Tuesday Treats: Hummingbird Mini Loaves

Posted on September 5, 2017 by Silver James

I’ve shared the recipe for the tasty and very Southern Hummingbird cake before. When I came across this recipe for Hummingbird Mini Loaves, I knew I had to share. This is like summer fruit cake but…like…edible. 😆 Since my little hummer has been busy at the feeder, I figured this was a good time to add this recipe to the mix. 😉

Prep Time: 20min.
Total Time: 1hr. 30min.
Servings: 30 servings or 5 loaves, 6 servings each
This classic Southern recipe made with pineapples, bananas and pecans is delicious any time. The cream cheese frosting is literally the icing on the cake.

What You Need
1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
4 eggs
1/4 cup oil
1 cup mashed fully ripe bananas (about 3)
1/2 cup chopped PLANTERS Pecans
2 oz. (1/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 Tbsp. milk
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Make It
Heat oven to 350ºF.
Drain pineapple, reserving 1 cup juice. Add reserved juice to dry cake mix, dry pudding mix, cinnamon, eggs and oil in large bowl; beat with mixer until blended. Add crushed pineapple, bananas and nuts; beat just until blended.
Pour into 5 mini foil loaf pans sprayed with cooking spray.
Bake 40 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool completely.
Beat cream cheese, milk and sugar in small bowl with mixer until blended; drizzle over loaves.

While I normally attach a recipe to one of my heroines or heroes, today I’m going to mention Katherine Barron Tate. Katherine is a mama bear when it comes to her boys but she is also a Good Southern Woman, right down to her strand of pearls. Y’all will understand all about that come the release of THE COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSITION. It releases on October 1st and you can pre-order it HERE, or if you don’t want to wait, you can grab it now from the Harlequin SITE.

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Friday Sinema: All about the Brothers

Posted on September 1, 2017 by Silver James

I admit, I’m kinda partial to the Property Brothers on HGTV. They are hunky twins in the real estate business. They also sing. Who knew?!?! So for a little Friday fun: (have to go to the one country page, scroll down for the video. Trust me. Totally worth the effort!
http://www.onecountry.com/property-brothers-my-house-video-2190380210.html

and the serious:

Have a great weekend!

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Thursday Thoughts: Universal Adversity

Posted on August 31, 2017 by Silver James

So, after my failed imitation of a coordinated person this week, when this message from the Universe dropped into my inbox, I decided the Universe had me in its sights. 😆 But enough of real life. Let’s apply this to writing and plots.

The one who prepares for adversity, Silver, builds not a bridge of retreat, but one upon which adversity advances.

So hey, glorious day, huh?
The Universe
© http://www.tut.com
Prepare to be thrilled, Silver. Works the same.

See, to me, books without some inherent danger? I don’t want to write them and I certainly don’t want to read them. I want characters to face adversity and overcome it. That makes for a compelling story.

There’s that whole “old adage” about torturing your characters. This is true. As a writer, it’s important to figure out the worst that can happen, make it happen, and then steer the character(s) back toward the light. It’s that conflict–internal AND external–that makes for a page-turning story people (hopefully) will want to read.

But this also applies to the writer. Writers need to find the soul of the story they want to tell. They need to find the conflict within themselves to spill it across the page. When I hit a rough spot in the ol’ Work In Progress–which happens far more often than I like, I can’t build a bridge to retreat. Because being a writer means “NO SURRENDER!” But the thing about bridges? They leave the way open for other things–friends and foes alike.

Writers are entrepreneurs, whether they write for a publishing house or self-publish. And when you check your sales for your back list and the line is flat for a week and you’re wondering where grocery money is going to come from next month, you just have to grit your teeth and get back to wrestling that adversity. And then there’s the other things that mess with a writer’s mind.

