A Taste of Monday

Posted on February 12, 2018 by Silver James

Monday tastes like coffee. And possibilities. A new week. Time to set new goals, get stuff done. All those days stretching out just waiting to see what I do with them. Aanndd, I need another cup of coffee. That’s way too philosophical for a Monday. So, I did things last week. Not many things but a few things. Things are good, right? *nods in agreement with self*

What things did I do? I know you’re waiting on pins and needles to find out because I live such an exciting life. 😆

Writing, because my life is consumed with new words. I made some headway on MONTANA MOON, the April release in Elle James’s Brotherhood Protector’s Kindle World. I’m over half of my anticipated word count. My puzzle-piece snippets are in order and writing the connections between them. I’m not making promises to myself, but I’d love to see The End by the end of the week.

Reading, because what else do I do in my spare time, right? 😉 I’ve been in a bit of a slump. I finished off Ilona Andrews Edge series. It was okay. I grabbed a Molly Harper book off Audible Romance. It was okay. I finished off my contest reads. No comment because *shhhh* that’s secret until the contest is over. I keep scrolling through my audio books on the Audible app and the books on my Kindle and I’m just…blerg. Nothing excites my imagination. If worse comes to worst, I’ll queue up NAKED IN DEATH…for like the 20th time. 😆

TV, because I actually watched some! Lucifer is getting interesting. There’s been college softball televised, though not either of the teams I follow–the REAL OSU (Oklahoma State) and OU. I also caught two movies over the weekend. First up, “Wonder Woman.” I loved it. I hated it. Diana rocks! Special effects were…damn and whoah! Chris Pine was…*swoon* but…but…no spoilers in case there are people like me who waited for cable and haven’t seen it yet. I’ll just say I was crying because…because…*sniffle*. Then I caught up with “Arthur, Legend of the Sword” with Charlie Hunnam. Dayam. That man is just…*sigh*. It was a big budget CGI extravaganza and had absolutely no relation to the Arthur legend, but…CHARLIE! I’m waiting for “Atomic Blonde” to release now.

And that was pretty much my week. OH! Did I mention that I tried the Monte Cristo Bake I featured last week on Tuesday Treats? It was pretty darn tasty! And now, I’m done. I have words to write because we all know new words wait for no writer. Have a great Monday. That’s what I’m going to do, after one more cup of coffee and checking my email. 😉

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Friday Sinema: It’s a Southern Thing

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Silver James

I have only this to say: “Bless her heart.” Have a great weekend, and keep laughing.

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Challenge

Posted on February 8, 2018 by Silver James

Today’s message from the Universe is short and to the point. I’ll admit that I enjoy writing a little–okay, a LOT–of adventure into my books whenever I can. So much of my life has been an adventure that I can’t imagine my characters not have the same chance.

I’ve been asked a lot of questions about my genre–usually concerning <those scenes–like were those particular bits from personal knowledge. My standard reply is, “I plead the Fifth.” (Usually a fifth of something besides that particular amendment.) Others want to know if the heroine is always based on me. Uhm…no. However, is there a little of the writer in the characters? Uhm…yeah. My experiences, my emotions, my…adventures all help shape my words. And trust me, it’s always been a challenge. Still, the Universe sums it up pretty succinctly.

Without challenge, Silver, adventure is impossible.

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

And you weren’t having any of that, Silver.

How about y’all? Who’s ready for an adventure?

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Wednesday Words: A #1lineWed Journey

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Silver James

Another week half-way through, another #1lineWed theme. This week, it’s **JOURNEY**. So strap in to take a sentimental journey with Tait/Shooter and Lauren from MONTANA MOON. This scene pretty much explains itself.
***
When he climbed into the cab of the truck, Lauren was eyeing the gas station, her expression dubious. He also noticed that her knees were clenched together. She really needed to regulate her intake of coffee. “I got us a room. It should be nominally cleaner than the station.”

