L.K. Latham's Blog, page 5

Goblins Everywhere

I’m having a blast playing with Midjourney. As I suspected, it’s not really as “cool” as everyone makes out. Yes, I’ve been able to create character based on descriptions in my novels and short stories, but the images are nowhere close to the description or what I pictured in my mind.

Caveat: Yes, I’m playing with an AI. No! I will not replace my Cover Artist or anyone other artist I may need in the future. This is for fun.

Thinking about it now, the way my cover artist reads my mind is scarier than any AI nightmare. 

Here’s what the AI gave me for Teaser in his human form. Looks nothing like the man in my head except for his suit. It’s it wonderful?

And here’s Teaser in his Goblin form. Cool, but not as I imaged nor as I described him.

However, his suit is lovely. Goblins love to dress well.

Peace,

L.K. Latham

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Back in Full Swing

Fully back in work mode after my trip to Italy (and recovery from COVID), and it feels great to have butt-in-chair each day letting words flow. I’m also feeling good because after weeks and weeks of making changes to Midnight Wildes, it’s with beta readers. 

Now I can have fun writing some new fiction, including a new series of shorts, Home & Dragons. This is where I could use some help.

A principal character in Home & Dragons is Dilys. She adores all music from Willie Nelson, as long as he’s singing. She says she even moved to Texas so she could be close to him. (No, nothing obsessive or creepy.)

Here’s my predicament: I enjoy listening to Willie Nelson. He’s a great musician! But I am not a super fan like Dylis. Does anyone have a favorite Willie song you’d share with me, along with the reason why you love it? Warning (or promise) Dylis will talk about your favorite song somewhere in Home & Dragons.

Peace,

L.K. Latham

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Not all dead remain Buried.

A tenacious Egyptologist. An ancient secret. A vampire with a mission…

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Italy is Bellissimo!

Not going to bore you with a long slide show or details about my trip, but just a brief recap of my journey to inspire you to visit Italy.

Rome – could spend weeks there and still not see everything. 

Vatican and Colosseum – Oh my gosh! Only touched the surface of all there is to see, and mind blown.Best caffè doppio (that’s a double espresso for us in the US) ever! And in a service station/rest stop along the autostrada.

Pompeii – would love to take the 3 day tour, and still wouldn’t see everything. 

Side note: PBS released “Pompeii: The New Dig” about the latest archeological finding in Pompeii. Worth the watch.

Capri – ready to move there right now. Of course, I’d live in La Villa Mezzanotta.  It’s not a real place yet, but I bet it would look a lot like the Villa San Michele. (Wouldn’t that make a good place for a story?)

Again, terrific caffè at these ENI petrol stations/rest stops. I ordered fresh pasta for my lunch. They cooked right in front of me. Don’t find this in the US.

Assisi – have to admit, I wasn’t looking forward to our stop there, and the day was cold and wet, but then we arrived. Talk about your picture perfect, classical, medieval city! The stone walls, the church on top of a church on top of another church. So glad we had a day there.

Venice – Very crowded, but after the Duomo, we meandered Murano and Burano. Glass, lace, and wonderful people.

Once again, ENI for our rest stop. I’m thinking something is up. I asked our guide about the six legged, fire-breathing dog. She said it was symbolic of energy, cooperation, etc. A good cover story.

Pisa – What do you know? It really leans. Pictures do it no justice. The fine details are incredible.

Florence – So full of history and love and magic. I’d hoped for time to see where the Brownings lived. I’ll get there time. 

The ENI emblem blazed before me yet again as our bus pulled over for another rest stop. I have to wonder, is the caffè doing something to me? The image on that sign. It’s everywhere.  

San Gimignano – beautiful, medieval town on top of the hill. The views of the Tuscan countryside – picture perfect! Also had the BEST gelato! Yes, it really was the best gelato! https://www.gelateriadondoli.com/home-uk.html

By the time I got back to Rome, I was exhausted and ready to come home. Now that I’m fully recovered from my trip, I’m ready to go back.

On our way to the airport, there were, once again, ENI service stations and that sign. The company website provides a nice story about the mascot’s development, but a fictional creature? I think not.

Peace,

L.K. Latham

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What Cesar Wants…

Can you guess where I’ve been based on the picture? Only back a few days – longer if I count recovery time from the COVID. (Sorry for my late email responses.) Had a wonderful time! Didn’t even get the COVID until I was back in the states. Anyway, the picture it your hint. Can’t wait to tell you all about it.

