Tuesday Treats & Titles: Faerie Bread

Posted on September 10, 2024 by Silver James

Long story. I rediscovered a musician that I liked very much years ago. Like at the beginning of my publishing career years ago. I liked him so much, in fact, that he became the inspiration for a character. I was working on a trilogy that eventaully became a trilogy with a novella. The first book I sold to a published was FAERIE FATE, about an older woman who is tossed waaaay back in time and instead of being old, she’s young again. The basis for the plot was not only time travel but reincarnation, which became the underlying theme for the rest of the books. I fell down a LOT of rabbit holes researching Irish history and Celtic myths while writing that series. One of the characters is Abhean, the Harper to the Tuatha de Danann. He is rather villianous but he got his own story in FAERIE FAITH, which is part of an anthology series, The Twelve Brides of Christmas. Anyway, I came across a David Garrett video over the weekend and thought to myself, “Self! You have a title to peddle for Tuesday Treats and Titles! Also, you have a video for Friday the 13th. Yippee!” And here’s the recipe to go with Abhean’s book.

Faerie Cloud Bread

Prep Time: 20 mins.
Cook TIme: 30 mins.
Total Time: 50 mins.
Yield: 6-8 pieces

Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, very soft
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • Sanding sugar (large grained sugar) or sugar sprinkles to go on top

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar together in a bowl until stiff peaks form.

  3. Mix egg yolks, cream cheese, and sugar together in a separate bowl using a wooden spoon and then mixing with a hand-held egg beater until mixture is very smooth and has no visible cream cheese. Gently fold egg whites into cream cheese mixture, taking care not to deflate the egg whites.

  4. Carefully scoop mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming 5 to 6 “buns”.

  5. Bake in the preheated oven until cloud bread is lightly browned, about 30 minutes. You need to watch it closely because no two ovens are alike.

  6. Remove from the pans and cool on a rack or cutting board.

TIPS:

1 – While warm they are crumbly and similar to baked meringue. Don’t let this fool you! Once completely cool, seal them in a ziplock storage baggie or a Tupperware container overnight. They will totally change their consistency, to something much more like bread – a softer texture that is nice and chewy. If you do not like softer, chewy bread, then eat them as they are, nice and crisp.

2 – This stuff is basically carb free. If you’d rather have savory, leave out the sugar and add spice/flavoring of your choice, like garlic, rosemary, etc. You can use two “slices” to make a sandwich. Me? I have a sweet tooth so I’m all about the sugar.

So you know the background. FAERIE REIGN, which is the trilogy +1’s title contains FAERIE FATE, FAERIE FIRE, FAERIE FOOL, and Abhean’s book, FAERIE FAITH. I should mention that Mannanan Mac Lir, the fae king of Tir Nan Og (Land of the Ever Young) banishes Abhean to the human realm. If you’d like to know more or want to grab a copy, click on any of the titles or either of the pics. The link will take you to another page on my website which is the series page and you can find buy links and blurbs. These are still some of my favorite stories.

Our question for the day: Sweet or savory?

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Spicy Monday

Posted on September 9, 2024 by Silver James

Seriously? Can they just wait until…like…October? And no offense but pumpkin belongs in pies and bread. Not coffee. (Sez the one who drinks mocha frappucinos and/or sweet cafe au lait. *snort* I’m kidding. Y’all go enjoy your pumpkin spice everything. I’ll wait… 😉

So, on to the mostly unexciting life of me. More progess made last week and this weekend on the book. I’m pushing 140K words and a scene I wrote yesterday has me double-thinking but I’ll let my beta decide. Anyway, things are picking up speed. No promises but maybe by week’s end… Provided I don’t get distracted.

In other news, it was First Saturday and we had a successful siren test along with lunch with The Kids at their favorite burger place. I’ll admit, their “Black & Bleu” is pretty tasty–Black Angus beef with bleu cheese, red onions, lettuce on a homemade bun. I get the slider size which is just about right. The OSU game was on and it was a nailbiter! My Cowboys ended up wininng in double overtime. There’s a reason we call them the Cardiac Cowboys. The Kids were treated to suite tickets to the OU game. Baseball Boy is an OU fan. We are too, except when the Sooners play the Cowboys. I’m still irked at the Sooners, though, since they cut and ran for the SEC. Anyway, they had a tough time and squeaked out a 16-12 score. Sunday afternoon was soccer with Stormy. His team won 5-2 so yippee! I still don’t understand the sport and at this point, I’m not sure I care. LOL I go to watch Stormy play.

