Dear Aaron lewis, no. You are not the only one…
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Friday Sinema: Am I the Only One?
Dear Aaron lewis, no. You are not the only one…
Posted in Writing Life
Tagged #HellYeah, Friday, good stuff, inspiration, music, musing, sinema, video
2 Comments
Thursday Thoughts: Universal Choices
When I first opened this message from the Universe and read through it, I thought: Whoah! This sounds like my writing process.
By now, you know I’m a puzzler. I start with a basic framework and the story just sort of evolves in scenes and by the end, all the action, plot twists, and character journeys end up in the right order. Don’t ask me how it works. Trust me, I think it’s crazy too! But yeah, as I start with chapter one and I’m thinking, “Hey! Start to finsih, straight through to The end!” and then I hit that first detour. That bump in the road. The path not usually taken and I veer off into the unknown and uncharted and then…stuff just sort of happens. The Universe says this:
For every unexpected bump, turn, or squiggle on the path of life, Silver, you have two choices:
Accept it as if you yourself had meticulously planned it to take you even higher into the light, while being watched by 10,000 cheering angels who love you so much, you’re all they ever sing about.
Or, accept it, kicking and screaming, as if it were some freak accident that had befallen you by chance that might keep you from knowing happiness.
I know which I would choose,
The Universe
©www.tut.comDo you ever hear them, Silver?
I don’t always hear the angels. Or at least I don’t call my characters “angels.” And it’s not often they’re cheering me. They are mostly here to bedevil me. And they do. The ones I need to be cheering and talking and guiding me through their stories are the ones sitting up in the nose-bleed seats drinking beer and eating sunflower seeds. It’s either me kicking and screaming as I’m being hijacked by different characters, or it’s me dragging the characters I need kicking and scream down from the peanut gallery.
Yeah, yeah. I know. It’s a wonder I’ve ever gotten almost 50 books written and published. But the Universe does have a point–both about the writing process and life. Imagine that. 😉 What about y’all? Are you listening to the angels or are you kicking and screaming?
Posted in Craft, Writing Life
Tagged characters, craft, inspiration, musing, quotes, Thursday Thoughts, Universe, WIPs, writing
4 Comments
Wednesday Words: Concert
I had to make a concerted effort to get this posted for the #1lineWed theme today. I had no **CONCERT** words to share. I peeked at the Scrivner workbook I had open and boom! There was a scene where a character was humming a Dropkick Murphyers song. And the girl in that scene mentioned the DKM was her favorite band and boom! Almost 500 words and a fresh scene. That’s pretty much the setup. Sean saved Bridget from a jerk and took her home with him–which I didn’t know until writing this because that other scene just sort of started and ended at about 700 words. My brain. It’s weird. I hope you enjoy.
****
I had to be outta my mind. People milled about the place and some warm-up band played on the stage. I glanced down at Bridget. Her face still showed the bruises McCarthy had put there. The gobshite was dead and she wasn’t and that’s the whole reason we were here in this crowd.
A concert. Her eyes had lit up when she heard that the Dropkick Murphys were playin’ here at the Pavilion. And I had the clout to get us the tickets so I had. Without a thought. Now I wanted to drop-kick myself.
Bridget took my hand and squeezed it. “Oh, Sean,” she breathed and I felt her excitement all the way to my toes. She wasn’t one for talkin’ and I was still—almost a week later—tryin’ to drag the details out of her. Finding her in McCarthy’s back room, beat to hell and back had done something to me. Then McCarth’s goons tried to shoot me. Which was why the old man was dead. I’d taken Bridget with me and she hadn’t said a word. Not for a few days. Not a feckin’ peep. The chit was about to drive me batty when she finally said, “Bridget.” That and nothing more.
“What?” I’d responded, shocked at the sound of her voice.
“My name,” she’d said.
And then she’d not said another word until I caught her dancing a jig and singing—if you’d call it that—I’m Shipping Up to Boston. She didn’t know I was watchin’ and when the radio announced the concert, her face went all soft and sad. So I wangled the tickets and here we were.
