Friday Sinema: The Fawn’s Hero

Okay, this video is a bit longer (almost 17 minutes) than I normally post. But y’all? Take the time. This guy should be a romance novel hero. And it’s a happy ending. Plus dogs and cats. And did I mention the hero guy? Yeah. Really! And besides being handsome and caring, he has a delicious accent. So…indulge!

Happy Halloween tomorrow. Watch out the tricks and treats, and if I’m lucky, THE DEVIL’S CUT might just end up on readers’ Halloween menu!

And on a more personal note, a very happy birthday to my very own Halloween witch, The Only! 😀

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Thursday Thoughts – Universal Doubt and Wisdom

universeSee? The Universe has done it again.

Always listen to your doubts, Silver.

Not just because they might teach you of your fears, but because, sometimes, they might teach you of your wisdom.

Lovin’ it all,
The Universe
© http://www.tut.com ®

Deeper than most will get, huh, Silver?

How many of us, as writers, wear our doubts on our sleeves like our heroines wear their hearts? My doubts used to cripple me. I never finished a project because I continuously returned to previously written words to “fix” them. I fixed them so much I would eventually quit writing new words. It wasn’t always that way. I remember like #ThrowbackThursday when. I remember the words tumbling through my imagination in a rush to hit the written page. Yes. Written. Long hand. Eventually the words were typed. Then recorded on a word processor. And my first computer. I sort of miss that ol’ Compaq “portable” with it’s nine inch screen. My Kindle Fire’s screen is bigger. LOLOL

At some point, I decided I wanted to write for publication. And thus began my search for writing perfection. Yeah…about that. It doesn’t happen. I don’t care who you are, that first draft is never as good as we think it is, nor is it as bad. That is the dichotomy of the writer’s brain. That was definitely true of THE DEVIL’S CUT. The original? UGH! Yes, it was that bad. So bad I was tempted to throw it out and start completely from scratch. But somewhere, in between the doubts in my ability to fix it and the fears that it sucked too bad to be redeepmed, I learned the wisdom of this story. I learned it’s first breath. And it’s last. I learned how much a woman is willing to give up to the man she loves. I learned the wisdom of letting the story tell itself, of the characters finiding their own place in their own time. And I can sit back now, and consider the wisdom of the Universe and what it decided to teach me this time around.

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Wednesday Words – It’s About Time

wurkn-on-mai-plan-for-word-domination-caleb-pupToday, #1lineWed is all about time. I never have enough it and as I’m on the downhill slide of final edits and formatting, I’m way past any hope of coffee salvation. So…from THE DEVIL’S CUT, two quick snippets about good times, bad times, or sometimes…if you have the time. 😉

****
She stripped out of her lab coat and grabbed her jacket. She dug in her jean pockets for a key ring, found the key she needed and unlocked a desk drawer. A nylon holster hugged a very serviceable 9mm Glock. Adele clipped the pistol to her belt, patted it, and grabbed a second black nylon duffel investigation kit. She slung it over her left shoulder, the same side as the gun on her hip, causing Caleb to shake his head. He thought about Sade. She would never have made such a rookie mistake—not even when she was a rookie.

“You don’t spend much time around criminals, do you?” Caleb asked as he held the office door for her. He didn’t offer to carry the bag.

She made a lemon face at him. “What do you mean?”

“Never mind. Just remind me to hightail it out of range if you draw your weapon.”

“Hey! I qualify on the range every year.”

“Yeah? So does my grandmother, but I still wouldn’t take her to a gunfight.”

Miffed, Adele marched into the elevator as its doors opened and remained stonily silent all the way down to the first floor. She didn’t wait for Caleb. As soon as the doors opened, she hit the exit and stomped off toward her vehicle. Caleb trailed behind enjoying her pique. She might not be much of a real cop, but he’d bet she was an excellent CSI—when she wasn’t dealing with magic. Plus, she was certainly easy on the eyes. He grinned, adding another checkmark to his mental list. Adele McCoy had not said the word “like” once. Mimi’s speech had been peppered with “Like ya know, I mean like yeah.”

