Thursday Thoughts: Universal Keeper

Posted on February 27, 2025 by Silver James

The sun is still shining. And the temps are staying more seasonal. Okay, it is February and we are still in Winter but that means it could be anywhere from 5 degrees to 75 degrees here in Okieland. I’ve enjoyed the past few days with the nice temps. Even the “cold” front that came through yesterday didn’t really put a dent in things. Oh, we dropped from 78 to 65, but hey! It is February. LOL What does this have to do with anything? Well, it sort of boils down to this. Sometimes things work out, sometimes they don’t. And as always, the Universe has thoughts.

Whenever something doesn’t work out the way you thought it would, Silver, instead of thinking that something went wrong, see it as something that went unexpectedly well but for reasons that are not yet apparent.

Everything plays to your advantage.

Score!
The Universe
©www.tut.com

P.S. And then keep on keeping on, Silver.

Writers often paint themselves into corners when they’re plotting and putting words on paper–figuratively speaking since we mostly use computers. 🙄 The door is all the way over there with no chance of getting to it without having to completely repaint/rewrite that floor/scene. Sometimes, there’s a window that provides an escape. And sometimes that window opens up in a whole new vista that takes you in directions you never anticipated. And more often than not, your book is better for this detour. Our subconscious often knows better than we do. I’ve learned to do just what the Universe suggests: I keep on keepin’ on. I’ve found, at my ripe old age, that it’s a pretty good philosophy and keeps me truckin’ on down the road, whether it’s the book I’m writing or just getting on with life. What about y’all? Do you like detours?

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Wednesday Words: Speechless

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Silver James

Ah, Wednesday. And I have words. I also have hope of the sun coming out. Chance of rain today, which is quite all right because we ALWAYS need the precipitation! Monday and Tuesday were bright and warm–in the 70s. Today, only in the 60s. I’m good with that. I’m good with just about anything above freezing. Okay, enough weather. Today is aabout Words. New words. The prompt from last weeks Thursday Threads: *”And I am speechless.”* We are back at Deja Vu in New Orleans with Sade and part of the Scooby Gang. This scene happens a bit after last week’s scene.

****
“And I am speechless.”

“There is no need for sarcasm, Sade.”

She rolled her eyes at the vampire. “Of course there is. I mean, we are talking about Ariel.”

Caleb stared into the foamy head of his beer. “She has a point, Sinjen. Don’t get me wrong. Ariel and I have had our…disagreements—”

Sade burst out laughing. “Disagreements? Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t you—in wolf form—chase him up an oak tree?”

Grinning, Caleb nodded. “True. But you were sixteen and he was attempting…well…” He cut his eyes to Sinjen. “You know. The best part was that he cut through that patch of poison ivy to get to the tree.”

Sinjen closed his eyes. “I suspect I should be grateful we did not meet until much later.”

His statement was met with an arched brow from Sade. “Like you haven’t had your own run-ins with the fae. I mean, I like Ari too but he brings a lot of this on himself. And now he’s off sulking.”

A pensive expression crossed Sinjen’s face. “You are human, Sade, with free will. Caleb was raised with you rather than under the rule of a werewolf pack alpha. Ari is fae. He owes his very existence to King Oberon. Neither of you understand what this is like. To know that another has the literal power of life or death over you, who can command your every breath.”

“That would suck,” Sade said. “No pun intended.”

“It does, indeed.”
****

I still haven’t decided what to work on next. Ari’s book is in the running. I need to get over my lethargy and start writing something every day. Eventually, one project will start getting more brain width and that will be the next book. In the meantime, I’m still doing a bit of housekeeping but mostly, I’m fighting this weird upper respiratory thing. I’m not coughing or anything, but I get achy by the end of the day and whenever I bend over, I have serious difficulty breathing. Even just sitting mostly still, ie. I’m only typing, it hurts if I take a deep breath. Sucks to be old. Anyway, writers, go forth and be inspired. Readers, do you prefer short reads or longer ones?

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Tuesday Tidbits: I Can Haz Vacation?

