Sept--Oh Wait, Oops...OCTOBER!

 Happy Thursday!

I know, I know. I missed posting a monthly update blog post in September (but hey, you got a book review from Brittany Fichter's most recent release, Ella And The Enchanted Book Shop, so hopefully that makes up for it at least a little). It's not that I was so busy, I just didn't think of it. To be fair, we've dealing with rats taking up residence in our attic, so I was dealing with that and the exterminators coming regularly, so perhaps that's a good enough reason to miss.

The first full week of October my part of Texas had this lovely breeze and some of the days we were below 90 or just barely 90. We could all tell the difference. It's sad when 87 degrees becomes "Not that bad, there's a nice breeze. It feels like Fall!" But such is life when you live where I do-- you're boiling half or over half the year. Now, don't get me wrong, Texas is home, and I love the state, but the weather is such that sometimes even us Texans comment on. But you do get to a point where you just say "Ah well, that's what happens when you live here!"

Today is my birthday--yes, indeedy, I didn't just magically appear here (no matter how hilarious and fun that would've been. Of course, that would've shocked the daylights out of my poor parents. I put them through enough growing up, so I think scaring them by showing up out of nowhere might've been overdoing it). As it was, I still managed to surprise them because I think I was a little early and my mother was in for a routine appointment and found out she was in labor! She had had other babies at this point, so she was surprised. She said I was a pretty easy delivery, which I'm glad since I wasn't the easiest baby (they didn't know until I was 2 1/2 that I had a hernia--when it was finally detected and dealt with, I got better. But I've had other health things and of course, my learning disabilities, so I certainly kept them on their toes. I'm hopeful that since I grew up and moved into my own home they've had less to worry about with me than they used to).

I've been working on a somewhat secret project (there are a select few people who know what I'm working on, but I've asked them to keep quiet because I haven't made a public announcement). I'm not making a public announcement about it right now, though. I have no idea what I'll do with it, yet, but it's something I've wanted to write for some time.

I'm still waiting to hear back on some stuff, so we'll see what happens.

Other than that, I'm still kind of baffled that it's already October! I hope your autumn is going well and that you have a great rest of your week! God bless.

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Thursday!

It's June, It's June, It's June...

 Happy Thursday!

Wow. This  is the last full week of June (next week is just Sunday-Tuesday and then we start July!)

I continue to write, and I continue to await query responses for Shifter Secrets and contemplate how to get Sugar & Frost to readers. I've started the process of going through Sugar & Frost to see where I can expand on the descriptions, etc. I'm trying to increase the word count from 77k to at least 80k. It's doable, it's just going to take time. Both Sugar & Frost and Shifter Secrets are stories I'm determined  that I will somehow get to readers. I can't say for certain how, yet, but I'm determined. I wrote them to be shared, not to keep them to myself.

UnhingedPit pitching event is happening TODAY! (Check X/Twitter and BlueSky for info). I've got the privilege of being UnhingedPit's Official Ambassador. UnhingedPit is also celebrating 2 years of unhinged fun today, so Happy Birthday / Unhinged-iversary, UnhingedPit!

As for other stories, I'm playing it by ear. I've been working on several projects, so we'll see what happens.

June also marked 60 years my parents have been married (they got married on June 10, 1966). They were high school sweethearts. Yes, they're still alive. I'm deeply grateful to them, their marriage, and commitment to God, each other, their family, friends, and community at large. They taught me a lot about what it meant to have a successful marriage, to be a wife, friend, companion, and to be a faith-filled person.

Father's Day was an ordinary day in my household (we didn't really do anything to celebrate, but that's okay, I've got something in mind; I just couldn't get it ready when I had originally intended to do so), but I'm grateful to Real Life Hero's constant support and despite ups and downs, continuing on. He's got a real sense of responsibility, which has been very, very helpful over the years. He's been my hero on more than one occasion, and my best friend.

I hope your start to the Summer has been fun and that fathers everywhere had a great Father's Day! God bless to you all.

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Thursday!

October Autumn Has Come...

 Hi Everyone!

Hope you all have had a wonderful October! Halloween (All Hallow's Eve) is almost here, and I've seen plenty of autumn and Halloween decorations. (I'm not a fan of spooky stuff, but there are some traditions that I think can be fun for families).

