Monday Snow Day

Posted on December 14, 2020 by Silver James

It snowed yesterday. For my FB readers, you are aware of this but I thought I’d share a picture of my Nessie. She inhabits the driveway island and she doesn’t get to swim in snow very often. I took this pic last night. The snow is about the most exciting thing happening currently. When I was a little girl, we lived in Colorado and there were a few white Christmases. It’s always a wish but here in Okie Land, snow is rare enough, much less hitting a Christmas bullseye.

I didn’t do much last week. I got outside Christmas lights strung. FYI, Nessie has lights year-round. Christmas wreath is on the door. I even have some presents to go under the tree once I wrap them. Or bag them as the case may be. The older I get, the more I appreciate the easy-peasy.

Not much writing though I think I’ve figured out the free Christmas story for this year. I’m about 1K words into it and I’ll see where these two characters take me. 

I’m OD’ing on Hallmark movies. I haven’t watched them in a couple of years for…reasons. It’s fun because not that many are reruns to me. Also, it’s a trip figuring out where I know some of the actors from.

Reading/listening has been productive. I’m deep into Dannika Dark’s Seven series. I’m on TWO MINUTES. When I finish it, I’m switching to JR Ward’s A WARM HEART IN WINTER. I hit the top of the hold list from the library. Since more people are waiting, I’ll listen to it and then return to Seven for the final books, CHARMING (a companion novella that occurs between TWO and ONE), then ONE SECOND and WINTER MOON, a novella that comes after the “final” book in the Seven series. I’ll be close to my Goodreads challenge number.

Sports happened. My Cowboys beat Baylor. OU’s game was cancelled. Stupid Covid.

And that, my friends was pretty much my week. Today is finishing the Christmas story–hopefully. And probably watching the snow melt which always makes me a little sad. Looking out at the snow gives me a sweet, peaceful feeling. It looks so serene and uncluttered and fresh. That’s feeling I’m taking into this week. What feeling will you strive for?

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Friday Sinema: Y’all

Posted on December 11, 2020 by Silver James

Like most things Southern, it all depends on the inflection. Here’s a primer on the use of one of my favorite words: Y’ALL. All y’all enjoy! Have a great weekend.

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Thinking of Everything

Posted on December 10, 2020 by Silver James

A few days ago, a friend said something that made me think of a song–“The Rainbow Connection.” There’s a version sung by Willie Nelson that’s used as the soundtrack for a commercial currently playing. I forget the product being advertised but Willie’s version of the song continues to tease me at odd moments. And then the Universe added it’s own “lyrics.”

Rainbows and butterflies, cattails and dandelions, waterfalls and rainforests, puppy dogs and dragonflies, sea foam and orcas, sunshine and comets, snowflakes and icicles, wildflowers and Silver James…

Did I think of everything, or what?

Crazy, sexy, cool,
The Universe
©www.tut.com

And now, Silver, you get to think of whatever you like… no pressure.

I’m not not convinced that the Universe isn’t the author of all those bits and pieces attributed to “Anonymous” because I believe the Big U is a writer at heart. So many of the messages that pop up in my inbox can be used as food for thought with the writing process, craft, and the psyche of a writer. And what, you wonder, does this particular message have to do with writing? Imagination. Writing fiction is all about the “What if?” and descriptions, settings, and characters. It’s about the hero kissing the heroine beneath a waterfall in the middle of a rainforest. (That scene is in UNDER THE ASSASSIN’S MOON, btw). It’s getting snowed in at Christmas or meeting Santa Claus when little boys least expect it. (THE COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSITION and CHRISTMAS MOON) I could wax poetic about dragonflies and dandelions and all the rest because I’m pretty sure I’ve used all these things in a book at sometime. Well, except maybe orcas, and perhaps I should remedy that at some point. 😊

The thing is, characters should be real people. Settings should evoke feelings in readers. Descriptions should remind us of the world around us, no matter where or when a book is set. And yes, the Universe did think of everything when it graced us with the gift of imagination. Thanks, Universe. I’m going to take a little time and think of whatever I like. No pressure. 😉 What are you going to think about today?

