Okay, y’all. I know this one is way longer than I usually post but trust me. I laughed out loud so many times, LG came in from the den to see what was so funny. Then I had to replay it for him. Also, you don’t have to be a Southerner to enjoy. You just have to have a warped sense of humor. Which one was your favorite? Have a great weekend!
I remember sitting on a panel at a writer’s conference one time. Most of the audience was comprised of new writers–either just published or still waiting. One of the questions asked by the moderator was: Which is most important–characters , plot, or worldbuilding? I thought it was a dumb question but the answers before mine were surprising. The mystery writer said plot. That was sort of d’uh but at the same time, if your “dectective” is simply a cipher or two-dimensional, readers won’t stick around. The romance writer said characters. This is true the conflict and character arc in a romance is important. I bet you won’t be surprised that the fantasy author said it was all about the worldbuilding. Then it was my turn and everyone was tuned in, waiting to see which would get my vote because with 4 authors and 3 choices, one was going to get twice as many votes. I fooled them. My replay? All of them are equally importqant. Boy, that opened the flood gates. Lots of discussion and arguments and I sat back and rolled my eyes, which made the audience laugh. Finally, the others glared at me and demanded I explain myself. So I did. Charactes do not exist in a void. No matter the genre, they have to LIVE somewhere. And with no plot, the story is boring. That said, when I encouter an author who is particular well-versed in combining all three, I am in awe. This is especially evident in long-running series. The plot foreshadowing in book 3 that comes to fruition in book 10? Bloody brilliant. The minor character introduced in book 1 who becomes a major player in book 6? Again, brilliant. And what holds all that together? What is the base of the story and the characters? The world created by the author. And yes, I did end up teaching a class on this at another writer’s conference. The Universe sums it up rather well, IMO.
True brilliance, Silver, is not a function of understanding one’s view of the world and finding order, logic, and spirituality in it. True brilliance is understanding that your view of order, logic, and spirituality is what created your world.
You can change anything and everything.
Shape Shifting 101,
The Universe
©www.tut.comOh, Silver, reality is such a trip…
As a writer, you need to create such a reality for your characters and plot. You need to create characters that react with the reality of their world in a way that is…real. And you want a world that creates such a reality for the other two. As a reader, I get lost in books where the author has melded all three into such a reality. I’m thinking about this today because I’m doing a marathon relisten of Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series. She is a master in both this series and her Guildhunter/Archangel series. The wife/husband team known as Ilona Andrews does the same with the Kate Daniels series. I’m always amazed when it happens to–and sadly, usually by accident rather than intent. Sort of. I figure my subconscious brain knows something I don’t so when something I wrote back in book 1 pops up and is important in book 5? I mean…talk about a light bulb moment! Now, I just need to figure out how to do it consciously because that would be an awesome reality for a writer like me.
Yes, I won’t complain about how fast time is flying and how fast Wednesdays are hitting me in the face. June is already on a big start toward full summer. I’m not ready! However, it is time for a snippet using the #1lineWed theme of **SOPHISTICATED** and the #ThursdayThreads prompt of “You’re telling me this now?” I actually managed to get an honorable mention from the judge in last weeks Thursday Threads flash fiction post so yay me. This doesn’t need much set up. The team and kids are still in the woods, still trying to get out of Ukraine in one piece, and Kin and Meg are still dancing around each other, only Kin has decided to take the lead. Sort of. I hope you enjoy.
****
Before Kin could move, Meg placed both palms flat on his chest and shoved. Hard. “You’re telling me this now?”
She pushed past him, stomping toward the treeline. Then she stopped and marched back toward him, her eyes sparking, lips pressed in a thin line, fists clenched and leading the way. Again, he didn’t dodge as she landed a haymaker that cracked his jaw and rocked him back on his heels. He stood stock still, bemused at the strength of her assault. He was an adult alpha Wolf, a trained SAS soldier. And this little bit of a thing had truly socked it to him. He didn’t smile. He didn’t laugh. But it was a near thing. Discretion being the better part of valor, he kept his mouth shut, though he did rub at the sore spot on his jaw.
“We are in the frigging wilderness. With kids. And all your buddies. No wonder they’re walking around with shit-eating grins every time they look at me.” She blew out a breath so hard it ruffled her hair. Hands now fisted on her hips, she glowered. “Well?”
He debated speaking but he could no longer resist tweaking her temper. “Well what?”
She growled at him. A wonderfully feral growl. “You have no sense of propriety. I may not be sophisticated like my mother or cultured like my father, but by George I know when it’s a good time. This is so not a good time.”
“Doesn’t change things. You’re still mine.”
