Showing posts with label NWHRWA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NWHRWA. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Conference, Fall, & Holiday Fun...

Happy Wednesday All,

We're almost done with August, in fact, September starts tomorrow. Writers have until September 23rd to register for the Northwest Houston RWA Lone Star Writer's Conference. All writers, of all genres are welcome. We open up the conference to all writers of all genres, so take advantage of that.


Morning Speaker will be NY Times Bestseller, Kerrelyn Sparks. The afternoon speaker is going to be Sandra Beckwith from Buildbookbuzz.com. We'll have raffle baskets to raffle off, there will be pitch sessions going on, and more. 

Some writers have said they couldn't make this year. Very well, if you, a writer, can't make it this year, then put us down for next year. Generally we have the Conference the first Saturday in October. That's the date it's been ever since I started going to the conference back in 2009. So see, the time of year hasn't changed, just when the first Saturday of October is changes (some years it's not the 1st of October).

As Summer slips past us, and Fall starts in, I get a sense of an anticipation. Not just for the Conference, but also for cooler weather...for Holidays and fun. Anybody who knows me well knows that Halloween isn't my favorite Holiday. Thanksgiving is all right, but I'm really a big Christmas fan. My husband puts up with Hallmark Christmas movies from the moment they begin until the moment they end (then he deals with the Valentine's ones in February, because let's face it, I consider myself hopelessly romantic).

One of the things I love about Christmas are the lights. I like seeing houses and buildings lit up in a festive glow. We're hoping to make it out to Disney World sometime (not this year) during the Christmas season in part for that reason. I hear so much about how beautiful and wonderful it is. This year, we're looking at San Antonio for a little visit during the December month and I'm looking forward to seeing the lights along the Riverwalk (I've been to San Antonio and the Riverwalk several times, but not during the Christmas/Advent Season). We're also looking at going to Sea World--we've been there in the Summer, but never for their Christmas events. I had no idea they were even open during that time!

After the Conference on October 1st, we'll probably start gearing up for Halloween. Generally my kids go Trick or Treating with the cousins, but due to some changes this year, I'm not sure what will be happening. Eldest already knows what he wants to be for Halloween, Youngest is pretty laid back and goes with the flow.

For Thanksgiving, I think one of my aunts is coming into town, which will be fun. I always enjoy seeing her, and having Thanksgiving at my parents' house is a treat.

This year, I'm hoping Texas gets cooler than last year. Last year we pretty much were wearing shorts at Christmas, which just felt completely wrong to me. Even in my part of Texas we generally can wear warm clothing at Christmas. I love wrapping up in blankets and watching Christmas Specials at home. Making hot cocoa or tea is always fun, too.

What do you like about the Fall months and the holidays during Fall and Winter?

Have A Whimsically Wonderful Wednesday!

Monday, August 15, 2016

Should You Register? Let Me Count The Reasons...

Happy Monday All,

I know I haven't been good about keeping up with the blog. Currently I have a full plate. I'm working on a project my publisher has requested, plus something I did on my own, and a couple of stories I'm hoping to finish writing. On top of that, I've got the mommy/wife gigs going on, and the audiobook.

However, I do want to make all writers aware that the time has come to get your registration for the Northwest Houston chapter of Romance Writers of America Lone Star Writer's Conference in! The deadline to register is September 15, and we're about halfway through August already.

Me with editor, Debby Gilbert
at the 2014 Lone Star Writer's Conference
I have been attending this conference since 2009. Every year is different, but consistently it's been fun, informative, and worth every penny. I'm excited that this year Kerrelyn Sparks is speaking.

Me, author Kerrelyn Sparks, and author
Christie Craig
Kerrelyn is a fellow author and someone I've had the pleasure of meeting in person. She's talented, sweet, and I imagine has some great information for writers. She has a fabulous sense of humor and is very personable.

Jennifer Fusco of Market Or Die! is also coming. I haven't heard her speak, and I don't know her, but it sounds interesting, and I can always use marketing ideas for my work.
Taken at one of the Lone Star
Conferences I attended (I can't remember
which one)

There will be pitching opportunities, and also raffle baskets available.

