Monday Thirds

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Silver James

Writing daysI have no idea why I used this as a subject line. Except it’s the third Sunday in February. Soooo much going on! *FLAIL* So here’s what went on over the weekend and what my up-coming week looks like.

TV: There is college baseball to watch. I don’t even care what teams! 😆 MLB Spring Training games start in a couple of weeks around my birthday. Yay! Lucifer continues to delight but I suspect it is soon coming to an end of its season as Gotham and Sleepy Hollow return. NCIS is losing Very Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo at the end of this season. This makes me have a said. While Michael Weatherly hasn’t shared future plans, I’m hoping for a possible spin-off where he’s given his own unit, at least on paper if not in television reality. I’ll have a HUGE sad if they kill him off. 😦

moonstruck - lies 680Writing: Doing the final read-through of MOONSTRUCK: LIES. That means literally reading it out loud. I’m catching a few niggling details as I do that. I have hopes of getting it finished today so I can upload to D2D for hopefully more pre-orders at sites other than Amazon, plus getting the final uploaded on Amazon so I know it’s right. Then I’ll get on the formatting for Createspace for the print version. This edition has almost 95K words so there’s a lot of story there in addition to the two combined novellas. Hopefully, y’all saw the cover reveal and links for MOONSTRUCK: LIES. Just in case you missed it on Saturday, here it is again. 😉 CLICK HERE FOR PRE-ORDER! Oh! I’ve also made the compilation novels into their own series. Both MOONSTRUCK: SECRETS and MOONSTRUCK: LIES are books 1 and 2 of the Moonstruck Genesis series. 😀 This makes numbering easier!

Other writing news is fairly routine except for that last bit of news. 😉 I’m continuing work on the SMP submission so I’ve got it ready to send when(if) they want a full. Work also continues on NIGHT FIRE, the Paige Tyler Kindle World crossover novel with Nightriders and Dallas Fire & Rescue. I have my cover but reveals will have to wait. It releases October 12th. Be sure to check back tomorrow, though. I’ll be doing a cover and blurb reveal for THE BOSS AND HIS COWGIRL, Red Dirt Royalty #3, releasing June 7!

And last, a request for good thoughts and prayers for our friend Ashlynne Pearce. Ash has been battling health issues for years, which struck right before the relase of her first book. Her writing career went on hiatus as she concentrated on healing. Then she got back in the groove and published two books in a new series centered around a rock band. Then “the Monster,” as she calls it, struck again. And again. Please keep her in your thoughts and if you enjoy sexy rock star stories with a lot of heart, give her DirtSlap series a try. The books are available at most on-line retailers but I’ve added the Amazon links: FUEL and WRECK.

That’s it for me. My life is pretty much centered around my computer. 😆 Oh, I did cut my hair yesterday. I has a happy over that. What about y’all? What were you up to?

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MOONSTRUCK: LIES Cover Reveal and Preorder

Posted on February 20, 2016 by Silver James

moonstruck - lies 680I’m really excited to reveal the cover of MOONSTRUCK: LIES, the second book in the Moonstruck Genesis series. Yes, I’ve combined two of the Moonstruck novellas (Hunter’s Moon and Wolf Moon) but with each of these compilation novels, readers get more of the story. They get deleted scenes. They get new scenes and chapters. They get more of the story. They get the genesis of how the Wolves of the 69th became the protectors of their mates and children, of the Wolf world. The book is available now at Amazon for pre-order. The price may say $4.99, but I’ve lowered the pre-order price to $3.99 and it will kick in at some point today. After the first week, I’ll be raising the price so you want to jump on now, before the March 15th release.

Like MOONSTRUCK: SECRETS, LIES will be available at the major digital providers–iBooks, Kobo, B&N, and other sellers, as well as in print. Hopefully, it will be up for preorder from the other e-tialers, too. If not, you can grab from them on release day! CLICK HERE TO PREORDER FROM AMAZON. And if you would, please go to GOODREADS and mark it [WANT TO READ]. And tell your friends!

