Good evening everyone. I’m so very happy to announce that Warlock’s Menace, Warlock Nikodemus Holland’s book and the first title in the Magical Usage Council Misadventures series is now available. Currently only the e-book version is available. I’m waiting on the paperback proofs to arrive (hopefully tomorrow) and if they are fine, then the paperback will quickly follow.
I never intended to fall in love with Erasmus’s pops. Nikodemus is such an arrogantly assholish character with a surprisingly soft, gooey center that has his son’s name written all over it. I wound up enjoying writing him so much that I decided he deserved his own book and HEA. A mischievous kitsune seemed a perfect counterpoint to Nikodemus’s stuffiness and Hikaru wound up stealing my heart as well. I sincerely hope you enjoy their story and the antics the two of them get up to.
I am currently working on the second book in the Magical Usage Council Misadventures series. If all goes well, Dryad’s Treasure will be released this summer. It’s scheduled to go through its first round of editing in late April. As of now, I believe there will be four books in the series, each focusing on a different pairing, yet all connected. If anyone is wondering, our newest djinn, Helios, will be making several impromptu visits to the Magical Usage Council.
In non-writing news . . . anyone else think this weather is bat shit crazy? So, I’m from the Midwest and I’m used to the weather roller coaster that is lovingly referred to as Spring. That being said, going from mid-seventies to snow within eight hours with temperatures falling into the teens and struggling to get to the upper twenties only to be followed forty-eight hours later with temps once more about seventy . . . that’s a bit extreme. The plants aren’t the only ones having weather whiplash.
A week ago, I wouldn’t have been able to write this post because we had severe wind gusts where I live. The wind knocked down a tree in my neighborhood and thus I was without power for about 36 hours. We’re used to the wind this time of year, but again, this was extreme. At least this time the tree didn’t fall into my yard.
Speaking of falling trees in my yard . . . some of you might remember posts from last year with pictures of my smooshed shed and damaged fence. I replaced the chain link fence at the back of my property with a privacy fence. The main reason for this was that there is a little dog that lives at this house and when Fen sees it in the back yard, he goes a bit ape-shit over the whole affair. Since Fen can’t hear–out of sight, out of mind. My yard was peaceful once more and devoid of excess barking. Sadly, those days are over.
New neighbors have moved into the house behind mine and kind of catty-corner to my home (where the privacy fence doesn’t block Fen’s view). These new neighbors have FIVE dogs. Now, these dogs seem perfectly pleasant to me. Fen doesn’t agree. The moment he saw them he took off, barking like he could actually do some damage if only he could get ahold of the dogs (he’s also wagging his tail the entire time so I believe he’s a bit confused regarding the matter). The point here is that I have to do something ASAP before I lose my mind. While I love FenFen, I do NOT love the barking. This evening, while I was in the basement working out on the elliptical, he barked for 20 minutes straight.
Sigh . . .
I need to pull out my creative hat and figure something out, even if it is a temporary solution. I’ve got some ideas cooking. I just need to suss out the details and see what might be the most cost effective while still being at least moderately aesthetically pleasing. At this point, plants will take too long to grow so I need something a bit more ready made.
And so it goes. The joy of pet ownership, living in town with neighbors, and figuring out work arounds to mini-disasters. At least the squirrels don’t seem bothered by all the barking. Newton doesn’t seem too upset either. Speaking of the kitty brat, he just jumped up on the desk to no doubt sit in front of the computer. As a stinky aside, he’s also gassy and brought a rather foul stench with him. Unfortunately, that is a side affect of his meds for his diabetes. Again, the joy of pet ownership. But, as you all know, I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
Until next time, stay well and either enjoy the roller coaster that is Spring or bitch and complain about it until Summer arrives and we can all complain that it is too hot and humid. As for me, I split my time doing a little of both. Mother Nature is a fickle lady and we are but lowly mortals in her eyes.
MJ May
Fen’s (my) valentine hoard! We made out very well at work. His bag was stuffed.
Newton’s very disgusted opinion when I brought Fen home from grooming last week. I think Newton thought Fen was gone for good and he was an only furry child. His expression made me laugh.
My lovely daffodils. Bless their little plant hearts, they keep fighting through the snow and cold. They are tough beauties.
veterinarian and fiction writer 