Wednesday Words: It’s Simple

Posted on January 4, 2023 by Silver James

A new year and the first Wednesday deserves new words. Technically, 2/3 of this snippet was written last week (and I got an honorable mention from last week’s #ThursdayThoughts judge!) I have to admit that the prompt was a good one. **”It’s not that simple.”** So that’s our inspiraton for today’s challenge. No more #1lineWed prompts. The person who took it over when I and the organization who originally sponsered the Twitter account has decided their conscience won’t let them stick around. No skin off my nose. I haven’t checked the hashtag to see if anyone else took up the mantle. Anyway, here’s a slightly expanded version of my original 250 words for Thursday Threads. The scene is pretty much self-explanatory.

****

Kin didn’t look up as a warm body dropped onto the barstool next to him. “I came down here to find some peace and quiet,” he muttered.

Loch laughed deeply and four women turned their heads to give him appreciative looks. “Ya came to a noisy bar full of people to find peace and quiet. Tell me another tale, mate.”

“Fine then. I came down here to get away from the lot of you.”

“The lot of us or Meg?”

Kin snapped his mouth shut. Loch always saw too much. When the bartender approached, he pointed to his bottle and held up two fingers. Moments later, full bottles landed in front of them.

“Have ya nothin’ to say, boyo?” Loch tipped his beer bottle and drank but his gaze stayed fixed on the man sitting next to him at the bar.

Kin stared at his hands which remained clasped around his own bottle. “What’s to say?”

“Ya could start by admittin’ the cailín is yer mate.”

“It’s not that simple.”

Loch snorted. “It’s not?”
Snarling, Kin drained his bottle. “No, ya bloody fool, it’s not. I’m a feckin’ Wolf. She’s…” No more words came.

“She’s what? Beautiful? Intelligent? In love with yer sorry arse?”

“She’s…” Again words failed him. Then he found some. “Her father’s a bloody Major-general. Her mother’s a movie star.”

“And?”

“And I’m a feckin’ Wolf.” Kin growled, the sound rumbling in his chest loudly enough the bartender turned to stare at him.

“Aye, Kin, ya are. And because yer a Wolf, you’ll love her and keep her safe for all of her life. You’ll bend over backwards t’make her happy. You’ll never stray. You’re honorable. And I’ve heard it said that you’re on the dark and sexy side.” Loch held up his hands, palms forward in a “now take it easy” gesture. His eyes glittered with humor. “Not that I would say that. You bloody well snore loud enough t’wake the dead and there’s nothin’ sexy about that.”

After taking another sip, the Irishman clapped Kin on the shoulder and continued. “She know’s what’cha are and she hasn’t run away screaimin’ like a banshee. She’s yer mate. Claim her. And yeah, ’tis that simple.

Kin could only hope.

****

There it is. I wish I could say that the new year has started off with a bang but Real Life is still trending. Makes me want to snarl a little bit like Kin. Today is a new day. I’ll do better. What about you writers out there? How’s your writing going this year? (All 4 days of it so far! 😉 ) Feel free to grab the prompt and forge some new words. Readers, how’s your life going so far?

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: Zucchini Dragon Cake

Posted on January 3, 2023 by Silver James

So, I was digging around for recipes to tie in with one of my books. I so totally need to get a new book published because I’ve pretty much covered almost all of my books. Anyway, I came across this Chocolate-Zucchini Cake recipe and I had a 💡 moment. My good friend B.E. Sanderson is an absolute wizard when it comes to zucchini. She also writes awesome books. And she does a cool thing for other authors–she’ll buy, read, and review books by authors new to her whose books are underappreciated. Well, *I*love her books but yeah, she’s not that well known so hey, I’m featuring one of them today–SONG OF STORM AND SHROUD.

Level: Easy
Total Time: 1 hr
Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients
Unsalted butter, for the pan

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the pan

1/2 cup plus 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch process)

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or allspice

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 medium zucchini, grated and squeezed dry

1 teaspoon honey

Directions
1 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9-inch-square cake pan. Dust the pan with flour, tapping out the excess.

2 -Toss 1/2 cup chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon flour in a small bowl. Whisk the remaining flour, the cocoa powder, salt, baking soda and nutmeg in a medium bowl; set aside.