FYI, if you’re a fan of Nate Connor, the hero in HUNTER’S MOON, one of my favorite emotional scenes involving him is in LIES. You get to see the roots of his PTSD. Read the blurb and then go forth and click! Please and thank you!

Hunters…
Dr. Jacey Randolph just might be crazy. A rescued wolf is more than he seems and his ability to get into her head—literally—makes her doubt her sanity. When Colonel Joshua Harjo shows up on her doorstep with a wild tale that the wolf is actually Marine Captain Nathaniel Connor, Jacey must make a leap of faith—and jeopardize her heart—to get involved with the Wolf and a group of former Army SpecOps soldiers in full rescue operation mode.

Wolves…
Sean Donaldson answers an SOS from an old Army buddy and rides smack dab into the middle of a conspiracy. Murder and kidnapping are just the tip of the iceberg. Undercover, his best intentions are complicated by Annie Simmons and her son, Cody. What she doesn’t know about the lies he’s told can hurt her…and put Cody in danger.

Lies…
Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon but when Wolves fight for their hearts, they’ll risk everything to uncover the lies endangering those they love.

Welcome back to the Moonstruck world with this second full length Moonstruck novel containing the two novellas, HUNTER’S MOON and WOLF MOON with additional new and deleted scenes never before published.

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Friday Sinema: You Look Like I Need A Drink

Posted on February 19, 2016 by Silver James

I love the title of the song. Enjoyed the song. And the video is totally fun! I have characters who get stuck in a “Groundhog Day” loop–in my head if not actually in the pages of their books. TGIF and Cheers!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Hearts and Minds

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Silver James

universeI’m a romance writer. At the heart of each of my stories is a man and a woman who fall in love and entwine their lives together. When thinking through a book’s plot, I’m all about the action. Action is quick. Immediate. I understand action. And, even if I do say so myself, I write it pretty darn well. The other part of a story? Well…

I remember writing a love scene once and I sent it off to a beta reader. She informed me that it was a good scene. There was tension. The Tab A/Slot B mechanics weren’t robotic. There was good dialogue and it certainly read sexy hot but…

There wasn’t any true passion. No…heart. These were two people who had a sexual attraction, came together to scratch their mutual itch, and when morning came, they’d part ways. In other words, it read like a one-night stand, rather than the beginning of a passionate affair that would define them for the rest of their lives. I rewrote the scene. I reached deep and I found the emotion–the heart of each character. The scene turned out to be pages long and there was so much emotional give and take, so much more than the physical part–the action–in the scene as I rewrote it that I truly came to know both the hearts and minds of the characters.

I need to print out this bit of advice from the Universe and keep it where I can see it. When writing romance, it’s all about the heart.

In all battles of the heart over the mind, go with your heart.

Because, truly, Silver, it’s a lot easier for your mind to catch up with your heart, than for your heart to catch up with your mind. A whole lot.

Tallyho,
The Universe

© http://www.tut.com ®

Not that I don’t love your mind, Silver.

Writers, hearts or minds when you write a story? Readers, which grabs you first?

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Wednesday Words: Texture

Posted on February 17, 2016 by Silver James

wurkn-on-mai-plan-for-word-domination-caleb-pupToday’s #1lineWed is all about the feels–and I don’t mean emotions. It’s all about touch, texture, the feel of things. My Wolves are all about scent. And occasionally taste. My characters know the texture of skin and hair but I sometimes forget there are other things that have texture–like floors, or clothing, or all sorts of things.

One of the reasons I enjoy participating in #1lineWed, at least here on the blog if not always over on Twitter, is because it makes me think about my writing. With the two current WIPs, I’m making a conscious effort to explore texture. So, for your reading pleasure, here are some unedited snippets.

From BLOOD BRIDE:

Celie’s scent grew more pronounced, acrid ammonia creeping into the lemon and cinnamon. He resisted the urge to sneeze. He didn’t want her afraid—especially not of him. He signaled for the check, tossed some bills on the table once it arrived, and stood. Celie didn’t move.

He gripped the back of her chair, pulling it away from the wrought-iron table. The metal legs scraped against the rough-hewn planked floor. Leaning over her shoulder, his breath teased the skin of her neck until it pebbled. “I’ll take you home. Let’s go.”

