Tuesday Treats: Cappuccino Cupcakes

Posted on July 31, 2018 by Silver James

As y’all know, I’m big on coffee. Coffee everything. When I first tumbled across this recipe, I knew I’d love the darn things, and that thought was quickly followed by just about every one of my heroines would be all over these cupcakes.

Prep Time: 10 min.
Total Time: 52 min.
Servings: 24 servings

These cupcakes are a yummy way to please both chocolate and cappuccino lovers alike. Watch the how-to video—and prepare to knock their socks off!

What You Need
1 pkg. (2-layer size) chocolate cake mix
brewed strong MAXWELL HOUSE Coffee, cooled
1/2 cup BREAKSTONE’S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Make It

Heat oven to 350°F.
Prepare cake batter as directed on package, substituting coffee for the water and blending sour cream and cinnamon into batter before spooning into paper-lined muffin cups.

Bake as directed on package for cupcakes; cool completely.

Meanwhile, prepare Vanilla Creme Frosting or Sour Cream Ganache Frosting (see Tips). Spread onto cupcakes.

Tips:
Vanilla Creme Frosting
Beat 4 oz. softened PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, 1 jar (7 oz.) JET-PUFFED Marshmallow Creme and 1 tsp. vanilla in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add 1 tub (8 oz.) thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping; beat just until blended.

Sour Cream Ganache Frosting
Melt 10 oz. BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate as directed on package. Stir in 1-1/2 cups BREAKSTONE’S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream (at room temperature). Stir in 1 tsp. vanilla and 1/8 tsp. salt until well blended.

Special Extra
Decorate frosted cupcakes with sprinkles, colored sugar or nonpareils.

CLICK HERE to go to the Kraft recipe site wehre you can watch the video and get all the nutritional info. I have several characters who would scarf these down with both hands but leave it to Roxie Rowland Barron to figure out how to make them easy peasy. She would have first discovered a similar cupcake at the fancy bakery down in Bricktown but being Roxie, she’d want to figure out how to make them for those middle-of-the-night munchy attacks. Roxie and Cash Barron’s story is told in REDEEMED BY THE COWGIRL. That dang book makes me cry every time I read it. FYI, I thought of this recipe and Roxie because a blog I follow talked about how difficult it is to redeem characters who have done despicable things. That’s pretty much Cash. Don’t tell the others, but I think RBTC might be my favorite Red Dirt book. Go check it out by clicking on the cover if you haven’t already–but be sure to start with COWGIRLS DON’T CRY and read them in order so you see how bad Cash was before Roxie stumbled into his life. And enjoy the cupcakes! 😉

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Dog Day Monday

Posted on July 30, 2018 by Silver James

This is what we call the Dog Days of Summer and we have a saying, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” Dude, it’s both! Stepping outside is like walking into a steam bath. You want a sauna, go to the West Coast.

Speaking of the West, the fires are awful and my heart goes out to all the victims and the families of the firefighters who have made the supreme sacrifice. There have been far too many, and I hope they catch the arsonist. No comment on what I hope happens to the SOB.

Deadlines are eating my lunch. Too bad I’m stress eating to make up for it. Skipping lunch sometimes leads to weight loss. Junk food does not. I blame my current ice cream craving on B.E. She talked about the Choclopolitan ice cream she found. I found it too. It. Is. AWESOME! Dark chocolate, white chocolate, and milk chocolate. Blue Bunny brand. YUM! Now I want some. Bad me.

Speaking of deadlines and writing things, I have the print cover for MONTANA MOON. It is also all things awesauce. I have the best cover artist in the world! My books that were in Susan Stoker’s world will also be in print but her people are doing the print covers. That’s a yay. Hopefully, I’ll have the digital cover for UNDER AN ASSASSIN’S MOON soon. I got lots of words this weekend but not enough. Stupid Iffy flounced in–eating MY Choclopolitan ice cream, by the way–and tossed a plot twist into my lap. It’s a good one. Scary, but good. It got around some of the plot roadblocks I was facing. And no, Boomer did not blow those roadblocks up. Ghost and some of Susan’s other Delta Force guys are. Anyway…writing, writing, writing.

Last week, I finished off Kristen Ashley’s Rock Chick series. It’s been a couple of years since I listened to them all back-to-back. It was fun, especially since I was in Denver and I located–on the map anyway–some of her locations. And I had a Fat Tire beer, which I toasted to the Rock Chicks and Hot Bunch guys. Then I rolled over to Kristen’s MOTORCYCLE MAN (without a relisten to the whole Mystery Man series) so I could move into the Chaos series because the next book, WILD LIKE THE WIND, comes out tomorrow. After I listen to the books, I’ll have to read a novella because it isn’t available in audio yet. That one ended on a cliffhanger that is supposed to be addressed in WLTW. We’ll see.

