It's A Mad, Mad Wonderland...

Happy Wednesday Everybody,

My computer and/or blog website is acting up, so I don't have any pictures to go with this blog post. I apologize!

Recently I finished a trilogy. The writing was incredibly well done. The plot had many twists and turns, which I imagine the author had to keep many notes to make sure she knew what was next. The characters were deep and well thought out. In fact, one of them, named Morpheus was incredibly complex. Keeping track of how he reacts to things and how he thinks and the fact he had such well-thought out schemes suggests to me perhaps this writer is a major plotter. I highly admire such foresight. The writing, descriptions, action, and romantic tension were all well done. 

If fairy-tales/Wonderland and/or YA novels are up your alley then perhaps you'd want to read it. Or even if they aren't your favorite you might still want to read this trilogy. Why? Because the writing is just that good. It's so well thought out and executed. I'm in awe of it.

So, if you're intrigued or even just a little bit curious, check out A.G. Howard's Splintered, Unhinged, and Ensnared. I think that whatever you feel about Wonderland, the fact that she can keep track of all the itty-bitty intricate details will leave you gaping in wonder (it did for me). I plan to read the novellas that are companions to this trilogy and the new story she has coming out in 2017. Say hi to Morpheus and Jeb for me. Don't tick off Red! Befriend Alyssa. And remember, nothing is as it seems.

Have A Wonderfully Whimsical Wednesday!

One-Size Fits All?

Happy Monday All,

Death Ray Sinus Infection gave way to Death Ray respiratory infections in my Offspring unfortunately. Fevers, coughing, congestion, and antibiotics is our life at the moment. We'll be glad when the Death Ray Infections get out of our house. And illness please, please, please stay out!

On the writing front, I'm working on two

Botanical Gardens in Springdale, Arkansas

completely new ideas and discerning what direction to take with an established story. For now, I'm not entirely sure what direction I'll take, but I expect I'll be clued into what to do some time.

I've discovered that one-size fits all doesn't exist (at least, not every time something says "one size fits all" or "one size fits most"). My mom ordered me this gorgeous skirt. It said one-size fits all, but the reviews were pretty good, so I waited for it. It arrived over the weekend and it was as gorgeous as the picture. I put it on, and it was extremely tight with no clear

Michigan

answer on how to loosen the elastic. Now, I'm not very big around the waist, but I'm not a size zero, or a size 2. So, mom promised to see if there's a way to fix it because I really like the skirt. It's gorgeous and looks good on. I just would it to be a smidgen less tight. So yeah, one-size does not always fit all.

Which is also true about books, careers, or dreams.

Every author I know has a different type of career, even if some of the aspects are similar to one another. But every author has to do what's right for him or her. There is no one-size fits all.

So, what are you all reading these days?

Have A Marvelously Merry Monday! 

Death-Rays, Disappointment, & Prevailing...

Happy Friday All,

Coming up with the nickname for my ailment and author Stacy Hoff's inspiring blog post, gave me the urge to write this post. So thanks, Stacy!

The Death-Ray Sinus Infection hit my household. Well, me. It started last Friday with dry, sore throat. Okay, whatever, we ran the heater, I often feel that way with the heater on. Saturday I feel like crap--like pulled through the mud crap. Sunday I feel better. Monday I'm so-so. Tuesday fever hit me, and I went to the doctor. I got an antibiotic and started on it right away. Wednesday I felt slightly better. Thursday, fever went up again. Now it's Friday. I feel crappy.

Yep, it's the Death-Ray Sinus Infection. My poor body feels like an 18-wheeler dragged it down through the mud, across a busy freeway, down the "Cliffs of Insanity" (The Princess Bride reference) and through the swamp of eternal coughing and it's weak and tired.

Husband, being the super-hero he is, is doing his best to rescue me.

He's taken the day off, occupying the Offspring, helping with school work, and everything else (I've mentioned he's my Real Life Hero, right?) 

While trying to get over this Death-Ray Sinus Infection I've hit a few more bumps--disappointments, death of a chapter mate, and seeing a fellow writer go through the week from Tartarus (now I'm referencing Greek Mythology and my Immortal Dreams Trilogy--who knew that? Ding, ding, you're awesome!)

But, I got inspired to write this blog post, right? So that's pretty cool. And despite the disappointments, weakness, and the stupid, idiotic-please-let-me-punch-its-face-in-sinus-infection, I am mending. Slowly. Prayers and positive thoughts are much appreciated, welcome, and I think of you with a smile when you offer them.

I might try to write today despite the Death Ray's effects on my poor, mistreated self. Show Death-Ray it won't win against me. I will prevail. Like Frodo did. Okay, Frodo had a worse week than me, but it's the camaraderie I feel that matters here. (Who knows who Frodo is? Say so in the comments!)

Hope you've had a much better week than me--although there have been some bright spots (like the times I felt better, the sun shining, the fact that one of my best friends called me, one of my other best friends got the birthday card I sent her, and another texted me today) so count one's blessings, right?

Have A Fabulously Fantastical Friday and an awesome Weekend!

Seasons Of...

Happy Wednesday Everyone,

To those observing Ash Wednesday, hope you have a good beginning to Lent.

What's your favorite season?

Since I love sunshine and cool weather, anything happy like Christmas and Easter attract me. I love the lights at Christmas, the carols, presents, everything. It's about anticipation and joy. Easter is about new life, second chances, and redemption.

So what's yours and why?

Hope everyone has a good Lent.

Have A Wonderfully Winsome Wednesday!

Running The Averie Marathon...

Happy Tuesday Everybody,

Whew! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to update this blog. Things are chaotic in the Averie Household and some days I feel like I'm running a marathon.

Recently I was talking with a friend of mine who mentioned she was starting a writers' group somewhere. I'm not able to be a part of the group, but she wants me to come out and do a talk. I'm very flattered and thrilled to be asked, so I inquired what she'd want me to talk about. She mentioned networking. We chatted a bit about that and my wheels have been turning ever since. (We're looking at me doing the talk sometime in the summer, we haven't set a date, yet). I'm looking forward to it.

My illustrious critique partner, Tess St. John, has just released the 5th and final book in her Undercover Intrigue, romantic suspense series. The novel is entitled Eyes Of A Stranger and for a limited time it's on sale for 99 cents on Amazon Kindle. I haven't read this one and am really looking forward to seeing how she wraps up the series. The romantic suspense have been my favorite out of all the many genres she writes. I like her other work, but this series has been my favorite. I'm so happy for her. She works so hard and has done some incredible things with her work.

Another new release that I am excited about (and have read--and enjoyed) is Stacy Hoff's Desire In The Arctic (sequel to Desire In The Everglades, but you can read them out of order, but I recommend reading the first one before picking up this one). What can I say about this novel aside from fun, adventure, suspense, and romance all rolled into a heart-warming novel is worth sitting down with a good cup of coffee (or tea, or wine, or whatever drink you prefer) and enjoying. Stacy has an incredible imagination and never ceases to intrigue me with her ideas. This one is also available on Amazon Kindle.

I continue working on my WIP (Work In Progress) as much as possible and I'm making some progress on it. I'm not sure when I'll be done, but I'm hoping before too many more months go by I'll have it written and working on editing and getting it critiqued. 

I'm also working on critiquing a fellow author's work. We've worked with each other before and I really want to help her out. She's a very imaginative author who nails emotion in her novels quite well.

What are you reading these days?

Have A Tremendously Terrific Tuesday!

A Note Of Sympathy 2016...

I wish to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of:

David Bowie (singer/musician/actor)

Alan Rickman (actor)

Glenn Frey (member of The Eagles group)

Rene Angelil (Celine Dion's husband)

And anyone else famous or not famous who has passed recently.

Loss is hard. I've had several loved ones in my life pass on. And while nobody can (or SHOULD) take their place, there are healthy ways to mourn. I hope everyone who is mourning has people and healthy methods to help them through their mourning process. My heart and prayers go out to you.

All my best,

Bethany Averie

Dancing Along

Happy Tuesday All,

Are you a good dancer? Or do you just freelance?

When I was younger I took ballet, tap, and jazz for several years. I

never danced en pointe in ballet, but I did enjoy it. Growing up, I felt sort of awkward, and sometimes a bit on the klutzy side. Ballet made me feel graceful and beautiful. I wasn't very good at tap or jazz, but some of it was fun.

Fountain in Frankenmuth, Michigan

Nowadays I'm not doing too many arabesques, shuffle-ball-changes, or shimmying my way across the floor. Usually I have one of my offspring with me and I dance around the room with them (while they giggle incessantly--generally with me, thank goodness!)

Sometimes I turn on country music and try to 2-step around the living room. Other times, I turn on children's songs, or rock n roll, sometimes folk-rock. Music is always a good way to boost your mood, and dancing can be fun (and good exercise, too!)

When you want to "cut a rug" what do you do?

Have A Twirl-Terrific Tuesday!