Doing That Networking Thing...

Happy Thursday All,

Lately I've been working on a couple of new projects. One of them has to do with one of my published novels, and the other one is a WIP. Both projects are moving along pretty well and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with them.

One of the projects deals with another side of writing that's often talked about, but some authors struggle with--networking.

It's funny, but I get asked about this more often than I thought I would. I really don't consider myself an expert on the subject, I'm pretty much doing what everyone else does--picking which social

Me with the amazing Christie Craig
If I didn't open my mouth and network
I wouldn't have gotten to know this gem of a person

media works for me, going to writer's group meeting, attending the annual conference, talking to readers, seeing what opportunities open up for me.

A lot of authors are shy and/or introverts. Some aren't, but the majority I've come across actually are. I count myself one of them. 

"YOU?!!" people cry in total disbelief, while assessing me to make sure I'm not having a mental breakdown. (Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but their expressions make me wonder if they think that I am having one).

Me and the very talented Teri Thackston
We've enjoyed many a fun conversation
and she's an imaginative author to boot.

"Uh, yeah," I answer, wondering if I just said something taboo. (Is it wrong to say you're shy? Does this somehow mean I'm not as good as someone who isn't?--yeah the questions circle my brain sometimes).

"But-but you talk all the time! You approach people. You're no introvert and you can't be shy." (Somehow being an introvert translates to people are incapable of talking or approaching others ever in their lives. Which makes me wonder how would we interview for a job or pitch our novels or meet our spouses if we didn't open our mouths once in a while?)

I usually smile and/or laugh and say "Oh, I am, honest." (Because it's true).

Unless they know me really well, they never believe me (or rarely believe me). However, my Girls' Night Out ladies do.

One of them I've known since the 4th grade will flat out tell you I'm

Authors Jennifer Bray-Weber & Stacey Purcell
such sweet encouraging ladies
So much talent!

shy.

Another one of the ladies I've known 20+ years and she'll be like "Bethany? Oh yeah, she's introverted and shy. Definitely."

And the other, who is like a little sister to me--I've known her several years (although not as long as the other two). She'll say, "Oh, yeah, she's an introvert and shy."

You see, they've seen the woman who gets quiet the more people there are around her. They've seen me go several minutes without saying a single word. In fact, sometimes they ask me if I'm okay. Generally I'm fine. I'm just thinking about things. Reviewing stuff or daydreaming. I'm a writer, so those daydreams are potential novel material.

The reason most people don't accept this about me is because they

Me, Christie Craig, and Thriller-author, Will Graham
Christie & Will are such awesome people
extremely good writers, too.

rarely (if ever) see it. By nature, I'm a talker. I love conversations and getting to know people. But it does take a lot for me to approach people.

However, I grew up in a house where learning to talk to people was part of living in the family. I'm one of eight kids. We talk to each other our, parents, relatives, friends. So yeah, I know how to verbally communicate reasonably well.

Then of course, my parents were active in the community. They did a lot of work for the church and they had many friends (they still do). So we'd have open houses and parties and family reunions. I had to be able to carry on conversations, even know how to do "small talk". 

Over 30 years of doing all this, I've developed a motto. It goes like this:  "You have to take your shyness, put it under your feet and stand on it." That is, you can't let it get in your way. So yeah, you

Cows on a friends' ranch, because, why not?
They don't seem like they'd make good conversationalists, though

go up to that person you're considering saying hi to and you chat them up. Sometimes you luck out and make a new friend. Sometimes they barely say 2 words to you and you walk away analyzing every last thing you said and wonder if you said the wrong thing. Sometimes you do that even if you said all the right things. But you have to make that move even if it's hard.

As an author the main person who will promote me is me. How else will people know about the new projects I have going? Or what books are about to be

Because it's Throwback Thursday...
Me, senior year of high school. Eek!

published? Not every reader in the world follows me on social media and who knows what new readers I can gain. My existing fans want to know what I'm up to and if I can't promote it, how will they know (unless they're checking Amazon a million times a month to see if I've published something new or checking my website all the time).

