Thursday Thoughts: Heavens to Mergatroid

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Silver James

If you are a professional writer, which is worse? Deadlines, or not having them? When I mess up my scheduling and find myself embroiled in back-to-back-to-back projects, I moan and groan but deep down, I have to admit I’m glad to be a WORKING author. Still, I REALLY need to learn to check a calendar and count days. 😆

Now, being a working writer I’m always looking for inspiration and when this tidbit from the Universe crossed my desk, I had to lock Iffy in her closet. Sounds like the basis for a contemporary romance series, right? Yeah. Iffy thinks so too. And NO! I will not be writing this one but if any of you get the urge, go for it! You’re welcome!

Before this odyssey ever began, Silver, there was you, your best friends, and wide-eyed curiosity among you about who would be the first to leap, the first to forget, the first to kiss, the first to tell, the first to fall, the first to get back up, and the first to remember that it all began with a dare: to love in spite of it all.

Is that you, Mergatroid?
The Universe
© http://www.tut.com ®

I remember the glint in your eyes, Silver… all three of them.

I had to laugh at the “PS” because my inner eye is napping at the moment. And if you’re too young to remember the phrase “Heaven’s to Mergatroid,” go look it up. 😉

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Wednesday Words: Crossings

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Silver James

Today’s #1lineWed theme is all about the crossings. Crossed up, crossing streams, uncrossed, crossing over, crossing out, across, the cross, double cross… The possibilities are endless! And in this little snippet from my current WIP, SEAL MOON (releasing March 21), our intrepid heroine is trying to keep a stiff upper lip in the face of her hero’s…frustrating charm, shall we say? 😉

***
Taylor stared, aghast—obviously bordering on a hysterical breakdown because she would never think, much less use, a word like aghast. Given she’d been tossed off a drilling platform and dragged through the Gulf of Mexico to this deserted island, she was entitled. “I fear I’m at a loss for words. I truly don’t understand how you can still be single.”

Riley brushed wet sand off his chest and didn’t miss the way her eyes tracked the movement of his hand. Her mouth—and what a fantastic mouth it was—said one thing while everything else about her screamed the opposite. Face straight, he said, “I see what you did there. Sarcasm doesn’t become you.”

She threw up her hands, her expression matching her frustrated, “ARGH!”

“Yeah, I have that effect on women.”

“Why you…you…insufferable…egotistical…detestable…insufferable—”

“You said that one already.”

She made a strangled noise, pivoted and marched off down the beach.

“This is gonna be fun,” Riley muttered under his breath. Too bad she was headed right into the viper’s nest. “Yo, duchess?”

“Don’t talk to me!” She didn’t bother turning around. Arrogant man. Arrogant, too-sexy-for-her-own-good man. Who had saved her life when time was running out.

“We need to head the other way,” he called.

Taylor registered his expletives as bullets sprayed at her feet. They were in deep doodoo now. She met him halfway, sprinting for all she was worth but she still managed to pant out, “Who are those guys?”

He grabbed her hand and towed her behind him. “Hell if I know. Run, baby.”

Following close as Riley ducked between two large boulders, Taylor popped off, “I can now cross running for my life on a tropical beach while crazed mercenaries shoot at me off my bucket list.”

Riley pulled her around so she’d be ahead of him. “Follow the trail, duchess. I’m going to create a little diversion.” Before he let go, he reeled her into his chest and kissed her. Thoroughly. With tongue. His free hand cupped her very sweet ass. “Hellava bucket list you got there, babe.”
***
What about y’all? What’s crossing your mind at the moment?

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Tuesday Title: Redemption!