The warm-up band finished and I led Bridget closer to the fence that separated the stage from the crowed. It was a writhing mass but I’d sent a few of the boys in early. And there they were, front and center. I shoved through the mass of body, and none too gently, keeping a firm grip on Bridget’s hand. When we got to the fence, the boys surrounded us and gave us breathin’ room. At least until the band came out and started playin’. I had to nudge Bridie and remind her to breathe.
She still hard stars in her eyes after the last encore. Me? I figured I’d be deaf for a few years at the very least but seein’ the joy on her face? Didn’t matter. It was all worth it.
****
And there it is, a very rough first draft of a scene. The Irish Wolves are talking to me, at least a little bit so I’ll continue to write the bones they toss me. Writers, will it take a concerted effort to get you to share a concert scene? And readers, who performed at your favorite concert? I’m old skool. I have to admit it was Neil Diamond. 😉
Posted in Writing Life
Tagged #1lineWed, fun stuff, inspiration, quotes, reading, snippet, Wednesday Words, WIPs, Wolves, writing
2 Comments
Tuesday Treats and Titles: Chocolate-Caramel Cookie Bars
Summer is here. I’m lazy and getting out in the heat to run errands isn’t on my list unless I’m totally desperate. I also try not to spend much time in the kitchen, especially if it involves heating things up with the stove or oven because 1) hot and 2) the cost of electricity during peak hours is ridiculas. And when do I get the munchies and/or the urge to snack? You got it, during peak hours. Anyway, this recipe hits all the buttons–easy, yummy, and the microwave makes it fast and cool.
Total Time: 2 Hr. 15 Min.
Prep Time: 15 Min.
Cook Time: 2 Hr.
24 servings
Layer shortbread cookies with deliciousness to create these Chocolate-Caramel Cookie Bars! Our Chocolate-Caramel Cookie Bars are like a favorite candy bar.
What You Need
35 square shortbread cookies
1 pkg. (11 oz.) KRAFT Caramel Bits
1 Tbsp. milk
3 oz. BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate
3 oz. BAKER’S White Chocolate
Reynolds® is a registered trademark of Reynolds Consumer Products LLC
Let’s Make It
1 – Line 13×9-inch pan with Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil, with ends of foil extending over sides; spray with cooking spray. Arrange cookies in single layer on bottom of prepared pan.
2 – Microwave caramel bits and milk in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 min. or until bits are completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after each minute. Pour over cookies; spread to completely cover cookies.
3 – Microwave chocolates in microwaveable bowl 2 min. or until almost melted, stirring every 30 sec.; stir until chocolates are completely melted. Pour over caramel layer; spread to completely cover caramel layer.
4 – Let stand 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Kitchen Tips
Tip 1 – Substitute: Substitute 1 pkg. (11 oz.) KRAFT Caramels for the caramel bits.
Tip 2 – Note: The combination of semi-sweet and white chocolates results in a chocolate mixture with the flavor and texture of milk chocolate.
Tip 3 – Shortcut: In a hurry? Refrigerate dessert 15 min. before cutting into bars. Serve at room temperature.
My Tip – Y’all know I’m all about the nuts! I vote for a sprinkling of chopped peanuts or pecans, or slivered almonds either as a layer between the caramel and chocolate or on top. Yummers!
Note: Pepperidge Farms Chessmen cookies or Nabisco Lorna Doones fit this cookie bill.
Check out all the nutritional infor and details on My Food & Family and watch a spiffy how-to video while you’re there! This is a snack right up my alley and if you eat fast (and/or carefully), you won’t leave chocolate fingerprints on your book or ereader. Also, it’s easy so there are several heroines of mine who could accomplish this recipe and who are also chocoholics. The first who came to mind, though, is Britt, our favorite storm chaser from TWICE THE TEMPTATION. With TS Elsa bearing down on the Gulf states, I’m reminded that Britt and Cooper met during a hurricane. Tis the season and all. You can read their story (from my RED DIRT ROYALTY series) by clicking on the cover or the title. The link takes you to the book’s Harlequin page. You can buy a copy there or click on other stores who have it for sale from that page. Tough question today, readers. If you make this will you use Caramel Bits or go old school and unwrap the caramel squares? 😉
Posted in Writing Life
Tagged #CookTheBooks, books, characters, food, good stuff, links, recipe, Tuesday Titles, Tuesday Treats
2 Comments
Holiday Monday
So. It’s a new month. And we’re halfway through this year. I’m not quite sure how I feel about this. I haven’t accomplished near what I’d planned. I’m not quite sure how I feel about that. Anyway, here in the States, it’s a federal holiday so the government, banks and the post office is closed. I always feel sorry for folks in retail and service industries.
