Tuesday Titles: Reading Habits

Posted on May 3, 2022 by Silver James

I’m not sure how popular the whole Tuesday Treats and Titles thing is–me pairing one of my characters and books with a recipe. It’s kinda fun for me until I just keep using the same books and characters. So, until I have re-released or new books to hawk, we’ll talk about reading, if that’s okay with y’all?

I love to read. Or a did until the eyes started giving me trouble. Now I love to listen to books. My dad told me that I stopped listening to bedtime stories when I was about three. He said I much preferred reading them by myself, and not out loud. Reading them out loud took too long. My mother thought I was just flipping pages and looking at pictures until I’d tell her the story written in the book. Yes, I was one of those kids.

A lot of you have heard the story about other weird stuff in my early reading habits–like starting with the As and working my way through the whole children’s secton of my hometown library all the way to the very last Z book. Granted, the library wasn’t huge but there were quite a few books. At the age of ten, Dad took me to Mrs. Lake, the head librarian, to have my name added to his library card so I could read any book I wanted. The first two I checked out were Mary Stewart’s “The Moonspinners” (because Disney and Haley Mills!) and Ian Flemeng’s “The Spy Who Loved Me” (because Sean Connery and James Bond movvies!) And yes, I was precocious. We won’t mention me thumbing through Playboy magazines (for the cartoons and Little Annie Fanny, y’all! No, really!) Are you at all surprised that I grew up to write sexy romance novels?

Anyway, that’s a long way to meander around to today’s topic. Book series. Are you a fan? Do you read them as they release or do you wait until the series is over to read them all? (Which would be tough if you are a fan of JD Robb or Nalini Singh, to mention a couple of favorite authors of mine.) As a writer, I try to bring closure to a series, which is not to say that those chararcters don’t crop up in other series. That’s the fun of my Moonstruck world! But I digress. Series. Love ’em or leave ’em? And do you reread the series when a new release comes out? I usually do because I read/listen to 150-300 books a year and it’s easy to lose track of characters, storylines, and such stuff like that there.

I bring this up because I just finished relistening to a series due to a new release and now I’m starting another series because the latest book came out today. Actually,, it’s a spin-off series but the heroine in the spin-off makes her first appearance in the first book. I’m talking about Jennifer Estep’s Crown or Shards and The Gargoyle Queen series. These are fantasy books with romantic elements. Estep does an amazing job with the rules of magic and the worldbuilding. I forget how much I like her voice until I open the series each year, because yeah, one new book a year. Which is another reason for a marathon reread/relisten. So, I’m happily relistening to “Kill the Queen.” And I totally recommend this series for fantasy fans.

The floor is now open for discussion. Series: yay or nay? Rereading: yay or nay? And what are you currently reading?

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May Day Monday

Posted on May 2, 2022 by Silver James

We’re starting a new month. How is that even possible? What happened to April? I had all these plans and goals and stuffs and then I blinked. And here it is the second of May. Gah! Picture me doing the Muppet Flail™.

So, what’s up in my world? We’ve had lots of Stormy time because Only is snowed under at work and Baseball Boy’s team made the state playoffs. We’ll probably have him quite a bit this week too. I haven’t received my “marching orders” from Only yet.

Why do screws disappear? I had to change the battery in the outside garage camera yesterday and I couldn’t quite get the darn screw for the battery compartment seated just right. And then my fingers didn’t want to work. That happens when you get old like me. I watched the screw fall. I saw it hit. I climbed down off the step ladder, bent over, and the stupid screw had been swallowed by a magic portal. Or something. I used the broom. I used a flashlight. LG used the magnet bowl thingy he uses to hold screws and nails when working. The dang thing was just…poof. Gone.

