Can I Possible Smash Any More News Into ONE Blog Post...

Happy Thursday All,

Wow! I know I've been very silent lately. We've been battling infections--we thought they were allergies but turned into infections. I've been on an antibiotic for about 2-3 days now and offspring is going on an antibiotic and husband is trying to keep sore throat from needing to go to the doctor. Life is far from boring.

NEW THING-- I am on Twitter now. Yep, I finally decided to just go ahead. I'm still trying to find my way...but you can find me on there @WriteBethanyBethany --profile has a pretty purple background (very fantasy looking, kinda romantic, so I thought it worked. Don't have a background of my own to load up at this point).  The Twitter Feed can be found in the right hand margin of my blog.

I'm prepping for the Lone Star Conference--yes it's right around the corner--October 15, 2011--but there is still time to sign up to go! Beadmore Designs and authors Tess St. John (Adult Romantic Suspense, Historical and Mystery), Téa Trelawny (Adult Erotic Romance) and Christie Craig (Adult Contemporary Romance), are teaming up with me to donate a prize basket for the Conference. You won't know details unless you come. Plus there's keynote speaker Alexandra Sokoloff, 3 agents and an editor coming! This is going to be a really fun conference. It's my third year going and I've had fun at the other two.

What's going on with you?

Have A Terrific Thursday!

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!

Pardon My Absence...

Happy Wednesday Everybody,

Lucky me, I get to go to the dentist! Actually dentists don't bother me too much, just not my favorite pastime.

Lately I have a lot on my mind (edits, reading for a book review, the Lone Star Conference and some family things) so it's harder to come up with a blog post than usual. I hope y'all will forgive me and bear with me. Life is a little crazy right now and hopefully it'll calm down soon.

What's going on in your life?

Have A Wonderful Wednesday!

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!

Fall Destination: Lone Star Conference

Happy Wednesday All,

All right, before I get on topic, I got a quick question (and of course the question at the end of the post, too):  anyone keeping up with the show Castle on CBS? I used to, then I got interested in other things on TV. So now I don't know what's going on with Castle.

Now that I got that out of the way...

Okay, maybe I'm just being a little ahead of myself, but I'm already gearing up for the NWHRWA's annual Lone Star Conference (October 15, 2011). Three agents, and an editor are coming, not to mention the keynote speaker sounds very interesting. I am hoping to finish my edits for Surreal so I can pitch. I have a draft of a pitch written up to help me get started, but I'll have to go over it. You do not, and I repeat, you do not have to write romance to come to our conference.

I had a rhyming sales pitch for the Lone Star Conference written up here, but it got out of hand and very cheesy, so I deleted it...you understand. Ahhhh! I can't get away from the rhymes. I feel very The Princess Bride -ish--if you click on the title of the movie it'll take you to The Princess Bride Official Website--who knew there was one? I didn't! Anyway, Fezzik and Inigo would be so proud!

Some details about the Conference:  As far as I know, it's okay if you don't write Romance. For instance, as far as I know, if you don't write Romance, but you write thriller or mystery or YA or westerns or suspense or women's fiction or literary fiction--it's okay...you may attend the conference (so far I haven't been told otherwise, and we often have non-romance writers come). Just keep in mind the agents and editor do have their preferences so what you write will determine who you can pitch to.

So, while we're on the subject...if you're a writer what do you write and are you published? If you're a reader, what do you like to read?

Have A Western-Wear Wednesday! (you know you wanna wear cowboy boots).

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!

Alicia Rasley, The Weekend, & Information For You

Happy Monday All,

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I did...it was incredibly busy, which would account for the fact that I'm not yet mentally fully awake (the right amount of coffee will remedy that).

On Saturday, the NWHRWA hosted Alicia Rasley, who gave a wonderful all-day workshop on how to improve and vamp up your writing (it's no wonder she's so popular!) She was interesting, funny, fun and very informative. A bunch of us (myself included) have been raving about her ever since. (If you click on her name it'll take you to her website. She has a lot of information on her website, as well).

But an all-day workshop means I was wiped out.

Sunday I was still tired, but it was library day, which means I got to go see Valerie and Anthony (two librarians I've gotten to know, whom are both awesome). It was great to see them again and to chitchat.

Sunday I got together with a few members from NWHRWA to sit and talk about pitching in conjunction with the fabulous Pitch University. (If you're a writer and working on pitches and querying, check it out, it's really great and has a wealth of information; plus the lady who runs it is incredibly helpful). This week at Pitch U there's a chance to pitch to Christine Whittholn of Book Cents Literary Agency, LLC. Whom I got to hear at the NWHRWA's conference last year, and she's very informative and helpful. I didn't pitch to her then, but I know others who did and said they had a wonderful experience talking with her.

Romance Writers Of America (RWA), the National organization, is having its annual Conference. This year it's in New York City (in case you haven't already heard). I'm unable to go, but it looks like it's going to be an incredibly good conference. If you haven't already booked your reservation and hotel, you better hurry up. I hear it's filling up fast!

NWHRWA has a ton of things coming up. In March, we're going to have the absolutely awesome Christie Craig speaking. She's such a great public speaker and always has a ton of information (plus she's incredibly funny). NWHRWA already has its information up about the fall Conference (the conferences are always a fabulous experience). And, pretty soon, it'll be time for entries into the NWHRWA's annual Lone Star Contest.

Friday I have an author interview to post on here. I'm not going to reveal who, yet (that's a surprise), but believe me, you won't want to miss it. The author is wonderful!

On a side note, if you didn't get to read the weekend post about Friday's winner and everything, please do so. The Write By Bethany 25+ Followers Celebration Contest Event was a success, and I owe it to all the followers, the particpants, those who commented, and the donors--so again, THANK YOU!! You rock!

Anyway, this are going to be a bit slower this week, but I will be regularly posting and, I have several ideas for upcoming events, please stay tuned!

Have A Merry Monday!

Conference Recap

Happy Monday Everybody!

I hope you all had a good weekend :-) I had a great weekend.

Friday night was the Meet & Greet for those attending the NWHRWA's Lone Star Conference. (Click to go to the NWHRWA's Website)

In this relaxed atmosphere, I got to first meet Naomi Hackenberg of Elaine P. English PLLC . Naomi was very personable, and really nice.

I also got acquainted with one of the Finalists of the Lone Star Contest for the YA Category--which I had been the category chair. It was a delight to meet her and soak up her enthusiasm.

Keynote Speaker, Randy Ingermanson, was also at the Meet & Greet, so I got an opportunity to say hello to him. He also seemed very nice and has a good sense of humor :-)

Christine Whitthohn was also in attendance. She also seemed very nice. I sat in with a small group and listened to her talk about the business during the Conference and she gave a wonderful talk during lunch.

The Conference was incredible. We had door prizes, baskets raffled off, and other prizes available. The facility was very nice, and the staff quite helpful. We were in beautiful rooms (both meeting and overnight rooms). The food was good, and they saved many a life by having coffee and tea available (there are several coffee drinkers in the NWHRWA alone--me being one of them).

Christine Whitthohn, Naomi Hackenberg were taking pitch appointments, along with Amy Boggs (of Donald Maass Literary Agency). I didn't get a chance to meet Amy Boggs, but she gave some very good information during the Q&A Agent Panel.

A lot of people got requests for query letters, partials and fulls. So we had some very happy Conference go-ers.

Randy Ingermanson was giving excellent advice on setting up story summaries and marketing oneself. Katy Budget Books was there and had one of his books for sale.

During one of the breaks, there were 4 published authors signing books...among them was Randy Ingermanson, and Christie Craig (who also did a short talk at lunch time about not giving up--she told some very funny stories and I laughed so hard I nearly had tears trickle down my cheeks).

The final placements from the Lone Star Contest was announced at the Conference and that information should be available in the near future.

All in all, I think it was a huge success and everyone I talked to had enjoyed themselves, learned something, and/or gotten something out of it.

For those of you who couldn't make it this year, be sure to check out the Lone Star Conference next year--you never know who you'll meet or what really good information you get, but I went last year and this year and both years I've had a wonderful time and learned a lot. :-)

Have A Merry Monday!

"It's My Party & I'll Cry If I Want To"

Happy Friday Everyone,

I believe Little Lesley Gore (my Dad always called her "Little Lesley Gore") sang that song (the title of this post).

Okay, it's not really my party and I'm not planning on crying, but it is my birthday. :-)

I love my birthday because it comes in the fall (and pretty much always have had fun on my birthday). Also, I really like the cooler weather, the Holidays coming up, that warm and cozy feeling you get when you snuggle down under the blankets, or when you drink hot chocolate or tea. Or, when I was growing up, when my dad would light a fire in the fire place and we'd watch it crackle and sparks fly up the chimney.

My birthday is smack dab in the middle of all those things starting to happen. It's far enough into fall, that I can feel the weather changing down here in the deep South, but it's also early enough that it doesn't collide with the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays.

This weekend is the Lone Star Conference and all of you who are going, we're gonna have a great time--I can sense it. There's so much that's going to be happening: Speakers, agent appointments, raffles, final placement of the Lone Star Contest finalists, mingling and networking. It'll be a  full day, that's for sure.

Tonight is the Meet & Greet and I think it's going to be fun, too. A nice, laid back way of saying hello to everyone (and reconnecting with those we already know).

I hope everyone enjoys their Friday (TGIF for all of you who have been waiting and waiting for Friday to arrive) and have a very pleasant weekend.

Also, find a good book, curl under a blanket with some hot tea or hot chocolate and get that warm, cozy feeling that Fall brings :-)

Question for the day:  What are your plans for today and this weekend?

Have A Fantastic, Fun-Filled Friday!

Gnat Poking The Story

Happy Tuesday Everyone,

Before I get started on today's post, author CC Hunter is running a contest. If you go here, you can get info on the contest--the prize is worth checking it all out! (The contest takes a bit of thinking, but it's not hard).

All right...now onto today's post:

Normally a muse or a character whispers in your ear and suddenly you think, "Aha! Story idea!"

But what about those times when you feel something coming, but it won't materialize?

I've been editing Surreal and taking a look at two of my other stories, but there's something poking at me. Right on the  fringes of my imagination and other than perhaps character's(s') names, nothing is coming. I can feel it prick at my imagination, but I can't get a lock on the idea.

It's like a gnat that flies up at you, you bat at it, then it's gone, then it's back and the whole cycle starts over again. This is not a muse whispering at me, or even a character saying, "Hey, pay attention to me!" This is a gnat that won't stick around in my imagination long enough for me to formulate the idea properly.

I can tell you, that like a real gnat, this story gnat is just as annoying. I want to say, "Either show yourself or go away and let me work on what's actually tangible!"

So, what about you? Have you ever had story gnats fly at you but not stay around long enough for you to say "That's the story, that's the characters, I got it now!"?

(Also, just a few days until the Lone Star Conference! YIPPEE! Check the right hand margin and have a look at the countdown to see how many more days left!)

Have A Thoughtful Tuesday!

News, News, News

Happy Wednesday All,

I wanted to post earlier, but for some reason the site was acting crazy, but it's mostly behaving right now. So, I can finally put something up.

New Releases:

Last night I picked up my copy of Kerrelyn Sparks' new book, Eat Prey Love, which is Carlos's story from Sparks' Love At Stake series. Looks good, by the way.

Coming up: October 1st:  Robin Badillo makes her debut with Journey Of The Damned: Retribution.

October also means Laura Childs' new book from her Scrapbooking Series, Fiber & Brimstone will be available.

Notes on Query Letters:

A couple of days ago Scott Eagan talked about query letters and what he has to say about them.

On a similar note today,  BookEnds, LLC talks about what their rejection letters look like.

On September 26th, Query Shark had a winning query letter posted.

Other News & Fun Things:

Another thing happening in October is something I've been talking about:  NWHRWA's Lone Star Conference.

Also, if you're looking for something healthier this autumn with a real fall feel (especially with Halloween and Thanksgiving coming around the corner) you might be interested in Eating Well's Roasted Pumpkin-Apple Soup. I haven't tried this recipe, but they have a lot of recipes that I'm interested in. Plus, this one sounded cozy, which is the feeling fall and winter often give me. (Besides, I won't tell if you sneak a piece of pumpkin or apple pie after eating this).

Have A Wonderful Wednesday!

Go For It!

Happy Monday,


In every email interview I've done with a published author there's one question I always ask:  What piece of advice do you find helpful? (or most helpful).

 With every interview, there's been different answers, but I think in a lot of ways it boils down to:  don't give up.

 Now that doesn't mean authors never get nervous about putting their name out there. It doesn't mean they never fear it won't work. What it means is that they've stopped letting the fear get in the way.
 So...what makes you keep goinging for it?

 One way you can "go for it" is in 2 weeks and 5 days the NWHRWA Lone Star Conference will happen (October 16, 2010). I don't know how much room they have, but you won't know if you don't "go for it".  Please click here and check it out.

 Have A Merry Monday!

Moving Forward

Hi Everyone,

I've been reading and editing, and some other things, which is why I haven't been doing a lot of blogging. But I hope to get back to regular blogs, soon. (Possibly next week).

I still have to finish this round of edits--but I'm getting closer--less than 100 pages left. I got some comments back from a "beta" reader and played around with those edits; so I'll have to wait for the next several pages from her. Which, depending on the comments from her, could mean some more edits, but at least it's getting polished up and things that I didn't catch in my editing are being caught. I'm trying to make Surreal as polished as I can.

So, still moving forward.

I'm also gearing up for the Conference! 3 Weeks until the day of the Conference (October 16, 2010).

Have A Wonderful Weekend!

Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!

Happy Friday Everyone,

If you have NOT signed up for the NWHRWA Lone Star Conference, you need to hurry and do so!

Why?

Because...

Randy Ingranmanson of the Snow Flake method is going to be there. (He's the keynote speaker). http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/

Christine Witthohn (Luncheon Speaker) of Book Cents Literary Agency is going to be there. http://www.bookcentsliteraryagency.com/

Naomi Hackenberg of Elaine P. English, PLLC is going to be there.
http://www.elaineenglish.com/

Amy Boggs of Donald Maass Literary Agency is going to be there. http://www.maassagency.com/

I was told Katy Budget Books was going to be there.  http://www.katybooks.com/

Several writers both published and unpublished just like you are going to be there.

So, don't wait another second...get over to the NWHRWA's website and register now:  http://www.nwhrwa.com/conference.htm

There's only 4 weeks and 1 day left until October 16, 2010 when the Conference is happening. Don't be left out!

Have A Fantastic Friday!

Updates, Etc...

Happy Tuesday Everyone,

Here's the scoop:

Progress is being made on the "polishing" of Surreal. Ideas are popping up like daisies for this other story I'm working on, which, will cover a being completely different than that of Surreal or Conjure A Man. CAM's been on hold while I've been prepping Surreal.  This other story came to me and I had to get it out and we'll see where it takes me. The mermaid story is still being fleshed out. There's some details that aren't quite coming to me, yet.

I've ordered my business cards and I am hoping to get them before the Conference (info on the Conference can be found below). Life got a bit chaotic when my son got sick, so I had to play "catch up" for a bit.

A few notes on some release dates:

Debut author (and someone I know), Robin Badillo, has her first book (I believe an e-book title) coming out next month. Check out Retribution here.  Looks good :-)

I'm totally into Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & The Olympians books. I have the last one yet to read. Sad that a series has to end, but he has other series started that I'm interested in. And don't let the fact that they're geared toward mid-grade fool you. There's plenty of action and everything else in there to keep even an adult interested (otherwise I wouldn't read them and neither would my husband!) Check them out for yourself here.

I've also been reading Nicholas Sparks' The Last Song. Fun tidbit that I found out on his website is that he wrote the screenplay for this story first before he wrote the book. The movie was good and the book is pretty good, too. I think it's on the same level as A Walk To Remember (which I loved the book and the movie). My top favorites of Sparks' books are as follows:  Number 1 A Walk To Remember (book and movie), Number 2 The Notebook (the book) and Number 3 The Last Song (book and movie).  I'd have to watch The Notebook movie again to see if it can join ranks with the book.

Oh, and if you haven't signed up for the NWHRWA's Lone Star Conference, I think there's still time. Remember, it's on October 16, 2010. Click here for further information.

Anyway, what's everyone else up to?

Have A Terrific Tuesday!

Have You Signed Up Yet?

Hi Everyone,

Yes, I know it's the weekend; and I don't normally post on the weekends, but I'm here to remind you to sign up for the NWHRWA's Lone Star Conference happening in 1 month and 5 days!

Click here to sign up!

Have A Wonderful Weekend!

May I Have The Envelope, Please?

Happy Friday All,

Working with the Lone Star Contest (it's the annual contest hosted by NWHRWA) has been quite the experience. As a Category Chair, I have seen some stuff that, while I couldn't give an opinion because I wasn't one of the judges, but a part of me was thinking "I'd like to read this one!"

If you haven't had a chance to help out with a contest, find a niche that fits you and go for it. You get to learn how the critique process goes, some of what happens behind the scenes, and you never know, you might see something awesome.

I'm really excited about when we get to announce the finalists. I'm sure it will be a very positive experience. I can't announce the results here, since things have to be done through the official channels, but I am going to say, it's been one of the parts of the Contest I've really been looking forward to--that is, giving that news to people that their story is going on to the final judges!

Entering a contest is also a good way for those seeking critique to get feedback. Different RWA chapters have them at any given time; so look up and see which chapter is doing what and see what they'll accept in their contests.

Granted, you don't have to help out with or enter contests to learn a lot about this business or even to get published, but it's another side of the writing world.

By the way, if anyone is paying attention to the ticker, there's 1 month, 3 weeks and 6 days left until the Conference. There's still time to sign up. Click here for further info!

Have a great weekend!

Have A Fantastic Friday!

It's That Time Again!

Happy Tuesday All,

There is less than 62 days until the NWHRWA's annual Lone Star Conference. In the margins of this blog you'll see a little ticker with a black cat (in honor of one of my characters in a manuscript I'm in the process of writing) telling how long until the Conference and if you click on some of the words below it, they'll take you to the NWHRWA's Conference site.

Some of you might remember how I went on and on about Todd Stone last year. This year, it's 3 agents and Randy Ingermanson of the Snow Flake Method.  Christine Whitthohn from Book Cents Literary Agency is scheduled to speak during lunch. Then, if that wasn't enough to whet your appetite for a writers' conference, there's 2 other agents as well:  Naomi Hackenberg from Elaine P. English, PLLC and Amy Boggs from Donald Maas Literary Agency.

Last year was an incredible experience...with book signings and all kinds of things. I don't know everything that's planned, yet, but it sounds like there will be some book signings this year, too.

If this wasn't enough excitement, I'm in intensive editing. I'm on another round of edits with Surreal and determined to finish in about 10-20 days. I've got about 150 or so pages to go. So, I'm polishing up, trying to get some feedback and get it all prepped just in case it's ready for me by the time of the Conference. I'm not signed up for an appointment with an agent, but, it never hurts to be prepared.

Anyway...who's signing up for the Conference? Come on, you know you know you wanna come...it's just one day...you can make it :-)

Have A Tip-Top Tuesday!

BREAKING NEWS: Conference Info Up!

Happy Thursday All,

NWHRWA has the rest of the information up on the upcoming October Conference. Please head over to the page for more information.  Looks like it's gonna be a good one!

Have A Thrilling Thursday!

EXTRA EXTRA: OPPORTUNITY!

Happy Monday Everybody,

Hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was fun. :-)

I'm reading the 2nd book in Shanna Swendson's series that started with Enchanted, Inc. The 2nd one is Once Upon Stilettos and it's good so far. Chick lit meets fantasy is how I'd describe the series thus far.

Now...onto the reason why I have the blog title I do:

October 16th the NWHRWA is going to have it's annual conference. These are the sort of opportunities authors look/need. So, if you're available, I suggest you go.  The Conference will feature Randy Ingermanson, as well as three agents: 

Naomi Hackenberg from Elaine P. English, PLLC

Amy Boggs from Donald Maass Literary Agency 

Christine Witthohn from Book Cents Literary Agency

I don't have all the details, yet, but it looks like it's shaping up to be a good conference. But once I do, I will be sure to give them.

Anyway, just wanted to alert everyone.

Have A Meritorious Monday!