This pic showed up in my X feed this week. There are clues to 40 horror movies in it. I’m not a horror fan but I still managed to come up with about 20 (maybe 22?) movies. Since we’re in Halloween season, I thought it would be fun to share to see how many y’all can identify. Have fun! And have a great weekend.
I have a meme–which is no suprise to anyone who follows me on X–that says “Today is one of those days where I wish I could restore myself to factory settings.” I think most of of us feel this way from time to time but for writers, it becomes almost a daily thing. Luckily, the Universe has something to say on the mater.
Ever wish for do-over days, Silver? You know, hit the reset-button and give ‘er another shot?
Sure.
Will today work?
It’s never too late,
The Universe
©www.tut.comP.S. Silver, they’re all do-over days, you’re a forever being, and whatever you once dreamed of for yourself, I still dream of for you.
Why do writers so often feel like do-overs? We live in our heads and we create imaginary people, places, and events. The majority of us are perfectionists. We want to tell the right story in the right way. That said, our characters and plots often become tulpas. What’s that you ask? A tulpa is an entity created in the mind, acting independently of, and parallel to one’s own consciousness. The term comes up a lot in paranormal reality shows when discussing urban legends and internet “creatures.” People believe so it becomes real. All the writers I know feel that way about our characters.
That said, sometimes we get off track. When tht happens, we have to pull back and hit the reset button. Go back to factory settings, as it were. The good news is, we get as many do-overs as we need to get the dang book written to tell the best story we can. It’s good to know that the Big U has our back in real life too. Is there anything you’d like a do-over for this week?
Here we are mid-week once again. And guess what?! (I’m never sure if that’s a question or a request in the form of a statement. Anyway…) I have words form last week’s Thursday Threas. No wins for me but this was the judge’s favorite line from my entry: “Tall. Svelte. Beautiful. Almost painfully so.” The prompt was a fun one: *“Then you are perfect.”*
****
Aisling stood there like a soldier at attention. Chin up, shoulders, back, hands at her sides, barely breathing. Her eyes watered from not blinking and she closed them for the briefest of moments. She wanted to track the woman’s movements but forced her gaze to remain forward as this stranger circled her.
“So,” the woman said, her voice tinged with ice. “You’re the reason for all this chaos.”
She didn’t reply, concentrating solely on shallow breaths and not screaming.
“Do you know who I am?”
Aisling blinked again. And swallowed.
“Ah, I thought not. You are sadly lacking in your education. I shouldn’t be surprised.
Considering.”
The words bit deep. She had a very fine education, thank you very much and while her parents weren’t the most loving, they’d provided her with food and housing and her advanced degrees. The woman stopped in front of her and Aisling got the chance to really study her.
Tall. Svelte. Beautiful. Almost painfully so. Aisling’s eyes watered again, this time from the sheer power radiating from her. This woman had to be one of the magicks. Was she a fae?
“Let me introduce myself. Humans call me Titania. The Seelie Court calls me queen.”
Aisling locked her knees. Not just fae but Fae!
“I am not quite sure what he sees in humans. The silly boy falls in love so easily. What is it about you?” The Queen circled her again. “Do you love him?”
“No,” she lied.
Titania smiled. “Then you are perfect.”
****
There you have it. Writers, the invitation is there if you are so inspired. Readers, I’m curious. Is there one of the lines in this snippet that catches your eye? That you would pick as your favorite? This inquiring mind wants to know.
Serious questions. Who loves cheesecake? 🙋🏼♀️
Who loves blueberries? 🙋🏼♀️
Who loves chocolate? 🙋🏼♀️
Who loves brownies? 🙋🏼♀️
That’s what I thought. Therefore, our recipe today hits a homerun, touches all the bases, delights all the likes. Right? Right! I mean, c’mon, peeps! Brownies with a cream cheese and blueberry swirl that’s topped with chocolate chips? What’s not to love?!?! That’s a rhetorical, by the way.
Blueberry Cheesecake Brownies
Yield: 16 servings
Prep time: 15 Minutes
Cook time: 40 Minutes
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients
▢ 1 box brownie mix (18 oz) + ingredients listed on box (oil, egg, and coffee instead of water, optional) I use Ghirardelli Double Chocolate
▢ 2 teaspoons vanilla, divided
▢ 1/4 cup blueberry jam
▢ 8 ounces softened cream cheese
▢ 1/4 cup sugar
▢ 1 egg
▢ 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
1 - Preheat oven to 350. Line 9x9 or 7x11 pan with parchment paper.
2 - In a large bowl, stir brownie mix, oil, egg, and water (or coffee) as directed on the box, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until just combined. Reserve 2 tablespoons of batter for the cheesecake layer.
3 - In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla with a mixer until smooth and creamy.
4 - Pour brownie batter into pan. Dollop cream cheese over the brownie batter and spread into an even layer.