She cut her eyes his direction. “Well, how hard could that be?” She inserted enough sarcasm into her voice to get a quick grin from him, though he shifted in his seat, drawing her eyes. Her cheeks heated and she swore never to use the word “hard” within hearing distance of him every again. Lauren really wished he wouldn’t look the way he was looking. His grin sent up red flags her libido immediately ignored. Heck, even his scowl caused fireworks to go off inside her fantasies. She pushed her glasses up to the bridge of her nose, hand freezing in mid-motion as the import of his statement hit her. “A room? As in one room? For both of us?” Darn it, why did her voice have to go all wobbly like that whenever she thought about being close to him. It wasn’t like they hadn’t shared close quarters for the past however many hours since he’d rescued her from the roadhouse. Except she hadn’t noticed his very physical reaction to her before now and she hadn’t used that word she now swore not to say—or even think.

“Yeah, one room. That way I can keep an eye on you.”

He parked in front of one of the cabins, backing in so the truck faced out toward the road. Puzzled, Lauren peeked at him, hoping for an explanation. He must have read her expression because he added, “You didn’t like the last J-turn I did plus there’s not much room in this lot for evasive maneuvers.”

She blinked a few times, translating his action hero speak. “Oh. You’re parking like this in case we need a quick getaway.” Satisfied, she twisted to reach behind the seat and clonked her head on Shooter’s elbow. “Oww!” She rubbed at the sting, glaring.

“Sorry.”

No he wasn’t. He looked like he was swallowing laughter. Jerk. “I can get my own backpack.”

He held up both hands, palms out and leaned away. “Suit yourself. Just being a gentleman.”

“Ha!” The derisive snort burst from her louder than she’d anticipated. His chuckle, on the other hand, was the precise tone and sound level to caress her insides and put her in mind of sexy things. Dirty things that she would never in her life do for real. Except maybe with— She shuddered as Shooter leaned over her back, breathing hard, his nose buried in the hair at the nape of her neck. He inhaled and the feminine places on her body clenched. Her libido and her ego had squared off like Old West gunslingers. She could even hear the theme from “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” in her head.

Just as quickly as he’d leaned over her, the heat and weight of him was gone. Lauren reminded her lungs to fill with air. Then she focused on her hand, closed her fingers over the straps of her backpack, and with utmost care, she settled back into her seat. She so needed to get away from this guy before she did something so far beyond the pale that she’d never return. Giving in to her libido was a journey fraught with danger.

“Let’s go, mouse.” He swung out of the truck, then opened the back door to grab his own duffel.

“I’m not a mouse,” she huffed. “Or a cat.”

“Whatever you say, sweetheart.”

Tait got the door open, stepped inside for a security sweep, then motioned for Lauren to enter. She brushed past him and her scent washed over him. He’d never be able to eat a blueberry muffin ever again. Not unless he claimed her. He dropped his duffel. “Stay put. I’ll be right back.”

Yeah, just as soon as he walked off the raging erection making his dick rub against the buttons on his fly. He’d take a walk, scout the terrain. Because that’s what bodyguards did. He wasn’t running away from her. Not at all. He backed out the door and closed it, leaning against it to order, “Lock the door and don’t open it for anyone but me.”

Then he ran.
***
What journey is on your list today? And writers, if you have any journeys to share with us, please do!

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Tuesday Treats: Packet Chicken and ‘shrooms

Posted on February 6, 2018 by Silver James

As y’all know, I’m all about the easy–especially when it comes to KP duty. Cleaning the kitchen and doing dishes after dinner isn’t real high on my list of Fun Things. The nice thing about this is you can freeze the packets so…since there’s only two of us, I make up the full recipe and freeze half for another meal.

Prep Time: 10 min.
Total Time: 45 min.
Servings: 6 servings

A tasty dish of chicken, ham and mushrooms is easy to make—and even easier to clean up—with this foil-pack preparation.

What You Need
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) reduced-fat reduced-sodium condensed cream of mushroom soup
1-1/4 cups water, divided
1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Lower Sodium Stuffing Mix for Chicken
6 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1-1/2 lb.)
6 slices OSCAR MAYER Deli Fresh Smoked Ham
1-1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1-1/2 cups frozen peas

Make It
Heat oven to 400°F.