Websites. Coding. And headaches, oh my! Long story that I won’t bore you with but it all started when I got the rights to four books reverted to me. I’m lazy and the idea of having to update the back matter on every book (almost 40 now) books that I’ve self-published just made me boggle. And cringe. And all I wanted to do was hide. I got this wild hair to use the readlings lists on Books2Read to set up carousels for each series and use that link as a sort of universally “green” link for my books. That way, all I had to do was add the book to the carousel and I’d only have to update back matter in the other books when I had several new books out. Then I realized that I wouldn’t have links for the books I got back until I revised them all and uploaded and they went live and then…and then… And this is where a long story gets even longer. Suffice it to say that I spend five days on carousels, links, backmatter updates, and website updates (which now involves way more HTML coding than my brain can handle) and by mid-afternoon yesterday, I think I had it all in hand. And then my brain broke. I’m hoping it’ll be mended a little by the time I get back from Wallyworld and Starbucks.

RESCUE MOON is almost ready to go. SEAL MOON is almost read to go. That leaves ASSASSIN’S MOON and UNDER THE ASSASSIN’S MOON to revise and update. I think I’m going to wait until they are all ready and then upload them and release them a week apart. Because I might actually do some markeing on each one. Or something. Anyway…

A few new words but mostly behind-the-scenes writerly crude this past week. I need to dig out one of my favorite memes–the harried woman in a disaster of an office that reads: Be a writer, they said. It’ll be fun, they said. 🤦🏼‍♀️

There was softball and baseball this weekend. My OSU Cowgirls lost, by 1 run each game, to a higher rainked team so that shouldn’t hurt their rankngs. Scarily, they take on OU for the Bedlam series starting Thursday. The Cowboys swept Texas so yay. My Cardinals seem to be on a low streak. The D-backs gave them trouble but due to the lock-out and shortened spring training, players are just now hitting their strides. Hoping for better this week.

I’m weird. At the moment, my favorite TV shows are “To Catch a Smuggler,” “Portals to Hell,” and whatever is on the Science Channen late at night because it doesn’t go to infomercials and I can sleep through the shows. Speaking of movies, who decided we needed a remake of “Firestarter?”

And that’s my rambling for the day. How was your weekend? What’s your week looking like?

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Friday Sinema: Southern Cooking

Posted on April 29, 2022 by Silver James

Y’all know I ❤ It’s a Southern Thing. And I ❤ mac-n-cheese. Plus, there’s bacon! Have a happy weekend.

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Living

Posted on April 28, 2022 by Silver James

I’m still breathing. Promise. And I AM being somewhat productive. Revisions. New words. I’m pretty much back in the swing of things. Except for social media. I don’t know why I have such a hang up about social media at the moment. It’s silly. I know it is. But it’s like my phone phobia. I HATE calling on the phone. It started when I was a kid. My mother would tell me to call the Palace Theatre (the local movie theatre) to find out when the movie was showing. How hard is that? I mean, really!?!?! But it was sooo hard. This is why I’m not in sales. Cold calls give me panic attacks. Seriously. I can talk to anyone face-to-face but anonymously? Go figure. Anyway, speaking of living and childhood, the Universe comes to the resuce once again…

Remember when it was really fun, Silver, to catch raindrops on your tongue, walk under archways because they were there, and roll around in the sand at the beach? To go all the way to the store for a tiny treat, lie on the grass looking for “God” in the clouds, and make scary monster faces in the mirror? To watch the stars because they were winking at you, count the flowers in the garden by the door, and put Cocoa Puffs up your nose?

Well, Silver, I’m happy to inform you, most of it still is.

Ah-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h…
The Universe
©www.tut.com

Whoohoooo, Silver, you’re alive!

There are days when I wonder if I am because it often feels like I’m just drifting through. And then I get caught in the rain. And find an archway to duck under. I’d rather roll in the grass and if I’m going to the store, it’s for a BIG treat–like ice cream. Or a Starbucks. 😉 And yes, I find things in the clouds and make scary monster faces at Stormy. I watch the stars every night when I go out with Boone before bedtime, and I love the flowers in the garden, even if I don’t have much of a green thumb. And I can unequivocally say that I have NEVER stuffed Cocoa Puffs up my nose. It was Fruit Loops. So, yeah. I AM alive and lemme tell ya, it sure beats the alternative. What about y’all?