Querying update:  I continue to query Sugar & Frost. Right now, nothing new to report on.

Editing update:  I'm still editing Shifter Secrets, but I've been making some progress. It's a wolf-shifter YA Fantasy. The romance is more on the sweet side. I do trend more sweet than spicy with pretty much all my work especially the manuscripts I'm working on, now.

Real Life: Real Life continues to have its own ups and downs and moments of busyness, which I'm sure the same for most people. My birthday came and it was nice. I got some lovely greetings and gifts. My siblings went in on a very nice gift card to Two Dumb Dames (the best fudge ever in my opinion--the shop has been family owned and operated since 1979, by the same family/families. It's located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and yes, they do ship--at least in the US--I don't know about outside the US). I love this place and even though I have tried many types of fudge and this is the best (sorry to my Michigan relatives, it's even better than Mackinac Island's fudge--which I also have had). However, the most awesome Christmassy store to visit is in, fact, located in Michigan. Bronner's is one of my "happy places". I've been there oh, I don't know, at least 3 or more times. It's located in Frankenmuth, MI, and worth a visit if you get a chance!

The weather has gotten a bit cooler in my part of Texas, which is something I appreciate (some days we've had a lovely breeze). I like this type of weather--not burning up hot, but not so cold. So, it's been nice.

Hope you all have been having a wonderful October!

Have a Thrillingly Terrific Thursday!

February Post, Short But Sweet...

Happy Thursday and February!

I decided to take a little longer to write my monthly blog post. It was just as well since things were crazy last month with illness sweeping through my house. (Every member of the Averie household has had some illness within the last 2 months--including Averie Cat). So, we're hoping to be healthier this month (although I'm having some allergy issues).

I continue working on things for Sugar & Frost and when I can, I'll let you all know what's going on (no, I don't have a contract with an agent and/or publisher, yet, but some things have happened, but I'm not ready to mention them publicly, yet).

We had the dubious honor of replacing our water heater recently, but the service person put it on such a high temperature that hot water was scalding! We had to adjust the hot water for various things and then when my husband came home he went up and adjusted it so hot water wouldn't be quite so blistering.

Once I'm in a place where I feel I can share about Sugar & Frost, I'll have more news. For now, I wish everyone a very Happy St. Valentine's Day and hope your February is fabulous!

Have a terrific Thursday!

March, Titles, Etc...

Happy Thursday Everybody,

It's March! 

February seemed a little long to me (and not because of Leap Day) so on March 1st I was like "Oh wait...it's is March. I need to flip my wall calendar."

So, what's going on? Let's see...I continue on the query road (nothing I'm ready to report, yet). As for writing, I decided to take one of my WIPs (Works In Progress) and write it with a completely different plot. And then, I got another idea and had to work on that!

I try to focus on one WIP at a time because it helps me move forward, but sometimes you gotta get that other idea going before you can finish the previous manuscript. Sometimes the new manuscript becomes the one you finish first. 

When I started with this blog post I was at a loss as to what I should say--not that I didn't have things going on, it's just that when I'm querying a manuscript, I don't say much about the process publicly. The same is true for when I'm writing a manuscript. I don't say a lot about it until it's further along and/or finished (in which case I only say a tiny bit until it's either got a contract, or about to be published, or is published).

The beginning of the month I just didn't feel inspired regarding a blog post. It wasn't until recently (i.e. today, March 14, 2024) that the idea popped into my head (sometimes you gotta let things sit and simmer).

On one of my WIPs I'm having a hard time coming up with a title. Titles aren't exactly my strongest talent, but I'm not completely unable to think of something (I came up with the title of the manuscript I'm querying--and some of my other WIPs have titles). This one, for some reason, is proving difficult. I'm somewhat still developing the story on one end (although a problem I'd had, I think I've got a solution for, now). So, I thought I'd talk about how I, as a writer, come up with titles.