So, stuff happened last week. I don’t remember much of what occurred. Stormy was here Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. I took Drover (my SUV) in for his 60K check-up. People popped fireworks and freaked my dogs out. I wrote a little. Not enough. My Cards aren’t playing that great. They have moments of greatness swallowed up by walks and not much offense.
Saturday, we met the Kids for lunch at our fave Mexican restaurant. The food is always perfect! Jake has gotten to go with me to the dealership–a new place, and several familiar places. He’s such a good boy.
“The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch” is getting OMGWTFBBQ covered in crazy sauce. Every episode, I worry that it’s the season finale and I freak. I know there’s another episode this week, at least. If y’all haven’t watched that show, find it and stream all the seasons! Just sayin’.
Reading was a mixed bag, mostly good. Lots of relistens (A. Zavarelli’s Boston Underworld series), to more mafia-type books that were so-so, and a new release by Suzanne Wright, WHEN HE”S AN ALPHA. It was totally enjoyable. Currently, I’m doing a relisten to Jennifer Estep’s KILL THE QUEEN. I shelved this on my “best book of the year” category on Goodreads the first time I read it. It’s still all kinds of awesome. Magical fantasy with some romance at its best! The 4th book in the series release tomorrow. Yes, I will be doing a marathon.
The only productive thing I did all week was finally clearing out my pantry. I won’t mention some of the expiration dates. Yes, a bunch got tossed and other stuff got consolodated–like the 3 bottles of window cleaner. Don’t ask! I told LG that I was starting to feel like a hoarder. Anyway, my next step is to finally sort through the two laundry baskets of junk I cleared off the kitchen counter when I redid the backsplash. A lot of extraneous stuff is getting sorted and going to the local resale shop that supports victims of domestic violence.
And that’s it. That was my week and my weekend and today? Not sure what I’m doing today except I’m sorta craving BBQ now so maybe LG and i will eat out again tonight. Are you off today? Are you continuig the celebration or is it live as usual in your neck of the woods?
Posted in Writing Life
Tagged follow up, holiday, Monday, reading, sports, stuff, TV, writing
2 Comments
Friday Sinema: Soldier
I made the mistake of watching the news this week. There’s so much…ugly in the world right now. Sunday is the 4th of July. Here in the USA, we celebrate our freedoms and honor our founding fathers (and mothers) and the men and women who fought and sometimes gave their lives to perseve those freedoms. I came across this song (while watching the news so it wasn’t a total downer) and it will be in a future Penumbra Papers playlist. In the meantime, it has a message I’d like to pass along for this holiday weekend. Be safe and remember why everyone wants to come here…
Posted in Writing Life
Tagged Friday, good stuff, holiday, inspiration, music, sinema, video
2 Comments
Thursday Thoughts: Universal Senses
An instructor of a creative writing class I took one time insisted that every scene needed to have all five senses represented or it wasn’t a complete scene. I dutiful covered all the bases with each assignment. My characters smelled things, and tasted stuff. The things they touched had texture. They saw and they heard. I was all about my character licking the satin slide of melting chocolate cream while watching glittering fireflies dancing on the night breeze whispering through pine needles clustered on branches before fleeing at snap of a dry branch. Hey. I was 13, okay? I have the feeling the Universe is in tune with my 13 yo self.
Oh, Silver, how I love the morning dew on my face, the midday sun on my skin, and the fragrance of jasmine wafting at twilight. The sight of dragonflies darting, the sound of owls “hoo-hooing,” and the infinite perfection conveyed by all my physical senses at every moment of every day, even now.
Thanks, Silver, because if it weren’t for you, such ecstasies I would never know.
Work that body,
The Universe
©www.tut.comSilver, just “make sure you don’t hurt nobody” (Sugar Hill in the house).
