Is It Better Left UNSPOKEN?

Hi Darling Readers,

While my blogging right now is going to be a bit on the sporadic side, but to make it up to you, I have a special surprise...an official blog book review!

Author C.C. Hunter has the final installment of her Della stories on sale today.

Della is a vampire on a mission: to clear her father's name. She doesn't believe for an instant that he killed his sister. But between secrets and lies, how is she supposed to uncover the truth?

Then there's Chase. The vampire who saved her life. Is her attraction to him real or just part of the blood-bond they share? Can she even trust him after he lied to her?

Truths will be revealed and secrets discovered. Lives will change forever.

But is it a good thing or should it all have remained Unspoken?

You can get your copy of the exciting conclusion to Della's story on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading and have a tantalizing Tuesday!

Rumpelstilskin, Why?

Happy Monday All,

Before I forget, Happy Belated Mother's Day to all the Moms. I hope it was great! Mine was nice--mostly relaxing.

Congratulations to Tiffany, who won a copy of Beth Fantaskey's Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side last Friday!

Sunday wasn't just Mother's Day, either. It was a Church day, also, of course, but, later in the evening in was the Season 1 Finale of ABC's Once Upon A Time. Yes, I watched it. Yes, I loved it, and I can't wait until the next season! I can sense this is going to go way deeper than I originally thought. Wouldn't you know? Rumpelstiltskin is causing trouble again. Not only did he create original curse, but he's also manipulated other situations. I think he suffers from a lack of confidence and self esteem--considering that before he came into his power, he wasn't looked upon very well by those in his village. However, he gave up his son, and the woman he met later (and fell in love with) for the sake of his power. So you have to wonder, is love enough to save him? Is he redeemable? I guess we'll have to wait to find out!

Did anyone else catch the Season 1 finale of Once Upon A Time? What did you think of it?

Have A Magical Monday!

Releases Galore, Reading, Writing & Life

Happy Tuesday All,

Well Blogger has changed its format on me, so I'm learning the new format. Please bear with me while I figure it all out (it doesn't look hard, however, like with all changes you have to get used to them).

The other thing you'll have to bear with me on is the fact that I'm behind on new release reports:

Two of my chapter mates have recently released new novels, and I wanted to make sure I let you all know about it:

Suzan Harden has put out a brand new e-book called Amish, Vamps & Thieves book 4 in her Bloodlines series. You can get it on Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook. Also available is Ms. Harden's newest Erotica, Seasons Of Magick: Autumn on Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook.

Melissa Ohnoutka has also put out a brand new short e-book, entitled, The Wicked Secrets Beneath which you can find on Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook.

There's a lot going on in my life, mostly good stuff, but it sure keeps me busy. I'm working on one of my WIPs (Works In Progress), which is one of the things keeping me busy. The other thing is family and friends--but I enjoy that kind of busyness.

The other thing is, if you haven't checked out Beth Fantaskey and you like vampires, please check out her Jessica books! The first one is Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side, which I got on my e-reader. I read it and thought "Interesting...I might read more." I found out she posted a prequel to the sequel (short story) on her website, read that, and fell even more in love with the story and purchased the sequel, Jessica Rules The Dark Side, on my e-reader. The e-book version of the sequel came with the short story that was on Ms. Fantaskey's website, which is really cool because now I have all 3 stories. I love them. Very romantic, and the second one has so much suspense! I stayed up late to finish reading it. They're in print and in e-book form (well the short story isn't in print, but the other two are). These vampires are unlike any I've read. They're slightly darker than some of the other vampires out there, but not by much. It's a YA series that I truly have enjoyed and if she puts out any more, I'll be wanting to read them.

The sequel to Josephine Angelini's Starcrossed, entitled, Dreamless comes out in May (release date: May 29, 2012). I've already pre-ordered this one (in print). I loved Starcrossed. I've read it probably around 3 times and would read it again. I cannot wait to read this one, and I've been chomping at the bit to read it since last year!

I'm hoping to finish reading Nicholas Sparks' The Lucky One before I see the movie. We'll see if that happens. LOL. Either way, I think I'll like the movie. The previews look good. My favorite N. Sparks' books (and movies) are A Walk To Remember and The Notebook. I think those two are his best.

