Just Another Monday

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Silver James

I so often work on weekends that Monday really shouldn’t make a difference. Still, when I look at my calendar and the Sunday is over, there’s Monday staring me in the face. A new week. Full of possibilities. Or not.

So, to recap. Nuttin’ much to report. I went into pudding brain mode last week. I noodled around with a couple of things, wrote a few hundreds words on unrelated scenes. Did laundry–even got the clean clothes put up fresh from the dryer. This is a thing. I’ll stand there and fold the clothes as they come out, putting them in a basket. But getting that basket from the laundry area to the bedroom to put up the clothes? I have a brain block about doing it. Whatever. Groceries. Cleaning. Normal errands. All done. Also house cleaning. I did mention pudding brain, right? On to other things I did…

Reading. Not doing a lot of it either. My eyes are giving me trouble so I’m doing a re-listen to JD Robb’s In Death series. These books are in my list of Top Five Favorite Series and Roarke is probably #1 on my Book Boyfriend list. My name finally moved up the library wait list so I’m reading Katee Roberts’ AN INDECENT PROPOSAL (The O’Malley’s Book 3). I’m enjoying it, mostly. It’s a little slower pace than the first two books. I’m halfway through so I’m hoping it picks up steam. My next read will be our very own B.E. Sanderson’s NATURAL CAUSES. This is the second book in her Dennis Haggerty mystery series. Yay! I’m going to read it “free” on Kindle Unlimited and then I’ll buy it to go on my Keepers Shelf. Y’all need to read B.E.’s books if you haven’t. Like me, she’s sort of cross-genre. I love her Wish series. I mean, Djinn! What’s not to love? And her mysteries are anything but cozy. Right up my alley.

TV. We (ie. Lawyer Guy) figured out why the “surround sound” was messed up on the Blu-ray. We got lots of sound, no dialogue. As a result, we have a stack of DVDs we haven’t watched. Last night, we caught up with “Fantastic Beasts.” Enjoyed the heck out of it. I’m still stuck on “Nightwatch” and “Live PD.” LG and I make a “date” to watch LPD on Friday and Saturday nights. Unless the Cards are playing the night game and it’s televised. Then we tape it and watch separately. We’re so easily entertained. 😆 Not watching much of anything else. By nightfall, I’m resting my eyes and listening to audio books.

It’s baseball season. ‘Nuff said. OSU Cowboys are hanging in and fingers crossed they make it to Omaha. OU Softball will likely make it to OKC. Hoping the Cowgirls get a late season surge and at least make it to regionals.

That’s pretty much my life. I’m waiting on response on the proposal for RDR#8 – Tucker, and still trying to figure out RDR#9. I’m not not getting in brilliant light bulbs. I got some new words down for NIGHT FIRE. Took me half a day to shuffle some of the scenes I’d already written. The story line is starting to fall into order now. I’ll have to shift gears and get to work on Tucker’s story as soon as I get the go ahead. That deadline is looming but I think we’re going to shift it a little, which is good. I need some breathing room. I’ve about hit burn-out stage. No fun. Ah well.

So, what about y’all? What’s up in your corner of the world?

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

Friday Sinema: I’d Fly!

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Silver James

I would so totally fly any airline that provided these crewmembers! Too bad it was an April Fool’s *wink*. Still, an airline with this sense of humor gets my dollars, should I ever fly to OZ. 😉 Have a high-flying weekend, everyone!

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

Wednesday Words: Fool

Posted on April 5, 2017 by Silver James

Ah, April–the month of showers and fools. Today’s #1lineWed is all about **FOOL**. Suffer a fool, fool’s gold, foolish dreams, fool me once…the possibilities are endless. Revisiting a bit of free writing I did for Penumbra Papers brings us a fool in love–Sade. I hope you enjoy it as a freestanding snippet because I have no background on this scene. Not yet anyway.

****
Sade stared at the ancient stone sentinel. Crevan didn’t blink, not that she expected the gargoyle to show the slightest sign of weakness.

“This is a path not to be traveled by human feet, Child.”

“I don’t have a choice.”

“There are always choices, Sade Marquis. Some you may make yourself. Others are made for you.”

And that’s why she was here. Someone else made choices she couldn’t accept. “What do I have to do?”

“There is an incantation. And you would have to pay.”