Titles, in general, have been an up-and-down type journey for me. With my first published work, I had a title I used when querying, but when I signed the publisher's contract and we began the process of polishing and working on it, I was asked to come up with a new title. This situation is not unique to me. A lot of times titles get changed before publication. But I blanked out. So, I turned to my long-time critique partner, Tess St. John, and we brainstormed. Eventually an idea came forward, and my publisher accepted the new title.

So, how does a writer go about figuring out a title?

I can't speak for all writers, just for me. My process is generally: "Okay, what is this story about?" and then I go from there. If I'm still working out the plot I may focus in on an aspect of the story, or a particular character trait or something I've yet to put into the story, but I know is coming. If I'm really blanked, I talk to someone. After that, it goes into my manuscript file at the top of the manuscript on the title page and as well as part of the header of each page (as well as my name, and page number). 

Some authors don't come up with a title until the story is written. I like to have one while I'm working on the story so that I'm not sitting there with a file that says "Story about--" or "Inspired by--" because that's a long file name, generally; plus, it helps the story feel more "real" to me. Like it's coming together.

One of my WIPs, I came up with the title almost as soon as I came up with the plot. I love it when it works out that way because then I can just focus on writing and editing. However they come, titles are important. Not only do they give you something to call your manuscript, but oftentimes they give a clue to the reader what the story is about, or even the genre.

What are some of your favorite titles (whether you liked the story or not, if it was clever, funny, or interesting)?

Before I forget...

Easter is coming at the end of this month, so I wish everyone a very Blessed and Happy Easter!

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Thursday. :-)

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! 

Discoveries, and...

 Happy Thursday!

I didn't know I'd do another blog post for July. I wasn't sure I had anything to say, but you know, things happen and suddenly I've got some fun stuff for a blog post!

Okay, since I list it first, let me talk discoveries:  I have discovered the existence of UK Actress, singer, author, vlogger, Carrie Hope Fletcher. So, this was completely by accident. She's got a new book release dropping in August (I don't know when it's supposed to be available in the States) that looks interesting. Rather prolific given in a short period of time she has published around 5 books (maybe 6?) and has a new one coming out. Anyway, she has an amazing voice, which gives me chills--hence the reason I wanted to tell you, darling readers, about her voice. I haven't read her work, since I only just learned of her existence, but her upcoming release sounds interesting.

In terms of writing, I continue to edit my current WIP (Work In Progress).

In any case, I'm staying busy and on the mend from a sinus infection--yes, I've been on antibiotics and I'm doing much better.

Have A Thrillingly Tantizling Thursday!

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!

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!

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!

Should I Tell Them...?

Happy Thursday Everyone!

Life has been busy lately. I've been writing more regularly, which is awesome. Nothing is ready for you, yet, darling readers,  but don't despair. If I'm writing it means that work is one step closer to being in your hands.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about how readers perceive their relationship with writers. The gap is less wide nowadays thanks to social media and the like; however, I still sometimes run across readers who are surprised that writers would want to hear from them.

Let me put it to you like this: a while back I heard about a high school classroom that needed books, so I sent copies of some of my Immortal Dreams books (I don't know if it was all of them or the first three). The teacher sent me a card thanking me and telling me her students had already picked them up. I didn't need the teacher to send me a thank you, I was happy to send the books. But that card made my day. It's taped to my dresser mirror and I can see it every single day. It reminds me that my stories are fun and appealing. That I can tell a good tale.

There are other moments similar to that where a reader made my day simply because they told me they enjoyed my work. My day seemed brighter and I couldn't help smiling one of my biggest smiles. It makes me so happy that people are having fun and enjoying what I do. And I love hearing about it, too.

Gary Chapman has a book called The Five Love Languages.  After reading the book I figured out I was "Words of Affirmation". But I'm not the only one. Other authors really enjoy hearing from their readers. It means a lot when we've touched your heart somehow. Or made you fly away on some fantastic adventure. Somehow we made your afternoon, your day, whatever--maybe even touched your life--means a lot. It's a big part of why I, and so many other authors, do what we do.

So go ahead. Send that email to your favorite author telling them how much you enjoy reading their novels. Let them know you had fun. Ask them about characters or when their next book is coming out. They'll be glad to hear from you.

And who knows...they might even write you back. I can't guarantee it, but it could happen. Either way, our readers are important to us. You all are the reason we can do this. We've got stories to share, but we need you to be able to share them.

