Middle Monday Mash-up

Posted on August 12, 2024 by Silver James

Unhhh. I just need to reach a little bit further…almost have it…ahhhh. Coffee!

So it’s Monday, and it’s not quite the middle of the month but it’s close. There are two more Mondays before we hit September and the first Monday in September is a holiday so that’s like a bonus, right?

My life is so exciting. Not! There was a week and a weekend but I still don’t have much to talk about. I get up. I feed cats. I make coffee. I drink a protein shake. I make my first cup of coffee. I sit at the computer and try to figure out what the heck I’m doing while waiting for the caffeine to kick in. Sadly, that’s seven days a week. Sadly, I’m not even breaking up things with Starbucks runs. One, it’s too hot to get out. Two, until I start selling more than one book a month at the ‘Zon, no frappucinos for me! Luckily, I still have the fixings for homemade chocolate sodas for when I get the urge for something frosty and creamy.

Speaking of books, I’m up to 113K with the Boston Wolves. That’s twice the word count I normall work with. Ugh. But, that’s what the story wants. At this raite, with what’s left to be written, I’ll be lucky if the count comes in under 120K. *sigh* It progress. I worked on chapter 36 yesterday. I kept thinking that I’d written a scene about something that needed to be and I couldn’t find it and then I thought I did but I didn’t. I must have jotted an idea down somewhere and thought I wrote the scene out. Or I just dreamed the whole thing. I have no clue. Hopefully, if I did write a scene and lost it along the way, then write a new scene about the same thing, I or my beta readers will find it. Ah, the trials and tribulations of being a writer. Anyway, progress was made during the week and weekend, despite a few mental health down days along the way.

I finished off my relisten of the Trinity portion of Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changling series with PRIMAL MIRROR. Remi and Auden. *deep feminine sigh* I swear Nalini can think in HUGE plot arcs. PM is a good one. Then I dropped in on my favorite Eeyore-jammies-wearing black volhv by listening to Ilona Andrews’ SANCTUARY, set in their Kate Daniels world. And no, I’m not being politically correct by using the “they” pronoun. Ilona Andrews is actually Ilona AND Gordon Andrews, husband and wife writing team. It was a fun “Christmas in the summer” treat. I’m currently listening to Marjorie M. Lie’s TIGER EYE, the first book in her Dirk & Steele series. I keep hearing about the D&S books so I thought I’d give it a try because free read off Hoopla. (Free to me. The author gets a royalty. Hoopla is a subscription service but also works with libraries who pay the freight. Free library, free read. Yay! I ❤ my library system.)

We actually had rain a couple of times this past week. The storm dragons were up playing REALLY early Sunday morning. And they must have been playing in the pool because we got dumped on–at least 4.5″ here at the house. That’s all good. We needed the rain! Of course, we didn’t exactly need it in the space of a few hours. Still, it was nice to sit, sip coffee and listen to the rain in between the thunder boomers.

In family news, Stormy starts the FIFTH GRADE this Wednesday. *muppet flail* Gah. I’m gettin’ so frickin’ old! In other news, his mom is going back to work. That’s a long story but she’s been off a little over a year. She’s a provisional ELA SPED teacher at one of the middle schools in a metro-area school district. This all happened late last week so YAY! She’s prepping her room today and tomorrow with students arriving in the classroom on Wednesday. She has a masters in musuem studies but did a lot of substitute teaching this past spring at Baseball Boy’s high school. She decided she liked the classroom (especially since museum jobs aren’t available at the moment) and had started the process to get certified. Anway, she’s excited. We’re excited for her. Yay. If I still had pompoms, I’d go shake them.

That’s pretty much the sum total of my life at the moment. Why yes, I AM living vicariously through my characters (and my kid! 😉), why do you ask? LOL How’s life with y’all? Have a great week all! Hopefully, I can figure out something to post for tomorrow. Later, taters!

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Friday Free For All–August Edition

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Silver James

TGIF! I have had thoughts this week. And seen things. Many things. This is what happens when I fall down rabbit holes on social media and on the internet. Some things left me agog. Some made me laugh while rolling my eyes. Today’s list is pretty short. I had stuffs to do. Words to write. Cats to pet. Dog to sit in the yard with. Squirrels to almost feed out of my hand. Anyway…

Did you know that the lowest open string on a violin is the G string. Uhm… 😲

Take a minute–or two–and check out this series of Farm Cat Olympics by just CLICKING HERE. It’ll zip you over to one of the ICanHazCheezburger sites.

