Furry Stories

Happy Wednesday All,

Sorry I didn't post yesterday. I had something I had to do and I was hanging out with my family. (Both things went well, by the way, no worries).

Two things before I get to today's topic:

1.  If you're a Kerrelyn Sparks fan and you haven't read Vampire Mine It's a good one. I won't give anything away, but Connor has met his match. (I stayed up until 4 a.m. the other night to finish this one).

2. Be sure and check out the NWHRWA's Lone Star Contest. It looks like it's going to be a good one this year. Looks like they got some awesome final judges. Early entry means you get a $5 discount. Best wishes to those who enter his contest.

Okay, so today's topic is also the Question for the day: 

What's your favorite animal?

Mine are cats. I like horses, too, but mostly cats. I prefer the fluffy ones, although I generally don't gravitate towards Persian cats. I do like Maine Coons as well as some other breeds. Growing up I had a couple of cats. One of them might have been a Maine Coon because he had big feet and a big head--but I don't know for sure. His name was Muzzy (MOOTS-ZEE). He was a light orange/tan color with white. He used to sleep in my bed. One time I got up to go to the bathroom, came back and Muzzy was in the middle of my bed. I told him that was my place and he looked at me like "Yeah, so?" I ended up having to move him over. He wasn't impressed, but when I petted his head he started purring. He had a loud, motorcycle/motor boat sounding purr and would let me lean my head against his side to hear it. The cat before him was a smaller, darker orange cat (female) named Taboo. Originally my parents weren't going to let us have cats, but Taboo was a special case. She was a stray and well things didn't look good for her future. We adopted her, got her "fixed" and she became one of the family. She didn't like other cats or dogs. I was about 12 or 13 when she died (not sure of the specifics, we think lightning had something to do with it). I liked Taboo, but Muzzy was my pal. We got him some time after Taboo's death. He was also an exception to the "no cats" rule, but we had already used the name "Taboo" so we decided on a different one. He was named for the Muzzy Language Videos (the German version). Anyway, I still like cats. I don't own any now, but I still have a picture of Muzzy I kept all these years. (I don't have it on computer, sorry). 

So tell me about your favorite animal and why it's your favorite?

Have A Winsome Wednesday!

Weekend And Chocolate Addictions

Happy Monday Everybody,

Did you all have a good weekend? Mine was pretty good. I watched the Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson, Jack Nickolson, How Do You Know. It had a cute ending but it was a very different kind of romantic comedy. I also finished reading Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. It was interesting and I'll have to pick up the next one just so I can see what will happen. Sunday night I watched on ABC Family, My Future Boyfriend. It's a sweet romance (yes, I do like those). I liked it.

Today I'm thinking in chocolate. (Thanks to a Ghirardelli Chocolate commercial). I am a big chocolate fan. Favorite Godiva truffle: Cappuccino.  Favorite Grocery Store Truffle:  Lindt Milk Chocolate Truffles. Favorite Chocolate Candy Bars:  Twix and Three Musketeers. Favorite Chocolate Ice Cream:  Baskin Robbins' World Class Chocolate. 

Growing up used to have chocolate cake with chocolate icing decorated with M&M's candy. Then I switched to a Baskin Robbins chocolate cake next to World Class Chocolate ice cream with white icing.

And, yes, I do like Ghirardelli Chocolate, too.

So, what chocolate do you like?

Have A Marvelous Monday!

Spotlight On Author: Jane Heller

Happy Friday All,

Awhile back I picked up a book called The Secret Ingredient. Not sure of what to expect, I read it. I laughed and had a fun ride. Then I looked at the author's bio. Jane Heller. Hmm. I picked up more by Jane. Some Nerve became my favorite and I enjoyed Lucky Stars (I haven't read all her books, yet, but I've definitely enjoyed the three I mentioned here). Then I got to talking to Jane in email and over on her blog, Mainly Jane. I'm pleased to count her among my author friends and I am excited to introduce her to you:

Me: Can you tell us a little bit about the difference between your fiction and non-fiction writing?

Jane: The great thing about writing fiction is having the opportunity to create characters and stories entirely out of my imagination. It’s so liberating to make things up! And because I write romantic comedies, I get to make people laugh, which is such a joy for me. And then there’s the happy ending. I’m a big fan of happy endings. I like to see characters resolve their problems, find a satisfying relationship, learn something new about themselves. In “real life,” that’s not always the case. The beauty of writing nonfiction, on the other hand, is that you don’t have to make anything up! The material is all right there in front of you. But that has challenges too. When I wrote my nonfiction book about baseball, “Confessions of a She-Fan,” I turned in a 600-page manuscript because I wanted to show my editor I was all about “reportage.” She said, “Cut the manuscript in half. We don’t need to know everything. We just need to know what matters and, as the author, it’s your job to decide what that is.” Best advice I ever got. As I write my new nonfiction book, “You’d Better Not Die Or I’ll Kill you: A Caregiver’s Survival Guide to Keeping YOU in Good Health and Good Spirits,” I’m keeping her words in mind every day.



Me: Have you thought of writing anymore fiction?

Jane: Yes. I have two novels in the computer. One is the first in a possible series of novels with a heroine who solves mysteries. Some of my early novels (“Cha Cha Cha,” “The Club,” “Princess Charming,” “Sis Boom Bah,” “Name Dropping”) all had a mystery that had to be solved by the heroine and I’d love to get back to that combination of humor, romance and suspense. The other novel I’m playing with has an element of the supernatural. It’s something different for me, so I’m taking it very slowly. I hope to get back to both projects once I turn in the caregiver’s book.


Me: On your blog you mention An Ex To Grind is in the process of maybe being made into a film. Can you tell us what's going on with that?

Jane: Yes, I’m very excited about this one, because I’ve had eight novels optioned for movies and television in the past and none of those options ever turned into anything. So frustrating! “An Ex to Grind,” however, has two stars attached. It was optioned last year by 20th Century Fox with Cameron Diaz and Benecio Del Toro agreeing to play the leads if they like the script, which is being written by Jeremy Garelick, who wrote “The Break-Up” with Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn and also “The Hangover.” The two producers are Laura Bickford, who produced “Duplicity” with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen, and Julie Yorn, who was responsible for “Bride Wars” with Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson. So everybody involved has great credentials. Will this one happen? I’m crossing all fingers and toes.


Me: For Fun: What's your favorite way to relax?

Jane: I try to take an hour’s walk in the afternoons after I finish my writing day. We have beautiful beaches here in Santa Barbara, so I love to power walk near the shore and soak up the scenery. And I’ve become addicted to the Food Network. When I want to zone out, I turn on “Iron Chef America” or “Chopped” and am fascinated by the creativity of those chefs. And I love to read. I recently bought a Kindle, so now I’m downloading books like crazy.


Me:  What's next for you since you've conquered the world of being a publicist, fiction, and non-fiction writer?

Jane: I’m writing a nonfiction book (see title above) that will be published by Chronicle in 2012. My husband has Crohn’s disease, a chronic illness, so I know a thing or two about being a caregiver. I’ve been interviewing people who care for a spouse, a child, an elderly relative, you name it, along with experts in the fields of medicine, psychology, social work, diet, health, nutrition, meditation – all in an effort to find ways we caregivers can stay sane. It’s been a fascinating journey so far.

Me: For fun: Do you have a favorite hobby?

Jane: I love going to movies. We have the Santa Barbara International Film Festival here and I belong to an off-shoot group called Cinema Society. We get screenings of upcoming movies throughout the year as well as visits from their stars, directors, screenwriters, etc. I’m able to see all the Oscar nominated films well before they open in other parts of the country.

Me: What's easier to write for you? Fiction or non-fiction?

Jane: They’re equally hard. You’re telling stories. You’re creating a structure. You’re spending hours a day at the computer trying to get every sentence right. I don’t know a single professional writer of either fiction or nonfiction who thinks the process is fun. It’s grueling work but oh-so-satisfying when you finish a manuscript.

Me: Your site mentions you're a public speaker...do you still do that and what topics do you speak about?

Jane: I’ve been a hospital volunteer ever since I wrote my 13th novel, “Some Nerve,” which is about a celebrity journalist who signs up as a hospital volunteer to get the scoop on a movie star patient. I’m on hiatus from volunteering at the moment, because I have a book deadline, but I’ve spoken to many groups about the joys and rewards of hospital volunteering and I try to recruit others. I’ve also been on numerous panels talking about writing romantic comedies. I’m told I’m a funny speaker, which is very flattering to me. I love to entertain and make people laugh.


Me: Anything else you'd like to add?

Jane: Nope. I think you’ve covered it. Great questions, Bethany!


Thank you, Jane, for the interview :-)


Have A Fabulous Friday!

Dragons!

Happy Thursday Everyone,

Wednesday evening I finished reading Firelight by Sophie Jordan, which center around a type of dragon.

Speaking of dragons, I've found out Ciara Gold just put out a new novel. Dragon King is now available on Kindle. (It's got a gorgeous cover, by the way).

Firelight was an interesting YA novel. It was based on the idea of Draki--a type of dragon shifter. They can shift into human shape (which they generally keep unless threatened or under the cover of night). Their main enemy are the hunters, who hunt them for their blood (which has incredible healing powers for humans), their ability to find jewels, and their skins. Jacinda comes face to face with a young hunter near her age one day when she's disobeying her pride when she "manifests" (as their shape shifting is called) into their dragon form and the hunters ambush them. The young hunter (whom she finds out is named Will) lets Jacinda go, but she never forgets him. 

Her mother is worried about the pride's plans for Jacinda--because she can breath fire (a rarity) they want to mate her with the Alpha's son, Cassian. Fleeing the pride, Jacinda's mother takes her and Tamra (Jacinda's twin sister) out of the protective mists right into the desert amid the humans. Hoping the desert will make Jacinda's draki disappear (the mother got hers to die when she stayed there and Tamra has never manifested), she figures Jacinda will be safe from the pride's plans and they can lead a "normal" life.

Jacinda finds out Will attends the high school she and Tamra are enrolled in. Sparks fly and there's an undeniable Romeo & Juliet type attraction between them.

Unfortunately, danger looms in the form of Will's cousin, Xander and Cassian's surprise appearance in the town. In order to save Will from Cassian, Jacinda manifests. Too bad it's right in front of Xander, which puts herself, Tamra, and her mother in danger.

This first book in the series is an imaginative ride, told in first person, present tense (which doesn't interfere with the story...that type of format means all the action is immediate--happening right at that moment). I'm looking forward to the next one, Vanish, which is due to release in September of this year. It'll be interesting to see what happens next.

Have A Tantalizing Thursday!

You're Just In Time For A News Flash...

Happy Wednesday All,



First of all, right now out of physical books I'm reading Firelight by Sophie Jordan. I just started, but it looks good. (Apparently it's been optioned for a movie, here's the article by Variety). On my E-Reader I've started reading Nina Cordoba's Not Dreaming Of You.


My friend, Loretta Wheeler has just put out a short story available on Kindle and Nook. It looks really good (I plan on getting and reading it, believe me). She told me the god, Pan is involved. It's entitled, The Pan Man. That sparked my interest (I love Greek/Roman Mythology. My hopeless romantic side has read several versions of Cupid & Psyche).

Tess St. John (my marvelous CP) is working on getting her novels ready for release, so don't put away those Kindles and Nooks anytime soon! You won't want to miss out on her work.

Oh and Kerrelyn Sparks fans...September is only 5 months away...then we finally get to see Gregori's story! (He's my favorite Vamp out of her series).


If you like vampires, take a peek at Robin Badillo's work. She's got 2 series available on Kindle.


So what are you reading now?


Have A Wondrous Wednesday!

"Whistle While You Work"

Happy Tuesday All,

For those who are wracking their brain about where the quote from my title comes from, it's from Disney's Snow White And The Seven Dwarves.

I know this post is a bit late in the day for me to post, but at the time when I normally post I wasn't completely satisfied with any of the ideas that I had. (Although, I think some of you might've enjoyed talking about cakes, ice cream and donuts, right?)

In any case, looking at the margin of my blog sparked any idea. If you look on the right hand side (where my big margin is on here) and arrow down a bit, you'll find my play list for my novel, SURREAL. 

Now, I don't always listen to music while I work, but every now and again it comes in handy. Like one day I was listening to The Cure's Friday I'm In Love while I worked on one of my novels. (Yeah, I really like 1980's music...I like some other music, too, of course, but there are several titles from the 1980's that I really like).

Another position music holds in my writing is encouragement/motivitation. Anyone who's been to my Facebook page (and viewed it last week) knows I really like a song from the musical, Jekyll & Hyde called This Is The Moment. I find it very motiviating (and thrilling). I haven't seen the musical (I don't know if I will, but I do like that song from it).

In any case, music is very important to me. It envokes emotion, it inspires, it thrills. Although I will never been a concert pianoist, or a famous singer, I do love music and I'm glad to have it be a part of my life :-)

What music do you like and why?

Have A Thrilling Tuesday!

3, 2, 1 Launch Party!

Happy Monday Everybody,

Here's hoping everyone had a great weekend. I had an awesome one.

The NWHRWA annual Lone Star Contest is now open for entries! There's an early bird discount for those who are interested. So come on and check out NWHRWA Lone Star Contest page. There's some really great final judges, so come check it out.

As I mentioned last week, Friday was Christie Craig (C.C. Hunter) launch party for her YA book, Born At Midnight, book one in her new Shadow Falls series.



Even if you couldn't make it to the launch party at Katy Budget Books, I thought I'd provide you, my readers, with a taste of it, so you can get a little taste of what it was like (a lot of fun). I don't have a lot of pictures, but here they are:

Christie (C.C.) answering questions

More of Christie (C.C.) answering a question.

Christie (C.C.) signing copies of Born At Midnight

Christie (C.C.'s) cake--it looks just like the cover of Born At Midnight (isn't it gorgeous?)

Triple "threat"! From left to right:  Bethany Averie (me), Kerrelyn Sparks (author of Love At Stake series and For Love Or Country) and Christie Craig (C.C. Hunter).

Anyway it was fun and hope you all get to attend a book launch party one day :-)

Have A Merry Monday!