Mix soup and 1/4 cup water. Combine stuffing mix and remaining water; spoon onto centers of 6 large sheets heavy-duty foil sprayed with cooking spray.

Top with chicken, ham, vegetables and soup. Fold foil to make 6 packets; place in single layer on rimmed baking sheet.

Bake 30 to 35 min. or until chicken is done (165°F). Cut slits in foil to release steam before carefully opening packets.

As always, CLICK HERE for the nutritional information. This is a recipe that Lainey Walker would make and toss in the freezer. Her mother and older brother never bothered to look, but her little brothers, the twins Louie and Levi, could pull packets out and heat them in the oven if she was going to be stuck in class or working one of her part-time jobs. After she mated with Hollywood, she had to triple the recipe because, “Darlin’…those piddly little chicken breasts you wanna use don’t fill up a Wolf!” 😉

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Not so Super Monday

Posted on February 5, 2018 by Silver James

Normally, on the Monday after the Super Bowl, I talk about the commercials. Frankly, I’ve mainly watched the game only for the commercials the past couple of years. This year, though, I pretty much gave up on the NFL. Still, I’ll admit a fondness for the copious amounts of money spent for SB air time. The commercials are usually “leaked” beforehand so I went looking. The Budweiser commercial that did air–“Stand By You”–got a sniffle from me as I watched it on my computer. The rest of the commercials? Yeah…not too impressed. Ah well.

To me, the Budweiser Clydesdales are such an iconic part of the brand and there have been amazing series of commercials down through the Super Bowl years: Clydesdales playing football, Clydesdales becoming part of the hitch, Clydesdales and dogs… Last year and this, I was doomed to disappointment. However, I did discover there is a Clydesdale “Super Bowl” commercial, just not aired on TV. The company released it on their social media channels. I’m really sorry Budweiser chose not to run this during the Superbowl because people should see it. I’ll admit, I wouldn’t have because I didn’t watch the game. With that in mind, I’m sharing it here. Take a minute to watch.

As for the rest of my weekend round-up, I went to a baby shower for one of Only’s oldest and dearest friends. I made a prediction that Baby Silas will make his appearance on my birthday. I wrote. I read. I watched some TV. Life as usual. I finished JD Robb’s DARK IN DEATH. Loved it. Now I’m just listening to library stuff until…something comes along that really catches my imagination. I’m finishing out Ilona Andrews’ The Edge series in audio book because…series. I’m making headway on MONTANA MOON. If I’ll knuckle down, I might have it finished by this weekend. Or not. I’ve got an itch to rearrange my office. That’s taking procrastination to the pinnacle, right? 😆 I know it’s bad when the clutter gets to me, the queen of housework avoidance.

Ya know, my life is pretty boring. 😆 I think that’s why I live in my head with my made-up characters. They have exciting lives and I’m living vicarious through them. 😉

How was your weekend?

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Friday Sinema: Email in Real Life OMG!

Posted on February 2, 2018 by Silver James

I…I have no words…. *ding*  Well, I have a few. I blame this on B.E., just sayin’… 😉

And in celebration of Groundhog Day, I hope the groundhog/animal prognosticator in your area has predicted an early spring! Have a great weekend. 🙂

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Thursday Thoughts: The Universe Understands

Posted on February 1, 2018 by Silver James

I normally use my standard “Universe” graphic on Thursdays but today’s message made me use this one, because coffee DOES understand! 😆 Okay, seriously…

I tucked this one back when I got it waiting for the right moment. I’m working on a new WIP (Work In Progress) and getting to know the characters. A good writer knows the goals, motivation and conflict of each major character and how that applies to the plot and story line. The Universe nailed it when it comes to making characters “real.” They need fears, pain, and understanding what makes them tick, allows you to give them hope and their HEA (Happy Ever After).

Sometimes, understanding their fears, Silver, helps you to understand their actions and their pain.

Plus, understanding their fears sometimes helps you to understand your own.

Te amo,
The Universe

© http://www.tut.com ®
You know, Silver, “birds of a feather,” “no coincidences,” “like attracts like,” and all that jazz. There really is something to all those clichés.

