Trivial Pursuit, Penumbra Style

Posted on October 29, 2013 by Silver James

SOTW 680Three more days until the frenzy begins! At least I hope it’s a frenzy. 😆 Today, I thought we’d play a little game. There will be prizes–swag and books from various authors that I’ve collected along the way. I’ll ask questions and you put your answer (or best guess) in the comments. I’ll post the answers and the winner tomorrow. And don’t worry–the overall winner will be a random draw. But…there just might be winners picked from those who get right answers. Ready? Let’s play!!!

1. The President’s name is Rhys Wynne. What magical race does he belong to?

2. Kristian St. John hasn’t always been a vampire. What was he before he turned?

3. Roman Montagne is a gargoyle Sentinel. What other office does he hold?

4. Ariel Daoine has a role to play in the faerie court. What is his title?

5. When did Caleb Jones become Sade’s constant companion?

6. Mathias DeVries is older than dirt. Who did he serve during the Crusades?

7. Where did Sade run into Nikos Constantine?

8. How do you kill a zombie?

9. Sade is more comfortable with:
a. Wearing formal attire
b. Wearing her weapon

10. Name the major magical races in the world of Penumbra.

See? Not so hard! Share your answers. Remember, there are fun prizes at stake. 😀

Psst. The answers can mostly be found somewhere on the website. raised eyebrow gif

And Shhhhh! I know a secret. Our very own Liza is having a birthday today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIZA!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Things That Go Bump

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Silver James

SOTW 680Welcome to release week! SEASON OF THE WITCH will be available in both print and digital format on Thursday, October 31! What better way to celebrate Halloween than with a book that looks at all the magical races and adds some evil planning on ruling the world? Yeah, that’s what I thought too. 😆 The series has lots of things that go bump in the night and I wouldn’t look under the bed or in the closet. You never know what will be hiding there. EyebrowWiggleIn

There will be fun things going on this week so stay tuned here and on Facebook. Not sure what they are yet… Do y’all have any ideas?

I had a lazy weekend. Saturday was rainy and dreary so we stayed in and watch sports. Both my college football teams won and the Cardinals won Game 3 of the World Series to go up 2 games to 1 in the best of 7 series. The final play was bizarre–an obstruction call on the 3rd baseman so the runner at 3rd scored the winning run. As I’m writing this Sunday evening before Game 4, no outcome yet. I’ll update this if I remember before I go to bed. 😉 I also cleared a lot of stuff off the DVR. We’re considering switching providers so I need to get everything watched!

How was your weekend? Fun stuff or lazy days?

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Sunday Visits

Posted on October 27, 2013 by Silver James

That Ol Black Magic 680Time for a guest blog! Stop by VAMPIRES, WEREWOLVES & FAIRIES OH MY! to read an excerpt from THAT OL’ BLACK MAGIC and enter the rafflecopter giveaway for a digital copy of the book! If you already own a copy, I’ll substitute a digital copy of SEASON OF THE WITCH. 😉 Shhhhh. That’s our secret. And if you like paranormal romance in all it’s permutations, you really should be following VWF Oh MY.

Crazy weekend for sports but all my teams won so I’m ready to knuckle down and work today. What’s on your list today?

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Friday Reads

Posted on October 25, 2013 by Silver James

mobile phone and books Something new for Fridays..because I have to write a guest blog post for Sunday and I don’t have a clue what to talk about, so I thought we’d talk about books today. Safe topic, right? 😆

I just finished reading Deborah Smith’s A PLACE TO CALL HOME. This 1997 novel has been described as Southern Fiction and Women’s Fiction. I discovered it via Smart Bitches HaBO (Help a Bitch Out)–a feature whereby readers are searching for a book with only a vague description. Commenters will chime in with the title. Over the weekend, the reader was looking for this book. While not strictly a romance, it is deeply romantic. While a sweeping family saga, it is an intimate story about a boy and a girl who grow up to be a man and a woman. It was lyrical and sad and small-town true. Here’s the AMAZON LINK. I borrowed it from the library but I admit to debating whether to find a used copy to add to my personal library.

I’m starting to read Leslie A. Kelly’s DON’T EVER STOP. This is the second book in her futuristic suspense Veronica Sloan series. This is a dark, near-future world after a devastating terrorist attack on Washington DC. Veronica is a cop on the edge–emotionally and technologically. She lost her family in the attacks and has been implanted with some serious techno coolness. There’s a hot FBI agent for the romance though it’s a secondary consideration. If you like JD Robb’s In Death/Eve Dallas series, you should give this one a try. The first book is DON’T LOOK AWAY.

So what are you reading? Or on your wish list? Have a great weekend. I’ll post a quick link for the blog on Sunday. 😀

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Thursday Thoughts – More connections, Universally

Posted on October 24, 2013 by Silver James

universeThe Universe is doing that whole “alignment” thing again. Remember last week when I talked about making connections? Well, this showed up in my inbox this week. What can I say?

