Happy December, Well, it's already almost the last day of December...and the whole month totally snuck up on me and slipped by me without me realizing what was going on until Christmas Weekend! I kept thinking "Oh, I've got time to do..." and whatever. HA! Next time, I'm going to REALLY look at my calendar and go "Wait, NO, I DON'T have all this time!" Exhibit A: I need to finish putting together (and mail) Christmas cards. Yep. I'm late, I know, but hopefully I'll get them out during the 12 days of Christmas (before the celebration of Jesus' Baptism, which is celebrated the Sunday after Epiphany. Catholics don't do celebrations halfway! Case in point: Easter has many, many days in the Easter Season). Exhibit B: I was wrapping presents on Christmas Eve. I'm usually done days before then. So all of you out there who were behind this year...I get it! Things happen. Life can be nuts. This whole year felt fast, though. I know I kept...

  Happy November Everyone! I still feel like the year has been going by quickly. I blinked and it's the end of November. Maybe I need to stop blinking? This month has been busy! Between family and personal stuff and working on some manuscripts, I'm not sure where to begin. Averie Cat got his yearly shot, nails clipped, and flea treatment all at his exam (but he's forgiven me for the indignity of going to the vet and being in his carrier).  I don't have much that I feel like sharing from this month, not that it was so bad, but I'm pretty private about my personal life. For those who are finishing up NaNoWriMo * 2023, I hope you've had great success with it! I don't do NaNo but I do like to cheer on those who do, which I've done this year on X(Twitter). I keep thinking I'll write a really good blog post. Maybe in December...hopefully I'll have a lot of great things to report on for that month! That would be awesome. :-) I hope all my fellow USA ci...

  Happy Tuesday All, Wow...I can't believe I actually forgot to post on here in May. In my defense, I thought I had, but when I came to post a June entry I realized I had missed May! In May, my husband and I celebrated our anniversary. We've been married for well over 10 years! :-) We didn't do anything big...but we did get take out from Chili's, which was good. My husband is my Real Life Hero. The man has seen me at my best and my worst and STILL loves me, so I'd say he's a keeper. My wedding was lovely. I felt like a princess (which is cool, since my Dad sometimes calls me "princess"). We had a blast at our reception and a wonderful honeymoon on St. Croix (US Virgin Islands). This June my parents will celebrate 57 years of marriage. I'm so happy for them! In terms of writing...I've turned a bit of a corner so to speak. I had a brainstorming session with my long-time critique partner, author Tess St. John , which helped one of my manuscripts q...

  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 (asi...

Happy Monday One and All! Yikes! It's been a month since I wrote on this blog. I'm sorry! If it's any consolation, I did update the Jeannie Averie blog. This post is one that I started thinking about last week. I did some talking about this on Twitter (under both names) but I haven't actually written it all out in a more cohesive format. First and foremost: this is not a pity party. I hate throwing myself pity parties. Please, don't pity me. Don't feel sorry for me. My life has had ups and downs like everyone else's and I'm not looking for special treatment. In fact, I hate being patronized, too. The only special treatment I ever got out of this was having a laptop to take notes in high school and untimed standardized testing days. For the rest, I've worked hard. Oftentimes, swallowing my nerves and asking for help. Sometimes facing less-than-understanding teachers, but never felt entitled to anything except for the help I needed...and even the...

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 t...

Happy Tuesday Everyone! I've been working out some administrative things and also on this blog, so I haven't posted much lately. I've also been working on the novel I was writing under the Jeannie Averie name, so I've been fairly busy. We are now in April, and already the weather in Texas is in the 80s! I wonder if it's going to get into triple digits this year like it did some other years. You never know. This summer, one of my nephews is getting married. I'm looking forward to that and seeing family. On top of that, I'm working on the newsletter especially for those who signed up at BrazCon. Don't worry, if you didn't make BrazCon there will be a way to sign up. We're going to have some fun items for newsletter subscribers that we won't have anywhere else. Books 5 and 6 in the Immortal Dreams series has been on hold while I work on the Jeannie Averie novel, but that doesn't mean I'll never get back to the series, it just mea...

Happy Friday All, It's been a long time since I've updated and a lot of it has to do with feeling like I had no idea what to say. Yeah, that's brutally honest and definitely the truth. Also, when it's just you doing everything yourself, it's easy for things to slip through the cracks. But, yeah, I wasn't sure what to put on here, but lately, some stuff has been occurring to me, so I finally have something blog-worthy to post. So, let's start with a question:  What do you try to be perfect at? What is something that you try to do absolutely your best at and sometimes you manage it sometimes you don't? I'm that way with just about everything in my life, but specifically motherhood and writing. Motherhood for the obvious reasons--I want to raise my kids right, and I want to do what's best for them. Writing because I want to put out good stories for people to enjoy and I want people in the industry to pick me. I think that's how most writ...

Happy Tuesday All, Are you a good dancer? Or do you just freelance? When I was younger I took ballet, tap, and jazz for several years. I never danced en pointe in ballet, but I did enjoy it. Growing up, I felt sort of awkward, and sometimes a bit on the klutzy side. Ballet made me feel graceful and beautiful. I wasn't very good at tap or jazz, but some of it was fun. Fountain in Frankenmuth, Michigan Nowadays I'm not doing too many arabesques, shuffle-ball-changes, or shimmying my way across the floor. Usually I have one of my offspring with me and I dance around the room with them (while they giggle incessantly--generally with me, thank goodness!) Sometimes I turn on country music and try to 2-step around the living room. Other times, I turn on children's songs, or rock n roll, sometimes folk-rock. Music is always a good way to boost your mood, and dancing can be fun (and good exercise, too!) When you want to "cut a rug" what do you do? ...

Happy Monday All, I am very sorry for my long absence. There's been so much going on: In late August my grandfather died. It's hard to say goodbye to him, but he lead a long and wonderful life. I'll be attending his graveside memorial service later this month--so there's been some prep work surrounding that. I've been gearing up for a couple of blog book reviews that are coming around October. I'm looking forward to posting them, too! I've also been writing. I sent the pages I've written of Conjure A Man to my critique partner because I wanted her input. While she's been reading the pages, I've been working on another story of mine. It's coming okay and I'm thinking about some of my other stories that are waiting on the sidelines for me to get to them. Also, I'm gearing up for my RWA chapter's annual conference--the Lone Star Conference  (the Northwest Houston RWA), which is being held on October 13, 2012 in Houston, Te...

Happy Tuesday All, Monday was super busy. Husband had off, so it was quite a day--but mostly good. Not too long ago I read Josephine Angelini's newest release, Dreamless .  Dreamless is the sequel to Starcrossed (which I have talked about many times).  It was a great read and I can hardly wait for the 3rd book to come out! If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend picking up Starcrossed  and taking the journey with Helen, Lucas, and the others. Shanna Swendson has announced on her website the future release of book 5 in her Enchanted, Inc . series. I can't tell you how long I've waited for this book! I love the Enchanted, Inc. books. I own and have read the other 4 at least twice (if not more times). Book 5, Much Ado About Magic , looks like it's going to be awesome. This is another series I highly recommend. If you haven't read it, don't wait for a fairy to cast a spell on you, go pick up Enchanted, Inc (book 1) and immerse you...

Happy Friday All, When I was a kid, I went through many ideas of what I wanted to do when I grow up. I remember at one point I thought of being an ornathologist (someone who studies birds), and several other ideas. It's fascinating how we end up where we are. Many years have passed since I came up with the ornathologist idea. I still can identify some birds, but it's not something I'm passionate about. Not because there's anything wrong with that field, there isn't--I just don't feel calleed in that direction anymore. What did YOU want to be when you grew up? Have A Fantastical Friday!