I look forward to this conference every year and I'm already registered. We have had writers of all different genres come, so even if you don't write romance, don't hesitate!

See you there!

Have A Marvelously Magnificent Monday!

Monday, July 11, 2016

A-Conferencing We Will Go...

Happy Monday All,

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Summer. Down here in the Lone Star State we are melting, but that's not unusual. Heat + Humidity = Texas Summers. I'm surprised we're not in the triple digits (the week forecast looks like we're going to get close). It makes me very grateful for central air condition and car air conditioning.

This week is the week of RWA Nationals. RWA is Romance Writers of America. Nationals are the conference they host every year--generally in a different location each year. The Conference is open to members (and I believe non-members) alike. A huge number of industry professionals, as well as writers, attend Nationals every year. Although, I'm in the latter group--the group that doesn't attend. You have to budget for Nationals because typically it does cost more than the local ones. Given my family demands and my financial situation, it's not something I can do at this point. Maybe in the future. I would like to go once, just to gain the experience and see what it's like.

If you're interested in more information on RWA Nationals, please don't hesitate to look up their website here. RWA has a ton of information available, not just for Romance writers, but often writing in general. It does mostly cater to Romance writers, but I know some Non-Romance writers who have benefited from information RWA provided.

So, for those of us who can't attend Nationals and would like to go to a writer's conference, what are our options?

Many RWA chapters have conferences throughout the year that cost less. They're smaller, and generally only offer one or two topics, but sometimes that's what's best for a writer (every writer is different and they have to decide what works for them in terms of conference options).

My RWA chapter--NWHRWA has an annual Fall conference every year that takes place the first Saturday in October. The nice thing is, this is usually when the weather is getting cooler in Texas so you're not as likely to melt (you're welcome) and we generally have one or two topics, so it's focused, and sometimes intense--but gives you more opportunity to use your energy to learning one thing at a time and soak it up. (If that's your preference).

I'm excited for my chapter, NWHRWA, Lone Star Writer's Conference this year. We have a great line up planned:



Thursday, September 17, 2015

La Vida Crazy-Busy, Getting Off Of Hiatus/Sabbatical

Happy Thursday All,

Wow! It feels like an eternity since I updated my blog. I have been super-busy with family obligations (in fact, still am...motherhood is a demanding job, as many of you know). But I am getting back into writing and working on getting back into everything else. It's happening veeerrrryyyyy sllllloooowwwwllly...but it's HAPPENING! Yay. :-)

I'm having issues with my regular browser, so I'm using an interim one until I can sit down with my awesome IT guy, Jeff (if you're interested in consulting with him, email me, and I'll check his availability. He's been a big help to me).

To keep up with me, watch Twitter and Facebook mostly. I update Facebook often, and try to get to Twitter at least once a day. (The interim browser I'm using is slow, so I'll just provide a link to my website, which I think has links to my Twitter and Facebook pages).

So what's going on in my world aside from motherhood? I'm working on the first book in what I hope will be a new series. I've been working on this novel for some time, now, and well...it seems to be trying to come together. I'll be using my regular beta reader--she's going to give me an initial input on what I've got so far (always nice to get her input at the beginning to see if there's a plot hole before I write myself into a corner).

The NWHRWA Lone Star Conference is just around the corner! (Saturday, October 3, 2015). And guess what, darling readers? I'm going! Yes, I am. This year, Margie Lawson is the keynote speaker. There are 2-3 editors coming out to hear pitches as well as a literary agent. So it's exciting. I can't wait to see my writing pals again. I haven't made it to a NWHRWA meeting since the Christmas party last year. Real life has been that demanding. Fortunately writers and other professionals I work with have been very understanding, which has made being on hiatus easier.

I miss regularly writing and updating this blog. I even miss editing. Absence--even being away for a very GOOD reason--does make the heart grow fonder, at least as far as I'm concerned.

So, please tell me, darling readers...what are you up to these days and what are you reading?

Be sure to check Amazon and Barnes & Noble for my novels. They're available on Kindle and in paperback--all 4 published ones. :-)

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Day!

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

It's October! Time For Updates...