See, I don’t read reviews. As a rule. Sometimes I stumble across one and when it’s a happy review, I sorta grin and dance in my chair for a few seconds and then go back to work. Because that’s why I write. I want to tell stories that people read–that touch them and make them want to leave reviews because my words, my characters touched them. I’ve done that. And I read one of those reviews yesterday. *waves at Ev* and those leave me a little teary-eyed while I’m doing the chair dance. But then there are the ones that feel a lot like a knife to the gut. Read one of those too. And see? That bridge that’s built for both the story and the writer? Yeah, adversity walks right over it. But that’s okay. That’s life. That’s how it’s supposed to be. That’s how we grow and change and evolve and become who we are supposed to be. And yeah, that might be the concussion talking. 😆

So…it is a glorious day, I’m prepared to be thrilled, and I’m braced for whatever adversity comes my way. How about you?

Posted in Craft, Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wednesday Words: Wonder of it All

Posted on August 30, 2017 by Silver James

Another Wednesday and since ASSASSIN’S MOON released yesterday, I figured I’d cheat on #1lineWed this week. No WIP, but a new release. 😉 Today’s theme is all about **WONDER**

This scene takes place not long after Griff and Lennox…bump into each other. It’s pretty self-explanatory. 😉
****
“Uh huh. Well, that someone, who you said was a nun, set you up.”

“No way. She wouldn’t!”

“Tell me about her.” His focus was laser-sharp and centered only on the woman. Was she working for Veronica after all?

“There’s been some sort of mistake.” Len sank onto the parapet, her knees shaking enough now they wouldn’t support her. “I…no. Just no!” She glowered up at the man. “What were you doing there?”

“Walking down the street, Wonderland. You’re the one who bumped into me and who had three thugs following her.”

She snorted. “Pretty damn convenient, if you ask me.”

“Not asking, sweetheart. What’s your story? And you can start with your real name.”

“I told you my—”

“If you’re Alice from Wonderland, I’m the White Rabbit.”

Len did not want to trust this man but there was just something about him—something strong and warm and…safe. He made her feel safe, despite his size, his gruff voice, and narrow-eyed glares. When he touched her, she wanted to strip naked and roll around on the floor with him. Better yet, on a nice, soft bed. She did not just fall into lust and she didn’t do one-night stands. Ever. Never. But this guy, whoever he was? Yeah, she had visions of all sorts of down and dirty things she would enjoy doing with him, to him, or him doing to her. A full-body shiver racked her and it had nothing to do with the last of the adrenaline surge or being chilled. It did have everything to do with the sexy man standing over her.
****
Do you have any wonderful words to share with us today?

Posted in Books, Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tuesday Titles: ASSASSIN’S MOON

Posted on August 29, 2017 by Silver James

I managed to trip, fall, and face-plant at the gas station yesterday. Gave myself a mild concussion with an ugly lump on my forehead, sprained wrist, bruised knees, and a scraped lens on my prescription sunglasses. It could have been worse, but it came at a really bad time. I have a new book releasing today!!!! Are you ready for an adventure in Brazil? Griffith Caine and Lennox Morgan are caught up in some serious stuff down there. Go grab your copy of ASSASSIN’S MOON set in the fabulous Susan Stoker’s Kindle World, SPECIAL FORCES: OPERATION ALPHA! CLICK HERE!!! Also, if it didn’t hurt so much I’d be Snoopy Dancing because I woke up to discover that this book is sitting at #8 on the Kindle World Romance list! *fist pumps gingerly*

A man living in the shadows…
Wolf shifter Griffith Caine is a disgraced SpecOps sniper working in the dark of the moon as a paid assassin. When a major player offers millions to take out her competition and his family, Griff can cross his one moral line in the sand or walk away—except the woman signing the check will put him in the cross-hairs if he does.

A woman looking for daylight…
Lennox Morgan lost over a year of her life to PTSD and crippling depression. She’s come to Brazil to help out at an orphanage, hoping to find herself. Instead, she finds an enigmatic man with a dark agenda and a vindictive arms dealer, yet she has a chance for more happiness than she could ever have imagined. All she has to do is survive.

From the jungles of Brazil to the playgrounds of the rich in Rio de Janeiro, these wounded warriors will fight for their lives, their love, and their future—with an assist from some very special Delta Force operatives…

Posted in Books, Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Friday Free-for-all: Links of Awesomesauce

Posted on August 25, 2017 by Silver James

Okay, guys, y’all need to pause your day for a few minutes, click on each link, and the scroll through the different photos. I guarantee a smile or three, maybe a giggle, certainly a laugh, and a lighter heart to get on with your day. Do it. You know you want to. 😉

I want this artist to move into my neighborhood! (Makes me wish I could draw!) Trust me, you want to click through because the whimsy of his street drawings are covered in the SAUCE OF AWESOME.