It is starting to feel a little like fall around here. Lows are actually cool so early mornings are nice–like sitting out on the patio sipping morning coffee nice. Hights are only mid-80s and that’s tolerable. I am sooo ready even though this summer wasn’t all that bad. We’ve had much worse around these parts.

In reading news, I upped my goal in the Goodreads challenge from 50 to 70. I was 12 books ahead now I’m like 2 books behind but that’s okay. Most of what I’ve listened to lately is new versions of old favorites, ie. multi-cast audio. Good stuff. One new book is THE SINNER, the newest release in Dannika Dark’s Black Arrowhead series. I’m currently listening to JD Robb’s PASSION IN DEATH to remind of where things are for the new release PASSIONS IN DEATH. I’ll be on it probably tomorrow.

I’m totally irked at Disney and Direct TV/ATT. They’re arguing over fees so we’re missing about 15 channels. Which we are paying for but can’t watch because DT/ATT have blacked them out. Or Disney has. I’m not sure. I hope they work it out but I worry how much our bill will go up. I’m about to the point to compare costs of several of the streaming networks combined to see if that would cost more or less. It’d be a pain because the streams don’t like my and the TV in my office isn’t smart. Yeah, yeah, first world problems.

So, that’s pretty much my life. Laundry got done over the weekend so the only real chore left this week is the grocery run. Depending on how late LG sleeps in, I may just grab Jake and the two of us will have an adventure at Walmart. We’ll see. Right now, all my thoughts are contained in this first cup of coffee. And yes, it is just plain ol’ cafe au lait with a big spoonful of stevia. What’s up in your world?

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Friday Sinema: It Happens…

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Silver James

So, I’ve never actually heard of this artist before but then again, I haven’t exatly been staying on top of music these days. Long story shore, I came across his name (Granger is an AWESOME name!), looked him up, and listened to this song. Yeah, it pretty much happens like this for all my Wolves. 😉 Have a great weekend!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Choices

Posted on September 5, 2024 by Silver James

Someone asked me once how I decided on my next project. Back when I had contracts to fulfill, it was pretty simple. I went to work on the book with the next closest deadline. Now, it’s a different story. Oh, I make plans. I have several series and in an ideal world, I’d put out at least one book a year in each series. That hasn’t been the case lately (last year or so) due to a variety of reasons. But let’s say that is the plan I’m working under. Which book is next? Here’s the Universe’s thoughts on the subject:

First, choose from the options that thrill you.

Then, choose the ones that will also teach you.

And from these, Silver, choose the scariest.

Butterflies in your tummy are good,
The Universe
©www.tut.com 

P.S. That’s how I got Earth rolling, Silver.

Yup. That pretty much sums it up. I’m thrilled to tell stories and some are more thrilling than others. I also learn something with each book I write so I hope that means I’m actually getting better with age, as it were. And last, it’s the scary books that seem to ignite the fires of inspiration–if they don’t freeze you in your tracks first. Sometimes, ya gotta just throw caution to the wind, step out of your comfort zone and tackle the scary stuff. I would also add, I work on the one with the noisiest characters. Writers live with voices in our heads. We can ignore the quiet ones but the ones who shout and jump up and down? They’re just irritating and the only way to get them to calm down is to give them coffee and a chance to tell their story. At least in my world. Writers, how to you pick? Readers, would you consider this advice when picking your next read?

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Wednesday Words: No Problem, Oscifer

Posted on September 4, 2024 by Silver James

Wednesday is rolling around once again. No Thursday Threads for me last week because I was the judge. That said, I do have “new” words. I actually wrote them some time ago so technically, they are old words. LOL Anyway, the prompt for this snippet is: **”What is the problem?”** If you want to try your hand with this week’s prompt, it’s: ** I don’t think this scene needs an explanation, and in the book, it’s a whole lot longer. 😁

****
Kathleen didn’t want to open the door. After catching a breaking news alert on the morning show, she refused to answer either phone despite screening calls and ignoring voice mails. Why couldn’t they leave her alone? The imperious knock rattled the front windows. She cracked the door and peered out at the two police officers standing on her porch. She didn’t open it any wider.

“What is the problem, officer?”

The one who’d knocked glowered. “You need to come with us, Mrs. Gallagher.”
Instinct urged her to slam the door and lock it but she was through hiding. “Why?”

“We’ve made an arrest in Tommy’s murder. There’s a press conference.”

“My husband’s dead and buried. The department doesn’t need me on display.” Yes, she did sound bitter. She almost smiled.

He shrugged. “The powers that be say otherwise.” He pushed against the door and she backed up. He looked her up and down. She wore jeans and a soft sweater, her feet shoved into sherpa-lined moccasins. “You need to change clothes.”

Her newly-rediscovered independence warred with her inner coward. She hated to cave in to their demands. Trouble was, they’d continue to hound her until she complied. Maybe this time, the smart thing was the path of least resistance. Maybe this time, with an arrest, they’d finally be done with using her.

Two hours later, she wore widow black and a stony face. When it was her turn, she uttered four words. “Thank you for coming.”

Then she walked out.
****

I do love Kathleen’s character. She goes through a lot but then she rediscovers herself with the help of Puck and Devlin. And some new friends. The chapter I worked on Monday has her fitting in with the other mates, though she’s a bit older, as is Maura. The others are in their 20s but when you’re mated to a Wolf, there’s a sisterhood and trust me, this sisterhood is strong! Fun times. Still haven’t hit The End but I’m so dang close I can almost taste it. Maybe I should add a Halloween party so it makes since for an October release… Naw. I’m just ready to get this puppy out there. I’m back to work. What are you back to?

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: Sharing

Posted on September 3, 2024 by Silver James

Y’all…I got nuttin’. All my brain power is pouring into finishing the dang book. Trying to find/decide on a recipe and match it to a book or character is beyond me at the moment. I am managing to listen to a book while I’m doing other stuff like cooking or getting ready for bed or chores. So, that’s the treats and titles today. I’m going to share a new treat I discovered and the title of my current audio book listen. Y’all do the same! What yummy delight have you discovered or enjoyed lately? And what book are you reading/listen to?

My treat? New favorite ice cream: Cappucino Chunky Chocolate. Yes, I added the link so you could see the yumminess. Braum’s is a local company but if you have one, go try this ice cream.

And my current listen? MAGIC RISES [Graphice Audio Adaptation] by Ilona Andrews. Yes, this is a favorite UF/ParaRom series (Kate Daniels) and I thoroughly enjoy the full-cast versions.

Okay, y’all. What’cha got?

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Labor Day Monday

Posted on September 2, 2024 by Silver James

Happy Labor Day! At least here in the States. In other places this is just the first Monday in the month. If you have the day off, enjoy! If you have to work, may the idiots stay home so you don’t have to deal with them.

This is mostly a working day for me but then, as a writer, most days are. Some days are more productive than others. Sadly, I am not going to hit my deadline of typing The End by bedtime tonight. Every time I think I’m getting close, the dang story keeps growing, like out-of-control sour dough starter. I’m hoping that isn’t a bad thing and that this will be an interesting, tightly written book rather than just a rambling story about these Irish mobsters up in South Boston and the women they fall in love with and the enmies they make along the way. Here’s hoping… 🤞🏼

College football started this past weekend. My Cowboys, of the real OSU, won their first game. OU won too. LG and I had to deal with the smart TVs being smarter than us because one of the apps had an update or something so by the time we got to ESPN+, OSU was already up 10-0.

It seems I’ve been on a bit of a reading/listening splurge. I’ve almost reached my downgraded Goodreads challenge. That means I’ll need to upgrade it. I’ve enjoyed THE LOST STORY by Meg Shaffer. I also did a few books by LKH in her Anita Blake series. I remember now why I walked away from that one but it was a bit of a nostalgia thing. I also discovered that Patricia Briggs’s MOON CALLED (Mercy Thompson #1) was available in the Graphic Audio version with a full cast. It was fun. The next book is coming soon so I hope the whole series gets the GA treatment. I’m currently listenting to the GA version of Ilona Andrews’ MAGIC RISES. All good stuff.

Yesterday, the James Gang gathered for a DIY ice cream sundae social to celebrate some anniversaries and birthdays and new jobs because due to circumstances and on account of because, we hadn’t celebrated such in a while. It was fun to just sit and visit and, if not actually solving the world’s problems, to debate them. There was also Cherry Cream and Cappucino Chocolate Chunk ice creams with various toppings and cherries to go on top.

And that is my roundup for today. I’m off to work, after another cup of coffee, and then maybe a nap. Which is unlikely, but I can dream. What’s on your agenda?

