January Bringing 2026...

 Happy Wednesday Everyone!

It's January...it's 2026...can you believe it? Sometimes I have to sit and think about this. When I was younger (teens and younger, that is), the concept of 2026 would've been so foreign, I probably would've given you an odd look. It always seemed so far away, but here we are!

My Christmas and New Year's were nice. Christmas was quiet at home--which was fine--and the following week, we were over at one of my sister's house to meet up with my younger brother and his family from out of town, and my parents live nearby. My sister lives approximately 40-45 minutes driving from me, and since the drive is too much for me to handle (I'm hate driving in general, and that sort of distance with all the other drivers who act like they own the road and are out to test their limits of survival, it's rather stressful for me to drive, so husband does the longer distances when he's off from work, while I do the shorter, daily stuff when he's not off). We had a nice visit with my family, and the new year has looked a lot like the previous one so far--but every year has its own things, so we'll see what happens.

Sugar & Frost is still in the querying stage. Some things happened last year, so waiting to see what may or may not happen with all that this year.

I've been editing Shifter Secrets. Both my long-time critique partner and long-time beta reader say it's some of my best writing. I'm not done editing it, though.

I'm still happily the Official Ambassador for #UnhingedPit on X(Twitter) and BlueSky and I'm looking forward to seeing what "The bosses" (as I call them) have planned. I know a little, but not all the plans...stuff gets revealed when it's time to reveal it

Real Life Hero (my husband) had a birthday this month, so Happy Birthday, RLH! He's still my hero (which is a good thing, since we're married and have no plans not to be married to each other).

Hope you all are having a fun 2026 so far and wish you the best! May God bless you in this year and always.

Have A Wonderfully Whimsical Day!

November...OOPS NO, It's DECEMBER!

 Hey Everyone!

I know, I know...I missed posting in November. Sorry about that. I suppose I never did figure out what I wanted to post and then the month was over.

My Thanksgiving was quiet, but nice. Normally we'd go to my sister's house. This year we were at home, which was fun (and I mean that, I'm not being sarcastic).

December has been an interesting realm of trying to remember the things that need to get done. I'm writing this a few days before I'll be posting this entry, so at the moment, I still have to finish writing up Christmas cards--I've got about half of them done, the good news is I don't send out a ton, but they still have to get done (I don't think they all have stamps, either--I gotta get more of those, too!) Shopping for the Offspring is mostly done. Youngest needs some clothes because youngest outgrew some stuff. I need some items, myself; however, I'm so picky that the likelihood of me getting anything new is slim. LOL (A friend did get me a new top that I really do like). 

I'm waiting on some responses regarding Sugar & Frost. I still love the story. I've been editing Shifter Secrets (slowly) and writing.

I've also been reading. While I've been reading a variety of things, throughout the year, I've often gone back to Shonna Slayton's Beauty's Rose. It's one of my "comfort" reads. I love that story so much. I've lost count how many times I've read it.

Anyway, I hope you all have a great rest of your Advent Season and a very Merry Christmas! Have a blessed New Year! The next post I plan to put up will be in 2026. 

Have A Marvelously Merry Monday!

Super Quick September Update...

 Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Wow, September is OVER tomorrow; today being September 30, 2025--the last day of the month.

Writer's Life News:  Still querying Sugar & Frost. Hopeful about a couple of things. We'll see. Editing Shifter Secrets, my YA Fantasy with wolf-shifters in it.  It's going slowly, but I've made some progress.

Life outside of the writing world: Busy on some days, not as much, others. So pretty typical. My youngest was sick over one of the weekends, but luckily the worst of it only lasted 24 hrs, and the next couple of days were recovery, so by Monday (after getting sick on a Friday) youngest seemed much better, which we were all very happy about.

I'm going to make this super short because I want to get this in before tomorrow (October 1). So I'll see you in October!

Have A Terrific Tuesday Night!

The August Month Is Here...

 Happy August!

Wow, it's the beginning (or, rather continuation, if you go by what the stores have had in stock for awhile) of back-to-school activity...already. Didn't summer begin like yesterday? Somehow this year has seemed to zip past me at a rate I didn't expect. Then again, I've had plenty to fill my days.

Auto insurance issues continue for the Averie clan. I won't go into detail, but let's just say I'm not impressed. 😑 Oh, and car issues aren't fun, either, but whatever. Just gotta keep going and trust that the Lord will pull you through (the only way I know how to manage).

Hurricane Beryl barreled through my part of Texas and we were without power for about 3-4 days. Not long when you consider how some people were out for at least 2 weeks (maybe more?) But, luckily it wasn't worse. (Someone in my neighborhood had a tree fall on a car! We saw them working on it, they did manage to get the car out. I don't know if it was damaged...it looked like it was mostly okay, though). We had some damage, but not as much as others, which is nothing short of a miracle, for which I do thank God.

I continue to edit Sugar & Frost. I'm going relatively slowly, which is okay. These notes I got back have been helpful and I'm getting some other edits done in the process. I still have at least one more pass (although, likely more than one) left before I feel it is at all ready. But publishing isn't about being fast really, it's about trying to put out your best work. Nobody is perfect, but you try your best.

My husband had some time off, which helped give me more space to work than I would've had, so that's good.

I don't have any major plans for August. Just keep going with what's already going on in my life. Do you have any special plans for the month?

Hope everyone has a great August!

Have A Fabulously Fun Friday!

January 2024 Is Here...

 Happy January, 2024, and Friday!

If December snuck up on me, January just blew right in without me being ready to be done with December. Christmas cards got mailed Wednesday (as in January 3, 2024!) Yeah, I was that behind. But I think my close friends and my family members are a forgiving bunch and won't mind getting their Christmas cards a little late.

My Christmas was fairly nice. I had a sparkly red dress this year (see my Instagram for a photo). I love sparkles. I don't always wear them, but I do like them. I did refrain from purchasing glittery eyeshadow for Mass (Catholic Christian Church Service). A little sparkle at Mass is okay, but I don't need to be attention-grabbing there. Later in the week we ate Christmas dinner at my sister's house (no, not on Christmas Day because we were waiting for one my brothers and his family to arrive in town and they couldn't get in any earlier because of their responsibilities at home). The weekend of New Year's my eldest got a bacterial infection, so eldest had to celebrate New Year's in a bedroom (which was fine, since my husband had to go to work on January 1st and we weren't planning on staying up for the new year--but he was off from Thursday after Christmas through Sunday).

The New Year has been okay so far. Other than some health stuff that I've had to deal with on and off since the beginning of December, it hasn't been too bad. I'm still trying to grasp that it's January 2024. When I'm dating my files for my backups, I keep wanting to put 'December' and then I keep wanting to put 2023, so I have to remind myself that it's January and 2024.

I'm working on revisions on a manuscript that didn't get done before the end of December and thinking of my unfinished stories still waiting for me. It's a process. Some pages I'm not making many changes, while others I'm rearranging things, or taking stuff out, or putting something else in. But that's how revisions and editing goes (generally speaking).

I've no idea what this year will bring--but I do know there is always good and bad in every year and I try to find the blessings and the good amid the hard/bad stuff. Sometimes it isn't easy, but for me, it helps.

I hope your Christmas went well and wish you a blessed 2024!

Have A Fascinatingly Fantastic Friday!

October Is Almost Over...

 Happy End-Of-October!

I'm a bit late posting for the month, but at least I'm getting it in before it ends!

We've had some days of mild temperatures with beautiful sunshine, and a bit of a breeze. A lovely change from 90-100 degree Fahrenheit that we had in August and September. We did get some rain, which is good.

I've done a bit of writing this month--not a ton, but at least it's making progress and I think the manuscript I've been mostly working on will be fun story when it's written. (There are already fun aspects to it, as far as I'm concerned!)

September feels a bit of a blur of sorting through emotions on some things I've had to deal with and family responsibilities. But October has been better. Sometimes things happen and you just have to keep holding onto hope (my faith as a Catholic Christian helps me tremendously with that).

I celebrated my birthday, my dad's, and sent birthday wishes to other family members whose birthdays fall in October. My husband and I went out to dinner the weekend of my birthday--something we hadn't done in awhile and I really enjoyed it. I think we need to have dinner or date out more often!

It's hard for me to believe that November is almost here, but there we are! My thoughts are starting to turn towards family moments, smiles, laughter, and the warmth of the Holidays. I always look forward to seeing the Church all decorated for Christmas. The flowers are always so beautiful and love Christmas hymns (I love Christmas music in general, too) I don't love snow--you northerner regions can keep it as far as I'm concerned--but I do like 50-60 degree weather, and hot cocoa or hot cinnamon apple flavored tea. I'm also a big fan of baked goods (especially my dad's).

I'm not sure what the rest of 2023 will bring, but I wish you a wonderful end of October, a safe and Happy Halloween (which I also call All Hallow's Eve) and a Merry Monday!

September Is Here Already...

 Happy Friday Everyone!

It's September...! Is it just me, or does this year feel like it's going by fast?

Schools are back in session. Texas hasn't gotten the menu that it's getting into the Fall months. But that's nothing new when it comes to September in my part of Texas.

I've got four family members with birthdays--a joyful thing for sure. Buddy Holly was born on September 7th (and I enjoy several of his songs). My deceased friend, Sarah's, birthday is on September 16th.

After working so intensely on revisions on one of my manuscripts, I've been reacquainting myself with the WIPs (Works In Progress) that I haven't as yet finished writing. It's been interesting...I like them a lot more now than I did even when I started writing them! My long-time critique partner is working on some stories she hopes to release--I got a chance to read one of them. I hope readers will enjoy it. She's a very talented writer.

Not much else to report on so far, since it's just the beginning of the month, but stay tuned! If something comes up that I want to announce, I'll announce it!

Meanwhile, Happy September 2023!

Have A Fantastically Frabjous (look up Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky poem for that word) Friday!

July Snuck Up On Me...

 Happy Thursday Everyone!

June is already over? I was completely unprepared for that. In fact, I feel like this year is flying by. (I was late sending birthday card to a friend who had a birthday near the end of June...normally I'm better about these things, but it snuck up on me!)

Updates: June was full of working on revisions. At the moment, I don't want to go into detail...if something fun happens with this, I'll update y'all. For now, pray for me. :-) And if you don't pray, at least wish me well, please? Thanks.

Writing: I haven't been working on my other WIPs because I was doing revisions. I've got some notes back on some chapters for revisions from my long-time critique partner, so I'm going to be working on those on Friday. I do plan on working on one of my WIPs, though. My CP (Critique partner) likes this WIP in particular.

Reading: Yes, I've been doing some reading. I've really liked this one Beauty And The Beast retelling. It's called Beauty's Rose and it's by Shonna Slayton. It's set in 1986. There are a lot of 80s references that made me nostalgic. I totally had a Walkman. Okay, okay, it belonged to one of my sisters, but I used it, too and I eventually inherited it.

Summer:  Is hot. Very, very hot. We had 2 weeks of temperatures in the TRIPLE digits. I expect that to happen again before (and if) we get cooler weather in the Fall.

Fourth of July:  Mine was relatively quiet (minus fireworks going off near me, and then I think a neighbor of mine was shooting some off). I watched a bit of some fireworks online. I went to Church in the morning and then spent the day cleaning and hanging out with the Offspring. My husband had to work, so we didn't do very much. I got my end tables in the living room all dusted. My living room is finally livable. (Ha, ha).

As for the rest of July: regular schedule for me. Family, revisions,  writing, and reading. I've got a tiny bit of a travel planned for this month, too.

I hope your summer is going well--and that you're keeping cool. Take care and I'll catch up again with y'all in August!

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Thursday and A Joyful July! 

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!

It's Time For September...

Happy Thursday and September!

Somehow it feels like the months are going by faster. I'm not sure why I feel that way--maybe I've just been super occupied while things were happening.

In my personal life there has been plenty going on--from being a mom, to a wife, to my family-of-origin stuff, there has been several things happening. Some good things, some hard, some okay--basically life.

As far as my writing life is concerned, I've formed a private writer's group with 2 other authors. They're super encouraging and it's fun to be a part of a writer's group again. I hadn't decided what I wanted to do as far as joining one, so this is perfect for me at this time. I've been doing some writing (I've got like what is it, 3 WIPs--Works In Progress--right now? I don't work on all of them at the same time--I just go with whatever one I'm in the mood for or have ideas I want to add. Normally I don't work this way, but right now it's working for me). I'm still querying a finished manuscript of mine. We'll see what happens there. And I've got some projects I'm not ready to talk about, yet, in the works, too.

The Author Encounter is having a slower year because of stuff both in my life and in Nan's. We're okay, just things that we had let our members know about. Keep an eye on the website for announcements/info.

I've also been doing some reading. I haven't done a TON of reading and I skip around a lot from re-reading books I loved, to reading newer books. I'm not sure how many books I read in August...maybe 3? How about you? How many books did you read in August and are there any you're excited about?

Enjoy your September and to those who are back in school, I wish you a wonderful school year!

Have A Totally Terrific Thursday! 

It's ALREADY August?

 Happy August Everyone!

Wow...July went by faster than I expected. Between illness in the family (and again near the end of July and beginning of August), everything feels almost like a blur.

I continue writing and querying between all the other real life stuff that has claimed my attention. Life doesn't slow down and neither do the demands of motherhood. I'm ready for all of this to settle down. I turn to my Catholic Christian faith a lot, which has been a source of comfort and help.

I've got several WIPs (Works In Progress). I'm hoping to continue with Greek gods and goddesses--but one I'm working on is NOT part of my Immortal Dreams series. I also have some other things in play--fairies/Fae, maybe mermaids? With me, you just never know!

The Author Encounter is taking this a bit slower this year--my business partner, Nan Jenkins, is working on her MBA, so we've pulled back on some of the events for this year, but looking to do some of our usual ones in the Fall.

Speaking of Fall, it's time to gear up for a new school year. Would somebody tell Texas weather that it's time to cool off?? Maybe send some rain?

This month's post is short, I know, and I apologize for that, but with all the craziness in my house, this is the best I can do at the moment! Hopefully things will calm down.

Have A Fabulously Fun Friday and a Amazing August!

A Little Late With July...

 Happy Friday Everyone!

I'm a little late getting the July post up, but perhaps you can forgive me since I was sick the first week of July. I'm much better, now. I don't recommend being sick, it's really a 1-star or no-star review from me, but it did give me a lot of time to pray, and working on my faith is never a wasted opportunity (when I take the opportunity) so there's that. I couldn't really even read much while I was sick because the screen made me dizzy and I didn't even bother trying with printed books, either. Mostly I either watched videos/movies, or slept. The sleeping was probably a good idea. Now, I've got a plan to work on getting myself stronger and keeping up with my vitamins. Thankfully, I've got a great doctor, so I had good help.

Getting well meant I was able to get back to writing again, which has been nice. I don't know what will come of the novel I'm working on. Per usual, I'm going to keep details under wraps (aside from a very few people who know what I'm working on). It's just easier to work on a manuscript without anyone's expectations except my own (and God's, of course, but that's a given for me). It's funny to be working on something and suddenly see how late the time is and scramble to get ready for bed. I haven't done that in a while, so it's bringing back some memories. Good memories, though.

I'm still querying. I prefer not to go into detail there since it's an extremely personal process for me. It's also a long process and I don't know what the outcome will be.

Other than that, still working with The Author Encounter, still being wife and mom, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend--all the usual stuff. I'm hoping Texas gets some rain SOON (not flooding or damages, but enough rain that the temperatures are cooler and the grass, crops, plants, trees, etc. are okay--it would be nice for my husband if he didn't have to water very often). We're spending as much time inside as possible. It's just too hot to be out-of-doors for long.

Wishing heat relief if it's hot where you are and a great rest of your July!

Have A Fabulously Fun Friday!

May Has Arrived...

 Happy Monday and Happy May!

April was full of many things...including going up to Springdale, Arkansas to lay my father-in-law to rest. I didn't know him very well, but being up there with my husband and kids, I got to learn a little more about him. I knew he'd loved his wife to the very end of her life, but what I didn't know was how much. Several pictures had the caption "My beautiful wife..." and then a description of the picture. In the living room and his room, the walls were full of pictures of her and of their wedding. He had several of them framed. In all of them he looked happy (she looked happy, too, just in case y'all wondered). So I got to see more of his devotion to her. My mother-in-law died some years ago from Alzheimer's. By the time I met my husband and we were getting married, she was already pretty far along (although we did talk a tiny bit about her rose garden--which the flowers in their yard were lovely). They're now buried together in a cemetery in Springdale, Arkansas, according to my father-in-law's last wishes. My husband was AMAZING. He did the majority of all the cleaning in the house, and moved a ton of furniture. Some he gave away, some he sold. The house is just about sold (people up there move fast!) I barely saw him because he was so busy. But we did manage to get over to Eureka Springs and to Two Dumb Dames. I've been to Two Dumb Dames twice and ordered from there about 3 times. The fudge is the best fudge ever (in my and my husband's opinions). And yes, they do ship. I had some delivered to my parents' house last year, as well as to one of my best friend's. Everybody I've had try it has been totally amazed by how good it is. The company was started in 1979, and now the daughters/sons run it (so it's still in the family). It's a funky little shop with chocolates, fudge, truffles, candy, and t-shirts. I love it.

My anniversary is this month, which is something I'm happy about. Another year with my Real Life Hero, another year full of good and bad, ups and downs. Living out our marriage vows, being each other's best friends, being parents, family, friends to others. It's not always easy, but it isn't something I'd trade in. He's a man who truly gets me and I consider that a gift from God. So I'm grateful for him.

Mother's Day is right around the corner, and I want to wish every mother out there a very Happy Mother's Day! I love my children even when it's tough (and sometimes especially when it's tough). Nobody is perfect, but they are incredibly special to me.

As to writing, I'm continuing on. I've been querying a manuscript, and I've got several other ideas. I've no idea what will happen or where everything will lead. God has always been in charge of things in my life, and so I entrust this to Him, while trying to do what I can. I'm hoping more of my books will be available on audiobooks--my narrator and I are often in touch (he's worked on some things for The Author Encounter with me and my business partner, Nan), so we'll see.

I've made some new author friends this year, and I'm grateful for them being in my life as well, and for you, my darling readers!

I wish each and every one of you a marvelous May! I hope it's a good month for you all.

Have A Magically Merry Monday!

Whoo-Hoo, It's November...

Happy Monday All,

It's November! Texas weather isn't sure if it's supposed to be warm or cold (I say cold, but snow only on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day). We made it through Halloween (not exactly my favorite holiday, although my eldest likes parts of it). As a Catholic, I went to All Saints' Day Holy Mass on Friday (All Saints' Day is November 1st). People have been breaking out all their favorite Fall decorations, food, etc. Folks in the USA are looking towards Thanksgiving to get together with friends and/or family. A sense of anticipation hangs in the air as we get closer to December and the Christmas/Hanukkah season. And, it's my favorite time of the year--Fall/Winter.

For writers, November is the time for National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo. I'm not participating, although on my author Facebook page, I am proposing another challenge for writers who aren't doing NaNoWriMo, if you're wanting to check that out.

This year, for Thanksgiving, the Fam. and I are likely headed for my parents' house. I don't know who else will be there (or we'll be at my sister's house, depending on what my mom says). Christmas will be at my parents' house. And after Christmas I think some other family will be in town. I look forward to my Dad's baking. He's an amazing baker and cook. My mother is, too, but my Dad is more into it. I like to bake, so hopefully I'll get around to doing some of that this year.

I need to finish reading Avery Flynn's Awk-Weird. I love her work. So much fun and light-hearted. I've got a stack of new books (and some older ones) to get to, as well. I finally got my hands on Shanna Swendson's newest Enchanted Inc. book, Enchanted Ever After, and I'm really looking forward to reading it. Non-romance books, I've been reading one by Fr. Donald Calloway, which I have enjoyed another one of his books and his videos. He's an inspiration to me. What's on your TBR (To Be Read) list this Fall/Winter?

It looks like I'll likely make an appearance at BrazCon 2020 (I believe that's on February 15th). I'm hoping to make RWA Nationals 2020 (in San Francisco) but my plans aren't firm on that. My narrator plans to be there, so I'm really trying to get out there so I can introduce him around!

Books 5 and 6 in the series still need to be finished. I know, I'm being incredibly slow. This year has been--well, interesting. I can't go into detail, just know it's in my heart that I want to get back to writing and I'm hoping all the stuff that's gotten in the way goes away. I still have to finish polishing (I've got a good amount of the edits done, just got to do these last details) on my Jeannie Averie novel.

Other than that, we're fighting allergies, sore muscles, and whatever else gets in the way of a perfect day. Life happens and often good and bad exist together on the same day/week/month/year, so just gotta power through the bad and hang onto the good!

Hope all is well on your end, dear reader, and I wish the best of Fall and Winter!

Have A Meritoriously Marvelous Monday!

Summer Is Here...

Happy Friday All,

Lately I've been trying to figure out some mess with my website, being Mom, editing, writing, going on family vacation, prepping for different things.

I'll post pictures from my family vacation on here, soon, I just need to get them up on my computer. But it was nice. We went up to Michigan for my nephew's wedding. The ceremony was lovely, the venue was gorgeous, the bride and groom were so happy and we all had a fantastic time. I'm one of 8 kids, and we hadn't all been together in the same place since my parents' 50th wedding anniversary celebration, which was about three years ago. For us, it's pretty incredible that it's only been 3 years. With our schedules, and the fact that we're all over the USA, it's hard for us all to get together in one place. But we did, and it was so much fun. A lot of laughter, hugs, reminiscing, and fun. I really am blessed to be in this family and I'm blessed that my parents are such generous, loving, and caring people. I can't tell you how often I've had folks come up to me and tell me my parents touched them in some way. They're really special people.

As for writing...

If you follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter, (or seen some previous blog posts) you know that I've been working on another book under the name Jeannie Averie. I figure Bethany Averie will remain my Young Adult/high school and up pen-name, but Jeannie will focus on 18/21 and up.

While I have been editing and writing Jeannie Averie books, I've also done a little work for some Bethany Averie ones, too. I can't go into detail (because I like to keep stuff to myself until I'm certain it'll work out).

I won't be up at RWA Nationals in New York City this year, but I'm looking ahead at 2020 and I might make Nationals next year. We'll see. I don't know for sure, yet.

Anyway, I hope you all are having a wonderful summer and reading lots of books!

I've got several books I'm reading, I'll have to post some stuff about them when I'm finished.

In any case, happy reading and happy summer!

Have A Fascinatingly Fantastic 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!

It's 2017!

Happy Tuesday Everyone,

The last time I posted was in November. That's pretty bad, but getting to post a blog is tough. Blog posts take a lot of time because I have to think of a topic, write it up, edit it, add graphics/pictures, and make sure any relevant links are set up. I'm thinking that I will go to once a week or once every other week for blog posts. Also, apparently there are some kind of European laws and Blogger is posting Cookie notices, but I don't know where they are and I don't

know if they're showing up, so if they are, please let me know where to look because the directions weren't clear.

Christmas in the Averie Household was eventful. On Christmas Eve we went to Mass and the Averie Offspring was rather rambunctious much to me and Mr. Averie's chagrin. I'm chalking it up to the excitement of the season, but despite the goofiness on the part of my offspring, it was a lovely service and we sang one of my favorite Christmas hymns (Joy To The World--Christmas Mass just never seems complete without it).

Christmas Day was celebrated at my sister's house, with her crowd and my parents. The Averie Offspring made out like bandits (thank you Gran and Grandpa!) And, I must say, I was happy with what I got. My siblings and the spouses do an assigned name gift exchange--so one couple will have another couple and so forth. We got some nice things we wanted and some lovely surprises, too. (I won't go into all the details, but we got books, movies and other things we had wanted--plus a couple of cool mugs).

The week following Christmas, my younger brother and his wife and family arrived and we had official Turkey Christmas Dinner on the Thursday after Christmas. It was fun and delicious. My sister-in-law took some Brussels Sprouts, coated them with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roasted them. They had this yummy nutty type flavor. I'd never had Brussels sprouts like that before and I really enjoyed it. I actually always liked Brussels sprouts, but it'd been a long time since I had them and never roasted.

New Year's was quieter for us, which is just as well since excitement has reigned in this house for several days. Now we're getting back into our usual routines.

I'm finishing up reading the ARC of Kerrelyn Sparks' March release, How To

Me with Kerrelyn Sparks October, 2016

Tame A Beast In Seven Days and will post a review on the blog at another time.

I'm also working on pre-publisher run-through per the request of my publisher (not that they had a problem with my manuscript, they just said they've found and extra run-through before the official editing process helps, so that's what I'm doing). It's a bit on the slow side, but I'm making progress. Publisher wants to start edits either at the end of February or the beginning of March. This novel is scheduled to release in June.

There is another novel I'm working on, but it's still too early to say much about it. It's going okay. We'll see what happens with it. I have a few ideas so we'll see if I can pull this one off.

The audio version of Divine Love is moving along. My narrator is working on some polishing of the earlier chapters, and I have to listen to a chapter he sent me. We're moving forward and hoping to release the audio version in March. (We'll see, we may have to push it back, but maybe not. We're going to have to crack down on that one!)

One of my nieces is married and is expecting a baby in May, so I'm on the road to Great-Aunt-hood. I'm so excited and thrilled. I know she and her husband are excited. It's the first great-grandchild for my parents and they are also thrilled.

So, 2017 is going to be a rather busy year for me (but that's okay and relatively normal). There are several exciting things in the works, so I'm looking forward to seeing it all come together.

I wish you and yours a wonderful, blessed, safe, and healthy 2017 and hope you had a great Holiday Season. Happy New Year!

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Tuesday!

Updates & What's Up...

Happy Monday All,

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

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

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

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

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

What's going on with you?

Have A Magically Merry Monday!

The Secret Is...

Happy Monday All,

Happy Easter to all who celebrate Easter! Hope your Easter weekend was lovely, peaceful, and fun. The Averie Household keeps busy during Easter, Mass, family, etc.

I've covered this topic before, but now I have another perspective on it...the question of "how do you do it?"

People look at me with my Offspring--those demands, wife, home, writing, etc. The truth is--and everyone will be so disappointed--I don't. Some days I just do one thing. Some days, I run around feeling like if I could just clone myself everything would get done. Sometimes I'm lucky if I remember my name (it's "Mom" or "AAAHHH", right?) The fact is, this is my life. This is the life I've been given and chosen. I don't expect anyone to do it for me, and I don't expect people to know how I do it. I don't know how I do it. I just do whatever I do for each individual day.

Some days it means Real Life Hero (my husband) takes the Offspring on some sort of adventure, and I write. Or it means I listen to nine thousand reasons why my choices as Mom are horrible ideas and why can't I be better? Or I listen to "Mom, can I get...can I do...will you add this to my Wish List?" Offspring has at least 12 things on one wish list--and it keeps growing. I know next week something else will be The Coolest Thing Ever--and maybe Offspring will want the other thing, and maybe not. All my Offspring have different types of days on any given day and strong personalities. So, yeah, I don't really know how I do it.

I think a lot of it has to do with my faith. Without it, I don't think I could do any of what I must do. I'm very happy I've maintained my faith so I don't have to find out. Sometimes it's hard to keep the faith, other times it's not. Same with motherhood, same with writing.

So, if you're wondering "How does she do it?" That's my answer. A lot of God's grace, determination, and the fact that this is my life, and I must do whatever is needed at any given time to make things work.

How do YOU do it?

Have A Marvelously Merry Monday!

Sparkly Shoes, Movies, & Life...

Happy Thursday One & All,

I won't be posting on Friday because of it being Good Friday. I know I don't post most days, so that's a "whatever", but I am trying to do more with the blog. Honest! I'm working on trying to find more ways to write in spite of the fact that the Averie Household is as hectic as ever.

We have conquered the Death Ray Sinus and Respiratory infections--hurrah! We've even managed to get Real Life Hero a brand new suit--(he looks so good in it!) and new dress shirts and ties. I got a new skirt and sparkly new shoes (I got them because I have this other skirt that they'd be perfect for and I have a couple of events coming up that I want to be extra dressed up for. I don't normally get this fancy, but these events are fancy things).

My computer or the website is being weird about pictures, so unfortunately this week, I don't have pictures on here.

I have been writing--a little at a time (like I said, a lot going on in the Averie Household) but a little is better than no writing. I'm excited about this story idea, but I'm keeping most of it under wraps. Very few people know much about it, let alone what it's about. I feel I work better when not too many people know anything about what I'm working on. I hope to finish it before October. That may be a bit on the ambitious side, but I'll do my best.

My husband wants to see The Big Short. Any of you seen it? Is it good? We heard about it when we watched the Oscars and now he's intrigued. I'm looking forward to My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. I really enjoyed the first one.

What movies are you wanting to see?

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Thursday and a lovely and happy Easter!