And sometimes, when you write and tell your character’s story, you gain some insight into your own. Been there, done that. (Speaking of clichés.) I have the best job in the world. And coffee. Don’t forget the coffee. What’s your favorite cliché?

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Wednesday Words: Tell Me a Story

Posted on January 31, 2018 by Silver James

Another Wednesday, another theme for #1lineWed on Twitter. Last week was show so any writer worth their salt should have been expecting this week’s theme: TELL. *bwahaha* So in this short snippet from MONTANA MOON, Lauren and Tait are doing a lot of talking, a little showing, and maybe they should tell the truth… 😉

****
Lauren flung her hands into the air, the gesture both overly dramatic and petulant. “What can I tell you?”

“How about the truth?”

Her eyes narrowed and the corners of her mouth pulled down. “The truth? That’s a two-way street, cowboy. Tell your truth first.”

“You can’t handle the truth.”

Now her eyes went wide and a snarl curled her lip while her hands flailed around her head. The damn woman shouldn’t be so cute when she was angry. Tait folded his arms across his chest, waiting for her rebuttal.

She sputtered a few times, starting to speak then stopping as words failed her. “You’re giving me bad movie lines now? Seriously?” Lauren stomped over, stopping directly in front of him. Her fingers curled into his T-shirt of their own accord, like they knew what to do even if she didn’t. “You could have died, Tait.” The words tumbled out, breathless and coated with worry and fear.

He tasted both on the tip of his tongue and inhaled the odors with each breathe. Onions and ammonia. Not overwhelming. Yet. Her fingers clutched convulsively in his shirt but he fought the urge to wrap his arms around her.

“Why do you care, Lauren?”

Her lashes swept down to cover her blue eyes a moment before her head thunked against his chest. “I don’t know,” was her mumbled reply. “I shouldn’t. I don’t know you. And you don’t share. But—” She melted against him.

“We’ll talk, Lauren. Soon. I’ll tell you everything as soon as I know you’re safe.”
****
If you’re a writer, what would your characters tell your readers? If you’re a reader, what would you like a character to tell you? *waggles brows*

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Tuesday Treats: Easy Caramel Sticky Buns

Posted on January 30, 2018 by Silver James

Due to a switch-over in internet stuffs yesterday, I stopped in the middle of creating this post and was so distracted I never came back to finsih. So…a little later than I normally post but this treat is yummy, I think it’s worth the wait. 😉 As y’all probably know, I’m a total sucker for sticky buns. And caramel is a favorite flavor so this easy treat has double appeal for me.

Prep Time: 15min.
Total Time: 35min.
Servings: 8 servings

Refrigerated crescent dough is topped with sugar, cinnamon, pecans and raisins, rolled up, sliced and baked in gooey caramel for a breakfast treat.

What You Need
16 KRAFT Caramels
2 Tbsp. milk
3/4 cup chopped PLANTERS Pecans, divided
1 can (8 oz.) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp. raisins

Make It
Heat oven to 375ºF.
Microwave caramels and milk in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 min. or until caramels are completely melted, stirring after each minute. Pour into 8-inch round pan sprayed with cooking spray; top with 1/2 cup nuts.

Unroll crescent roll dough; separate into 2 rectangles. Press perforations in each rectangle together to seal. Mix remaining nuts, sugar, cinnamon and raisins; sprinkle over dough. Roll up each rectangle, jelly-roll fashion, starting at one short end; cut into 4 slices. Place, cut sides down, in prepared pan. (Sprinkle with any sugar mixture that may have fallen out of rolls.)

Bake 17 to 20 min. or until lightly browned. Immediately invert pan onto plate; remove pan. Spread any caramel from pan over buns. Cool slightly.

As always, CLICK HERE to get all the deets from the Kraft kitchens.

Dr. Liz Graham Lightfoot as two “kids” with cravings for caramel. Michael and Micah have been known to grab the entire pan and disappear. Good thing Liz knows them and always makes a second batch that she hides for herself! If you want to know more about how Liz and Lightfoot hooked up, their story is fully told in MOONSTRUCK: SECRETS or you can grab BAD MOON for the down and dirty version. 😉

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