She snorted. “Yeah. Right. We’re in the middle of a fricking war zone with a bunch of kids and all of your buddies—.” She snapped her mouth shut, cutting off the rest of her sentence. “Are they…”
Her eyes widened and Kin now understood the term “eyes the size of dinner plates.”
Meg peered into the trees, scanning the area. In a voice barely above a whisper, she hissed, “Are they like you?”
And how was he going to answer that? Loch was. Duke, Tank, and Dalton were, to coin another tried and true phrase, a horse of a different color. So was Uri, though his talents lay on the psychic plane rather than the physical. The crew who wasn’t here—the PJs and pilots—were all human. And their whole team was a well-guarded secret.
“Come here,” he ordered.
Her brows immediately scrunched together and her eyes narrowed. “No.”
“Megan.” His voice held a warning.
“Fraser.” Her’s held a dare.
That’s when his wolf decided they’d had enough and pounced.
****
Not sure how sophisticated she’s feeling at the moment but at least he got around to telling her…somting. 😉 There are other words before this scene but that part is made up of spoilers, not that most of you can’t guess but I’ve got to create a little mystery, right? Writers, have anything to share, or care to do some free writing o your own? Go for it. Readers, take your pick of which question to answer. Are you sophisticate? Or, what have has someone said that caused you to ask, “You’re telling me this now?”
It’s June. How did that happen? Why is June the season for weddings? You know, that whole June bride thing. I’m sure I know the mythology behind it but it’s buried in the London fog that is my brain currentl and I don’t have time to fall down that particular rabbit hole. Anybody else know off the top of your collective heads?
So, stuff happened. The Kids’ Jeep is toast and while both Baseball Boy and Stormy are out of school, stuff is still going on. BB teaches a summer “travel” class on Oklahoma History. And there are sports camps–soccer, baseball, and softball to coach and attend–for Stormy. He’s also doing a 5-week golf clinic where he goes for an hour or so on Thursday evenings for instruction and play time. Needless to say, which Only’s job, being a one-vehicle family is not an option. There’s little to no trade-in value on the Jeep at because…toast. So, for the time being, they have Drover, my Highlander. Granted, I don’t get out and about much and I can drive LG’s truck but I don’t like to drive LG’s truck. I’m not familiar with the controls, it’s big, and it’s not…mine. 🙄 I know, I know. I’m tempted to make him get up early this morning to take me for my Wallyworld run. We’ll see.
Softball is a big thing here. The NCAA Women’s College World Series has been held in OKC for gosh…almost 30 years now. Or longer. I remember taking Only when she was a kid to watch the “Big Girls” play. Regular readers are aware that both O-schools (OU and OSU) are in the 8-team series. Both are undeated at the top of their respective brackets in the semi-finals. They play today–OU against UCLA and OSU against Texas–and if each wins, they face-off in the finals, starting Wednesday. FYI, as they are both undefeated, the other teams have to beat them twice in back-to-back games. That’s HARD to do in softball. There’s been some awesome ball played so far! There’s also baseball, but I haven’t been paying that close of attention. Cards and Cubs played a 5-game series. They split the series 3-2, with the last two games being won by the Cards in extra innings. Whew! OSU CowBOYS got beat in the second game and played yesterday in the loser’s bracket. The final score was 29-17. Yes, you read that right, even though it’s more a football score than one for baseball. The Pokes had to turn around to play Arkansas, in the winner’s bracket. If I’m not asleep, I’ll come back and update if they moved to the final game in their region played today or went home, which is hard to do because the regional is at their home field.
We’ve had rain, sunshine, cool temps, humid temps, rain, and cool, humid temps. Ah, gotta love the weather in Oklahoma. It’s never boring.
I need to stop listening to other author’s words and write me own. That said, it’s been 3 years since I last did a marathon of Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series. New book is coming out later this summer and I’m on the short list for a library hold on an unrelated book. I can insert a book into the line up and not lose track of the longer series. Plus, I’ll admit it’s a bit of a comfort read for me. Win-win all around.
Speaking of, I did manage to do a little writing of new words. And a little addition of new words in revisions. Not sure why I’ve stalled out on this last book of the Moonstruck Wolf re-release series. I gotta fix that. Stupid brain. Coffee’s not helping. I gotta get outta my head. And….and now I have an earworm. Thank you, brain. Here, I’ll share the goodness. Hey. Hey. You. You. Get off of my cloud! How was your week and and weekend? Anything to look forward to?
We’ve all heard them. Some of us have actually uttered them. And this is what would happen if they were all true. Have a great weekend. I’m watching softball. What are y’all doin’?
Ya know, considering the state of the world in 2022–and especially the last week or so, I figure this is a message we all need. No musing. No philosophizing. Just this:
Love where you’ve been.