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Wednesday Words: Let Them Eat Cake

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Silver James

I’ve been doing some brainstorming, hoping to find inspiration for a quick Christmas story to share with my faithful readers. It’s sort of become a thing. We’ll see where Iffy goes. In the meantime, it’s time for #1lineWed and the yummy theme of cookies, bread, or cake. This is a snippet that I’ve tucked back for Gunner, one of the Nightriders. I’d give details on the scene but frankly? I haven’t a clue. 🤣 Warning…this might be a sad one.
****
Harper
I heard the exhaust pipes rumbling and my heart beat to the rhythm. Ridiculous to get my hopes up. Gunner was not the type of man to walk through the door and say, “Honey, I’m home,” and kiss his little woman on the cheek while asking what’s for dinner. Tonight, it was my signature lasagna. I caught my reflection in the window over the sink. Swiping the sheen of sweat off my forehead, I squared my shoulders and marched to the front door before I lost my nerve.

Stepping out on the porch, I called out, “Gunner! Hi. I made lasagna. Would you like to join me for dinner?”

Then I realized he wasn’t alone. Nope. Not alone at all. The woman—girl—who slithered off the back of his bike was barely legal. She was all skinny legs and big chest. No bra and that girl definitely needed one. She gave me the fish eye.

“Who’s that, Gunner?” Chesty Girl whined, pressing up against him.

“My landlady.”

“Jeez, Gunner. She’s old.”

Mortified? Yes, yes I was. And I wanted to melt right through the warped boards of my front porch. I swallowed and backed up. What an idiot! Gunner was a biker. Rough. Tough. There was no way in the world he would ever be interested in someone like me. I was old, compared to that little twit out there. I was old and used up and the idea that Gunner would ever look twice made me a fool, on top of everything else.

“I…see you’re busy. I’m sorry I interrupted.” I turned and ran, slamming the door behind me. What a total and complete charlie foxtrot. Those two words slammed me to a halt. Charlie foxtrot, Army speak for a total cluster fuck. I glanced at the bookcase where Rob’s photo sat, right next to the folded flag that had draped his coffin.

Four years. He’d been gone four years. The date hit me hard. This explained my insanity—the urge to cook and bake. Good grief. Lasagna, home-made crusty bread, red velvet cake with buttercream icing. Going all out like this, on top of working eight hours was my subconscious reaction to the date. Four years ago, two men in uniform came to my door and my world imploded.

And I’d rationalized that I was ready to move on. Yeah, right. With an outlaw biker who thought robbing the cradle was a good idea. I sank onto the hardwood floors I still needed to sand. Tired. I was so freaking tired. For the first time in years, I’d been attracted to a man. A very bad man. Stupid to try to domesticate him. He was like a wild animal. A wolf.

I sat in the dark. And cried. All the tears I never shed four years ago.
****
Yes, I do have a few more scenes involving Gunner and Harper and yes, he will get a book eventually. These guys are really frustrating. They drop in for a quick drink and then take off. I did discover from another scene that this book takes place around Christmas so maybe it’ll be a 2021 Christmas release. We’ll see if Iffy and Gunner will stop with the zoomies long enough. What about y’all? Do you prefer cookuies, bread, or cake? And what kind? Writers, any yummy lines to share?

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: Melting Snowmen Bombs

Posted on December 8, 2020 by Silver James

Evidently, melting hot cocoa bombs are a thing. Who knew?!? I tumbled across the recipe and had to agree with the person who shared the recipe. This is what they had to say on the matter:

This melting snowman hot chocolate bomb is a cute way to enjoy a mug of hot cocoa. They are fun to make, and they make great gifts. Kids and adults both love these easy to make hot cocoa bombs. It’s a hollow sphere filled with hot cocoa mix and marshmallows. The combination of milk chocolate powder and white chocolate is delicious. The creator used a 2.5 inch sphere mold to make them. She used edible markers to make a cute snowman face on the bomb. You can leave them plain or make another design. Polar bears would be cute! 