Learned a new term: Code-shifting. What is it? Code-switching is changing your style, dress, language or behavior to fit in different contexts or groups. Not that I would accuse a certain candidate of doing this but her fake southern accent irritated the snot outta me. I’m southern born and bred and come by my accent naturally, thank you very much. Another term comes to mind: pandering. But y’all probably know what that means…

My mind is like my browser–twenty tabs are open, eight of them are frozen, six of them say “Files Not Found,” and I have no idea where the music is coming from…but at least there’s music. 🤪

Finally, I leave you with this last bad writerly pun because it made me laugh.

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Advice

Posted on August 8, 2024 by Silver James

Today’s thoughts are short and to the point. The Universe dropped this into my inbox just the other day. It’s one of those double entendre messages, one that resonates to both sides of my brain–the writer side and the life-in-reality side. And it sums it all up short and simple…

This is why I write romance.

Whatever you have to say, Silver, say it with love.

Love you,
  The Universe
©www.tut.com 

P.S. And whatever you have to hear, Silver, hear it with love. Boom!

Why yes, that was a mic drop by the Universe, why do you ask?

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Wednesday Words: Do It

Posted on August 7, 2024 by Silver James

It’s Wednesday! And I need to add an addendum to last week’s WednesdayWords. I won the Thursday Threads that previous week. And…*blows trumpets*…I won this past week too! Yippee ki yay!.The prompt for this week’s words is: *You know what to do.* As the snippet itself points out, this scene is a few days after the previous WW scene. Do I have any clue what happens in between? Nope. I haven’t gotten to this part yet. And yes, my brain is a very scary place to be sometimes. Anyway, this is a solo scene with just Maura.

****
Maura untwisted and twisted the cap of her favorite Mont Blanc—the one her college mentor had gifted her upon passing the bar. The fountain pen held no ink because it had long ago become her touchstone when thinking. The shivery snick of silver on wood created a soothing backdrop to the chaos her mind sometimes became.

You know what to do. Brian’s final words still echoed in her brain days later. Ronan hadn’t said a word in response to Brian’s parting words. What plans had the two men made before she appeared and…well…surrendered. She could not face this battle alone. She’d thought the instructions were meant for Ronan. Now she wondered. Were they meant for her?

The part of her that firmly believed in law and order stirred. She’d literally made a deal with the devil by going to the head of Boston’s Irish mob for assistance. She was an assistant district attorney. And she was, again literally, in bed with the enemy since she’d fallen in love with Ronan O’Connor, Brian Boru’s top lieutenant.

Maura had learned some things along the way. Boru’s Wolves were honorable despite a flexible legal line in the sand. It was her own boss, the district attorney, who had obliterated that line. Alex covered himself in the stench of corruption. And last she’d learned that the Wolves were, again literally, wolves. Shapeshifters.

“You know what to do.” She spoke the words aloud, and did know. “Because sometimes, Justice carries a sword.”
****

There it is. And you know what to do…Writers, free write! Readers, I promise I’m getting closer. I made great strides last month and I’m still hyped to get this book finished and into your most patient of hands! (Psst. Did you see what I did there? 😉) I will admit that I know what happens after this so that’s a good thing. And while these snippets might be minor spoilers, I think I’m building in enough twists and turns that what a reader is pretty sure is going to happen doesn’t actually…happen. Or does it? shifty-eyes-ani2faster

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Tuesday Time Off

Posted on August 6, 2024 by Silver James

This time forty-one years ago, I was out in my parents backyard wiping the dew off the rows of chairs set in rows before this gazebo that my mother contracted because we needed a “focal point” in their very lovely backyard for my wedding ceremony. She sold the gazebo to one of the neighbors down the street after the wedding. It was a lovely morning, though warm. My husband to be, my dad, my brother, my future male in-laws (brother & dad) and LG’s best friend all looked very handsome in their formal morning coats and trousers. We got married in the morning for two reasons–it was outdoors in Oklahoma in August and my dad always wanted to wear a morning coat.

My wedding dress was a size 3 that was altered to be smaller. I had a 22 inch waist back then. For years after, I said I’d never fit in that dress again. Guess what? If the dress still existed*, I’d fit in it now. Who knew?!?! 😲

Anyway, I’m taking the day off. LG is taking me out to dinner–maybe Olive Garden because he has a gift card (and I–like my mothr–am cheap!) Alternative is a local Mexican restaurant that opened right before I got sick but we’ve never tried. We’ll see if we’re feeling Mediterranean or south of the border.

My advice to anyone looking for love, thinking about getting married? Marry your best friend. And remember to laugh. Happy Anniversary, Lawyer Guy! I’d do it all over again with you.

Happy Tuesday.

*My mother put the dress into storage at a local cleaners and at some point, it just…disappeared. I still have the hat though.

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Hot August Monday

Posted on August 5, 2024 by Silver James

Why yes, I am a fan of Neil Diamond, why do you ask?

It’s Monday. It’s August. It’s hot. But the days are getting shorter and Fall can’t be too far away. Right? I like Fall. It’s my favorite.

So, there was a week and a weekend. I finished off JuLoWriMo and started Labor Day Countdown. But no pressure. Beyond writing, my most productive effort was sitting down with LG to plan out some home-cooked dinners. He made the grocery list and let me tell you, the man is a general planning a battle when it comes plotting out his grocery shopping skirmishes. And no, I didn’t go. Maybe next week. Mainly, it was because it was hot out when he went and I would have wanted to take Jake because he loves going.

We had a traditional First Saturday–siren test followed by lunch with The Kids. We had burgers at one of their favorite places that isn’t far from their house and on our way home from the storm siren site we cover. The restaurant had the Olympics on all their TV screens. We got to watch the USA take gold and silver in the shot put. Yay! Only was a thrower in middle school and college–shot put, discus, and javelin (in college–no javelin in MS or HS around here. No clue why.) Food was good but there were a few kitchen issues and some promotional stuff. It all got worked out.

In reading/listening updates, I should be starting the newest Nalini Singh Psy-Changeling/Trinity series title today. For those of you unfamiliar, there are like 16 books in the original Psy-Changeling serie. The newest release is #8 in the Trinity series, which is a continuation of the series but with a different plot arc and focus. I did a marathon listen to the 7 Trinity books plus one book from the original series because the hero of this newest release is a secondary character in that book. In other book news, my sister author B.E. Sanderson has put her SCIU (Serial Crimes Investigations Unit) thriller series on special sale at Amazon.  Dying Embers will be free.  Fertile Ground and Early Grave are be 99c (US and UK only). If taut criminal investigation novels are your catnip, go grap these!

Not much else going on around here. Tomorrow is #41 for LG and me. I’ve been married to him 11 years longer than I lived before we got married. No wonder I feel old! 😉 Time for another cup of coffee because it’s Monday and I need it. What’s going on in your neck of the world?

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Friday Sinema: Because…Smol Criminals

Posted on August 2, 2024 by Silver James

The Pallas Cats are back. We all need a smile and I’m happy to share what made me smile this week. Have a great weekend!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Stillness

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Silver James

I never considered myself a morning person. Hated mornings. Mainly because I was a night owl. Around about 10 pm I’d get my second wind and I’d be up until the wee hours. When you don’t work out in the real world, you can get away with this. Or if you’re a young’un–like high school or college. At some point, that all changed. If I sleep much beyond 6 am, I’m probably sick. And I’m barely keeping my eyes open for the 10 o’clock news. I’ve come to appreciate early mornings now, since I’m usually the only one stirring. I have my coffee. If the weather is cool, I’ve been known to take a few moments outside in the backyard sipping the elixir of life and listening to the world come awake around me. And it’s in that stillness that I start to understand this message from the Universe…

Be still, Silver.

Stop thinking.

Feel.

Visualize.

Take action.

Repeat.

Yours,
The Universe
©www.tut.com

P.S. Did you catch the double entendre, Silver? “Yours” as in do these things and that which you want is yours. And as in I’m yours. We’ve still got “it.”

This is how I–and I suspect many others–write. Oh, the actual process is far more detailed. You know, that whole plotter/pantser/puzzler conundrum. But the underlying structure of what we do is outlined above. We still. We stop thinking. We feel. We vizualize. We take action. And repeat. Scene after scene. Book after book. I have a feeling that this will work for everyone, no matter what they’re involved in, be it the creative arts, business, athletics…life. So, take a moment today to just be still. Open up to the world and let it wash over you. Deep breath now. And how do you feel? Me? I’m feeling it’s time for a second cup of coffee and then I’m ready to take on the WIP.