This SERIES OF PHOTOS takes funny animal pictures to a whole new level.

I love these people/animal compilations. HOT GUYS/CUTE KITTIES put both in similar poses. Don’t forget to check out the guys because…kitten kyootness.

Have a great weekend, everyone. Take time to find something to enjoy, something to put wonder into your life, something to remember with fondness.

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Thursday Thoughts: Universal Advice

Posted on August 24, 2017 by Silver James

I finished one of my works in progress right at the deadline. I’m a tad behind on the other two but this is how I roll. Now that ASSASSIN’S MOON is in the can, I need to follow the Universe’s advice before I pull out Tucker’s book and get back to work on it.

Be still, Silver.

Stop thinking.

Feel.

Visualize.

Take action.

Repeat.

Yours,
The Universe
© http://www.tut.com ®
Did you catch the double entendre, Silver? I’ve still got “it,” and so do you. “Yours,” as in do these things and that which you want is yours. And as in I’m yours.

I want a day to do as the Universe suggests. I want to still the hamster wheel of my brain, to stop thinking about the this’s and the that’s and just feel. I want to close my eyes, visualize the upcoming story, take the action of sitting back down at the keyboard. Wash. Rinse. Repeat. Such is the life of a writer. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Gods but I love what I do.

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Wednesday Words: Dance

Posted on August 23, 2017 by Silver James

Today’s #1lineWed theme is **DANCE**. In the 30K words of ASSASSIN’S MOON (part of Susan Stokers Special Forces: Operation Alpha Kindle World), I only have one reference. How sad is that?!? However, it’s a good scene so I’m sharing it here for y’all to enjoy. Our hero, Griffith “Abel” Caine, is in Bangkok to meet a potential “employer.” I’ll let your imaginations do the rest.
****
Griff had agreed to this face-to-face only because she’d deposited half a million unrefundable dollars in his Cayman account. The money was already transferred through a circuitous route to his holding account at a very old, very prestigious, and very discreet bank in Geneva, Switzerland.

“Well,” the woman purred, lifting one perfectly arched eyebrow in amused approval. “You are everything as advertised.”

Griff set his shoulder against the wall so that the whole restaurant was in front of him. He didn’t acknowledge her obvious come-on. It was a distraction, a way to keep his attention focused on her face and tits—which were all but spilling out of the couture dress. Her ploy didn’t work, not that he was worried about the pistol the woman held in her lap, hidden below the table, which was her whole reason for the subterfuge. “You paid a lot of money to get me here, Ms. Toulouse.”

“Yes, yes I did.” Her faint French accent teased his ear as she offered a frank appraisal of him with her gaze. Holding his attention, she made a show of licking her lips, hinting at things sexier. “I want to hire you, Mr. Abel.”

“I don’t do lap dances.”

Her trilling laughter grated on his nerves but he kept his expression neutral. Arms loose at his sides, he tilted his head her direction but his own gaze had already summed her up and he was more concerned about other operatives she might have stashed in the restaurant.

“That’s too bad. I would wager you give quite the ride.” He didn’t respond and after a strained moment of staring, she cleared her throat. “Sit down.”

Griff didn’t move.

“Playing hard to get?” That brow lifted again, only there was no amusement in the expression. “Fine. I asked for this meeting because I refuse to do business with someone I’ve never seen. You come highly recommended, Mr. Abel, and you appear to measure up to your reputation. You know why I want to hire you. I have already made a second deposit…a finder’s fee, shall we say? Let us discuss the details.”

“No.” Griff didn’t like Veronica Toulouse and he was ready to end the meeting.

“I do not think you understand the situation.” She slipped a hand into a designer bag sitting on the floor next to her chair. Griff tensed, waiting. Then she slid out a large envelope and tucked it under her thigh. “I’ll leave this here. It contains the necessary information.” She picked up her cell phone and tapped out a sequence of letters and numbers on a message app. “And now, your usual down payment has been wired to your business account.”