The really cool thing is, most of the conversations I strike up end up being really good. People are usually supportive and interested. They like the idea of having met the author personally and hearing

Me, with authors Kerrelyn Sparks, & Christie Craig

about the books straight from the author him or herself.

So, take a deep breath, put your shoulders back, paste a smile on your face, and walk up to someone and say, "Hi! Can you believe the weather we're having? Hot, then cold, and rain. Yuck." (well, if that's the weather you're having, anyway). Once you've engaged them, you can say something like, "Do you like to read?" and go from there. You never know--they might even want your card or bookmark or website address. You don't know if they will get your novel, but they definitely won't if they don't know about it.

When I meet editors and agents at my RWA's chapter's annual conference, I generally open with "Welcome to Texas. I hope you're

My editor, Debby Gilbert from Soul Mate Publishing,
and me at the 2014 NWHRWA Conference

enjoying your stay." and go from there. (Speaking of which, my chapter has its annual conference coming in October--Saturday, October 1st. Check for details here).  Editors and agents are people, too, and you never know which ones will want what you're writing, if you don't talk to them when the opportunity presents itself.

I understand it's not easy. It really isn't easy for me, either. But it's doable and sometimes you're pleasantly surprised.

Best wishes!

Have A Tremendously Thrilling Thursday!

Review Policy

Dear Readers & Fellow Authors:

Based on some current events (where I was asked to do a review and had to say no) I decided it was time to post a review policy. In the right hand margin of my blog (if you arrow down a bit) you will see my review policy, complete with a list of authors I regularly do official blog book reviews for.

I didn't want to do this. I hate making rules and telling people "No, I can't help you." I didn't need rules before because nobody who I couldn't say yes to asked me for a review (in fact, official blog book reviews are generally because I approached the author myself and we worked out an agreement).  But, given what I said in the previous paragraph, it had to be done, especially now. I'm incredibly busy with the Trilogy and other writing projects, and work for critique partner(s), plus my real life.

Hopefully this will clear up confusion I've encountered.

Also, I apologize if you're an author who is not on the list. It's not meant as a personal offense, it's just the list of authors are ones that I've talked to personally and worked out an agreement with.

Thank you for understanding and happy writing/reading.

Sincerely,
Bethany Averie

Stop Number 2 On The Blog Tour!

Happy Weekend Everybody,

Normally I don't post on the weekend, but today is stop #2 of the Bethany Averie All's Fair In Love & Lion Blog Tour...

Today's stop is as the guest of Stella, over on the Soul Mate Publishing Blog. Stella is a chapter mate of mine. She's encouraging, generous, and fun to be around. We've had a blast bouncing ideas off each other and at one time critiqued one another's work. She's very creative, and I enjoy knowing her.

There's also two other Soul Mate Publishing authors being featured along with me! So come on out and check it all out.

Do I have a muse...?  Well the only way to find out, is to join me on the Soul Mate Publishing Blog!

Have A Great Weekend!

Very Inspiring Blogger Award!

I've got the first round edits from my publisher and have gotten started on them. There's some storyline things the editor wants me to work on, so I've been contemplating that and I think I have a solution to one of the biggies she mentioned. So that's good.

Anna Kathryn Lanier, talented author, friend, NWHRWA pal, and all around nice lady, nominated me for Very Inspiring Blogger Award. So thank you very much, Anna, for the award!

The rules are as follows:

*Display the award logo on your blog.

*Link back to the person who nominated you

*State 7 things about yourself

*Nominate other bloggers (the numbers seem to vary) and link back to them

So in keeping with the rules...7 things about myself:

1.  I was born in Texas; but 6 1/2 years of my life I lived in Madison, NJ (a place right near Morristown).

2.  I wasn't as good a student as my classmates who attempted to cheat off of my papers thought (especially Freshmen through Junior year--I nearly failed Freshman Physical Science and I had to work like a dog, with my father tutoring me, to pass Geometry!)

3.  My high school junior English teacher wanted to adopt me because I love to read and she didn't have a daughter. I had to turn her down; but I told her she was my mommy at school. To this day I still have a good relationship with that teacher.

4.  I know the genre difference between Star Wars and Star Trek, but that doesn't change the fact that I prefer Star Wars.

5.  In Pre-K or Kindergarten we had career day and were told to dress up as what we wanted to be when we grew up. I dressed up in regular clothes, brought my Cabbage Patch Kid to school with me and told everyone I wanted to be a Mother. I've accomplished that goal.

6.  I've never been to Disney World, but I'd like to go.

7.  I have been to the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame.

Here are the bloggers I'm nominating:

Tess St. John (I have to nominate my critique partner, she inspires me)

Christie Craig (That woman is amazing!)

MuseTracks (There's several people who post on that blog and while I don't check every post, many of their posts have been helpful).

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!

Yay It's Friday!

Happy Friday One And All,

I'm having a pretty good day so far. The weather is mild, something I was worried about is getting resolved, I've proven to myself I could do something I was sure I wasn't going to be able to do (although that last one has me eating crow, which isn't my favorite thing, but oh well).

Today's a short post. I asked this question on Twitter (which, by the way, if you don't have an account, get one and you can see all my updates that sometimes don't make it to my blog by following me at @WriteByBethany--also, my Twitter Feed is in the margin of this blog) and all the other awesome authors I follow.

Like I was saying...

I asked this on Twitter, and I'll post it here:

What's your sweet treat weakness? 

Mine is often chocolate or cookies (sometimes candy). What's yours?

Have A Fun-Filled Friday!

FYI:  NEXT weekend is the NWHRWA Lone Star Writers' Conference...all you writers...have YOU registered? Hope so :-) Have a fabulous weekend and day, everyone!

My Guilt Means You Get Gifts

Happy Monday All,

Well, it's Thanksgiving Week, if you can believe it! Where did November go?

I know some of you all aren't on Twitter, but like I said, you can check out my Twitter feed in the margin of this blog. The Twitter feed will show you the posts (or "tweets") I put up on Twitter. So if you've been following the feed (by coming here and reading it). You know a little of what's going on.

I've been feeling guilty about not updating this blog. But, I truly do have good reasons. I've been working on some other stories and querying agents for SURREAL. Plus, I'm a wife and mother, so I have had things going on with that.

However, I DO plan to make it up to you, my readers/blog followers. In December I'm planning a humugus in-print book giveaway! There's more than one day, because there's more than one author particpating in providing the prize. I haven't set the dates, but I'm lining up the authors/books and nailing down details. There's at least 4 authors involved, and I've sent out emails to others to ask if they'll be a part of this.

In short...it's gonna be BIG.

Now I don't have the exact dates...except it will all happen BEFORE Christmas.

So...don't be strangers! Don't give up on me coming back on here to update because this gigantic giveaway is coming up.

If I don't talk to you all before Thanksgiving, I hope everyone has a happy, safe, and blessed Thanksgiving Day--even if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope that day is great for you anyway.

So, what food are you looking forward to most this Thanksgiving?

Have A Marvelous Monday!

What's Your POV?

Happy Monday Everyone,

This past weekend the illustrious Christie Craig gave a special workshop to the Northwest Houston Romance Writers of America, which, I'm proud to say I'm a member of this awesome group. The workshop was called "High Tea & POV" although, I don't know how many people actually consumed tea (I had water), but we sure listened in rapt attention as Christie talked about getting into your character's heads.

In fact...that's precisely what POV is. POV--point of view. Which character is telling the story? Is it your heroine? Then you see, feel, hear, smell, taste, experience intuition and thoughts of that character.

These are things that I've talked about with my C.P. but I'm not always consciously aware of them while I'm writing. When I'm writing I'm imaging how the character reacts based on what I know about the character. I'm reacting and visualizing. When I go back and edit I'm looking at the dialogue and thoughts and saying to myself, "Now would so-and-so really say it that way? Is that really their character?"

Christie made POV accessible. I had no trouble understanding what she had to say. I don't know if it's because my CP and I have talked about POV or if because I subconsciously knew some of what she had to say (or both). Either way, she made POV something you could grasp and understand. She made it make sense.

By the way...tomorrow Kerrelyn Sparks' Sexiest Vampire Alive comes out! I've been waiting and waiting for this novel. I love Gregori--he's my favorite character out of her Love At Stake series.

Another thing to note about this week:  I am going to be doing another giveaway! I have a SIGNED copy of Christie Craig's Don't Mess With Texas. I don't know which day I'm giving it away, yet, so don't be a stranger.

So, what about you? Is POV something you grasp or something you're still trying to understand?

Have A Marvelous Monday!

And The World Keeps Moving...

Happy Friday Everyone,

Also, Happy September--yay, Fall is on its way!

Not only am I late posting this during the day, but I'm also behind on blog posts. I've been working hard on edits and a bunch of things going on in my life, so I had to put blog updates on hold. I don't know what next week will bring in the way of blog posts, but I'll try to post more.

I'm not the only busy one around here. While I'm hiding under the editing rock, the world keeps spinning around me (which is a good thing!)

So, I'm going to tell you to what's going on in the order I heard/found out about it:

In October I'll be posting another official book review. This is one where the author has asked me to do this. I've started the book in question and I'll be setting a date, soon.

Adult Romance author, Robin Badillo's Whiskey Road is now available on Amazon Kindle.

My book review of Christie Craig's new release (adult Romance), Don't Mess With Texas was quoted by Christie in her blog post on Killer Fiction. (Arrow down on that post to see what part of my review she quoted). I was deeply honored that she liked it so much that she'd quote it.

The very talented Jennifer Bray-Weber's Blood And Treasure (adult Romance) is on a poll for Historical Book to read this month on iBookBuzz.  Please everyone go vote for Blood And Treasure! (Oh, if you don't have Blood And Treasure...there's several ways you can pick up a copy:  Amazon Kindle, Amazon Paperback and Barnes & Noble Nook).

Shanna Swendson, the author of the awesome Enchanted, Inc. books says that it's up to the publishers if book #5 gets out. I'm hoping that the publisher will agree to publish Book 5. I encourage y'all to pick up this series--all 4 of the books. They're Fantasy (I've found them in the General Fiction aisle at Barnes & Noble, but they're available through Amazon and online at Barnes & Noble as well).

Teri Thackston's new adult action/thriller novel, Border Heat, is available on Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook.



Also, reminder:  the  Lone Star Conference hosted by the Northwest Houston Romance Writers of America (NWHRWA) is happening on October 15, 2011. You do NOT have to write Romance to attend the Conference (we invite authors of all genres). Screenwriters are also invited. Please be sure to let other authors you're acquainted with know about this conference. I've attended it  in 2009 and 2010. Both years were excellent and I had a great time. This year looks like it's going to be just as awesome. Authors/writers...you won't want to miss an opportunity to learn more and have fun with other authors.

Anyway, what are you reading these days?

Have A Fantastical Friday!

Not To Be Missed: Lone Star Conference--Keynote Speaker Alexandra Sokoloff

Happy Monday All,

So...did y'all notice the new addition on the top of the margin on the right hand side?

Yes...it's that time again...registration time for the Lone Star Conference!

The Northwest Houston Romance Writers of America is inviting writings near and far to come join us for fun, pitching appointments, a keynote speaker (Alexandra Sokoloff), and a great group of writers who are waiting to welcome you to the Lone Star State. Whether you write Romance or something else, I urge you to think about coming down. I attended the last 2 Lone Star Conferences and it was and awesome experience both times.

I plan (God willing) to be at the conference for a third year. To me, it's a great way to celebrate my birthday!  (Yep, you read that right. The Lone Star Conference falls on my birthday this year...October 15th).

Anyway...I hope writers all over will come and visit the Lone Star State and hang out with us NWHRWA members. We'd love to have you.

What events are you looking forward to?

Have A Magnificent Monday!

Author Sightings Alert!

Happy Friday Everyone,

This won't be my regular type of post, but these things sound like so much fun and well, when author Christie Craig asked me to let you all know about these events, I couldn't say no. After all, I'm a big fan of hers and I'm looking forward to reading the new release, Don't Mess With Texas.

 

Are you going to be in Houston, Texas on August 27, 2011 or November 12, 2011? If so, you will want to put these two events in your plans. If you live in Houston, add these to your calender:

Saturday, August 27, 2011 Christie Craig book Signing at Katy Budget Books at 2450 Fry Road, Houston, Texas 77084. The book signing will start at 1:30 p.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. (Central Time).

Saturday, November 12, 2011 Christie Craig will be teaming up with Romantic Mystery author, Diane Kelly (Diane will be signing her new release: Death, Taxes, And A French Manicure--release date November 2011--this book looks like a lot of fun, by the way) for a book signing at Wine Styles The Vintage 10300 Louetta Road Suite 150, Houston, Texas 77070. This event will start at 4:00 p.m. and end at 7:00 p.m. (Central Time).

Also...Don't forget:  You can pre-order Christie Craig's upcoming novel, Don't Mess With Texas. Available from Amazon and  Barnes & Noble. (Release date:  August, 2011).

You can also pre-order Christie Craig's alter ego, C.C. Hunter's upcoming novel, Awake At Dawn from Amazon  and  Barnes & Noble (release date:  October, 2011).

Have A Fantastic Friday!

Go Fourth And Sparkle!

Happy Monday All,

A very happy 4th of July to all my fellow Americans! Happy Birthday to the U.S.A!

Will Graham is celebrating the 4th all the way through July 15th with a very special offer on his novels, Street Heat and Sometimes There Really ARE Monsters Under The Bed. Up until July 15th both novels are on sale on Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook for just 99 cents each! Be sure to stop by his blog for links to both novels on Kindle and Nook.

So do any of you all have special plans for today? Me and my family are going to have a laid back 4th.

Have A Fabulous Fourth!

It's An Extravaganza!

Hey Everyone,

I'm behind on reporting on a couple of contests. I apologize to the contests hosts and to you, my readers, as well. I hope you all will forgive me. Anyway, TA-DA! Here's some information on a couple of contests I know about...

Here's info on the contest that C.C. Hunter's holding. The deadline is September 1, 2011 and there's all kinds of prizes. Please go to her blog for more information. C.C. Hunter is the author of Born At Midnight. Her second one, Awake At Dawn arrives in print in October of 2011. It looks like a really fun contest, so I hope you'll take the time to go check it out.

Fortunately the owner of the blog that's hosting this contest just posted about it on Tuesday, so I'm not far behind--I hope. Anyway, I need to tell you all about the contest Suzan Harden, author of Blood Magick and Seasons Of Magic: Spring (both novels available on Amazon Kindle  and Barnes & Noble Nook) is holding on her blog. The prize is a copy of Jane Carver's Mind Rider (which looks so good!)  Deadline for this contest is this Thursday, June 30, 2011 so get moving and head on over to Wild, Wicked & Wacky (Suzan Harden's Blog) to get details.

 A Cupcake And A Latte often hosts giveaways, so if you haven't checked out that blog, go see. It's a really nice blog. I've enjoyed several posts on there and I only just found out about it earlier this month (I think? Maybe it was May) in any case, it often has contests.

Next giveaway/contest I'm having? Well, if the author I'm interviewing still plans on giving away a book copy, then that's when I'll do it. So far the interview is due to be posted on July 21, 2011 (At this point I haven't heard any different, if that changes, I'll let you know).

I'm actually hoping to do another giveaway that's not connected with any author interview in the near future. I have a couple of ideas, but I don't think they'll happen in July--that could change, so don't forget to come back here for updates.

The other thing is, a reader of this blog could approach me about doing a giveaway/contest. You never know...someone might say to me, "Bethany, may I give this away on your blog?" (Hey that's what happened when Tonette emailed me about the Janet Evanovich booklets--which by the way, if you haven't been to your local bookstore, Smokin' Seventeen is released and out and ready for you to pick up your copy).

So don't be a stranger and be sure to go check out the blogs that I mentioned are having contests. You don't want to miss the deadline for Suzan Harden's blog contest (it's tomorrow!) You have about 2 months to enter C.C. Hunter's blog contest--and that one is more involved, so you might want to hurry. A Cupcake And A Latte has contests on and off and I don't know Mocha's schedule, so be sure to go check out that one. Links are posted above with their respective paragraphs--any lavender/blue words are links to blogs/websites.