Until then, let me tell you about Cesar. He’s on top of the food chain, so he thinks. Whatever happened to him in Midnight Bites, is nothing compared to what happens to him in Midnight Wildes.

Just one more wee clue to where I was.

Cesar De LaRosa studied the detritus of the fifteenth century. He never liked being on the water, and seeing the wreck of the ancient ship confirmed his dislike for sailing. Not that a cruise today had any of the discomfort faced by de Le Salle and his crew. Isabella had insisted on that long weekend cruise on the Alaskan coast in January. Comfortable, but boring. He had missed the hustle and bustle of the city, the constant inquiries and permissions needed to run the US side of Mugello Industries. Cesar enjoyed being in charge more than he thought he would, but he missed the camaraderie he and Anthony Mugello had shared over the years. 

Barely a year had passed since Hunters entered Austin determined to kill them all. Cesar and Anthony had been ready with detailed plans to keep their people safe, but Harry and the Duchess changed them all and didn’t bother to tell them. 

“Mary,” he said to himself. “I should call her Mary and not Duchess.”

It all worked out. The Hunters left the city, having only killed a few vampires and one werewolf, but the Hunters’s leaders had broken under the weight of their own sins. They would no longer be a threat. Cesar kept tabs on the others.

Now, Mary ruled in Harry’s place. Her whispers echoed through the streets of Austin and in most American cities every night. Wherever she was, her Internet Radio station gained in popularity among humans and non-humans. Unlike Harry, Mary required little of Cesar, except to keep Mugello Enterprises prosperous and safe. 

Was she unconcerned with the details? Isabella had laughed when he asked her about Mary’s motives. “Never worry if she seems unconcerned about anything you do. But always worry when she takes an interested in what you’re doing.”

“Relax,” he whispered to himself as he looked at his watch. The Blanton Museum would close soon. He turned to move upstairs for the meeting – arranged by Mary. All she told him was to meet an old friend and assist him in his work.

It worried him that there was work to do in Austin and she hadn’t asked him to do it. With the experience of the Hunters still in his mind, he ran through the communication plans, the safety procedures, and evacuation routs and safe house operations he had established. Were they good enough? What about another betrayal? How do I plan for that?

Peace,

L.K. Latham

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Not what Eugene Expects

I liked Eugene the moment her bus pulled into the station in Austin during the in Midnight Bites. She’s an artist, a student, a hacker, and a werewolf. She jumped on the chance to take on a staring role in Midnight Wildes.

Unfortunately, it’s not all she’d hoped for.

“Good spell on you, child,” Ol’ Sassie said, squinting her eyes and staring into Eugene’s eyes. “Not easy. Even hard for Ol’ Sassie to tell you’re no mutt.”

Eugene sat up straight, wrapping her tail around her legs. “What?” she barked at Ol’ Sassie, and then placing a paw on the cot next to CC.

Ol’ Sassie chuckled and pointed to CC. “Ol’ Sassie knows outworlders when she sees them, and she has no love for the witches who’d spell you dead if they found you.”

CC dropped her cup of healing tea. “Why would they want us dead?”

Ol’ Sassie’s lips squeezed into a large pucker. She scratched her chin. “You? Easy. Red head gets you dead. But her,” Ol’Sassie stood, shuffling those feet with the long, long toes forward until bent to pick up the cup. Squatting where she stopped, she said, “There’s the question Ol’ Sassie has no answer for. Why do they want you dead?” She reached a single, long crooked finger and touched Eugene’s head.

Licking her finger, she shook her head. “No witch’s spell on your four-legged friend. Smells wrong for a witch.” Ol’ Sassie leaned forward and sniffed in a long, loud sniff over Eugene. “Goblin? Maybe, but not Goblin. Odd, Sassie doesn’t know, but Ol’ Sassie should. Familiar.”

Eugene stepped away from Ol’ Sassie as the hairs on her spine rose. 

CC’s hand, warmed from the spilled tea, stroked her back. “It’ll be okay, Eugene. We’ll get your wolf back.”

“Get it back?” whispered Eugene, though she knew it sounded like a whimper. She backed away from CC and looked at her right leg, sniffing it and following it as far as she could. Then she did the same with her left leg. She twisted to look at her right hind quarter and then her left hind quarter. Finally, she stared at her tail, running her eyes from its tips to her hips. Gray fur ran from dark to light. Standing still, she cast her gaze around the room. CC’s red hair was gray. Her red freckled and pink cheeks were all shades of gray. 