So, on behalf myself, and other authors...thank you, thank you, thank you so much!

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Thursday!

5 Things Throwback Thursday Style...

Happy Thursday All,

In honor of Throwback Thursday, here's 5 things you might not know about yours truly...


1. I was never a fan of most boy bands...not even New Kids On The Block, N'Sync, or the Backstreet Boys, but I knew people who were. However, I've always liked the Ramones. And I am a fan of Straight No Chaser.

Me and Sarah on the occasion of her wedding

2.  I got a B in Shakespeare Class (the English course I took in high school). My friend, Sarah, (who died in 2013) tutored me. My learning disabilities made some of the lectures the teacher gave hard for me to understand, but I was too shy to tell the teacher that, so I asked Sarah for help. She got an A. LOL (Nowadays I'd probably ask, but back then I was too nervous--I'm sure my teacher would laugh to know this--she was a wonderful teacher, and I enjoyed having her for a teacher, I just was shy to ask for help from her).

3.  I took horseback riding lessons starting from around the time I was about 12 and continuing until I was about 16. I learned how to ride both English and Western styles. (I even did some low jumps in the English style riding).

4.  The only time I ever attended a school dance was my school's prom, and my date's school's prom senior year of high school. I never went to any other dances.

5.  I learned how to two-step at my wedding reception.

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Thursday!

June 2017 Release Cover Reveal...

Happy Thursday Darling Readers, Immortals, Humans, & all,

In June of this year, my 5th published book, Perfect Love (#4 in the Immortal Dreams series) will release. This is Hailey (Laney's best friend) and Arion's (Cupid & Psyche's son) story.

Originally, I figured more time would pass before I could write Hailey's book. I always wanted to, which is why Immortal Love ends the way it does. I was surprised when readers started asking me about it. I kept getting requests such as "You're going to write Hailey's story, right?" "Is Hailey an Immortal?"

I'd been toying with ideas, and I realized I wasn't ready to say goodbye to everybody. So, I sat down and thought about it. What resulted is a story about emotions, and relationships, rather than straight adventure or straight romance. It's about how one deals with expectations, loss, and new experiences. How Hailey deals with Laney's lies, different relationships, and meeting someone like Arion.

To answer the question, Hailey is FULLY human. No, that does NOT ruin the story, in fact, that's not a secret, nor a surprise. It's established early on in the novel that she is fully human. This plays into her and Arion's story.

You're probably asking yourself, is this a cover reveal a rundown about the novel?

So, without FURTHER ado...

I present to you the cover for Perfect Love...

I think it's gorgeous, don't you? The amazingly talented Fiona Jayde (who has made all my covers so far) is the cover artist.

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Thursday!

Autumn Glory & More...

Happy Thursday All,

I still need to set up some kind of schedule for posting on here, but I haven't gotten there, yet, so bear with me.

It's November, and Texas is finally slowly--here and there--showing signs of Fall. We're under 90 degrees these days, which is great. Also, we're getting under 80 on some days, so that's also a good thing--yay!

Things are still moving along for the audio-book. I'm pleased with the results so far and look forward to it being completed and available to my readers.

I've started doing live videos on Facebook. What's surprised me is how much I've enjoyed it. I'm usually shy, so I wasn't sure what I would do, but I'm starting to get more comfortable with it. What I really need, though, is feedback from YOU, darling readers, to know what you want me to talk about. My narrator and I are working on an idea of Skyping and doing a live video during the Skype so that you all can meet him and ask questions about the audio book and such. He's extremely talented so I think it'll be fun. We haven't set a date for that, so stay tuned.

Next week is Thanksgiving and one of my aunts is coming into town. I'm looking forward to seeing her because we always have a good time. My dad is planning to cook and bake and he's awesome at both, so I imagine it will be a wonderful dinner.

Do you have big plans for the holiday? 

P.S. If you haven't been on Facebook and see my videos, I'm going to put them on my author page. Also, if you're a cat lover, check out my friends at The Magnificats and Floppycats.com . :-)

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Thursday!

Surprise! ANGEL IN THE SHADOWS...

