Tuesday Tidbits: It’s

Posted on January 21, 2025 by Silver James

It’s hard to work when you can only see shapes and colors with one eye and the other one is dilated so everything is blurry and I get weird overlays of purple and blue splotches from light sources. Still, I wanted to duck and to touch base and since I plan on sleeping in, y’all get this little short version. FYI, I really like this “button” for the Moonstruck Mafia series. Just sayin’.Anyway, today’s plan after the whole sleep-in thing because it’s still cold. Ugh. Not a fan. And yes none of those were actually complete sentences because I’m saving that for writing a transition scene and then more edits on RETRIBUTION. In the meantime, three quick things:

  1. The laser thing went fine. It took more time to drive to the surgery center, get signed in, and prepped than it did for the procedure. That lasted about 3 minutes. Lots of flashy lights in my right eye and all the gunk should be scraped away.
  2. Food recommendation because it IS Tuesday: PBJs FTW! They work for breakfast with coffee, lunch with fizzy lime water, dinner with any drink. My peanut butter of choice is crnuchy. My jelly is grape. I highly recommend spreading said PBJ on toasted Texas toast bread. Yummers.
  3. And finally, go buy one of my books. If you already have one or more of my books, go leave a review if you haven’t already. Talk about it on your social media. Work of mouth, peeps. It does wonders and I have new medical bills to pay in addition to the ones I’m still paying off from this time last year. Yes, this is me with hat in had doing a little begging. Here’s the link for my BOOK LIST.

There it is. Short and to the point. There will be words tomorrow. And thoughts on Thursday. Who knows what TGIF will bring. 😉 How’s your world? Do you have a list?

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National Monday

Posted on January 20, 2025 by Silver James

Today is a big day. It’s Inauguration Day. And it’s Martin Luther King Day. Some people are off. Some aren’t. Me? If you’re up early enough to read this, I’m probably at a medical center. Don’t worry. Other than the fact I had to be there at 6 a.m., which meant a 4:30 a.m. wake-up call and it’s cold enough to freeze the cohonies off a brass monkey, s’all good. At my appointment last Monday, the doc noticed some scarring and haziness on the lens implants from the surguries two years ago. He says it’s fairly normal. It’s a matter of little “scrubbing” with a laser. One eye today, the second eye next Monday. I fully intend to come home, curl up and watch the happenings in Washington. Yeah, I’m happy with things there. ‘Nuff said. If I get enough coffee into me, I might even work tomorrow. Or not. I might just veg and soak up all the political stuffs.

Speaking of work, I chugged along this weekend. It was cold but not quite as frigid as the weather gurus were predicting. Zero degree with the wind chill is a whole lot better than the -15 that was predicted. Anyway, I finished the edits on Part 2 of MOONSTRUCK: RETRIBUTION. That means I’m on the downhill side. I have the final part (MOONSHOT) and some short stories/snippets to add in. Instead of reading today, maybe I’ll look at pictures for a cover. We’ll see. Anyway, I’m mostly on track for that Valentine’s Day release.

Also in writing news, I’ve picked up a few soundtracks from other writers and some of the music is sticking with me. I’m getting ideas for the next Penumbra book–Ariel’s story. Currently, the title that’s sticking in my head is DESTINIES ARE A DIME A DOZEN. I’m not sure if that belongs to Ariel or to Nicos. Still, it’s a direction to take for maybe the next project. We’ll see.

Okay. I’ve talked about the WIP. I’ve talked about my health. I’ve talked about the weather. What’s left? Sports? Okay, my Kansas City Chiefs won. Yay. At the time of typing this and setting it up for release in the morning, I have no clue who they’ll play for the divisional championship. Anyway…

Okay. I need to get this scheduled so I can go make spaghetti for dinner. How’s your weather? Are you cooking anything good? What series should I write a next book in?

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Friday Sinema: Silence is Cool!

Posted on January 17, 2025 by Silver James

Okay. As a teen/YA, Simon and Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence” was pretty much an anthem. Then, much later, like 10 years ago, I heard Disturb’s version of the song. Oh holy moly, it was a revelation. Wowser! And no, this video is not that one. You can find it easy enough. What this video is…is very cool airplany things with that as the background music. This short reminded me of the traffic cop who was often featured on “Candid Camera.” Enjoy it on this last warmish day before the Siberian Surge hits the US and freezes our tushies off! I’ll be staying in and warm with lots of hot coffee. What will you be doing?

