. I especially appreciate that last bit because that ol’ Imposter Syndrom bugaboo keeps rearing its ugly head. Moving on. The prompt for last week is: *”That might be worse.”* Imma just gonna toss this one out there because where it falls in the story? Yeah, that should remain a mystery for the moment. And no, it’s not because I have no clue! 😆

****
Light spilled from the stone arch that had appeared in the middle of the forest. Sade stepped toward it but Sinjen jerked her back. She snarled at the vampire. He simply stared at her until she rolled her eyes.

“Fine.” She pivoted and looked at the other men gathered in a semi-circle. Dragon, werewolf, baby fae. “Which of you has a better plan?”

Nikos and Caleb met her gaze at least. Druic stared at the grass growing just beyond the toes of his boots. None of them spoke.

“Sinjen?”

“No.”

“No what? No plan? No clue? No interest in rescuing Ariel?”

“No, you cannot got through that doorway.”

“Because I’m human? I’ve been dragged into and out of more realms in my lifetime than—”

“None of them were charmed.” Druic’s soft voice cut through her tirade. His eyes flicked up to meet hers for a fraction of a second. “It is Fae and not even I can pass through.”

Sade wanted to hit something…or someone. Curses sputtered on the end of her tongue and she finally cut loose with a string that had all four Magicks blushing. She wound down and finished with. “I can’t leave him there.”

Nikos sighed. “There is possibly a…” He glanced at Caleb. “What did you call it?”

“A back door.” Caleb shook his head at Sade. “That might be worse.”

“Ask me if I care.”

His voice tinged with resignation, Sinjen said, “You will go anyway.”

“He’s my friend.”

That explained it all.
****

Sade sometimes gets ahead of herself but she is nothing if not loyal. And Ariel is a friend. She might want to pin him back by his pointy ears on occasion and both Caleb and Sinjen enjoy the quiet when Ariel isn’t around, but she would no more abandon him to some terrible fate than she would Caleb or Sinjen. The same holds true for Roman, but the gargoyle is busy taking care of business down in New Orleans. As for Nikos? He tends to play things close to the vest. Writers, do your “worst” with the prompt. Readers, I hope you enjoyed this snippet. Aaand our question of the day–for everyone–is…🥁… What’s the worst thing that could happen if Sade walks under that arch?

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tuesday Treats & Titles: Snickerdoodle Pie

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Silver James

I seem to be torn between cookies and pie these days. Choices, choices. It’s so hard, but… When you can combine the two, I consider that a win for the home team! I love chocolate chip cookies. Peanut butter. Oatmeal. Oh…who am I kidding? I love all the cookies. Except maybe fig newtons. I don’t like mincemeat pie either and those two sort of remind me of each other. But chocolat pie? Lemon meringue. Pecan. Chess. Apple. All the pies! But when push comes to shove, my favorite cookie is a big ol’ soft snickerdoodle. And yes, I just so happen to have a pie for that!

Snickerdoodle Pie

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including 30 minutes to cool)
Servings: 10

Ingredients

Crust:
1 unbaked 9″ pie crust (premade or from scratch)
1 Tablespoon raw or coarse sugar
1/2 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 Teaspoons melted butter

Syrup
1/2 Cup packed brown sugar
1/4 Cup butter
3 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons light-colored corn syrup
1/4 Teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon vanilla

Filling
1/4 Cup softened butter
1/2 Cup granulated sugar
1/4 Cup powdered sugar
1 Teaspoon baking powder
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1/4 Teaspoon cream of tartar
1 egg
1/2 Cup milk
1 1/4 Cups all-purpose flour

Let’s Make It

1 – Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 9″ pie pan with pastry crust. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp. raw sugar and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Brust the melted butter over the crust. Sprinkle with 1 tsp. of cinnamon-sugar mix. Set aside.

2 – For syrup, combine brown sugar, butter, water, corn syrup and cinnamon in a sauce pan. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil gently for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Set aside.

3 – In mixing bowl, beat softened butter with electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Beat in granulated sugar, powdered sugar, baking powder, salt, and cream of tarter until well comined. Beat in egg and 1 tsp vanilla. Gradually beat in milk until combined. Beat in flour until mixed, making sure to scrap sides. Spread batter evenly in pie pan.

4 – Slowly pour the syrup mixture over the filling. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Cover the edges with foil or a pie ring.

5 – Bake pie for 25 minutes. Carefully remove foil/ring. Bake about 20 minutes more or until the top is puffed and golden brown, and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool 20 minutes on wire rack. Serve warm.

Tips:

1 – Serve with ice cream if that’s your catnip.

2 – The pie will keep for about 4 days after baking. Seal in plastic wrap. You’ll want to enjoy warm so re-heat in the microwave 30-60 seconds before serving.

I happen to know a certain DHS investigator who likes pie. A lot. Unlike FBI Agent Dale Cooper of Twin Peaks fame, Derek Alexander is not that fond of cherry pie but put a snickerdoodle pie in front of him? He might just ask you to marry him. Or he would if Katherine “Kit:” Carson weren’t his one and only. Kit, an ARFF with DFW, makes a mean snickerdoodle pie. The guys at the firehouse are partial to it as well but they know not to get between a Wolf and his pie…or his mate. If you’d like to read about how these two met in the middle of a plane crash invovling human traffickers, grab CRASH & BURN, a Moonstruck Wolf stand-alone to grab a copy from your favorite on-line seller. Just click on either pic with the cover or the title and you’ll whisk away to Books2Read where you will land on CRASH & BURN‘s page. Enjoy your trip!

For those who might wonder, ARFF stands for Airport Rescue Firefighter and DFW is the FAA designation for Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport.

Posted in Writing Life, Books | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A Monday In May

Posted on May 4, 2026 by Silver James

Oh, who am I kidding? This is me EVERY morning before coffee. Have I mentioned that the single-serve function on my coffee maker has started working again? I’m happy. Making a full pot is a pain because the hot plate cuts off before I’m done and I end up luke warm coffee. YUCK! The last cup is okay because I’ll often make a Frappucino knock-off and if it’s cold, I don’t have to use as much ice in the blender.

In weather news, it’s nice outside and we still haven’t had to turn on the AC! That’s a win in my book. Normally, we can get 4-6 months out of the year where we don’t have to run HVAC which means lower utility bills. Considering the fixed income, this becomes a really big deal. We won’t talk about my book sales. I made $4.85 at the ‘Zon last month and hey, I’ve made a whole 35 cents this month! The thing about publishing is rather like higher level academics–publish or die.

Moving on. Sports! They were crazy this weekend with ups and downs. My Cowgirls took 2 from Kansas and are the 2nd seed in the Big 12 Tournament, which starts Thursday. Fingers crossed they stay high in the RPI and get a Regional, but they have to get through the Conference Championships first. OU won the “outright” SEC title. I have no idea what the SEC bracket looks like or when it starts. I should look into that. Stormy had soccer matches this weekend. They won some, lost some but are in second place in their league so yay!

I did a little writing last week. I also did some jiggling around of the puzzle pieces so that they fit into the frame better. It’s not much, but it’s progress. I hope that with the pieces falling into better places I’ll stay BICHOK and get some real work done. Sadly, my reading seems to be as stalled as my writing. I did finish LETHAL RIDER and I’ve moved on to ROGUE RIDER. I have one more to go, REAVER, until I’ll be ready to start the new trilogy. I might take a break though, before starting the next gen.

I found a new dessert recipe and I plan on trying it this weekend. I have to grocery shop first. It won’t be featured tomorrow because I want to actually see how it turns out before I share. Maybe next week. Dang. Mother’s Day is Sunday. Time. It’s flying. Not much else exciting has occurred.

Now it’s your turn. Reading a good book? Watched a good movie/TV show? Did something fun? Creative? How are your sports teams doing? I’m nosy!

Posted in Books, Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Friday Sinema: Directions

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Silver James

Okay. At first, Simon and I were like…what? *head scratch* Then the intro, then…well, you just need to watch it for yourselves. I lived through the whole Boy Band™️era with Only. I even took her to a Backstreet Boys concert. And then I found this video. These guys are the modern Village People and I think I kinda love them. Have a terrific weekend!

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Thursday Thoughts: Universal Returns

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Silver James

I was a teen of the 60s and 70s. “We’re the best, beat by none, Sr. class of ’71.” It was a crazy time but we all lived and breathed by inspirational posters. Well, and rock/movie star posters. There’s one that I still remember. There was a graceful hand lifted toward the sky. A butterfly hovered on one fingertip. The caption read: If you love something, let it go free. If it comes back to you, it’s yours. If it doesn’t, it never really was. I can’t tell you the number of broken hearts that poster got me through. It’s a thought that more often than not also turns up in some form in some of my books. When I opened a recent message from the Universe, it immediately came to mind.

No one loses anything, Silver, that doesn’t eventually come back.

Love, grins, and horseshoes –
The Universe
©www.tut.com

P.S. And usually, Silver, it comes back bigger, better, and zippier.

In addition to the inspirational quote, it also struck me that the Big U might also be speaking to the hearts of us writers. I can’t speak for all of us but I can for myself and I know how some others feel. Writer’s Block is a real thing and it walks hand-in-hand with Imposter Syndrome. Neither is fun and both happen far more often than most of us like. Writer’s Block happens when we start to doubt our story. Imposter Syndrom happens when we doubt ourselves.