Song? Movie? Character? I’m obviously not clued in to the above “Sugar Hill” reference, but it’s a good thing to remember–that whole don’t hurt nobody thing. But I digress. Let’s get back to today’s topic–senses. And using them in writing. I find as I grew older and more experienced, my descriptions tended to mirror the particular genre in which I was writing. Fantasy/urban fantasy/paranormal? Oh yeah. Because worldbuilding! Thrillers and mysteries? Yeah, need to touch on the five senses but probably not in such florid extravagance. Thrillers and mysteries need to be tight, taut, and tingling but still atmospheric. Right?
And then there’s romance. Oh, I do have a love/hate relationship with heavy-handed descriptions in romance. Writers, dudes are NOT going to notice the style, brand or know the cost of the heroines shoes! They WILL notice that high heels make her legs look awesome. I’ll amend that. The gay best friend would but the alpha hero? That’s a big ol’ negatory! (And yes, I read TWO different books by the same author where the main narrative voices were alpha-male MC-member heroes who were total fashionista divas where their heroines were concerned. Why?!?! Because this particular author normally writes in the heroine’s POV and she’s known for the details like that. Anyway…
So, I have an uneasy relationship with descriptions. And it’s a fine line deciding what’s too much, what’s too sparse, and what’s just the ticket. I’m open to discussion on this, from writers and readers both. How much is too much? When do you crave more? What leads you to tiptoe through the tulips as you skim through pages to get to the good part? I’m listening…
Posted in Craft, Writing Life
Tagged craft, inspiration, musing, quotes, reading, Thursday Thoughts, Universe, writing
5 Comments
Wednesday Words: Free Write
Another Wednesday and I actually have new words! Yay. Today’s #1lineWed theme is a non-theme. The prompt is **FREE-FOR-ALL** which basically means there’s no theme. I decided to take last week’s **PINK** prompt and carry on with that scene, in case anyone is curious as to what happened. There’s still more questions than answers but that’s what makes a good suspense, right? You should recognize the first two paragraphs as the end of last week’s snippet. To refresh your memories: Jack, Justice, and Brooke (FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE) are taking a Christmas break in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Brooke has gone out on a solitary hike and comes across a wolf caught in a trap.
****
“Don’t get snarly with me. And I should warn you, when I said Uncle Jack is special? I mean that he’s about three times your scrawny size when he shifts so I wouldn’t be giving him any shit.”
“Language, young lady,” Aunt Jussie corrected over Uncle Jack’s chuckle. Brooke had been so focused on the wolf, she hadn’t heard them coming.
Justice cautiously approached the wolf but Jack caught her arm and held her in place. Their eyes collided in a moment of understanding. Jack crouched, staying about six feet away. Justice stood quietly behind him. Brooke stayed back, reminding herself to breathe.
“Got’cherself in quite a fix there, young’un.” Jack studied the trap, anger radiating from him though his voice remained calm. It had been placed close to this path intentionally and could have caught any unsuspecting hiker. Justice. Brooke. And this wolf pup. “You’re hurt,” Jack continued, as he stood and moved a few steps closer. “And pissed.”
The wolf snarled.
Jack shook his head. “That’s not the way this goes, pup. We can do it easy or we can do it hard. Your choice.”
The wolf’s muzzle remained curled but he pricked an ear toward Jack.
“Easy is, I come over there, pry that damn think off your leg and carry you down the mountain so my mate can fix you up.” He waited for a reaction. When the wolf offered none, he continued. “Hard is, I take you down, my mate struggles to get the trap off and I drag yore sorry ass down the mountain, put you in a muzzle, and then my mate fixes you. Your choice.”
Brooke almost giggled at the indignant look on the wolf’s face, but she sobered when the hair prickled on the back of her neck and her arms, despite her sweater and coat. Uncle Jack was doing his alpha woo-woo stuff. The wolf whined and pawed at his nose. She almost felt sorry for him.
The wolf lowered his head and very carefully rolled to his side, not quite belly up.
“There might be hope for you yet, young’un,” Jack said quietly.
Holding out her hand, Justice ordered, “Give me your scarf, Brooke.”
She might have argued but she realized her aunt would need it for a possible tourniquet and a bandage at the very least. Brooke whipped it off and passed it over.