Also speaking of writing, I’m considering doing my Moonstruck Mafia as a serial either here on the website or in my newsletter. But weekly or monthly and do I really have time? Gah! I want to write those books but I have Red Dirt books, a Penumbra book, a Hard Target book, and maybe another Nightrider book, with half the year already gone. Deadlines? What stinking deadlines?

TV. I’ve been reduced to Live PD. My brain is so busy with deadlines–I have mentioned I have some looming, right?–and I can think book stuffs while watching Live PD live and in reruns.

So, I need to get to work. I plan to stay indoors. And away from the ice cream. Maybe. Lots of questions today…Indoors or out? Favorite ice cream flavor? How crazy am I? 😉

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Friday Free For All Eclipse

Posted on July 27, 2018 by Silver James

There’s a blood moon tonight. And in addition to the total lunar eclipse that produces the blood moon, the planet Mars reaches its opposition, when it will shine brightest in the night sky. This month, Mars is at its closest proximity to Earth since 2003. Sadly, those of us here in North America will have to watch the eclipse on line or maybe one of the science cable channels will carry it live.

What does it mean readers everywhere? It means BLOOD MOON, book 1 in the Moonstruck series is free to download on Kindle for 24 hours. You don’t have to be a member of Kindle Unlimited to read it and KEEP it, for free. BLOOD MOON was the beginning of it all–with CSM Ian McIntire and MAJ Hannah Jackson hooking it up and hooking up while on a secret mission.

If you’ve never read about the Moonstruck Wolves, today is the perfect time to start. Especially if you’re in Europe, Asia, and Africa because this eclipse is the longest in like forever and you’ll need something to do while waiting for it to start, during, and after it’s over. 😉 Just CLICK HERE to get your copy!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Deadlines

Posted on July 26, 2018 by Silver James

I’m under deadline. Actually, I’m under multiple deadlines. I try hard to space those darn things out but sometimes stuff happens and they get jammed up like bumper cars. Add in Real Life responsibilities, and…well…writing becomes a grind. And when it does, this happens:

You’re right, Silver, too much self-discipline will discourage your playful, wandering imagination. It’ll snuff out the flames of inspiration and creativity. And it’ll weigh you down with routines and logic. It simply isn’t “spiritual.”

But, then, neither is too little.

Tallyho,
The Universe
© http://www.tut.com ®

Just think what you know to think, say what you know to say, and do what you know to do, Silver. Every day, lots and lots.

While craft is important to writing fiction, imagination takes a much bigger part of the pie. I’ve discussed Iffy, my Muse, before. She sulks in closets, wants to waste time looking at pictures, demands chocolate, and generally refuses to go to work when I most need her, but more than willing to nudge me at the worst possible times. Like in the middle of the night. Or when I’m driving. Or at a T-Ball game. I’m trying to get better about the care and feeding of Iffy, especially when I’m stressed because of those darn deadlines. The Universe may be on to something. I’m going to think, say, and do today. And tomorrow. And the day after. And I’ll hit my deadlines.

What about y’all? How do you stay encouraged and creative when the deadlines in life loom?

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Wednesday Words: Architecture This

Posted on July 25, 2018 by Silver James

Another Wednesday, which means time for Kiss of Death’s #1lineWed over on Twitter. Today’s theme is all about opening windows, closing doors, skyscrapers, and castles. It all counts. For those who don’t want spoilers on this WIP, I’ll warn you that this is the first kiss. Proceed at your own discretion.
****
Zeta paused to look around. A royal blue canopy dotted with stars spread high above them and the moon glistened off the skyscrapers of downtown Rio de Janeiro. She’d studied Brodie’s boat as they strolled the long dock toward it. The vessel was old and a part of her brain wondered if it could be considered an antique, then wondered how old it had to be in order to be labeled antique. It didn’t have the slick lines of modern yachts and she was glad. This boat fit the man in the tight tee and the white chambray shirt he wore over it.

Brodie settled her on the stern, on a lounger stacked with a foam mattress and a bunch of pillows. He ducked down to the built-in cooler. He’d stocked it with beer and ice before heading ashore. Snagging two bottles, he popped the tops and offered Zeta one. Her gaze remained fixed on the skyline but she wrapped her fingers around the sweaty bottle. Brodie’s whole body stiffened, then he inhaled as most of his blood rushed to just below his belt.

“Why do people move to cities?” she mused, her voice a low murmur.

She wasn’t looking at him but he shrugged anyway. “No clue. I like the wide lonesome.”

“Too many people. Too many buildings.”

“Yup.” He settled on the lounge beside her, and matched his gaze to hers. She turned to study him and her scrutiny felt like a rough caress—one that ruffled his wolf’s fur.