Posted on March 7, 2017 by Silver James

Guess what’s available everywhere today? Yup! REDEEMED BY THE COWGIRL is now in brick & mortar stores as well as all the on-line book sellers. This book…what can I say about this book? I hated writing it. Hardest book in the series to write. But at the same time, I love it. I mean, like it could be my favorite book in the series! Cash is such a hard case. Roxie is so klutzy and cute and determined. And then there’s Harley and Leo, and the whole Barron-Tate clan. I laughed out loud. I cried. More than once. And in the end, Cash got his. I hope y’all have been tagging along for the entire ride, because what happens in this book? Yeah, it all comes to a head. Here’s one of my favorite snippets…

Cash had a perverse streak, obviously. Pushing this woman’s buttons was far too much fun. He watched her avidly while she bent over, reaching into the vehicle to smooth the blanket over the backseats. He caught a few of her muttered imprecations.

“…made of Corinthian leather…male-chauvinist moron…cheapskate…cars that cost more than some people’s houses…hates my dog.”

He glanced down at the huge black dog sitting beside him. “Does she always talk to herself?” The animal gazed up with solemn brown eyes and sighed. Cash tilted his head to get a better look at Roxanne’s very lovely butt. She backed out of the vehicle and whirled, catching him in the act.

“Really?” she demanded, then muttered, “Add jerkface to the list.”

Biting his lips to stifle a burst of laughter, Cash snapped his fingers at the dog. “Get in the car, mutt.”

“He is not a mutt. Harley is a full-blooded, pedigreed Newfoundland.”

He figured the inside of his mouth would be bloody before they got to his place. “Fine.” He snapped his fingers again. “Get in the car, full-blooded, pedigreed Newfoundland mutt.”

Harley bounded into the backseat, apparently unconcerned that Cash was dissing him. Roxanne threw her arms up as her anger simmered. She clambered into the front seat and slammed the door. Cash could no longer hold back his laughter. She was cute and feisty and he was far more turned on by that than he should be, given their circumstances. He just managed to choke off his laughter as he got into the driver’s seat.

“It’s not funny,” Roxanne huffed.

“It is from where I’m sitting.”
***
How’s it look from where you’re sitting?

BUY LINKS: Harlequin | Amazon | Apple iBooks | Barnes & Noble | BAM | IndieBound | Kobo | Walmart And mark it WANT TO READ on Goodreads!

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March Monday

Posted on March 6, 2017 by Silver James

monday-means-nothingThis sentiment is especially true when you are a writer. But it’s Monday and I have about half a day to get caught up on a couple of weeks “other stuff.” What sort of other stuff? Oh…exciting stuff. Like laundry. Buying groceries. Cleaning house. And catching up on paperwork, including a newsletter because tomorrow is REDEEMED BY THE COWGIRL’s official paperback release day! To catch up on last week, I can sum it up in one word: DEADLINES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In recap: I received line edits back on CLAIMING THE COWGIRL’S BABY. For non-writers, that means I went through the manuscript line by line with notes from my editor, revising, correcting, fixing and basically, making the story, plot, and character arcs as tight as they can be. I really wanted to get it in last Thursday, but I had to bump it over to just after noon on Friday. As there was a tight turnaround on this book, I had copyedits back Friday night, due by end of work today. Yippee. Real life popped up Saturday, because Stormageddon had his 3rd birthday party out at the Railroad Museum in a real railroad car. Yes, the party had a Thomas the Tank Engine theme. It was fun and I was amazed at how well-behaved (mostly) those 20 3-6 year olds were. I was exhausted by the time we got cleaned up and home. Figuring a quick nap before returning to copyedits, I laid down. Yeah…about that. I didn’t roll over until about 6 a.m. Sunday morning. The good news is, I finished up the copyedits about 4:30 yesterday and sent that puppy back to NYC. Yippee.

Reading: Haven’t been doing much due to deadlines. In between stuff, I’ve been doing a “re-listen” of the In Death books. Last night, I started my yearly re-listen of Anne Bishop’s The Others series. The new one, ETCHED IN BONE comes out tomorrow. I always reread the previous books to remind me of where the series left off. This is one series that should be read from Book 1, WRITTEN IN READ. LoveLOVELOOOVVE this series.

Writing: This afternoon, it’s back to work on SEAL MOON. I have about 10 days to get it finished. It’ll zip right along. I have about 20K left to write but once I get into the story, I think I might be able to crank out 5K a day. That’s my goal anyway.

