Wednesday Words: Fake It ’til You Make It

Posted on January 25, 2023 by Silver James

Wednesday has once again rolled around and once again, I have a new-word snippet to share. Oh! Guess what!?!? This week’s snippet took top honors in last week’s Thursday Threads! FYI, this is the longer version. I’ve added about 100 words for today’s post. #ThursdayThreads has a 250 word limit. The prompts last week were “We can’t fake this” added to #1lineWed’s **FERAL**. I mean seriously?!?! How could I not take that kind of inspiration and run with it. Also, Dalton was totally on board. Poor Loch is doing his best to rein him in. This is pretty much self-explanatory. I think.
****
“We can’t fake this.” Dalton was determined to put his plan into effect.

“Yer off yer bloody rocker, mate.” Loch was not buying whatever insane plot the younger man was brewing.

“Answer me this, then. Is he happy?”

“Like I’d know?”

Dalton heaved a disappointed sigh. “You’re a Wolf. You take one sniff know exactly what emotions are swirling around. I’ve seen the two of you do just that. Doesn’t matter though. I can tell just by looking at them. Jeez, if we have to suffer through any more of those longing glances they cast upon each other when they think no one is looking, we’ll all go batshit. Good grief, even the kids can see what’s happening between the two of them.”

“He’s bloody well moonstruck, Dalton. Let nature run her course. Kin’ll claim Meg sooner than later.”
Unable to help himself, Dalton rolled his eyes. “Or he’ll go feral in the process.”

Surfer Boy had a point and Loch could admit that to himself. He’d already witnessed the shenanigans Kin’s wolf had pulled. They’d only get worse as time passed. “So what is this master plan of yours?”

Dalton outlined his strategy and waited for Loch’s response. If his plotting had any chance of working, this had to look real.

“Won’t work.”

Indignant, he glowered at the Wolf. “Why not?”

“You said it yourself. We’re Wolves. He’ll know she’s not really in danger.” He tapped his nose. “She’s cool under fire but we can still hear her heartbeat and smell the fear.”

“Then I’ll think of something else.”

“An’ yer a feckin’ tool then. If ya put her in actual danger, once he rescues her, he’ll rip out your bloody guts. I thinkin’ that t’would not make Duke happy with either of you idjits. Put yer scheming t’bed, Dalton.”

“That’s what I’m trying to do! Put those two in bed. Together.”
****
Yeah, and I just thought Wolves liked to gossip and meddle. 🙄 What happens next is exciting. At least to me. And yes, the next part is already written but I need to keep some secrets or no one will want to read the book. FYI, Kin wants to give Meg a “honeymoon” suite if he finally claims her. Doing the deed in a sleeping bag in a Ukrainian winter? Yeah, not so romantic. Writers, take the prompts and run! For all of you, nosy qustion of the day: Have you/would you in a sleeping bag? 😏

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: Chocolate Caramel Cookie Moves

Posted on January 24, 2023 by Silver James

Sometimes, you just get a craving. And nothing will satisfy it except for those flavors that right on the tip of your tastbuds. Am I right? And sometimes, you just don’t want to get out and about to satisfy that craving. So here. Just in case this is your catnip, here’s a simple and easy way to fix these ymmers at home. is here.

Chocolate-Caramel Cookie Bars

Total Time: 2 Hr. 15 Min.
Prep Time: 15 Min.
Cook Time: 2 Hr.
24 servings

Layer shortbread cookies with deliciousness to create these Chocolate-Caramel Cookie Bars! Our Chocolate-Caramel Cookie Bars are like a favorite candy bar.

What You Need
35 square shortbread cookies
1 pkg. (11 oz.) KRAFT Caramel Bits
1 Tbsp. milk
3 oz. BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate
3 oz. BAKER’S White Chocolate
Reynolds® is a registered trademark of Reynolds Consumer Products LLC

Let’s Make It
1 – Line 13×9-inch pan with Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil, with ends of foil extending over sides; spray with cooking spray. Arrange cookies in single layer on bottom of prepared pan.
2 – Microwave caramel bits and milk in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 min. or until bits are completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after each minute. Pour over cookies; spread to completely cover cookies.
3 – Microwave chocolates in microwaveable bowl 2 min. or until almost melted, stirring every 30 sec.; stir until chocolates are completely melted. Pour over caramel layer; spread to completely cover caramel layer.
4 – Let stand 2 hours before cutting into bars.

Kitchen Tips
Tip 1 – Substitute: Substitute 1 pkg. (11 oz.) KRAFT Caramels for the caramel bits.

Tip 2 – Note: The combination of semi-sweet and white chocolates results in a chocolate mixture with the flavor and texture of milk chocolate.

Tip 3 – Shortcut: In a hurry? Refrigerate dessert 15 min. before cutting into bars. Serve at room temperature.

My Tip – Y’all know I’m all about the nuts! I vote for a sprinkling of chopped peanuts or pecans, or slivered almonds either as a layer between the caramel and chocolate or on top. Yummers!

Note: Pepperidge Farms Chessmen cookies or Nabisco Lorna Doones fit this cookie bill.

Check out all the nutritional infor and details on My Food & Family and  watch a spiffy how-to video while you’re there! This is a snack right up my alley and if you eat fast (and/or carefully), you won’t leave chocolate fingerprints on your book or ereader. Also, it’s easy so there are several heroines of mine who could accomplish this recipe and who are also chocoholics. The first who came to mind, though, is Lainey Walker, from NIGHT MOVES. The last time she made a cameo in a later book in the series, shew as preggers and most defnitely craving these tastes. When it’s the middle of the night and your mate has already bought out the Twixt supply in a five-mile radius, times are desperate. Lainey learned to make her own. 😉 If you’d like to learn how she and Eric “Hollywood” Hilton meet and end up together, just click on any of the pics with the cover or on the title. You’ll land at Books2Read and can find your preferred on-line bookstore. It’s also available in paperback. Ya know, one of these days, I really should revisit the Nightriders to check on Lainey. 😉 Tough question today, readers. If you make this, nuts or no nuts?

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Counting Down Monday

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Silver James

Wow. After today, there’s only one more Monday left in January. There are eight days left until we hit Febuary. And this puts us that much closer to pticther/catcher report day for MLB spring training. Of course, the World Baseball Classic tournament will be played during the early part of spring training and there are a lot of the A-listers playing for their countries. That’s not a bad thing. It opens up some slots for the Double and Triple A players to show what they can do. We’re also that much closer to college softball too. Can you tell my sports preferences? 🙄

In other news, I’m still hoping to land close to my EOM (End Of Month) deadline for CROSSFIRE. This past week, I started with 38 random scenes. I currently have 20 random scenes. Those other 18 were consolidaed into chapters, 5 and a half chapters now added to the total in the book, all in the correct timeline. I currently stand at almost 49K words. I really should update that widget on the site, huh? Anyway, I have made a lot of progress. And, I think I have those remaining random scenes in pretty good order to slot in where they belong in the story. In the meantime, I need to get with my cover designer and get her started on the thing.

I saw my first robin of the year on Friday. That was cool. We’re forecast snow for tomorrow night. That’s not so cool. Mother Nature teases us with a harbinger of Spring and then jerks the grass out from  under us. That’s okay. We need the moisture in whatever form it takes. I’m hitting Wallyeowrld today so I don’t have to be out in it tomorrow.

In other sports news, Stormy’s team played a team to a tie on Sunday. Stormy played all three positions–midfielder, forward, and goalie. When he substituted in, he kept the other team scoreless for the last 8 minutes of the game, despite getting kicked in the forehead by an opposing player who tried to kick the ball out of his hands. Grrrr.

In reading news, I finished off Ilona Andrews’s The Innkeeper Chronicles last week. The new release is all kinds of awesome fun. I’ve currently got two books “open” in my audio apps. I had a coupon that needed to get spent so I got Rebecca Zanetti’s novel WOLF for cheap. It’s getting better. The other book is THE LIBRARIAN OF CROOKED LANE.by C.J. Archer. I’m doing two because I can get $5 in Audible rewards if I listen to a book for at least 20 minutes for 5 days. The other book is from Hoopla, so free and I have it for like another 15 or 16 days on loan. I’m hoping it grabs me a little more. Set at just after WWI, there’s supposed to be magic involved though I’ve only heard it mentioned like twice so far. We’ll see how that goes. Nothing vedntured, nothing gained, right?

Welp, I think that’s all that’s been going on. Amazing how boring my life is when I’m…like…actually writing. 🤣 Hoping for more of the same this week. What about y’all? Any sports bits, books your reading, family stuffs, or other news to impart?

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Friday Sinema: Original Grumpy Cat

Posted on January 20, 2023 by Silver James

I have a love affair with Pallas cats. Truthfully, I had never heard of them before I read a book from Suzanne Wright that “starred” a Pallas cat shifter. They are grumpy-faced. They are furry. They look like stuffies. And they will rip your face off! What’s not to love? So here. Take a short break. Enjoy this Pallas cat on Patrol and the music. I love the music too! FYI, it’s called “Fairy’s Fear” from These Lands of Ours by Deskant/Epidemic Sount. Evidently, they provide licensed soundtracks for videos. I hope I can find an album! Have a great weekend.

Ah ha! I found it! On Apple Music for $9.99. It was released on my birthday back in 2013 so yeah, it’s Fate. I bought it. You can also find it at the ‘Zon.

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Neither Here Nor There

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Silver James

Anyone who’s hung aroud here knows that my Muse is something of a terror. Her nickname is Iffy and she runs with scissors. She also likes scrolling through photos of sexy men and drinks far too much caffeine for my own good. She is flighty, stubborn, and has been known to throw a temper tantrum or three.. When I read this little jewel from the Universe, I immediately thought of her.

Funny, Silver, most folks “there” are waiting for a sign of sorts from folks “here,” before they make a move, take action, or commit.

Same “here.”

Let this be your sign,
The Universe
©www.tut.com

P.S. Good thing we have eternity, huh, Silver?

I’m pretty sure y’all are giving me the fish eye about now. Bear with me. Writers talk about our muses. We talk about writer’s block. We talk about staring at blank pages because our creativity played Elvis and left the building. Who, exactly, is out “there” waiting? And who is “here” has the info “they” are waiting on? Well…writers and muses, obviously. See, that’s our crutch. Don’t get me wrong. Yes, there are times when creativity hits rock bottom for a variety of reasons. Been there, done that. But just sitting around waiting for the ol’ Muse to get off the bench and get back in the game is kinda fruitless. No new words on that path.

Now, I’m going to take this a step further, but keep that whole creativity/inspiration idea in the back of your mind. There and here. Those there are our characters. As much as they like to pretend they are, they are not autonomous. They live in our imaginations. They’re just sitting around waiting for us to give them marching orders. We tell them where to go, when to go, and who to go with. Easy peasy. Right? Not always, but it should be.

And yeah, sometimes it feels like an enternity when we’re fighting for ideas, to write ourselves out of that corner, to move the story along, to make our characters interesting and multi-dimensional, to put emotional impact into our words. Dang. Writing is hard! But it isn’t. Usually. When I get desperate–or I’m bored–I’ll find a flash fiction challenge. A whole bunch of my writing the past two years has been due to flash fiction. It’s a way to get a prompt, which should prompt an idea, which should lead to words coming from the keyboard. Luckily, I’m a puzzler so those disparate scenes eventually all find their place in the story. This method is not for everyone but it works for me. For “normal” writers, twist that prompt into your next scene. Start a conversation between two of your characters. Make them do something that encompasses the prompt. Even if you toss those words into the cut-scene file, you’re writing. And isn’t that the whole point? So whether you are there or here, don’t waste your eternity.

Sorry, readers. Today’s “class” was aimed at writers. But since you love to read, hopefully, my words will inspire someone and you’ll read their book. Speaking of, what are you currently reading? I just started “The Librarian of Crooked Lane.” We’ll see how it goes.

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Wednesday Words: Missed Youth

Posted on January 18, 2023 by Silver James

Progress! New words! Edits and tightening of old words! Woot! I’ll admit, today’s gave me a nice nudge last week, and because they were so varied, it made for a slightly weird but fun snippet to share today. From #1LineWed, we have the word **YOUTH.** From #ThursdayThreads, we have this delightly little question, **”Did you miss me?”** Once again, the snippet is pretty self-explanatory and I don’t think it’s much of a spoiler.
****
The clearing was small but the trees surrounded it were ragged and spaced apart rather than the dense forest they’d been traversing. Meg wondered if there’d been an avalanche or perhaps an old rock fall that caused it. She startled as three heads all came up in unison—Kin, Loch, and Moshe. Uri quickly followed suit. The three men and the dog stared up the mountain, which was still enshrouded with thick clouds.

Duke came to join them. “Plane or helo?”

“Helo,” they said in unison.

Everyone stood up now, their attention focused the same direction. Meg began edging the children back in preparation to run.

The clouds swirled, broke apart, and a Russian helicopter appeared as if by magic. It circled, then it rotated, hovering about 200 feet above the ground. Duke motioned everyone back to the tree line as Dalton and Tank moved to opposite sides of the clearing. Duke stood facing the craft. It slowly descended and with a rush of wind created by the rotors, it squatted in the center of the space. Nobody moved until a hatch opened along the side of the helo.

A man with dark hair popped out. He removed his aviator-style sunglasses and grinned. “Did you miss me?”

The men all groaned but began to grab packs and gear. Meg motioned the kids toward the hatch. She remembered the cocky pilot from his brief stay at the abandoned barn. Too bad he reminded her too much of Tom Cruise.

As she walked up, Dom winked at her. “Pretty sure you did, darlin’.”

A soft growl at her back had her slowly turning around. Kin stood far too close, glaring at the hotshot. “Sometimes the folly of youth is enough to make an old man weep,” Kin muttered.

Meg stared at him, eyes wide. “Did you just quote ‘Lord of the Rings’?”

He looked shifty-eyed. “Maybe.”

She hid both her snort of amusement and her delighted grin. He’d read “Lord of the Rings.” And obviously knew it well enough to pull that quote out of the air. She felt eyes on her and she glanced back. Dom’s gaze danced between her and skittered away from Kin’s glare.

“Well, damn. Too late again,” Dom groused. He held up his hands in an “I surrender” gesture. “I’m done.” Raising his voice, he called, “Head ’em up and move ’em out, cowboys. We got weather moving in.”
****
There you have it. I hope you enjoyed it. Writers, you know the drill: pick and choose or combine. Ready, set, go! Readers, do you miss your youth? 😉

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: On-Target Skillet Spinach Dip

Posted on January 17, 2023 by Silver James

I think I’ve mentioned before…like several times 😆 …that one of my favorite dips is hot spinach and artichoke. Yum stuff! I came across the video at the bottom of the page and after seeing the last dip prepared, I had to go search out a recipe. Did I mention YUM STUFF?!?!! So yeah…Have fun and good eats. Let me know if any of the other dips catch your attention. 😉

Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Bread Ring Dip

Ingredients:

12 frozen dinner roll dough balls
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1 (14 oz) can (1 1/2 cups) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
3/4 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained of excess water
2 cloves garlic, chopped (about 1 tsp)
1 tsp basil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Olive oil
Pita chips or crackers (optional)

DIrections:

1 – Coat a 10-inch oven-safe skillet with olive oil.

2 – Place the dough balls in a ring around the skillet. Cover and thaw until the rolls rise and double in size.

3 – Combine cream cheese, Parmesan, Romano, mozzarella, sour cream, artichokes, spinach, garlic, basil and red pepper flakes.

4 – Scoop the cheesy mixture into the center of the thawed rolls.

5 – Brush the rolls with olive oil and top with an additional sprinkle of cheese (optional).

6 – Bake at 375˚F for 25 minutes. (If the bread browns too quickly, lower oven temperature to 350˚F or cover the bread with a ring of foil.)

7 – Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

If you want to see how easy this is to make, check out the YouTube video HERE. There’s some good dips there so keep watching! It’s NFL play-off and basketball season. Not my thing but down at Mother Goose’s Bar in Key West, the Hard Target gang gathers to watch and chow down on this big-appetite pleasing all-in-one dip and munchies. Bear, the bartender, doesn’t fix this for just anyone so feel priviledged if a cast-iron skillet lands on your table with a refill of your favorite TV viewing beverage. Want to know more about the Hard Target team? Check out DOUBLE CROSS to find out how the team came together. Just click on the title or any pic with the cover.

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Minding Monday’s Business

Posted on January 16, 2023 by Silver James

The good news is, I got some writing done! I’ve caught up with all the changes and continuity problems, fixed them, smoothed the road ahead–I hope!–and add new words. Back on track. I have 2+ weeks before the end of the month. I don’t know if I will or not, but I’m working toward an end-of-month release, provided I can get Only to get the cover done. Somebody remind me to nudge her.

There was soccer this weekend. Stomry and his teammates played hard but alas, they didn’t score enough goals to overcome the lead their opponents had. This is a “for fun” league designed to give the kids a chance to bond as teammates and learn some about the sport. They are only supposed to practice as a team in the time period before their game starts. Sadly, a couple of the teams have decided to ignore that rule. We overheard parents talking about who was supposed to bring snacks for the next practice. These are 8 year olds. The extra practice shows. I don’t know whether to be sad, mad, aor just resigned.

Today is Wallyworld. I have no choice. I’m out of feral cat kibble and bird sead. And yeah, I need to figure out what I’m going to feed LG and me for dinner this week. The weather can’t make up it’s mind so I never know whether to go for the hot and gooey comfort food or something lighter because it’s warm outside. Do any of you have a go-to meal? I’d plan breakfast-for-dinner again because we both really like that but with the price of eggs? Jiminy!

I really don’t have much else to relay today. I worked. I listened to Ilona Andrews’s The Innkeeper Chronicles–new release is out in the series. I also hit the refresh button on their upcoming release, MAGIC TIDES, hoping it will be available in audio. If not, I’ll get the Kindle version and struggle through reading it. That grinding sound you hear is the gnashing of my teeth. Trust me, I know how expense it is to release an audio version. It’s why none of my self pubs are available–as much as I’d love to release them in audible! But the book is an Amazon #1 New Release and the authors hit the major best-seller lists with most of their books. They make enough to live on. And yes, this is me moaning. Moving on.

On that note, I’m headed to WW as soon as the sun come up. I live a sad and boring life. But hey! The Buffalo Bills won their play-off game yesterday. Wasn’t a fan until the Damar Hamlin deal and now I’d love to see them go all the way. Too bad they and the Bengals are in the same division. It would be cool to see them both in the Super Bowl, but yeah…both are AFC and it doesn’t work that way. Ah, well. How was your weekend? Any plans for the week?

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Friday Sinema: Footloose Academy

Posted on January 13, 2023 by Silver James

Okay. First, I vaguel remember hearing something about “Umbrella Academy” in passing in a news feed or a newsletter or something. It is a show on Netflix. I think there is magic involved. And evidently, there are the “Greasers” and the “Socs.” Frame of reference–I’m dating myself. I read S.E. Hinton’s book “The Outsiders” my freshman year of high school, not too long after it was released. And yes, my life-long crush on Patrick Swayze came about from his portrayal of Darryl “Darry” Curtis. Anyway, I also enjoyed the movie “Footloose” back in the day and can point to the fact that the movie is based on a real incident that occurred in Elmore City, OK, which is located not too far from my hometown. Which still doesn’t explain things. Where was I? Oh, right! “Umbrella Academy.” Footloose dance-off scene. I must now find and stream this series. Why? Just watch… Have a danciful weekend! Oh, and yes, this is–in a fanicful way–worthy of a Friday the 13th post.

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Expectations

Posted on January 12, 2023 by Silver James

I was truly hoping this year would start of great guns. You know, peeling out, leaving treadmarks on the pavement. Yeah, no. It’s been more of a slow roll. But that’s okay. I’m getting settled into this new stage of my life. My daughter was quick to remind everyone last weekend that I’m approaching my 7th decade of life soon. Even so, I tend to perk up when a message like this pops into my inbox. Go Universe!

This year, Silver, will not be just another year.

It’s the absolute richest I’ve ever imagined, with the most possibilities I’ve ever offered, for the coolest people I’ve ever known to do the greatest things ever done.

Set the bar high,
The Universe
©www.tut.com

P.S. Silver, this year is yours, baby. publishing more books and all…

From your lips, Universe, to those pesky writing muses and publishing gods. So yeah. I’ll take it as it comes. What’s that old fable about? Slow and steady wins the race? That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I’m setting my bar high. We’ll see if I can hurdle it. If not, at least I’ve tried. What about y’all? What bar are you setting? (Or sitting at? 🤣 )

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