She tensed, even as a trace of the lavender aroma of hope twined into her scent. Her face remained expressionless. She stood, her motions robotic. With his hand at the small of her back, Rhys urged her toward the exit. The bulky, cable-knit sweater she wore did little to hide her curves. His fingertips traced the soft and nubby knitted design, burning to touch the skin buried beneath the downy lambswool.
****

From NIGHT MOVES (Hollywood and Lainey):

Lainey
I suddenly felt really tired which meant all that adrenaline was about to send me into a crash.

The man with kind eyes—uh…Hardy—caught my gaze and held it. “Need t’check your wrist, sugar. Gonna hurt.”

Yeah. With the adrenaline draining I could feel the throb running all the way up to my shoulder. I sucked in air and nodded. He picked up my hand. Oh. My. Freaking. God! Gonna hurt didn’t even come close. I didn’t mean to scream but I couldn’t help it.

Arms circled my waist and muscular legs framed my naked thighs. Worn denim brushed my skin, comfortable and comforting. Something warm and hard snuggled my bare back. Smooth. Sliding against me like butter. Only with lumps. Leather. A leather vest. With buttons and patches.

“Breathe, babe. You gotta breathe.” The voice, husky and gruff, rumbled in my ear.
****

Writers? Do you put texture in your descriptions? Readers? How do you feel about using the senses like this in the narrative?

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Tuesday Treat: Chocolate Cherry Delight Martini

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Silver James

valentines-martinis-660x400Yeah…I’m not much of a martini drinker. In fact, beyond a margarita and the very rare pina colada, I’m not much of a frou-frou drink drinker. But this concoction, when I saw it, made me stop and stare. My two favorite flavors are chocolate and cherry, and chocolate and cherry together. So when I saw this on the Country Outfitter newsletter, I knew I had to share, especially on the heels of Valentine’s Day. If you try this, let us know what you think!

Chocolate Cherry Delight

Ingredients:

6 ounces chocolate almond milk (dark chocolate is amazing) [according to the original posting. I haven’t tried it but may have to for my mocha frappacinos]
4 ounces cherry juice
3 ounces vodka
honey for garnish
dark chocolate sprinkles for garnish

Directions: Coat rims of martini glasses in honey, then dip in chocolate sprinkles. In a cocktail shaker with ice, shake together milk, cherry juice, and vodka. Pour into glasses and top with any leftover sprinkles.

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Monday Chocolate and Hearts

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Silver James

cute-puppy-pictures-hello-im-here-to-make-your-monday-suck-lessI hope everyone made it through Valentine’s Day without a chocolate hangover. We had lunch with the kids and Only and I shared a carafe of mimosas. Pretty darn tasty. Came home and got the new microwave all hooked up and got hit with a touch of food poisoning. No fun. 😛 But…skinny!

Okay, before I get to updating, standby for some fangirl squeeing! I’ve been a fan of Toni McGee Causey for years. I loved her Bobbie Faye books. I remember reading them on my way to Washington DC with Lawyer Guy and laughing out loud in the car then having to read passages to him. I’m fortunate now to be able to call her a good friend. Several years ago, we met for breakfast in New York City and she talked about a new project. Her life had spiraled, as ours do sometimes, and writing took a back seat to real life for a time. The new project–a complete 180 from her normal fare–intrigued me. fangirlI was lucky enough to beta read a very early copy of the book that ultimately became THE SAINTS OF THE LOST AND FOUND. This book is Southern Gothic. It’s dark. It’s hearbreaking. It’s haunting. And it’s so damn good that I’m putting out the money to buy it in every damn form I can lay my hands on. So here’s the deal, Toni and her publisher are running an awesome pre-release contest–it’s coming out in March. GO HERE to get in on it. And CHECK IT OUT HERE to see what it’s all about. FYI? That amazing cover was photographed and designed by Toni. She is a woman of many amazing talents and there are times I think I go to New Orleans just to hang out with her. LOLOL

Okay. Back to the weekly update.