Justice knelt on the opposite side of Jack and spoke to the wolf. “It’s going to hurt worse when Jack relieves the pressure on your leg. I’m going to have to touch it to wrap it up. That will prevent further injury and cut back on the blood loss. Okay?” She smiled, her gaze focused on the wolf’s as she asserted her own form of alphaness. “I’m a paramedic on top of being a wildlife rehabilitator. I can’t promise not to hurt you, but I will promise I’ll be as gentle as I can. Deal?”
The wolf, wary of Jack’s narrowed gaze, carefully stretched his muzzle and nosed Justice’s boot.
Jack studied the trap, looking for the spring mechanism. He could pry it open by force but that would likely cause more damage. He finally located what he searched for and said, “Here we go.” He didn’t give the wolf time to even blink. He sprang the steel jaws of the trap, lifted it away from the mangled flesh and jerked its anchor out of the ground. His eyes flashed red as his wolf rose to the surface.
Justice went to work immediately. She wrapped Brooke’s scarf around the wound then used two short branches to brace the leg before continuing to wrap the scarf around the wolf’s leg to secure it.
Brooke’s heart broke a little as the wolf whimpered. When Justice was done, Jack squatted, gathered the injured wolf gently into his arms and stood as Justice stabilized the leg.
“Little darlin’, can you carry that trap down?” Jack asked.
Brooke eyed the thing, disgust evident in her expression. She nudged it with her boot toe then bent and hefted it. “Ugh. Heavy, but yeah. I can get it down the mountain.”
****
And there it is. Nothing special but words are words. It’s moving forward with the story. I’m behind on my goal but I’ll take any progress I can get. Writers, have any words to share? Readers, how do you feel about snippets? 👍🏼 or 👎🏼 ?
Posted in Writing Life
Tagged #1lineWed, characters, fun stuff, inspiration, quote, snippet, Wednesday Words, WIPs, writing
2 Comments
Tuesday Treats and Titles: America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese
“What the…?” You are probably asking that question about now. “Everyone knows how to make a grilled cheese sandwich,” you say. “Don’t they?” Well…maybe. Maybe not. Personally, I make mine with Texas toast bread, double slices of cheese, a swipe of Miracle Whip dressing, lots of butter on the griddle and then a quick trip under the broiler before I slap the top and bottom together, cut and serve. Those of you who are connoisseurs can skip straight to the tips!
Total Time: 10 Min.
Prep & Cook Time: 10 Min.
1 serving
Learn how to make America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese with this how-to video. Discover the magic of crispy buttery bread and creamy KRAFT Singles. This America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese recipe will be used by your family and friends for generations to come.
What You Need
2 slices white bread
2 KRAFT Singles
2 tsp. butter or margarine, softened
Let’s Make It
1 – Fill bread slices with Singles.
2 – Spread outside of sandwich with butter.
3 – Cook in skillet over medium heat 3 min. on each side or until Singles are melted and sandwich is golden brown on both sides.
Kitchen Tips
Tip 1 – Use Your Air-Fryer: Heat air-fryer to 370°F. Assemble sandwich as directed; place in basket in air-fryer. Cook 8 min. or until Singles are melted and sandwich is golden brown, turning after 4 min.
Tip 2 – Serving Suggestion: Serve with 1/2 cup baby carrots and 1/2 cup grapes.
Tip 3 – Grilled Cheese for a Crowd: When preparing sandwiches for a crowd, place buttered sandwiches on baking sheet. Bake in 400°F oven 6 min. on each side or until Singles are melted and sandwiches are golden brown on both sides.
Tip 4 – Variations: Prepare as directed, using one of the following options: Bacon & Tomato: Add 2 cooked slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon and 2 thin tomato slices between the Singles. Easy Tuna Melt: Spread bread slices with KRAFT Real Mayo Mayonnaise. Cover 1 bread slice with 1 Singles, 2 Tbsp. drained and flaked canned tuna, second Singles and remaining bread slice. Spread with butter and cook as directed. Cheesy Cinnamon-Raisin Grill: Prepare using cinnamon-raisin bread. Zippy Grilled Cheese & Bacon: Substitute MIRACLE WHIP Dressing for the butter and add 2 cooked slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon between the Singles. Double-Decker Grilled Cheese: Add a third bread slice between the Singles.