5 - Drop spoonfuls of blueberry jam about 1 inch apart on top of the cream cheese layer. Add the reserved brownie batter in small spoonfuls between the jam. Swirl the jam and brownie batter into the cheesecake layer with a butter knife. Be careful not to swirl into the brownie layer. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
6 - Bake for 40 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. If necessary, tent with foil to prevent from getting too brown. Cool on a wire rack for about an hour, then chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
7 - Lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips
1. Swapping out coffee for the water in a brownie mix intensifies the chocolate flavor.
2. Use a softened block of cream cheese for the smoothest, creamiest cream cheese filling. The kind in a tub is softer and likely won't set up the same.
3. Freeze brownies in single layers between sheets of parchment paper. Wrap in a double layer of plastic wrap and again in foil or in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator.
https://www.foodtalkdaily.com/posts/cookies-bars/brownies/blueberry-cheesecake-brownies-44676427
Sade says y’all need to make and eat these treats. She also says you need to buy the first book in the Penumbra Papers series, THAT OL’ BLACK MAGIC, if you don’t have it already. I mean…New Orleans! Zombies! Dragons! Also, Sade hasn’t had her coffee yet so it isn’t wise to mess with her. You don’t know who Sade is? Then you definitely need to grab this book to read while your brownies are baking. She’s an FBI agent with an X-Files mentality and she’s in charge of the FBI’s MAGIC unit. Those things that go bump in the night? Yeah, they’re all afraid of her. Just click on either pic with the cover or the title able. You’ll zip over in a new tab to Books2Read (hint: you can click there, too), to find links to every book in the series. You know, in case you want to binge…
Oh, Sade says enjoy the brownies but she’s got her eyes on y’all. Just sayin’…
September is almost gone. The nights are cooler but the days are still rather August-ish. I’m ready for Fall. Fall is my favoirte. October arrives on Wednesday. That means it’s time to switch tablecloths, dining room centerpiece and the front door wreath. I don’t do real pumpkins anymore. Coons, skunks, and/or possums ate the last ones I put out. It’s been a few years but we still get the little mooches wandering through every night, cleaning up the feral cat leftovers. I have a couple of “fake” pumpkins that light up but I’m always hesitant to put out things easily stolen. Seriously. I don’t know how many times people have tried to steal the cement Nessie in the driveway island. We finally put in eyebolts with oilfield chain wrapped around a thick oak tree.
What’s the world coming to? Especially after all the bad stuff happening. There truly is a mental health crisis on the one hand and a criminal crisis on the other. That’s political stance for the week. Moving on.
I did nothing this weekend. Well, laundry, but that hardly counts. I listened to books in Ilona Andrews’ Hidden Legacy series. I sort of watched some college football. I mean, the TV was on and tuned in but… I sort of watched On Patrol Live but I kept falling askeep. I cleaned up after Toby. Don’t ask.
Did I write? Not really. This is becoming a boring refrain. This book isn’t bad. It isn’t boring. Not really. At least not when I go back and read what is written. I mostly know the direction it needs to go. There are some crazy scenes, some scary ones, some sweet ones. Normaqlly when I get stuck like this, it’s because a different story is shouting for my attention. Sadly…there’s only crickets. Silent ones.
Today, I’m at my eye surgeon’s for a six-month check-up. I probably need new glasses but the other facets of my vision like eye pressure and the retinal scarring from the glaucoma should be unchanged. My pressure’s been good since the surgeries and the daily drops. The scarring, not so much. We’re taking both puppers. This should be an adventure. Jake, who normally stays in the waiting room with LG will come back to the exam room(s) with me so LG can deal exclusively with Toby. Sit and down are still not part of his vocabulary despite constant attempts to get him to “listen.” “No!” he totally understands but chooses to ignore that command. Jake was so easy to train he totally spoiled me.
On that note, time to get on with my day. Oh. A word to the wise. It’s only 99 days until Christmas. Just sayin’. How was your weekend?
Battle of the songs this week! First up, Tina Turner straight from the Thunderdome!
She’s taking on a Footloose Bonnie Tyler. What about y’all? Don’t need a hero or are you lookin’ for one? Have a great weekend whichever you choose.
One piece of advice that writers–especially romance authors–often hear is “Kill your darlings!” Now that doesn’t mean to actually off them in your book. Well, unless you are writing horor novel. Or a tragedy. Literary. Some women’s fiction. Okay. So some writers gleefully kill off characters with reckless abandon in order to further the plot. Don’t get me wrong. I’m all about the conflict–both internal and external. Killing off a character can ramp up both the emotion and the action. But, you can “torture” your characters too much. The hard part is finding the right balance and the Universe has thoughts.
For every setback, disappointment, and heartbreak, Silver, ask yourself:
“What does this create the opportunity for?”