Happy Wednesday All,

Also, a very happy October to everybody! October is one of my favorite months. Okay, I'm going to come across as biased, but my birthday is in October and I've always loved my birthday--yeah, I'm over 30, but who cares? It's my special day and I get to celebrate it...even though this year it's on a Wednesday (not today, a different Wednesday). But never mind! I will be celebrating!

Currently I'm gearing up for the NWHRWA Lone Star Writer's Conference, which is featuring keynote speaker Bob Mayer, and special guest, Jen Talty. I always look forward to the NWHRWA conference. It's an opportunity to hang out with all my writing pals and meet new ones. Also, this year, my publisher is coming down, so it'll be a new (and I'm thinking fun) experience to see my publisher as one of their authors rather than someone who they didn't know.

Another way I'm celebrating is by being a guest on author Anne B.
Cole's blog. I'm talking about 5 secrets of Divine Love, plus much, much more...so I hope you all will visit me there.

The other thing is, Astral Love is supposed to release this month. I'm hoping it still will, I haven't heard back from my publisher on an exact date, but I'll let you all know. A friend of mine is especially looking forward to the release of this book--not only because she loved Divine Love, and is ready for Book Two, but because Astral Love is dedicated to her! You'll have to wait until the release to find out who and what I say about her.

I'm working on writing Book Three of my Immortal Dreams
Trilogy. I'll be doing a cover reveal soon I imagine. I haven't figured out exactly when I'll do that, but I believe before December. I love all my covers, but this one...well, I'll explain when I do the reveal.

Meanwhile, be sure to follow me on Facebook and Twitter to keep up-to-date with everything.


Hope you all have a oh-so-outstanding October!

Have A Wonderfully Whimsical Wednesday!

Monday, June 9, 2014

Upcoming Event, News, & More...

Happy Monday All,

Mark your calendars those of you who will be in Houston on Saturday June 21, 2014, because I will be joining fellow author, Dana Wright, and some others for an event at a Barnes & Noble. You can read about the details here. I plan to bring All's Fair In Love & Lion bookmarks, so if you want a signed bookmark, and to meet me and some other authors--ask questions and such, come on out. (I don't know about Immortal Dreams Trilogy bookmarks, that's something I'm working on some details, so I can't be sure if I will or not).

Saturday I went to my chapter's monthly meeting. Author Will
Graham talked about Jack the Ripper. He really did a great job. For anyone who doesn't know, Will is a very talented author, and I've been lucky enough to be able to chat with him about writing, publishing, and different things like that. He's been supportive of my career over the years. I'm very grateful for it.

My critique partner, Tess St. John has been busily working on another novel. I don't know exactly when it'll be released, but I know she's been hard at work. Stay tuned to her website and blog for further information (I don't think any is posted just yet, but I imagine it will be once the new novel is released or closer to the release date).

Author Marie Hall is offering volume 1 of her Kingdom Chronicles (books 1-3) for free on Nook, Smashwords, and  Kobo. I know she plans to have it available for free on Amazon Kindle. I've mentioned how much I love her work, and here's a chance for you to get three novels for free. That's Her Mad Hatter, Gerard's Beauty, and Red And Her Wolf all for free.

I hope all of you had a great weekend! I enjoyed mine.

Have A Merrily Magical Monday!

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Fairy-Tale Teachers...

Happy Thursday & Friday All (Since I'm going to leave this post up for both days),

Saturday is the NWHRWA Lone Star Writer's Conference. I've been really looking forward to it. Donald Maass is the keynote speaker and I believe it's going to be another great conference. This is my 5th year going. I can hardly believe it's been that long already, but I'm excited. This Fall marks 6 years as a member of the NWHRWA. The group is just awesome. So many talented authors. Many of them have become friends of mine, and I'm very grateful to them and the entire group, for their support and encouragement over the years. I'm telling you, they are really warm and caring. If you're a writer and ever get a chance to come down for one of our conferences and/or meetings, please do.

Today I'm thinking about the lessons we can learn from fairy-tales. I know, usually they're kind of "fluffy" or "cheesy", but I've been thinking about even though oftentimes the heroine is a "damsel-in-distress" rather than a "tough cookie", she sometimes shows her own strength.