“I’m a mutt,” she barked. 

Ol’ Sassie and CC stared at her. 

CC’s bottom lip frowned and her eyes rounded. “I’m sorry, Eugene, but we’ll find-“

 “My tattoos are gone!” Eugene spun around and around. “What happened to my tattoos?” She wanted to cry. She wanted to howl. Only bark, bark, bark came out of her mouth. “My beautiful tattoos are gone. All mum’s work is gone. There’s nothing of me left!” 

Saliva dripped from her bottom jaw. She shook her head, commanding her human side to rule her head and heart, but both shook and shattered inside her. CC’s face was gray and filled with fear. She let her bottom fall to the ground and hung her head. Her breaths shortened. Her bladder squeezed. A cross between a bark and a howl erupted from her mouth, and she dashed out of the warm room to the cave entrance. The boulder blocked her way out, but she had to get out. She jumped onto it, but it didn’t move. She paced back and forth in front of the boulder. She scratched the boulder with her claws. She paced again, willing the boulder to move, but it didn’t. She barked, commanding it move, she scratched it until her claws dulled; she paced. And then the fear vanished. She collapsed onto her stomach, limbs spread out. She closed her eyes, letting the smell of earth and damp fill her snout and eased air into her lungs.

Peace,

L.K. Latham

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The Pack’s Dragon: Werewolves AND Dragons! What more do I need to say more?Agent Zero: Region Two Series:
A strong woman kicking ass, that touch of romance, and creatures that walk the night. On my summer reading list! 

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Time to Spread the Word

It’s still Primary Immunology (PI) Awareness Month 2024, and I’m spreading the word about PI to increase awareness and raise money for research.

Hope I’m not sounding like a broken record, but after thirty-plus years of infections, surgeries, and being miserable, I don’t want anyone else to go have to wait for the right diagnosis. Once I received the correct diagnosis, my life changed – for the better. I’m sure it’s why I’m here today to send out this information. 

Thanks to everyone who’s emailed me with support, and a special thank you to those spreading the word.

Think you or someone you know might benefit from information about this disease, pass on this link: https://primaryimmune.org

If you would like to help raise money or donate, click here. 

Peace,

L.K. Latham

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I’m building up my TBR list for the summer. Here’s a new series you, too, might be interested in. 

The author hooked me with, “…maybe I shouldn’t have a crush in the afterlife…”

And for more books to add to your summer reading list, here’s a link to free books. 

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Primary Immunology (PI) Awareness Month

I’m taking a little time out from my usual post to introduce Primary Immunology (PI) Awareness Month 2024. I use the word introduce, because most people haven’t heard of PI. However, there’s a good chance that someone among your acquaintance is a person with a PI (other than me).  

Unfortunately, most people with a PI don’t know about it even though they were born with it.

If you hear hoofbeats, think a horse, not  zebra.

That’s the mantra for physicians. By spreading the word about PI, I’m hoping one person out there asks their physician to think Zebra. 

I’m spreading the word about PI to increase awareness and raise money for research.

1: Increase awareness – You are now aware. Think you or someone you know might benefit from information about this disease, pass on this link: https://primaryimmune.org

2: If you would like to help raise money or donate, click here. 

Peace,

L.K. Latham

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Meet Isabella

I’ve mentioned Midnight Wildes a few times over recent weeks. This morning, I realized I’ve told you nothing about it. So, let me introduce you to one of the key characters, Isabella. After Midnight Loyalties, she returned to Chicago, but when I began writing Midnight Wildes, and she found out half the story was in Las Vegas, she said she had to be there. She loves Vegas. Hung around in the old days, when it wasn’t much more than a hotel or two with a few casinos. 

Before she takes over today’s blog, you should know she’s a gifted artist, an experienced security guard, and a short-tempered vampire.

Vegas is my kind of town. Bright lights, lots of cash, cool nights, hot men, fast cars, and lots of cash. Oh, I said that already. Habits. Back in the day, we thought it was it was the tops, but if I could’ve seen then what it would become, I never would have left. Well, Leonard used to rule here. Hated the old prick. Glad I didn’t stay, or I could’a ended up working for him, not that Mary would have let me – for long. She’s always saying she has plans for me…. Whatever. More time for me to have a good time.

When Cesar asked me to come with him and keep an eye on CC. I jumped at the chance. Who knew it would end like this? 