Recipe details
Yield: 4 Bombs
Time spent
Prep time: 10 Minutes|Cook time: 20 Minutes|Total time: 30 min

Ingredients
2 cups white chocolate chips or wafers
1 cup hot chocolate mix
1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions
1. To start, melt your chocolate using your preferred method. Be sure to stir often for a consistent and even melts

2. Once the chocolate is melted, use a silicone brush to brush it onto the sides, as well as the bottom, of your mold. The chocolate should be fairly thin but still be sure to cover the entire mold. Then, place the mold into the freezer for about five or ten minutes.

3. Now, place a pan on the stove and heat to a low temperature. Carefully remove one of your chocolate spheres and place it on the pan to smoothen out the bottom. This step must be done quick as to not melt the entirety of the chocolate.

4. From here, you will want to fill up one of the spheres with the mix and marshmallows. If you need to you can mound up the marshmallows.

5. Warm the other half of the sphere as to melt the chocolate. Now gently press on the half that you previously filled, holding carefully yet firmly for about twenty seconds. Place in the freezer for five minutes.

6. Use edible markers to draw on a snowman face. 

To use, place in a mug. Then add warm milk or water. The chocolate melts and releases the hot cocoa mix. Stir and enjoy! CLICK HERE to check out all the details. Check out the picture for the process. –>

Since we’re coming up on Christmas, I thought I’d share this for those creative types out there. I considered ordering the silicone molds to make these because I thought they were so cute. That said, I’m lazy. And cheap. However, believe it or not, one of my favorite former Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers–AND the heroine of THE COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSITION–learned to make these. And believe me, if Quinn can do it, just about anyone can. Now she makes them for gifts and stocking stuffers. Since she inherited such a huge family when she hooked up with Deacon Tate, it was sink or swim. You can read their story by clicking on the cover or the title. The link takes you to the Harlequin page. You can order the book from there or click on the link to your favorite on-line store. Pssst. I get a little more royalty when my readers by direct from HQN, so that’s a little extra present to me. 😉

What do you think? Fun or too much trouble?

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Three Mondays Before Christmas

Posted on December 7, 2020 by Silver James

I’m ignoring that today is Monday. I shouldn’t since I lazed around yesterday and got nothing accomplished. Last week was…busy. But not. Yes, makes no sense and presents a conundrum. I love saying that word. Anyway…

I did very little writing. In fact, I think it consisted of a 250-word flash fiction story set in the Cajun Wolves world. I won the challenge so that was a yay. The rest of my writing brain cells were centered on editing, revising, blurb writing, and transmitting the final manuscript to the publisher. The covers for the series have been redone and I’m keeping an eye out for FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE to hit pre-order. I’ll do the blurb and cover at some point, which is total suckage as a marketing plan.

TV and sports weren’t very high on my priority list this past week. First, said revisions and editing and blurb writing. Second, 4 a.m. wake-up calls. There were a lot of nights I fell asleep while something or other was on TV and I have no recall of what I watched.

Have I mentioned my life is mostly boring? 🙄  And I’m taking a couple of days off. I’m going to get the Christmas garlands on the front porch. I did manage to get the Christmas wreath on the door over the weekend. I’m considering writing a short Christmas story like I have a couple of times but it depends on inspiration.

There was a weekend, though I was a total slug on Sunday. Saturday was supposed to be super busy and it sort of was. First, pancake breakfast at the American Legion Post. In addition, Santa put in an appearance from 9 to 11 so there was a LARGE crowd. Only does the photos every year and was a bit stressed due to some technical difficulties. Jake went and he was wonderful! He even got his picture taken with Santa. When I get my copy, I’ll share it. I stayed to help Only while Baseball Boy and Stormy went to cover her siren and LG went to cover his. There was a SNAFU in the system so everyone got sent home though not until they were all on site. Needless to say, no Mexican food but hopefully we can schedule another Saturday lunch before the end of the year.

I just looked at the calendar. December 7th. A day that shall live in infamy. I worry about what history is being taught to students these days.  I worry about a lot of things because I’m old and I’ve been there, done that. Anyway.