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Wednesday Words: Through A Glass Darkly

Posted on April 27, 2022 by Silver James

Some weeks, it seems like the only new words I get are due to #1lineWed or #ThursdayThreads prompts. This week, it’s “Though a” and “What do you think?” This scene is pretty much a continuation from last week’s snippet, in case you’re wondering. Let’s get to it…
****
Meg watched Dalton retreat, brow furrowed. Something was going on and she had the distinct impression that she was caught in the middle of whatever intrigue these guys had been discussing. What the heck had Kin meant when he said he was a wolf and not a circus lion? She’d caught the sidelong glances Loch occasionally cast her direction when he thought she wasn’t paying attention. She was also acutely aware of Kin’s… She glanced down at him. His what? His attention? That seemed too mild a term. She often found him watching her with an intensity that felt both flattering and scary, like she was his favorite obsession.

She crossed her arms over her chest and tapped one foot. “Well? Since Dalton is a chicken, that leaves you to explain. What is it you aren’t telling me? And what do circus lions have to do with anything?”
Kin remained on the ground. He’d wanted to court her, let her get to know him before he shared his darkest secrets. Explaining he was a wolf shifter and that she was his mate? That would truly float like a lead balloon. “Nothing.” There, that answered both questions. Her expression said it hadn’t. “Fine, What do you think we were talking about?”

Her nose crinkled. “Me. I want to know why.”

Wishing the earth would open up so he could fall through a big hole, he rubbed his eyes again. “Yes, you. And what you are to me.”

“What am I?”

“Mine.”
****
Well, Kin certainly has some ‘splainin’ to do, yeah? Poor dude. And if I was Dalton, I’d be running for the nearest ocean because as long as he’s on dry land, Kin can catch up to. Too bad they are in the Carpathian Mountains and there isn’t a body of water in sight. Authors, what have you put your characters “through” lately? Readers, “what do you think” is going to happen next?

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Tuesday Titles: Watcha Readin’?

Posted on April 26, 2022 by Silver James

Once again, I find myself with a recipe for a book that isn’t finished. And I’m lazy. Rather than dig for a recipe for a book that more than likely has infinite recipes attached to it, I’m going a different direction today. Tuesday is the traditional day for new releases in traditional publishing. And yes, I did use the word traditional twice. One of the new releases today hit my Audible app sometime overnight. I’m never sure if the new books release at midnight Pacific time, where the ‘Zon is located or Eastern time because that’s where the big publishing houses are located.

I’m on a marathon reread of Christine Feehan’s Shadow Rider series. I’m on book 4 and have two more to get through before I start the new release SHADOW FIRE. I have a love/hate retionaship with this author. I stopped reading several of her earlier series because they started reading a lot like cut-and-paste. I tried her MC series, populated by Russian bad guys with big hearts but those things were all about the sexy times and not much story to back it up. I’ve stuck with the SR series despite all the sexy bits and repetition–she REALLY likes to pound (with a sledgehammer) the reader over the head with the emotional/character flaws. Trust me, I get the idea after the first five times. Why do I keep reading her? Bbecause I like the characters and this series–at least–has enough story and action (OUT of the bedroom) to keep me insterested. I do skip through those bits often. FYI, I stuck with her Carpathian vampire series through like 20 or so books.

Anyway. That’s what I’m listening to.currently. What are your reading/listening to? What series/authors do love that are auto-buys? (And I’m not fishing for a “complitment!) I’m looking for new “talent” to add to my TBR pile because it’s like June before the next book I have on pre-order hits. I needs stories and characters to occupy my headspace until then. And since I go through anywhere from 150-250 books a year, there’s a LOT of headspace to fill. 😆

The books are in your court. Curreent read. Favorite author. Favorite series. Ooh! How about favorite book of all time? (That would probably be JD Robb’s NAKED IN DEATH for me.) Pony up, people! Inquiring minds want to know.