Happy Thursday All,

Sometimes you come across an intriguing read in the bookstore. Sometimes the library. Sometimes while you're perusing the internet. And sometimes you didn't realize someone you knew had an intriguing read out until you see them talking about it. That's what happened to me recently, and boy am I glad I was paying attention...

Because I almost missed out on a gripping read.

Angel In The Shadows by Amy Deason is one of those snuck-up-on-me-and-sucked-me-right-in. Big time. (note: the genre for this novel is Romantic Suspense).

I took a peek at the reviews and the blurb to get a feel for the novel, and decided to go ahead and try it out. She made me laugh-out-loud on the first page. Right away I was hooked. Anybody who can make me laugh on the very first page is bound to grab my attention.

And then Amy hit me with the action and suspense. And I was sucked in.


The novel is about an operative named Seth Reynolds who works for a company called The Perfect Order. They're out to get rid of Vance, a true A-word jerk (and that's me being nice). But when Madison Sinclair is at the wrong place, at the wrong time (and sees something she wasn't supposed to) things go topsy-turvy and the innocent photographer finds herself on the run from Vance and his hired assassins.

Seth finds himself Madison's unwilling hero in this whole fiasco. But can he keep her safe in spite of herself until The Perfect Order has a chance to deal with Vance? Can he do it without falling for those brown eyes and defiantly independent attitude?

Time is running out.

Everyone's lives are on the line.

The whole thing teeters on the choices Seth and Madison make about themselves, each other, and whether or not they can keep one step ahead of Vance.

Who will win?

If any of this has piqued your interest in Amy Deason's novel, I recommend you head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of Angel In The Shadows.

Have A Thrill-filled Thursday!

Doing That Networking Thing...

Happy Thursday All,

Lately I've been working on a couple of new projects. One of them has to do with one of my published novels, and the other one is a WIP. Both projects are moving along pretty well and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with them.

One of the projects deals with another side of writing that's often talked about, but some authors struggle with--networking.

It's funny, but I get asked about this more often than I thought I would. I really don't consider myself an expert on the subject, I'm pretty much doing what everyone else does--picking which social

Me with the amazing Christie Craig
If I didn't open my mouth and network
I wouldn't have gotten to know this gem of a person

media works for me, going to writer's group meeting, attending the annual conference, talking to readers, seeing what opportunities open up for me.

A lot of authors are shy and/or introverts. Some aren't, but the majority I've come across actually are. I count myself one of them. 

"YOU?!!" people cry in total disbelief, while assessing me to make sure I'm not having a mental breakdown. (Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but their expressions make me wonder if they think that I am having one).

Me and the very talented Teri Thackston
We've enjoyed many a fun conversation
and she's an imaginative author to boot.

"Uh, yeah," I answer, wondering if I just said something taboo. (Is it wrong to say you're shy? Does this somehow mean I'm not as good as someone who isn't?--yeah the questions circle my brain sometimes).

"But-but you talk all the time! You approach people. You're no introvert and you can't be shy." (Somehow being an introvert translates to people are incapable of talking or approaching others ever in their lives. Which makes me wonder how would we interview for a job or pitch our novels or meet our spouses if we didn't open our mouths once in a while?)

I usually smile and/or laugh and say "Oh, I am, honest." (Because it's true).

Unless they know me really well, they never believe me (or rarely believe me). However, my Girls' Night Out ladies do.

One of them I've known since the 4th grade will flat out tell you I'm

Authors Jennifer Bray-Weber & Stacey Purcell
such sweet encouraging ladies
So much talent!

shy.

Another one of the ladies I've known 20+ years and she'll be like "Bethany? Oh yeah, she's introverted and shy. Definitely."

And the other, who is like a little sister to me--I've known her several years (although not as long as the other two). She'll say, "Oh, yeah, she's an introvert and shy."

You see, they've seen the woman who gets quiet the more people there are around her. They've seen me go several minutes without saying a single word. In fact, sometimes they ask me if I'm okay. Generally I'm fine. I'm just thinking about things. Reviewing stuff or daydreaming. I'm a writer, so those daydreams are potential novel material.

The reason most people don't accept this about me is because they

Me, Christie Craig, and Thriller-author, Will Graham
Christie & Will are such awesome people
extremely good writers, too.

rarely (if ever) see it. By nature, I'm a talker. I love conversations and getting to know people. But it does take a lot for me to approach people.

However, I grew up in a house where learning to talk to people was part of living in the family. I'm one of eight kids. We talk to each other our, parents, relatives, friends. So yeah, I know how to verbally communicate reasonably well.

Then of course, my parents were active in the community. They did a lot of work for the church and they had many friends (they still do). So we'd have open houses and parties and family reunions. I had to be able to carry on conversations, even know how to do "small talk". 

Over 30 years of doing all this, I've developed a motto. It goes like this:  "You have to take your shyness, put it under your feet and stand on it." That is, you can't let it get in your way. So yeah, you

Cows on a friends' ranch, because, why not?
They don't seem like they'd make good conversationalists, though

go up to that person you're considering saying hi to and you chat them up. Sometimes you luck out and make a new friend. Sometimes they barely say 2 words to you and you walk away analyzing every last thing you said and wonder if you said the wrong thing. Sometimes you do that even if you said all the right things. But you have to make that move even if it's hard.

As an author the main person who will promote me is me. How else will people know about the new projects I have going? Or what books are about to be

Because it's Throwback Thursday...
Me, senior year of high school. Eek!

published? Not every reader in the world follows me on social media and who knows what new readers I can gain. My existing fans want to know what I'm up to and if I can't promote it, how will they know (unless they're checking Amazon a million times a month to see if I've published something new or checking my website all the time).

The really cool thing is, most of the conversations I strike up end up being really good. People are usually supportive and interested. They like the idea of having met the author personally and hearing

Me, with authors Kerrelyn Sparks, & Christie Craig

about the books straight from the author him or herself.

So, take a deep breath, put your shoulders back, paste a smile on your face, and walk up to someone and say, "Hi! Can you believe the weather we're having? Hot, then cold, and rain. Yuck." (well, if that's the weather you're having, anyway). Once you've engaged them, you can say something like, "Do you like to read?" and go from there. You never know--they might even want your card or bookmark or website address. You don't know if they will get your novel, but they definitely won't if they don't know about it.

When I meet editors and agents at my RWA's chapter's annual conference, I generally open with "Welcome to Texas. I hope you're

My editor, Debby Gilbert from Soul Mate Publishing,
and me at the 2014 NWHRWA Conference

enjoying your stay." and go from there. (Speaking of which, my chapter has its annual conference coming in October--Saturday, October 1st. Check for details here).  Editors and agents are people, too, and you never know which ones will want what you're writing, if you don't talk to them when the opportunity presents itself.

I understand it's not easy. It really isn't easy for me, either. But it's doable and sometimes you're pleasantly surprised.

Best wishes!

Have A Tremendously Thrilling Thursday!

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!

La Vida Crazy-Busy, Getting Off Of Hiatus/Sabbatical

Happy Thursday All,

Wow! It feels like an eternity since I updated my blog. I have been super-busy with family obligations (in fact, still am...motherhood is a demanding job, as many of you know). But I am getting back into writing and working on getting back into everything else. It's happening veeerrrryyyyy sllllloooowwwwllly...but it's HAPPENING! Yay. :-)

I'm having issues with my regular browser, so I'm using an interim one until I can sit down with my awesome IT guy, Jeff (if you're interested in consulting with him, email me, and I'll check his availability. He's been a big help to me).

To keep up with me, watch Twitter and Facebook mostly. I update Facebook often, and try to get to Twitter at least once a day. (The interim browser I'm using is slow, so I'll just provide a link to my website, which I think has links to my Twitter and Facebook pages).

So what's going on in my world aside from motherhood? I'm working on the first book in what I hope will be a new series. I've been working on this novel for some time, now, and well...it seems to be trying to come together. I'll be using my regular beta reader--she's going to give me an initial input on what I've got so far (always nice to get her input at the beginning to see if there's a plot hole before I write myself into a corner).

