March, Titles, Etc...

Happy Thursday Everybody,

It's March! 

February seemed a little long to me (and not because of Leap Day) so on March 1st I was like "Oh wait...it's is March. I need to flip my wall calendar."

So, what's going on? Let's see...I continue on the query road (nothing I'm ready to report, yet). As for writing, I decided to take one of my WIPs (Works In Progress) and write it with a completely different plot. And then, I got another idea and had to work on that!

I try to focus on one WIP at a time because it helps me move forward, but sometimes you gotta get that other idea going before you can finish the previous manuscript. Sometimes the new manuscript becomes the one you finish first. 

When I started with this blog post I was at a loss as to what I should say--not that I didn't have things going on, it's just that when I'm querying a manuscript, I don't say much about the process publicly. The same is true for when I'm writing a manuscript. I don't say a lot about it until it's further along and/or finished (in which case I only say a tiny bit until it's either got a contract, or about to be published, or is published).

The beginning of the month I just didn't feel inspired regarding a blog post. It wasn't until recently (i.e. today, March 14, 2024) that the idea popped into my head (sometimes you gotta let things sit and simmer).

On one of my WIPs I'm having a hard time coming up with a title. Titles aren't exactly my strongest talent, but I'm not completely unable to think of something (I came up with the title of the manuscript I'm querying--and some of my other WIPs have titles). This one, for some reason, is proving difficult. I'm somewhat still developing the story on one end (although a problem I'd had, I think I've got a solution for, now). So, I thought I'd talk about how I, as a writer, come up with titles.

Titles, in general, have been an up-and-down type journey for me. With my first published work, I had a title I used when querying, but when I signed the publisher's contract and we began the process of polishing and working on it, I was asked to come up with a new title. This situation is not unique to me. A lot of times titles get changed before publication. But I blanked out. So, I turned to my long-time critique partner, Tess St. John, and we brainstormed. Eventually an idea came forward, and my publisher accepted the new title.

So, how does a writer go about figuring out a title?

I can't speak for all writers, just for me. My process is generally: "Okay, what is this story about?" and then I go from there. If I'm still working out the plot I may focus in on an aspect of the story, or a particular character trait or something I've yet to put into the story, but I know is coming. If I'm really blanked, I talk to someone. After that, it goes into my manuscript file at the top of the manuscript on the title page and as well as part of the header of each page (as well as my name, and page number). 

Some authors don't come up with a title until the story is written. I like to have one while I'm working on the story so that I'm not sitting there with a file that says "Story about--" or "Inspired by--" because that's a long file name, generally; plus, it helps the story feel more "real" to me. Like it's coming together.

One of my WIPs, I came up with the title almost as soon as I came up with the plot. I love it when it works out that way because then I can just focus on writing and editing. However they come, titles are important. Not only do they give you something to call your manuscript, but oftentimes they give a clue to the reader what the story is about, or even the genre.

What are some of your favorite titles (whether you liked the story or not, if it was clever, funny, or interesting)?

Before I forget...

Easter is coming at the end of this month, so I wish everyone a very Blessed and Happy Easter!

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Thursday. :-)

Updates & What's Up...

Happy Monday All,

I've been wrapped up in my WIP (Work In Progress)--which you can find out more about on my official website. I've also been

working on another project, which I'll talk more about when it's finished.

In all of this, I keep up with the Wife and Mommy gig--two lifelong vocations that take most of my time. However, lucky for me, I have a husband who believes in making sure I get time to write and work on things in my writing career.

This means, though, I don't get on the blog as much. It's not because I've forgotten about it, it's because my life is full of these other projects.

However, this doesn't mean I've totally disappeared. I recently updated my website, and I'm on Facebook and on Twitter.

What's going on with you?

Have A Magically Merry Monday!

A Million Story Directions

Happy Thursday All,

I'm late posting this because I wasn't able to schedule it ahead of time to post automatically for me. Real life keeps creeping into my writing/blogging time, but that's just the way things are right now. The good news is, I am getting writing in. Not as much or as often as I'm used to, but it's happening. That in itself is a really good thing.

The other day I talked about word-of-mouth and how important that is to authors. Yes, I can't emphasize this enough. You have no idea how incredibly powerful it is. You readers make or break our careers. I love writing and publishing and sharing my imagination with you all. It brings me a lot of joy and satisfaction. It's a dream come true.

On another note, the Immortal Dreams Trilogy is completed and all 3 books are available, yet I still have Jason and Laney playing around

in my head. I guess I'm not completely ready to say goodbye to that world. Where it will lead...well, I'm not total sure, yet. I'm working on another WIP (Work In Progress)--a new series--and I really have to focus on that. That story deserves my attention. But I'm tucking the Immortals in the corner of my mind for future reference.

My WIP is definitely a story I want to complete. It has been patient while I've been immersed in the Third Realm (All's Fair In Love & Lion) and silently waiting its turn while I navigated the world of the Immortals (Immortal

Dreams Trilogy). Now it wants my attention...it wants to be completed, and the other two stories in that series deserve the same consideration.

So, what's a writer to do when he or she is being pulled in more than one story direction? One thing I do is to write up notes for the other stories, and go back to the WIP. That way the author doesn't lose the ideas, but can also keep going on the WIP.

Do you read more than one novel at a time? How do you keep each story straight?

Have A Tremendously Terrific Thursday!

Thank yous, WIPs(Works In Progress), & Favorite Character...

Happy Thursday All,

I'm sorry I've been neglecting the blog. It seems like I haven't had too much to say that I don't already say on Facebook and/or Twitter, so I wondered if it mattered. However, I thought about it, and I figured if there were people who weren't on Facebook or Twitter, and wanted an update, then it would be a really good idea to post here.

Besides, some stuff I post on the blog is too long for a Facebook update or Twitter. :-)

First of all, thank you to everyone who has read and enjoyed All's Fair In Love & Lion. Some of you left very nice comments in a review on Amazon, and some of you have contacted me through Facebook or Twitter. You don't know how much that means to me. :-)

Currently I've been working on revisions to a novel that is the first book in a YA/New Adult Paranormal Series.  I'm also working on the Romance novel that comes after AFINL&L.

The YA/New Adult novel ties in my love of Greek/Roman Mythology with romance and other elements. I really enjoyed writing this story. It's very different from my Romance novels, and it was a lot of fun to write. I wrote the novel as a challenge to myself, and it took on a life of its own.

The Romance I'm working on follows Loralyn Xavier's story. For those who have read All's Fair In Love & Lion, you'll recognize her as Monroe's fellow Council member. Her story will uncover several surprises. 

In the very early planning stages is book 3 of the Third Realm stories, which will come after Loralyn's story. It will be Council member, Quin Erone's story. I found Quin fascinating from the get-go. Nightshades were creatures of my own imagination, and I'm really looking forward to exploring his kind and story in depth. Plus I just plain liked the guy.

I don't know if they'll be any other Third Realm stories after Quin. We'll just have to wait and see.

The lovely ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE & LION necklace
Kathy of Beadmore Designs made me

I am planning a giveaway this month. Kathy of Beadmore Designs made a gorgeous necklace in honor of All's Fair In Love & Lion. I've ordered one that she's graciously agreed to make and send to one lucky winner. I'll let you know when that giveaway is, I haven't set a date, but I do plan for August.

Me wearing the beautiful necklace
Kathy of Beadmore Designs made
in honor of ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE & LION

Other than that, just reading and tinkering away as always.

For those of you who have finished All's Fair In Love & Lion, do you have a favorite character (aside from Sasha and Monroe)? 
Let me know in the comments! 

(Please note:  All comments go to me first. Once I push the "publish" button, they'll show up on the blog under the proper blog post. I apologize for the confusion, it's just cut down on the problems I used to have on here).

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Thursday!

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!

Countdown!

Happy Wednesday All,

(No matter what the date tab says, this post is meant for Wednesday).

I can hardly believe it...not counting today, there are TWO days left until the Lone Star Conference. This is my third year going, and I'll be entering my fourth year as a member of the NWHRWA.

This group is an incredible group of men and women. I'm very lucky and blessed to be a member and to be amid so many talented writers.

I know travel can be a pain (especially if you live out of state, or even out of the country) but folks, these people are so hospitable and kind. If you're a writer, I cannot stress enough how important that is. It's also why I invite my fellow authors to this Conference every year.

Now that I've gotten the sentimentality out and told you how truly awesome the NWHRWA & the Lone Star Conference is, let me move on to what's kept me from the blog...

I have been reading like a mad fool, my dear readers. My cousin got me interested in an author I hadn't heard of named Elizabeth Hunter. Specifically got me engrossed in the Elemental Mysteries. I finished up A Hidden Fire and have gotten my hands on The Same Earth (and started it). I like the way she writes vampires...the idea that they all can control one of the natural elements (earth, wind, fire, water) is really intriguing and different (at least to me).

I also recently received another book for a November official blog review that I need to get a move on...plus some other books from other authors that I should get going on.

Not to mention the fact that I went haywire happy over Jennifer L. Armentrout's Lux series and eagerly await Opal's release in December.

I've also been writing. Yep, I truly have. I've got two projects going. One is a story that I think will be a series (we'll see if that's still true at the end of the story) and another is something I started as a challenge to myself (if this story continues to take off, my critique partner is going to make me eat crow, I don't care how nice she is, I will be eating crow LOL).

As you can see, I've been a busy bee of a woman, and I am going to be prepping this week for the Conference on Saturday (so excited!)

So, please pardon the silence on here. I'm pretty regular on Twitter and Facebook, so look me up on there. (Twitter--@WriteByBethany Facebook is under Bethany Averie).

What's everyone got planned for this week and weekend?

Have A Wondrous Wednesday!

Absent, But Not Gone

Happy Monday All,

I am very sorry for my long absence. There's been so much going on:

In late August my grandfather died. It's hard to say goodbye to him, but he lead a long and wonderful life. I'll be attending his graveside memorial service later this month--so there's been some prep work surrounding that.

I've been gearing up for a couple of blog book reviews that are coming around October. I'm looking forward to posting them, too!

I've also been writing. I sent the pages I've written of Conjure A Man to my critique partner because I wanted her input. While she's been reading the pages, I've been working on another story of mine. It's coming okay and I'm thinking about some of my other stories that are waiting on the sidelines for me to get to them.

Also, I'm gearing up for my RWA chapter's annual conference--the Lone Star Conference (the Northwest Houston RWA), which is being held on October 13, 2012 in Houston, Texas. James Scott Bell is the keynote speaker. It should be really good! I'm looking forward to it.

In any case, I'm going to try and be around here more often.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Have A Marvelous Monday!