So what's going on in your world? Read anything good lately? Seen any good movies? Feel free to chime in :-)

Update Added 2:57 p.m. Central Time 4/24/2012:  A follower posted this comment (I saw it waiting for me in moderation and decided to post it here instead of in the comment section):  "In December, the City of Mesquite, NV is hosting a "Weekend of Writers" including booths, workshops, and many other events for the city. Authors can come and sell books, do signings, and many other activities. For more information:  mattjenbennett@yahoo.com"  ***PLEASE NOTE:  I don't have any further information about this, so if you're interested, contact J.J. at the email listed in the quotes. Thanks!***

Have A Terrific Tuesday!

Mystery Abounds In SHADOWFALLS...

Happy Wednesday All,



I apologize for all the silence. I've had a lot going on lately, and with it being Holy Week, I'm taking some time to reflect and prepare myself for the Easter celebration. For that reason, I will NOT be putting up a post on Friday since it's Good Friday.


However, I have a special post for today...


It’s almost here! C.C. Hunter’s release of her 3rd Shadowfalls book, Taken At Dusk, will arrive on shelves on April 10, 2012.

In the meantime, here’s a glimpse into the exciting next installment of Kylie Galen’s adventures:

When Awake At Dawn closed, Kylie was about to meet her grandparents. Yet, what should’ve been a happy reuinon, turns into a bigger mystery than before. Especially when they leave Shadowfalls and just go poof!

If that's not enough strangeness, Kylie starts seeing weird evil-looking animals coming after her. Burnett and the others start wondering if there’s some kind of shapeshifter at work. It’s got to be Mario, but Mario isn’t a shapeshifter…so who is the one doing this?


The love triangle between Kylie, Derek, and Lucas takes a new turn when Kylie and Derek call a quits. But, is it really over? Can Kylie give Lucas the chance Miranda and Della want her to give him?


Of course, none of these things would be complete without the amnesasic ghost haunting Kylie. When Kylie learns of a possible identity of the ghost, will she continue to help the specter, or is it “Adios, spirit!” for the identity-challenged ghost?


One thing is for certain: every twist, turn, mystery and new information you learn with Kylie will be nothing you expected. As far as I'm concerned, Taken At Dusk is Ms. Hunter’s most exciting installment, yet!


Taken At Dusk will be released at bookstores everywhere on April 10, 2012, check your favorite bookstore or website for more information.
 

*********GIVEAWAY IS OFFICALLY CLOSED.  I am NOT accepting anymore entries. Thank you.*********** 

I got an email from Ms. Hunter's assistant who let me know that she's giving away a copy of TAKEN AT DUSK!

Here's how to enter for a chance to win your very own copy of this awesome novel (please read the directions CAREFULLY):

Two ways to enter (one entry per person):

1.  You can comment on this blog. When you leave a comment please put your FIRST name and your email address. (If you do not include your name and email address I will NOT be able to enter you).  (NOTE:  When you leave a comment it goes into my moderation folder for me to publish before it appears on my blog. If you don't see your comment within 3 hours of posting, please send me an email).

2.  OR, if you don't want to leave a comment, you may send me an email at bethany.averie@yahoo.com please give me your first name and email where I may contact you. If I haven't responded to your email within 3 hours, please email me again.

I will be notifying the winner through email.

****I will close the giveaway at 11 p.m. Central Time today, Wednesday, April 4, 2012. Any entries I receive AFTER 11 p.m. Central time on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 will not be entered.****

***Note on INTERNATIONAL entries: I've emailed to ask if we're accepting international entries. I will update the blog post once I find out.***  EDITS: 8:35 p.m. 4/4/2012:  I apologize, but this giveaway is restricted to USA only. Thank you!


Have fun :-)


Have A Wonderful Wednesday!

Paging Dr. Phang!

Happy Thursday All,

****GIVEAWAY PORTION OF THIS POST IS NOW CLOSED.  I AM NOT ACCEPTING ANYMORE ENTRIES FOR IT. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED AND TO KERRELYN SPARKS FOR DONATING THE PRIZE****

Well everybody, you're in for a rare treat. Not only is it an official blog book review day, but the author is also giving away one of her previously released books to ONE lucky person (I'll put details on how to enter near the end of the post...be sure to read them carefully!)