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Monday Flowers

Posted on April 25, 2022 by Silver James

(c) Silver James, 2013

I’m totally glad that last week is over and done.Tuesday was the 27th anniversary of the OKC Bombing. I’m on an upswing of emotions, despite totally vegging out yesterday. We had storms Saturday night and I’m always a little on edge. Sleep was light and the storm front and rain cooled off the temps. I turned off the AC and opened windows. The house cooled down and I was pretty darn comfy under the covers watching softball. I also have irises blooming. Big dark blue ones, like the one pictured here. Pretty. Also, my peony is getting bushy and the giant phlox are sprouting up. I ❤ flowers, especially the kind I don’t really have to baby because…totally have a black thumb. LOL

Speaking of, my OSU Cowgirls swept Texas. They played Friday evening, then there was a tornado warning so Saturday night’s game was postponed until yesterday. They played a doubleheader. OU swept Iowa State. My Cardinals won 2 of three against the Reds. They’re still leading the NL Central but it’s a tight race.

There was writing and revisioning done last week. Not much writing but some new words on CROSSFIRE. I thought I’d finished RESCUE MOON revisions but then I woke up with an idea and it’s taking more writing than I originaly anticipated but that’s a good thing. It means a longer story, right? Right!

We had lots of Stormy time last week, and much shuffling of cars when BaseBall Boy’s Jeep needed two rounds of repairs. Only and Stormy ran the Memorial 5K on Saturday (she beat her personal best by 30 seconds!) and then they turned right around and ran the 1.2 mile Kids Marathon, which is more of a fun run. Only ran that one with her camera to get candid shots for her job and then se was back for the full Marathon Sunday morning to get more photos. The Museuim and Marathon are clients of her agency. Proud of both of them. I could probably do a 5K in about the same time the good runners complet the full marathon in. 🙄

On that note, I’m off to Wallyworld for my weekly grocery run. We may or may not be grabbing Stormy after school. BB’s game schedule is a bit fluid at the moment. How are things in your world?

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Friday Sinema: Heroes

Posted on April 22, 2022 by Silver James

As a romance author, I’m always on the look out for a good hero. And a song. So enjoy this clip from “Shrek II” with an awesome soundtrack, a great hero, and as whippy cream on top, Puss-n-Boots Eyes™. Have a great weekend!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal State of Mind

Posted on April 21, 2022 by Silver James

So. Depression. PTSD. Brain fog. I normally don’t get too deep into deeply personal stuff–at least not in/on social media. That said, I feel like I owe my readers some sort of explanation. I’ve been fighting the depression for a year now. It ebbs and flows, as it does. And that’s okay. I can usually deal with it. But when the flow coincides with Tuesday’s date, it can get ugly. And it’s been pretty ugly lately. I’ve seen and done a lot of things in my life. And each event leaves a layer on my psyche. Hell, that’s the way it works for all of us, yeah? *nods* I’m not special. I don’t deserve extra care or attention. It is what it is. And it’s damned  inconvenient, which pisses me off, which makes me want to get better, which depresses me when I don’t, and….so the spiral begins. It suchs. But it is what it is and I usually deal. This year, the date snuck up on me and since I conldn’t pinpoint a cause (until like…Sunday! 🤦🏼‍♀️ ), the spiral was tighter and faster as things seemed to spin out of control. Figuring out the trigger to this semi-prolonged episode was a 💡 moment. I think I’ve managed to slow the downward spiral, if not actually stop it. Yesterday, I got ten pages revised. Today, I hope to get at least 20, if not finish the book. No pressure. Baby steps. And all that jazz. I know my head. Which is both good and bad. Anyway, that’s my story. Here’s a message from the Big U that helped me get my head on a little straighter on Tuesday. I hope it brings a little ray of sunshine to you.

