Good News Busting Out Everywhere!

Happy Friday All,

So much to tell! First of all, if you haven't read my Facebook page, then here's my big news:  Surreal has been contracted by a publisher! It's so awesome!

I'm not the only one with good news, either. My chapter mate, and talented author, Janet Nash, just had her novel, Powerless Consent, released through Soul Mate Publishing. It's available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble as well.

Also, if you're interested in Fantasy, check out Raven Raye's recent release (released in October), Broken Prophecy. It's also Soul Mate Publishing release. You can find it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

So many exciting things going on! Make sure you stay tuned...either on my Facebook Page or on here! Look me up on Twitter as well (@WriteByBethany).

Have A Fabulously Fun-Filled Friday!

Thrills, Chills, & Mermaids

Happy Tuesday All,

I'm re-reading Beth Fantasky's Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side and gearing up to work on Conjure A Man (my WIP--Work In Progress).

The other night I finished reading Tracy Deebs' Tempest Rising. I ended up really liking it. I realize since it was published last year, it's not exactly a new YA novel, but it was new to me because I hadn't known about it or read it. It's chalk full of sea mythical creatures. There's a big battle with a blood-sucking octopus type creature, a power-hungry sea witch, and a mermaid who wants to stick to her human side. I found it a fun read and plan to read the sequel, Tempest Unleashed, which is out.

I'm doing all this while I wait for August 15th to arrive. Why August 15th? Well, aside from some real-life things going on, that's the day Shanna Swendson's Much Ado About Magic will be released. I've been waiting at least 2 years or more for this book! It's book 5 in her Enchanted Inc. series. I can't wait to read it. In fact, the moment I found out book 5 was coming out I was totally thrilled! I just went completely bonkers I was so happy.

Speaking of thrills, a chapter mate of mine, and a talented writer, Will Simon is being interviewed on Kiss And Thrill Blog. It's a cool interview; so even if Thrillers aren't your cup of tea, please go check it out. Also, be sure to read the comment section to see other tidbits Will shares about his writing.

What's up on your end?

Have A Thrilling Tuesday!

Kicking It Off

Happy Friday All,

***CONTEST/GIVEAWAY portion of this post is now CLOSED***



December Days Blog Giveaway Icon
means this post is a December Days
Blog Giveaway post



You've heard the phrase, "Tis better to give than to receive", right? Well, that's what you're gonna get 6 or 7 days this month on Write By Bethany.

Each day--which are sprinkled throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas, but ending BEFORE Christmas--will feature a different author with a chance to win a copy of his or her novel.

Haven't finished your Christmas shopping? What's more awesome than a book that's signed by the author?

To kick it off, Will Graham has agreed to something very special. The winner will get his or her choice of one of his in-prints. Yep, you read that right. Whomever wins this giveaway will get to choose one novel of his in-prints to have personalized with whatever name the winner wants.

So here's the deal. These are the 3 novels Will has in print. He's provided a very short blurb for each of them, and given me permission to post the cover art so you can get a little feel for them.

Street Heat -- A former detective confronts the serial killer that got away... and the woman who broke his heart.

Sometimes There Really Are Monsters Under The   Bed -- An investigator and his heiress partner confront genuine Evil on that most special day, Christmas Morning.

Spider's Dance --A computer security consultant uncovers evidence of a deadly conspiracy with origins in World War II.

 
 

 

Okay here is how the giveaway will be run:

 

There will be ONE winner. ONE entry per person. I will close the giveaway at 10:30 p.m. Central Time.

 

Two ways to enter:

 

1. Comment on this blog. The way the comments are set up, every comment is moderated. This has worked to cut down on problems people have had in the past with being able to comment on this blog. If your comment hasn't appeared after you've hit the "submit" button, it's only because I haven't come in and pushed the "publish" button. Don't worry, I do get email notifications about every single comment. I will come on the blog and publish your comment and respond to it so you know that I've seen it and you're entered.  **IMPORTANT**:  Include a first name and email address. Posts that do NOT do this will be disqualified.