And therein you will find its gift.
Everything has a reason,
The Universe
P.S. And if you look close enough, Silver, that reason will always be love, healing, or happy dancing, if not all three.
Setbacks, disappointments, and yes, even heartbreaks can add depth to a story and to a character’s arc. How they react, how they adapt, how they pick up the pieces and move forward makes for compelling reading.
True story. I read like crazy. I mean sometimes 300 books a year (at least back in the day, not so much now but still over 100). I’m alsways looking for new and different. I found a paranormal romance series that was fresh and different. I liked the main character and her sisters were cool primary characters. There was something of a love triangle but not really. Psst I hate triangles. I was fully invested in the book. The MC and Romantic Male Lead had their ups and downs but I hung in there. Until I didn’t. Everyone got their HEA or HFN, EXCEPT the main couple. They were torn apart at the end of every book. Just like that, I was done. The Big U is right. There must always be a reason for the troubles we cause our characters and in the end, those troubles MUST lead to love, healing, or happy dancing. Preferably, all three.
Happy Hump Day! We’ve arrived at mid-week once again. I can’t believe how fast time seems to be flowing. I swear I was typing out a post for this topic like…two days ago. Crazy. Anyway, it is Wednesday and in these parts, that means new words. I have them. Two hundred and fifty of them to be precise. I didn’t win, place or show in last week’s Thursday Threads but the judge did pick a favorite line from my entry. Technically, he piced a fave from several of the snippets. 😉
Anyway, the prompt was: *“You forget, I’m no hero.”* Once again, I’m not sure where in the timeline this occurs but it seems fairly self-explanatory to me.
****
The shadow-drenched path stretched into the distance. The two of them stood beneath arching branches dripping with lilac blooms. A spring breeze teased invisible fingers through the flowers, leaving rustling whispers in its wake. The purple blossoms’ gentle scent perfumed the air.
Ariel watched Aisling. Deep inside, he recognized the trembling nerves of a shallow youth. He almost laughed. He was over two hundred years old and held the title of the King’s Seducer.
“What are you going to do?” Her voice quavered, almost as if the breeze teased her words as they left her mouth.
“Nothing.”
“But—”
He cut her off before she could protest. “There’s nothing I can do.” At least not at the moment, he thought but didn’t say out loud.
“I need help, Ariel.”
He held his tongue and his body, both frozen at her plea. When his muscles thawed, he breathed, filling his lungs with air and blowing it out until they were empty again. He had orders. He knew what he had to do. Reminding himself of his duty over and over, he dredged up words he didn’t want to utter.
“You forget, I’m no hero.”
Aisling’s gaze settled on him, her eyes all but glowing in the sudden moonlight. The look in them almost brought him to his knees.
“I don’t need a hero,” she whispered. “I just need you.”
Her words slammed into him and it was all he could do to remain standing.
“Help me.”
“I will.” And that was that.
****
And…that’s that. Writers, write. Readers, tell me who your favorite hero is. Book, movie, TV. Whatever media. I’m curious.
I decided to go Old Skool today. It’s Fall but sometimes, in these parts, it can be hard to tell. Which is why this pie is perfect for the season. It has the flavor of Autumn but is no-bake (no heating up the kitchen with the oven!), cool and creamy for that last vestige of Summer that lingers.
Cowgirl No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
Yield: 10 servings
Prep time: 5 Minutes
Cook time: 15 Minutes
Chill time: 1 Hour
Total time: 1 hr 20 min
Ingredients
1 8-inch chocolate cookie pie crust
For the Filling
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup powdered sugar sifted and divided into one 1/2 and 1/4 cup
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup creamy peanut butter
4 oz cream cheese softened
For the Topping
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chopped
1/4 cup roasted peanuts chopped; for garnish
Let’s Make It
For the Filling
1 – In a large bowl of an electric mixer, with the whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks have formed. Add the ½ cup sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a separate bowl.
2 – In the same mixer bowl (no need to wash it), with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter, and remaining ¼ cup of confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3 – At a low speed, beat a ⅓ of the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture just until combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the remaining whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until incorporated.
4 – Transfer the whipped peanut butter mixture into the prepared chocolate cookie pie shell. Gently smooth the mixture into an even layer with a spatula. Refrigerate the pie, uncovered, for 1 hour.
For the Topping
1 – Place the chocolate pieces, or chocolate chips, into a small bowl.
2 – In a small saucepan, bring the ½ cup of heavy whipping cream to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Once boiling, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Pour the boiling cream over the chopped chocolate. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit for one minute. Remove the plastic wrap and whisk until a smooth chocolate ganache forms.
3 – Pour the chocolate ganache over the chilled peanut butter pie. Using a spatula, gently smooth the ganache until all of the peanut butter filling has been covered.