3 -Beat the sugar, 1/2 cup olive oil, the eggs and vanilla in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until smooth and pale, about 3 minutes. Add the flour-cocoa mixture; beat on low speed until combined, about 2 minutes (the batter will be thick). Add the zucchini and beat until combined, about 2 more minutes. Fold in the flour-coated chocolate chips with a wooden spoon.

4 -Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool completely.

5 – Make the glaze: Combine the remaining 1/3 cup chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon olive oil and the honey in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium-high power in 30-second intervals, stirring, until the chocolate is melted. Spread over the cake, then cut into pieces.

I found this recipe on the Food Network website. There’s even a video. CLICK HERE for all the info. See, I’m not a big squash fan and will only occasionally eat fried zucchini, but in a chocolate cake? Oh yeah. I’m temped! And, since I immediately thought of B.E., I thought of the last book she published. It is an epic fantasy. It is suitable for teens and adults both. There are dragons and magic and kids fighting the evil that wants to take over their land. In other words, it is all kinds of awesome! And people need to read it. Heck, it’s only $4.99. You can barely buy a cup of coffee for that and this book will give you far more satisfcation and for a longer time than a cup of coffee would. So go buy her book. Fantasy not your thing? She also writes mystery, suspens, and dystopian thrillers. See? Something for everyone, just like this recipe. I mean, heck! HEALTHY chocolate cake! What’s not to love? Go grab a copy of SONG OF STORM AND SHROUD. Just click on any pic with the cover or the title. It’s available at a wide variety of on-line book sellers. Go now! You heard me. Shoo! Then make the cake and read the book. Easy peasy.

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First Monday of a New Year

Posted on January 2, 2023 by Silver James

I’m all confused. Yesterday was New Year’s Day. It was Sunday. Today is Monday. Many people are off work and all the college bowl games normally waged on New Year’s Day are being played today. I’m guessing the Rose Bowl Parade is also this morning–haven’t checked the TV guide. But today is January 2. See? Confusing. Anyway, 2022 is now in the rear view mirror and we’re facing 2023. Who knows what the year will bring? I don’t have a clue.

I decided to pretty much takc last week off. I did a little writing but the emphasis there is on little. That changes today. I’m either headed to Wallyworld for my weekly run–though I’ll probably put it off until tomorrow. If that’s what I decided after my first cup, then after my usual morning routine of coffee, emails, blogs, and then work. I’m still hoping to have CROSSFIRE ready for release by the end of the month. 🤞🏼

I don’t do New Year resolutions but I do try to start the year with an idea of what I’d like to accomplish. Last year was pretty much a bust so my goal this year is to do better. I’m going to get off my arse and get my office sorted, organized and rearranted. I’ve sorted out one big plastic bin unearthed in LG’s rearangement/clean-out of the garage (for the new doors–which are AWESOME!). It’s empty, but I have to make space for the small bit of stuff I kept. It’s a start. Also, new words. Lots and lots of new words.

We stayed in for New Year’s Eve, which is not unusual. We’re old and we don’t like peopling all that much. Also, I’m normally asleep even before the late news comes on. Saturday night, all the idiot neighbors were showing off their ability to be alpha hotels by seetting off fireworks starting at 9 p.m. and running until almost 4 a.m. At one point, LG headed out down the street to “have a conversation.” Turned out it was the dad not the kids. The dude’s a good guy normally but hadn’t considered the median age of the neighters (old people and families with little kids), that fireworks are illegal unless a licensed public display, and that we’ve worked a lot of house and grass fires started by fireworks. They ended up chatting and he invited us to go crappie fishing in his boat. Uhm…not my thing bu thanks. FYI, “crappy” is spelled with the A but the word is pronounced “croppie.” Don’t look at me. I have no clue.

I cooked yesterday. BBQ! brisket, homemade BBQ sauce, baked beans, deviled eggs, and hot rolls. That’s our normal New Year’s fare but it just felt…weird. Refer back to the first paragrah. Despite all the holiday eating, I’ve managed to start this year down 4 pounds from my usual weight, which is too heavy but whatever.

I’m in the middle of my Kate Daniels series relisten. When I came to the end of the year, there just wasn’t a new book that caught my attention so I went with the tried and true. It’s long enough to carry me into the new year. I ended up the year with 161 books read/listened to. My goal for this year is 150 again, subject to change.

In other household news, my new kitchen knives are sharp. Very VERY sharp.  *holds up hand with Bandaids* Also, I’m totally in love with my new kitchen trashcan. Santa was very good to me this year. And yes, it is the little things (expcept both those things were pricey! Jiminy!)

There’s not much else going on in my world. How’re things in your neck of the words? Good New Year so far? Did you celebrate? What’cha reading? Any resolutions? Goals? Plans? Yes, I’m nosy.

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Friday Sinema: Takin’ the Year Out

Posted on December 30, 2022 by Silver James

This made me laugh. I have no excuses. Except I am southern, y’all. And a mama. And I have a needlepoint that says “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, I am my mother after all.” Have a Happy New Year but be safe and sane and don’t do anything stupid. I’m not puttin’ up bail money and call me when you get home. See y’all next year!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Fear

Posted on December 29, 2022 by Silver James

Who’s ready for 2023? Yeah, me neither. This past year has been full of antonyms. Time as sped by and dragged its feel. The world has been up and down, which sort of mirrors my life. Writing as been off and on–sadly more off but when life can’t make up its mind, the rest because casualties to circumstances. I found this short missive from the Universe to rather hit the nail on the head because so much of this past year–as well as my thoughts on what’s coming with the new year–all center around this message. What am I afriad of? Pretty much all of it.

Look to what you’re afraid of, Silver, to learn where you can grow.

Enjoy,
The Universe
©www.tut.com

And then go there and you’ll see, Silver, that it was just another shade of me.

One of my characters once paraphrased a quote, saying “Being brave means doing the right thing even when you’re scared spitless.” (That’s not actually the word he used but same sentiment.) A new year brings new hope and new fears. It brings closures to old aspiratons and old projects. We get to start over. A new year is like a universal do-over, the Mulligan of life. I don’t do resolutions but I am making some plans. I’m going to get my eyes fixed. I’ve dodged that bullet long enough. I am going to get organized because chaos is not my friend. I am going to try to do better.  And I’m going to enjoy life wihtou feeling guilty about it.  No fear! That’s my new motto. Yeah, yeah. I’m rolling my eyes too. Anyway. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it. What about y’all? What are you afraid of?

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Wednesday Words: No Fear

Posted on December 28, 2022 by Silver James

How can we be so close to saying goodbye to the old year and greeting the new year? Yikes! It seems like just last week that I was posting the fisrt snippet of the year. Yet here we are with #52. Wow. Today, we only have one prompt, from #ThursdayThreads. It’s a good one as far as I’m concerned. **”I’m not afriad of him.”** is perfect for my WIP. This short scene is pretty self-explanatory.
****
The two women occupied dainty chairs drawn up to a small table near the heavily draped window. A fire crackled merrily in a nearby fireplace. Other patrons dotted the tea room. Meg pulled her gaze from the busy street outside. “I’m not afraid of him.”

Cory raised an eyebrow. “That’s quite the non sequitur.”

Looking out the window, Meg lifted one shoulder in a negligent acknowledgment. “I know what it looks like.” She inhaled several times. “How’s Marishka?”

Cory slowly closed her eyes. “Pick a topic, Meg. I’m too tired to keep up.” Her voice held a smile, though, rather than censure. “She’s responding well to the chemo. She’s much better now that Maxim is with her.”

“And the others?”

“All doing well. You can come see them, you know.”

Meg looked down, studying the golden liquid in her china tea cup. “I know. I should have gone sooner, of course. I feel awful that I haven’t before now. Heck, I’m not even sure why I haven’t gone.”

“What are you going to do?”

Her gaze jerked up only to meet the other woman’s. “Go see them.”

Cory’s smile curved her lips only slightly. “My turn for a non sequitur. What about Kin?”

“What about him?” Meg did her very best to sound casual and uninterested.

“What are your plans where he’s concerned?”

“I don’t see how that is any of your business.”