“I would have to pay what? Exactly.” When dealing with magicks, a smart person…didn’t. A desperate one made sure everything was spelled out in black and white.

“You cannot do this, Child. Not and return whole.”

She plastered on a cocky grin. “What? I have to pay an arm or a leg?”

Crevan’s expression didn’t change but she could feel the weight of his dismay pressing against her chest, as heavy as any ton of bricks. “No, Sade. More.”

That didn’t bode well. Smirk still in place—a mask of bravado to hide behind—she shrugged. “So, my life then?”
“What would you give up?”

Sade rocked back on her heels. For Caleb? Roman? Ariel? Yeah. An arm. A leg. Her life. But for Sinjen? For Sinjen she would give up everything, including her heart, her soul, her mortality. Crevan read her decision in her expression.

“You are a fool.”

“No. I’m the woman who loves him.”

“Then it is done.”
****
Do you have any fools or foolish words to share with us today?

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

Tuesday Treats: Lemon Sticky Buns

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Silver James

Spring has sprung and while I’m all about sticky buns, the weather calls for something lighter. You might want to try this lemony goodness from Kraft because…lemony, easy, and yum! And since I’m an author, with characters who live lives separate of my imagination ;), I’m going to start naming names with these recipes. Roxanne “Roxie” Rowland (from REDEEMED BY THE COWGIRL, RDR#5) isn’t much of a cook, but these are easy enough even she can make them. Harley likes to help, and knowing Roxie, she’ll slip the big goof a bite or three. 😉

What You Need
1 pkg. (3 oz.) JELL-O Lemon Flavor Gelatin
1 Tbsp. juice and 2 tsp. zest from 1 lemon, divided
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided
2 can (8 oz. each) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls, divided
1/4 cup butter, melted, divided
2 oz. (1/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

Make It
Heat oven to 350°F.
Combine dry gelatin mix, lemon zest and 1/2 cup sugar.
Unroll 1 can crescent dough onto work surface; firmly press perforations and seams together to form 12×4-inch rectangle. Brush with half the butter, then sprinkle with half the gelatin mixture. Roll up, starting at one short end; cut into 6 slices. Arrange, cut-sides up, in half of 13×9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Repeat with remaining dough, butter and gelatin mixture.
Bake 30 min. or until golden brown. Cool 5 min. Meanwhile, mix cream cheese, lemon juice and remaining sugar until blended.
Drizzle cream cheese glaze over warm rolls.

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

Monday’s Motley Fool

Posted on April 3, 2017 by Silver James

Mondays don’t mean anything to cats OR writers. Foolish creatures that we are. I do admit to taking a bit of a break on Saturday for a trip to our favorite Mexican restaurant for family lunch. The weather was beautiful, though we were due storms, which started moving in about the time we got home. Good timing. We had a little thunder, some rain, followed by lots of fog and drizzly rain all day Sunday. Good reading weather. Too bad I was working.

Speaking of work, I’m done with my revisions on THE COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSITION. As always, Mr. HQ Ed was right. I had to fix some things, filter in other things, and basically restructure/write the last 3rd of the book. But it’s done. I’m taking a day to critique a book and then I’ve got to hit the ground running on 3 chapters and a synopsis for my next Desire proposal. Today’s the deadline for that but it got pushed back because of the problems with CCP. Oh well. *sigh* I was a little ambitious on my timing and it won’t be out until later in 2018 anyway.

BASEBALL! Yesterday was Opening Day! Cubs and Cards played last night. It was a nail-biter, with a chance of being called early due to rain. The Cards led 1-0 most of the game. Randal Grichuk hit a 2-run homer, putting the Cards up by 3. Despite the Cubs tying the game in the top of the 9th with a 3-run homer, Randal Grichuk came up to bat with two outs and the bases loaded. He hit a single off the outfield wall–it missed being a grand slam by inches! Go Cards! Y’all do remember my addiction to baseball, right? 😉

Due to the weather, this would have been a good weekend for reading but…the aforementioned work took precedence. Still, when insomnia is kicking my butt, I do absorb other author’s words. I’m doing a “listen” to the complete IN DEATH series, after breaking down and buying all the books in audio. Well, almost all. I still need the novellas and the REMEMBER WHEN “dualology.” I also glommed onto WITCH WORLD by Andre Norton. I inhaled the series when I was younger and have many of the books in original (and very fragile) paperback, which is why I haven’t read them in ages. Some of them are now available to read “free” on Kindle Unlimited. I put free in quotes because I pay a monthly fee to read the books without buying them. I’ve got the second book in the series downloaded to read when my eyes aren’t blurry. (Another reason I’m turning more and more to audio books–plus I can listen while cooking, doing laundry, driving, shopping, etc.)