****

TIME TICKED AWAY. Adele survived Christmas and the not-so-subtle digs about her chosen career from her father.

“When you gonna take the test to be a real cop, girl?” was the central theme of Christmas Day. She survived. So she felt a little lonely. What else was new? Even if she had the urge to find a picture of a certain FBI agent, pin it to the wall, and throw darts at it. Humph. She didn’t need him. Or want him.

When the New Year arrived, she felt no remorse for kicking the Old Year out the door. Winter finally showed up with a vengeance. Snow. Ice. Howling winds. Road crews worked around the clock to keep the roads clear. Ironically, the weather didn’t keep criminals home where anyone with any sense would be.

****

Looks like this puppy will be ready in time for Halloween. Check back for updates! 😀

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Tuesday Treats: Crockpot Chicken Stroganoff

Now that the days are getting cooler (and I’m getting busier), I’m rediscovering my cooking BFF–my Crockpot! I tried this out not long ago and it was pretty darn tasty! It made more than enough for Lawyer Guy and me so I froze the half we didn’t eat for another time. It wasn’t bad at all thawed then heated in the microwave.

Crockpot stroganoffCrockpot Chicken Stroganoff

Ingredients:

4 or 5 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 4-ounce can of sliced mushrooms
1 8-ounce package of cream cheese
1 container of sour cream (16 ounces)
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
egg noodles
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:

Spray slow-cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Or use the crockpot liners. Easy cleanup and you can freeze the leftovers in the bag. 🙂
Add frozen chicken breasts to the Crockpot. Mix garlic with cream of mushroom soup and spoon mix on top of chicken.
Cut cream cheese into cubes and add to chicken. Toss in mushrooms.
Add salt and pepper to your liking.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Stir once or twice throughout the day to mix all the ingredients.
About 20 minutes before dinner, prepare the egg noodles.
While the noodles are boiling, add sour cream to the chicken – mix well. Try not to completely break up the chicken while mixing. It’s nice to have some big chunks of chicken in this dish.
Drain noodles and add to chicken, stirring well. Serve and eat.

What’s your favorite cool weather dinner?

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Monday Isn’t for Sissies

Monday again coffee girlIt isn’t. Monday. For sissies. It takes gumption to face a new week. You have to face all the crap you didn’t get done last week plus all the new stuff heaped on your desk for the coming week. It helps if you have coffee. Caffeine is a panacea. It is also the elixir of the gods. I know this because coffee allows me to function. To be nice (or at least civil). To ignore stupidity. Usually. That’s becoming harder and harder.

As most of you probably saw in the news, Oklahoma State Univeristy’s homecoming was marred by tragedy. OSU has suffered it’s share. Part of the men’s basketball team, coaching staff, and a beloved member of the local media were killed in 2001 returning from a game against Colorado. In 2011, the OSU Women’s Basketball head and assistant coaches died in a plane crash. In 1977, three members of a fraternity were killed with scaffolding they’d set up to build a homecoming float collapsed and hit power lines, electrocuting them. Saturday, though, a car plowed through barricades, hitting an unoccupied police motorcycle and slammed into the crowd lining the street to watch the homecoming parade. Three adults died at the scene. A 2 year-old boy died at OU Children’s Hospital later that afternoon. A 7 year-old girl is fighting for her life. Forty-seven were injured. The driver, a 25 year-old was arrested at the scene on probable cause for DUI. Someone on Facebook said it was a sad accident. No it’s not. It wasn’t an accident. Whether the woman was impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a medical condition (unlikely at last update but no definitive info on her condition), she made the DELIBERATE decision to get behind the wheel of the car. If her accelerator got stuck? It was an accident. If she was perfectly fine when she got behind the wheel then suffered a medical episode? It was an accident. Thing is, she’d been sent home from work because she was “acting strangely.” And her pupils, in her mug shut were the size of pinpricks. Hrm…. I’m not a Drug Recognition Expert, but I’ve had a little experience. If it turns out, she did have some sort of medical episode, I’ll call the incident what it would be–a tragic accident. But that evidence isn’t there yet and for someone to excuse the idea that anyone who drives impaired has an “accident” breaks my brain.

Okay, climbing off my soapbox and ending the rant. *takes a deep breath*

Here, have something to bring a chuckle–hopefully. It made me laugh. Lawyer Guy shared this:

Santa: What do you want for Christmas?
Teenage Girl: A dragon.
Santa: No, really.
Girl: A loyal boyfriend.
Santa: What color dragon?

Nikos likes that idea. He’s silver in dragon form, just in case you’re wondering. You’ll get the full description of him come Saturday. Looks like I will get it all done in time for a Halloween release.

What else? Oh…RDR#3 is now titled THE BOSS AND HIS COWGIRL and it releases in June 2016. No word on cover art yet. The Red Dirt series is going even more international (the first two books are already available in England and Australia) with 2016 releases in France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Pretty freaking cool.

Autumn finally arrived. Daily temps are in the 60s and 70s with lows in 40s and 50s. It’s about time! But, that means an avalanche of leaves. Luckily, our Christmas present from last year is the gift that keeps on giving–LG’s bro pays for lawn service for us. No mowing or leaf raking/blowing/collecting. Yayayayay!

TV: I’m so far behind I should delete this topic for awhile. I did catch up on CODE BLACK. Still liking it. Gave up on ROSEWOOD. It wasn’t bad, but no way to keep up along with everything else. Need to catch up on BLINDSPOT and THE BASTARD EXECUTIONER.

Books: Still doing that whole “comfort read” thing. Alternating between Nalini Singh’s series and Ilona Andrews.

OH! I knew there was something else. FAERIE FAITH is being released in a three-novella anthology on November 16th–The Brides of Christmas Vol. 3. You can check the Faerie Reign page for details.

And I think that’s it. How was your weekend? Any plans for the week?

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Saturday Sinema – Small Town Breakup

Been there. Didn’t burn down the house, but… (And yes, there’s a book in this video. So many ideas, so little time. LOLOL) (And posting Saturday because I got the date wrong when I preposted. eye roll )

Have a great weekend!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Questions

universeHave I mentioned I’m convinced the Universe is a writer? And more often than not it writes romance? Today’s thoughts can be considered two ways.

Silver, do you ever wonder whether you’re on the right path?

Do you sometimes feel vulnerable in new relationships?

Does certainty elude you when big decisions loom?

Outstanding! Fantastic! All the legends who came before you also said, “YES!”

Walking on sunshine,
The Universe
© http://www.tut.com ®

P.S. Humility shows respect, Silver. Respect shows love. And love can only exist when there’s a vision for prosperity, a belief in your own worthiness, and a sense that all is exactly as it should be. Cool, huh? Bring on the “butterflies.”

As a writer, I always wonder whether I’m on the right path. And did I start in the right place? This is a dilemma that’s been eating my lunch with THE DEVIL’S CUT. I’m not the only author to fight this battle. I most often feel vulnerable about a new book. I have no fingernails left by the time I get reports back from beta readers, and then see those first few crucial reviews after the book releases. And I am NEVER certain. About anything. I believe most authors are humble at their core. I’m not sure how this shows respect, but who am I to argue with the Universe? Respect and love. True it’s difficult to have one without the other. Just ask Caleb and Ariel. And see? That’s where the message also veers away from the writer and off into the process of writing–characters, plot, narrative, dialogue. All those things that make up the book as a whole.

So…before I break my brain, I’ll just retreat into the days of my teen-aged self and leave you with these two not-so-original thoughts: Butterflies are free and if you love something, let go. If it comes back, its yours. If it doesn’t, it never really was. Peace out. 😉

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Wednesday Words – Last Line Standing

wurkn-on-mai-plan-for-word-domination-caleb-pupToday’s #1lineWed theme is to post the last line of the chapter. Since I’m such a rule-breaker, I’ll give you the last paragraph of a few of the chapters (remember this is draft mode still, kay?).

Chapter 1 – Standing Outside the Fire
Standing alone, [Caleb] raised his right arm, his hand angled ramrod stiff across his forehead in salute. He lowered his hand to his side and spoke from his heart. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you, Roy. But rest easy, my friend. I’ll take care of it.” He turned away and trudged toward his car. “I’ll give the devil his due.”

Chapter 3 – Talk is Cheap
Something was out there. Something old and patient. Something with the patience of a born predator. Something so steeped in evil that every hair on his body was standing on end. He’d just pulled up at the TeePee and parked when that man called him about that horse, only in this case, it was the illegal drug kind rather than the four-legged. Copying down the info the DEA agent passed along, Caleb didn’t like the feeling settling deep in his gut. Devils and lost pups and a darkness settling over the desert. The time for talking was over. It was time to get down and dirty.

And one last snippet to tease you with…

Chapter 16 – If You Only Knew

Adele closed the program before her partner could respond. Swiveling, her nose bumped Caleb’s. “Dude, personal space.”

“I like personal space.” His lips brushed across hers as he spoke.

“Stop that.”

“What’s that they say? All work, no play?”

“We don’t have time to play.”

“Says you.”

“Caleb—”

She didn’t get the warning out as he kissed her deeply then growled. “Play now. Work later.”

“Okay. That works.”
****

So there you have it. Would you turn the page and start the next chapter? Do you have any last lines to share?

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Tuesday Temptation – Shades of Fun

halloweenSince B.E. and Liza asked nicely, I’m sharing FIFTY SHADES OF BLOOD with y’all. It’s just for fun. There will be no book or novella to follow. Consider it a silly Halloween Treat…or Trick, depending on whether or not you like it.

Fifty Shades of Blood

“Mr. Tepes will see you now.”

Mina glanced up from her notebook. The impeccably dressed receptionist looked disdainful. Standing, she tugged her ill-fitting cardigan into place. Snagging this interview with Vlad Tepes, the reclusive billionaire his enemies called Dracula behind his back, was a real coup. She stepped through the open door into the man’s inner sanctum. The door closed behind her. She was alone. Curiosity batted her with kitten paws but she refused to do more than glance around.

“Sit.”

The command whispered across the back of her neck and Mina stumbled forward. Gaining balance, she pivoted. The man she’d come to see stood inches from her. Wetting her bottom lip, his eyes followed the movement of her tongue as she assessed him. Hair like a raven’s wing, too long to be fashionable, yet fitting the hard planes of his features. Compelling eyes, of the same color and glitter as a handful of sapphires, fringed in black lashes almost too beautiful for a man. She raised her chin, refusing to be cowed, and extended her hand.

“Mr. Tepes, I’m—”

“Mina Harker. Yes. I know. Sit. I won’t tell you again.” He stepped away, only to lean his very sexy butt against the desk, long, muscular legs crossed at the ankles, arms loose at his sides.

She sat. What else was there to do, really?

“I want to—”

“What? What do you want, Mina? To question me? To thank me? To fuck me?”

Her lungs froze, trapping her breath. The sardonic lift of his lips parodied a smile, but his eyes remained remote. She found her voice. “I’m hardly your type.”

Leaning forward, he inhaled deeply. “O negative. The universal donor. Just my type.”

“Eww. That’s just creepy.”

A laugh erupted from deep within his chest and rolled across her like an avalanche of all things sexy.

“You will learn, Mina Harker. And soon.”

“Uhm. No.”

“A challenge. Before you leave me, I will teach you many things, the first among them will be your submission.”

