May Possibilities & Writing..

 Happy Wednesday!

Yes, I changed the title graphic banner on here. It's to match what I have on my social media pages. Please bear with me as I try to adjust the settings/layout. I'm not the most knowledgeable about these things, but I have someone I can ask to help me.

Currently I'm querying Shifter Secrets, my YA Fantasy Romance featuring wolf-shifters. I haven't written a story featuring any kind of shifters in a long time, but that's okay. My long-time critique partner (who has read just about every manuscript I've written in the last 16 years) and my long-time beta reader (who has been with me about as long and read almost all my manuscripts written in the last 16 years) said Shifter Secrets is some of my best work. It's got more personal aspects for me, but I won't tell what...I'll let the reader guess! It's a bit more on the serious side that Sugar & Frost, but it still has some humor in it (gotta love the male main character, Vest Plenilune's, cousin, Xavier--he's hilarious in my opinion and the female main character, Mauri Kipp, is sweet, but has a secret she's dealing with that isn't an easy thing).

Sugar & Frost is currently on hold. This does not mean it is permanently shelved--I have every intention of getting it out to readers somehow, I just haven't decided what path to take to make that happen. I know what I want to do, but I may have to adjust my wants to something I can do at this time. I still love the story (it's my long-time beta reader's favorite--even thought beta reader said Shifter Secrets is some of my best work) and it's one of my favorite things I've written. I love the story, the characters, the magical/cozy aspects, including some humor. It features fairies, elves as tall as humans (male main character Chase Frost), magic, a feud, a delusional would-be rival to the female main character, Kallie Sugar, it's all so fun. Not to mention Kallie's family lives above the family owned-and-operated bakery. If you like cinnamon rolls, cookies, pies, etc...and a fun coffee shop that's right across the street from the bakery, you'll have fun with this.

I like to think my work would sit comfortably (with more magical elements than the following examples) beside Kasie West's P.S. I Like You, Maybe This Time, and Places We've Never Been or perhaps near Jenny Han's To All The Boys I Loved Before, but on the more sweet end of romance (and again, with magical type elements). Lots of yearning (go read Becky Dean's Love Unmasked for context....or with Eliza Prokopovits' Regency Magic Faerie Tales series (that does have magical elements)--although, mine are set in current time period rather than the past)...or something fun like Eva Austin's My Favorite Color Is series.

Fairytales (or Faerie Tales, whichever spelling you prefer) definitely influence my writing. I've loved many of them (which explains me gravitating towards Eliza Prokopovits' series and Shonna Slayton's Beauty's Rose, etc.)

In any case, that's some of what I've been doing this month--as well as writing another manuscript and working on research for yet another manuscript that will have a historical aspect to it (brush off those Buddy Holly, Paul Anka, etc albums!) My unfinished manuscript file folder seems to grow. LOL

I hope you all have been having a wonderful May. Can you believe it's already the last week of this month? The year seems to fly by (at least, for me, it does!)

God bless! Have a wonderfully whimsical Wednesday and a joyful June!

Thanksgiving Week & More...

 Hi Everyone!

Wishing y'all a very happy Thanksgiving week! As I type this the day before I'm going to post it, my nails are currently finishing drying from me painting them red, green, and gold. Yes, I know, Advent hasn't even started, but I felt like doing it. The colors make me happy!

I'm not entirely sure what my Thanksgiving plans are. My sister and I talked about getting together for a bit, so we'll probably do that. I'm actually allergic to turkey (it makes me throw up... *insert sad face here*) so I either do ham or something like that.

My parents have moved. It's a good move for them. They lived in their previous home for 36-37 years. Me and my siblings have been encouraging them with the move--like I said, it's a good one for them. I don't want to go into detail, but it's been an emotional journey--one that I haven't talked about much publicly and don't intend to because it's something I view as very private. Just know that all of this is part of the reason I've been kinda quiet on here.

In other news, in the early part of November my family had a stomach bug. For the record, I don't recommend them. I'm not sure where youngest picked this thing up, but it wasn't fun. Youngest had issues for about 2 weeks (because youngest didn't ONLY have the stomach bug, there was also constipation involved!) and then later I got it (not the constipation, though. Only youngest had that), and the next day eldest and husband were down with it. The weekend was an adventure with Husband and I tag teaming taking care of Averie Cat and whatever was of immediate concern. Luckily, we recovered pretty quickly and I'm happy to report we seem to be doing okay, now.

We're praying for a quiet and easy December and being able to just enjoy Christmas. Christmas is probably my favorite holiday (although, I should probably choose Easter given my faith background--which, if you've been following me for long know that I'm a Catholic. Don't get me wrong, I love Easter, too. There's just some things about Christmas that mean a lot to me).

I've got several WIPs (Works In Progress) that hopefully I'll be able to do more with, soon. I've had some catching up on housework to do and some other things happening, but I have done some writing, so that's a good thing.

The Author Encounter is gearing up for next year and I think what's getting planned will be interesting! My business partner is an ambitious planner--and I've got mad respect for her skills!

I recently read Kasie West's Fame, Fate, And The First Kiss. I think Dancing Graves (the movie in the book) should be a real story. It sounded like fun. I've read several of Kasie West's books and I think this is probably my favorite so far. :-)

I'm intrigued with Kiera Cass's upcoming release, A Thousand Heartbeats it releases on November 29, 2022, so it'll be available soon. I'm thinking I'm going to have to read it!

What novels have you been reading lately (or if you don't read novels, what non-fiction)?

I wish all of you a very happy and wonderful Thanksgiving this Thursday! I don't know what anyone's faith background is...coming from mine, I like to say "May God bless you." Take care and be safe.

Have A Merry Marvelous Monday!

Checking In Amid All The Dust...

Happy Wednesday Everyone,

Renovations to the blog and my website are still in line to be done but have been put on hold for a short bit because the consultant and I have joined forces to start a company geared toward authors and readers.

The Author Encounter's mission statement is "Bringing authors and fans together" and that's just what we're working toward. We have an event scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2020 called Books & Beauty. I'll be there with my amazingly talented audiobook narrator, Chris Hudson. Headlining the event is author Kerrelyn Sparks who not only did an amazing job with Paranormal Romance with her Love At Stake series, but she's got her Embraced beings in her Fantasy Romance series and a brand new one that will be showcased at Books & Beauty called How To Love Your Elf. It's going to be for people ages 21 and up because it's at a Wine bar. All the information is on The Author Encounter's website.

Other than working on The Author Encounter, I've been mom and catching up on some binge-watching. I caught ABC's The Baker And The Beauty and fell in love with that show. I also enjoyed what appears to be the final season of Alexa & Katie on Netflix. 

I'm behind on my reading. I'm working on finishing a non-fiction book by Kevin Wells and I've got a huge list of fiction to get to, but I'm sure I will, even if I'm a bit slow at it--I'm in the midst of reading a Christmas anthology by Nana Malone and Sheryl Lister.

There are a few projects I'm working on. Hopefully, they pan out into full-length novels. In any case, I've got ideas--just got to see if I can make the execution of these ideas happen!

I know this quarantine and everything has been hard on so many people. I really hope you, dear readers, are doing well and I wish you the absolute best as always.

Take care, and try not to mind the dust around here while things are getting settled on the blog and renovations on the website!

Have A Wonderfully Whimsical Wednesday!

It's Looking Like Christmas...

Happy Monday!

Can you believe that next week is Christmas? I thought it would take longer to get here. I finished my Christmas shopping last week. Have you finished?

The Averie Household has been slow about getting the tree up this year. The evening of December 13th, my Real Life Hero brought the box in. Slower than what we usually do, but things have been a bit crazy the last couple of weeks.

Despite being slow about the tree, we've been anticipating Christmas. The Offspring are excited and we've been to one Christmas party and Real Life Hero has one coming up at his work. In the car we've been playing Christmas music, which has been fun.

Working on some more projects under my Jeannie Averie pseudonym, but I'm thinking up things for the last two books in the Immortal Dreams series.

Averie Cat had his yearly check up and he's in good health. Got his shot he needed and we're now all set. He didn't enjoy the whole thing, but at least he's healthy.

Some family on my side are coming in after Christmas, so my parents are having Christmas dinner a couple of days after Christmas, so we'll be celebrating with my family on the 27th. For us, we'll have our Christmas Mass--likely on Christmas Eve, and then do our family presents on Christmas Day, and the presents from my parents on the 27th when we go over there.

I love this time of year. I'm praying for cooler weather. I'm not a fan of ice and snow, but I do like bundling up and snuggly blankets. It gets so hot most of the year down here, that it's nice to have some cooler weather when it happens. I haven't even broken out the tea and hot cocoa, yet!

On the reading front, I've got a whole pile of books to read, but I always add new ones. I'm trying to decide what I want to read next. I might read Jennifer L. Armentrout or C.C. Hunter. Then again, I've also got a Sophie Jordan and Cheyanne Young waiting on me, too. Not to mention my library book. What are you reading these days?

Anyway, I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2020. See you in January!

Have A Mightily Merry Monday!

Dreaming Big...

Happy Friday!

It's August...AUGUST! Wow. Is it just me, or does time seem to go faster when you're older? I remember feeling like days were soooo looonnnngggg as a kid...and even as a teen. My birthday always took forever to come (I'm an October baby). Christmas was always a million days away. And summer vacation? Sooooo faaarrr.

Not as much anymore. And I'm not complaining, I'm just sort of fascinated with how that happens. One minute you think something is taking forever, the next minute it seems like it happened in a blink of an eye.

The funny thing is, when you're waiting for a book release or something like that is can seem so long or so far off (well, unless you're the one on a deadline, then it seems too close! LOL). And sometimes the wait is totally worth it and sometimes you build something up in your mind and reality doesn't quite match up.

Either way, finding those moments of anticipation, longing for something...it's always good to have a dream. To have a goal. A purpose.

Growing up, I always wondered what my purpose would be. I went through several ideas--even going so far as contemplating the religious celibate life. I thought of becoming an ornithologist. I never imagined published author would be one of the purposes I'd come to as an adult. But here I am, living out the purpose I thought I'd have when I was a pre-schooler (being a mother) and what I dreamed of as a teen (being married) to something I wasn't sure I would ever accomplish (author, early 20s).

Now my purpose is to continue being wife and mother, and to keep working at the writing.

So, are you living the purpose you thought you'd have as a kid? What dreams do you have? No matter your age, never be afraid to dream big! Whether they come true or not, dreams/goals are a good thing.

Have A Fabulously Fantastic Friday!

No NYC But Other Great Stuff For Me...

Happy Thursday Everyone,

Wow! BrazCon was amazing! For those of you who made it out, thank you so much. It was fun and there were incredible costumes (check out my author Facebook page for pictures).

Important update: I will NOT be going to Romance Writers of America's National Conference in July (New York City). I was going to, but then some stuff came up and it turned out I couldn't. I'm looking at next year, which that one (2020) will be in San Francisco, so maybe I'll make it there. I've never been to San Francisco and I'd like to go.

I finished writing my adult shifter novel and it never changes. It always feels surreal and like "Wow!" when I write "The end." The next thing is edits and critique partner crits, and then I'll be shopping it around. But, it's exciting to have another book written. I do plan a sequel, so what happens at the end isn't the end of that story altogether. I already have the next book started and I've got books 5 and 6 in the Immortal Dreams series to write, so I'm still going forward with more writing.

The other thing coming up is that I'm planning on having an author email list (newsletter). I'm working with my consultant on that and I'll let you all know when it's ready. If you want to sign up, I'll let you know how to do that when I can. For those of you who signed up at BrazCon, you don't need to worry about re-signing up when it's up and running. We have your emails and names and you'll be subscribed right away. I'm working on some ideas for fun things for that. So that'll be fun when it's all set up.

As always, I've got a bazillion (okay, not quite that many, but several) books to read, but I have started in on my TBR (To Be Read) pile so hopefully I'll be able to make some headway on that.

Recently my husband and I rented Bohemian Rhapsody. We liked it. The acting and costumes were well done. I was really happy for Rami Malek getting the Oscar for it. He did a fantastic job. Have any of you seen it? What movies are you looking forward to seeing?

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Thursday!

An Immortal Of An Update...

Happy Friday One and All!

Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted on here since July. I sincerely apologize for my absence. Life is crazy and crazy is life. 

First things first: If you haven't liked & followed my Facebook author page, you'll want to do that ASAP. Why? Because I'm doing something called The Immortal Tour. What is it? Glad you asked! The Immortal Tour is a play off of the title of my YA series, Immortal Dreams (Divine Love, Astral Love, Immortal Love, and Perfect Love). It's sitting down on Facebook Live and interviewing authors I consider Immortals. So far I've gotten Kerrelyn Sparks' posted to my page. Due to technical difficulties, I've had to reschedule Avery Flynn, but I've got Robin Covington appearing on October 25th, and Victoria Vane on November 8th, plus more to come! This is an ongoing event, but trust me, it's not your usual interviews! You, the reader, will get a chance to be involved, and of course, ask questions. It's very laid back and you get a peek inside the author's life.

Second of all: I'm working on a brand-new book that I'm planning to have at least 1 (one) sequel. I don't know if it'll be a whole series, but I do have a sequel in mind. It's not a YA, but it's still Paranormal. It's got Tiger shifters in it.

Third of All:  What about Nic's story? I know, I need to finish the 5th book in the Immortal Dreams series, and I'm also planning a 6th one. They've been started, but I haven't been able to finish them, yet. But believe me, I plan to.

I have an assistant, now, currently her duties are rather light (due to things going on in her life, and mine) but she's awesome and a reader, her name is Roxie, and I am thrilled to have her in my corner. She's awesome and a huge fan of the Immortals.

Appearances? Well, that's up in the air right now. I might be at BrazCon in February 2019, but I don't know for certain, yet. I might be at RWA Nationals in NYC in 2019 (July), but I'm waiting to hear back on a workshop proposal my narrator and I sent them. So, appearances haven't been planned out, yet.

As for this year, I don't have any appearances planned, but you never know what might come up! 

Meanwhile, follow me on Twitter and as I said, hit up my Facebook Author page!

Oh, and don't forget to get Avery Flynn's Butterface and watch for her new release, Muffin Top. I really enjoyed the first one and I'm looking forward to MT. I'm currently reading Christie Craig's Junkyard Cowboy and Jennifer Snow's Maybe This Christmas. I have a To Be Read (TBR) pile that's ever-growing, but I always make time for books/series I really enjoy).

What are you reading these days and what's going on in your world?

Have A Fantastically Fascinating Friday!

Just A Little Over A Month...

Happy Tuesday All,

Summer is in full force in Texas. Heat and humidity...and lots of it! The Averies are trying not to melt and Averie Cat loves to sun himself on the window sill or lay on my bed where the sunlight peeks in during the afternoon. Currently as I write this he's laid out sleeping. 

Romance Writers of America's National Conference (aka "Nationals") is coming up in a little over a month (July 18-21) and I'm excited. I've never been to Colorado before, and I hear it's really beautiful. I'm also thrilled to be able to see friends I haven't seen in a while, meeting new people, including trying to meet up with Syrie James, whose Nocturne I have loved (I'm totally fan-girling about that). I'm going to be rooming with Belle Ami, whom I've enjoyed getting to know.

I didn't final in the RWA Ritas, but that's okay. I'm still going to the ceremony because it's such an incredible celebration and let's face it, I love glitz and glamour. (I even requested sparkly make up from my make up consultant, so there you have it). I'm a glamour girl on a non-glamorous budget, but hey, save up money, find deals, and off you go, right? The sparkle doesn't have to be real diamonds, it just has to be something you like.

The rest of the Averie Clan will be holding down things at home while I'm off hanging out with the rest of Nationals' attendees.

As to writing...well, that's been slow. There is a lot on my mind lately and so sitting down to write has been a toughie and when I do sit down and write I feel blank. So, I'm working on that.

My parents will be celebrating fifty-two years of marriage this weekend, which is exciting for me because they are a fabulous example of love, marriage, and commitment. I'm so happy for them and for the fact that I have the privilege of being one of their children.

I'm trying to remember the name of the book I laughed all the way through reading. So, while I'm thinking about that, why don't you tell me about a book that made you laugh?

Have A Tremendously Terrific Tuesday!

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

Vacation, Books, Summer, & More!

Happy Wednesday All,

Oh my! I'm so behind. Last week, I was up in Gatlinburg, Tennessee at a resort for a family reunion. We flew out to Charlotte, North Carolina on July 14th, rented a car, and drove up to the resort. 

Offspring and Husband went swimming at one of the resort pools and hiking in a National Park. I hung out with my family, answered posts on Christie Craig's blog (on July 16th--congratulations to Kathleen O. for winning a copy of All's Fair In Love & Lion. Hope you enjoy it).

Thursday we had a baby shower for my brother and his wife. That was fun. 

Friday we went out to Dollywood for the day. Offspring and Husband are far more adventurous about rides than I am, but that was okay. I walked through the water that they had misting around for park-goers to cool off. Of course, I probably shouldn't have bothered since later we got totally drenched by a rain shower. However, before that happened, we saw birds of prey (including a bald eagle and golden eagle--too cool!) heard some great singing, saw a fantastic bubble show (the woman and her family had been in the Guinness Book of World Records for a 50 foot bubble wall) and fun with family.

I have pictures, but I haven't loaded them up, yet, so you'll have to wait on those.

On Saturday we went to evening Church, then out to dinner at one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. It's called The Cabin Cafe. They make everything fresh (from things they get locally) and the best cup of coffee I've had in years was to be had there from the Vienna Coffee Co. The restaurant was kind enough to let me and my rather large family invade their premises after normal closing hours. They were friendly and very hospitable. All of us were greatly impressed with the food and people. 

I honestly thought I'd be much cooler in the Smoky Mountains. I was in for a rude awakening. The sun was very hot, and I actually opted to run the air conditioning very cold at night. 

Despite the weather--both rain and heat--we had a blast. 

I finished reading Kerrelyn Sparks' Less Than A Gentleman, set during the American Revolutionary War. Totally awesome novel. Definitely recommend.

I also have read Shona Husk's Summons, which is a very short prequel to The Goblin King, which I plan to get. I'm interested to see what happens next.

I'm currently reading Marie Hall's Her Mad Hatter.

Do you notice a theme with the last stories I mentioned? Yep, fairy-tale/fantasy type stuff. With the release of All's Fair In Love & Lion, and me working on the revisions to Immortal Dreams Book 1:  Dream Weaver, and book 2 in the AFIL&L universe, I've apparently decided to immerse myself in all things mythology, fantasy, and fairy-tale--and of course, romance.

How has your Summer been going? Any vacation trips?

Have A Whimsically Wonderful Wednesday

Post Mother's Day & Updates...

Happy Tuesday All,

Daffodils were my maternal
grandmother's favorite flower

Yes, I know the time stamp says Monday, but given that it's after 9:00 p.m. when I'm writing this, I figure I'll set it up to be Tuesday's post.

Hope all the Mothers had a wonderful Mother's Day Weekend! Mine was pretty good. Spent time with two dear friends of mine. We went out for dinner and hung out. It was a lot of fun. 

Sunday I went to church with my family and there was a special blessing for Mothers, so that was very nice. Me and my family saw my own mother later in the day. She's one awesome, awesome lady, so it's always great to see her! She's always been a tremendous source of comfort, encouragement, sound advice, and support. I've learned so much from my mother, so it's great to celebrate her. My husband, offspring, & myself gave her a gift that was a tie-in with All's Fair In Love & Lion (she's read

one of the drafts back when I was revising it to get it ready for submitting). We gave her a white rose, one of Sasha (the heroine) favorite kind of teas, and some chocolate. She loved all of it, and it felt good to spoil her.

Husband hasn't told me about my mother's day gift. He says he plans it for later in the year. Although given recent events and everything (paying for the car to be fixed) that idea may go to the wayside. But perhaps I can finagle a back massage instead. (He gives great massages and it's been a long time since I got one). So a back massage would be a totally awesome belated Mother's Day gift as far as I'm concerned!

Editor says I'll be getting 2nd round of edits probably in early June, so I'll be working to get that done well and quickly so I can send 'em back in time for July 10th release. The plan is it'll be available first on Amazon Kindle, then later go to other E-book formats, then around 9-10 months after release, be available in hard copy (in-print). At least, that's what it looks like at this point. I'll let you know if that changes.

If you look in the margins you'll see I've been a busy little reader. Been focusing a lot on YA, although I did recently finish a Paranormal Romance by Teri Thackson that gave me the shivers! Well written, but don't read it at night. :-)

What's everyone reading these days? What's one of your favorite genres?

Have A Tremendously Terrific Tuesday!

Valentine's Day, Book Recommendation & Update

Happy Tuesday All,

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I was a busy little bee this weekend. Offspring had a game, then I had to do some spring/summer wardrobe shopping, and Sunday was Church and relaxation.

The answer to the question about if there is any news on the contracted novel is that when there is something I can share I will post it here.

If you've been watching my Twitter Feed (whether following me on Twitter or checking the margin of this blog) you might have seen some posts where I recommended books. For all of you who missed them, here's the recommendations I made for Valentine's Day:

I started out with Historical Romance...

Friday's Child by Georgette Heyer (probably my number 2 favorite Heyer novel)

If you're into Fairy Tales, I mentioned this YA:

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Sassy Fiction...

The Secret Ingredient by Jane Heller

I even touched on Mid-grade...

Betsy's Wedding by Maud Hart Lovelace (but I recommend reading the others in that series, first).

For all you YA Fans looking for a tissue-box book...

Until Death Do Us Part by Lurlene MacDaniel

I did not forget the Vampire fans...

Love At Stake Series by Kerrelyn Sparks

Elemental Mysteries by Elizabeth Hunter

Nocturne by Syrie James

I also put in this Greek Mythology inspired novel (which I love, by the way)...

Cupid by Julius Lester

I also made some movie recommendations:

I Hate Valentine's Day (funny movie)

I also recommend You've Got Mail, but only because that was the movie real life hero (husband) and I were watching when he proposed to me.

The good thing about these books and movies...it doesn't have to be February 14th for you to enjoy them...they're fun anytime of the year.

What would you recommend for a Valentine's Day read and/or movie?

Have A Terrific Tuesday!

More Than Eggs At Stake

Happy Monday All,

Oh my goodness! It's been so long since I updated, and I hope you all will accept my apologies. There is much to discuss, and I hope to pour it out this week and in the coming weeks.

But first and foremost, I have a special treat for you all...an official blog review.

Today's morsel is from mystery author, Laura Childs' newest Cackleberry Club Mystery...

Eggs aren't the only things being whipped up in the Midwest.

While Suzanne, Petra, and Toni busily prepare for a meeting with the a banker in their little town of Kindred, murder is being cooked up in the snowy banks behind the Cackleberry Club Diner.

One minute the three women hear snowmobiles, the next minute the wintry evening is still and silent. Feeling curious, Suzanne duns warm gear to head out only to find said banker decapitated from a wire stretched out across the very path his snowmobile was traveling.

Sure, said banker wasn't the most liked member of the town, but murder? Who would be driven to such lengths?

Despite the tragedy, Suzanne, Petra, and Toni soldier on with their many plans--including hosting a tea and fashion show, attending the Fire and Ice celebrations, and the unplanned part of their winter, learning all kinds of crazy gossip.

Then a runaway appears in the diner...someone who knows more than he's letting on. But it's going to take more than yummy cooking to find out just what Colby knows. But will he open up in time to be helpful? And, will Suzanne and the sheriff solve the mystery before someone else lands in a cold grave?

Find out on November 6, 2012 when the new Cackleberry Club Mystery, Stake & Eggs is released!

Have A Mysteriously Marvelous Monday!

Me? Obsessed With A Book Series? Naaahhh! LOL

Happy Thursday All,

Well, I'm settling back into my usual daily routines since being away all weekend for my grandfather's memorial. Of course, no routine would be complete without some sort of twist, right? Mine happens to be allergies! At least they seem to be getting better, for which I do thank God.

My current WIP, (no, I can't talk about it, sorry. It's easier for me to write when not too many people know very much about what I'm writing. I don't know why), is coming along. A little slowly, but I'm starting to get a tiny piece of the passion I've been missing back. I really like this story, and the way it's being told. I have a few details to tweak and stuff, but I'll do that when I start editing. Right now, I'm focused on getting the story out of my head and onto written format.

Anyway...today I wanted to talk about obsessions...particularly book obsessions, which, for me, there are many, but I'm going to talk about my newest one.

What I've noticed about myself is that when I get excited about a series (especially one I've never read, whether a new series or not-so-new series) I tend to read all I can about it, and get my hands on as many books as possible. Currently this obsession is the Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

In my last post, I talked about Obsidian, which is one of the first books in the series (the novella, Shadows, is a prequel to the series). I'm not usually into reading books with aliens in them. In fact, I mostly only see those in Sci-Fi series, or things like Star Wars (which is more fantasy than Sci-Fi--yes, I've heard the debate over whether Star Wars is Sci-Fi or if it's Fantasy, and after contemplating both sides, I'm leaning toward Fantasy for Star Wars...but it does have aliens in it, so that's why I mentioned it). Or Star Trek, or X-Files.

However, I really like the way Ms. Armentrout handles aliens and all that. It's not the whole "Aliens-coming-to-Earth-to-take-over-the-world" so much as Aliens who want to fit in, have a life, and be a part of the community--and oh yeah, kick the butts of the bad aliens who want to steal their powers and kill humans. I can handle that. It's got aspects of paranormal, fantasy, and yes, there's romance in her work, too. All of which I really enjoy.

So, I guess you could say it's not too surprising I'm all into the Lux series after all.

By the way...here's a piece of trivia...did you know the word "lux" means "light" in Latin? Yeah, I learned that from reading Obsidian I also double checked it on Google Translate.

What are some of your book obsessions? Why are you gung-ho crazy over them?

P.S. Speaking of obsessions (okay this isn't books, but TV show)ABC's Once Upon A Time Season 2 starts this Sunday (September 30, 2012)!

Have A Thrilling Thursday!

Redeeming The Beast

Happy Monday Everyone,

How many of you all follow ABC's Once Upon A Time? I rarely miss an episode. Sunday's episode, Skin Deep, we see another side of Rumpelstiltskin.

The show re imagines fairy tales through taking what we know and adding in other details. More than one fairy tale might be mashed together to come up with another story.

The Evil Queen (also the mayor, Regina, of Storybrooke) has put a curse on all the peoples of the Enchanted Forest...brought into our world and our time they don't know who they were as fairy tale creatures. They end up in Storybrooke...living lives with false memories and no idea who they really are.

Emma Swan, who becomes the sheriff in later episodes, is the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming (but she doesn't know that). All Emma knows is that she was given up as a baby and was passed from one foster home to another. Her son was adopted out, and it's that son that finds her and brings her to Storybrooke. Henry (Emma's son) is convinced that Emma is the only one who can break the curse.

However, Regina will stop at nothing for her plans to go as she wants them and nobody but Regina knows what those are.

Mr. Gold (Rumpelstiltskin) is feared for his "deals" and ruthlessness, but was he always such a scary being? At one point he was a father, a man who was afraid to fight in a war and left the army. But when he grabs power for himself and is changed by it, he loses what's left of his humanity...or did he?

The episode was a fascinating re-telling of Beauty & The Beast told in a fashion I totally didn't expect. However, not all fairy tales in Once Upon A Time have happy endings and the Beast (or in this case, Rumpelstiltskin) might never know the truth.

So what do you think? Do you think a creature like Rumpelstiltskin could have redeeming qualities like the Beast in Beauty & The Beast, or do you think someone that ruthless will never change?

There's all kinds of books out there dealing with this kind of redemption. Love conquering all...and in a lot of ways, that's what the Romance genre is. In fact, that's what some of my own stories have in them...a sense of redemption...someone might not start out as a hero, but in the end, love changes him or her.

What books have you read with that kind of a story line and what do you think about love redeeming a character?

Have A Magical Monday!

Flight Of Fancy: Weddings

Happy Monday All,

How many of you are fans of weddings?

I'm a huge fan. Some I like more than others. But I love wedding stuff. I always tell folks I'm a hopeless romantic. Not because I didn't find my "other half", but because it doesn't look like I'll ever quit being a romantic--not that I mind.

If I wasn't sure I couldn't take the stress (let's face it, some brides get very emotional) I'd consider being a wedding consultant in some capacity. However, due to other responsibilities (personal and writing related) I don't see that avenue being explored anytime soon. Luckily for me, there's been times I've been able to lend my thoughts, experience, and joy of wedding-planning to people.



Caption Reads: May 8, 2004 marked the
 beginning of my happily-ever-after with my
wonderful husband.  I love him more NOW
than I did then :-)

 When I got married, I was so nervous about going over-budget I asked my mom about every, "Is this okay? If I'm going over-budget let me know." It got to the point that my mother said, "I'll TELL you if you go over-budget. You're FINE." Of course, she said it nicely, but also firmly (I'm very grateful to her, she was absolutely wonderful through everything). I loved my wedding, I had a blast at my reception, and with a few slight hitches (no wedding ever goes off without something going wrong--hopefully in most cases it's something small), it was as close to perfect as any wedding can get.



Picture taken at my wedding reception of
one of the bridesmaids' bouquet.
Red and lavender roses.
Red roses mean passion/love
Lavender/purple roses mean fantasy
(I didn't know about the meanings at the time
but how perfect!)



Since marriage isn't perfect (even the really good ones have their difficult moments) it's nice to have something that can be almost-perfect...something romantic, light, fun, and beautiful to cherish.

Some of my favorite TV shows are wedding-related. I love Say Yes To The Dress and Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta. I've watched several episodes of My Fair Wedding With David Tutera.

What is it about weddings that spark the imagination? Many girls dream about them from the moment they know what a wedding is (I know I thought about mine). Girls often have weddings with their Barbie Dolls (I did!) And you find them in books. Even some Shakespeare plays end with a wedding (all of the Shakespeare plays that end in a wedding are considered "comedies" even if they're not really comedic).

There's just something about the romance, the idea of forever, and all the little details that make some people sigh with happiness.

So, what about you? What do you like about weddings? And do you even like weddings? Why or why not?

Have A Memorable (in a good way) Monday!

The Perfect Sound

Happy Thursday All,

I missed posting Wednesday, but don't worry, I'm okay--just busy!

There's a new release! Author of Nocturne, Syrie James, has teamed up with her son, Ryan M. James, to put together a Paranormal YA novel entitled, Forbidden. And, it looks intriguing! It's available on Amazon and Amazon Kindle, as well as Barnes & Noble and Barnes & Noble Nook.

I'm currently reading a novel by an author I hadn't ever read before. The premises really interested me because it's pulled from Shakespeare. I'm not very far into it, but I'm already curious as to what this novel will bring. So we'll see what happens.

On and off I've mentioned music on here. Especially music that sets a tone/mood for one's writing--or inspires. For me, it can be anything from AH-HA's Take On Me to Spin Doctors' Two Princes.  I like a lot of different songs, but those two came to mind because Two Princes always makes me want to dance, and Take On Me is one of my "happy place" songs.

There's a few collaboration songs I like...one such song is the collaboration done by John Waite and Alison Krauss, I Ain't Missing You. This was originally sung only by John Waite, but I think it came out lovely.

Speaking of music and collaborations, I've collaborated with one of my brothers before. He's a music composer and musician. When I was in high school he approached me and said, "Hey, Bethany, I think this piece needs lyrics. I can write music, but lyrics aren't really my thing, and I know you've written some, would you mind working on it?" I said, sure. Unfortunately my lyrics were definitely not on par with how beautiful the piece was, but I tried my best. We'd sometimes do our own version of Heart & Soul on the piano (he is far and away a better musician than me, but I never had the passion for playing instruments that he did). Then when I got married I had a set of lyrics that was a duet. I begged my brother to put the lyrics to music. He was going to play at my wedding, and I had a soprano from the church choir and my brother-in-law who's a tenor. Eventually he got the lyrics arranged and it was gorgeous.

Something music composers and novel writers have in common is the emotion they have for their work. I know my brother spends a lot of time working on his compositions so it sounds just how he wants it to turn out. When I sit down and work at a story I'm asking myself a series of questions, and going over each sentence to make sure it comes out just right--that it is what the character would say. I've sat and talked with my brother about this and I said, "It seems composers and authors have a lot in common in that respect." He said, "Oh definitely." He agreed that like novel writers, composers get attached to their work. They want others to enjoy it and fall in love with the piece as much as they did.

Novel writers are the same. They fall in love with their characters. They giggle over the jokes, agonize over the pivotal scenes, and contemplate whether or not the dialogue works. In music, they have to go over each phrase. Contemplating the key signature, tempo, what instruments would play it and what emotion it would invoke--what the purpose of the piece will be, not to mention a series of other concerns they have about what they're composing.

It's amazing what composers and writers have in common. I may not be able to play Liszt or dazzle with a piano concerto, but put me in with paper and ink and I'll be off on this idea or that idea. Either way...emotions, hopes, dreams, fears, joy, and sorrow all play a part regardless of whether it's Beethoven or if it's Shakespeare.

So, what music makes you happy?

Have A Top-Notch Thursday!

So, How's Your First Week Of New Year?

Happy Friday Everyone,

Well the first work week of 2012 is coming to a close. I hope everyone has had a good week so far! Mine has been fun. I'm feeling a lot better, too.

I'm working on figuring out the WIPs (Works In Progress) and catching up on my reading. I've got 2 books I'm reading at once and they're both good. I'll probably talk about them next week.

Generally I don't make New Year's Resolutions, however, a new year feels like a chance to improve oneself and reach out to those goals we keep setting. There's a sense of hope hanging in the air and I figure why not grab that hope, and hold on? I think I'll make it a part of what I resolve for the new year. To believe in achieving my goals.

What about you? What are your hopes for 2012?

Have A Fabulous Friday!

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!

Christmas Wishes To You & Yours

Happy Friday All,

This weekend is Christmas! I hope all of you and your near and dear ones have a very Merry, safe, blessed, and wonderful Christmas!

I'll be spending Christmas with my family and some of my family-of-origin. Dad is going to be cooking away (he's a great cook) and we'll be attending Church and having gift exchange. I'm very much looking forward to it all. Relatives of mine I haven't seen in awhile are in town, so I'm looking forward to seeing them, and, of course, the friends I'll be seeing as well.

Everyone be safe and I'll see y'all next week :-)

What's your plans for Christmas? 

Have A Festive Friday!