Posted on February 25, 2025 by Silver James

I must be coming down with something. I kept getting chilled yesterday despite the fact the day was gorgeous! I did not make it to Wallyworld. I did make it to Ace Hardware for birdseed. Jake loves it there because all the red vests want to give him pets. They even load the bags of bird seed in the back of Drover for me. I never turn them down even though I was the one who hefted those bags into the buggy/cart in the first place.

Anyway, I got home, managed to get a little work done–like setting this up to post on time. But I was achy and breathing was a chore. Don’t know if it’s a cold or what, but I went to bed yesterday and napped. No telling how I’ll feel today.

MOONSTRUCK: RETRIBUTION goes live in four days. I’ve had a few clicks on the Books2Read link. With the ‘Zon, I’ll have no clue until after the book goes live on Saturday. Which is my birthday. In case y’all have forgotten. The only presents I want is people buying the book. 🙄 Hey, it’s my party and I’ll whine if I want to.

Okay, this is totally politically incorrect but I have to recount the cversation that occurred behind me in line at Ace. One guy was a farmer/rancher. The other guy was a workin’ man.

Rancher: “Ya know, all this rigamarole seems purty simple t’me. Ya got bulls and cows. If you don’t want the bull to make calves, you fix’ im. Then ya got steers. They ain’t cows.”

Workin’ man: *nods sagely*

Rancher: “Same thing with horses. Ya got yer stallions and yer mares. And geldings. Thing is, if yer racin’ ’em, ya don’t run a filly against a stud colt. No matter how fast that filly is, that colt is gonna run circles ’round her cuz he’s bigger n’faster.”

The workin’ man looked a little confused so I explained: “A filly is a young female horse. Stud colt refers to a young stallion.”

Rancher: “That there’s the thing. Ever’body knows there’s only two sexes. Male n’female. Just cuz ya geld a horse don’t make him a brood mare.”

At that point, it was my turn to check out. I left the two guys commiserating on the idiocy of “them folks out there on the coasts” and “must be all that salt in the air from the ocean. It pickles their brains.”

I managed to get out without laughing but then sitting in the parking lot waiting to pull out, I looked at Jake in the review and said, “That pretty much says it all, right? Ya can’t turn a gelding into a mare, no matter how fancy you dress him up. Or how pickled your brain gets.”

I’m going to take today mostly off. Except I have to hit Wallyworld today. I needs stuff. That said, my nap yesterday helped a bit. Hopefully veggie the rest of today will do the same. I want to feel good again. How are y’all feeling today?

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Eight Mondays

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Silver James

👈🏼👇🏼👈🏼👇🏼 (Never sure where the illustration will show up but wherever it is, I’m point at it…) Read and take note of it. This pretty much says it all. This is good because I don’t really have that much to say. FYI, this is the 8th Monday of the year. It sure seems like there’ve been a heckava bunch more.

I slept late Saturday and Sunday–7 a.m. instead of 5-6 a.m. The sun came out both days and warmed things up. I was sure ready for that. 105 hours of below-freezing temps is more than plenty! This week is supposed to stay in the 50s and 60s so that’s a big yay in my book!

I was going to take Jake for a walk yesterday but I got distracted and suddenly, it was 5 o’clock and while the sun no longer sets, the temps do start to fall. Maybe today. Or not. Depends on if I make it to Wallyworld. Shopping there is my 10K steps for the day. Trust me! It usually because I have to backtrack. They completely reset the store while I was doing the whole invalid thing last year and I’m still not used to where everything is. I mean, I’d only been shopping there since it opened like almost 20 years ago. And yes, I totally get set in my ways.

Sadly, I am easily distracted these days. Not sure why. I fall down rabbit holes and emerge much later and wonder what the heck I’ve accomplished because it sure ain’t anything I had on my to-do list.

My oldest best friend called yesterday afternoon. She was thinking about driving down for my birthday next weekend but stuff is going on. We had a long visit. It was nice. True story: we strongly disliked each other our freshnan year of college–until we were stuck together as roommates over a long break when neither of us left campus. That was 53 years ago. Wow.Time flies.