TV: What TV? Well, except for the reality shows NIGHTWATCH and LIVE PD. I listen to books at night in order to veg and get my mind off the tangled webs I’m weaving in my writing so I can be fresh each morning. Plus…I need reading and/or listening to books in order to write. I know. Weird, huh?

Sports: Baseball. When I can catch games. MLB ticks me off over what they consider “market black-out games.” Grrrr. I can’t wait for AT&T to get finished upgrading the lines to fiber optics so we can U-verse TV. There’s an amazing sports package that gives us the regional feed for all STL Cardinals games.

Today might be a double pot day where caffeine intake is concerned. I need some serious mojo to get everything done. Time to get to it. How was your week/weekend? Anything fun, earth-shaking, interesting, boring?

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Friday Sinema: It’s a Southern Thing

Posted on March 3, 2017 by Silver James

I don’t need to explain a thing. Just watch.

However, the funniest written explanation I ever read for use of this phrase came in a blog by Toni McGee Causey. I should go looking for it one of these days and bookmark it for when I need a good laugh. Have a great weekend!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Birthday

Posted on March 2, 2017 by Silver James

universeYesterday was my birthday. I’ve been saving this tidbit from the Universe because it offers me a whole year of happy wishes. I hope all of these things for myself, too. So, indulge me today as I contemplate all this because truthfully? I want all these things. *nods*

My wish for you, Silver, is that you succeed beyond your wildest imagination. That you find love in places that astound you. And that you have friends who call you “just because.” I dream that you go barefoot more than you wear shoes. That you play as hard as you work. And that you laugh more than you cry. I want you to set the bar high, but not too high. To reach for the stars, but with your toes on the ground. And to never, ever stop dreaming. But most of all, Silver, I wish for your happiness.

And these dreams of mine are what started it all.

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

You’re right on track, Silver, and Happy 2017!

I hope y’all will indulge with me because yeah. We’ll have some fun on this trip around the sun!

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Tuesday Treats: Sour Patch Grapes

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Silver James

It’s unseasonably warm around here, not that I’m complaining. And this recipe, which seems to be making the rounds, is light and refreshing. Or should be. Are you one of those people who loves sweet and sour? All about the Sour Patch Kids candy? How about a yummy and semi-healthy alternative? Also called “Glitter Grapes,” rumor has it they taste just like the famous sweet-yet-sour gummy candy, and are slightly healthier. Oh, and this recipe takes about 5 minutes. Seriously!

Here’s what you need…

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb. green grapes
1/2 lemon
1 package cherry Jell-o (3 oz.)
1 package orange Jell-o (3 oz.)
1 package lemon Jell-o (3 oz.)
1 package lime Jell-o (3 oz.)

Directions:
Place each Jell-o flavor in a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag. Set aside.

Remove grapes from stems and rinse in a colander, shaking the colander to remove any excess water (grapes should be damp, not dripping wet). Spritz with lemon juice, tossing the grapes to lightly coat them.

Place a handful in each bag, sealing and shaking to coat.

Remove from resealable bags, plate and serve.

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Monday the Last

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Silver James

repeatAnother busy week ahead. As was last week. I’ve made progress though! I finished up the proposal for RDR#8-Tucker and it’s off to NYC. I received the line edits for RDR#6 CLAIMING THE COWGIRL’S BABY, which releases in July and are due back Thursday. I have book, RDR#5 REDEEMED BY THE COWGIRL, releasing in digital form this Wednesday, and coming out in paperback on March 7th. And there’s a new Kindle World book releasing on March 21st that I need to finish. I also got the preliminary cover for CLAIMING and it. Is. AWESOME! I think it’s the best cover the series and trust me, the Harlequin cover fairies have been very good, for the most part. I don’t have permission to share it yet, so you’ll just have to take me at my word. 😉

So what else went on over the weekend…

Baseball. Yay! Spring training games have started. I do love me some baseball. I’m so starved for it, I’ll watch teams I don’t even like because…BASEBALL!