Her face was illuminated by the moonlight and her skin all but glowed beneath the silver rays. Brodie cupped her cheek with one hand and she stiffened. He stared into her eyes, trying to decipher what he saw lurking in their depths. What was she thinking? More important, what was she feeling? So often, when he glanced her way, she looked blank like she had no capacity for emotions. He’d overheard her explanation to Lenn. As soon as he had a private moment, he’d run a computer search. He’d find out what was wrong with Zeta. He’d find out how to fix her.

She was his. He knew it in the very marrow of his bones. She was his and he would claim her. No matter what.
“Why do you look at me like this?” Her voice was the barest whisper and she wet her lips before speaking.
Brodie caught the movement in his peripheral vision as he held her eyes. “Because you’re mine and I’m going to kiss you now.”

She kept her eyes open as Brodie leaned closer. Her heart stuttered—not in fear but anticipation and she understood none of it. Then his lips touched hers. Dry. Firm. Insistent. It was too much. She closed her eyes. It wasn’t enough.

Her arms slipped around his neck and she opened her mouth. He deepened the kiss. Her eyelids fluttered, then remained closed. She sighed and the sound was swallowed by the kiss. Something inside her tore a tiny bit and a hint of moonlight teased the darkness surrounding her heart.
****
That’s it for today. If you have some architecture snippets to build on, feel free to share. If not, I hope you enjoy today’s offering.

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Tuesday Treats: Beef Noodle Bowl

Posted on July 24, 2018 by Silver James

I love lo mein in various permutations, but I never think about fixing it–or something close. Then I found this recipe from Kraft. It’s quick. It doesn’t heat up the kitchen on a hot day and it soothes my craving for meat. I’m not a big fan of broccoli so when I make this, I’ll probably leave out the broc and add mixed veggies because that’s how I roll. It’s on the menu for next week, but

Prep Time: 10 min.
Total Time: 30 min.
Servings: 4 servings, 2 cups each

Have a bowl of deliciousness at dinnertime tonight with our Beef Noodle Bowl recipe! Enjoy our Healthy Living noodle bowl with veggies in just 30 minutes.

What You Need
1/2 lb. linguine, uncooked
3 cups broccoli florets
3 carrots, peeled, sliced
2 tsp. oil
1 lb. beef sirloin steak, cut into strips
1/4 cup KRAFT Asian Toasted Sesame Dressing
1 Tbsp. teriyaki sauce

Make It
Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, adding vegetables to the boiling water for the last 2 min.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet. Add meat; cook until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally. Stir in dressing and teriyaki sauce; cook 2 min. or until sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally.

Drain pasta mixture; place in large serving bowl. Add meat mixture; toss to coat.


For all the nutritional details, check out the recipe on kraftrecipes.com by CLICKING HERE. This is a recipe that Shy Rourke likes. A lot. The first time she fixed it for Gravedigger, she got like two bites. Maybe. He took her out for McDonalds but…Not. The. Same! Shy let Digger know that he was a big ol’ food hog. Digger told her to double the recipe next time. As time goes by, she’ll learn that cooking for a big, bad Wolf means lots of groceries. 😉 If you haven’t read the book yet, click the cover over there on the right to go to the Amazon page. And you can click on the Moonstruck tab up above to find out about all the other Nightrider MC books. Hope you enjoy both the beef noodles and the book!

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Monday After

Posted on July 23, 2018 by Silver James

This meme is also appropriate for my mental state after being at the RWA National Conference for a week. I kept telling myself to get focused yesterday and do things like sort through the stuff I dumped in my office and write a blog post for today. Yeah…no. I drank coffee, lazed in bed watching Drug Wars, Northwoods Law, and caught up on a couple of Live PD episodes. And I napped.

My flight home Saturday night was delayed a bit. The cabin crew was coming in on another flight that was late. And, of course, the airport gods put their gate at the opposite end of the terminal. There were passengers on that flight that were on my flight. They came running up, all out of breath and panicked about missing the flight. The flight attendants had to clear the other plane and then make the same hike. They were a good crew. Tran, the gate dude, was awesome and cute in his updates. Instead of getting home a little after 9:00 pm, it was after 10 pm. Had to unpack and put away suitcases, play with dogs, and convince the cat she still loves me. Fun times.

Lots of interesting stuff at Nationals. I’ll be filling in the blanks as time goes along. My session on body language was very well received, and I was reminded of two pictures I used to illustrate some points that deserve their own books. Someday.