Kerrelyn Sparks has done it again! On March 27, 2012 you will be able to own Phineas’ story, Wanted: Undead Or Alive

In her usual good-humor fashion, Ms. Sparks immerses us in Phineas’ story…from the son of an abused mother, to desperate-for-cash, to Vamp and the “Love Doctor” we see all the many sides of Phineas.

However, those things don’t even define this vampire. Wanting to shuck his careless “Dr. Phang” image, Phineas is in search of something real and lasting. The one-night stands are meaningless. And really, who takes Dr. Love seriously? Even Phineas realizes it’s not the image he wants to portray anymore.

If only he could get werewolf princess, Brynley out of his head. Number 1, she’s irritating. Number 2, in what universe would her controlling father give Phineas, a wrong-side-of-the-tracks vampire the time of day, let alone his daughter?

No, it’s better if Phineas just continues his work on the Blardonnay commercials in hopes of helping MacKay Security and Investigation flush out self-proclaimed Queen of the Malcontents, Corky Currant.

Yet, when he and Brynley are forced together will Phineas’s head or heart win out? And, what about Bryn? Will she ever escape the clutches of her father and his plans for her?

Find out March 27, 2012 when Wanted: Undead Or Alive is released at Amazon and Amazon Kindle also at Barnes & Noble and on Barnes & Noble Nook.


****GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.****

Okay...now you've read the review and pre-ordered (or at least marked your calendar for March 27th) Here's a chance to win the first book Phineas is mentioned...Book 3 of Kerrelyn Sparks' Love At Stake series, Be Still My Vampire Heart.

Here's how to enter:

TO ENTER BY BLOG COMMENT*:

In your comment, tell me what vampire you'd want to meet, it can be any vampire from any author. IMPORTANT:  Please include your FIRST name and EMAIL ADDRESS. If you do NOT include a first name and an email address you will NOT be entered (the winner will be contacted by email).

*Keep in mind comments are published manually by me--that means when you leave a comment here it won't show up in the comment section until I've pushed the "publish" button. The reason it's set up this way is because people were having trouble with Blogger not publishing their comments, so I changed the settings and there's been almost no trouble since (I can't remember the last time a person had trouble commenting on here since I've changed the settings to post comments this way). If you don't see your comment up within 2-3 hours commenting, please send me an email at bethany.averie@yahoo.com

TO EMAIL YOUR ENTRY:

Send an email to me, Bethany, at bethany.averie@yahoo.com make sure you receive a reply from me so you know you've been entered. If you don't receive a reply within 2-3 hours of emailing me, resend your entry. IMPORTANT:  Please include your first name and what email address I can reply to, since the winner will be contacted by email.

GIVEAWAY will close at 11 p.m. Central Time TONIGHT (Thursday, March 22, 2012). Any entries received AFTER 11:00 p.m. Central Time March 22, 2012 will NOT be entered. 

Regarding International entries, I'll check with Kerrelyn (Thank you for your patience).  **UPDATE 10:22 a.m. (3/22/2012):  INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES WELCOME. SAME ENTRY RULES APPLY.**

Best wishes to everyone! Have fun.

Have A Thrilling Thursday!

Ask A Vampire

Happy Tuesday All,

They're everywhere. Movies, TV, books, mythology. Some come out at night, some are around constantly. Some hate sunlight, some don't mind it.

Vampires. They've been a part of stories for a long time. From Bram Stoker to Stephenie Myers (and a bunch of authors in between and after Myers). Some people are fascinated by them, some are afraid of them and some don't care either way.

But what if you could sit and talk with them? What would you say? What would you ask them? What do you think they'd tell you.

So my question to you today is this...if you could spend time with a vampire and ask them anything you wanted, which vampire would you want to talk to and what would you ask?

Have A Terrific Tuesday!

Fangs Or Fur?

Happy Thursday All,

Near the end of this month Kerrelyn Sparks will have a new release out and in April C.C. Hunter will, too. Both of these authors write paranormals (Kerrelyn writes Paranormal Romance and C.C. writes YA Paranormal).

I got to thinking about all that and decided to get you, my dear readers, involved in a discussion:

If you could choose which type of being your significant other was, would you choose werewolf or vampire?

In some stories, werewolves can turn into their wolf self anytime they please and in others, only during the full moon. In almost every case they have extra powers of some nature. Sometimes it's just extra strength, sometimes it's other things.

Vampires have a myriad of traits, depending on which author you read. In some books they have speed, strength, and hearing. In some stories, vampires never sleep, in other stories they sleep during the day. In some stories any kind of silver hurts vampires, and they burn up in the sun, in others silver and sunlight don't do anything to them.

In a lot of stories there are good werewolves and vampires that try to protect humans and bad werewolves and vampires that try to hurt humans.

Keeping all these things in mind, which one would you choose? (And if you already have a significant other, if you could choose which type of being they were, would you choose vampire or werewolf?)

Have A Thrilling Thursday!

Looking Forward To March 2012 Releases?

Happy Wednesday All,

Thank you to everyone who left a comment on yesterday's post. The prayers, positive thoughts, and words are much appreciated!

There are so many books being released in March that I'm feeling like I'm going to get behind and accidentally leave someone out.  I'm going to take the time to list the ones I do know and am aware of so that everyone knows what's coming. If you know of one that I do not mention, please be sure to say so in the comments and say when in March it's to be released.

So here we go...

March 2nd -- Carla Rossi will release a brand new Inspirational Romance. The title of this book is Unlikely Praise.

March 6th -- Laura Childs will release her next novel in the Tea Shop Mystery series, entitled:  The Agony Of The Leaves.

March 26th -- Jennifer Bray-Weber will release on E-Reader her 2nd Romancing The Pirate novel, A Kiss In The Wind.
(Note to Nook Users:  Barnes & Noble's website is giving me problems right now. I don't know if it's my computer or a glitch or something else).

March 27th -- Kerrelyn Sparks will release her next Love At Stake novel, Wanted: Undead Or Alive.

These are the releases I know off the top of my head. If you have any to add,  please do so in the comment section along with which day in March the book is released.

Have A Witty Wednesday!

So You Wanna Date A Vampire...

Happy Tuesday All,

Recently I found out that Beth Fantaskey's Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side (YA Paranormal) was out on Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook for free for a limited time. Having seen this book in stores and curious about it, I figured I'd go ahead and check it out.

Some people described the story as "tongue in cheek". I personally, just plain enjoyed it.

There was a scene that I excitedly told a friend was, "romantic without being romantic." That is, you could sense the romance there, even if the scene itself wasn't strictly romantic. That kind of writing is way cool.

When Lucius, a member of Romanian vampire royalty, first arrives in the rural American town he's not quite sure what to expect. At first he's appalled by the "peasant" way folks live. Gradually, though, he becomes intrigued.

Jessica, the heroine, finds herself caught between the world she knows, and a world she's being pulled into. How does she reconcile what she always thought she was, with what she's to become? How can she agree to marry Lucius and honor a pact that was made at the time of her birth, when her analytical mind can't even begin to process the idea that vampires are real?

Things get sticky when vengeful humans get involved. And even stickier the moment elders in the vampire community get tired of waiting for the pact to be honored.

For me, I was sad when it ended. I really got into it and wanted more. Fortunately, the sequel, Jessica Rules The Dark Side, is due out January 10, 2012, so there isn't long to wait.

Have A Tantalizing Tuesday!

New Releases & Great Reads

Happy Thursday Everyone,

We're finally on the mend, for which I'm saying thank you prayers. With Christmas right around the corner, it's a dear wish of mine for us to be well enough to enjoy the festivities, and it looks more of a possibility than earlier this week.

I don't know if I'll get to posting on Friday or not, but if I don't, I want to leave you with some new release news:

Christie Craig has released a brand new e-book called Murder, Mayhem & Mama. It'll be exclusively available on Barnes & Noble Nook, then sometime in February 2012 will be available on Amazon Kindle.

Nina Cordoba has taken her writing in a new direction with her brand new release, Mia Like Crazy.  It's available on Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook.

If you're looking for in-prints to read:

Syrie James' Nocturne is one of my favorite vampire novels. This poigant, emotional novel will keep you going long after you finish the last page.

Magic abounds in Shanna Swendson's Enchanted Inc. 4-book series. I adore these books and have read them more than once.

If you're looking for something sexy and vampire, check out Kerrelyn Sparks' Love At Stake series. First book is called How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire. Humor, romance, and awesome vampires.

If you're looking for something Christmassy, I laughed and utterly enjoyed Debbie Macomber's The Perfect Christmas.

If you're looking for a YA read...

Josephine Angelini's Starcrossed is absolutely superb. The furies and fates have kept scions (demigods) reliving the Helen of Troy, Trojan war over and over. Fantastic read. Love it, can't wait for the sequel (2012, Dreamless will be released).

Check out Lauren Oliver's thought-provoking dystopian, Delirium. What if love were considered a disease? What if it could be eradicated? Would you take the cure? The sequel, Pandemonium will be available in 2012.

Andrea Creamer kind of took me by surprise with her Nightshade novel and its sequel, Wolfsbane. Really fascinating story. I'm looking forward to Bloodrose available January 3, 2012. Shape shifters, lies, and a brewing war. Never a dull moment.

I probably will have a post up for Friday, but I don't know for sure. Either way, hope y'all have a Merry Christmas!

Have A Tinsel-Filled Thursday!

Fangs and Mistletoe

Happy Wednesday All,

Congratulations to Sarah K. who won the Tess St. John giveaway. Please confirm receipt of the email I sent you to claim your prize!

****KERRELYN SPARKS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Thank you to all who particpated. A special thank you to Kerrelyn Sparks for providing the prize.****

Merrily the December Days Blog Giveaway keeps going!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED. It was closed on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 10:30 p.m. Central Time per the giveaway details. I am no longer accepting entries to this giveaway***

If you haven't had the fun of reading a Kerrelyn Sparks paranormal romance, then you're in for a treat. Kerrelyn is offering to one lucky winner a signed copy of her fun and fangtastic novel, All I Want For Christmas Is A Vampire:

Toni's friend is in the hospital going on about vampires. Toni will prove her right. But can she resist Ian's charm, in spite of his fangs?

As always, the book is full of Kerrelyn's wit, romance, and awesome vampires.

To enter, please read all the rules carefully:

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY CLOSED PER THIS POST'S DETAILS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST AND FOR SUPPORTING KERRELYN. PLEASE COME AGAIN.

*I will check with Kerrelyn to see if this giveaway is USA citizens only or all countries.*  ****EDITS 10:56 a.m.:  Kerrelyn has confirmed that USA and Other countries may enter--so yes, this IS an international giveaway day******

The giveaway will close at 10:30 p.m. Central Time. 

******EDIT 12:16 p.m. -- ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. I thought I had posted that, but it looks like I forgot. I'm only entering everyone ONCE. ********

Choose one of two ways to enter:

First way:  You can comment on this blog. If you choose to enter by leaving a comment please leave your first name and an email address. If you do not leave an email address you will be disqualified.  ***Edit 12:17 p.m.:  If you see your comment published in the comment section, that means I have received your entry and have entered you in the giveaway. If you have questions, email me at bethany.averie@yahoo.com

Second Way:  If you'd rather not leave your email address, send me an email to bethany.averie@yahoo.com.

Have fun everybody!

***THIS GIVEAWAY WAS OFFICIALLY CLOSED, PER POST'S DETAILS on WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14th AT 10:30 p.m. CENTRAL TIME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST AND SUPPORT OF KERRELYN SPARKS. PLEASE COME AGAIN***

Have A Winsome Wednesday!

Gregori Celebrates My Birthday

Happy Tuesday All,

****CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED****

In honor of my birthday (that was on Oct. 15th) I am doing TWO give aways! The FIRST one is TODAY! 

Today's give away is a copy of Kerrelyn Sparks' Sexiest Vampire Alive. Kerrelyn, being the awesome person that she is, has agreed to give a signed copy of the novel to ONE lucky commenter on my blog.

Here's how it's going to work and please read all instructions CAREFULLY. ONE entry PER person:

If you choose to email in your entry:

Email to this email ONLY.  Your email should state who your favorite vampire is. And no, it does NOT have to be one of Kerrelyn Sparks' characters, but that would be really cool if you DID mention one of hers.

If you choose to enter by commenting on my blog:

Leave your FIRST name, email address, and what vampire is your favorite. It can be ANY vampire--but like I said, it would be really cool if you mention a Kerrelyn Sparks' vampire.

You don't know Kerrelyn Sparks' vampire? Well just go here to her book list and have a look-see. Or mention a vampire you particularly like.

Contest will close at 11:00 p.m. Central Time today (October 18th).

Questions or comments, please email me at this email address.

Thank you, Gregori & Kerrelyn for helping me celebrate my birthday!

EDIT (11:55 a.m.):  Please note that ALL comments go through moderation from me before they are published. I'm receiving some double posts. Posts don't appear on my comment section UNTIL they are approved. Sorry for the confusion!

Have A Thrilling Tuesday!

Snowbound With A Vampire

Happy Wednesday All,

What a treat, two official blog reviews in one week! Syrie James especially asked me to review her book, Nocturne, on my blog. It's a beautiful novel and I'm delighted to tell you about it:

Michael Tyler didn't ask to be a vampire. In fact, it was the very last thing he ever wanted in his life. Tired of the bodies stacking up around him, he's shut himself off from the world--inside a huge house on a mountain in Colorado. He finds a way to exist, and limits contact with humans to telephone calls and the Internet.

That is...until Nicole blows through his part of the world.

Nicole's running from a past so painful she didn't even go back to the job she loved. Now she merely exists--thinking it's enough. Colorado struck her fancy for the skiing and meeting up with her college friends for a wedding. But it's time to get back to her cat and her responsibilities.

In an attempt to outrun a blizzard, Nicole suffers a car accident and gets knocked unconscious. When she comes to she finds herself being tended by Michael in his home. He keeps the fact he's a vampire secret and sidesteps her by being short-tempered.

At first it seems being stuck with Michael while the blizzard blows over is going to be a trial. Until Nicole uncovers his secrets.

Can two people really fall in love in less than a week? And, if they do give in and let themselves fall in love...will it last?

I loved this book! I'm still under it's spell and you can fall under the spell of Nocturne by picking it up at Barnes & Noble or Amazon...also available on Barnes& Noble Nook and Amazon Kindle. Go ahead! Colorado is waiting...and so are Michael and Nicole!

Have A Wonderful Wednesday!

Have You Caught The New Releases?

Happy Tuesday Everybody,

Well, I have discovered the importance of coffee in my life--although I knew it already, I was reminded again this morning...especially when I was trying to type in passwords on email and Twitter before I finished my first cup of coffee. Not smart.

Today is a release day! The Humorous Vampire Queen, Kerrelyn Sparks, and the Cool As Can Be, Will Graham, both have new books out today!



Kerrelyn Sparks has her brand new adult Vampire Romance, Love At Stake novel featuring my favorite character, Gregori out. You can find Sexiest Vampire Alive in paperback at Amazon or at Barnes & Noble or on Amazon Kindle, or if you don't have a Kindle on Barnes & Noble Nook.

Will Graham has his new adult Romantic Thriller novel, Spider's Dance is now available through Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook. I've heard a lot about this novel and it looks like it'll be quite a ride!

Currently, I'm way behind on my reading because I've been prepping for the NWHRWA Lone Star Conference, but I hope to catch up sometime after the conference.

Are there any releases I've missed? I know I don't always catch them all (and that's not on purpose, either).

Have A Thrilling Tuesday!

What's Your POV?

Happy Monday Everyone,

This past weekend the illustrious Christie Craig gave a special workshop to the Northwest Houston Romance Writers of America, which, I'm proud to say I'm a member of this awesome group. The workshop was called "High Tea & POV" although, I don't know how many people actually consumed tea (I had water), but we sure listened in rapt attention as Christie talked about getting into your character's heads.

In fact...that's precisely what POV is. POV--point of view. Which character is telling the story? Is it your heroine? Then you see, feel, hear, smell, taste, experience intuition and thoughts of that character.

These are things that I've talked about with my C.P. but I'm not always consciously aware of them while I'm writing. When I'm writing I'm imaging how the character reacts based on what I know about the character. I'm reacting and visualizing. When I go back and edit I'm looking at the dialogue and thoughts and saying to myself, "Now would so-and-so really say it that way? Is that really their character?"

Christie made POV accessible. I had no trouble understanding what she had to say. I don't know if it's because my CP and I have talked about POV or if because I subconsciously knew some of what she had to say (or both). Either way, she made POV something you could grasp and understand. She made it make sense.

By the way...tomorrow Kerrelyn Sparks' Sexiest Vampire Alive comes out! I've been waiting and waiting for this novel. I love Gregori--he's my favorite character out of her Love At Stake series.

Another thing to note about this week:  I am going to be doing another giveaway! I have a SIGNED copy of Christie Craig's Don't Mess With Texas. I don't know which day I'm giving it away, yet, so don't be a stranger.

So, what about you? Is POV something you grasp or something you're still trying to understand?

Have A Marvelous Monday!

Spotlight On Author: Nancy Gideon

Happy Thursday All,

**Contest portion of this post is now officially closed.**

I enjoy every author interview I post on here for different reasons. This author's writing is what I term "tight". She writes in such a fashion that not only does she keep track of the main story, but she's able to weave several side stories without getting lost. You never quite know what's going to happen next when you enter this author's world of New Orleans Mob, a sassy strong-willed dectective, "preternatural" creatures...it's enough to send shivers down your back. And all of it is from the talented pen/keyboard of author Nancy Gideon.

So, let me introduce you to Nancy Gideon, author of the Moonlight series (Adult Romance), which has a brand new one coming out July 26, 2011. However, Nancy has graciously offered to giveaway a copy of her up coming release, Bound By Moonlight as well as a "book thong" to one lucky blog commenter (I'll tell you at the end of the interview how to enter). Please be sure to read the contest information at the END of the interview--I'm doing the contest slightly differently than I normally do, so you don't want to miss some information.

So without further ado, here's Nancy Gideon...

Me:  Bound By Moonlight is your newest release and number 4 in the By Moonlight series. Can you tell us a little bit about it and about the By Moonlight series in general?



Nancy: The first four books in my dark paranormal series for Pocket follow the same hero and heroine. Sexy shape-shifter Max Savoie inherits a criminal empire from his former mentor and a clan of New Orleans Shifters who believe he’s their prophesied leader. Charlotte Caissie is a tough-as-nails homicide detective who is trying to reconcile her devotion to duty with her love for Max. Coming to terms with their dark pasts and the threat of Max’s secret escaping are complicated by Cee Cee’s undercover work to catch a serial killer. BOUND BY MOONLIGHT can be read independently of the earlier books, but readers be cautioned: You’ll want them all.


Me:  You have 4 books in the By Moonlight series so far, how many are you planning to have total?


Nancy:  I’ve got two more written and sold: HUNTER OF SHADOWS which will be out November 29, 2011 and Book 6 which isn’t titled yet that will be out in July, 2012. These books feature the same By Moonlight world but have different heroes and heroines the readers will recognize from the earlier books. And Max and Cee Cee will make appearances as strong secondary characters.


Me:  For fun: What's your favorite way to unwind?


Nancy:  I’m a Netflix addict. I take to the couch with a warm cat and a good movie to lose myself in someone else’s imagination. Working out and cleaning house also free up the creative muse, but Netflix is more fun. Unless there’s a warm beach handy.


Me:  What sparked the By Moonlight series and is there a particular muse involved?


Nancy:  I had a publisher interested in a werewolf proposal I’d submitted. They loved the prologue . . . but wanted everything else changed, from the characters to the plotline. While I was brainstorming a new Chapter One, I started writing the scene with Cee Cee at the grisly crime scene where the Prologue left off, and just started typing. The story unfolded so fast, I was three books in before I realized it, all without the kind of outline I’d always structured my books upon. The thought of my ADD/OCD self wandering about in the creative realm without a road map still mystifies me to this day. But there was something about Max . . .


Me:  What advice do you have for aspiring authors?


Nancy:  Butt in chair, first and foremost. You have to get it written before you can edit it and send to out. Stick with it and don’t get discouraged. Sometimes rejection is just a matter of trend or timing, and has nothing to do with the quality of the work. Have a good support system of either a writers or critique group or online buddies, someone who knows what a writer goes through and who can talk you off the ledge of discouragement.


Me:  You have other books you've written both under your Nancy Gideon and other names. Are there any among them that stands out in your mind and why?


Nancy:  I’ve enjoyed all of my 50+ books and each is special in its own way. My favorite characters will always be Max from the By Moonlight series and Harm Bass from my Dana Ransom historical Texas series for Zebra that helped me get a Career Achievement for Historical Adventure award from Romantic Times Magazine because they were so unpredictable. And then there’s the silkily vicious Gerard from my Midnight vampire series. I probably had the most fun writing the upcoming HUNTER OF SHADOWS book because the hero and heroine play so wonderfully off each other. He’s an intense Shifter cop and she’s an assassin. Lots of sparks and action.


Me:  For Fun: What types of movies do you like?


Nancy:  I’m an action/adventure junkie. I love the mindless adrenaline rush, but it’s got to have enough plot and character development to ground my attention. I also enjoy a twisty tale like LA CONFIDENTIAL, the slick paranormal gloss of CONSTANTINE, and the always heart-tugging THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT. I’ll watch anything that can snag my restless ADD eye, but my inner-editor won’t always let me stick with it.


Me:  Can you tell us a little about your journey from unpublished writer to published writer?


Nancy:  I’d always written stories but had never completed a book until after I quit the work force to have my first son. I started out in the early ‘80s when romance was huge. I’d written four complete historical novels before finding the courage to pick the best one to send in. This was before the Internet, and the only thing I knew about the publishing industry was what I read in the Fiction Writers Market at the local library. I can’t believe I made that first sale as ignorant as I was about the craft and the business. (I wrote my first six books out in long hand than typed them up on my Smith Corolla complete with correction tape.) The proposal for that first book went out to four publishers at random, and in two weeks Zebra called to ask for a complete. It wasn’t even typed! In less than two months, I got The Call to buy it and they wanted to see anything else I had. I sold another of those original four books, and consistently thereafter, starting out without a writers group or an agent or with any contact with any other author. Now I’ve got a great critique group and am plowing my way into the Social Media arena.


Me:  What's does the future hold for you as far as you and your writing?


Nancy: I’m up for anything. I’m hoping to go back to contract with Pocket soon for more paranormals and would like to continue expanding the BY MOONLIGHT world. I’m also looking at ways to get my 50+ book backlist into at least e-format for readers who may have missed them.


Me:  Do you have any upcoming appearances?


Nancy:  Next week is the release week for BOUND BY MOONLIGHT, which will be on the stands on July 26. I’ve got tons of fun stuff planned and will be all over the blog-verse. I’ve got lots of contests and giveaways in the works!


Check for times and places on my website at http://nancygideon.com or on FaceBook and Twitter. To launch my blog at http://nancygideon.blogspot.com as well as my book, I’ve got a weeklong scavenger hunt planned with a mondo prize attached. Check the blog for details!


Me:  Anything else you'd like to add?


Nancy:  I’d like to thank my editor and Pocket Books for letting me go outside the box with the first four books of this series. These were the Books of My Heart and I so appreciate the risk they took!


Thank you so much, Nancy Gideon, for the interview...now onto the contest:

***CONTEST IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED***
Please be sure to include first name and email address if you enter by commenting on here.


EMAIL ENTRIES:  If you want to email your entry, there is only ONE email address I will be accepting emailed entries and that is:  bethany.averie@yahoo.com  Put NANCY GIDEON CONTEST in the subject line.


All you have to do is comment in the comment section or email me to enter.


I'll close the contest at 10:30 p.m. CENTRAL Time.


Have A Thrilling Thursday!