Have A Wondrous Wednesday!

Who Do You Run With?

Happy Tuesday Everyone,

Bet you never thought you'd see that on my blog, huh? "Bethany runs with lions? What in the world? Is she a safari fanatic and just didn't tell us?"

No, I'm not a safari fanatic. In fact, I've never even been on a safari. It's just a reference to my novel, Surreal, which brings me to today's questions:

Who do you run with? Who's company do you keep? What type of characters do you have running around in your head?

Whether you're a reader, a writer, or both, you have all kinds of characters running in your head. Those characters are the people/creatures you run with. They are your company and companions through a story. They are your safari tour guides and help you navigate the world of the book you're either reading or writing.

Sometimes those tour guides are all contemporary human beings. Sometimes they're extraordinary humans, like for example, knights in shining armor, wooing a damsel--the only person who can bring the knight to his knees.

On occasion it might be a werewolf sniffing around you trying to figure out if you're friend or foe.

You might find yourself in the company of vampires who are deciding if you're a snack or just there.

Every now and again a nymph might make an appearance or Greek gods and goddesses threatening all kinds of destruction (or, in Cupid's case, causing you to fall in love while reading whatever tale features him).

A fairy could alight by you and decide to tell you her story. Or an angry magician cast a spell on you.

Whatever or whomever you're reading or writing, they become your companions. They're the folks you'll look back on either with love or hate or both. Somehow, though, for a moment (or longer) they touch your life.

So who are these people/creatures you run with and in what stories?

Have A Tantalizing Tuesday!

The Nitty Gritty

Happy Friday All,

I'm a bit late posting this. Last night my Internet went nuts and decided to see if I was paying attention.  Today I got it to work despite electrical sockets deciding to go on vacation and not work for me. (And we just had the electrician come and check out these same sockets!)

Anyway, I got this idea from a blog post that Shannon Hale did about an interview she had with Stephenie Meyer.

Here's what I came up with:

You get to ask ME questions. What do you want to know about me? (Please note:  I reserve the right to not answer any question I deem too personal--this includes information on my age, personal information on family members and my sexual life).

However feel free to ask about my writing, inspiration, the NWHRWA, reading, movies I like, and things like that. You can also tell me if there's something in particular you want me to blog about or ask me about author interviews--make suggestions if you'd like.

So whatcha wanna know?

Have A Fun Friday!

The Lone Star Shines

Happy Monday Folks,

I'm posting this way later in the day than I normally would, but there's several things going on in my life right now (not bad, just several things) so if I miss a day posting (or post later in the day), that's why.

The NWHRWA's Annual Lone Star Conference is still accepting early entries--early bird discount won't last much longer (early bird discount ends on May 25, 2011 at midnight).

Oh and writers/authors--the NWHRWA Lone Star Conference is in October!

Have A Merry Monday!

Great Jewelry Giveaway Wednesday: Finding Hidden Treasures

Happy Wednesday All,

The contest portion of this blog post is now closed. However, you can enjoy the rest of the post.

Yesterday's The Shadows Are Falling Jewelry Winner is Donna Marie! Congratulations to Donna Marie and I hope you enjoy the ShadowFalls #1 Necklace and Earrings Set.

Never fear, readers...the week continues and so does the author/jewelry pairings...

Tea Trelawny (accent on the e in Tea) has an erotic story out called Hidden Treasure: Lara Lacy inherits a Victorian home, a ghost and a possible treasure. But too many fake mediums have convinced her that anyone claiming to communicate with ghosts is a liar—including Lara’s inventive lover Nate Hoffmann. Of course, his seductive ways tempt her to change her mind. Stripped bare—in all ways possible—the lovers engage in deep exploration and eager discovery—of the physical and paranormal type.

Tea commissioned that Kathy of Beadmore Designs make her an antique looking necklace that's so exquisite you won't be able to help but feel gorgeous while wearing it. It's made to look like Rubies & Diamonds:



"Ruby & Diamond" Hidden Treasure Necklace <--click here to see a bigger photo of necklace



Hidden Treasure by Tea Trelawny cover

You can enter to win the "Ruby & Diamond" Hidden Treasure necklace one of two ways:


Either

A:  Post your name and email address in the comment section. You must use the words "hidden" and "treasure" in a sentence (get creative!) with your comment to qualify to be entered in the drawing.

Or you can...


B.  Email me an email but you must use the words "hidden" and "treasure" in a sentence (use your imagination!) in order to qualify to be entered in the drawing.

EDIT (3:15 p.m. Central Time):  I thought I had this in here, but Tea just sent me an email asking about when I was closing today's drawing.  I will be closing today's drawing at 10:00 p.m. Central Time. At that time I will come on here and put a comment in the comment section and officially close the contest. Then I will draw the winner and send the winner an email. I will announce who the winner of tonight's drawing is on Thursday's post. I apologize for any confusion.

A couple of things to note:

I will not be accepting any anonymous entries for the drawings this week. If you do not wish to provide an email in the comment section, then send me your entry by emailing me.

There's been questions about International Entries:  The answer is that it's up to whoever is mailing the prize. If you are OUTSIDE the United States Of America, then email me your entry and let me know what country you're from and I'll see what we can do if you win the drawing.

Any other questions? Send me an email :-)

Have A Wonderful Wednesday!

Historicals! What A Novel Idea

Happy Tuesday All,

Thank you so much for all the support for Tess St. John in yesterday's post. It was wonderful to see everyone backing her up. She rocks! Wednesday is her release and on that day I will be posting my review of her release, Second Chances.

Since this is the eve of the review and Tess's release, I thought I'd go along with the genre. Tess actually writes in more than one genre, but since Second Chances is a Historical Romance, I thought I'd go with that.

I haven't read a lot of Historical Romances...well, unless you count the 13 Georgette Heyer or the 14 Lynn Kurland novels I've read.

Georgette Heyer's Historical Romances are typically set in the Regency Era...complete with the ton and everything--fashion, dances, young girls being introduced into society and all that.

Here's a list of the Georgette Heyer books I've read (by the way, they've reprinted pretty much all of hers and some of her mysteries, too). (You can get her novels at Amazon or Barnes & Noble) I've read:

Cotillion
Sylvester, Or The Wicked Uncle
The Black Moth
These Old Shades
The Devil's Cub
The Toll-Gate
Friday's Child
The Grand Sophy
Beauvallet
The Masqueraders
Venetia
The Foundling
Frederica

The Grand Sophy is probably my number one favorite. It's really funny and a fun story. Beauvallet is fun because it has pirates/privateers. These Old Shades is really good as well. Friday's Child I've read at least 3 times, if not more--I really like that one, too. I wasn't sure what I'd think of Sylvester at first, but it ended up making my top 5 Heyer novel favorites. 


Lynn Kurland's MacLeod/De Piaget novels also sort of writes historical, but hers tend to be more paranormal--time travel and ghosts--but with strong Historical elements (Knights and Scottish Clansmen--Medieval times...usually between the 1100-1300's). She also writes fantasy historical novels, but I haven't read those. A few of her MacLeod/De Piaget novels are contemporary, but not many.

Here's a list of Lynn Kurland novels I've read:

Stardust Of Yesterday
A Dance Through Time
The More I See You
From This Moment On
This Is All I Ask
Dreams Of Stardust
The Christmas Cat (anthology)
Opposites Attract (anthology)
Tapestry (anthology)
Another Chance To Dream
If I Had You
When I Fall In Love
Till There Was You
One Enchanted Evening
The Very Thought Of You
With Every Breath
A Garden In The Rain

You can see Lynn Kurland's complete bookshelf (including the fantasy book list) here from the bookshelf portion of her website. You can also get Lynn's books at Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Several of Lynn's novellas that appeared in the Anthologies I mentioned have been reprinted into a full book on their own (it's called Love Came Just In Time). and some of them have been reprinted individually, as well.

Question for the day: Do you read Historicals or History books of any kind?

Also, remember: Wednesday I'll be posting my review of Tess St. John's Historical Romance, Second Chances.

Have A Timeless Tuesday!