JuLoWriMo is officially over. I didn’t finish the book but I’m way closer. I did something about the “business” of writing every day but one. I’ve hit 112+K words and added 14 solid and completed chapters. That’s nothing to sneeze at considering I didn’t do a thing for 6 months. Now it’s August and time to finish off this tale, get it edited, formatted, and published. Who’s ready for a new book? ” 🙋🏼‍♀️

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Wednesday Words: Ideally Speaking

Posted on July 31, 2024 by Silver James

The wheels on the week go round and round… Here it is Wednesday once more. I sweare time is racing but according to Google, the Earth has not sped up. The good news is, today’s snippet won last week’s Thursday Threads flash fiction challenge. It also got me 250 new words on the WIP. The prompt is: **“I’ll admit, it’s not ideal.”** This little scene comes sort of in the middle of what’s left to write before The End. I think. And yes there’s stuff that happens before the opening line though I haven’t gotten there yet. By the time I do, I’ll have it figured out. Hopefully. shiftyeyes

****
“I’ll admit, it’s not ideal.” Maura scrubbed at her forehead with the heel of her hand. She was so damn tired. Her mind blanked for a moment. How long had it been since she’d slept? Far too long.

“I see no other solution.”

She studied the gray haired man on the other side of the desk. She’d heard stories about Brian “Boru” O’Hara. He was handsome in a hewned way. Usually, the word rough was used with that word. She wondered how many people knew that hewned actually meant rough. Her brain skipped a beat. Wow. She desperately needed a nap but these were dangerous times and she was negotiating with a dangerous opponent. Except he wasn’t exactly. Life was strange now. Allies were not to be trusted and enemies were now friends with shared goals.

“Ms. Brannigan?”

Maura glanced up. She’d drifted again. “I apologize, Mr. O’Hara.”

“For what? You’re drivin’ on fumes, girl. I’ll have a room made up for you.”

“No need for that, Brian.”

She didn’t turn around. She knew exactly who stood in the doorway. Her heart started to gallop when he stopped behind her chair. Maura almost groaned when one hands settled on her neck and his magic fingers began to knead her muscles. Her eyes drifted shut as the men’s voices floated around her.

“Take her home, boyo. We need her at full capacity when it all goes down.”

“Aye. We do. Are you sure about this?

“I am, Ronan. You know what to do.”
****

Anybody wanna guess what’s going to happen next? Let me know because I don’t have a clue! 😜 Happy Hump Day!

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: PBJ & Tuna

Posted on July 30, 2024 by Silver James

Not together, mind you. Because that would be just…weird. But it is summer and it’s hot outside which means the idea of heating up the kitchen isn’t high on my priority list. Of course, at the moment, neither is much heavy duty cooking. I made patty melts one night last week. Butter grilled Texas toast, cheese, grilled onions and hamburger patties. Yummers! This week, it’s really hot so even less incentive to heat up the kitchen. For lunch yesterday, I made a toasted crunchy peanut butter and jelly sandwich. LG fixed soft tacos from the leftovers from Sunday night’s dinner. Last night, I made tuna salad sandwiches. About the only possibly odd thing I add to mine is sliced black olives, a dash or three of Worchestshire sauce, dill pickle juice and hard boiled eggs. As for the sandwich, we like a smear of cream cheese as a base for the tuna salad. That’s yummy too.

Anyway, since I’m too lazy to figure out some new theme for my Tuesday posts and no new book or characters ready to hawk for sale, I’ll just toss up random food thoughts for awhile. But, since I am still trying to sell books from my back list (wow, I’ve sold a whole 18 books at the ‘Zon for a royalty check of approximately $34), I’ll also toss in a random character and book.

After approximately 50 books, there are a lot of characters to choose from. PBJ is one of those childhood staples that anyone might fall back on. Tuna salad seems more like a femine choice though my personal alpha male appreciates a double helping of tuna sandwiches and chips, or a fruit cup, since he’s watching his weight and blood sugar. Would any of you be surprised that the Nightrider clubhouse has a large supply of peanut butter–smooth AND crunchy, along with various flavors of jelly–grape being predominant but also strawberry, peach, and plum. Easy, the hero of NIGHT SHIFT is known to slap together a plateful of PBJs–grape of course–for him, Noah, and Noni. If you haven’t read this series, NIGHT SHIFT is the place to start. If you click on the title, you’ll land on its Books2Read page to find your on-line bookseller of choice, plus it’s available to read for free on Hoopla. If you click here on NIGHTRIDERS, you’ll pop over to the Nightrider page on Books2Read to see all the books. Go forth and propagate your ereaders!

How about y’all? Which sandwich would you pick? PBJ or TUNA? Inquiring minds want to know. 😉

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