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!

November Came And Is Going...

 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 citizens had a Happy Thanksgiving! (Fun was had at my sister and brother-in-law's house with my parents).

Have a great rest of November and a Marvelously Merry Monday!

*NaNoWriMo is short for: National Novel Writing Month, which refers to writers trying to get 50,000 words in during the month of November. Those who officially participate sometimes get a certificate or something like that for reaching 50k words. Others use it to accomplish personal writing goals (or polishing up a novel). Authors are encouraged NOT to query their NaNoWriMo books until they've fully edited and polished up the manuscript, which is true of any manuscript. There's also Camp Nano (which takes place in the Spring and Summer, which a little different from NaNoWriMo).

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!

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!

Conference, Fall, & Holiday Fun...

Happy Wednesday All,

We're almost done with August, in fact, September starts tomorrow. Writers have until September 23rd to register for the Northwest Houston RWA Lone Star Writer's Conference. All writers, of all genres are welcome. We open up the conference to all writers of all genres, so take advantage of that.


Morning Speaker will be NY Times Bestseller, Kerrelyn Sparks. The afternoon speaker is going to be Sandra Beckwith from Buildbookbuzz.com. We'll have raffle baskets to raffle off, there will be pitch sessions going on, and more. 

Some writers have said they couldn't make this year. Very well, if you, a writer, can't make it this year, then put us down for next year. Generally we have the Conference the first Saturday in October. That's the date it's been ever since I started going to the conference back in 2009. So see, the time of year hasn't changed, just when the first Saturday of October is changes (some years it's not the 1st of October).

As Summer slips past us, and Fall starts in, I get a sense of an anticipation. Not just for the Conference, but also for cooler weather...for Holidays and fun. Anybody who knows me well knows that Halloween isn't my favorite Holiday. Thanksgiving is all right, but I'm really a big Christmas fan. My husband puts up with Hallmark Christmas movies from the moment they begin until the moment they end (then he deals with the Valentine's ones in February, because let's face it, I consider myself hopelessly romantic).

One of the things I love about Christmas are the lights. I like seeing houses and buildings lit up in a festive glow. We're hoping to make it out to Disney World sometime (not this year) during the Christmas season in part for that reason. I hear so much about how beautiful and wonderful it is. This year, we're looking at San Antonio for a little visit during the December month and I'm looking forward to seeing the lights along the Riverwalk (I've been to San Antonio and the Riverwalk several times, but not during the Christmas/Advent Season). We're also looking at going to Sea World--we've been there in the Summer, but never for their Christmas events. I had no idea they were even open during that time!

After the Conference on October 1st, we'll probably start gearing up for Halloween. Generally my kids go Trick or Treating with the cousins, but due to some changes this year, I'm not sure what will be happening. Eldest already knows what he wants to be for Halloween, Youngest is pretty laid back and goes with the flow.

For Thanksgiving, I think one of my aunts is coming into town, which will be fun. I always enjoy seeing her, and having Thanksgiving at my parents' house is a treat.

This year, I'm hoping Texas gets cooler than last year. Last year we pretty much were wearing shorts at Christmas, which just felt completely wrong to me. Even in my part of Texas we generally can wear warm clothing at Christmas. I love wrapping up in blankets and watching Christmas Specials at home. Making hot cocoa or tea is always fun, too.

What do you like about the Fall months and the holidays during Fall and Winter?

Have A Whimsically Wonderful Wednesday!

What's On The Horizon...

Happy Tuesday All,

I know these posts have been so sporadic lately and I apologize. Still pretty busy. Here's what's up:

Book Three is coming along. I'm nearing the end and a part of me is going "Hurry, hurry, hurry!" and another part is going "Wait, I'm REALLY not finished writing that novel? HOW is that possible?" It feels like I've been working on it for longer than I have been. But yes, this will mark the last chapter (or rather, novel) of Laney and Jason's story. Hopefully you all will enjoy it. Book Three certainly doesn't cease with exciting battles, and brand new characters. Yes, I made a point of introducing new characters in each novel on purpose. Which, has been a lot of fun.

What else is up with Book Three? Well, I've got an impending cover reveal in store for you all. Yes, that's coming up in early December. And oh my gosh this cover is beautiful. Okay, ALL the book covers I've gotten for my novels are beautiful. Fiona Jayde does incredible work. You can check out her website here.

Another really cool thing that is coming up is a very special blogpost I have planned. I'll reveal the subject of the blogpost on the day I post it.