So anyway. Not much going on in my life beyond recycling words. I’m looking forward to the time when I can get some new words down. So many worlds to play in… How about y’all? What’s up in your life? What are you looking forward to this week?

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

Friday Sinema: Stay Alive

Posted on March 31, 2017 by Silver James

I have a funny ear. It picks up snippets of songs from commercials and TV shows. Sometimes I’m able to track down the song and artist, sometimes it remains a mystery. You might find this song familiar if you’ve seen the latest Michelin Tire commercial. Eventually, the song will appear on the playlist of my last Penumbra Papers book. In the meantime, this song is on a movie soundtrack. I never watched the remake of THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY. This song almost makes me want to. Have an alive weekend…

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

Thursday Ta-Da! Cowgirl’s Baby Cover Reveal

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Silver James

I’ve always been really, REALLY lucky when it comes to the cover fairies, especially with my Desire covers. This time, though, I think the art department at Harlequin has outdone themselves. This just might be my favorite cover ever. I choked up a little and there might have been tears when I first saw it. What’s CLAIMING THE COWGIRL’S BABY about? This:

The surprise heir gets a surprise heir!

As the newly revealed secret son of Oklahoma’s most notorious billionaire, ranch foreman Kaden Waite could lose everything if he doesn’t kowtow to his late father’s terms. In a desperate moment, he turns to heiress and friend Pippa Duncan for some very private comfort. But soon Pippa has a secret of her own—she’s having his baby. Kaden is determined that history not repeat itself: the child will bear his name and Pippa will be his bride. But Pippa refuses to settle for marriage without love. Is it a stalemate or the start of something truly special?

This is a very personal book for me, in ways that readers will never know. While it doesn’t hit the shelves until July 1st, you can put it on your wish list and mark it WANT TO READ on GOODREADS. Even better, you can preorder from Harlequin or find the link to your favorite on-line retailer on the book’s HQ page. 🙂

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

Wednesday Words: Fragile

Posted on March 29, 2017 by Silver James

Another Wednesday, another #1lineWed prompt. Today is sponsored by the word **FRAGILE** and doesn’t that present all sorts of possibilities?

In odd moments, I’ve been revisiting Roman, our intrepid gargoyle Sentinel and the Legate of New Orleans, if you are familiar with my Penumbra Papers series. If you aren’t, why not?!?! 😉 Anyway, I’ve been stalling on Roman’s story but as he’s nudging Iffy, I hope to have his tale told in time for Halloween. In the meantime, here’s a bit of a tease, coming as it does near the beginning of the story.
***
Roman stood at the window, a dark silhouette if anyone below chanced to look up. Early-morning fog swirled through Jackson Square, leaving the granite blocks and wooden benches with a silvery sheen as the first fingers of dawn poked through the gray miasma. Roman refused to count the number of times he’d stood here, waiting, watching.

As a bright swirl of color coalesced through the murk, the constricting pressure in his chest eased, a feeling he chose to ignore.

She was early this morning, lugging her wagon with the folding chairs, market umbrella, rickety wooden table, and her satchel filled with the exotic paraphernalia of her trade. Her tousled curls were tamed today, severe in a long, dark braid snaking over one shoulder. Fog swirled around her, lightened, leaving her poised like an island tinted by riotous hues.

He didn’t know her name but this young woman with haunted shadows in her eyes and the fragile sheen of magic clinging to her skin like glitter drew him as inexorably as that proverbial moth. Would she singe his wings if he got too close?
***
Still working on a title for this one. I have some ideas–tested the water with them on my FB author page. This is a hard one to write, knowing what Roman and his love will be forced to endure. But you know? I’ve missed the Penumbra folks and it feels a little like coming home to be writing in their world again.

So, do you have fragile words to share today?

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

Tuesday Treats: Ravioli and Meatballs

Posted on March 28, 2017 by Silver James

I’m always on the lookout for easy dishes I can throw together and forget about when I’m on deadline. I discovered this one a few weeks ago and tucked it back. I gave it a try and it is totally a keeper! Good stuffs! And really easy.