 

2.  You can email your entry to bethany.averie@yahoo.com  **Please note**:  I'm NOT accept entries emailed to any of my other email accounts. Please ONLY email your entries to the email address I've provided here. Thank you :-)
 

So, have fun and be sure to enter! You never know...the winner could be you :-)

 

Have A Fantastic Friday! 

New Release, Rain, Conference & Ice Cream

Happy Tuesday Everyone,

Congratulations to Jessica, winner of Monday's Christie Craig book review drawing!

Today is release day for Christie Craig's Don't Mess With Texas so everyone make sure you get your copy! This is one that will definitely make you laugh at out loud. She's an awesome person and incredibly witty--both in her books and in person. There's chances to meet her in person--check this blog post to see when and where.


Since we're nearing the end of August the time to submit your registration for the Lone Star Conference is getting shorter--that is because the conference is on October 15, 2011. I'm mailing in my registration this week. Writers get out there...it's worth your weight in gold to network, get support, and party with me (conference day just happens to be my birthday!)


Okay those of you with rain...care to share with Texas? We're in a drought and while I don't want a hurricane, we could sure use some rain to help us out of it. I think the lizards and bugs are beginning to look at the houses around here and think: "Let's move in! There's water in there!" I wouldn't be shocked if cats learn how to start to enjoy swimming just for the wet relief. It's hot, and it's dry and oh boy I'm looking forward to fall and winter with cooler weather (like in October when the Lone Star Conference happens--it's usually cooler by then). Like I said, I don't want a hurricane, but I wouldn't mind us getting a good, environment/people healing rain to make things better.


On the other hand, the heat is always a good excuse to eat ice cream and lucky me I got some chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream in the freezer.


Anyway, not to sound trite...but how's the weather on your side of the world?


Have A Terrific Tuesday!

Git Yer Cowboy Hat & Laugh Out Loud With The New Christie Craig Novel

Happy Monday Everybody,

****CONTEST PORTION OF THIS POST IS NOW OFFICIALLY CLOSED!*******

Friday afternoon I finished reading Christie Craig’s new book, Don’t Mess With Texas, which is available on August 23, 2011.

This is laugh out loud humorous fun! A heroine who pukes on the hero, a no-nonsense Nana (loved her! Nana needs her own story, she's just that funny), a strong defend-and-protect type hero--mix it all together and you've got a novel jammed pack with Christie’s humor, romance, mystery, suspense and everything else she could think of including an English Bulldog sleeping in a coffin.

Ex-cop turned P.I. Dallas O’Connor and his buddies got a bum deal when they were framed for a crime they didn’t do. Now out of jail and setting up their P.I. firm they’re ready to kick some serious butt and make sure those who are falsely accused get a fair shake in this system.

They’re gonna make sure a 19 year old boy doesn’t get locked up for a murder he didn’t do and while they’re at it make sure the people who framed them pay.

Well, he was, that is, until Artist Nikki Hunt pukes on him when he comes to investigate a crime scene with his brother, Tony (who is still a cop).

Right from the start Dallas is taken by Nikki--and it’s not just because of her vomiting skills (which are impressive) but there’s something special about Nikki. She's bright, funny, independent and he's fascinated by her.

But he can’t--won’t--get involved. She’s the prime suspect in Jack Leon’s murder. Jack is Nikki’s ex-husband--emphasis on the ex. Jack had Nikki come meet him for dinner…and stuck her with the bill.

Two people heard Nikki say she was going to kill him, but what they don’t get is that Nikki didn’t mean literally--she was talking to herself…a habit she’s never been able to break.

Can Dallas deny the fireworks between him and Nikki? Can Nikki overcome her fears of being left in the dust with a broken heart (long enough to see Dallas isn't like Jack)?

One thing’s for sure, the attraction’s undeniable, and the temperature isn’t the only thing that’s hot in Texas!

And yes, I really enjoyed this book. It was funny, fun, and classic Christie Craig Laugh-Out-Loud-And-Enjoy novel.

Don’t Mess With Texas will be available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Katy Budget Books…

But wait!

That’s NOT all!

Christie Craig is doing a giveaway on this blog, as well!

She’s got for one lucky reader of this blog a necklace and earring set made by Kathy at Beadmore Designs:



There’s 2 ways t enter for a chance to win this gorgeous (and very Texan looking) jewelry set:

1. You can comment here and include your email address in your comment.

Or

2. You can email me

ONE entry per person. The contest will close at 10:30 p.m. Central Time on Monday, August 22, 2011.

Have A Mirth-filled Monday!

You'll Never Know What's Next...

Happy Tuesday Everyone,

Over the weekend I read Melissa Ohnoutka's Faithful Deceptions, which, I talked about not too long ago.

Let me tell you...I was totally unprepared for the adrenaline ride her romantic suspense took me on. She grabs hold of you and refuses to let go until the last page. Entering this book takes the reader on one heck of a wild ride.

Author Melissa Ohnoutka opens Faithful Deceptions with a prologue where readers find Hailey trying to wake up from...? Is she in a coma? Also, what's with the green eyes?

As you get into the rest of the novel you find yourself wondering what happens when you take revenge into your own hands? And, will Hailey even live to find out? What about Roark--the mysterious man who claims to be her husband? Is a happy ending actually possible in the midst of everything? Or is it just another deception among many?

To find out, dear readers, you will have to pick up your copy of Faithful Deceptions either on Amazon Kindle or Barnes & Noble Nook.  If you like suspense, action, and/or romance, then I suggest you do not pass this novel up!

Enjoy :-)

Have Yourself A Thrill-Filled Tuesday!

Spotlight On Author: Will Graham (edited)

**EDIT: 1/13/2025:  Author Will Graham, a friend, mentor, and when I was a member of Northwest Houston RWA, a chapter-mate passed away sometime in 2020 (not from Covid-19). He's greatly missed by those who knew him. Hope he's happily in Heaven, regaling everyone with his theories on Sherlock Holmes and James Bond.**

Happy Tuesday All,

Today, it's my honor to introduce to you author Will Graham. He generously agreed to do an email interview with me. I hope you'll be sure to check out his story in Suspense Magazine, entitled Perception. It's really excellent, and I honestly didn't know if the character was a good guy or a bad guy until the end of the story.

So be sure to go check it out, but first join me in getting to know a little bit about Will:

Me: What was the inspiration behind your story, Perception, which appeared in Suspense Magazine?


Will G.: There was no one real thing that triggered the idea, but it started after a conversation with someone about how the common perception of behavioral analysis is different from the reality. It's not psychic visions, it's not "getting inside" someone's mind, it's slow, patient, methodical work.


Me: Are all your stories suspense/thrillers?


Will G.: Pretty much, yes. Sometimes, I'll try and do a straight out mystery like Agatha Christie or John Dickson Carr used to write, but no one ever sees those because I've yet to make it work successfully!


Me: You mentioned you had a novella published in an anthology once, can you talk more about that?


Will G.: I'd been writing from the age of seven, and back in the 1980's had some extremely minor success in television. After that, I decided I could mount a television series, and spent eight years of my life trying to make it happen. At one time, things looked very very good, but it came apart at the very last moment. That experience was so disheartening that I stopped writing for many years. In 2000, Rosemary Edghill asked me if I wanted to submit anything for a new anthology she was editing, and I politely said "No." A couple of days later, I 'saw' the events in my story like a movie in my head, got it down on paper, and was fortunate enough to have to accepted for the anthology MURDER BY MAGIC. That re-ignited the spark and I started writing again.


Me:  For fun: What's your favorite TV show?


Will G.: No single one. I do have a fondness for British series from the 1960's: THE SAINT, THE AVENGERS, THE BARON, THE PROTECTORS, etc. Current favorite is CASTLE; it's terrific to have a hero who's a hero, instead of the dark characters that became popular in the 80's and 90's.


Me: How does your real life career influence your writing and can you tell this blog's readers more about it?


Will G.:  I am a Licensed Computer Forensics Investigator, and have been since 2000. Doing that kind of work you learn first hand the truth of the adage "Once you see something, you can't un-see it." I've caught myself more than once going far too dark in my writing sometimes thanks to a particular case I've dealt with. That's why we have a DELETE button.... :)


Me:  What advice can you give to aspiring authors?


Will G.: Tell one hell of a story. And keep it YOUR story. Don't get caught up in critiques, comments, or start writing to editorial order unless there's a really good reason. It's your voice, it's your story, tell it your way. And don't ever give up. The stories and legends about novels that were rejected yet went on to become Classics is long and large. Lightening strikes all the time, it may as well strike you.


Me: For fun: What's your dream car and can you tell this blog's readers about it?


Will G.: Mine would be a 1974 Cadillac Convertible in Screaming Red. The kind of road monster that gets 10 miles to the gallon but man, it sure looks awesome going down the highway!


Me:  What has someone told you about writing that you find particularly helpful?


Will G.: Never give up. It's easy to get discouraged, it's easy to quit. If you reach a point where you decide you don't much worry about getting published, that's fine, it's your decision. But don't ever quit writing.


Me: Do you have any favorite characters and why are they are your favorite(s)?


Will G.:  Too many to list...:) From Rhett Butler to Scaramouche to Captain Blood to Tom Sawyer to Simon Templar to Robert DeClercq to Travis McGee to Lucas Davenport to Blaine McCracken to Spenser and Hawk to James Bond to Hercule Poirot to Holmes and Watson to Tarzan, the list would be endless...:)


Me:  Anything else you'd like to add?


Will G.:  Thanks for having me here today!


Thank you, Will Graham for coming on here and sharing a bit about yourself.


I hope everyone gets an opportunity to go check out his story in Suspense Magazine.  You can find a copy of Murder By Magic on Amazon.   Click here to find it at Barnes & Noble.


Have A Thrilling Tuesday!

Danger, Emotion, And Suspense

Good Morning All,

Our fellow blogger (and follower of this blog and literally a "fellow" or as us Southerners say, "fella"), Bane, wrote something about emotion on his post yesterday. (Incidentally enough, he gets a shout out for that post, it was entertaining and informative. I liked it!)

Todd Stone says put your hero/heroine in danger. This increases the suspense, emotion and overall encouraging your readers to care about your characters.

Of course, depending on your genre this can mean different things:

Mysteries it could be that your sleuthing hero/heroine finds themselves finding out someone closest to them is the bad guy. I remember one time when I was reading one of Laura Childs' Tea Shop Mystery book (the first one in the series, this was the first time I had read any of her work) I thought maybe Delaine Dish was the one who committed the crime, but she was innocent. (By the way, if you like "cozies" her books are awesome. She's also incredibly nice and gave me some very helpful information more than once).

For action it could be your hero/heroine being held at gun point:

John Girsham often has suspense mounting by having his hero/heroine being chased by the bad guys because that person has something the bad guys don't want revealed. (The Partner anyone? Or The Runaway Jury?)

I don't know a whole lot about horror except that I've heard you never want the characters to open a door and then they do it and on the other side of the door is the monster.

For Romance, it can be the sexual tension between the hero and the heroine, or it can be one of them fighting against a mounting attraction (like Delaney is doing in Conjure A Man)

How do you keep up the danger, emotion and/or suspense in your own writing?

For me, I keep having a sense of danger or conflict getting in the way of complete happiness for my characters. Things that keep them wondering if what they're doing is the right thing, until, finally they make the decision one way or another. Of course, being about happily-ever-after I can't forget to resolve that conflict.

Anyway, your turn to answer the question. :-)

Have A Wondrous Wednesday!