“Well, alrighty then. I think we’re done here.” Mina pushed out of the chair but her knees wouldn’t hold her. Totally freaked, she wanted only to escape. Long fingers curled around her biceps, holding her in place.

“I think not. I’m not done with you.”

She squeaked and stammered. “Why me?”

“You fascinate me. An unprepossessing human female on the surface, but I sense great…passion. I wish to explore that side of your nature.”

He drew her closer, tilting her chin up and to the side so her neck was bared to him. His lips—and something sharp—grazed her skin. “I will strip you of your fears, sweet Mina, and then I will teach you to become the woman you are meant to be.”

She shivered and whimpered. Breathless, she murmured, “Will it hurt?”

“Exquisitely.” His lips brushed her forehead. “Come for me, Mina.”

She did, shuddering. A climax from a kiss. And she couldn’t stop, couldn’t say no.

****

We had a word count limit and this is what I came up with. I hope you enjoyed. Tomorrow…words/snippets from THE DEVIL’S CUT!

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Monday Means More Coffee

lol monday coffeeThere was a weekend. I know this because I had an OKRWA meeting and it’s only on Saturdays. And there was baseball. Of the 14U variety. I even ended up keeping score during Sunday morning’s game when the catcher’s mom/scorekeeper got dirt (love that Oklahoma wind–NOT!) in her eyes. It was fun. At OKRWA, I read the entries for our Halloween Writing Challenge. Mine didn’t win. If you ask nicely, maybe I’ll post it tomorrow as a Tuesday Tidbit. 😉 Not a tease because it’s not a book, simply a very short story.

What else?

Sports: OSU had the day off. OU beat up Kansas State. And I shouldn’t have been rooting for Michigan. I think I jinxed them. Sorry, B.E. 😦 Baseball, the Cubs aren’t doing too good against the hated Mets. Royals are up 2-0 over the Bluejays. ‘Nuff said ’bout that.

Writing: THE DEVIL’S CUT came out about 71K. Longer than I anticipated. It’s out with my CP and my betas. I admit I’m sweating this one a bit. Still not sure I got the opening right. We’ll see what they say. I’m also waiting on the cover. I’ll do a reveal as soon as I have it in my hot, little hands. Spent a few days last week dickering over the title for RDR#3. At the moment, it looks like it will be THE BOSS AND HIS COWGIRL. It’s Harlequin category, being in the Desire line. I can live with it. It will release Summer of 2016 but I don’t have an exact date yet. Will pass it along as soon as I know. I’ve got to do some formatting on TDC while I’m waiting on edits and then I’m diving into RDR#4, which will hopefully be easier to title. Working title is LAST COWGIRL STANDING. I do have a backup but it’s a secret. *shhhhh* #4 is more lighthearted and will be fun to finish.

Reading: I’m still in a slump, mostly. Rereading bits and pieces of both of Nalini Singh’s series–Guildhunter/Archangle and the Psi/Changlings. I made myself stop a full reread of Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels. And no, Ev, no spoilers. Just…listen faster! 😆 New books–DRAGOS GOES TO WASHINGTON. Thea Harrison has written a fun one. Big changes coming for Dragos and Pia. Currently reading A KISS BEFORE THE APOCALYPSE (Remy Chandler #1) by Thomas E. Sniegoski. Remy is a Boston PI who also happens to be an angel. It’s…interesting. Evidently, there are quite a few books in the series and luckily, my library system carries them. Not sure I’ll keep going after the first but so far, so good. Oh, I’m at 199 books on my Goodreads challenge, which was originally 200. I’ve upped it to 210 and will likely up it again.

TV: Uhm…I’m way behind on the DVR. New shows still in the mix: “Code Black,” “Blindspot,” (though I’m behind on it), and “The Player.” I also need to catch up on “The Bastard Executioner.” I have to be in the right headspace to watch it.

Aaannnndddd….that’s about it from here. Who are you rooting for, writing about, or reading?

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