I got a little writing done on UNDER…MOON. Had an inspiration on it late last night and scribbled it down in the notebook I keep beside the bed. I’ll transcribe and expand today. I have 7 days to get it written and edited then to betas and editor. It has to go to the publisher by August 7th (releases late in August, for all you Wolf fans). Then it’s on to revisions on Tucker’s story for Red Dirt. We have a title. I’ll share it later–like when I find time to update my website. Ugh. I need about 36 hours in a day, no need for sleep, and the gumption and creativity to sustain me for those longs days with no shuteye. 😆

TV? What’s that? Reading? In honor of going to Denver, I started a relisten to Kristan Ashley’s Rock Chick series. The books are set in Denver and I’ll admit to sort of “map-seeing,” along with a little sightseeing the locales in the books. Fun times.

So, that’s the quick update. More to follow in the coming days. What sort of mischief did y’all get up to while I was gone?

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Fly-away Monday

Posted on July 16, 2018 by Silver James

This is my last post for awhile. I considered pre-loading some posts for this week but I sort of ran out of time because I’m not the most organized person in the world. And I hit a hot streak on my current WIP word count. I’m off to Denver, CO today on a mostly working getaway. I’ll be attending the Romance Writers of America National Conference. I have a full slate of activities–several volunteer slots, an awesome seminar through RWA Kiss of Death chapter presented by members of the ATF. Yes, I did dig out the ATF pin given to me by some ATF agents back when we worked the OKC Bombing together. I’m really looking forward to that. Also with KOD, the Death by Chocolate party and Daphne awards. I didn’t final but chocolate! There’s a whole slew of Harlequin events through the week. I’ll hit some of them, especially the big party on Friday night. I’m giving a presentation on body language in what they call a 20/20 session. I present for 20 minutes and then anothre group comes in, I present the same again, and then a third time with an all new group. It’s speed-dating for authors. 😆 I fly home Saturday night. For the first time since I’ve been published, I not participating in the literacy signing. I don’t really have a current book and I figured the $350 I’d save on hotel and flight home was worth skipping it.

Okay, in other news. Writing. It’s going. Some good, some bad, and deadlines looming. I’ll get there. I am 1/3 of the way through UNDER AN ASSASSIN’S MOON and I really like the way it’s shaping up. Big, ugly rewrites on the next RED DIRT book. I have a title, BILLIONAIRE COUNTRY, and a March 2019 release date. I will be working in between stuffs at Naitonals. Ah well.

Reading has been hit or miss. IRON AND MAGIC, the Ilona Andrews Kate Daniels spin-off was excellent. I’ve got thoughts about things in those books. *nods* The last Kate Daniels book releases the end of August, though there are two more books in the I&M trilogy to come. We’ll see if my suspicions are correct. Since I’m going to Denver, I thought I’d do a relisten to the Rock Chick series and/or the Mystery Man and Chaos series, all by Kristen Ashley. They’re all set in Denver so it’s getting me in the mood.

I don’t want to talk about my Cardinals. The front office fired the manager, who has long been a hero of mine. *pbthhhhhh* on them.

And that’s it. I hope to come back full of all sorts of knowledge and news from Denver. Y’all have an awesome week, hold down the fort for me, and I’ll see you next Monday!

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Friday Sinema: The Time of Their Lives

Posted on July 13, 2018 by Silver James

As I’m sure everyone is pretty much aware, there is an EPIC lip sync challenge going on. Police Departments. Fire Departments. Sheriff Offices. It was a Texas sheriff who started the challenge in fact. Now, as y’all are aware, I’m a huge LIVE PD fan and one of the department’s they’ve been following is Slidell, Louisiana. This has to be one of my favorite challenges ot of all of them. Have an awesome Friday, go watch some lip sync challenges and the next time you see a cop, deputy, or firefighter, tell ’em they are made of all the awesome! Oh…and Happy Friday the 13th. 😉 #lipsyncbattle challenge

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Character Arc

Posted on July 12, 2018 by Silver James

One of the first things a fiction writer needs to understand is the journey a character makes from the beginning of his or her story to the end. We here in the trenches call that the character arc. Interesting stories show the emotional develop of the character(s) as they face the roadblocks the author throws at them. Those problems should be both internal and external and the conflicts should balance out as to which. When the Universe tossed the following into my inbox, I had one thought…

Would you ever take a journey, Silver, if you knew ahead of time that you’d become hopelessly lost, have your heart broken into pieces, and sometimes wish you’d never been born?

Now, how about if you knew ahead of time that on that very same journey you’d later find yourself, fall passionately in love, and live happily ever after?

Yeah, I know, you made the same choice a long, long time ago.

Que bueno,
The Universe
© http://www.tut.com ®
Silver, it’s all downhill from here (in a good way).

…ROMANCE NOVEL! Going into a romance, the writer AND the reader know going into the story that things will work out. There WILL be a Happy Ever After, but the hero and heroine have to face their personal demons–internal and external–as well as their emotional journey with each other. So, the next time someone asks you about writing character arcs, you can borrow this. Especially if you write romance like me. 🙂

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