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Friday Sinama: Punctuation

Posted on August 30, 2024 by Silver James

Since I’m older than dirt, I remember watching Victor Borge on the Ed Sullivan Show. Among other variety shows of the Sixties and Seventies. The man was an accomplished pianist and a brilliant comedian. This is one of my favorite routines and it’s even funnier now because I write romance. Take five minutes to sit back and enjoy. I’d say take the time with your favorite beverage, but I wouldn’t want you choking or spilling. Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Travel

Posted on August 29, 2024 by Silver James

My deadline is looming. It is self-imposed but I’ve reset the timeline for getting this puppy out into the world–after it’s had a bath, grooming, nail trim, all it’s shots and obedience training, of course. (Okay, I’ll admit that I’m actually writing this on National Dog Day, so throw me a bone…) Where was I? Oh, yeah. Deadlines. The bane of a writer’s existence. Topped on the bad list only by writer’s block. So why, a non-writer might ask, do we do it? Well…because we can’t not. Our heads are so stuffed with stuff that we have to yank it out and we do that by making those thoughts and ideas into words and those words into sentences. Sentences into paragraphs, paragraphs into chapters and chapters into books. It’s a process. If we are very lucky, and I think most of consider ourselves so, we write for the sheer joy of writing because let me tell ya, there ain’t a whole of profit in this line of work unless you are A Name™. I’m not but I still have a sense of accomplish and yes, joy, whenever a new book is released into the wild. As usual, the Universe hit close to home with this week’s missive:

Probably, not necessarily, Silver, but probably, the shortest distance between here and there—between today and the life of your wildest dreams—runs through joy.

As much of it as you can possibly stir up.

But that’s only if you’re in a hurry.

Zip, zap, zoom –   The Universe ©www.tut.com 

P.S. Now, if you really want to take your time, Silver, there’s always boredom, impatience, and decaf.

And there you have it. That’s pretty much the writer’s life in a nutshell. Feast or famine. Excitement or bordom. Joy or despair. And don’t ever. EVER suggest decaf! That’s just…rude. 😉 Pardon me while I go get another cuppa joe. What’s bringin you joy these days?

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Wednesday Words: End of the World

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Silver James

Hump Day is here and that means a new snippet to share! Yay! I love new words. Up to a point. After that point, the only new words I want to type are “The End.” I am happy to report that I got another honorable mention last week. And the judge’s words were so nice, I’ve quoted her below so keep reading. The prompt for Thursday Threads was one I had to give a lot of thought to, and as it turned out, it fit into the scene I’d planned to work on later but discovered it fit in to the story “right there.” So I worte it. The prompt: **“We didn’t have to wait for the end of the world.”** Even though Maura thought it might take that in the long run… *bwahaha*

****
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be here. I’ll go.” She once thought the world would come to an end before she’d willingly come to this man.

“You could stay.”

Maura’s head jerked, an unconscious reaction. She stared at Ronan. He was such a…man. What did the romance novels call a male like him? Alpha. Yes. He was totally that. In control of his world. But the timbre of his voice, the fleeting plea in his eyes rocked her to her core. He sounded almost…unsure, a first since their initial encounter.

“I could.”

It wasn’t a question, but not an answer either. Ronan fought his wolf. The damn thing wanted this woman with a ferocity that almost doubled him over. He was well and truly moonstruck. And totally screwed.

“Will you? I’m guessing you haven’t eaten. I’ll order in some dinner. We’ll eat. Talk.”

“That’s all?”

She sounded so wistful and her scent troubled him. White lilies and damp earth. Graveyard smells. His fiery prosecutor was feeling melancholy tonight…and vulnerable. He would be patient.

“That’s all.”

She offered a tentative smile. Was she relieved or… disappointed? He tasted the air—and still didn’t know as her personal scent of cherry blossoms and autumn bonfires settled on his tongue making him hungry to taste her.

“At least we didn’t have to wait for the end of the world,” she murmured.

“What’s that?”

“Nothing. Just a thought about you and me. Here. Like this.”

“Ah. Beginnings rather than endings.” Ronan smiled.
****

This is what the judge, Thia, said:

Full disclosure: I chose this story because I could absolutely find this exchange in a book I am reading for pleasure on the daily. Also, I liked that this was the only story that wasn’t ACTUALLY about the end of the world but incorporated the prompt. If this is part of a WIP, I need to know when it releases, because it should be on my TBR pile.

Her comment made my whole day–if not my week. There are times, especially toward the end of a WIP when writers begin to question not only their sanity but their abilities. This was the nudge I needed to know I’m still on the right track, I’m still telling a good story, and readers will enjoy the book. 🤞🏼 Writers, you know the drill. Readers, do you agree with Thia? (Psst. I figure if you’re still hanging around here, that the answer is yes and this book will appear on your TBR pile once it releases.)

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