Monday News

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Silver James

BeAWriterI need to find a .gif for freaking-out-muppet-fail stuffs. That’s me at the moment. Holy cannoli! RWA14 was totally awesome! *madly waves to Kimber* Yes, I will be using my yearly quota of exclamation points this week as I catch up with everyone and fill y’all in on all the news. Meeting Kimber at the Literacy signing on Wednesday night was a big highlight of the week! RWA raised over $58,000.00 to be donated to various literacy programs around the world and in San Antonio. I even sold 5 books!

First, Lawyer Guy and I had a great trip. Going down, we got stuck in traffic in Austin. Coming back, thanks to a Dallas resident, we learned the sneaky way. It’s a couple of miles out of the way but it’s a toll road with 85 mph speeds and completely by-passes all the little suburbs between San Antonio and Austin. We cut almost two hours off our drive time on the way home.

The Kiss of Death RWA Chapter tour on Tuesday was lots of fun. I have pictures. Once I get them downloaded, I’ll start sharing them. We went to Lackland Air Force Base and got to meet and watch their Security Forces training. (That’s Air Force talk for police. 🙂 ) They don’t just deal with crimes, they also do high value target guarding and other very cool stuffs. The afternoon was spent at Ft. Sam Houston with the combat medic instructors. Holy moley! Great fodder for Iffy there!!!

I got to tell Nalini Singh that I hated her for being such an amazing author I had to read ALL of her Psy-Changling books in a week. She laughed. I got hugs from our own Liza (lots and lots from her! She rocks!!), Brenda Novak, Cindy Kirk, Carly Phillips, Lesley Kelly, Janelle Dennison, and so many more. I’m not a hugger, but at RWA? Yeah. I turn into a hug slut. 😆

I met Olivia Gates, a best-selling Desire author who is made of so much awesome I’m hoping some rubs off on me! 😆 And speaking of Desire, I have the unofficial cover for COWGIRLS DON’T CRY. As soon as I get official notice, I’ll share it. Trust me when I say it is so freaking awesome I’m surprised the people on my hotel floor didn’t call security when I started screaming. My meeting with my Sr. Editor at Harlequin Desire was…wow. Just WOW! Today I get to catch up with social media and email, laundry, groceries, and all that other stuff because tomorrow? I have to crank out the words. She wants proposals for every Barron brother. That’s four more books. Plus another series we discussed. *MUPPET FLAIL*

Plus, I’ve promised y’all another Moonstruck book and THE DEVIL’S CUT in Penumbra. Iffy is hiding under the bed whimpering right now. Tomorrow, hot guys, chocolate, and double-shot frappucinos for her! (And me!!!! *muppet flail*

I took 30 hardcover copies of SEASON OF THE WITCH to the Indy Signing. They’re all gone. I was so excited! I figured I’d be lugging all those suckers home.

And the fun stuff. I have books. And more BOOKS. And MORE BOOKS! I’ll be doing giveaways here and on my Facebook author page. Up for grabs? Two Avon cloth tote bags with books and goodies AND two RWA canvas bags with conference goodies. More details on the fun stuff soon.

For now, bear with me. I couldn’t do this “job” without each and every last one of y’all. You rock my world and keep me steady when I freak. And I am doing some serious freaking at the moment. All good stuff but….*MUPPET FLAIL* (No, I will not go look on the internet for a flail .gif. Just won’t do it. Wouldn’t be prudent. 😉 )

Now, tell me what y’all have been doing while I’ve been gone! I’ll be back tomorrow with a special Tuesday Tease. 😀

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Monday Means FTA

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Silver James

Road less traveled Yeah, that’s pretty much the way, Lawyer Guy and I road trip. We’re off on a grand adventure headed to San Antonio for RWA Nationals. The kids are moving in for critter sitting while we’re gone.