Take Cinderella. For years she endures the abuse of her step-mother and step-sisters, who are jealous of her beauty and kindness. She could always haul off and slap them, but instead, quietly does her work, and dreams of when things can be better. When the opportunity arises, she seizes it in both hands and makes the most of it--winning the heart of the prince. Her journey isn't easy, and she often looks weak, but in the end, her tenacity and belief in things getting better--and then taking the chance when given--she gets her happily-ever-after. (The Grimm Brothers version is bloodier than most, having the step-sisters cutting off parts of their foot to fit in the slipper, but the general story is the same).


What about Beauty (or "Belle", if you prefer)? She takes care of her family and loves her father deeply. When the Beast threatens her father because he took a rose without permission, even though she's scared and doesn't know what will happen, she courageously takes her father's place. Eventually she and the Beast fall in love, he changes back into a prince, and she's rewarded for her unselfishness. (The original French version--at least the ones I've read/seen--have Beauty/Belle dreaming of the prince).

Those are just two examples (from my two favorite fairy-tales). What are some other examples from fairy-tales where there's a lesson about being a good person?

Have A Totally Terrific Thursday and a Fantastically Fascinating Friday!

Thursday, April 18, 2013

It All Started One Day (Or, "Once Upon A Time An Idea Was Born..")

Happy Thursday All,
 
I've been rather remiss about posting (FYI--if y'all are hoping this is a post about my cover art...sorry, that's not finalized yet, but I've seen a draft and it's gorgeous, dahlings! But keep reading, this is a behind-the-scenes look)
 
Over the weekend I hurried up after discovering I wasn't quite as far along on the edits as I had originally thought. Fortunately, I did get the edits turned in, so hurray!
 
My best friend, Sarah, (the one
who died in February) made this
for me years ago. I'm posting it
in this blog post since she played
a role in my journey. RIP Sarah.
Love you!
Lately I've gotten a little nostalgic thinking about my journey from first starting All's Fair In Love & Lion, to where it is now...with a draft cover, edits turned in, a July release (not sure of actual release date, but still) and in general, on its way to being available to the public.
 
I never thought I'd get nostalgic about it. I always thought I'd just be happy, relieved, and overjoyed. Now I'm sitting here thinking about the first time I came up with the idea, how Monroe insisted on being heard, and how Sasha evolved. It's incredible.
Early graphic I used when
I first started blogging
 

All's Fair In Love & Lion has led me on an incredible journey. 

One that isn't over, but one that's taken me through some amazing places that I never expected to be.

 

Monroe ornament on my Christmas Tree
From first finding out about the NWHRWA, to actually attending a meeting. I felt welcome. Everybody was warm, caring, genuinely interested, and supportive. I am supremely grateful to each and every one of those members. There's so much talent in that group, it's amazing it doesn't burst out like confetti all around the building where we meet, and onto the surrounding area. Maybe we've learned how to contain it to the room, or maybe the confetti is just invisible; either way, each of you is special to me for one reason or another, and I wish you the best on your own writing journeys. (P.S. Shamelessly going to plug the NWHRWA's Lone Star Writers' Contest--click here on how to enter this year's and the upcoming Oct. 5, 2013 Lone Star Writers' Conference featuring Donald Maass).
 
Throughout my journey, I've also had contact with writers outside the NWHRWA. Authors such as Lesley Livingston (whose Wondrous Strange Trilogy I adore), talented mystery author, Laura Childs, and this year I interviewed Lynn Kurland--which was a completely fan-girl moment for me since I've enjoyed her work for many years. And of course, just this year, also striking up a rapport with the talented Sophie Jordan and Mary Lindsey).



As to the writing side of my journey?
 

December 2012 I received this snowglobe
to commerate my first sale,
which  is All's Fair In Love & Lion
 

Throughout every story I've been writing, editing, pitching, querying, going to Conference, meetings, and brainstorming sessions with my invaluable and super-human critique partner (the illustrious Tess St. John) All's Fair In Love & Lion has insisted upon being told. Monroe has demanded I share his story. He growled at me when I faltered, got annoyed when it wasn't the center of my attention, and all around made a nuisance of himself...but he still is firmly planted in my heart. He's one of my favorite creations, no matter what other of my characters I've grown fond of, I still get a smile when I think of that shifter who just really wanted his story told. He has made sure I didn't forget him. And really...that's a huge part of why I kept up with the story. Because I loved it that much. Because the characters insisted I not ignore them...that they get their chance to shine. So, this is their debut as much as mine. I'm grateful to the story and the journey.
Everybody in AFILL (All's Fair In Love & Lion) has taught me something important and many of them hold a special place in my heart. I'm hoping to write a couple more of their stories (one is in the process, the other is being plotted) and I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I have.

Keep watch...once the cover art is finalized, I'll reveal it. And those who are still craving that first sale...as so many published authors (including NY Times Best Sellers) have said to me and to my colleagues:  "Don't give up." Keep writing and keep dreaming. :-)

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Thursday!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Most Wonderful & Busy Season

Happy Wednesday Everybody,

Sorry it's taken me forever to update (December is half gone already!)

I promise you, I haven't been sitting around twiddling my thumbs. I've actually been really busy. Yesterday I finally finished my Christmas shopping. I even made a To-Do list yesterday and put "Make To-Do List" as one of the items--partially because I've been meaning to make one, and partially to have something to cross off right away.

As you can see, we finally got the tree decorated. It's so pretty! Offspring got excited about putting the tinsel on. It's always fun to get out the Christmas stuff and see things we haven't seen in a year. Unfortunately, my computer refuses to upload this picture the right way. I had flipped it so that it was vertical, but then Blogger wouldn't upload it.*Sigh*. Anyway, I promise, in real life it's NOT sideways.

There's two particular ornaments on the tree that have a special meaning to me. One is a turkey that represents my maternal grandfather (who died in 2004). Every Thanksgiving we would have what's called "The Turkey Contest". Contestants would try to tell the best or worst joke and win a prize (those who weren't competing were the judges). The person who won was called "The Turkey" for that year. The prize was always some form of turkey in honor of Thanksgiving--things like Turkey figurines, puppets, all kinds of funny stuff. My grandfather won often. So the turkey reminds me of him.

Of course, like last year (when I got this ornament) I had to put Monroe on the tree to watch over me and my family all through the Christmas Season! It's even more special this year given that his and Sasha's story has a contract! I took the picture from the side. This year Monroe is facing out more rather than in profile. As majestic as always, though.

A new addition to my mantel is surrounded by our lighted garland. It's a snow globe with a plaque on it (can't really see the plaque very well in the picture) but it's from the NWHRWA in honor of my first sale. Isn't it nice? It plays Ride Of The Valkyries.

I've got to finish up critiquing the last 10 pages I have left for my wonderful Critique Partner, finish writing one of my WIP, plus there is gift wrapping, shipping, and mailing envelopes left on my To Do List.

Like I said, I'm keeping busy!

How have you been celebrating the season?

Have A Whimsical Wednesday!

Monday, December 3, 2012

The NWHRWA Makes Merry

Happy Monday Everybody,

It's December, if you can believe it! I hope everyone had a great weekend.

On Saturday I Christmas partied with my NWHRWA Chapter mates.

Whomever did the decorations knows how to make things bright, merry, and cheerful.


Look behind the love gift bag, you'll see the very top
of the present I got to keep.
 We have a gift game that we do--the "white elephant" one. We didn't have too many joke presents...although someone did find a cookbook that was the source of much merriment. I ended up with a chalkboard type thing that says "The Writing On The Wall" and a box of chalk--it's really cool. I'm going to get husband to put it up on the wall...great place to jot down ideas real quick.


from L to R:  me, Christie Craig, William Simon
 My chapter mates are extremely talented, encouraging, and wonderful people, and I count myself lucky and blessed to be among them. The two chapter mates / published writers in the picture with me, William Simon, and Christie Craig, have been so wonderful and encouraging in my journey. William was the NWHRWA president when I joined and he took me "under his wing" so to speak and made me feel very welcome. Christie has encouraged me to believe in myself and to keep going. She gave me advice on my pitches. She calls me her "book pimp" and I proudly wear the title--her books are full of comedy and romance. William's Thrillers are fascinating.