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Casting

Posted on January 16, 2025 by Silver James

Once again, the Universe hits the nail on the head when it comes to both real life and the imaginary lives that writers create to people the worlds they create. I have to admit, there’s a reason I enjoy–mostly–shopping at Wally World. There is always a variety of folks there–some are pleasant, some not. But all writers know we have to flip that coin–the good and the bad, the black and the white, the happy and the sad. Why? Because that’s life. And our stories should reflect life, even if our worlds–and the people in them–are fantastical. Characters make the story, and conversely, the story makes the characters. The Big U has a point here.

The world is filled with colorful characters, Silver, and many would be absolutely thrilled to play along in any drama you’d care to create—romantically, socially, financially, heroically, comically—any.

You just have to let me do the casting.

Absolutely thrilled,
The Universe
©www.tut.com

P.S. You decide what you want to create and how you want to feel, Silver, physically move in its direction, and I’ll “send in the clowns.”

True story. I auditioned for a musical one time long ago and far away and the song I sang? Yup.

Isn’t it rich? Aren’t we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground
You in mid-air
Send in the clowns

Isn’t it bliss, don’t you approve
One who keeps tearing around
One who can’t move, where are the clowns?
Send in the clowns

Just when I stopped opening doors
Finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours
Making my entrance again with my usual flair
Sure of my lines, no one is there

Don’t you love farce, my fault I fear
I thought that you’d want what I want, sorry my dear
But where are the clowns, there ought to be clowns
Quick send in the clowns

What a surprise, who could foresee?
I’ve come to feel about you, what you felt about me
Why only now when I see that you’ve drifted away
What a surprise, and what a cliche

Isn’t it rich, isn’t it queer
Losing my timing this late in my career
And where are the clowns
Quick send in the clowns, don’t bother they’re here. (Stephen Sondheim)

Oddly, I still remember the lyrics and tune 50+ years later and find them oddly apropos. Do the words resonate with you? And you’re welcome for the ear worm. 😁

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Wednesday Words: Natural Forces

Posted on January 15, 2025 by Silver James

Iffy grabbed her scissors last week asnd started dancing. She decided it was time to revisit our Russian Wolves in New York City when she saw the Thursday Threads prompt of *”He’d been a force of nature.”* Gosh, I had no idea that there was an impending power struggle in Brighton Beach. Now I do. And we all know when it comes to takeovers, the Wolves are always front and center. I wonder if I should come up with a “tag” for the Russian Wolves like I did for Boston. Boru’s Wolves has double meaning. Not sure I can do the same in NYC. Something to ponder. Anyway, here’s a totally random snippet based on the prompt.

****
People gathered quietly in the dark room. Heavy curtains draped the windows shuttering the sunshine. A faint nightlight cast a soft blue halo where it sat on the bedside table. The bed-ridden man’s breath rasped. He’d been a force of nature once but time and excessive living took their toll.

The doctor straightened and removed the stethoscope from his ears. “It won’t be long now.” His voice remained low and reverent. A loud wail followed his pronouncement.

The two men across the room offered indifference to the soon-to-be widow. She was the dying man’s fourth trophy wife and everyone present knew she was only there for the money.

“He’s stubborn,” the dark man murmured.

“Of course he is,” his companion agreed. “He won’t let go until there is nothing to cling to.”

“We must make plans, Mikhail.”

Misha’s lips curled briefly at Dmitri’s assertion. “You think?”

“Ah, you already have one.” Dima should not have been surprised.

That brought on a full smile. “What do *you* think?”

“I think, Misha, that no one should ever underestimate you.”

“Us, Dima. All of us. The others are moving their chess pieces and think to use us as pawns. It is time we show them we are the king, the bishops, and the knights.”

Dima nodded toward the busty blonde. “What about the queen?”

Lifting his chin, Misha indicated a man with avarice in his eyes. “Let the rooks deal with her. Before they realize we are even in the game—checkmate.”
****

FYI, I did garner an Honorable Mention for the above. Yay! I’m still not sure what project will follow MOONSTRUCK: RETRIBUTION–which, BTW, I’m enjoying revisiting the books invovled and getting reacquainted with the characters–but the Russian Wolves seem to be hanging out in the corner conspiring. We’ll see. In the meantime, writers, grab the prompt and free write if it will help. Readers, what force of nature is inhabiting your life at the moment?