So okay, darling readers, you tell me:  What's your favorite Thanksgiving food BESIDES Turkey? I like whole berry cranberry sauce, but I'm not really fond of having orange in it. I also like Sweet Potatoes the way one of my sisters makes them. I don't know what she does--maybe brown sugar and candied walnuts or something, but YUM! So what's your favorite Thanksgiving food that isn't turkey?

Have A Tremendously Terrific Tuesday!

Checking In...

Happy Monday Everyone,


As we approach the end of November, I'm already enjoying Christmas specials on TV. This is my favorite time of year. I love Fall and Winter--I love sweaters, comfy blankets, and warm drinks.


Those of you who haven't heard, I'm doing a big giveaway in December! So far, I have at least 6 authors signed up. I've got thrillers, suspense, romance, and YA lined up. You don't want to miss this.


I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I was at my parents' house and had a nice time.


So what do you like about the winter season?

My Guilt Means You Get Gifts

Happy Monday All,

Well, it's Thanksgiving Week, if you can believe it! Where did November go?

I know some of you all aren't on Twitter, but like I said, you can check out my Twitter feed in the margin of this blog. The Twitter feed will show you the posts (or "tweets") I put up on Twitter. So if you've been following the feed (by coming here and reading it). You know a little of what's going on.

I've been feeling guilty about not updating this blog. But, I truly do have good reasons. I've been working on some other stories and querying agents for SURREAL. Plus, I'm a wife and mother, so I have had things going on with that.

However, I DO plan to make it up to you, my readers/blog followers. In December I'm planning a humugus in-print book giveaway! There's more than one day, because there's more than one author particpating in providing the prize. I haven't set the dates, but I'm lining up the authors/books and nailing down details. There's at least 4 authors involved, and I've sent out emails to others to ask if they'll be a part of this.

In short...it's gonna be BIG.

Now I don't have the exact dates...except it will all happen BEFORE Christmas.

So...don't be strangers! Don't give up on me coming back on here to update because this gigantic giveaway is coming up.

If I don't talk to you all before Thanksgiving, I hope everyone has a happy, safe, and blessed Thanksgiving Day--even if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope that day is great for you anyway.

So, what food are you looking forward to most this Thanksgiving?

Have A Marvelous Monday!

Jam Packed & Cruising Along

Happy Tuesday & November Everybody,

Wow! It's November ALREADY? What happened to October? I blinked and it was gone (does this mean I need to stop blinking, because that's really hard to do).

There is a lot going on lately--getting things out to those who requested them and playing around with other novel ideas (I still have to outline one that's been in my head for about a year, and I haven't been able to get it out on paper the way I'd like. The idea is good, the title is probably my best title idea yet and a lot of people like the story idea and title; it's just the execution that's lacking at the moment, but I intend to remedy that).

I'm also trying to catch up on my reading, so that's been another thing. I grab anywhere between 2-10 pages here and there.

I've learned I'm both a "pantser" and a "plotter"--I have to have a decent idea of what I'm doing and where I'm going, but enough room in that plan to let whatever inspiration hits me carry me.

Also, a relative of mine is doing a really cool thing called Movember. You can read all about it on their website. But I'm extremely proud of my relative for doing this.

A little birdie--okay it was Will Graham emailed me--said he's got a new novel out called PRODROMOS (prequel to Spider's Dance) you can find it on Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook.

I hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween. The Write By Bethany household celebrated with relatives and it went off pretty well. We're now gearing up for Thanksgiving and Christmas (although I started my Christmas shopping next month--yes, I start early. I come from a BIG family and you got to plan ahead LOL).

Did anyone dress up for Halloween?  I didn't dress up. I know, total party pooper--but I did help out with a Halloween Carnival, so I wasn't completely a stick in the mud. 

Have A Tantalizing Tuesday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thursday Everybody,

For those of you in the USA (and for those who aren't but who celebrate the holiday) I wish all of you a very happy, blessed, and safe Thanksgiving.

What's everyone's plans? We're getting together with my parents and some others. Dad does the majority of the cooking and baking and he's awesome at both. (My husband looks forward to the turkey and apple pie LOL).

Oh and tomorrow is Black Friday...so who's going to be out Christmas Shopping on Black Friday?

Have A Thankful Thursday!

Thanksgiving

Hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving! Ours is actually going to be fairly low key. We might go over to a friends' house for a little while.

Other than that--we have a meal planned and are going to get out Christmas decorations.

I plan on subjecting my husband to Christmas music on and off from tomorrow (Thanksgiving Day) until New Year's LOL

Have A Wonderful Holiday!