I don’t know of any writer who hates telling stories. Our imaginations are ingrained in our DNA. I have a meme that says “Anyone can be a writer, writers can’t be anything else.” Even when we think we can’t write, the ideas are still there nudging and pushing until we start writing again. This is the difference between my teen poster and the Universe. Writers don’t lose what we’ve set free. It comes back to us, for better or worse. The ideas, the characters, the compulsion to tell the story. It may take a while, and sometimes we might need to go look for it, but the desire will return bigger, better, and zippier.

This is a subject I know a lot about. I’ve been struggling for two years now, ever since the health situation that almost took my life. It’s been hard but the Universe’s message hit home this week. I’m waiting for the love, grins, and even the horseshoes. It’s getting closer. If I close my eyes, I can sense it hovering out there just out of reach. In the meantime, I’ve quit beating myself up if I don’t write and I celebrate when I do. There’s hope. And we shall survive.

Posted in Craft, Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Wednesday Words: Attention Please

Posted on April 29, 2026 by Silver James

Winner, winner chicken dinner! Yes, I won last week’s Thursday Threads. I admit that I had a bit of fun with the weekly prompt and will have more as I expand the scene. Here’s what the judge had to say: I loved the suspense and panic that Aisling brought to the tale. Who cares about what’s worse than rats, that was it time to pack the bags and go back. I loved it. The emotion was excellent and made me feel like I was standing next to them. Thank you, this was a joy to read. Color me all gooey! Are you wondering what the prompt is? It’s a short one but gave me so many ideas it took a while to pick one. Here it is: *”Just pay attention.”* This scene happens not too long after Ariel and Aisling meet and agree to…”investigate” the mysterious goings on.

****
Aisling stared down the long, dark tunnel waiting for her eyes to adjust. She glanced at the man standing beside her. “Are you sure about this?”

“Just pay attention. Watch your step. And…” Ariel’s voice trailed off.

“And what?” Pleased her voice didn’t quaver, she gave him a pointed stare.

“And whatever you do, don’t freak.”At her glare, he added, “How do you feel about rats?”

Choking on the saliva suddenly filling her mouth, she managed to squeak, “Rats?”

“Yes. These tunnels are part of Rochester’s sewer system. There’s no telling what actually lives down here.”

“Rats?” Aisling asked again, her voice stronger and far more strident.

“Yes. Rats. Plus other things.” He paused, added. “That might be worse.”
Eyes wide, she took two steps back putting more space between them. “What’s worse than rats?” She all but screamed it and her last word echoed into the distance. As the sound faded away, other noises took its place—the skittering of tiny claws and high-pitched squeals.

“No-no-no-no,” she chanted, then she turned and fled.

Ariel dropped his chin to his chest and sighed. He’d known this excursion was a bad idea but Aisling insisted on being included. Then he heard her scream. Sprinting, he arrived at the entrance just in time to duck. “It’s me, Caleb,” he snarled then glowered at the woman next to Aisling.

Aisling looked panicked. “You know these people?”

Sade beat him to the introductions. “Agents Sade Marquis and Caleb Jones, FBI. And you are?”

“Aisling Goodnight. Librarian.”
****

Sadly, I think I may have used that last line before. I’ll have to look for it and if I have used it, figure out the context because…frankly…I crack a smile every time I hear Aisling say that in my head. I can just see her chin jutting even as her glasses slide down her nose and she pushes them up. Never underestimate a librarian! Hope you enjoyed today’s snippet, readers. Well, you writers too. Hope you can find some inspiration in the prompt. Would you go explore tunnels under a city?

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Tuesday Treats & Titles: Choco-Chip Rescue Moon Pie

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Silver James

Today’s recipe is quick and easy and just hits the spot if you are a chocolate chip cookie fan but want something just a little different.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Rescue Moon Pie
Prep Time: 15 miutes
Bake Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients
1 (9-inch) deep dish pie pastry unbaked
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter softened
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup pecans or walnuts chopped
vanilla ice cream to taste, for serving

Directions
1 – Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2 – lace the pie shell into a pie plate.
3 – In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs on high speed until they are foamy and pale in color.
4 – Beat the flour, the granulated sugar, the brown sugar, and the vanilla into the egg mixture until it is combined.
5 – Beat the butter into the sugar mixture until it is combined.
6 – Stir the chocolate chips and the nuts into the filling mixture.
7 – Spoon the filling into the pie shell.
8 – Bake the pie until a knife inserted halfway between the edge and the center comes out clean, about 55 minutes-1 hour. Tent the pie with foil if the crust begins to brown too quickly.
9 – Cool the pie on a wire rack.
10 – Slice and serve warm with the ice cream.

