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 Always Hotter When You're In Texas...

Happy Thursday All,

Today is the one-year death anniversary of my friend, Sarah.

 

However, given that she was also a fan of Christie Craig, I can't think of a better day to post a book review of one of Christie's novels.

So I dedicate this review to Sarah. I think she would've liked this novel.

Christie Craig’s Hotter In Texas series kicked off with Dallas’s book, Only In Texas, continued with Tyler’s Blame It On Texas, and it finishes with a bang with Austin’s Texas Hold ‘Em.

Austin is a man on a mission. 

He and his buddies, Dallas and Tyler of the Only In Texas P.I. firm were framed for a crime they never committed. Swearing vengeance on the evil-doer, Rafael DeLuna, the trio vowed to bring the criminal to justice.

In order to do that they need info on DeLuna’s whereabouts. Roberto—a man with his own agenda—has been their informant, but Austin is concerned. He’s not sure whether or not the can trust Roberto.

So...

Austin hatches a plan. He decides to go and check out DeLuna’s half-sister, Leah Reece. 

Strictly business. No hanky-panky, and no falling for her. It's not going to happen, period the end...

Especially when

He finds out Ms. Reece is Dr. Reece of a cat-specialty clinic. And Austin is deathly afraid of cats. Having had his ear nearly scratched off when he was 4 years old, he’s learned to avoid all felines.

However, 

A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. So he pulls himself together and befriends Leah.

Leah never expected

to have such a good looking neighbor, or to even want to have anything to do with him. Her main priority is protecting her younger brother, Luis, and getting out from under her school loans so that her clinic can keep itself afloat.

She also never bargained 

on her apartment being bugged, or broken into…or falling for the hot neighbor.

Chaos, water guns, and cats collide in this installment of the Hotter In Texas novels.

The question is…

can love conquer all…and will justice be served? Or is it all just going to be one big catastrophe?

Find out in 

Texas Hold ‘Em, now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, also iBookstore, and All Romance, as well as Kobo.

Have A Thrillingly Tip-Top Thursday!

Kiss It Goodbye...

Happy Tuesday Everyone,


Before I get to today's post, please answer the poll question located in the right hand margin of my blog (at the top). This is to get an idea of where my traffic is coming from and who knows...it might impact future posts and giveaways. But curiosity abounds, so please answer, thank you!

********GIVEAWAY PORTION OF THIS POST IS NOW CLOSED.***********

Today is the last day of my December Days Blog Giveaway...


This particular author is one of the sweetest and funniest authors I've ever met. She's been an inspiration to me, a guide, a support, and a friend. In my writer's group she's very well respected and well liked. In fact, it's hard not to like Christie Craig because she's got a lively spirit, and her books are just as lively. Case in point: Today (Tuesday, December 20, 2011) she is releasing her e-book, Murder Mayhem & Mama. This ebook is available 12/20/2011 on Barnes & Noble Nook and will be available on Amazon Kindle sometime in February 2012.


So while you're waiting for this Contemporary Romance romp to be available to you, Christie has graciously agreed to give away a signed in-print copy of her Contemporary Romance, Shut Up & Kiss Me:

A photo key to solving a murder mystery, and a spark...put it together, and who knows where it'll lead photojournalist Shala Winters and lawman Sky Gomez.

Humor, mystery, and romance...this book has it all. You don't want to miss out on the fun of a Christie Craig novel. Believe me. I absolutely love this book!

As always...there are rules to entering any giveaway, here's mine PLEASE READ THEM CAREFULLY:

***I will check with Christie to see if this is International or just USA Citizens and then I will edit this post accordingly. Please check back later in the day to find out.***  ***EDIT 12/20/2011 10:21 a.m. & 1:26 p.m.: As far as I know,  giveaway for USA Citizens ONLY.***

***Giveaway closes at 10:30 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, December 20, 2011. Any entries that come in AFTER 10:30 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 will be deleted. (It's the week before Christmas and I'm dealing with family illness, so I can't make exceptions this time, I apologize!)

***There are two ways to enter***:

1.  If you want to comment on the blog post:  Please leave your first name and an email address. Any entries that do NOT leave an email address in the comment section of this post will be deleted. Because all comments are moderated by me, whenever your comment appears in the comment section of this blog that means I have received your entry and you are entered for the giveaway. Any questions can be directed to me at my email address:  bethany.averie@yahoo.com

2.  If you don't want your email address in the comment section of this blog, but you still want to enter the giveaway, you may send me an email at bethany.averie@yahoo.com Please put Christie Craig Giveaway in the subject line.

All entries MUST be received no later than 10:30 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, December 20, 2011. Any entry received AFTER 10:30 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 will NOT be entered.

********GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST AND SUPPORT OF CHRISTIE CRAIG*******

Have fun and don't forget to check the right hand margin of the blog to answer the Poll Question. I'm very curious as to where my blog traffic is coming from, so I'm conducting this poll for the next 40 or so days--thank you :-)

Have A Tantalizing Tuesday!

It's All In The Delivery

Happy Tuesday Everyone,

Well, I'm looking forward to Friday's give away. I'm hosting Kim Lenox as she gives away her Shadow Guards series (pictures to come). Last night she sent me an email saying that she'll sign and personalize the books for the winner however the winner wants. (Which, I thought was really cool).

As many of you know, I have a critique partner (whom I think is just awesome). What you all may not know is I'm also a part of a critique group. So, I emailed out a story that's a side-project (because I was still working on one of my main projects and had nothing else ready for a critique and I wanted to send something). Several people thought some of my lines were really funny. One person said "You have a natural wit." I sat there reading that, with my jaw dropping. I work hard on those funny lines. I think they're hilarious, but since reading and writing is subjective, I don't know (until someone reads it) whether someone else will find them funny. But given that I like to make people laugh anyway, in some ways it is natural.

It's about how you set the line up. If it's something clear out of left field a person is not going to follow you. However, if it's along the lines of what's going on, then it's possible the line could be quite funny.

When I wrote the parody, Because Of The Pie I knew that in a parody I was going to exaggerate real life. In real life Les doesn't go on and on about chocolate chip cookies (in fact, if I remember correctly, that topic hasn't come up in our conversations) he also hasn't gone on and on about cherry pie. The point was, I didn't set out to write anything serious, so everything had to be funny, but also still make sense. You can be funny, but if it doesn't make sense then the punch line isn't really going to make anyone chuckle.

Christie Craig's book, Shut Up And Kiss Me is extremely humorous. But it's not just humorous because someone does or says something that tickles the funny bone, but because of he delivery. The woman is absolutely flawless in her humor delivery (she's also that way in person when she says something funny--it's very funny--she just knows how to shoot out that line for the ultimate laugh).

Another example of excellent humor delivery is Jennifer Crusie's Trust Me On This. I was laughing out loud at some of the lines her characters say. But they also made sense. It wasn't funny just to have comic relief, it was actually funny within the situation itself.

Kerrelyn Sparks makes lines and situations funny, as well. In The Undead Next Door, Jean-Luc is a vampire who puts a mind "whammy" on the heroine's ex-husband. Every time the ex-husband says something bad about the heroine that same ex-husband thinks he's a cockroach. To me, that was extremely funny. (My husband kept looking at me and asking "What's so funny?" I was laughing out loud).

The point is, humor can be an author's ally, but without the right delivery it can backfire. These authors have everything right:  situation and delivery.

Two things before I sign off on this post: don't forget Friday's drawing. It's gonna be great! Also, don't forget to pick up a copy of Melissa Ohnoutka's Faithful Deceptions :-)

Question for today:  What books do you find funny and why? (be sure to include title and author)

Have A Tremendous Tuesday!

The Quirky Gem Awards

Happy Friday Folks,

Yesterday's post had a couple of gems in it. Specifically "The Great Llama Escape" and 5 cups of coffee. I don't know how I'm ever going to top myself. I mean I came up with the whole manne-vamp idea awhile back.

I don't know where these things come from. Like I've said, I have a goofy sense of humor and sometimes things just pop into my head and I think, "Wow, that's actually hilarious." Other times I wonder if I try too hard.

This time, the Gem Award (something I've made up for those who come up with something so cool, so funny, quirky and fun that I just have to give it recognition...hence, the Quirky Gem Award) goes to my friend, Ryan. He suggested "a story about Pious Monk Ninja Kitties" So I absolutely have to give him credit for that. He gets a Quirky Gem Award.

So...now, I'm opening this up to everyone. In the comment section of this post come up with the quirkiest, goofiest, funniest idea you can either for a story or a saying (pertaining to writing or a story idea) and I'll post it on my blog (in the margin on your right-hand side as you look at this blog). I'm going to call it The Quirky Gem Awards and I'll credit you. I'm closing entries by 6 PM Central Standard Time (on today, Friday, May 21, 2010), so be sure to get them in. (If you're a little late getting in your entry, don't worry...I'll look at the time stamp and give a grace period).

This is your chance to be your quirkiest, goofiest, funniest best. Take advantage of it! It'll one of those rare moments people will actually applaud you for being quirky!

And if it's really popular I'll pick someone for a Quirky Gem Award every week. But it depends on how many people comment how often I give this award :-)

Have A Funny Friday!

Roll On The Floor Laughing

Howdy All,

People who know me well know I'm a generally happy person. I love to laugh, I love to make others laugh and I especially love to laugh while reading books. If there's something in there that's funny and makes me laugh out loud, then that just makes the book even more awesome in my estimation.

I have characters in my story that lend support to my main characters, but also, in a sense provide the comic portion of my story. Because laughter is good for people. Ever heard the old adage "laughter is good for the soul"? Well, I believe that.

Now, I don't laugh all the time. But, I do laugh often. In fact, it's odd if I go a week without laughing at least once.

Authors like Kerrelyn Sparks, MaryJanice Davidson have made me laugh, to name just a couple.

Dave Barry's another good one for a laugh.

What are some authors that have made you LOL? Do you intergrate humor into your books?

Laugh long and laugh often. I wish you much giggling :-)


Have A Wacky Wednesday!

Just For Laughs

Morning All,

Once again Bane gave me this idea with his blog post. With all the publicity I'm giving his blog, he should be getting a lot of visitors LOL. Oh and Marsha, too. Marsha's Walmart Post also plays a role in inspiring today's post.

First of all, I have to tie it in with writing...since my blog is almost strictly about writing and writing path.

So I'll do it this way. If any of you all have read either of my parodies, you'll remember how goofy my sense of humor is. Les was willing to have me parody his life. First when I made up the character of Catalina in Because Of The Pie, and the one I did for him and his friend, Bob in The Adventures of Super Les And His SideKick, Bob.

Of course, there's other funny writings out there. Like Dave Barry and his various books. Or Jim Davis's Garfield or any other comic strips.

But other than people's writing books with comedy in it, or lines/characters that make you laugh out loud (LOL) what else out there "cracks you up"?

For me, it's things like LOL Cats. I think that's hysterical. There's another site called LOL Saints (which, I find extremely funny and not at all offensive to me and my faith).

Another site I find hugely funny is comic Tim Hawkins site, which has some videos of his material. You can look it up here.

We all need a laugh every now and again. Whether it's through websites like this, or going to see stand up comedy or reading comic strips or through witty/funny dialogue and characters, laughter is a good thing.

There are people who even say laughter lowers blood pressure. So hey, feel free to put funny in your stories...as long as it goes along with the story!

How do you tickle your funny bone?

Have A Wacky Wednesday!

Ha! Ha!

Morning All,

What makes you laugh out loud when you're reading a book? Is it the characters' antics? The mishaps? The witty dialogue or all of it together?

In The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber, her character, a lonely single woman in her 30's seeks out the help of a matchmaker (a male single psychologist) who gives her a series of 3 tasks, which both show her things about herself as well as put her in embarrassing/humorous situations (like the fact that she's supposed to zip down from the ceiling of a Mall to the floor dressed as an elf, only to have a costume mishap...I felt sorry for her on that one. Or when someone dumps coffee on her while she's ringing the bell for donations at one of the Mall entrances).

There's other "laugh out loud" moments in books. Like in Kerrelyn Sparks' book when the vampires are talking about Gregori having gotten drunk off of synthetic blood mixed with champagne when he acted as Ginny pig when the vampire scientists were making it so that vampires wouldn't have to bite humans.

What about your own stories? Do you have funny lines? Funny situations/mishaps? Would you mind sharing one?

In the original draft of Conjure A Man vampire Caruso (Delaney's best friend) suggests she bring a human into their world since she's tired of dating warlocks, vampires, werewolves, not to mention centaurs. He tells her that he finds them fascinating. Delaney's response is "Said the bloodsucker." My critique partner (CP--the awesome Tessy!) thought that line was funny and I did, too. Unfortunately, that scene got cut in the rewrite. I might be able to put that line in somewhere else, but I'm not sure.

So what's your funny line/situation in one of your stories?

Have A Ticklish Thursday!