Soccer on Saturday. Stormy’s regular game was postponed but he subbed on another team in the same academy system. He played well. We’ll leave it there. They have one more game in this league. We can only hope the refereeing is better in the outdoor league that starts next month. Don’t get me wrong. If a team (or an individual kid) doesn’t play well and loses, it happens. But when a referee assesses 10 penalties against one team and only 1 against the other (that scored the 3 winning goals on penalty kicks), I have to wonder. I’m not being a team Karen when I say there were a LOT of invisible fouls. Anyway.

I finally finished THE BRAVE by Dannika Dark, the lastest book in her Black Arrowhead series. It was a good story, I just couldn’t get deeply invested in it. Or in any other book, for that matter. Definitely a case of “It’s not you, book, it’s me!” I’m currently listening to last fall’s release in JD Robb’s In Death series, PASSIONS IN DEATH. The latest book came out earlier this month and I like to refresh my memory on Dallas’s previous case before jumping into the newest.

Writing. Yeah. About that. Remember me mentioning getting distracted? A lot? Yeah. No writing. And no decision on what’s next. Question. If someone said, “This book is The Golden Girls meets Thelma and Louise,” would you be inclined to read it? Paft of the problem is that I have TOO MANY ideas. There’s the Cajun Wolves (Moonstruck Wolf standalones), the moonshiner Wolf (historical Moonstruck Wolf), Ariel’s story (Penumbra Papers), Dalton’s story (Hard Target–though this one is waaay back on the back burner.) The problem is I have too much to choose from. Oh, yeah. I said that already.

Moving on. In other sports, my Cards are starting out spring training in a bit of a slump. No comment. In better news, my OSU Cowgirls run-ruled in their first game (10-0) of the weekend tournament–which was postponed from Friday to Sunday due to the weather. There was another game last night but I haven’t checked for a score yet. I’ll get distracted. LOL Also, they play today too. No streaming but I can listen on the radio so yay. Okay, so I checked. They won the 2nd game 5-2 and play again at noon today.)

That’s pretty much my update for last week and the weekend. As for fuuture writing, I might just open various files and do some free writing and see if anything catches my attention. Maybe I just need some new music and/or “artwork/photos” for inspiration. What’s inspiring you this week?

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Friday Sinema: Ireland’s Got Talent

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Silver James

I’mma just gonna drop this here. Enjoy the music. TGIF. Have a great weekend!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Fall

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Silver James

🥶🥶🥶🥶

That’s all I have to say today.

I’m not kidding. We made it all the way to 12 degrees yesterday. I really wanted to go back to bed, wrap up in my soft, fuzzy blanket, and listen to a good book. Back in the day, I would read a good book but…eyes. Sadly, I’m in a real reading slump at the moment. I have two books open. I’m at Chap. 5 – about 15% in one, I’m at Chap. 3 or 4 in the other. I have about 12 hours remaining in either book. Sad. They’re both books I’ve been looking forward to reading but neither has just grabbed hold. I’m bummed. And I feel bad for these books. I’m not giving them the love they deserve! Of course, the Universe has thoughts…

Who will you re-fall in love with today, Silver?

Whe-e-e-e-e-e…
The Universe
©www.tut.com 

P.S. Or you could start from scratch, Silver, and pretend it’s for the first time.

I’m a firm believer in favorite books and series and rereading said favorite books and series. There’s something warm and cozy about picking up a familiar book and falling into the story with characters that feel like old friends–or enemies. Depends on the book. LOL At the same time, there’s something of a trap in returning to the tried and true. There are no surprises, no new scenery, so to speak. There’s also no new friends.

What’s a reader to do? I need to find a book to read–old or new. The big U suggests I should re-fall in love. Or I could grab something new–starting from scratch. It wouldn’t be the first time I fell in love with a book. What’s your advice for reading slumps? And what are you reading?