Silver, what wouldn’t you give to live, love, and be happy, deliriously happy, forevermore?

Well, that’s just it, you needn’t give anything, Silver. Just decide to live, love, and be happy, deliriously happy, from this moment forward.

And I shall provide,
The Universe
©www.tut.com

Silver, there are no other rules when it comes to these things.

 

One more “story,” if you will. I was out Tuesday, driving, when I got a call from my oldest best friend (and former roommate from college and after). She knows me–sometimes even better than LG, which is saying something. She’d come across something dated April 29, 1982, and she thought about calling me on that date. Instead, she had the urge to call me on the 19th. Luckily, I was pulling into a parking lot shortly after our usual chit-chat ended. She said, “I have something I want to read to you.” And she did. It was a bit of prose. I’m pretty sure I have a copy of it stuffed in some forgotten file somewhere around here because I’d written it. By the time she was done, we were both crying shamelessly. Damn, but I’d needed that. The reminder that I CAN write from the heart as well as the tears. By the time we said goodbye, I knew I was gonna be okay. I knew the way up. And I’m headed there. And yeah, I just need to decide to live, love, and be happy. How about you?

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Wednesday Words: Hoops

Posted on April 20, 2022 by Silver James

Once again, I managed to tie two birds with one thread. Or something like that. This week’s #1lineWed THEME is **HOOP**. Last week’s #ThursdayThreads prompt was “How’d that work out for you?” I’m still trying to add new words to CROSSFIRE, and every bit of inspiration and/or word prompts help. Hopefully, things will lighten up around here (ie. my head space) now that I’ve diagnozed the problem. More about that tomorrow. Today is Wednesday and that means words!
****
“Have you told her?”

Kin opened one eye to stare at Dalton. Who looked like an eager puppy hoping for a treat as he crouched in front of him. He closed that eye in an act of dismissal. “Leave me alone, mate.”

“You need to tell her.”

Damn but he was a feckin’ insistent bastard. “What do you know about it?”

“Loch says you need to tell her, and I spent enough time around the Wolves of the 69th and their mates to know Meg will freak out if she finds out by accident.”

Surrendering, Kin curled to a sitting position, his ab muscles protesting just a little. He focused his attention on Dalton, his glare intense as he studied the other man. “You ever told a woman you have gills?” Dalton’s left hand automatically covered a spot under his ear as he tucked his head against his right shoulder to hide the gill on that side, The truth in Dalton’s posture was plain to read. Kin had figured correctly but pressed home on his point. “How’d that work out for you?”

Defensive now, Dalton curled his upper lip. “I didn’t actually tell her. We went snorkeling. A kid was drowning, caught in a rip tide. I went to the bottom to save him. She saw me.”

“And?”

“And nothing. I convinced her she hadn’t seen me actually breathing underwater.”

“You ever go out again?” Kin nodded, satisfied when Dalton didn’t answer. “I rest my case.”

“But Meg is your—”

“I know what she is, Dalton.” Kin scrubbed the heels of his hands over his eyes, annoyed by the gritty feeling left from his lack of sleep. “I’m a Wolf not some trained lion in the circus so I’ll not be jumpin’ through hoops for anyone. When the time is right—”

Kin broke off as Dalton’s eyes widened and he sputtered, “Uh…hi , Meg.”

“Right time for what?” the topic of their conversation asked in a voice far to saccarin for Kin’s peace of mind.

Dalton stood in one fluid motion and flashed an uneasy grin. “And that’s my cue to exit stage left. Bye, Meg.” Dalton took off.

Under his breath, Kin muttered,“Bloody hell.”
****
Yeah, totally busted. Y’all can guess where this is going next. 😉 Writers, do you have words to share matching either prompt? Readers, what’s worked out for you lately and did you have to jump through any hoops to get there?

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