Reading: Still on the contest stuff. Nothing I can talk about. I have BROTHERHOOD IN DEATH, DIRT ON THE NINTH GRAVE and a bunch of other books waiting on my Kindle. Soon, my pretties, soon! I did finish listening to Jennifer Lyon’s THE PROPOSITION from her PLUS ONE CHRONICLES. She had a male narrator and it was really interesting to hear how he did the sexy bits. If y’all are familiar with the book, you know it’s sexy. I have two more contest reads to finish and review and then I get to read for pleasure again. Not sure what I’ll listen to next when I exercise. Depends on how the tummy feels. I missed Friday and Sunday. Oops.

TV: Still loving Lucifer. Slowly catching up on Outlander and Lost Girl. LG and I bought SPECTRE for each other for Valentine’s Day. It’s on the list for WATCH SOON! Because…Daniel Craig! I also ordered a 2006 flick titled SKINWALKERS. It’s about werewolves (GENETIC werewolves), warring packs (one of which rides motorcycles, maybe both), and a young half-wolf boy who might lift some curse. It’s a horror flick. I don’t normally do horror but…but…the premise! I’ll let y’all know how it goes.

Music: Bought Sam Hunt’s new album, Montevallo. It’s a good one and I have some inspiration songs on it for both Red Dirt and Nightriders so YAY!

Some of you might have the day off, since it’s President’s Day. Hope you enjoy your free time if that’s the case. If you have to work? 😦 Now, tell me what all y’all are reading, watching, and what you did over the weekend. Oh! And how many opened their Valentine Newsletter from me and read the sekrit love story from Sade and Sinjen? Did you like it? Huh? Huh? Didja? Why yes, I do need the positive reinforcement, why do you ask? Uhm…needy writer here! 😉 Have a great day!

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Happy Valentines Day 2016

Posted on February 14, 2016 by Silver James

Whether you’re celebrating Valentines day with your own hero or heroine or Galentines/Palentines Day with your BFF(s), I wish all of you a year filled with love, laughter, and good books!
Valentines Day

And you still have time to sign up for my special Valentine’s Day Newsletter! Just click on the link over there and fill in the form. Why do you want to do that? There’s a subscribers’ only Valentine’s story featuring Sade and Sinjen. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!

❤ ❤ ❤ you all!

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Friday Sinema: Sam, Charles, and ’90s Divas

Posted on February 12, 2016 by Silver James

I caught this video in a newsletter from Country Outfitter. I’m a big Sam Hunt fan and even more so after catching this video from one of his appearances. Evidently, he does a section in his concerts where he covers songs from 90’s Divas. This time, he had “help” from Charles Kelley (Lady Antebellum). Fun times, because Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! Have a great weekend and may you find romance in a good book this weekend! Happy Valentine’s Day. And if you haven’t already signed up for my newsletter, do it ASAP. The Valentine Edition, with links to the exclusive short story starring Sade and Sinjen, will arrive in your inbox as my gift to my friends and readers!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Works

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Silver James

universeSee? This is why I’m convinced the Universe was a writer in another life…or at least has a very special affinity and understanding of those of use who are. I mean really? Doesn’t this pretty much describe the basic process of creating a story–from character development, to plot twists, settings, dialogue, narrative descriptions. And the dreams–small, big, huge…the turning points in the story.

If you can see it in your mind, Silver, it’s real.

All that remains is merging the present you know and the world you’ve imagined, which is my part. And you can best help me align circumstances, coincidences, and chance encounters by getting busy, going out into the world, and moving in the general direction of your dreams, even if only to do what your peers might do, who know not of life’s magic.

But you know the truth, Silver. You know how life works. Do not waiver in your march. No matter how humble your steps, this is how I will reach you. And as you witness one dream come true after another – first the small ones, then the big ones, then the huge ones – you’ll remember why you were first drawn to the jungles of time and space, if you haven’t already figured it out.

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

And when you know, Silver, would you please clue us in so that we can finish the documentary?

And while I’m not filming a documentary, I am writing a story–several in fact. S’all good. Here and out there in Universe. How’s it going with your dreams?

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