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Tuesday Tidbits: Cajun Seasoning

Posted on January 14, 2025 by Silver James

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? In this case, which character came first? That would be Debra Jane “DJ” Collier, a Deputy US Marshal who first appeared in WOLF MOON. She was sent to east Texas in the aftermath of the Wolves little soiree there to rescue Danny and Sally and where Sean/Boomer met Annie. Then came ROGUE MOON telling Rudy and Isabelle’s story. That’s when Antoine came into being–a reason for Izzy not to freak out about Liam and Rudy. At the time, Antoine was meant to be a secondary character only. Except he’s Cajun. And a Wolf, albeit an almost feral and definitely a lone Wolf. And then when the ending to ROGUE reintroduce DJ, the seed of their story took root. And grew. Interestingly, I had pictures of both of them in my files before their characters came to life.

These two truly didn’t become three-dimensional until I started writing BLUE MOON. Not that they were flat in their introductory roles but their parts were small and just hinted at who they were. That was mainly be cause I had no clue who they really were. Being shy of people and civilization, Antoine had to be coaxed into revealing himself. DJ was a pistol–no pun intended–but had no real depth. She pretty much was her badge and that was it.

I’m not one of those writers who plots out the entire story before I start. I don’t have pages of notes on character development and outlines of this happens then that happens and it all goes down in this chapter. I walk into a new story knowing a little something about how my MCs (main characters) look and often have pictures for them. Usually, there’s something about a face that attracks my attention and I’ll grab the pic. Usually, the character wearing that face walks in, sits down over a cup of coffee and introduces themselves. Sometimes, I have a particular character in mind and I go searching for a photo that fits. In the cases of Antoine and DJ, it was the first then the second. Except neither of them wanted to visit. They dared me to find out who they really were. So I did. And in doing so, their story came to life.

The fun of doing a “conpendium” volume is that I get to reread and relive the stories and find out more about the characters so I can add to their personalities and the action. Antoine is still a wild thing and DJ is still driven to find justice, even if she treads that fine legal line in the sand. And she doesn’t mind at all if her colleagues (at the time) hummed the X-Files theme when she walked by. She knows the secret and they don’t.

So that’s my meanderings for this Tuesday. I hope you enjoyed this peek at what goes on inside my head at any given time during the process of creating stories I hope y’all will want to read. Thanks for being part of the pack. I’m back to work now that my eyes can actually see the computer screen again. What are y’all up to today?

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Monday the 13th

Posted on January 13, 2025 by Silver James

I meant to use this meme on New Year’s Day. I forgot. I obviously didn’t start drinking coffee early enough in the morning that day. However, since it speaks true, it’s appropriate every day. Am I right?

Also, if Friday the 13th is allegedly unlucky then what does that mean for Monday the 13th? Inquiring minds want to know.

Yes, I’m rambling. I’m also off for my six-month checkup with my eye surgeon. I’m getting the full treatment this morning–all the tests. Whoopee. Jake will have fun. Dr. K’s staff all love him. Also, LG is driving because I’ll have dilated eyes on the way home and Only has my Highlander. Her ‘Stang is feeling poorly.

In other news, I’ve started Part 2 of MOONSTRUCK: RETRIBUTION. I had a lot of fun rereading and adding to CHRISTMAS MOON (Part 1). I also managed to write the transition scent betweeen it athe next part in 250 words. See? All that practice with Thursday Threads is paying off. 😆 Anyway, I’m still shooting for the Valentine’s Day release. I really need to find a cover image and get it to Only for the cover design. Depending on how my eyes are doing later this afternoon, maybe I’ll check Deposit Photos. Not sure reading words will be possible so no editing.

I did something I don’t normally do. I rated one of my own books and wrote a review on Goodreads. Hey, I hadn’t really read CHRISTMAS MOON since I first wrote and published it in 2014. That’s a looong time. And I enjoyed the heck out of the book. So, there ya go. And yes. I gave myself 5 stars. I’m also feeling a bit nostalgic so I’m listening the Andre Norton’s Witch World series.

We got, for us, a lot of snow last Thursday and it didn’t really melt until Sunday. I stayed in. It was cold and damp and my knees hurt. It didn’t help that I’d banged them up in my Wednesday fall. Being old is bad enough. Being a klutz? Insult to injury and all that.