Cory leaned forward and lowered her voice, which was now filled with steel. “All of them are my business. They’re my family and I take care of them. Please, don’t break his heart.”

Meg suddenly wanted to cry. “How can I not?”

And that realization broke her own.
****
There it is. Short and not very sweet but my heroine has a whole lot to think about now. And I’m so glad because…drama! Can’t have a romance without a little drama, right? Writers, feel free to riff upon th eprompt with a little free writing. And readers, our question of the week,New Year’s Resolutions–yay or nay?

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: New Year’s Cowgirl Breakfast Casseole

Posted on December 27, 2022 by Silver James

Probably everybody and their grandma has a variation of this recipe, right? Plus, who wants to get up and slave away in the kitchen on New Year’s Day? There are parards to watch, bowls games, family stuff, and the occasional hang over if you had a wild night out. And reading. We all need to read more, right? Well, this puppy can be made the night before, stuck in the fridge and taken out when you are ready for food the next morning. Sadly, my college team plays their bowl game late tonight instead of on New Year’s Day but still…

Ingredients

½ pound bacon
diced onion
12 eggs
½ cup diced jalepenos
1 cup milk
2 cups (16 oz) frozen hash brown potatoes
1 cup shredded cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Make It and Bake It (Or not…)

Fry bacon in skillet. Remove and pour out grease. Once bacon is cooled, crumble into small pieces.

In the same pan, saute onion and green pepper until tender (this adds some nice bacon-y flavor to your onions and peppers).

In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, hash browns, cheese, salt and pepper. Add in crumbled bacon, onions and peppers.

Pour mixture into greased 13×9 pan.

Bake at 350 F (177 C) for 35-45 minutes or until cooked thoroughly.

If you are making this the night, simply cover with foil once you add egg mixture to pan. Refrigerate until ready to bake.

If you want to be fancy, garnish with sliced green onions, chives, black olive, all of the above, whatevery you think will look and taste good.

Tips

1 – You can substitute sausage for bacon, just make sure to drain it really well.

2 – You can use Hormel Bacon Pieces if you don’t wnat to fry up all that bacon. Fresh bacon is better but hey, I am aaall about quick, easy, and convenient. Use butter to saute your onions and peppers if you do that.

3 – You can substitute green peppers and/or red peppers or nothing at all for the jalepenos. We just like stuff a little spicy around here.

Since this is an old family receipe and we’re looking at the start of a new year, I’ve decided to go back to the beginning–my very first book with Harlequin, COWGIRL’S DON’T CRY. I’ll admit, Cassidy might get a little teary-eyed when she makes this casserole for the Barron family because it’s something her mom then her dad made when she was a kid. Chance’s Aunt Katherine Tate also has a similar recipe and her brood of boys grew up on it. COWGIRLS DON’T CRY is $1.99 so go grab your digital copy, you know, in case you don’t have one already. Just click on a pic with the cover or the title. What about y’all? Does your family fix something similar? If not, what’s a traditional breakfast dish that you make?

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Monday of Christmas Past

Posted on December 26, 2022 by Silver James

I hope everyone survied the Siberian Slam (or whatever it’s being called). Talk about putting kinks in holiday plans! Around here, we hit the 40s yesterday. We were all ready after sub-freesing temps for 72 hours leading up to the big day. I’m still in holiday mind set so this will be short–especially since I forgot to set this up yesterday and I’m actually typing this today–Monday. And yes, it is waaay before the buttcrack of dawn because it’s 5:18 a.m. No Wallyworld trip today. The day after Christmas reteal of any sort? Nope. Nada. Not gonna. You can’t make me. I don’t people well on a good day! Plus, a lot of people have the day off which will just flood the stores.

Christmas Day was fun. Mine started early, which is not unuusal. Stuped sleep habits. The cinnamon rolls were all kinds of awesome, Stormy sleeps late on Christmas which is like WEIRD but bless him because I don’t have to get Lawyer Guy up and moving when I do. We loaded the entire backseat of LG’s truck with presents and headed north. Stockings were amazing (thank you, Only!), all presnets were a hit and we had fun with our little gift tradition.

A bit of history. The first Christmas LG and I spent in the Army, he volunteered to stay on post as a duty officer for his unit. With just the two of is, the whole To/From would be boring so I came up with the idea of “giving” the gift from “someone/thing” attached to the gift. LG got into the spirit of things and now almost 40 years later, we still do that within our little family. Last year, Stormy decided he was old enough to participate. It takes longer because eacy person picks a gift, tries to figure out what it is based on the “giver.” It’s very entertaining and lots of fun. I got everything I wanted–a step-on stainless trashcan for the kitchen, zip-up hoodies, wolf calendars, and a gorgeous new knife set. Color me happy camper!

No visit to the in-laws. Our SiL’s health is a bit fragile and she was under the weather so we told them to just stay in, down, and take care of themselves because streatching Christmas out longerT is FUN! And it is. So, after leaving the Kids, we came home, put up all the new stuff, cleared out some old stuff for donation to the thrift store, and I pute the turkey breats on to roast. Our turkey sammiches were yummy for dinner, along with pecan pie for dessert while we watched the latest episode of “Tulsa King.”

That’s it for me. I got this written BEFORE my normal release time of 6 am MT (My Time) so now I’m going to enjoy a cup of coffee, feed the ferals, Pete, Loki, and let Jake out. Then more coffee while I contemplate what task I’m going to tackle today. Probably book sorting. A long-time family friend (and on of LG’s mentors from back when he was puppy lawyer) is helping to sponsor a community library in his small hometown down in SE Oklahoma. They have no books so we’re culling out semi-extensive library to donate. Good cause and we need the room. LOLOL Not that we’re book hoarders or anything. Have I mentioned that we turned our dining room into a library when Uncle Fix-It offered us five floor-to-ceiling X 4′ “built-in” wooden bookshelves? That room is now LG’s office since he retired so yeah. We have a LOT of books. I also need to get back on getting my office reorgaginzed. We’ll see.

Anyway, hope everyone stayed safe and sane (family time can make one a little crazy. True story. First-hand knowledge! 🙋🏼‍♀️ Hope you got what you wanted. And guess what? We’re a week away from the New Year. Yeah, I’m kinda doin’ the “muppet flail” about now. Happy Day After Christma! Who’s going out for all the after-Christmas bargains?

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Friday Sinema: Call of Duty

Posted on December 23, 2022 by Silver James

I can’t help myself. I LOVE Christmas light shows that are “personal.” People who decorate their yards and house then computerize the lights to go with music. Who has the time and talent?!?! This is a new one for me and I found it most satisfying because I could see any number of my Wolves doing this. **koffMackoffBoomerkoffNatekoffetalkoff** So, for all you gamers, readers of military romance, and Christmas light afficiandoes, enjoy! And stay frosty…

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Kiss

Posted on December 22, 2022 by Silver James

Baby, it’s not just cold outside, it is FRIGID!!! This is me —> 🥶. I’m in my fuzzy jammies, clutching my cup of hot coffee and wrapped in a fleece blanket typing this. If it snowed and looked pretty oustide, I might not be so grouchy. As it is, the older I get, the more I dislike the cold. That said, we are now three days away from Christmas and just over a week from the new year. Wow. Where has the time gone?!?! If I’d stopped to think about it, I would have save this little message from the Universe for next Thursday because everyone knows you kiss for good luck when the clock chimes midnight, the ball drops, the fireworks go off and the New Year rolls in all full of promise and stuff. Not that I’m a cynic or anything. Actually I’m not. Cynical. Usually. Hey, it’s almost Christmas. And things are going okay. And with luck, I’ll be writing a kissing scene today, which is why the Universe hit me with this…

As is true of kissing, Silver, let your life know both spontaneity and thoughtfulness.

Mwah!
The Universe
©www.tut.com

Actually, Silver, your entire life is like one very long, very sweet kiss.

See? I’m not cynical. Because I happen to think this can be true. We’ve gotten past the longest night, spring isn’t that far off, I have books to write and books to listen too and I’m warm and cozy with my favorite brand of coffee. I’m all about spontaneity and thoughtfulness. Life is good. All is right–and write–in my world. What about y’all? How’re things in your world?

Pssst. Good thing I write romance, huh? 😉

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