Love where you’re at.Love how you think.
Love the power you pack.
Love all that you seek.
Love all that you feel.
Love your rocking emotions.
And the thoughts you make real.
But mostly, amazing Silver, I really, really love you in this very moment.
Here and now,
The Universe
©www.tut.comFar be it from me to tell anyone what to love about themselves, Silver, I’m too busy loving it all.
So yeah. Love it all because if we don’t, who will?
It’s that time of the week again. Words. New words. And new prompts that will hopefully get you writers in the mood and will entertain the readers. Once again, I doubled up. Two birds and all that. #1lineWed theme is **ATTEMPT** and the #ThursdayThreads prompt was “By the end of the week.” I’ managing to sort of work in a semi-linear way with the current crop of prompts. While the scenes might not be “conjoined,” they are connected and in sequence. So that’s something, right? Anyway, I think this scene is pretty self-explanatory. It’s a follow-on to some previous snippets.
****
The Barbary falcon circled overhead. Duke snapped to attention before Golda’s sharp cry faded into the normal forest sounds. He motioned with his hand. The older kids, Meg, and Petro herded the younger ones toward the edge of the clearing. Uri and his dog, Moshe, slipped into the clearing to stand guard in front of the kids.
Branches snapped then a whistle wafted on the breeze. Yeva, the young Ukrainian soldier stood. “It is okay,” he said. “That’s one of our signals.”
No one moved. Three men paused on the far side of the clearing. The one in the center surveyed the rough encampment. Yeva spoke rapidly in his native language and even Petro came to attention.
Before anyone could attempt to grab her, Galyna popped up and dashed toward the man. Her round face and almond-shaped eyes were alight with joy. The Ukrainian commander seemed as shocked as everyone else when she slammed into his legs and wrapped her arms around him.
“Vadim!” The little girl shouted his name, her joy boundless.
“Vadim,” several of the children whispered, their expressions full of surprise, awe, and total delight.
Meg glanced to Petro for clarification.
“Vadim Skrypka,” Petro said, his voice reverent. “He is a big star. A rock star. He sings. He acts. And now he commands, like our president.”
Vadim, still a bit bemused but recognizing her condition, ruffled Galyna’s hair. Then he dropped to one knee and hugged her. “You will be safe by the end of the week.” He looked at Duke, who nodded.
“They’ll all be safe,” Duke promised. “And they’ll be joining the little ones we were able to fly out.”
“We will talk before I go.” Vadim’s tone offered quiet command but also respect.
Duke nodded and backed away as the kids swarmed the man. Meg appeared with a black Sharpie and for the next ten minutes, the rock star acted like what he’d been before the horrors the war rained down on Ukraine. He signed shirts, backpacks, bandannas, whatever the kids handed him. He spoke to each one, learned their names and their stories. He shook Petro’s hand then hugged him tightly, whispering something in the other man’s ear. He kissed Meg on both cheeks and hugged her so hard, he lifted her off the ground.
The Hard Target team exchanged amused glances at the very wolfish growl rumbling in Kin’s chest. Dalton laughed out loud when Loch swiped a slap across the back of Kin’s head, muttering, “Sit. Stay.” Which earned him a growl.
****
And there you have today’s addition to the edition. Writers, will you attempt to share what you hope to write by the end of the week? Readers, what are you attempting to do by the same “deadline?” 😉
Eventually, I’ll get back to hawking my books. At the moment, I feel like a baseball player in a slump. Yes, I have been watching a lot of baseball and softball lately. Tis the season, don’cha know. Writers (and readers) get into slumps too. And just like with batting, the harder you try to hit the ball, the more often you strike out or hit a pop-up for an out. What was it Yogi Berra said? Oh, yeah.
Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical.
What Yogi was sayhing is that you have to be smart about the game. You have to think about it. But you can’t get all wrapped up in your head when things aren’t going your way. It’s the same with writing,.It’s 90% mental and other other half is sitting at the computer and spitting out words. To find my mojo again, I need to stop trying so hard. I need to take some deep breaths, step up to the plate, and take good cuts at the page full of words starting at me from the monitor. Once I get this last book fixed, I can get the business of it out of the way and then I can refocus on the creative side, which is the fun part when things are perking along.
Interestingly–and I’ve talked to a lot of authors about this–if I’m not reading, writing is harder for me. I NEED to read to write. And I’m not the only one. So it makes sense that if I’m in a reading slump, it’s likely I’ll be in a writing slump. And this is where it gets weird. If I’m reading a book that has grabbed my attention and I feel “the need for speed” to get to the end, I can use it as a carrot. Write or edit a chapter, get time with the good book on my Audible app. I know. I’m weird.