His phone vibrated in his pocket. He didn’t need to look at the message to know the money was in place—two million dollars. Those who did business in his world did not short the contractors. Doing so was always a fatal mistake.
****
Be sure to mark August 29th on your calendars. That’s when ASSASSIN’S MOON will go live on Amazon. 🙂

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Tuesday Treats: Galaxy Mini Cheesecakes

Posted on August 22, 2017 by Silver James

In celebration of the great “Total Eclipse of the Sun” yesterday, Kraft offered these gorgeous mini cheescakes on their recipe site. They’re pretty and I suspect they are pretty tasty. You could also use different colors of food color gel for different celebrations. I haven’t made these but…pretty. And almost bite-sized cheesecake. Yum!

Prep Time: 15min.
Total Time: 4hr. 15min.
Servings: 12 servings
Kraft has this to say about these little yummies: The buzz about our Galaxy Mini Cheesecakes is that they’re simple, quick and delicious. What more could you ask from a dessert?

What You Need
2 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 drops each blue and violet gel food coloring, divided
12 thin vanilla creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookies
1-1/2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
1/2 tsp. star-shaped sprinkles

Make It
Heat oven to 350°F.

Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in medium bowl with mixer until blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended.

Pour half the batter into separate bowl. Add blue food coloring to batter in one bowl and violet coloring to the remaining batter.

Place 1 cookie in each of 12 paper-lined muffin cups; cover with violet-colored batter. Top with small spoonfuls of blue batter; swirl gently with knife.

Bake 20 min. or until centers are almost set. Cool in pan 10 min. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

Refrigerate 3 hours.

Top with COOL WHIP and sprinkles just before serving.

This dessert is sort of a grown-up version of a fancy cupcake–only cheesy goodness instead of cake. I’ve been reviewing my heroines to see who would have this recipe in their box and it came to me. Georgie from THE BOSS AND HIS COWGIRL. While she was raised on a ranch, she’s also spent a lot of time in Washington D.C. and would collect the kind of recipes that would taste great and look beautiful on a party table.

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

3rd Monday in a Long Month

Posted on August 21, 2017 by Silver James

There was a week last week. I think. Between insomnia, deadlines, life, and what not (it’s always the what nots that get in the way, doncha know…) and I’m trying to actually remember stuff. Any stuff. Because…insomnia, deadlines, life, and what not… One of those what nots was learning to make a Powerpoint presentation, get it saved in Dropbox, get open on my laptop, and up on a big screen in a meeting room. So, yay! I presented a program to OKRWA on using body language to describe emotions. I think people enjoyed it. I’m considering refining the program and submitting it to RWA as a panel for RWA2018 in Denver. And speaking of RWA, I’m running for the national board as a Director-at-Large. It’s a large field so we’ll see how I do. If any of you belong to RWA, please vote in September.

Moving on.

Uhm…. *looks right* … *looks left* Uhm… There’s not much changed since this time last week. I’m still not quite done with ASSASSIN’S MOON. Today or tomorrow. Then it’s back to Tucker’s story. And then it’s on to Roman’s book. So, that sums up my writing at the moment.

As for reading, I’ve returned to some “comfort” reads. I’m currently listening to Kristen Ashley’s Rock Chick books, interspersed with her Chaos MC books. I enjoy her voice and the stories (even when I’m rolling my eyes) and because I’m familiar, I can listen and do other things. I’m all about multi-tasking at the moment because so much to do, so little time. There’s a new In Death book coming in September. Yay! Also, a new Once Upon A Djinn book coming in September from B.E. Sanderson. I have a digital arc of WISH HITS THE FAN and I’m loving it when I get the chance to read-read rather than listen-read. I’ll be putting my money down on that puppy for the “real” copy as soon as it comes out. If any of y’all like Djinn magic, this series is for you!

I saw an idea about using peel and stick wallpaper on floors. It made me want to go buy some, scrub my kitchen floor and do it. Like I have time for that stuff. I need to stay off the DIY sites and not open the newsletters I get. Just sayin’.

On that note, this is Monday. I have words to write and edit, plot holes to patch, timelines to straighten out, and derring for my hero to do. Have a great week, everyone.

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments