Drumroll, Please!

Happy Monday All,

I hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was good and bad. Bad because I wasn't feeling well on Sunday, but good because I saw one of my out-of-town sisters and her family on Friday night.

As to why I have the drumroll in the title of this blog?


Well, I have some Surreal news for you...

Surreal has a brand new title...

The new title is...

ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE & LION

So be watching for more news on All's Fair In Love & Lion to come very soon. Especially the fact I will be announcing the release date soon. Just going to get that go ahead from my publisher.

Have A Marvelously Magical Monday!

New Computer, Sad News, & Good News

Happy Monday All,

I apologize most profusely for the lack of attention I've given the blog lately. Two weeks ago this Wednesday one of my dear friends passed away. I've known this person for 15 years and she passed quite suddenly (cause of death is still unknown). Because I've been so close to her and her husband (I've known her husband for 17 years, and introduced them to each other), I had to help with contacting other friends and doing different things to help her husband. The wake and funeral were this past week, so I was pretty busy with that.

However, given that I have responsibilities to my husband, my offspring, and my writing, I'm now ready to get back into the swing of things, including posting more on this blog.

I've received the first round of edits from my publisher for Surreal. The title will probably be changed, but it hasn't been decided to what. Once that gets ironed out, I'll have an answer. Meanwhile, I'm going to keep the information in the margin of this blog as it is  until everything gets set up.

In light of edits, and needing to have something that works better, I got a new computer this past weekend. I'm learning my way around it and putting in things that need to be there so I can complete edits and work on the other novels. It's pretty exciting and I really like my new computer. I think it'll be very useful.

There's many other exciting things in the works and as we get closer to each item, I'll reveal them. However, in the interim, be sure to check out what's new by following me on Twitter (@WriteByBethany) or looking me up on Facebook under Bethany Averie. Hope to see you there!

Book recommendation:  Shanna Swendson's No Quest For The Wicked. I finally got it and read it. It was great! However, make sure you read all the books in there series that come before this one. :-)

Have A Marvelous Monday!

What? Huh? Yeah, I'm here...Sort Of.

Happy Wednesday (late afternoon),

Hi everyone! No, I haven't forgotten the blog or any of you. I've been pretty preoccupied lately.

The best way to keep up with me is to find me either one of two ways (or both ways):

On Twitter:  @WriteByBethany

Or on Facebook:  do a search for Bethany Averie

I update those frequently.

There's been some blog updates that I did today. I updated books I finished reading. (Yes, it was good).

I also updated about my writing. The status on Immortal Dreams Book 1:  Dream Weaver is that I got my critiques back so now it's in the revision process (and then that will go out to CP and beta reader/s and then more revisions until it's ready). I've got the companion novel for Surreal in the process of being written (that's been a bit slow) and Immortal Dreams Book 2 (Dream Weaver sequel) started. So I've been fairly busy on that front.

Updates have also been added to what movies I want to see. Of course that was off the top of my head and I'm going to have to go BACK over the movies that have recently come out and the ones that are now released on DVD to double-check which ones I want to see to further update the list.

I've been doing some brain storming with one of my beta readers for the YA series (Immortal Dreams) and that was a lot of fun.

I expect I'll be busy reading before too long and of course edits. So, if you don't hear from me, don't despair. There's always Twitter and Facebook and I will return.

Meanwhile, get yourself over to my Critique Partner, Tess St. John's Launch Party and Giveaway. It ends Thursday (tomorrow) at 9pm Central Time, so you do not want to miss this. While you're at it, pick up a copy of Chance For Freedom, her newest Historical release (and one I had the honor of critiquing). Great novel written by a fabulous author.

Have A Whimsical Wednesday!

It's Business As Usual In The Averie Universe

Happy Friday All,

The preliminary author edits for Dream Weaver are slowly coming along. I'm hoping to finish up this weekend, or at least early next week. I really want to get this out to critiques so I can be all ready for whatever edits my publisher has for Surreal. Need to be able to concentrate on that without too many distractions (deadlines, as you know, are a part of an author's life, and I intend to do my best fulfill my part in that).

On a completely unrelated topic (but something I thought was funny) I was waiting for my hot tea to finish steeping and as I opened up this post to write it, I totally forgot the tea was there. Then suddenly I was like, "Oh no! My tea! It's going to be too strong." Well, good news, folks...it isn't. Yay...total win. A good cup of tea on a cold day with honey is a cozy thing indeed. (Local honey is supposed to help with allergies, how many of you all knew that? Too cool). So to help with some of the allergy issues I've had (which, I think, are due to having the heater running and maybe some dust in the air) I'm having a cup today (maybe will have more than one. I had one yesterday, too).

As I've mentioned before, I've got several things going on: I'm working on the edits for Dream Weaver. I'm awaiting my instructions for the next step on Surreal and I still have to get back to writing the companion/sequel of Surreal. So there's lots going on, but I'm not complaining. I'm glad I have ideas percolating and things happening in my writing life.

So, what are you working on these days? (don't forget to keep me up-to-date on your Box Of Awesomeness moments). :-)

Have A Fabulously Fantastic Friday!

Surprises Turned Into Awesomeness

Happy 2013 Everyone!

Welcome back! New year, fresh start, and all that fun jazz.



Kleenex
for all the runny/
sniffly noses!



I hope that so far 2013 is treating you right, although I understand a few folks out there have been fighting off icky illness stuff, and my thoughts and prayers are with them. Offspring has sinus infection, so I feel your pain. I've had allergies (again), but I'm doing all right otherwise (thank you, God!)

My Holidays are not over, yet. The Christmas Season ends on Epiphany, so my decorations are staying up through January 6th. I know some folks go back to work or have their teen aged able-bodied children help them take stuff down while they're at home, but in general, I beg of you, please leave those decorations up through January 6th, if you possibly can! We rush through things at such a great rate these days, taking time to be grateful and to count our blessings is important. As a Christian, it's a good reminder to me that Christ came for all people (from poor Shepherds to rich wise men).

I spent a good portion of the week before Christmas working on my YA novel, Dream Weaver. I'm pleased to announce (to those who hadn't read my Facebook status) that it's written! I'm in the editing process to get it ready for my critique partner and beta reader (and any other critique-ers I end up asking to have a peek at it) so that I can start getting it out. This story started out as a challenge to myself--one my Critique Partner was unaware she had issued. Tess once said to me "I think you should write YA..." she went on to describe WHY she thought I should and I thought "Naahhh. I like to read it, but every time I write it, it doesn't work."

However, one day I sitting in front of my computer and I thought "Well, why not give it a shot? See if you could do it. You don't have to tell anyone and you could use it as a way to keep ideas flowing when you're having trouble with your main projects." So, I pulled up a story idea I had started on but hadn't completely hashed out and converted it. I figured the whole thing would make a good SIDE project. Yeah, it didn't STAY a side project. LOL

I had wanted to complete it by Christmas, but I managed to get it done the day after.

So now I'm editing it, and getting ready to get back to some of my other projects, which were always main projects!

Dream Weaver will have a sequel--I don't know about any other stories after the sequel and the series is called Immortal Dreams.

Oh, by the way, the unintentional challenge is the reason Dream Weaver is dedicated to Tess St. John, my critique partner.



We'll see what happens next with it!

I'm waiting to hear from my publisher on editing and the next steps for Surreal, but I will let you know what's up when I have information I can share about it. Thank you so much for all your support on Surreal's journey. Monroe (the hero of Surreal) is also pleased & grateful by the support (which, it isn't always easy to impress him!) The ornament that represents him is still high up on my Christmas tree watching over me and my family and all the festivities until after January 6th when it'll have to be put away until next Christmas Season.

Did you have any surprises that turned into a box of awesomeness this Season?

Have A Wonderful Wednesday!

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!

Good News Busting Out Everywhere!

Happy Friday All,

So much to tell! First of all, if you haven't read my Facebook page, then here's my big news:  Surreal has been contracted by a publisher! It's so awesome!

I'm not the only one with good news, either. My chapter mate, and talented author, Janet Nash, just had her novel, Powerless Consent, released through Soul Mate Publishing. It's available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble as well.

Also, if you're interested in Fantasy, check out Raven Raye's recent release (released in October), Broken Prophecy. It's also Soul Mate Publishing release. You can find it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

So many exciting things going on! Make sure you stay tuned...either on my Facebook Page or on here! Look me up on Twitter as well (@WriteByBethany).

Have A Fabulously Fun-Filled Friday!

Quite Quotable!

Happy Tuesday All,

It's so rainy and gloomy today, which is not cool. The rain is good, but the gloom? Not so much. So we're going to have to find ways to brighten things up in spite of the grayness outside.

Yesterday, a writer-buddy of mine (and fellow blogger), Marsha, posted a fun post with quotes. So I thought today I'd pull some of my favorite quotes from various sources and post them here:

"Give me this moment. This precious chance."--Dr. Jekyll from the musical Jekyll & Hyde (song:  This Is The Moment).

"Fezzik, are there rocks ahead?" "If there are, we'll all be dead!" -- Inigo and Fezzik from movie, The Princess Bride.

"I'm too sexy for my fangs."-- Gregori, from Kerrelyn Sparks' book, Sexiest Vampire Alive.

"We would call Monroe something else, except we don't want to want to insult donkeys." -- Bastian "Bast" Cantrell from my novel, Surreal.

"I have better things to do than to sit here and listen to you quote yourself." -- John Adams  "No, that was a new one." -- Ben Franklin, from 1776.

I would include quotes from Christie Craig, except I don't have them all memorized (yet)! She has some FUNNY ones.

Anyway, what are some of your favorite quotes?

Have A Tip-Top Tuesday!

It's A Lion!

Happy Wednesday Everyone,



I had to flip this picture for
it to be vertical. Unfortunately
it's turned the wrong way.
the mantel is actually on
the other side of the tree.



Yay! I finally did it--I got the pictures taken of the lion ornament I got for Christmas. It's the one that represents my hero, Monroe. For those of you who missed the post about the ornament, you can read it here.

Also, if you'd like a chance to meet Monroe, up close and personal, please check out the guest post I did on author Tess St. John's blog.



Isn't he awesome? Very majestic.
I just love it!

 Monroe is the hero of my novel. He's a man who can turn into a lion (hence the ornament).

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this glimpse at Monroe. I've been delighted to have the ornament. From where I would sit on the couch I can see it hanging on the tree (we have yet to take our tree down, but I'm sure that's going to happen this week or this weekend).

So what's your favorite animal?

Have A Wonderful Wednesday!

Christmas, Lions, Singing, OH MY!

Happy Monday Everyone,

I hope you all had a great holiday. I certainly did. Right now I'm sitting in my living room, enjoying the tree and lights and one of my Christmas gifts on DVD.

In my family, me and my siblings and spouses get one name (either a sibling or a spouse of a sibling and the spouses get a name too) and we buy for that person. 

One of my sisters got my name this year, and as part of the Christmas presents she got me a lion ornament to represent the hero of my novel, whose name is Monroe. I opened it up, laughed and delightedly exclaimed, "It's Monroe!"  The lion ornament is now hanging near the top of my tree by a white ribbon (don't know where my hooks are). He's awesome--sparkly and very regal.  I could just picture Monroe saying, "Your sister has most excellent taste." He also would say, "She has superior taste." Since he can turn into a lion, Monroe is of the opinion no other animal can hold a candle to lions.

Anyway, I'm very excited over it. I'll have to get a picture taken and put up on here, soon.

Christmas Mass (Catholic Church service) was lovely. The choir sounded beautiful, the decorations were simple but exquisite, and the priest gave a fun and great homily. All in all, my Christmas weekend was fabulous!

How was your Christmas?

**Don't forget to put your vote on the Poll at the top of the margin of this blog of how you found the Write By Bethany Blog--there's 36 days left!**

Have A Meritorious Monday!

Look! It's A Shiny Thing!

Happy Monday All,

The contest portion of this post is now closed. However, you can read the rest of the post just for the fun of it and to find out what it was about. Thank you!

If the date looks weird on this post it's because I'm posting this on Sunday night; but I couldn't go to bed without making sure this post was up--especially since I've been gearing up and hinting at this giveaway for so long! But rest assured, this post is for Monday.

It's finally here! The author/jewelry giveaway that I hinted at last week.

I know this really awesome person named Kathy. Kathy is an incredible jewelry artist and she has recently started up a company, Beadmore Designs (I have a link available at the end of this post) I have several pieces of jewelry made by Kathy and all her work is absolutely exquisite. She makes it all by hand and her attention to detail, creativity and imagination makes her work absolutely lovely.

This week, along with several author friends, I'm hosting a big giveaway of Kathy's jewelry and you, my readers have the opportunity to win it!

Each day this week will feature a different piece of jewelry as well as a different author. Each piece of jewelry will either represent an author's book, book cover, or characters. Oh yeah, and did I mention I'm one of those authors (although, I'm the only unpublished author of this week's giveaway) sponsoring a piece that's being given away? In fact, the set I'm sponsoring is what's kicking off this Great Jewelry Giveaway!

Today you all get a sneak peek into the mind of one of my heroes. This particular hero tends to go a little over the top when he gives anything to the heroine. He's incredibly wealthy, so he can afford it. Today's piece is nicknamed SURREAL and it represents my writing (although, I'm not published, yet...keep those prayers and fingers crossed for me, please).  Here's a picture of the necklace (it has matching earrings, by the way):

The necklace is called a "front-toggle necklace" meaning, you wear it with the clasp in front (oh and it's gorgeous in person, by the way). It's tough for me to part with this set, but since I don't have pierced ears the earrings would do absolutely nothing for me, so I must giveaway.

Mother's Day is Sunday, everyone--so even if you're not a woman, read below to find out how to enter, because I'm sure there's a lady in your life somewhere--and ladies, you don't have to be a Mom to enter to win this, you just have to follow the directions below:

You have two ways to enter the drawing for the SURREAL Set.

1.  You can either post in the comment section of this blog--but you MUST somehow mention the word "Surreal" (use your imagination--in a creative way (a sentence, a funny story, a day dream anything like that). and you MUST include your email address. Without these two things I cannot enter you into the drawing for the SURREAL Set.

2. Or you can email me. But in your email you MUST use the word "Surreal"in a creative way (a sentence, a funny story, a day dream anything like that).



I will leave the drawing open until 9:30 p.m. Central Time. At 9:30 p.m. I will come and officially close the drawing. After I close it, I will email the winner, then tomorrow, along with revealing which author sponsored tomorrow's piece and that author's work, I will also announce who won the SURREAL Set.

REMEMBER: You MUST include your email address AND the word "surreal" to be entered.

Please be sure to visit Kathy's Beadmore Designs website. She's in the process of updating the website, but has several photos up (with prices). Her work is very, very reasonably priced.

Anyway, this is the first day of the Great Jewelry Giveaway, be sure to return each day to find out what piece is being given away and what author (and what story) it represents.

Oh yeah, and enter to win today's set! The SURREAL Set is abolutely gorgeous!

Have A Magical Monday!

Hopeless Romantic

Good Evening Everyone,

Yes, it's unusual that I post more than once in a day, but I figured considering I'm a hopeless romantic and since I write paranormal romance, it would be odd if I didn't say something in honor of February 14th--Valentine's Day.

Also known as St. Valentine's Day. There's a lot of interesting stories surrounding Feb. 14th, but if you look up St. Valentine and check out this article you'll get a clue as to who the person (or persons, since there's probably more than one St. Valentine) were. There's a lot of stories about him.

In any case, I'm very blessed to have my Valentine and husband, who is a wonderful, wonderful man. Our Valentine's is going to be rather quiet, which is okay. I truly don't mind.

But, in honor of the day, I wanted to share something with you:

As you all read in a previous post I listened to several different songs (and artists) while writing Surreal. Now, normally my stories don't have "theme songs", but Surreal is the exception. Especially if you want to know how my main male character feels about the female main character.

To find this out, just listen to Chris De Burgh's Missing You. Pretty much everything in that song is how the man feels about the woman in Surreal.

And for those of you who aren't into mush...check out the Ramones' Rock N' Roll Radio.

Have a truly Happy Valentine's Day!

'Tis The Season For Paranormal

Morning Folks,

Halloween Day seems like the perfect time to announce that I have a book preview video (not great quality, but I'm hoping to either figure out how to fix the problems or have my younger brother who knows about a lot of media stuff might be able to help when he's in town for Christmas).

You see, I don't have a Youtube account (I might end up getting one; but I'm not sure, yet) so I think maybe I'll wait until I have a website to put it up. But once I'm able to work out the kinks I think it's pretty good. The preview is for Surreal.

Other than that I'm working more on Conjure A Man. I worked on Chapter 2 yesterday, but I'm not sure if it's just right or if I went overboard a different direction. I'll have to review it and if necessary, I'll make changes. But I do like Delaney's character better for this, now. I just didn't like having her appear so weak because I know that in all her life she was pretty strong.

I haven't worked on Heartbeats in awhile, but maybe it'll help me figure out Delaney's character even further. I like the idea and story line I have for Conjure A Man, it's just the execution of it is proving more difficult than originally anticipated. But, oh well, some stories are easier to write than others. Just got to keep letting creativity flow and try not to let it bother me that this is a bit more frustrating than writing Surreal.

Speaking of paranormal and spooktacular stories, I've been reading Kim Lenox's So Still The Night. Pretty spooky stuff going on currently. This book is the sequel to Night Falls Darkly; she has another one coming out next year, Darker Than Night it says it supposed to come out April 2010. If you're interested in immortals, good versus evil and romance, these books are definitely worth checking out. So far I think Night Falls Darkly is my favorite (it was pretty creepy having Jack the Ripper involved, but I think So Still The Night is even creepier--I think a friend of mine would really like these, she likes spooky stuff).

In any case, whatever your plans are for today, I wish you well!

Question for the day: What are you currently reading? (something other than your own manuscripts).

Have A Spec-Spook-Tacular Saturday!

Monday, Monday, Monday

Morning Folks,

Well it's a little after 11 a.m. on Monday...not quite as catchy as the Billy Joel song, Piano Man; but more of the truth rather than Billy Joel's lyrics LOL. Just got finished instant messaging with my older brother. He lives on the East Coast. Very busy man, but one of the best brothers a girl could have. (Of course all my brothers are the best brothers a girl could have--this includes my brothers-in-law, of course).

Shoulder update: doing much better. Seems to be getting better every day. I'll continue to stretch it and move it around to loosen it up the rest of the way. I pulled my pelvis last night trying to get comfy in the bed. Fortunately it's much better. I'm thinking I need to get back to working with the exercise DVD.

Okay...those of you who are interested in Surreal based on Sunday's Post please send me your comments in an email.

Last night I did some work on Conjure A Man and it's coming along. Which, is nice since I have about 3 projects in the works.

I've got a companion novel to Conjure A Man started. It focuses on Delaney's best friend, Caruso Valetti (yes, the vampire). I've got some basic ideas going, but I'll probably have some major changes to work on once Conjure A Man is finished. So, this one's on hold for a bit.



Hope Everyone Has A Marvelous Monday!

Update From The Klutz

Happy Sunday Night Everyone,

LOL, if you're wondering how I pulled my muscle in my shoulder on Saturday, you can thank Stephanie for posting the question in the comment section and the answer is there, as well.

How's my shoulder? Glad you asked. It's better. Not all better, yet. Still a little tender, but husband massaged it and showed me how me a stretch and I've been laying on the heating pad every now and again and being gentle with that shoulder/arm. So it's healing.

As to writing, the reconstruction of Conjure A Man has been smooth. I'm thinking this was a grand idea. (Kudos go to Tess for affirming my belief that the beginning needed to be changed and overhauled; I still maintain that you're awesome).

I've gotten questions answered by my editor for Surreal and hoping something brilliant comes my way to help me improve that one, until then, I have to just keep working on the edits.

But let's review, Surreal shall we? Let's go with some of the principle characters...

Monroe Dubay is a many faceted creature. He starts off dark and brooding and ends up with a sense of humor and find out that it's love, not the hunt that drives him to woo (to use an old-fashioned word) English Teacher, Sasha Brighton.

Okay yeah, we've got a dashing hero and a rather, reluctant heroine, but who's to say they own the whole stage, huh?

Monroe's best friend and confident, Bast Cantrell doesn't mind entering the scene and pushing Monroe's buttons any opportunity he has. He's got a special place in my heart and my laughter.

Oh yeah, and I have a villain...Lily Tygress. She's a pain in Monroe's arse, but doesn't seem to give up on the idea that she's the only solution to his single status. She wants him for herself and nobody better get in the way.

So yeah...with these characters I should have no problem, right? Well...I think I got a bit ambitious. The whole novel is told first person present tense.

Now, I'm curious...is that intriguing or scary?


Have A Scrumptious Sunday! (well rest of your Sunday anyway...)