Tuesday, I’m headed to Lackland Air Force Base and Fort Sam Houston for tours of facilities and Q&As with some of our service members along with 49 compatriots from the Kiss of Death Suspense and Mystery Chapter. Wednesday is the big literacy signing in the Marriott Rivercenter. You can get all the INFORMATION HERE. Kimber, I can’t wait to meet you in person. I’ll be somewhere in the middle of the ballroom as we’re seated alphabetically. I have swag. 🙂 Liza, I’ll see you for coffee! And at the signing. Thursday is another crowded day, as is Friday, when I announce the winners of the National Readers Choice Awards. Saturday is full, too, ending with Lawyer Guy and I presenting a panel on the Laws of Attraction (teaching legal characters how to walk the walk and talk the talk), followed by the RITAs Saturday night.

Sunday is the drive home, followed by a collapse into my own bed surrounded by needy critters. Did I mention I hope to actually get some writing done while I’m at it? Yeah…Either BLUE MOON (the next Moonstruck) or the first book in the NIGHTRIDERS series. Y’all have fun while I’m gone. I’ll see you next week full of all sorts of news and stuff to give away.

Oh. and FTA? That means Fun, Travel, and Adventure….only…not. shifty-eyes-ani2faster It has a deeper meaning but my lips are sealed.

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Monday Mayhem and Other Stuff

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Silver James

Monday again baby*muppet flail* It’s Monday. A week from today, I’m headed to San Antonio for RWA Nationals. I’M. NOT. READY!!!!!

I finished the line edits for COWGIRL’S DON’T CRY on Saturday and they went off to Mr. HEd. Dang but he made me work my @$$ off. It’s a better book. Now I have to get the suggestions from my CP and a beta reader put together to final out COWGIRL’S SWEETHEART. My deadline is a week from today. Uhm…yeah. *headdesk* Don’t say it. I know!!!!!

Needless to say, I’ll be scarce this week. Between getting the NRCA stuff finalized plus all the other stuff I have to do to get ready for Nationals, I’m balls to the wall. If I don’t comment to y’all on FB and blogs, don’t take it personal. I’ll do my best to read what folks are up to but if I stop to answer? Yeah….TIME SUCK!!!!

What else? Oh! I finished Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changling series. At least until the next one comes out. Oh my freaking goodness gravy with chocolate chips and jelly beans on top! I ❤ that series like damn and whoah!!!! No, really. I want every one of the heroes. Every. Last. One. Of. Them!!!! Thank goodness, I could borrow them digitally from my local library system–all except one anthology with four P/C novellas in it. I bought it. Because…I had to.

I should have worked yesterday but my brain needed a break. I caught up on Rizzoli & Isles (cried through all four freaking episodes! *sniffle*) Saw FROZEN finally. ACT OF VALOR. Holy moley! Will have to watch that one again. The Wolves were all perked up passing beers and goin’ “Hell yeah!” until the end. Then they offered a solemn toast. And passed me the Kleenex box. Oh, and tonight, Lawyer Guy and I watched A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD. I hadn’t seen it yet. Crazy effing car chases and pure John McLain and John McLain Jr.

And that was my weekend. Who had fun? Who worked hard? Who read a good book or saw a good movie?

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Tuesday Treats: Irish Creme Brulee

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Silver James

Irish creme brulee When I was finishing up the last bit of COWGIRL’S SWEETHEART, there’s a scene where Jolie, the heroine, is having dinner with her dad. He orders her dessert, even though she doesn’t want any. But it’s her favorite. So…semi-new feature here. I’ll occasionally be sharing recipes for the favorites foods of my characters. Today? Jolie Davis’s Irish Creme Brulee:

1 cup Irish Creme liquid coffee creamer (I use Coffeemate brand)
1 cup heavy whipping cream – liquid form
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 pinch salt
5 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 tablespoons light brown sugar

Place coffee creamer, whipping cream and salt in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved.

Beat egg yolks in medium bowl; gradually whisk cream mixture into egg yolks. Stir in vanilla extract.