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Wednesday Words: Deep Thoughts

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Silver James

When it comes time for Wednesday Words, I never know who is going to respond to the previous week’s Thursday Threads prompt. Writing that bit of flash fiction then appears here the following Wednesday, which I think y’all know but I need an intro. And it’s true. Unless I’m working on an active WIP, I don’t know who will show up to whisper–or yell–in my ear. Since I was working on getting GHOSTS & THE ANCIENT STONES set up to release in paperback, that may be why certain characters spoke up about this prompt: *”I could ask her thoughts.”* Hope you enjoy the random words…

****
Ariel’s gaze flitted between the two men sitting across from him. They remained poker faced. He exhaled, shrugging his lean shoulders. “I could ask her thoughts.”

Caleb exchanged a long look with Sinjen, who cleared his throat and replied. “I’m sure she will have some.”

The werewolf covered up his snorting laughter with a protracted cough. The vampire helpfully pounded his back while the perplexed Fae watched.

“Yes,” Sinjen agreed. “You could do that.”

Caleb, inhaling deeply to smother another round of laughter, nodded. “Indeed. We all know she has them. Thoughts.”

“And she is never shy about sharing them,” Sinjen added.

Ariel picked up his wine glass and swirled the deep burgundy liquid inside. He stared at it, contemplating. “I have little choice. The King has given me none.”

Grabbing his phone, Caleb scrolled through his contacts. “I’ll call and have her meet us here.”

Slender finger far stronger than they appeared shackled Caleb’s wrist. “No.” The forceful denial burst from between Ariel’s lips.

Caleb stared at the Fae until he loosened his fingers and removed his hand.

“If Oberon has taken away your choices, Ariel, there is no reason to postpone the inevitable.”

“That’s easy for you to say, Sinjen. You live with her.”

The vampire’s eyes narrowed. “There is nothing easy about her, my friend.” He glanced at Caleb. “Would you not agree?”

“Oh yeah. Totally.”

“My ears are burning.”

Three pairs of eyes cut to the woman standing next to the booth. Their guilt was palpable. Sade got right to the point. “Who needs killing?”
****

No, I have no clue. I mean, I know a little bit about what’s going on with Ari at this moment but I don’t have a clue what precipitated this scene. It will come to me eventually. I just don’t know when because I don’t know what the next project will be. Anyway, writers, you know the drill if you need some inspiration. Readers, I want your thoughts on what I should write next.

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Tuesday Tidbits: Snow Day

Posted on February 18, 2025 by Silver James

I know exactly how this cat felt! I opened the door for Jake this morning and he scrambled out barking all happy and stuff. I bundled up and trundled to the front door to open up and feed the ferals. Yes, I worry about them in this frigid weather but I can’t bring them in. If they were smart, they’d figure out the cat door in the garage like Pete did. There are blankets and beds out there. It stays consistently in the 40s/50s this time of year and we’ve been know to run a space heater when cats are in residence out there. They do have shelters on the porch where they can get nestled in a small space and use their body heat. They’ve also been fed well consistently so they aren’t struggling. Still I feel bad.

All the schools are virtual today. Smart! We don’t have to worry about our Kids being out and about on bad roads. And it’s waaay too cold to have an actual snow day where they could play in the snow. So…virtual school. Which is fun–not!–for them. Two teachers and a student, all on line. Good thing they have high-speed. LOL

I think I lied yesterday. Reminder to self: Go check and make sure you did ALL the books pages for RETRIBUTION. Also, track down ISBN numbers to doublecheck BETRAYAL.

Now, where was I in my musing? This is a wrap up in a blanket day and drink hot mocha coffee. Has this winter storm hit you yet?

I really don’t have much to say right now. While I’m doing “housekeeping”–of the writing variety, ie. marketing background stuff, website, etc.–I’m also turning over which project to work on next. I’d REALLY like to get four books out this year. Five would be awesomesauce. It’s Ariel’s turn in the Penumbra Papers. The Russians are pushing in the Mafia series. The Moonstruck Wolf standalone historical pops up every time my phone alarm goes off (Bottoms Up is my alarm tone–LOL). Not totally sure who’d get the next Nightrider or Hard Target book but they’re possibilities too. There’s also a “family saga” hanging out there with two books mostly done and one more to write–1st is a mostly historical and there are ghosts. Oh, and a dystopian short trilogy. Two done, one to go. Any thoughts?

