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!

March marches In...

 Happy Friday and Happy March!

Been busy working on a manuscript of mine and playing with some new ideas for new stories and ideas for existing unfinished manuscripts. No new updates on the querying front to report back on, yet, but hopefully some good news will come!

We've now entered the season of Lent. As a Catholic, this season is a time for repentance, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and reflection. I look at it as a time for not just repenting of sin--but really working on one's relationship with Jesus in a more intense and focused--the word 'intentional' comes to mind--way to make it a part of you rather than just something you do for Lent. Every Christian has their own approach Lent, and since I'm no Theologian, I won't go into much detail here. I do wish everyone a fruitful and prayerful Lent.

Not long ago, I got a new laptop computer. My other one is still working but I was having some issues. So I talked to a friend of mine that knows a lot about computers and he recommended I get a new one. I'm still getting accustomed to the new computer's quirks and idiosyncrasies, but it's not too bad so far. I'm also getting used to the whole Microsoft Word updates (on my old computer I had a different Microsoft set-up and I didn't have access to all of Word's features) so learning where everything is (it's not really difficult, it just looks a little different to me and so I'm figuring it out--but I've got most of the basics! I'm a little scared to open Excel given the adjusting I've had to do! LOL).

I recently (either in February or this month) read Gail Carson Levine's Ogre Enchanted --a Midgrade(MG) Fantasy (which has been out for many years, but I can't recall if I ever knew it and to my knowledge, I've never read it). I'd enjoyed many of her other books, and I had never read that one, so I checked out the digital audio version. It's pretty good. I can't decide if it's a prequel or a sequel to the events of Ella Enchanted, but it features everyone's favorite (or non-favorite) bumbling fairy, Lucinda. And while it's a fun story, Ella Enchanted is still the one I like best. Let me know in the comments what you're reading--be sure to include the genre!

St. Patrick's Day is this month...so don't forget to wear green. It's also someone in my family's birthday. :-)

Anyway, I wish you a wonderful March. And if you observe the Lenten season, may it be fruitful and hopeful. God bless you.

Have a fantastically fabulously fun Friday!

April Hopping and Springing In...

 Happy April Everyone!

April has sprung or arrived or hopped in (whatever image suits you). The leaves are returning to our trees and I've seen some flowers around in different places. How about you?

My Easter was very nice. We went to Mass (Catholic Christian liturgy). I really like the joy involved. It was beautiful. In the evening, we went over to one of my sister's house and had dinner with her and her family, my parents, and one of my aunts who had come into town. It was fun. My father made apple pie (one of his specialties) and my sister cooked (delicious). 

Updates? I think I've mentioned this before...I've been working on a Christmassy-mythology inspired type of novel. It's a YA Fantasy (of course...because I like to incorporate fun type of magic in my work). It's going pretty well. I'm getting closer and closer to the end of writing the manuscript and then I can move into edits. It's mostly whimsical and light, with some serious moments.

I'm enjoying the fact that it's not horribly hot (yet). We've had some beautiful days (with nice breezes, too!) so I'm happy to not be sweating buckets (like I said, YET...I know it's coming).

I hope your spring has been nice and enjoyable. Comment below with your favorite current reads and/or shows. :-)

Have A Fantastical 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! 

April Is Almost Gone...

 Happy Tuesday All,

Can you believe April is already almost over? I think it went by way faster than I expected.

One thing that has been interesting about this particular April is the variety of weather we've had. Everything from jackets to shorts. No snow, but that's just fine with me! After "Snowmeggeddon" (what was that, about 3 or 4 years ago?) I'm good. I don't need any snow here.

Yes, I'm still writing. I have several what I term "active" projects, meaning they're the main manuscripts I'm working on. I also have a sort of "side-ish" project, which has to do with my Immortal Dreams series, but I don't foresee it ever published (at least, not anytime soon). For those who have read the other books, this would be Nic and Sirena's story. I hinted a bit at it in Perfect Love. The Immortal Dreams books are no longer available (I have my rights back; any of them you find for sale aren't from me or my previous publisher) EXCEPT for Divine Love's audiobook is available (that I did independently with my audiobook narrator, the very talented Chris J. Hudson).

I've nothing that's ready to report on The Author Encounter at this time. It's currently working on some things, though.

I'll tell you about querying when I'm ready to say something. At this moment, I'm not. (When I'm in the middle of it I prefer to not say much about it publicly).

And yes, I've been reading, too. I read Jenniffer Wardell's Beast Charming. I enjoyed it. :-)

I hope your April has been great! It's hard to believe May is right around the corner!

Have A Tremendously Terrific Tuesday!

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! 

Special Edition of Write By Bethany Blog: Are You A Re-Reader?

Hey All!

Hope everyone is doing well. I was wondering something...

Do you re-read book series and which ones?

Lately, I've been re-reading Shanna Swendson's Enchanted Inc. series, which I absolutely love. There's something so fun about the way she wrote them (in a genre that used to be called Chick-Lit but is now more like contemporary). So many great characters and fun scenes. It's been a while since I read it, so it's nice to pick it back up. I own all the books.

I've read C.S. Lewis' Narnia books multiple times. I've also read some of Lynn Kurland's MacLeod/de Piaget family books a few times.

What is it about a series that makes you want to go back and read it again and again?

For me, it's like seeing old friends. If enough time has passed, I'm getting reacquainted with them, or just enjoying them. I'm remembering how much I enjoyed certain scenes.

I've read other books that weren't series more than once, too. Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice is one such book--I've read it at least 3 times (I have family members who have read it more than that!) I've read other books more than once.

When I was in high school, I used to say that "Books are the best friends. They'll never betray you and they're always there when you need them." At least, the ones you love the most.

So what about you? Do you re-read series and/or non-series books? Why?

Have A Fabulously Fantastic Friday! 

Long Overdue...

Happy Thursday Folks!

I know it's been a while. My head has been in a whirl over everything going on these days. I never in all my years thought I'd see a pandemic like this, and it's even eerier than the HIV/AIDS scare years and years ago (yeah, I lived through that tense times, too--although that was a different situation--it wasn't as widespread). But, I'm certain you didn't come to my blog wanting to talk about that (or did you?)

Anyway, I'm no health expert, so I won't even try to say what's what about COVID-19. But I will say, I keep praying and looking for those glimmers of hope.

Book 5 of Immortal Dreams is in the writing stages...as it has been for a while. It's a tough book to write and once it's released you'll know why. I have to keep my characters' balancing the act between grief and emo-ness (we do not want to go down very far on the emo-ness path, that could get too depressing for what I write). Jason, Laney, Arion, and Hailey all make cameos, of course, but the story revolves around Nic and Sirena. No, it's not going back to when they were in high school and fleshing out all the details of what Sirena mentions in Perfect Love, but it will give the story of all that happened--what now? I haven't decided if it's the last book or not. We'll have to see. Probably. They're all grown up for the most part, so it kinda makes sense to end a YA (Young Adult) with this book.

I'm working on several other projects, as well. One is a YA fantasy, and the other is a contemporary YA inspired by some stuff (which I won't reveal just yet...I have to see if it pans out).

Big news:  In addition to the awesome group I work with already, I've added a new critique partner, Michelle Sinclair. I've already worked with her on my Jeannie Averie query letter and synopsis for the story I'm querying. She's really good and seems to get my vision from the get-go, so that's awesome. She also has some fun ideas for her own work and I hope her work gets published soon! (I had the honor of helping with her query letter, and she's definitely imaginative. :-) ).

What have I read lately? For that, I have to plug my new author friend, Fiona Woodifield. She's an author from "across the pond" who has a fun Contemporary romance entitled The Jane Austen Dating Agency, which I enjoyed. It was published earlier this year. It's not real hot on the steamy scale, but it is geared toward 20 year-olds and up, I'd say (I could be wrong, but it feels like it's geared toward that age group).

So, what are you all doing during this quarantine, my darling readers? Let me know in the comment section. :-)

Have A Totally Terrific Thursday!

It's Looking Like Christmas...

Happy Monday!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have A Mightily Merry Monday!

Happy Thanksgiving & More...

Happy Thursday One and All!

Also, Happy Thanksgiving! My Thanksgiving is postponed until Sunday. My parents are out of town visiting one of my other siblings and well, we really don't have anywhere else to go. But, please, don't worry about us. We're actually happy to be at home. My Real Life Hero has to work half a day and Eldest has around an hour long online class to do, so we've got plans. I plan on cooking a little something--not a turkey (me and the Offspring can't have turkey without bad results). Sunday, we'll have Thanksgiving with my parents and one of my other siblings, so there you have it, I'm not missing it all together.

I've been working on the Jeannie Averie novel (this is polishing, extra edits--the novel is written). Planning to do more of it in the next few days since Real Life Hero will be off and so I'll have a little more space to work.

Recently, I finished reading a fun novel called Cinder & Ella by Kelly Oram. It was cute and fun and emotional. Also, romantic.

Most of my Christmas shopping is done, and I've already started wrapping presents. Someone asked me if I was ready for Christmas and I said, "Always!" I love Christmas.

So, what's your favorite holiday?

Have a great Thanksgiving if that's what you're celebrating this week, and have a great weekend in general!

Also...

Have a Thoroughly Terrific Thursday!

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!

No NYC But Other Great Stuff For Me...

Happy Thursday Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Thursday!

2019, Events, Writing, & More, Oh Wow...

Happy Friday Everyone!

Well, we've made it to February 2019! January was super busy with researching some stuff and working away on a new novel. The novel is about 20,000-30,000 away from my target word count. My assistant, Roxanne, is eagerly awaiting the day I finish this novel because the snippets I've sent her aren't enough--she wants to know everything about this story. This story has been fun to write, although, like every story it's had its ups and downs and days where I just wasn't sure what I wanted to do with it.

News of imprints of publishers closing down has caused some difficulties for some friends/colleagues of mine, which makes me sad for them because that's a tough thing to go through. I wish them all the best and pray for them.

Talk of Romance Writers of America Nationals in New York City (July) is going on and I'm waiting to see if me and my narrator, the supremely talented, Christopher Hudson (who you can find on Twitter, now) will join the ranks of speakers for this year's conference. I don't know when we'll know, but I've been told it'll be before RWA opens up for registration this month.

Roxanne and I have been gearing up for BrazCon 2019. I was invited to make a return appearance for this year. I'll be another panel and I have limited copies of my all my books in paperback to sell. I also have brand-new swag and should be getting my newly-designed bookmarks soon, too.

Now that I've gotten my news out of the way, let me tell you what's really on my mind for this blog post and it's Mary Lindsey's YA novel, Haven.

It took me a while to get through this one not because of any flaws with the story, but because I was very distracted and have had a lot going on. But I finally finished it yesterday and I really enjoyed it.

Haven is a story that Mary Lindsey describes at author events as a book her editor really wanted her to write and one she wasn't sure whether or not would work. Let me tell you, it not only works, it's another example of her skill as a wordsmith.

We follow Rain (Aaron Ryland) on his journey from the streets of Houston, Texas to some itty bitty town full of secrets. Those secrets pertain to Weavers (witches/magic) and Watchers (werewolves).

Rain becomes enamored with the feisty alpha female, Freddie, and it sends him down a path of danger, suspense, conspiracies, and murder.

Mary has successfully taken the paranormal world of magic and werewolves and woven a tale that fans of Teen Wolf and YA Paranormal stories will likely enjoy.

From what I understand, there is talk of a sequel and I definitely will want to read that one!

To get your hands on Haven, check out Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

I'm not sure what I'll be reading next. My TBR (To Be Read) stack currently has several 1-2 chapter preview stories, and about 18 novels and 1 non-fiction. So, yeah, it's a lot and this doesn't even include what I have on my E-reader waiting for me!

What are you reading these days? How has your 2019 been so far?

Get Sucked In...

Happy Thursday All,

What makes you love a novel? Is it the writing? The characters? The atmosphere? The genre? Or all of the above?

As a reader, it depends on a lot of things. Sometimes the writing is excellent and I'm in raptures. Other times the characters are amazing, even if the writing isn't the very best I've ever seen. And sometimes, I just get drawn into a story and I can't really say why.

In terms of my writing, it depends on what type of inspiration strikes. With my standalone Fantasy Romance, All's Fair In Love & Lion, I was into brooding male leads, and fairy-tales. I took the two

and came up with a lion shape shifter and an orphaned English teacher (Sasha loses her parents when she was 15, although in the novel she's much older than that). I wrote it with adult audiences in mind, even though the heat level is more Sweet Romance than hot. Writing first person present tense wasn't a plan of mine, either. I tried writing it third person past tense, but it wouldn't come together. I really had to do what worked for the story.

 Book One of my Immortal Dreams Trilogy, Divine Love, was a totally different experience. This one ended up having 18 year olds as the hero and heroine duo of the story and I pulled from my love of Greek Mythology. I also decided to just in a sense, "kick off my shoes, and put my feet up". It was some of the most fun I had while writing. I enjoyed coming up with Jason's arrogant-but-lovable personality, and Laney's seemingly quiet and shy, but actually able to totally kick butt persona. Writing Hades as a humorous gatekeeper of the Underworld, and Cupid & Psyche as cheesy love-birds was so much fun.

Working on Book Two, Astral Love proved a new challenge. I had to write a sequel and I had to do it in a limited amount of time. Not

only that, but I had to leave an opening for Book Three. What draws me to this story is that I took a deeper look at the hero, Jason Magnus. Plus you also find out more about the heroine, Laney Alberts.

When I got to Book Three, Immortal Love, I knew I'd have to "up the ante". As the last book in the Trilogy I wanted the story to end

with a bang. I threw everything I could come up with and imagine at Laney and Jason. I went over descriptions in two places to try and make it as big as I could. I was drawn into the fact that Laney and Jason were now in a place where they were comfortable in general with their circumstances. So I had to make them as uncomfortable as possible. I enjoyed expanding upon their relationship and the world of the Immortals. It was hard to say goodbye to them at the end, but I was happy I had written their story.

I love all my novels and characters for different reasons. Some are easier to write than others, but each one drew me into their world for their own reasons.

The novels I'm currently working on are new stories that I hope my readers will enjoy as much as I enjoy creating them.

So, tell me, as a reader (and/or writer) what draws you into or toward a story?

Have A Tantalizingly Tremendous Thursday!

2014 Novels, & Christmassy Reading...

Happy Friday All,

This week has been filled with appointments pretty much every day so I've been kept on my toes.

With Christmas on its way and the end of the year coming, I thought I'd give a look at some of my favorite novels that were released in 2014 (besides my own, of course LOL).

In no particular order, here are some of my favorite novels published in 2014:

YA Category:

CC Hunter's Eternal This is book number 2 in C.C.'s Shadow Falls

After Dark series, featuring vampire Della Tsang. I love how underneath all her prickles and walls, Della feels deeply and is an incredibly loyal person. She's strong, sassy, but also vulnerable. I recommend reading C.C.'s Shadow Falls series, first, before reading Della's stories because these books happen after the events in the first novels. Of course, I recommend reading any of C.C.'s novels! She's an incredibly talented author. To check out my official blog book review of this novel, click here.

Katie McGarry's Breaking The Rules. If you're a fan of her Pushing

The Limits featuring Echo and Noah, then you'll be glad for this novel. Katie's writing is gritty, edgy, honest, and emotional. I don't read a lot of contemporary YA, but I make an exceptions for Katie's novels simply because of her talent and ability to draw a reader into her characters and sympathize with them.

Jennifer L. Aremntrout's Opposition. The final installment in Jennifer's Lux series came out in August and there were several

surprises, but a satisfying ending. I'm not usually into aliens, but Jennifer's work drew me in. I enjoyed Daemon's attitude and him and Katy's relationship.

These are just the YA's that stood out in my mind. It doesn't mean there wasn't any other notable YAs that were released in 2014.

Paranormal Romance:

Anne B. Cole's Souls Entwined. An intriguing and imaginative story. By the end I was fascinated with Anne's imagination and wondered what she'd come up with next. She certainly has unique ideas. I believe she'll pleasantly surprise readers. And nothing is more fun than getting a pleasant surprise from a novel! I have an official blog book review of this novel, which you can find here.

Marie  Hall's Rumpel's Prize. I'm a huge fan of Rumpel & Belle on the show Once Upon A Time, so when I heard about Marie's novel, I was interested to see what kind of spin she'd put on the Rumpelstiltskin story. I was not disappointed. As always, Marie

took a recognizable fairy-tale character and made it her own. I've loved the Kingdom series and haven't been disappointed by her writing. I still have to read Hood's Obsession and Her One Wish, but I plan to. Check out my review of this novel here.


I still have a huge TBR (To Be Read) pile although some are not 2014 releases. This doesn't reflect all the books I've read and/or enjoyed this year, but they stand out.

Now, since we are in the Christmas Season, let me recommend some seasonal reading from all different publication dates (and in no particular order):

Christie Craig's The Cop Who Stole Christmas--a humorous tale released in 2013, that had all the right hallmarks of a Christie novel--romance, suspense, and humor. Lots of fun, with a holiday twist.

Debbie Macomber's The Perfect Christmas, released in 2011. One of my favorite Christmas novels. Debbie has written several Christmas ones, but I especially loved this one. It involves a matchmaker who matches everyone up to their "most suitable" match, but doesn't see any love for himself, until an opinionated woman enters his life and turns it upside down. Heartwarming and fun.

The Night Before Christmas--various editions. I love this poem. So much fun. My offspring has a version of this story that I've read a loud and there's been giggling and great interest in it.

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Various editions have been published over the years, even though Dickens has been dead for a long time. To me, that says a lot about the man's writing. I'm a big fan of A Tale Of Two Cities, and this story brings back memories of my father reading a version of it to me and my siblings at Christmas time. I wasn't ever a fan of the Ghost of Christmas-Yet-To-Come, but the message is a great one, and the story is worth sharing.

Kerrelyn Sparks' All I Want For Christmas Is A Vampire. If you're a fan of her Love At Stake series, you don't want to miss this one.  It was published in 2008. This novel is Ian MacPhie's story,which ties in Christmas, Kerrelyn's humor, and vampires all in one novel.

Lisa Scott's Holiday Rush--part of her Holiday Flirts! Set (which I haven't read the rest yet, I got Holiday Rush free on my E-reader--I think she was running a special offer at the time that I got the novelette on my E-Reader). This short story, published in 2011, is a fun, quick read, with a Christmas spirit, and Romance. I always wish her short stories were longer, but that would be why they're called Flirts. I've read several of her short stories and have enjoyed every one.

Of course, being a Roman Catholic Christian, I recommend the Gospel readings in the Bible of Jesus's birth. My favorite is Luke's rendition of the Nativity story.

I love Christmas stories and wish I could get one written. I've tried over the years, but they never came out quite right. Maybe someday, though!

What are some of your favorite 2014 releases and Christmas novels?

Have A Fabulously Festive Friday!

Edits, Real Life, & What Are You Reading?

Happy Wednesday All,

I'm afraid posting on the blog will be sporadic during this month due to edits, appointments, and other real life things.

However, I did want to mention I'm now on Instagram. Yeah, I know, it took me a while, but I'm there. I don't post a lot, but I'm going to try and remedy that. You can find me as bethany(dot)averie.

There's a couple of books I've finished reading that I plan to talk about on here. One is official, because I promised the author. The other is just because I liked the book so much I decided I'd blog about it.

Currently I'm reading more than one book, but trying to finish the first as soon as possible. I'm reading:

Anne B. Cole's Souls Entwined -- so far, very imaginative. And

interesting concepts. I also like the paranormal elements.

The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet If you've watched the YouTube series, then you know what I'm talking about. And yes, so far, it's good. It's nice to see a little more than just what you see online (videos, tweets, that kind of thing).

So what are you reading these days?

Well, back to the edit cave and all the things going on in my real life.

Have A Whimsical Wonderland Wednesday!

The Importance Of Stories...

Happy Tuesday All,

Storytellers. That's another name for novelists. But some storytellers are not novelists. My grandfather was one of those. He wasn't a novelist, but he did tell stories. And later this month you'll get to know one of his more popular stories when I guest post on Erin Bevan's blog. I'm excited about that blog post because I don't think I've ever posted any of my grandfather's stories anywhere. (At least, not that I can remember).

Verbal storytelling is so important. Some of the stories we have nowadays started off as verbal storytelling before they were written down or they were in a rough format before they were properly put together (like the Bible).

Just one of my bookshelves.
I'm not just a writer, but I love to read, too!

And stories play such an important role in our lives. Some of them teach us something (like Aesop's Fables) entertain us (like my Grandfather's stories) or provide an escape from every day life (like what I write, for example).

The most recent "escape" from every day life I have available for you, my darling readers, is as you know, Immortal Dreams Book Two: Astral Love.

I love both Astral Love and its predecessor, Book One, Divine Love. It's been a lot of fun to incorporate my love of Greek mythology, with adventure and romance. And Greek mythology is rich with all kinds of stories--from tragedies, to adventures, to morals, to romance. In my opinion, there's something for everybody in Greek mythology. And that's what I've tried to do with these books (and it's upcoming third and final novel, Book Three, whose title and cover I'll reveal probably in December)--put a little something for everyone in each installment.

If you haven't checked out Astral Love (but have read Book One, Divine Love) then here's the blurb from the book and a link to where you can get it:

Laney Alberts and Jason Magnus eagerly proceed with their prom plans, determined to have a normal night in spite of their Immortal destiny. However, when a mysterious visitor appears claiming the Astra Queen desires the pair’s presence, everything changes. 

Despite his skepticism, Jason finally agrees to visit the queen so Laney can learn about her Astra background. 

Too late they discover an enemy has set a trap for Laney. In his attempts to free her, Jason’s powers are tested. But, when faced with shocking details of his past, Laney must decide whether or not she’ll continue the mission. 
With their futures and the fates of both worlds at stake, everything depends on Laney’s choice. And their survival. 

The adventure continues in Immortal Dreams Book Two: Astral Love.

You can pick up a copy of Astral Love on Amazon Kindle.

Is there a story that is important to you? Share in the comment

Another one of my bookshelves.
If you can believe it, they WERE
clean once. Then got messy again.
These pictures are several months old.

section.

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Have A Terrifically Tip-Top Tuesday!