From Kraft Recipes…

Ingredients:
1 jar (24 oz.) CLASSICO Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce, divided (I can’t do most prepared sauces due to tomato chunks/skin/seeds–food allergy) I used CLASSICO Vodka Sauce instead. YUMMY!
1 pkg. (24 oz.) frozen cheese ravioli, uncooked
16 frozen fully cooked turkey meatballs (1 inch) (I used Angus beef meatballs and dumped the whole bag in. More on that below.)
2 yellow peppers, cut into strips (Not a pepper fan so didn’t use them.)
1-1/2 cups KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup KRAFT Shredded Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Make it:
Spoon 1 cup pasta sauce into slow cooker sprayed with cooking spray; top with layers of half each of the ravioli, meatballs, peppers, mozzarella and remaining sauce. Repeat layers. Cover with lid.

Cook on HIGH 2-1/2 to 3 hours (or on LOW 4-1/2 to 5 hours).

Sprinkle with Parmesan. Let stand 10 min. Top with basil.

A few things I did differently and a few things I’ll do differently the next time I fixt this recipe. First, as noted above, I used a different sauce, and left out the peppers, and used a lot of beef meatballs. Personal preference. Second, I used a slow-cooker liner because I’m all about easy clean-up! Now, what I’ll do different next time is probably halve the ravioli and meatballs and use my smaller Crockpot. There’s only two of us and making the full recipe left a lot for later. I’ve discovered it doesn’t freeze all that great, but is edible after thawing and microwaving. I plan to use the entire jar of sauce even with the half order because we like stuff saucy. And the same goes for the cheese because one can’t have enough cheese. 😉 Here’s the link if you want all the details: CLICK HERE

So, I can heartily vouch for this dish, have the ingredients in hand to make it again, and will soon! Let me know if you give it a try!

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

Monday Madness in March

Posted on March 27, 2017 by Silver James

Not ready to face the day, but yeah… Work mode. Must get self in gear. Working on it.

So, who’s paying attention to the NCAA basketball tournament? *looks around* “Bueller?” … “Bueller?” Yeah, not a big roundball fan. On the other hand, baseball! We’re a week away from Opening Day! *muppet flail cheering* In the meantime, I’m watching some Spring Training games, college baseball, and college softball.

I’m still staying away from Facebook–mostly. I feel like a slug of a friend because I hang out on my author page and check a few groups that are writing/reading related. I avoid my personal feed because I’m so sick and tired of the politics and hatred that is rampant. I…just no. Not going there. For my sanity and blood pressure, I need to stay away until people calm down. Which means probably never. Jiminy. I just don’t understand the maniacal levels of loathing and malice. Moving on…

Reading! That’s a safe topic. Mostly. One of my long-term goals as a book “collector” is to own the entirety of JD Robb’s IN DEATH series in all three formats (hardback, Kindle, audio) if available, paperback if not in HB. Some of the earlier books aren’t in HB, except in a Thorndike reprint. With this current “re-listen” of the series, I broke down and started filling in the blanks where I’d used the library before. I still need to get PORTRAIT IN DEATH and IMITATION IN DEATH in digital/Kindle versions. And I need all the anthologies. I have them in paperback, but the individual stories are now in Kindle and on Audible but it’ll be awhile before I “complete the set.” I’d already broken down and now buy all new releases in all three versions to begin with. I also found a new-to-me author, Erin Kellison, and read her TEMPTED BY FIRE, the 1st book in her Bloodfire series. Dragons, people! It was a short, fun read. I’ll eventually get back into the series when my book budget recovers from the ID splurge. I also discovered that Andre Norton’s WITCH WORLD, the first book in that series, is on Kindle Unlimited! *muppet flail yays* Yeah, snatched that baby for old times’ sake. I’m doing a little of that…rereading favorite books from long ago. Dragonriders of Pern, Anita Blake, and now Andre Norton. I grabbed YEAR OF THE UNICORN and CATSEYE when they were on daily deals. Read UNICORN. Haven’t read CATSEYE yet. Was thinking about it when I discovered WW was on KU.

So…that’s life at the moment. Writing, revisions, edits, writing, treading water to keep my head above water. How’s life in your corner of the world?

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