Pour mixture into 5 six-ounce custard cups. Place cups in 13X9-inch baking pan; fill pan iwth hot water to 1 inch depth. Loosely cover with foil.

Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes or until mixture is gently set in center. Remove to wire rack to cool slightly. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

Preheat broiler. Sprinkle each creme brulee evenly with brown sugar. Broil for 2 minutes or until sugar is melted and caramelized. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until topping hardens. Makes 5 servings. Enjoy!

**This IS a recipe that I’ve made. I cut it out of a newspaper years ago, and it came originally from the Nestle Company. And the nice thing is, you don’t need a “blow-torch” to caramelize the sugar. 🙂

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Not Monday!?!

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Silver James

Monday again baby Yeah, yeah…. I’ve been hiding from the blog. And Facebook. And Twitter. And G+. Mostly. I have cleared out my inbox, checked on friends and family, yada yada. I hit a mental wall last week and just needed time.

Writing update: COWGIRL’S SWEETHEART came in at 50,500 words. It’s now in the hand of two beta readers. I was pleased. Now to see what the readers have to say. I also got line edits from Mr. HEd. He said some awesome things about my writing in his email but I hadn’t opened the document until late yesterday. I didn’t freak. 😆 So far, he and I are agreeing–mostly. I can say that the book will be even better because of his input. I’m sooooo lucky! As soon as I’m done with it, I’ll start work on both BLUE MOON (Moonstruck Wolves) and the first Nightriders book because those darn bikers won’t shut up. 🙄 I’m also trying to decide if I should make the four main bikers werewolves. NOT the same world as my Wolves. These guys would be the “old-fashioned” kind–bitten in. Thoughts?

Had lunch with Lawyer Guy, Only, and Magic Bean Sprout on Saturday. As sprouts do, MBS is shooting up. And yes, he’s still darling.

On a reading binge. Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series has me by the throat. Damn, this woman can write. One book ripped out my heart, the next one made me laugh every other page–despite the threat of death). Yeah…she’s that good. I’m currently on #11. I have two more novels and then four novellas. I will be sad when it’s over but I can at least stop reading a book a day. 😆 Oh, wait…I normally read a book a day. *sigh*

This week? Finishing line edits on COWGIRL, last minute touches on SWEETHEART, completing my Psy-Changling read, and then it’s back to contest reads. I have both pubbed and unpubbed to read. Yay. Mostly, though, I’ll be staying under the AC because summer has come back with a vengeance!

What about y’all? Reading any good books? Do something fun? Want to vent?

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Universal Friday (Even Though It’s Thursday)

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Silver James

Yeah, I know. Tomorrow is Friday. But tomorrow is also the 4th of July. Other than a moment to give thanks for living in a free country, (I’m not going to get political even though I’ve bitten through my tongue a few times) tomorrow will be a work day for me. So many stories to write, so little time to get them written. And since tomorrow is a holiday, at least here in the States, that technically sorta kinda makes this Friday. So there. 😛

And on Friday, The Universe said, “Yo! Ho! Ho! It’s time to have fun!”

Whereupon IMAGINATION was invented… and there was a huge gasp among the angels. For it was clear that the reins of power in time and space had been passed to those so blessed… and that they would be left to discover this for themselves.

And it was really good.

The Universe
© http://www.tut.com ®

The angels quickly gathered, and there in line was Silver James.

Imagination is an awesome thing, though I think I got in line more than once. 😆 Have a great weekend! See y’all on Monday.

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Wednesday Words – His Hands

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Silver James

I woke up to this song about 4 a.m. one morning. The words and music left me chilled. Listen to the words–REALLY listen. Yes, it got added to my go-to list for writing soundtracks. And yeah…I have a specific place in mind for it but SHHHHH. No spoilers. Have a great weekend! I’m working. Line edits for COWGIRLS. Final submission edits for SWEETHEART. And new WIP. More on it next week!