Time for another cup of coffee and then I’m either going to OD on Hallmark Christmas movies or listen to the Seven series by Dannika Dark. I originally read them years ago, and didn’t read the last book. She’s just released a new spin-off series set in the Breed world and I grabbed the audio book from the library. 4.5 stars so I’m doing a listen of them all and enjoying it. What about y’all? Coffee before work? What work? What book? Holiday decorating? So many questions! Maybe I don’t need more coffee. Yeah. Right! Like that’s gonna happen… 🤣🤣🤣

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Friday Free-for-All: Up All Night

Posted on December 4, 2020 by Silver James

Things that keep me up at night:

If quitters never win, and winners never quit, who the heck came up with “Quit while you’re ahead?

I’m a fan of the “lolcat” website, cheezburger.com. Some make me laugh, some me awwww. Sometimes I’m the first to like a meme–which is like a big glowing star of happiness, sometimes I’m #249, which means I’m not that weird afterall. What I want to know who is the one dumb@$$ who always down votes? And why do they do it?

Capital One Holiday Shopping:

And one final commercal that pretty much sums of 2020: Match made in Hell, from Match.com…

Can you figure out who stars as Santa and Satan? 🤣 Have a great weekend!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Editing

Posted on December 3, 2020 by Silver James

This messge from the Universe dropped into my inbox and I was like…See!?! This!!!

I KNEW The Universe was in publishing. LOL This is what every writer I know goes thorugh. Doesn’t matter if we are plotters or pantsers, plantsers or puzzlers. This is pretty much the process. I would know because I wrote over 60K words in a month and I’m on my final revisions and proofreading of FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE.

You don’t have to understand all that happens, figure out every twist in the plot, or even know why the winds sometimes blow as they do, Silver, to grasp that I do, I have, and that ultimately each and every story has a fairytale ending.

I wasn’t born yesterday, you know –
The Universe
©www.tut.com

Meanwhile, Silver, long, long ago, you were entrusted with an editor’s pen, of sorts, so if you’d like to write in the margins, take center stage, or just doodle, I’ll guarantee you there’ll be readers.

I hope so. That guarantee of readers. Because we authors alwasy sweat the small stuff. Not that having readers is small stuff. It’s HUGE stuff. Because we WANT people to read our stories. Anyway, February 2021. And yeah, I totally write in the margin and doodle. I’ll let my story take center stage. What about y’all? Do you believe in fairy tale endings?

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Wednesday Words: Metaphorically Speaking

Posted on December 2, 2020 by Silver James

It’s December. And Wednesday. I can’t say I’m sorry to see the tail end of 2020 but it seems that I’m losing time. Contstantly. Anyway, it’s Wednesday and that means words, metaphorically speaking, which happens to be the THEME for #1lineWed today: **METAPHORS**. Who remembers their English comp classes on metaphores and similes and such stuff like that there? 🙋🏼‍♀️ Can you spot the metaphor in this snippet? The scene is fairly self-explanatory so I’ll leave it at that.
****
Jack caught the sound of tires crunching gravel first, then the motor sounds. He’d just turned the horses out into the corral. He swung over the fence and headed around the barn. Justice was already waiting as the dark green pickup with the bright green emblem of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on the doors. He heard the mewling as Conor Paxton stepped out of the truck on the driver’s side.

“Ohhhh,” Justice sighed. “Look at you, baby.” She stepped forward and took the towel-wrapped bundle from Conor. “Yes, yes, baby. I know. You’re hungry. I’ve got some nummies for you.” Ignoring the men, she cuddled the baby bobcat and walked into the barn.

Conor dipped his chin at Jack. “Sheriff.”

“State Game Warden.”

They both laughed at their formality then shook hands.

“How ya doin’, Jack? And no offense but why in the Sam Hill would you quit the Rangers to become the Sheriff of Bandera County?”

“There are days I ask myself that same question.” Justice’s voice drifted out from the barn. She was singing a lullaby. To the animals. Who knew the woman had a voice like an angel? “And then there are days like today and I know.”

“Ah,” Conor exhaled as the light bulb came on. “Yeah. She’s a keeper.”

Jack whipped his head around to stare at Conor. The game warden held up both hands to hold him off.

“Easy there, Sheriff. I’m married to the most wonderful woman in the world. But, I gotta admit, Justice is gorgeous and what she does with the animals? A lot of times, it’s nothing short of a miracle. She has the touch. We’ve needed a rehabilitator in this area for years and she has been a godsend. Again, literally. I’ve brought in animals the vets advised be put down. Justice said she’d fix them. And she has. Every single time. She’s got a good heart.”

“Pretty woman, yeah, but that heart of hers. That’s the thing.”

“Oh, ho. You are smitten. But a word of warning, Jack. Don’t play with her. There are a lotta folks in these parts who love her for that heart. They—and that includes me—won’t be happy if that heart gets broken.”

Jack’s wolf growled and paced just beneath his skin. The idea of someone else claiming their mate—and Jack had to admit that yup, he was good and moonstruck—unsettled his animal half almost as much as the human part. He soothed the beast, promised him time with the woman they would claim, and nodded to the younger man. “I don’t think that’ll be a worry, son.”

“I have the feeling she’s in good hands, Jack, and I’m happy for you both. You’re a wily old wolf and a loner to boot. ’Bout time you settled down. And Justice? The idea of her living out here on her own—not that she can’t take care of herself, but…well, you know what I mean.”

“Yeah.” Jack knew exactly what he meant.
****
You know, I’m curious now. Is it a metaphor if it’s the truth? Okay, writers, show us what you got, metaphorically speaking. And readers, do you have a favorite metaphor you use in real life? Like, do you have a black sheep in your family? Or is your life a circus?

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: Washington Apple Cake

Posted on December 1, 2020 by Silver James

It might be the first of December but it’s still Autumn and the fruits of the fall harvest still abound. Right? Especially apples. Mmm, mmm good! I have no idea if this recipe was inspired by the president or the state. Doesn’t matter. It’s just pretty darn tasty, and pretty easy to whip up this yummy dessert.

Total Time: 2 Hr. 25 Min.
Preg Time: 20 Min.
Cook Time: 2 Hr. 5 Min.
16 Servings

Bake a gorgeous Washington Apple Cake that’s worthy of a presidential dessert. It’s got yellow cake mix, vanilla flavor instant pudding, cinnamon, a pound of apples and more. This moist Washington Apple Cake is served with sweet sour cream icing.

What You Need
1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
4 eggs
2/3 cup water
1/2 cup oil
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. BREAKSTONE’S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream, divided
1 lb. Granny Smith apples (about 3), peeled, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. water

Let’s Make It
1 – Heat oven to 350ºF.
2 – Beat first 6 ingredients and 1/2 cup sour cream in large bowl with mixer until blended. Stir in apples.
3 – Pour into greased and floured 10-inch tube pan or 12-cup fluted tube pan.
4 – Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 5 min. or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan 15 min. Loosen cake from sides of pan with knife. Invert cake onto wire rack; gently remove pan. Cool cake completely.
5 – Whisk sugar, 1 tsp. water and remaining sour cream until blended; drizzle over cake. Let stand until glaze is firm.

Kitchen Tips
Tip 1 – Variation: Prepare recipe as directed, using 1 pkg. (1 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Sugar Free Fat Free Instant Pudding, 4 egg whites, and BREAKSTONE’S Reduced Fat or KNUDSEN Light Sour Cream.

Tip 2 – Special Extra: Garnish glazed cake with additional ground cinnamon.

Tip 3 – Variation: This moist cake can instead be baked in a 13×9-inch pan. Reduce the baking time to 38 to 40 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

If want all the nutritional details and such, CLICK HERE and head over to My Food and Family for the info. Pssst. I’ll share a secret with you. Geneva Pruitt, the heroine of NIGHT WISH, makes this cake. A lot. And before getting involved with Jack “Wizard” Dimond, she used the low-fat variation listed in the tips. Once Wiz convinced her he loves her curves, she just makes it “full strength” and everyone enjoys. If you’d like to read their story, it’s available at almost all on-line digital bookstores. Just click on the title or the cover to travel the magic waves of the internet to the universal link where you can find your favorite etailer. Pssst. I’ll share another secret. I like this cake. A lot! What about y’all? Do you like the flavors of fall?

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