TV. I’m behind again. I’ve DVR’d the History Channel series SIX, based loosely on SEAL Team Six. I’ve also DVR’d the TNT series, THE OUTSIDERS. It’s…weird and covered in crazypants sauce. It’s waiting for when I’m in that kind of mood. And speaking of crazypants, FX’s TABOO is definitely that. I caught a couple of episodes, DVR’d the rest and I’ll catch up. It’s…dark. And spooky. And stars Tom Hardy. Who is dark. And spooky. LOL

Books. I’m doing more listening than reading at the moment. I’m sort of skipping my way through the IN DEATH series. I’m also waiting for the release of ETCHED IN BONE, the newest in Anne Bishop’s Others series, on March 7th. Later this week, I’ll switch over and listen to the first three books in the series to remind me of what all is going on when the new comes out. Of the other books of read, there’s nothing that really jumps out and makes me want to recommend a title. I’ve liked what I’ve read but nothing’s been memorable.

I’m on my own for a couple of days. Lawyer Guy flew to Washington to meet with several members of Congress concerning Veteran’s affairs. It’s just me, the big dogs, the little cat, and my deadlines. 😆 That means I don’t have to cook. Good times! And on that note, I need to get back to work. I’ve been up since 4:00. Those pesky check-in times for early flights are a pain. 😉 I’m considering a nap. Or maybe just early to bed with a good book. How was your weekend?

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Friday Sinema: Better Love

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Silver James

I don’t see movies in the theater any more. That means I have to wait until they hit cable before I watch. One I’d been anticipating was THE LEGEND OF TARZAN with the very hunky Alexander Skarsgård playing the title role. See, I’ll admit to a very large and long-standing crush on the man who could talk to animals–and I don’t mean Dr. Doolittle! Granted, this version of the iconic jungle man was panned pretty much everywhere. I don’t care. I enjoyed the heck out of it and not just because of the aforementioned hunkiness. I also discovered my new favorite writing song. The music and lyrics of Hozier’s “Better Love” can be applied to almost all of my series, from Sade and Sinjen in the Penumbra Papers to any of my fated mates in the Moonstruck books. And the video picked some of the best scenes for inclusion. So…sit back, I hope you enjoy. And who else has a secret crush (and a secret wish to swing on those vines) on Tarzan?

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Paradox

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Silver James

universeWhen I was a kid, I hated the phone. Oh, I didn’t mind talking to someone when they called me but calling them? Unless they were very close friends, neighbors, or family, I had a total freak out. I’d miss going to a movie because I couldn’t bring myself to call the theater to find out what time the movie was showing. Could I tell you why I had such a phobia? Nope. No idea. I even took a job once as an employment counselor for one of those “find-you-a-job” companies. In addition to talking to prospective clients, I had to call prospective employers and solicit jobs. It’s called “cold calling” in the marketing game. What’s weird, is these people didn’t know me and they’d likely forget me within moments of hanging up, but I’d sit there staring at the phone, short of breath, hands shaking, my stomach roiling. I lasted four weeks. I was going into the boss’s office to quit when she called me in to fire me. We were both relieved. That said, I did manage to place every one of my “clients.”

Anyway, when I came across this message from the Universe, it struck a chord. I still hate making phone calls and have to put on a “persona” to do so (thank goodness for texting and email!), but it also made me thing of something else–something related to writing. Writers can fall into a rut. We find our comfort zone and stay there. I notice it when it happens to an author I read a lot. And I notice it in my own writing. I get complacent, write what comes easy. I don’t reach for the chancy, the edgy. I settle for words instead of prose. So yeah, I need to pay attention.

It’s quite the paradox, Silver, but the more one pushes themselves into areas of discomfort – gently, just a bit, from time to time – the more comfortable they become.

And vice versa.

Thunk it, who’d of?
The Universe
© http://www.tut.com ®

Yeah, Silver, that’s a wicked vice versa, if you know what I mean.

There’s comfortable, and then there’s comfortable. I need to be comfortable, if you know what I mean. Where’s your comfort zone?

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