As Dana Peterson is quick to agree, sometimes a girl just needs chocolate chip cookies but she doesn’t always have time to make, scoop, bake, scoop, bake… She tumbled across this recipe and realized how simple and quick it is and it comes with all the mouth-watering rewards of a soft, warm chocolate chip cookie. As a bonus, her mate Hawkins “Hawk” Greenwood always makes sure that she has plenty of ice cream to go on top. And yes, Hawk has been known to eat one or two slices himself. Hawk rescued the former anthropoligist and prep school teacher from a Mexican drug cartel. Their hair-raising adventures are recounted in RESCUE MOON. For those of you who have read it, maybe it’s time for a reread and if you didn’t leave a review the first time, maybe now? If you’re new to the Moonstruck world, this one stands alone even though familiar characters pop up on cameos. Interested? Just click on either pic or the title and you’ll be whisked away to Books2Read where you can find your preferred on-line bookseller. Now tell me…who doesn’t love chocolate chip coookie anything?

Posted in Books, Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

At Last, Monday

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Silver James

Wait! What?!!? This is the last Monday in April? Noooo. How can that be? April is almost gone and May is just around the corner? But…but…!!!! Wasn’t it just March last week? *sigh* I’m so not ready.

May. That means Mother’s Day is just around the corner. End of school. Only’s granduation. Again. For the 4th time. Story for another day. Softball: conference championships, regionals, super regionals, Women’s College World Series. Okay, that last one is more June-ish.

We had weather last week. Not *here* so much as in the state. Storm chasers got some incredible footage. Amazingly, the F4 that hit Enid missed the Air Force base but hit a housing subdivision. Ten people were injured, none seriously, and no casualties. Those house are GONE! But the people in them all walked out after the storm. Granted, some needed a little help from the neighbors to remove debris from their storm shelter doors. I’m calling a miracle. As for us, the storms were north and south of us. We got a little rain but sure could use more!

Writing. I actually did some. And there will be winning words come Wednesday. Remind me, though, to never set a book in a place that I know basically nothing about and the geograph;y/topography is all cattywampus! Normally, I can use Google Sttreet view to “motor” around and get a real sense of place. Rochester (the setting for Ariel’s Damn Book)? Yeah, not so much. The river runs north! The downtown library, where much of the action takes place) is on the wrong side of the river based on the photos, which has my spatial sense ALL screwed up! It’s crazy! See, I’m weird. If a local is reading one of my books, I want them to recognize their home turf. And trust me, I can read a map. And normally, I can “drive” using Google Street like a pro. *sigh* This book hates me. *bigger sigh*

In sports, it was a good weekend. Stormy’s soccer team won 6-2 on Saturday and then played out of town on Sunday and won 6-0. Yay! My Cowgirls sweot Baylor 3-0 and the Sooners were 3-0 against Georgia. All games were televised so I had lots of softball to enjoy. Big YAYS all around!

I’m still listening to Larissa Ione’s Four Horseman/Demonica series. I’m currently on LETHAL RIDER. It’s been a long time sime I read these books and their fun but I don’t feel a pressing need to just binge a book. Which might be why I’m getting work done on Ariel’s Damn Book.

Not much else happened and not much planned for this week. What about y’all? Anything good, bad or indifferent to allow?

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Friday Sinema: Bad Boys (and Girls)

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Silver James

Social media creates all sorts of challenges to get clicks. Well, I clicked on this bait and it was soooo wroth it! I laughed. First, I’ve always loved the song, from way back when COPS was first a thing. Add in wives and husbands, siblings, and…well, just wait for the last one! Hope you’ve had a good week and I hope I’m giving you a grin to start your weekend with. Have a good one!

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Thursday Thoughts: Universal Affirmation

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Silver James

I have a meme that says: I don’t need an inspirational quote. What I need is a freaking cup of coffee. I’m thinking we’ve all be there a time or ten. I know I have. Still, I collect memes for inspiration, because they made me laugh, and for other uses. I’m not exactly sure where I came across Tut, but it’s been years. Every day, I get an email from the Universe. Some, like memes, get saved and I share them here. Some, like memes, I roll my eyes and delete. Some make me smile. Some make me think. Today’s message is…just because.

Now repeat after me, Silver:

“I AM… ANYTHING I choose to be.”

Now choose…

Tallyho,
The Universe
©www.tut.com

P.S. This one, Silver, reminds me of when I chose to be you.

I choose to be a writer today. I also choose to be more positive. i.e. My mantra shall be “I am positive that I am a writer and a good writer.” What about y’all? Who do you choose to be today?

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments