Are You Ready for the Weekend?

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Silver James

It’s Friday! *Kermit cheer* I’m visiting with the delightful Donna Cummings over at her place today. Want to know some things about me you don’t already? Head over to read her FRIDAY FRIENDS for my interview. Donna writes fab and funny contemporaries and exciting historicals. We share a love of coffee and my coffee fae. (It’s a Twitter thing… 😉 )

It’s baseball “crunch” time as the last few teams to be decided make it into the playoffs. My beloved St. Louis Cardinals need one game to clinch. Saturday is college football. OSU (The *real* OSU — Oklahoma State) plays West Virginia and OU takes on Notre Dame.

The Only and I are shopping for a costume for her for the Hot Mojave Knights event in mid-October. She’s coming along for a working girls’ weekend. No, not that kind of working. Sheesh. Get your minds out of there. She’s the official photographer and I’m one of the featured authors. Saturday night is the crowning of the king of HMK from among the knights of the realm. 😉 Attendees are to dress up as their favorite character. I’ll be going as Sade. And yes, there will be bad pictures. 😆 I’ll tell you who Only is portraying Monday.

What about y’all? Got fun things planned? And for anyone out Las Vegas way or who wants to come to Vegas, you can still buy tickets and get reservations for HMK. Just click on the icon down there on the right. Wanna see the swag I’m bringing? You can click on the picture to make it bigger. I have sticky notes, notepads, glow sticks, pens with lights in the tip, bookmarks, and for the people sitting at my table Saturday night, the metal bookmarks. That’s the end of a .357 Mag bullet casing in the center of the Celtic cross. Is that not the coolest thing ever?!?

HMK swag

The bookmarks are being made for my by the amazing and talented Lilly B. Haven. Check out her jewelry by clicking on her name. Have a great weekend! See everyone on Monday. 😀

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The Art of Letter Writing

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Silver James

notebookHow many of you remember life before the internet? Before email and smartphones and texting? Back in those dark ages, people wrote letters. Remember the song “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah”? About the kid at camp? Yeah. That one. I wrote home every other day from camp.

Remember Pen Pals? I had one in England and one in the Netherlands. And a couple here in the US. In college, I wrote home. And my dad wrote me. Long, newsy letters on both sides. Even after I got married, and the birth of computers and the beginnings of email, I wrote letters.

What brought this up? A comment from one of my oldest friends several years ago. “No one writes letters anymore. Real letters on paper and mailed in envelopes with stamps.” I was thinking about her this week. I…uhm…*hangs head*…I forgot her birthday. I had the card bought. I had reminders on my phone, my electronic calendar, and even my wall calendar that’s paper and everything. But I still managed to NOT sign the card, stick a quick note in it, address the envelope and mail it out in time to get there for her special day. Yeah, I’m the worst friend ever. I know.

So I thought about what I could do to make it up to her. And I decided to write her a letter. A real letter. On paper. Not typed. Handwritten. She may hate me for that. My handwriting sucks, but there ya go. I’m going to fill up a couple of pages with things going on in my life, my thoughts on being our age, and the changes in the world around us. I’m going to rediscover the art of letter writing. And you know what? I think I’m going to enjoy it.

When was the last time you wrote a “real” letter–with words spelled out fully, on paper, with a pen (or a pencil), in your own handwriting? If it’s been awhile, you might consider writing one to an old friend. Just because.

And because I’m evil. Here. Have Allen Sherman singing his hit song from 1963.

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Universal Crazy Love

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Silver James

universeTHIS!

Sometimes the best way to remain sane, Silver, is to love like crazy.

Works for me,
~~The Universe

P.S. Everything, everywhere and everyone, Silver.

It works for me, too, Universe! You have to love–and love hard. Love your family, your friends. Love your work. Love your passions in life. Love opening your eyes to greet the day. Love the dreams that fill your imagination.

Because…yeah. Loving what I do makes me crazy. But it keeps me scribbling words. Creating worlds and the people who inhabit them. Let’s me hear the voices in my head. And you know?Sometimes, we just need to go crazy to stay sane.

What’s the craziest thing you’re going to do today? And what are you going to love doing? Are they one and the same?

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Tuesdays with…Roman

Posted on September 24, 2013 by Silver James

RomanHello, everyone! Welcome to my new Tuesday feature, Tuesdays with… Each Tuesday, I’ll feature a different character from the Penumbra Papers. And also, don’t forget! I’m over at KILLER CHICKS with their Teaser Tuesday feature. There’s a prize to a random commenter. 🙂 Now, for today’s special feature here!

I’d like to introduce you all to Roman Montagne, the gargoyle Sentinel and interim Legate of New Orleans. Hi, Roman.

Hello, Silver. I’m surprised I beat out the dragon. *deep chuckle*

Well, my readers lean toward the tall, strong, and silent type.

I’m not silent.

Well…quiet then.

*raises brow*

So, what would you like to talk about? Any scoops on Sade? Or any of the “Scoobie” gang? I know the readers would like some…sinsight into your dating life. Er…INsight. I meant insight.

*raises both brows* Now I see where Sade gets it from. What would you like me to say? Caleb is faithful. Ariel isn’t. The dragon is a law unto himself. *shrugs* Sade’s a big girl. She can take care of herself. As for me? Interesting thought. I’m not opposed to interacting with the opposite sex. Unlike the other magical races, there are no female gargoyles. We were created to be what we are. Sentinels. Charged with protecting the human realm.

Well, surely in all the millenniums you’ve been alive, there’ve been some female companionship?

*deep, grating chuckle* Unlike Sade, I am hardly a virgin, Silver. But I’m also a gentleman. I don’t…what’s the mundane phrase? Kiss and tell?

Does that mean you’re open to a relationship?

No. Gargoyles are not meant for…relationships.

*looks shifty-eyed* Uhm…ho-kay. If you say so. *puts fingers to lips and winks at readers*
Can you give us a anecdote from Sade’s childhood that would really embarrass her? *waggles brows*

*looks pensive* I’m not sure that would be wise. She carries a weapon now. 😉

😆 True! Okay, at least tell us what you look for when you decide to go out with a lady?

You just don’t give up do you? All right. I like a woman who is soft, who has curves. Who is loyal and honest and intelligent…

Oops. Uhm…well, four out of five’s not bad….

Beg pardon?

Nothing. Nothing at all. Readers? Do you have any questions for Roman? Please?!? And here, have another photo of him. 😀
roman small for scriv

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Monday To-Do’s

Posted on September 23, 2013 by Silver James

Okay, so the title is weak. Cut me some slack. It’s Monday! I have the feeling I’m going to need LOTS of coffee today. So…first up, I need to share the coffee love! The winner of the $5.00 Starbucks gift card is SANDY! Sandy, I need a good email from you so I can send an E-gift to you. Happy coffee-ing. 🙂

What else is going on this week? I’m being featured at Killer Chicks for Tuesday Teaser tomorrow. And Roman will be here for a visit. Friday, I’m Donna Cummin’s Friday Friend. I’ll be posting links on the appropriate days.

Tomorrow is crazy busy. Killer Chicks, Roman, and the ARC of SEASON OF THE WITCH arrives in the mail! Ooh….do I hear a contest in the making?!? Maybe… Not that any of you would want the ARC, right?

So what did y’all do this weekend? Did your teams win? Did you enjoy the weather? Did you get well? Did you read good books? I want to know! I’ve been hibernating in my writer’s cave for so long, I want to know what’s going on in the world.

Also, feel free to share this graphic with Pinterest, FB, Twitter, your websites… 😉 Because I’m getting to read. And I’ll be letting folks know about the good books I’ve read! Have a great week, everyone. 😀

ShareTheBookLove

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Books For Colorado Children’s Hospital

Posted on September 21, 2013 by Silver James

Liza asked me to share this letter from Heather Lire and so I am. I think this is a most worthy cause! I’d box up my extra books and send them but Lawyer Guy has already taken them to VA, which is where I normally donate. That said, I’ll be sending an Amazon gift card. If you can help, please do!

Denver CH book drive

I’m an author, a book reviewer and a literature teacher. Reading has always been close to my heart. It’s an activity I can do through good times and bad. When I’m happy I can celebrate with a good book, when I’m sad, lonely, depressed or stressed a good book will help me escape.

Recently while at the Colorado Children’s Hospital with my youngest son, I ran out of things to read. Upon seeing they had a family lending library I went looking. To my dismay I discovered most of the books were medical in nature or for small children. There was very little for a mom, dad, a teen or even a middle-grade patient to read. There were less than twenty books. I was bereft. Not only for me, but for all the other family members who had to spend hours in this empty waiting room with nothing to read.

After talking to the volunteers at the hospital about the lack of books the idea of a book drive began to take root. I saw a need that those in the book community could help fill.

Please help support this cause. We need new or gently used books. If you don’t have books to donate you can give a monetary donation that will be used to purchase books.
The following kinds of novels are needed:
Middle-Grade Chapter books
Young Adult (YA) books for girls or boys
Comics and magna
New Adult books
Adult General Fiction (mystery, drama, literature, romance, adventure, science fiction, fantasy, historical, paranormal)
Due to facility restrictions no erotica is allowed.

We will be collecting books all throughout September.

We ask that monetary donation are made in the form of an Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Cards.

A tax identification letter can be provided upon request.

If you are interested in participating in this drive please contact Heather Lire at heatherlire@live.com with Book Drive in the subject line.

Thank you,

Heather Lire
Contemporary Romance Author
The Book Reading Gals

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Friday’s That Ol’ Black Magic Wrap-up

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Silver James

That Ol Black Magic 680The week has come to an end. Ariel got more views than Caleb and the men got way more views than Sade. She’s pissed. But that’s her normal state of mind so she’ll get over it. It’s been a fun week and I promise the celebration isn’t over. I’m starting a new Tuesday feature: Tuesday’s With… This coming Tuesday, either Roman Montagne, the gargoyle Sentinel, or Nikos Constantine, the dragon Drakon will be here for a visit. Y’all choose. Mention who you want for Tuesday in your comments.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner. I know I said two people would get swag from the comments last Friday. I’m feeling magnanimous. Use the contact form with the website if you don’t already have my email. Email me with your mailing address. Your snail mail. I have goodies to send to everyone!

Winner of the downloads of five songs from the THAT OL’ BLACK MAGIC soundtrack is Ashlynn Pearce! Ash, email me with the names of the five songs you want.

Winner of the digital download of THAT OL’ BLACK MAGIC is Karen H (@Dremnghrt). Karen, email me and let me know what format: .mobi for Kindle, epub, or .pdf.

And since this is Friday and TOBM made it onto the Smashwords premium catalog and is being shipped out to other retailers (I’ll keep you advised when things go live at Sony, Kobo, B&N, etc!), I have one more prize to hand out. One commenter today will get a $5.00 Starbucks gift card. 😀

So your mission is, leave a comment. Tell me if you want to visit with Roman or Nikos come Tuesday. And email me with your mailing address so I can send swag. See? Easy peasy. And don’t forget to buy your copy of the book and mark it want to read on Goodreads!

AMAZON | SMASHWORDS | ALL ROMANCE eBOOKS | GOODREADS

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Ariel Says Let’s Talk – That Ol’ Black Magic

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Silver James

Ariel-TheoHello, my lovelies. Ariel here. We’ll dispense with last names. Humans trip over mine and I want us all to be friends here. 😉 I sent Silver away, promising I’d take care of the blog today. Pull up a chair. Get comfortable. May I pour you some faerie wine? Our Tir Nan Óg Honeysuckle White is an excellent vintage…

I noticed a few of you are quite taken with the mutt. You realize that not only does he shed, he pees on the rug, gets fleas, and eats steak tartare without the tartare, right? But we’re not here to talk about the fleabag. We’re here to talk about me. 😀

Some of you may be wondering about my title–the King’s Seducer. That is my position at the Seelie Court. I’ve served Oberon for almost four hundred years now. It’s easy work, because woman are so…delicious. shifty-eyes-ani2faster

I first met Sade on her fifteenth birthday. Oberon sent me to do the dirty with her. Of course the mutt, had something to bark about that. And growl. Howl. I have to say, he looks good in glitter. 😉 Later, Mathias sent for Roman and I didn’t stand a chance. I have to admit, it’s been a lot of fun trying, though. Sade is…something special. Far more than she realizes.

Ariel Playgirl PoseBut enough about her. What about me? *nods* I’m here for you, kind readers. What would you like to know about me? My life is an open book. Ask any questions you have. I’ll happily answer. Here? More wine? Yes, yes, drink up. It’s very…healthy. And since you are all so sweet, I thought I’d share a little extra something with you. Enjoy! And trust me, I get bigger than Caleb when you click on me. 😉

More wine? Or perhaps you’d prefer something to cool you off?

AMAZON | SMASHWORDS | GOODREADS

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Conversation with Caleb – That Ol’ Black Magic

Posted on September 18, 2013 by Silver James

Caleb faceTrue to her word, Sade roped Caleb into appearing today. Let’s welcome our intrepid werewolf, Caleb Jones.

Hi, Silver. And everyone else. Not really sure why you invited me but you offered breakfast so…

I learned from the Wolves in the Moonstruck books that the way to a werewolf’s heart is through his stomach. Can you fill us in a little on what it was like to grow up with Sade?

Seriously? She’s an absolute pain in the ass. Did you know I had to escort her to the debutante ball? And would she let me wear a black tux like everyone else? Nope. She wore black and I had to wear white tails. I have to admit, the looks we got were pretty cool.

I’m sure! What about wolf society? Can you talk about it? I mean, you didn’t exactly grow up in the pack. You grew up in Mathias’ mansion in Turtle Creek.

I was lucky. Romulus Jones, my alpha, was always nearby in case I needed advice and to help me through the rough spots. We’re born as wolves and don’t change until puberty.

Speaking of, what’s the deal with you and Ariel?

*rumblegrowlgrrrrrrrumble* Wolves can be allergic to faerie dust. And I am. Big time. The sorry sonavabuck enjoys trapping me in wolf form during those times when I really need opposable thumbs. But I still have a hunk of really expensive linen framed and hanging on my wall. I almost had him that night out on Sade’s balcony. Someday…

You may complain about him, but I get the feeling that if push came to shove, and Sade was in danger, y’all would put aside any animosity and ride to the rescue. Together.

*shrugs* Maybe. Ari is such a glory hound, he’d argue about who went through the door first.

Do you have time to stick around to answer questions today? I have some steaks I can throw on the grill.

Sure. And I’d stick around even without the steaks. I like your readers. They’re awesome. They can ask away.

Caleb lgSo here you go. Here’s your chance to get up close and personal with Caleb. Ask any questions you have. And Psssst. Sade slipped this to me yesterday. Yes, this au naturale pic of Caleb is a thumbnail. Click on it. It’ll get bigger. Like Caleb. 😉

AMAZON | SMASHWORDS | GOODREADS

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Heeere’s Sade! Star of The Penumbra Papers

Posted on September 17, 2013 by Silver James

AngHarm Sade smallToday, I’d like to welcome Special Agent Sade Marquis to Penumbra. I convinced her to stop–

Convinced me? The hell you say, James. You called the President. He called the Director. And now my ass is in a sling.

Don’t scowl at me, young lady.

*snort* I haven’t been a lady since I was…uhm…oh, yeah. That would be never.

And don’t roll your eyes either. This is serious, Sade. My readers want the chance to get to know you.

So this is an interrogation?

Nope. Not all. Just a chance to sit and visit. Or in your case, pace and visit. Do you ever sit still?

Not if I can help it.

One of our readers is curious about your name. Care to explain what happened?

Seriously? It’s all Tracie’s fault. She thought she was so fuc…er…damn clever. S-a-d-e. She thought it was pronounced Sadie when she saw it on paper. So that’s what Dad and Mathias called me and that’s how they spelled it. S-a-d-i-e. Then they got my birth certificate. Uhm…no. Not even close. And the bitch gave me a middle initial. No name. Just a fu*koff*cking initial. D. D! Seriously? What was she thinking? Oh, yeah, how could she fu-screw up my life and make Dad miserable. That’s what. I swear Oberon had something to do with it but I’ve never been able to prove it. I mean, really? What Vegas showgirl could put Sade and Marquis together and come up with…yeah. What she did.

So that would make your name–

Shut. Up. *makes pinching gesture with fingers and thumb* Just shut it.

A little sensitive aren’t you?

Oh, yeah. You go through life with everyone making a big joke out of your name.

Is it true you’ve killed people over it?

Shhhhh. If I tell you–

Yeah, yeah. You talk big. So, inquiring minds want to know what it’s like to work with such gorgeous guys.

Gorgeous? Seriously? Don’t let them hear you. I’ll never get any piece. shifty-eyes-ani2faster Or any peace either.

*Strains of “Puff the Magic Dragon” fill the air.*

See? You jinxed it. I don’t have time for the damn dragon.

*strains of “Werewolves of London” cut her off*

Now what the hell does he want?

*Sade’s fingers fly answering the text*

Oh, damn. Gosh, Silver, I hate to chat and run but duty calls. I just caught a case. FYI, I’m making Caleb come tomorrow.

And…that was Sade Marquis. If anyone has questions for her, I’ll text her. See why I’m frustrated all the time? But, the good news is, Caleb will be here tomorrow. And Ariel and Roman have promised to drop in, too. If I’m really lucky, I might just be able to convince Nikos he should drop by, too.

AMAZON | SMASHWORDS | GOODREADS

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