The NWHRWA Lone Star Conference is just around the corner! (Saturday, October 3, 2015). And guess what, darling readers? I'm going! Yes, I am. This year, Margie Lawson is the keynote speaker. There are 2-3 editors coming out to hear pitches as well as a literary agent. So it's exciting. I can't wait to see my writing pals again. I haven't made it to a NWHRWA meeting since the Christmas party last year. Real life has been that demanding. Fortunately writers and other professionals I work with have been very understanding, which has made being on hiatus easier.

I miss regularly writing and updating this blog. I even miss editing. Absence--even being away for a very GOOD reason--does make the heart grow fonder, at least as far as I'm concerned.

So, please tell me, darling readers...what are you up to these days and what are you reading?

Be sure to check Amazon and Barnes & Noble for my novels. They're available on Kindle and in paperback--all 4 published ones. :-)

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Day!

It's All About The GMC...

Happy Thursday All,

Smokey Mountains in
Gaitlinburg, TN, 2013

In writing, editing, critiquing, and being a judge (yes, I've done a little judging for a contest) there's a few things about writing that are true all the way across the board--no matter what genre, no matter if you're a newbie, or best seller, or somewhere in between. Or if you're a "pantser" or a "plotter". And that's organizing your story.

Every writer is different and every writer does this differently. I call myself a "half-in-half" writer because I do a little plotting and I do a little pantsering. But the main things every writer needs whether they do it before they write the first draft, or in the editing process are for every important/main character(s) in one's novel:

Me, at the NWHRWA
Lone Star Conference, 2014

Goal, motivation, conflict.

Yes,  GMC that leads to the actual plot.

Whether you're writing the hero, heroine, villain, whatever character, you have to know their GMC.

I'm not the first author to talk about this, and I doubt I'll be the last. I won't say my way is the only way to do things, it's just one idea of how you can organize your characters' GMC and a method that has worked for me.

Me, holding paperback copy of
ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE & LION
(I believe this was 2014).

In my files I have what I call my GMC Worksheet and I make this up for every main character I write. (Side note: I didn't use one when I wrote All's Fair In Love & Lion), in my writing it became apparent I needed something to refer to so that I didn't write myself into a corner, so here's what I do:

I have the title of the new novel--usually a working title or something that says what the novel will be, if I don't know the title. Like say I write something about a magic coat, but I don't know the title, yet. I'll put "Magic Coat Story"

Below that I have the following information:

GENRE:

Name:

Type of being:

Hair:

Eyes:

Physique (height/weight):

Goal:

Motivation:

Conflict:

I have these categories outlined for every character, and then at the very bottom I put in a basic plot line--I write out a draft of what the story will be about. (By the way, I have "type of being" because I write Fantasy and Paranormal, so not every character is strictly human--although, I do have some fully human characters).

And this is how I organize my work. This is how I know what each story is going to be about. If I can't sit down and start the story right away, I have the worksheet on file and can refer back to it whenever I want. These worksheets help me figure out what direction my story will take, where I am going and what I'm doing. I didn't do a detailed one for each of the Immortal Dreams books because I had a basic idea of what was going on after Book One. But I played with some ideas. But I do use this worksheet for every other novel I haven't written or finished yet. It gives me a chance to hash out ideas.

If you're someone who has trouble getting that first draft written, I

Me at the Botanical Gardens in Arkansas
2013

really recommend doing something like this. It'll help you get started. Whether you're a pantser or a plotter, sometimes playing around with ideas without the pressure of actually being within the manuscript itself can make the difference between writing yourself into a corner and knowing where you're going. I've been on both sides of the fence and I can tell you I do a lot less writing myself into a corner since I started thinking in terms of GMC than I used to do.

But, every writer is different and whatever way you write, you have

to know your strengths and weaknesses and what helps you and what doesn't. No writer is perfect. Trust me. I run across best selling authors who tell me such-and-such thing is their Achilles' heel. It happens. But if a writer learns from his or her mistakes and keeps working, he/she will get better. You don't get better if you don't work on your short-comings and sharpen your strengths.

Hope you all are having a great week! I've been getting a much needed break while waiting for my proofreader to finish with Immortal Love. That doesn't mean I'm not doing anything. I've done some writing and I'm doing some reading and stuff with the family. Also sleeping. Pregnancy is tiring at times.

Have A Totally Tantalizing Thursday!