Monday – Time to Saddle Up

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Silver James

Friday face - notHow can it be Monday again?!? *sigh* Ah well. There was a week last week. And a weekend. I was lazy. Over the weekend anyway. Last week I mostly worked and hid from social media because I needed a break from it. I always need a break from it. I sort of miss the old days but then again, I wouldn’t have cool friends like y’all to hang out with so…

Anyway.

I finished the latest go-round of revisions/changes on Red Dirt Royalty #3 and sent it off late Friday afternoon to New York. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that 3rd time is the charm and Mr. Harlequin Editor likes the new story line. The good news is, Georgie Dreyfus, the heroine, keeps evolving. I really like her personality now. This is the problem–for me at least–of working in proposals. My process is refined as it goes. I can toss out an idea and by the time I’m done with a final rough draft (the one that goes to my critique partner and beta reders), it barely resembles that original idea. But, that’s the way Harlequin works so I’m refining my process for them. Hopefully, I get it right one of these days. I also think I’ve finished the Sooper Sekrit Project. I need to get my beta reader to look it over. Today, though, after a round of errands, I’m diving back into MOONSTRUCK: SECRETS. I’m behind but should be catching up this week. I’m looking at a mid-to-late February release on it, digitally anyway. Yes, it’ll be out in print, too.

Reading. Doing lots of that. Yay for insomnia. Not. I’m halfway through my RITA books. ‘Nuff said. I’m also meandering my way through the In Death series. I need to take a break from it here in a few days to I can reread the first two Vlad books by Jeaniene Frost. Well…crude. I need to reread them like NOW because the 3rd in the series comes out tomorrow. *headdesk* Okay. Shifting gears on the reading front. 😆 I love being flexible.

Weather was weird. Warm. High winds. Grass fires. It’s that time of year. Sounds like the NE is getting a blizzard and SoCal had really bad Santa Ana winds. All in all, I’d say Mother Nature is PMSing. How is it in your neck of the woods?

Read anything good? Do anything fun? Eat anything worth discussing? We mostly did fast food or scrounged leftovers. Yeah, it was that kind of weekend. OH! Who watched SONS OF LIBERTY on the History Channel? Thoughts?

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Friday Cinema: Dover Soul

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Silver James

Just in case you haven’t seen this. Guaranteed ear worm. But the cop. Oh man, The. COP!!!!

Now go shake it out and have a great weekend!

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Wednesday Words: Baby, It’s Cold

Posted on January 21, 2015 by Silver James

Writer's MindToday’s theme over on #1lineWed is COLD. Since we just had temps on the 60s that are plummeting tonight and tomorrow with a cold front coming through, it’s a good theme. I’m also MIA–mostly–around the intrawebz again. Sprout is back to running a fever though the doctor can’t figure out why. They know it isn’t the flu or strep. So…no daycare and clingy baby means “Jammie” is doin’ the grandmother thing. I did find time last night to dig out some lines, though. 😀

Without further ado, here are some of my lines about being cold–in all it’s many forms.

From an untitled Nightriders novella:

Watching her standing there shaking with cold and shock while a cop questioned her pissed him right the hell off.

From MOONSTRUCK: SECRETS, an early scene between Mac and Hannah, one y’all might remember after Hannah was beaten by the bad guys:

Mac took two bandannas from his pocket and soaked them in the cold water of the stream. Wringing them out, he pressed one gently against her cheek and the other under her tee shirt on her sore ribs. She hated to admit the cool cloths helped. Acknowledging how good those big hands felt on her skin just added insult to injury. She shivered.

And later, when Lightfoot is thinking about a mercenary back-handing Liz:

He went cold at the very thought of another man putting his hands on her.

And finally, from MOON SHOT, the moment Dalton is “introduced” to Hannah… 😉

Warm breath whispered across his skin like a lover’s kiss but the words coupled with cold metal pressed to the base of his skull chilled him to the bone.

“You’ll die before you can squeeze the trigger, motherfucker.”

How cold is your writing? 😉 Share if you’d like! One last note. I’m guest blogging on Mellanie Szereto’s BLOG talking about writing process. The post will be included in her next writing tips book, which is pretty darn cool, as far as I’m concerned! Come check it out. 🙂

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Monday, Monday All Day Long

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Silver James

lol monday coffeeExcept it’s a holiday. At least for some. Not for me. I have work to do. Proofreading. Revisions. Writing. The proofreading is fun. The revisions are little frustrating but not too unexpected. The writing was going great until the revisions came back so…the current WIPs are poking and tickling Iffy and demanding her attention. I need to work on splitting my day into sections, working each thing in it’s own time. It’ll be a trick. I’ll see if I can pull it off this week.

Saturday was chapter meeting day. Always fun to visit with my sister romance writers, enjoy lunch, and then listen in on the program.

Sunday was just another work day though I did get the outside Christmas decorations down and put away. It’s been either way too cold or I’ve been under the weather until today. I got a few inside decorations put up, too, plus a huge bunch of laundry. Even got it all folded and put away. Gosh, something new and different! 😆

How long is it until pitcher/catcher report day?

I’m reading contest books. Yes, it’s that time of year again. I didn’t enter any this year. Next year. I’m also continuing on my reread of the In Death series. I’m up to SEDUCTION IN DEATH, which is #13, I believe. Yup. Just check. Lucky number 13. The In Death books are my treat after reading a contest book. I’m really glad I read fast. There are books coming up I’m looking forward to:

BOUND BY FLAMES, by Jeaniene Frost, which is the third book in her Vlad series. Yes, I’ll reread the first two. 😆 Before the January 27th release.

OBSESSION IN DEATH, by JD Robb. Yes, I am obsessed with this series. I might even have them all reread by February 10th when it comes out. I only have 27 to go. shifty-eyes-ani2faster

VISION IN SILVER, by Anne Bishop, the third in her Others series. I love these books and have been dying to reread the first two. I’ll do so closer to the March 3, release date.

Yeah, yeah. I need to stop reading so much and spend more time writing but Insomnia is my current BFF. My brain can process someone else’s words but trying to spit out my own? At 2 a.m.? Ain’t happenin’. Ah well.

So what did y’all do this weekend? What are you reading or looking forward to reading? What’s on your plate for today? Me? I’m going after another cup of coffee and then getting to work.

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Thursday Thoughts – Universal Redirect

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Silver James

universeThe subject of monsters came up this week–internal, external, those of our own making and those forced upon us by other forces. When looking for some wisdom from the Universe, this one popped up like a Whack-a-Mole.

Have you wondered, Silver, that if (when necessary) you just closed your eyes, took a few minutes, and redirected your thinking, the monsters might shrink, the grins might grow, and the floodgates might begin trembling again?

Except when driving.

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

Love you, Silver. Don’t worry. Not ever. You’ve already passed the tipping point towards… well, everything.

You know, I think the big U might just be onto something here. So…take a few minutes. Close your eyes. Redirect your thinking away from whatever is troubling you and just let your thoughts swim free. Ready for the floodgates? They’re opening in 5-4-3-2…

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Wednesday Words – What I’ve Been Reading

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Silver James

Definition of writerToday’s words come from books I read and tucked back some quotes from but interestingly enough, they tie in with today’s Kiss of Death #1lineWed over on Twitter. Today’s theme is CHARACTERIZATION, meaning dialogue, narrative, or description that provides insight into the character. So…enjoy!

From Lisa Shearin, THE GRENDEL AFFAIR:

Liz’s swearing was doing her Marine training proud; it was almost poetic. I wanted to scream a few choice words myself, but it’d be like throwing out a dirty limerick after a Shakespearean sonnet. I’d just embarrass myself. ~Makenna “Mac” Fraser, seer at Supernatural Protection and Investigations

From Ilona Andrews, MAGIC BLEEDS, a conversation between Kate Daniels (MC/POV) and Andrea Nash, secondary character:

She was also my best friend.

Andrea braked a couple of feet from me. I shook my giant stack of pink slips at her.

“I see–you have messages. That’s nice.” Andrea nodded at me and snagged a cookie from the box.

The canine companion growled under his breath. Just in case she was trouble.

“What is that?” Andrea’s eyes widened.

“What is what?”

“The beast.” She waved the cookie at the dog.

The beast trotted over to her side, sniffed her, and wagged his tail, indicating he had decided she was good people and she should give him a piece of her cookie.

“He’s evidence.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I think a dog is a great idea. I just never pictured you with a mutant poodle.”

“He isn’t a poodle. He’s a Doberman mix.”

“Aha. Keep telling yourself that.”

And from Ilona Andrews, MAGIC SLAYS, a bit of description and some…wisdom. 😉

A wide island of forshythia bushes flowered on the left in a froth of vivid yellow, as if dipped into whipped sunshine.
****
Shapeshifter parenting motto–if your kid slits somebody’s throat, always have a backup plan to make the body disappear.

And from the Andrews’ MAGIC RISES, a small insight into Kate:

Outside the windows the day was bright: golden sunshine, blue sky, pleasant wind…I wanted to punch the happy day in the face, grab it by the hair, and beat it until it told me what the hell it was so happy about.

I babysat yesterday–Sprout had an upset tummy–so no time to pick out my own stuff for today. I’ll eventually get around to Twitter when I scrounge up something in 140 characters that will work. LOLOL Who has more words to share?

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Tuesday Treats – Creamy Chicken Enchaladas

Posted on January 13, 2015 by Silver James

Creamy Chicken EnchiladasThis is an old recipe I got from an insert with a product. I’m using the brand names because it came from Campbell’s kitchens. 🙂 Prep time is about 20 minutes and it bakes in 40.

Creamy Chicken Enchaladas

Preheat oven to 350°
10 Mission soft taco size flour tortillas, warmed
1 can (10 3/4 oz) Campbell’s Ceam of Chicken or 98% Fat Free cream of Chicken Soup
1 8 oz. container of sour cream (can be low fat or fat free)
1 cup Pace Picante Sauce
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 medium tomato (I don’t use this–allergic, d’uh)
1 green onion, sliced

Mix soup, sour cream, picante sauce and chili powder

Mix 1 cup of above picante mixture with chicken and cheese

Spread about 1/4 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla. Rollup and place seam side down in 3 qt. shallow baking dish. Pour remaining picante mixture over enchiladas. Cover with foil.

Bake at 350F for 40 minutes or until hot. Top with tomato and onion. Serves 5.

Easy peasy, ooey gooey winter night dinner. You can serve with a side of refried beans, Mexican rice, or a salad. Good stuffs. Who else is a fan of Mexican food? 😉

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Monday the 12th of Never-ending

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Silver James

Coffee MondayNeed I say more? It’s Monday. And it feels never-ending. So…is it nap time? 😉

First, I’m guest blogging today with my good friend from the Kiss of Death RWA chapter, VICKI BATMAN. Click on her name to see the cool picture of my newest girly-girl acquisition. Shhh. It’s a secret, at least until you click through to see it. Vicki writes humorous romantic mysteries so go check her out!

Weekend. Lazy. ‘Nuff said.

Okay, here’s the run-down. I read. A lot. Insomnia has been A Thing™ lately. I sort of tumbled into an on-going re-read of the In Death books. I’m reminded–again–of why I love this series and these characters. I normally just reread the first three books because they contain my favorite scenes and take Eve through her first, emotional character arc. But then I forgot how Feeney hurt her. And how she saved Mira. And Summerset’s growing admiration if not affection for her. McNab has joined “the family” and Trueheart is introduced. So yeah, while I’m waiting for new books on my wishlist to release, I think I’ll just keep feeding my addiction for all things Dallas and Roarke. 😆

Ashlynn asked a question about writing process on FB so I’m thinking about doing a blog on mine. Probably Friday.

There are 38 days until pitchers and catchers report for spring training. BASEBALL!!!!!

I’m about 1/2 done with the Sooper Sekrit Project (short story for submission). I like the way it’s coming along. Also chugging along on the editing and some revisions on MOONSTRUCK: SECRETS. Hoping to hear something about RDR#3 this week. Not holding my breath, but crossing fingers.

Snow. It’s forecast for Tuesday/Wednesday.

The house across the street (out my office window) is going up for sale. Anybody want to buy it? I’d love to have a friend in the neighborhood. 😆 Plus, I make yeast rolls/cinnamon rolls to share. Just sayin’…

And that’s it. This was a very laid-back, quiet sort of weekend. What did y’all do? And who’s reading something really good? (Yeah, like I need MORE books on my TBR list!)

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Friday Free and Easy

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Silver James

It’s Friday. Everybody do a happy dance! Did you have a good week? Have big plans for the weekend?

I finished the revisions on the first three chapters of FOR THE LOVE OF A COWGIRL (working title for Red Dirt Royalty #3), revised the synopsis and sent it back to Mr. HQEd. Now I’m at work on a short story for submission to an anthology. As soon as it’s done, it’s back to work on MOONSTRUCK: SECRETS. The Only is thinking on the cover design.

Speaking of cover designs, I’ll be sharing the one for THE COWGIRL’S LITTLE SECRET soon. It’s just as awesome as COWGIRLS’!

And speaking of COWGIRLS, did I ever share the review in RT Book Reviews magazine? No? Well, what’s wrong with me!

★ ★ ★ ★ (4 stars out of 4 1/2)
This is a complicated romance with a reluctant cowgirl and a very sexy corporate cowboy who highlight the courage it takes to do the right thing.

And speaking of reviews, I’ve hit a milestone. The infamous Harriet Klausner reviewed COWGIRLS in her own inimitable way–meaning she got the gist of the story all wrong. You can Google her if you aren’t familiar with her. Her reviews always make me laugh. FYI? The Barrons live in Royal, Texas. No, seriously. raised eyebrow gif At least according to HK. 😆

There was something else I was going to mention here and now I can’t remember. Brain definitely resembles Swiss cheese this week. I obviously need more coffee!

And to leave you with a laugh…here’s the commercial for the new Fiat 500X that Lawyer Guy sent me. We laughed. A lot. 😉 Enjoy! Have a great weekend!

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Universal Bravery

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Silver James

universeThere’s nothing to fear but fear itself. Did Churchill say that? It’s one of those quotes we all know and bandy about but don’t ever remember who should be attributed.

You can have what you want, Silver, if you brave what you fear and do what you can.

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

Pretty soon, Silver, you’re going to completely run out of things to fear. Seriously.

I’m still new enough into this year to still be reflecting on last year. 2014 wasn’t as scary as 2013 in some ways, and far worse in others. I think the big sticking point was whether or not I could be a successful hybrid author. It was close, but I managed to eek out two self-pubbed books at the end of the year. I’ve also set a massive schedule for myself this year. Dream big or go home, right? That’s the way I want to roll, even though it means I go to bed at night tied up in knots–and not in a sexy way. 😉 I’m getting over my fear of juggling. I’m getting over my fear of marketing (even though I still suck majorly at it!). But dear Universe? Trust me when I say, I will never completely run out of things to fear. I’m a writer. It’s coded into our DNA.

So lets get down and dirty. What do you fear?

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