Tip 5 – Bacon & Tomato: Prepare as directed, adding 2 cooked slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon and 2 thin tomato slices between the Singles.
Tip 6 – Easy Tuna Melt: Spread 2 bread slices with KRAFT Real Mayo Mayonnaise. Cover 1 bread slice with 1 Singles, 2 Tbsp. drained and flaked canned tuna, second Singles and remaining bread slice. Continue as directed.
Tip 7 – Cheesy Cinnamon-Raisin Grill: Prepare using cinnamon-raisin bread.
Tip 8 – Double-Decker Grilled Cheese: Prepare as directed, adding a third bread slice between the Singles.
Tip 9 – Special Extra: Prepare as directed, adding a layer of chopped fresh veggies, such as mushrooms, peppers, green onions, artichokes or roasted red peppers, between the Singles. For added flavor, sprinkle vegetables lightly with dried oregano leaves before covering with second Singles and bread slice.
Want to see the video and get the nutritional details? Click on MY FOOD & FAMILY. Why am I featuring something as simple as a grillec cheese sandwich? Because I’m still poking people to buy my latest book, GHOSTS & THE ANCIENT STONES and there’s a grilled cheese story in the book. No. Really. Caleb is telling tales on Sade. Much to Sinjen’s amusement. Mostly. 😉 Anyway, I was amazed at the ideas in the kitchen tips so yeah, I’m hawking a book and grilled cheese. Pick any of the Penumbra Papers books. They’re all widely available. Want to read Sade’s…trouble with grilled cheese? Just click on the cover or the title and grab your copy of GHOSTS & THE ANCIENT STONES.
What about y’all? Do you like yours plain? Fancy? Any tips to add?
Posted in Books, Writing Life
Tagged #CookTheBooks, books, characters, food, fun stuff, good stuff, links, new release, Penumbra Papers, recipe, Tuesday Titles, Tuesday Treats
4 Comments
Monday Comin’ Slow
June is almost at an end. Mid-week, we start a new month. Time keeps slip-slippin’ away. My brain being firmly stuck in procrastination gear doesn’t help much. Ah well. I have a goal for this week. We’ll see how that works.
I’ve discovered that when time slips past, it’s mainly because nothing much is going on. I’m not “in the game,” as it were. Stormy was here for lunch and afternoon “building.” LG got him several model kits so they would sit at the diningroom table after lunch, LG on the computer and Stormy building very cool stuff–without help. He read the instructions and he built the B-25 bomber, the space shuttle rescue vehicle, the star drone, and two moon bases.
I’ve been marathoning A. Zavarelli’s Boston Underworld series. The characters are Irish and Russian mobsters and it’s set in Boston. There’s just something about her choice of words and the cadence of the story that, when I’m in the right mood, suck me in. These books are dark and dirty so not for everyone. I have one more to go and I’m not sure where I’ll turn next. There’s a few books on my wish list coming next month. We’ll see what appeals.
I’m ignoring sports. Moving on. Same with TV. Ah well. I remember when summer meant nothing but reruns so… *shrug*
Writing is…a chore. Talk about not the right head space. I did get almost 1K done on the Christmas novella that’s due ASAP. And I took a flash fiction challenge and came up with 250 words that are totally random. I think they belong in a SciFi, but I don’t write SciFi. It’s tucked away for another day.
I mentioned a goal for this week. I’d really like to get the novella finished. We’ll see. I’m hoping either completing it or getting a good start on it will get me unstuck. Summer doldrums. I hate them.
One last note. Weather. We had some. We got over 7 inches of rain over the weekend with more due though this week. We managed to miss the wind but Only and Baseball Boy lost two sections of fence. That’s fixed now and LG was up on the roof yesterday caulking around the flashing on our chimney. That’s a know drip and we think it’s fixed and it is until we get 7 inches of rain in two days. 🙄
And that was my week and weekend. Nothing exciting but hey, that’s life. This week is three days of Stormy coming for most of the day. And writing. That’s the goal. Eyes on the prize and all that. What’s up in your world?
Silver James 