Silver, there are some things that are best forgotten. And when I remember what a few of them are, I’ll drop you a line. But a couple of things worth remembering, that are all too easily forgotten, are the times in your life when you felt absolutely alone and uncertain. Yet somehow, perhaps beyond perception, there was a great click, after which suddenly a new friend appeared, an idea was imparted, or a connection established, causing the tides to turn and the floodgates to open.

And remembering this, should such “alone and uncertain times” ever revisit you, however dark they may seem, you’ll at least be comforted by recalling how transient they always are.

Pass it on,
The Universe

Silver, did you just hear something?

© http://www.tut.com ®

Yeah, I’m passing it on. Because it’s true. At least in my book.

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Lindsey Stirling Fun

Posted on October 23, 2013 by Silver James

When I procrastinate, looking for/at music/videos is one of my favorite time sucks. And Lindsey Stirling does the most amazing covers, especially when she teams up with Peter Hollens. Watch the videos. Enjoy a mid-week break. 😉

Game of Thrones:

Radioactive

Skyrim

What’s the song/theme you’d like to hear Lindsey cover?

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Tuesday’s Trip Hangover

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Silver James

I’m home, in case y’all haven’t figured that out. 😆 The Only and I made it home about 1 a.m. Monday morning. I slept in until almost 10 Monday and dragged @$$ all freaking day. *sigh* Of course, having 500+ emails to wade through, plus 130 blog entries.

The trip was awesome… I can show you the bruises in all their technicolor glory. Vegas and the Hot Mojave Knight event was terrific too. shifty-eyes-ani2faster

We left a bit before noon on Friday, arrived a bit after noon in Vegas–gotta love the two-hour time difference. 😆 Coming home, we left at 7:30 p.m. and arrived after midnight so 😛 On the trip out, we shared a row with a darling young lieutenant on a mission of romance. Ladies, there are still keepers out there! Gentlemen, let your romantic side show. Trust me, it’s a quick way straight to our hearts. Why yes, he will appear as a hero in a book one of these days. Why do you ask? 😉

The Only and I landed, retrieved our luggage, found our way to the car rental center, picked out a Toyota Camry, and installed Jack. Jack is my Australian car boyfriend. His last name is Garmin. With his help, we found the Sunset Station Hotel and Casino easily, got checked in, and went for a late breakfast because…protein! And the Grand Cafe serves breakfast 24/7. 🙂 After food, we registered and Only got to work taking pictures. She’s producing a photo CD so in a week or two, I’ll have AMAZING photos to share! In the meantime, here’s two I snapped with my iPhone. I’m such a social media dud. I forget to actually take pictures, tweet, or FB events. I’m too busy enjoying.

Knights1Knights2
That’s Christian, Scott, and Matt. The pics Only took are made of awesome!

Friday night was the wine-tasting meet and greet or the trip to Hunk Mansion to see the male strippers. Only and I opted for the quieter evening. The wine was good, company even better, and our own Knights were in attendance. I did FB some pics of that.

Saturday, after a much too early start, we had a full day of panels, intimate chats, and then the costume party and banquet. There will be pictures. Eventually. No, seriously. Once again, social media failure on my part. Sunday was the book signing, fond farewells, and for Only and me, a trip to Hoover Dam. Where I tripped. Over a poorly painted curb around a walkway. Yeah. Knees, hands, and wrist. Did you know that airline barf bags make excellent ice packs? Southwest Airline flight attendants rock! I’m still in the Ace bandage but I can sort of type.

The good news is, I plan to start knocking out words on CHRISTMAS MOON, especially since that word count over there needs to be reset to zero. I promise to add more moments from HMK too, but I’d rather illustrate them. Oh, and I have swag. Much swag to share–here and on FB. 😀

So…how was your weekend and what is your week shaping up to be? And have you ever had a spectacular trip? 😉

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Connections

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Silver James

ShareTheBookLoveSomething really cool happened yesterday. I decided that I wanted a black skirt to wear at the book signing in Las Vegas. Normally, I don’t start planning a trip wardrobe until the night before when I start packing. But this is a quick trip and the majority of my luggage will be filled with table decorations, swag, and books. And my costume for the party Saturday night.

I’ll mostly be wearing jeans but I have this really cool pair of boots that would look awesome with a skirt. So…I needed a skirt. None of the ones I have are quite right with the jacket I want to wear. Consequently, this necessitated a shopping trip. The nearest “mall” is the open-air Outlet Shoppes. There are some awesome stores there, including Dress Barn. They have REALLY awesome clothes and if I, you know, *worked* for a living, I’d be in there all the time. So…that’s where I went to look for a black skirt.

I found a teal one, a camel one, and a dark brown on. Teal or camel would have worked but for some reason, I still wanted black. A wonderful clerk offered to help me look and voila! Found on that fit, was a great price, and so I checked out. While explaining my lack of fashions, because I work in either sleep pants and a tank or sweats and a tank, it came up that I’m a writer. Two clerks were there now and they wanted to know what I write. So I told them.