Like I mentioned above, though, I’m currently in a reading slump. I enjoyed the book I just finished but it was like taking a float trip on a lazy river. I felt no urgency though I liked the story and the voice. It took me 4 days. I NEVER take 4 days to get through a book, unless I’m in a slump. It also took a couple of days to decide on that particular book. I dilly-dallied over the current book I’m reading and while it is interesting and I like the characters, I’m not compelled to pick it up and listen. So what happens with this happens? It’s just like when I’m hungry but I don’t know what I’m hungry for so I go for comfort food.
Yes, I have comfort books–or chicken soup books. These are much loved and I know that I will get totally immersed in the world, with the characters, and hang on the words. I’m about to that point. I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned on here before that my #1 chicken soup book is NAKED IN DEATH by JD Robb. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read or listened to that books since I first discovered it in the late nineties/early oughts. I can tell you that I’ve read/listened to it 13 times since I joined Goodreads and started keeping track. Am I desperate enough to pull it out? Maybe. There are other books/series that are almost as good, IMO. And since we’re talking comfort, I have a couple of snacks/foods that are my go-to when I’m in a slump. Cinnamon toast. Under the broiler, lots of butter on Texas toast. Blue Bell Moolenium Ice Cream. Out of the carton. Don’t judge. I’m the only one who eats it. Potato chips and Dean’s Onion Dip. And finally, tuna. Out of the can, with lemon juice and any sort of chip. Like I said, don’t judge!
What about y’all? What’s your go-too book/author/series? And what snack or food always hits the spot when you get hangry?
Today is a holiday in the USA. It’s Memorial Day when people go to the lake, hold cook-outs with family and friends. And shop. Every store out therre is holding a Memorial Day Sale. Memorial Day is a day to remember service members who gave their lives in service to this country. Anyway, don’t thank a veteran today. They’ll be embarrassed. Instead, honor a Gold Star family or say a prayer if you pass a cemetery with flags and/or patriotic wreaths placed on some of the graves. Yeah, yeah. A somber way to start the day.
In other news, my Cowgirls punched their ticket in two games and are headed to OKC for a first game on Thursday for the Women’s College World Series (WCWS). OU also made it in two games, and the 3rd Big 12 team in the Super Regionals, Texas won 2 of 3 over Arkansas to also make it onto the bracket. Otthers are UCLA, Florida, Arizona, and Oregon State. As of typing this, the 3rd game between Arizona State and Northwestern played late last night. There are some awesome teams coming to town. My Cards split the series with the Brewers but there were some fun moments.
I did a little writing and less revisions. Life, don’cha know. It’s a combination of things. Nothing bad, just some physical stuffs and the fact that my procrastinator is running in overdrive. I need to find the off switch.
Finally got around to loading the audio book of Nalini Singh’s ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT, the newest release in her Guildhunter/Archangel series. I’m a big fan of the series and the two protagonists in this book are huge favorites but I’ll admit to some hesitancy about this book. There’s been a huge push from some fans for these two characters to get together as lovers. Looking down-range at what *I* think is the probably outcome of one of the series threads, I think that would be a mistake. Not sure if anyone else is a fan but I won’t discuss spoilers, possible spoilers, or what my writer brain is saying about plotting. Anyway, I procrastinated. I’m still taking it slowly. There are some elements that make me want to tell them to pull up their big-boy jockey shorts and act like adults because the unwillingness to say what they feel is getting old. I’m just under half-way through and enough already. Now, that said, Nalini has such a wonderful way with words and and worldbuilding that I’d have trouble not loving one of her books. We’ll see what happens in this one.
In local news, my hometown is under a boil order. The state Department of Enviromental Quality did some water tests and E-coli showed up. The area where the samples were taken is about 1/2 a mile away and the tests were done on Saturday and Sunday, though they didn’t issue the boil order until late Sunday afternoon. 🤦🏼♀️ Uhm…I’d say if we were gonna get it, we’d already have it. Still, LG ran to the store and stocked up on bottled water just in case because it is a holiday weekend and who knows when/if they find the cause, fix it, and/or give an all clear because new tests come back negative. Brushing teeth using a plastic jug of water reminds me of camping at Girl Scout camp. Yeah, don’t miss camping at all.
Anyway, that’s my excitement for the weekend. I should make a Wallyworld run this morning but I may procrastinate until tomorrow. Maybe the water will be fine and I can shower and wash my hair. But hey, good excuse to let the dishes stack up in the sink, right? 😏
I have only two words to say: duct tape. Have an awesome weekend y’all!
NEW RELEASE
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Silver James 