As always it was full of fun and laughter! We had a blast.

Have A Merry Monday!

Friday, November 30, 2012

Releases, Christmas, & A Bunch Of Other Things...

Happy Friday All,

To quote Mater from Cars and Cars 2 movies, "Dadgum!" It's been a long time since I've updated. I'm so sorry! It's been crazy around here and I've been saving my writing inspiration for my WIP.

Bear with me...there's a TON of updates...

One of my WIPs is almost done. I'm about two-thirds of the way through with it and hoping to very soon start editing it and sending it to my Illustrious and Awesome critique partner, Tess St. John.


My awesome chapter mates have been busily releasing books, too. Carla Rossi released onto Amazon Kindle, Dr. Noah And The Sugar Plum Fairy, an Inspirational Romance that looks cute and fun. I don't have a Kindle, so hopefully it gets released in other formats, soon.

Terri Molina has been offering a freebie on her House Of Cards, available on Amazon Kindle. I believe, today is the LAST day to get it! I'll find out if she's going to extend it, but as far as I know today is it.

I'm excited about when my chapter mate Shauna Allen gets Inked By An Angel released. I don't know the exact release date, but her site says January 2013. I critiqued part of that story (very early chapters) and let me say, unique hero--definitely fun. I LOVE her cover art.

Yesterday my nephew announced the NWHRWA Lone Star Conference (information isn't on our website, yet, but stay tuned)on his radio show, on EMU's Eagle Radio. You can catch it on Thursdays from 4pm (EASTERN time) to 6pm (EASTERN time)--that's 3pm to 5pm Central time. He generally talks sports and music, but he also chats about other topics, too. I don't always know a lot of what he's talking about, but then again, I don't know a lot about sports, but I still find something fun about his show. One time he played a song by Van Halen. It was one I really like, so I was happy about that! You can send him a Tweet via @HarryEagleRadio and who knows...he just might give you a shout-out on the air. To listen, just go to the Eagle Radio site and click on the upper left hand corner. You can listen through your computer.

Christmas is coming and I'm happy! I turned on some Christmas music and danced around my house a bit. Offspring wasn't sure what to think at first, but then didn't want me to turn off the music. LOL It was fun.

I'm wanting to make cookies, but we'll see. If I do get to make cookies I want to make my Dad's version of Chocolate Chip Cookies. They come out soft and fluffy. I just love them--and some of my friends do, too. They rarely pass up my Dad's cookies.

I'm almost half done with Christmas shopping. It's tough to know what some people want. Is it just me or does it sometimes feel like you THOUGHT you knew the person's personality then you get around to shopping for them and you're like "Gee, I don't know WHAT they'd like."? Luckily Offspring keeps telling me a myriad of things on the Christmas List, so I don't lack for ideas.

Don't forget to catch me on Twitter, via @WriteByBethany. I update that often. You can catch my Twitter feed in the margin of this blog. But please, come follow me on Twitter--I'd like to get those numbers climbing on a regular basis--who knows...next year just might mean more giveaways.

I don't have a release date for my novel, yet, but stay tuned. Once I have that information and everything, I will let folks know.

Hope everyone has a fabulous first weekend of Advent! Christmas is just around the corner, if you can believe it.

Are you needing a reading list? Here's some of what I have on my To Be Read/Wish List (in absolutely no particular order):

Hidden by Sophie Jordan

Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout (will be released December 2012)

Powerless Consent by Janet Nash

The Secrets On Forest Bend by Susan Muller

The Son Of Neptune and The Mark Of Athena by Rick Riordan

Goddess by Josephine Angelini (not out until May 2013)

Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks (recently released, yeah, I know I forgot to report on that, sorry...like I said, A LOT is going on).

I'm sure there's others, but these are the ones off the top of my head.


Have A Fantastic Friday!

July, July, July....

  Happy Wednesday! Can you believe we're nearing the end of July? I mean, on one hand it feels like this month has been long, but on ano...