OMG! Sally Field moment! One of them has read the Moonstruck books and loves them! Her daughter reads them, too, so I ended up autographing some postcards and passing over bookmarks, etc. It was crazy! But soooooo cool.

Anyway, that’s a long story to say the most fun a writer has is when she connects with a reader, out of the blue, to talk books and characters and what’s next. There’s a moment of instant connection that resonates on both sides, but especially for the author. We tend to be solitary creatures. To discover that we’ve touched someone’s life is heady stuff! Much better than wine. Almost as good a steak. Okay. Kidding. Mostly. I love a good steak.

Anyway, when was the last time you connected with someone out of the blue? And as you know, I’ll be winging my way to Vegas tomorrow, to return late Sunday night. No post tomorrow and doubtful there is one on Monday unless I find wifi. I’ll be tweeting and FB’ing with updates and pictures. Especially of the knights. 😀 Have a great weekend, everyone! See y’all on the other side.

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What’s Up Wednesday

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Silver James

And now for something new and different…

My friend and fellow OKRWA author, Alicia Dean, has instituted some Wednesday fun: Want, Wed, Waste. She offers up three hunks (real life or fictional) and we get to decide if we want them, will wed them, or waste them. I got in on the fun today and had to decide among Robin Hood, Sir Lancelot, and Zorro. Stop by her blog HERE and see who I picked for what and why. And leave a comment with your own choices!

Uh oh, guess what day it is. Guess what day it is. Huh? Anybody? Liza, hey, guess what day it is. Aw c’mon I know you can hear me. Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike, what day is it Mike? Wuuhahaha. B.E., guess what today is….

Okay, I couldn’t resist. That one always makes me laugh. So does the Mastercard commercial with the little kid obsessed with pirates and he sees a nice old guy with an eye patch. Haven’t seen it? Enjoy! Have seen it? Enjoy it again! 😉

I’m marking off the last few things on my Get Ready For Vegas list today. And trying to get over the hump in my writing. Chapter 3 has me stumped. Still. Yes, the same Chapter 3 I was bitching about on Facebook yesterday. 😛

So distract me! What’s your favorite commercial currently? Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike!!!!! I need a little Mayhem in my life. 😉

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October: Be Cause(s)

Posted on October 15, 2013 by Silver James

pink_ribbon1-129x150October is:

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This campaign started twenty-five years ago and has now captured the national stage. You will see NFL teams sporting the pink. The Susan G. Komen foundation is sponsoring runs, walks, and all sorts of awareness activities. You’ll see pink ribbons, tee shirts, shoes, bumper stickers, posters, and other paraphernalia sprouting throughout the month.

National Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month
I’ve been adopted by a lot of dogs and cats during my life. Granted, I’ve had a few purebreds, bought from reputable kennels. I even bought one from a pet store–though that was more to liberate Micco from a cage he was quickly outgrowing. One of our most memorable rescues was Baby Doll. A rottweiler, she’d been locked in an abandoned drug house. We discovered she’d been tortured trying to make her mean. It didn’t work. The shelter adopted her out once but she was returned because if the kids put plates down where she could reach them, she’d snatch food off and run and hide. We took her to keep her off death row. Best damn dog ever! She was trained as a search-and-rescue dog and even though she had some quirks–she hated to be left alone and would paw her way into the pantry, pick up a loaf of bread or a box of cereal and hide it in our closet just in case we didn’t come home–Baby was gentle, loving and loyal beyond belief. I have hours of Baby Doll stories but I won’t bore you. If you are looking for a Forever Friend, go adopt! If you can’t adopt, consider making a donation to your local shelter.

NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION MONTH
This is a “duh” as far as I’m concerned. This year’s focus for National Fire Prevention Week (which just ended) was Prevent Kitchen Fires. Look for tips, think safe, and be fire wise. Also, change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Don’t have smoke detectors? WHY THE HELL NOT?!?!?!?! Go get some. Right. Now. Go!!!!

National Anti-Bullying Month
Nearly everyone has been there — bullied or harassed by peers. And that means both physically and emotionally. According to some studies, there is one bullying incident every seven minutes. If you spend much time on social media, you see it happening to everyone, not just our kids. Talk to your children, if you have them. Talk to your friends. Don’t remain silent. Stand up to the bullies. And don’t let those in positions of authority to ignore it when it happens!

And finally, it’s National Crime Prevention Month
The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) designated October as National Crime Prevention Month in 1984. Remember McGruff, the Crime Dog? Yeah, they’re the ones who created him. Be aware of your surroundings. Take care of yourself and your neighbors. Report suspicious activity. For tips on how to do so, check out the NCPC website.

On the fun side of things, October is also National Pizza Month and National Book Month. You know what that means, right? Go get a pizza and a book! 😀
ShareTheBookLove

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