No, it’s not the end. I can’t be.

The lights were so beautiful, but I was so scared. Not that I’m going to let Wayne know. He’s an old scaredy-cat. All the vamps in Vegas are. They can’t know how scared I am. That would end us for sure. 

No one’s supposed to notice the High Tower Casino, but there it was, taller than any casino on the Strip, with those gorgeous clouds of golds and greens and whites and blues glowing and flowing in and out and around each other and the tower. I couldn’t paint a prettier picture, and I’m an excellent painter.

People on the streets pointed at it, talked about, took selfies. It was a show they’re going to tell their friends about. Wayne said vamps disappear when bright white lights start flashing, but these weren’t just a bright white lights. Those colors: Amazing how they mingled and moved. 

Wayne, he manned up and stood next to me on the roof to watch the lights and the people below dancing and drinking on Fremont Street. I give him credit for putting on a front, but he’s worse than an old dog: he wants to growl a lot but whines when the going gets tough. Still, he came out to stand with me. It was his people who disappeared.

Ramon, the rat, should have been in the casino with Cesar and the girls. But then Cesar didn’t want me there either, and he hired me to keep CC safe. I like her. She’s gotta good heart. Those are to find. And Eugene, damn it, I like her, too. I didn’t want to – such a flake, a werewolf, but she’s cool. She’s got awesome tats. You should see her sleeves.

Ramon’s driving all around town. I couldn’t stop him even if I wanted to try. The rat can get around.

But me, I’m staying right here. Cesar loves these fountains, said he was here when they were turned on. Figures. He’ll come here, unless… He’ll be here. He’ll bring CC and Eugene with him. Nobody messes with Cesar.

But this is magic, magic that uses lights, lights vamps can’t fight.

Peace,

L.K. Latham

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Dragons Everywhere!

So, I had one of those “what am I going to do with these Amazon gift cards” moments – shortly after my birthday last year. And then there it was on one of the blogs I follow: a review of The Art of The Dragon – Wilshire & Spurlock I knew at once what to do with my gift cards.

I’d just started writing about dragons, and the reviewer praised the images and the insights into how the artist created their dragons. So, for over a year, I’ve had this sitting on my couch. I pull it out whenever the mood hits; I stare at the images. I read (now re-reading) the thought processes behind the creations, and I’m still amazed.  

Then it hit me: Why haven’t I shared this with anyone? I don’t know, but I’m telling now.

No one’s asked me to promote it, but I like it so much, and since many of you also enjoy a good dragon, I’m sharing now. It’s a terrific resource not only for the dragons I’m writing about, it also inspires me to create the worlds where the dragons live.

Peace,

L.K. Latham

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Reflections on Polar Bears

Last year I posted this picture depicting the first signs of spring in Central Texas: Redbuds. This lovely sign of spring led me to reminisce about the polar bears I visited two years ago.

It was cold! That’s really me hidden behind all those layers. Behind me, the Hudson Bay just as ice is starting to form along its shores. That’s the ice, by the way, all the polar bears are waiting for. Without it, they can’t get to their primary food source, seals.

Today in Central Texas, it’s mild, sunny, and breezy. A perfect day for a long walk, if I wasn’t still so sneezy.

We got up very early every day. However, I was rewarded with sunrises like this one. Pictures can’t do it the site justice, but this gives you a wee idea of its beauty.

You can just see the ice skimming the surface. Not thick enough yet for humans or bears to walk on.

I remember our first day out, and this bear looked right at me. I took his picture with my phone: no telephone lens in use here. He really is that close. He just sat up as we stopped for our morning tea. He (pronoun correct according to our guide) looked right at me, and asked, “What’s for breakfast?” 

I saw so much more wildlife than I thought I would, but it was the Polar Bears that had the biggest impact on me. I wonder how many are still alive.

Polar Bears are not easy to see on the vast tundra of the Arctic, but when I did, they were always watching. They hadn’t eaten in months. Nothing for them to eat on land. According to my guide, those we saw walking around were usually male and young, curious and perhaps a bit restless.

My polar bear trip was as lovely as it was contemplative. So contemplative, I still think about the bears and the effects we have on the bears. 

Amazing what one brief trip will do. 

Until next time, walk in peace. And if you head up north, keep your eyes open for Polar Bears. They may not be around for much longer.

Coming up: 3-9 March 2024 Read an Ebook Week on Smashwords

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