On that note, I need more coffee and another blanket. Stay cozy out there, my friends!

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Monday, Monday, Monday

Posted on February 17, 2025 by Silver James

I wish the weekend had been an episode of “The Brady Bunch.” Sadly, it was more like the “Keystone Cops, Technology Version.” I will not bore you with all the details because when it came right down to push or shove, I shoved and shoved hard and got ‘er done! Go me. That said, as I’m typing this (late evening Sunday night), I am bleary/blurry-eyed, fuzzy-brained, lump. But there is news!

First, just to emphasize the whole techno-yuck going on, I KILLED the batteries in my mouse. Seriously. I was doing that much mousing and it wasn’t playin video games. I also forgot to put my cup in the coffee maker when I turned it on. I went to the little writer’s room and returned to hot, precious coffee spreading across the countertop. 😔😱

But stuff got done. LOTS of stuff. MOONSTRUCK: RETRIBUTION is up for preorder, releasing on March 1st. It will also be available in print. Yes, I got that done too! Not sure when the print version will be available. It has to clear some hurdles/quality control. I’d also not gotten GHOSTS & THE ANCIENT STONES available in print. It will be now–once it also clears the mandatory quality check. That “witch” has kept me up late, got me up early, and ready to shave my head in frustration. But I pulled the trigger on it by hitting the SUBMIT button at 8:03 Sunday night. I’ve still got to get MOONSTRUCK: BETRAYAL set up for print. I actually thought I had but it isn’t showing up in the ‘Zon. It will require some detective work, so that’s on my to-do list.

In other productive stuff, I’ve updated the website pages with RETRIBUTION’s links and did a couple of ad graphics, though not for RETRIBUTION. That’s on the list for this week, along with getting a newletter out. And I need to do a “button” on the site for “Coming Soon.” 🤦🏼‍♀️ I forgot until just now. See? Brain fuzz.

While the weekend was mostly work, there was some time for sports. Stormy had a soccer match Saturday. He played great but they ended up losing a fairly high-scoring match 7-6. They were playing a team a year older and a yearl more experience so no shame. In softball news, my OSU Cowgirls were at a tournament in Clearwater, FL. They’re gonna give me a heart attack. They had 2–TWO!–come-from-behind, walk-off homerun wins. In the bottom of the 7th!!! With TWO OUTS!! Gah! I had my eyes shut, fingers in my years, singing La-la-la-la so I wouldn’t jinx them. 🙄 Oh, they beat Texas A&M and Alabama doing it the hard way.

We got snow Saturday evening. Not enough to really stick and the sun coming out on Sunday pretty much melted what dusting was there even though the temperature never got above freezing. It’s supposed to get high-30s/low-40s today before the Arctic stuff hits tonight. I’ll be hitting Wallyworld this morning to stock up on what we need because I’mma not gonna get out when they’re talking a high of freakin’ NINE! 🥶🥶🥶

On that note, I’m toast. Literally. it’s 8:30 Sunday night and I haven’t had dinner, I can barely read what’s on the screen and my back is killing me. Oh, and my feet are freezing despite socks and sheepskin slippers. I hope y’all had a great weekend and are staying warm and cozy. *wanders off to find something to eat and get warm*

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Friday Sinema: All the Romance

Posted on February 14, 2025 by Silver James

❤ ❤ Happy Valentine’s Day! To me, there’s nothing more romantic than a sexy dance so I hope you’ll grab your favorite brew, put your feet up, and enjoy. Let me know if you agree with the picks. Personally, I think #5 should be #2 but I’m all over #1. Also, the question becomes, am I gonna watch “Dirty Dancing” or “The Mask of Zorro” to celebrate ❤ Day? Have a great weekend!

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