Happy Friday Folks, Well my household is doing much better in terms of health, so I am ready to do a happy dance. I'm feeling quite a bit better, myself, so I'm really happy about that! I'm learning Twitter...slowly, but kinda getting the hang of it. But don't worry I'm not quitting the blog posts. Like I said, just super busy until after the Lone Star Conference --which by the way, if you're a writer, you're invited! I am waiting with baited breath, excitement and impatience for September 27th! That's when Kerrelyn Sparks' newest Love At Stake book, Sexiest Vampire Alive is released. This is Gregori's story. He's my favorite vamp (the Vamps are the nickname for good vampires--Malcontents are the bad guys--fitting, huh?) This weekend I'm hanging out with my NWHRWA buddies. Christie Craig is doing a workshop for us and I can't wait to hear what she has to say. If you ever get a chance to hear her do a talk/workshop--GO! Sh...

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 ...

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!

Happy Friday All, Thursday I didn't post, I decided to take that day off. But, I'm back now. I made cupcakes Thursday night--from Hershey's Cocoa recipe (I'm sorry I don't have pictures). I had these first at my sister's house and fell in love. Very rich, but totally yummy and with chocolate icing. Another way to get to my "happy place". I'm finishing up reading a novel, and I've gotten some editing on one of my manuscripts, and working on another project, so things are moving along. So, as always, lots going on and a lot coming up. What's going on on your end? Have A Fantastic Friday!

Happy Friday All, I'm a bit late posting this. Last night my Internet went nuts and decided to see if I was paying attention.  Today I got it to work despite electrical sockets deciding to go on vacation and not work for me. (And we just had the electrician come and check out these same sockets!) Anyway, I got this idea from a blog post that Shannon Hale did about an interview she had with Stephenie Meyer . Here's what I came up with: You get to ask ME questions. What do you want to know about me? ( Please note:  I reserve the right to not answer any question I deem too personal--this includes information on my age, personal information on family members and my sexual life ). However feel free to ask about my writing, inspiration, the NWHRWA, reading, movies I like, and things like that. You can also tell me if there's something in particular you want me to blog about or ask me about author interviews--make suggestions if you'd like. So whatcha wanna know? ...

Happy Friday All, Sorry I was gone on Thursday. No, I hadn't forgotten the blog, or you, my dear readers. I've been really busy this week and so blogging has fallen by the wayside. But today is not quite so busy. Robin Badillo newest Blood Hunter book is now available on Amazon Kindle . She and her vampires are becoming quite close from the looks of things. She also has a non-vampire romance out called Whiskey Road . Currently I'm reading Lady Of Quality by Georgette Heyer...the same book Kathy at Beadmore Designs  used as inspiration for the last day of the Great Jewelry Giveaway . I haven't gotten very far into it, yet, but so far the character of Annis Wychwood is very spirited, as is one of my favorite Georgette Heyer female characters. Right now I don't have any major plans for this weekend...there's a few things that might happen, but we have decided, yet. So, what have you been up to and what do you have planned for the weekend?

Happy Thursday Everyone, A writer gets to his or her computer and starts typing away merrily, in a complete good mood and totally sane. Wait...what's wrong with this picture? You're missing the part where the writer is trying to write before the first cup of coffee or perhaps the first bit of sugar hit (or whatever it is that jumps start an author into writing). You're also forgetting the writer's block. Or the dazed stare at the blank screen with the blinking cursor. You might have even forgotten the part where said writer is talking to his or herself in fragmented sentences "...yank from the cupboard...no, no, that doesn't work...jerked? Hmmmm ....oh wait, I know!" My husband has walked in on me doing that. He once walked into the room while I was editing and heard me talking to myself. He said "What?" I said, "I'm trying to figure out if this sentence is all right or if there's another word." He shook his head while I scrambl...

Happy Wednesday Folks, As writers we all know there's good and bad in life just as there's good days and bad days with writing. Some days things just flow and editing goes smoothly. Sometimes it doesn't. Same with a writer's life. Highs this week: Reading Debbie Macomber's Midnight Sons Volume 2 Getting some editing done Actually exercising (at some point) instead of just talking about it Lows this week: dealing with illness (virus, nothing too dramatic, just annoying--but getting over it so that's a medium low and a medium high) getting lab work done But you know...if you ask any author, they'll tell you...there's highs and lows for everyone. That's part of why writers support writers. We understand there's real life and writing life. Those things don't always jive well, but when they do it's awesome and when they don't it can be rough. That's one of...