That’s about the sum total of my world. How’s your world adding up?

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Friday Sinema: Snow Dogs

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Silver James

If you are in this way of the winter storm sweeping across the USA, I hope this finds you inside all warm and snuggly. If you aren’t but wish you were, you can pretend you are. Here’s 5 minutes of dogs playing in the snow. My dog? Jake is all business. He goes out, heads to the gate to bark, announcing thaqt he is on duty and then returns to get his treat. He’s a good boy. 😉 Have a great weekend, no matter your weather.

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Thursday Thoughts…Uhm…

Posted on January 9, 2025 by Silver James

Yes. I’m late. And no, it isn’t because I forgot. Though I forget a lot of things. I mean, I do have ADWB (Attention Deficit Writer’s Brain–ooh look, a squirrel!) but that’s not what happened. A squirrel I mean.

Okay, time to ‘fess up. I was hijacked. By two bags of groceries and a piece of indoor/outdoor carpet.

Yesterday was grocery run day. LG normally helps with off-loading but he was ferrying a friend who doesn’t drive to a doctor’s appointment. I’d off-loaded the heavy stuff and was down to one medium-heavy refrigerator bag and one pantry bag that was light. Easy peasy, right? Not if you’re me. Nope. I hooked a toe of my fuzzy mukaluk-style boots in the edge of the mat going in the door. I went down. I hit my left knee–which seems to take all my falls(!) along with a glancing blow of my right, my left arm was jammed and then I face planted. I have a bruised cheek bone, a lump above my eyebrow, a sore nose (I was wearing my glasses) and a stiff neck. It took a while to get off the concrete. Jake helped (as he’s trained to do), along with the metal bakers rack that holds heavy stuff right by the door.

After resting, I got the groceries put up. I tried to work but the headache was having none of it so I went to bed. I considered staying there today, and did manage to sleep/doze until 7 a.m., but here I am. We’re supposed to have snow today. We’ll see.

On that note, I’m going to deal with email, try to maybe edit a chapter or two but if the left arm and shoulder continue to twinge and my glasses keep hurting my nose, I may just go back to bed and put the heating pad on it. That was my stupidity for the week. What dumb thing have you done lately? I don’t want to be alone in my “misery.” 🙄

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Wednesday Words: But Soft, What Light

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Silver James

We are starting off 2025 with totally new words. These words are so new they are completely random. I have no clue who the characters are. I have no idea what the situation is. With luck, maybe I’ll figure it out and these words will appear in a future book. Or maybe an incident will occur in a future book and I can revise these words to fit. Y’all know me. I hate to waste words. *koffs* *looks at word count on MOONSTRUCK MAFIA: BOSTON* *koffs* Yeah. Anyway. The fun news is, I won an honorable mention last week! And with no other fanfare, here’s the Thursday Threads prompt that got me the win: *The world softened.* And here’s where my free writing took me:

****
“Are you okay?”

“Apropos of what?”

“There you go again, using those big words.”

“Fine. In reference to what?”

“In reference to anything. It’s a simple question.”

Maybe for him it was. For her? Not so much. And she felt just ornery enough to argue the point. “How is it simple? For instance, am I okay with being stuck here with you? Am I okay that my life is falling apart? Am I okay that I’m broke? Am I okay that—”

He held up his hands in surrender and cut her off. “Okay, okay. I get it. You aren’t okay. Excuse me for asking. I’ll leave you alone now.”

Barely acknowledging his retreat, she listened to his footsteps fade away. Alone again. She might even prefer it. Oddly, there was comfort in the silence. A flicker on the other side of the window caught her attention. She watched as huge, fluffy snowflakes drifted from the sky like powder sugar shifted onto a chocolate cake by a meticulous decorator.

She rubbed her forehead, wishing the headache would recede. Stress. Once, she’d been carefree and confident. Now? Her world was hard, hurtful, with sharp corners.

Sensing the presence behind her, she didn’t move from the window. Arms circled her waist. “Sorry I’m late, babe. I couldn’t get away when your brother called.”

Leaning against him, with his warmth sinking into her very bones, the world softened. And made sense now that he was there.

“Yeah,” she whispered, now knowing the answer to her brother’s earlier question. “I’m okay.” And she would be as long as this man held her in his arms.
****

There it is. Readers, any ideas of who this might be? Writers, feel free to take the prompt to jumpstart your own creativity. Happy Hump Day!

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