4 – Sprinkle the chopped peanuts along the outer rim of the pie. Chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours before slicing.
Store the pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. If it lasts that long!
By Old Skool, I mean I’m going back to the beginning with the first book I sold to Harlequin, COWGIRLS DON’T CRY. There’s a long story about why I wrote this book and how it was contracted. Maybe someday, I’ll wax nostalgic, though most my readers have heard the tale. “The Call” came on Valentine’s Day. LG was in ICU at VA with a blood infection. My soon-to-be editor wanted the call to be special–hence the VD timing. I both laughed and cried during the call. Anyway. I sold this book and 8 more to Harlequin Desire. This is a pie that Cassie Morgan would make and she’d enjoy every bite of it. Chance Barron is fond of it too. FYI, their father’s hated each other so this is kinda sorta a Romeo and Juliet tale set in the ranchlands of Oklahoma. There’s even a cattle drive. I’ve linked to the Harlequin page because their ebook price is cheaper than the ‘Zon, though you can get a paperback copy from the ‘Zon. Just click on either picture with the cover or the title. Harlequin has links to other retailers too so you can buy from your preferred book seller. So, if you like a bit of spice in your romance, a fiesty cowgirl and a smooth-talking cowboy with a law degree, this might be the Old Skool fun you’re looking for. And don’t forget the pie!
Happy Fall, y’all! Today is the Autumnal Equinox, also known as the first day of Fall. Day and night will be equal. There’s an old wive’s tale about balancing an egg on its wide end on the equinox. I can’t tell you how many eggs my dad let me crack trying it. My dad was cool that way. It was a great way to grow up. There is a hint of fall in the air. Forecast highs are in the 80s and 70s this week. I’m in favor of 60s and 70s year round, but that’s just me. Still, much better 90s!
Sadly, we didn’t have piles of leaves like folks up in the northest get. We mostly just ran the lawn mower over them and they got sucked up into the mower’s bag. Even now, with all the oak, ash, and sweet gum trees dotting our yard, they mostly turn brown and crunchy. No fun for racing toward then diving into a giant pile. Still, it looks like fun in the movies.
It’s Monday. There was a weekend. No soccer. Football was a 50/50 mostly sucked proposition. I won’t talk about my Cowboys but I will ask about how long is it until softball starts. OU beat Auburn. They’re back in the Top 10 for the first time in awhile. My Cardinals won’t be in the post-season. Again. Talented players so I place the blame squarely on the front office and the manager. But what do I know? I’m just a fan.
Reading–or in my case, listening. I’m 5 books ahead of my yearly reading challenge. I lowered expectations this year to a measly 120 books. I normally read/listen to 200 or more. The Ilona Andrews writing team* released a Graphic Audio full-cast version of the second book in their Hidden Legacy series. LOVE the full-cast audio books. I haven’t listened to the series since like 2022, so after listening the dramatized adaptations of book 1 and 2, I slid over into the regular version of book 3 and the subsequent books. I’m still waiting for that last three in theries. There were reasons they didn’t finish and while I could overlook the reasons, I suppose there were those who would be upset. Yeah, yeah, that should mysterious but not my reasons. Anyway, I’m on book 4, which is the start of the 2nd plot arc. Good stuff.
I got a free Crock Pot to try out. It has two insets so I can cook two different 2.5 qt. dishes at the same time, or I can use the 6 quart main “bowl” without them. Now all I need are recipes for main dishes and side dishes that can be cooked at the same temp at approximately the same time. If you have any recipes, drop them in the comments! Warning, I AM allergic to tomatoes so nothing that calls for fresh or canned toms. I can do ketchup and sauce because no skin, pulp, or seeds. I cannot do tom paste. Yes, I’m weird. I am aware of this. 🙄
I basically didn’t do anything this weekend. I pretended to work on the book and did, in fact, get a bit of organization accomplished. If you aren’t familiar with the Scriverner writing program, it has a corkboard function. Smart writers make notes and summaries in the notecard section while writing in the text section. Then in corkboard, you can look at all the notecards and can move them around just like they’re sticky notes on a…wait for it…CORKBOARD! I know to do this but I don’t also do this so now I’m going back and doing this so I can get the dang ducks (aka snippets) in a row and get back to telling a story in the correct time and plot line. What happens is I get distracted, write more on the snippets and forget that I’m supposed to be organizing. My brain has too many tabs open and there’s music coming from somewhere while a couple of tabs are spinning the blue circle of death. This is me sighing. 😔
On that note, I need more coffee. I need to get OFF the internet. And, I need to get back to work. So how was your weekend?
*For those who aren’t familiar, Ilona Andrews is the pen name of wife and husband writing team Ilona and Andrew Gordon so when I say they/them, its because they are a them. Anyway…
NEW RELEASE
NEW RELEASE
NOW AVAILABLE
Silver James 