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Monday Roundup and Stuffs

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Silver James

I want coffeeI thought I’d offer a little cute for your Monday. Plus, I ALWAYS want coffee. Weekend stuffs went as planned. COWGIRL’S SWEETHEART currently sits at 49859 words. That’s first/rough draft numbers. Tomorrow begins the editing process. I finished up Sunday afternoon but wanted to step back from the story for a day or two so I can look at it with fresh eyes. Today, I’m out of pocket with a “heart family” funeral and stuffs. Everyone is okay, but the funeral is in another city, then back here for the burial. We adored the gentleman who passed but he was more than reading to take the next journey. His bride of 60+ years was waiting for him.

In other news…

Remember Thursday Thoughts and talk of molehills and mountains? Well, faithful reader and good friend, B.E. took the reins and created a tee shirt. Go forth and order one! Well done, B.E.!

I did a quick reread of DRAGON BOUND as a treat to myself before reading Thea Harrison’s newest release, PIA SAVES THE DAY. I’m sooooo glad I did. One, I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed the first book in her Elder series, and two, the new story echoed nuances from the first and I would have missed them if I hadn’t refreshed my memory. I’ll probably have to add the series to my yearly reread list. Darn it!

Sadly, I sort of wish I’d saved DRAGON BOUND to read as a reward for finishing SWEETHEART. That’s all I wanted to do–dive into a really good book. But nothing jumped right out at me. The next book in Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changling series is still on hold from the library and I didn’t want to jump to the next one. If I’m reading a series, I want to do so in order. I ended up pulling out the anthology SUPERNATURAL. With a story from Larissa Ione, it’s been on my TBR pile for a long time. There’s also a G.A. Aiken dragon story in it. I haven’t read her before. It’ll be interesting if I have to add that series to the pile. 😆

So…what’s next? Edits on SWEETHEART and submission. I should have line edits on COWGIRLS soon. I have no idea when I’ll get the cover but I’m totally curious about what it’ll look like. Once SWEETHEART is submitted, then I’m back to writing for “me.” The question becomes, who do I write about? Those sneaky and very persistent bikers? Or is it time to tell Antoine’s story? I had a light bulb moment about him–and his heroine, Deputy US Marshal DJ Collier–the other day. Which story would y’all like first? No guarantees. It all hinges on Iffy and whichever character yells the loudest.

How was your weekend? Who had fun? Who didn’t? shifty-eyes-ani2faster

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Friday Sinema – Cowgirls

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Silver James

Huh. I may have to start spelling “sinema” correctly since I’m not always doing the sexy bits these days. And I’m late today. Yesterday afternoon ended up being sort of a blur. Writing, reading, errands… And I forgot I hadn’t “preset” a post for today.

Be that as it may, this is the song that was the basis for COWGIRL’S DON’T CRY. Sort of. Because the story doesn’t totally follow the song but the sentiment is there. And besides, it has Brooks and Dunn, along with Reba McIntyre–all Okies. 😀 So enjoy. And happy Friday! Have a great weekend!

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

Universal Victories

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Silver James

universe I’ve been known to make a mountain out of a molehill. And tilt at windmills. I’ve tried to slay a dragon or two until Iffy showed up with Nikos in tow. I admit to having a soft spot for the dragon enforcer. I’ve also been known to make things a whole lot harder than they had be. I’m working on that. Which is why when this message from the Universe popped up in my inbox, I wanted to share it. I know several of you do the same thing.

Silver, it’s one kind of victory to slay a beast, move a mountain, and cross a chasm, but it’s another kind altogether to realize that the beast, the mountain, and the chasm were of your own design.

Hubba, hubba –
The Universe

© http://www.tut.com ®

Now, Silver, you can move dem’ mountains or just make ’em disappear… by looking the other way.

I don’t have time to look the other way. I’m too busy moving mountains–or at least climbing them. I’m over the 40K hump on the current WIP. I’ll hit the peak when I can write THE END on the first draft. After that? It’s all a downhill flight on dragonback–no mountains or chasms to deal with. What victory are you celebrating today?

Posted in Writing Life | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments