Ooops!

 Good Evening/Late Evening Everyone!

It's after 9 pm my time on March 31, 2023, and I just realized I never posted any post for March! I'm sorry I neglected to do this.

I hope everyone's March was good--mine was busy! 

Recently I started doing some critique for a fellow author. I can't give details or a name or anything, but this author's work intrigued me. I've been having a blast! It's really been and honor and privilege to do this for the author. This author has some interesting ideas. *Cue Smiley Face Emoji*

Not much to report on The Author Encounter front right now. I'll do so when I can.

Still waiting on some agent responses to the novel I'm query. (I don't like to publicly give details on query stats, sorry, not my style).

Oh and yes, I've been doing some writing, too! But you know I don't say much about what I'm working on--but I do have a holidayish-themed WIP. Normally I don't do very well with writing holiday-themed novels, but this one has been a fun little thing to work on. I've got several other WIPs (Works In Progress) going, so never fear, the imagination is working.

Gearing up for Easter (can hardly believe Holy Week starts on MONDAY!) Hope y'all have a Blessed Easter if I don't get to post before Easter Sunday. Take care and have a FRABJOUS night!

All my best,

Bethany Averie

February, The Month of Many Things...

 Happy Friday!

We're nearing the end of February, if you can believe it! Sometimes I think this year is going by fast.

February is a mixed bag of emotions for me. Early February marks my eldest's birthday, which is a good thing. One of my siblings has a wedding anniversary. Another good thing. Two family members (a sibling and a cousin) have birthdays. (I think other relatives have birthdays this month, too, but I can't remember). Some friends have birthdays. More good things. Unfortunately, my friend, Sarah's death anniversary is also in February.

So, while I like Valentine's Day okay, and I'm totally on board with celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, always in the back of my head is February 20th. That's the day Sarah died. This year marked 10 years, which felt big. I couldn't figure out why it felt big, but one of my counselors said "It IS a big one." Leading up to February 20, 2023, I did have several bouts of tears. But none on the actual day. It was as if I had done all of that and now I was ready to just get passed it. It felt like I was holding my breath. The thing is, if she's in Heaven, no matter how much I might miss her, I don't begrudge her that. Her being gone does mean that certain things are sometimes hard (even with hoping for Heaven--missing her/struggling with certain things are the human side of me). There are songs I don't like to listen to much. Yet, despite sadness, there is joy because I remember all the times we sat and laughed together. I remember her encouraging my writing and supporting my dreams of having a career as an author. How much she believed in me. So, regardless of tears shed, there is joy. And that's what I try to hang onto. So, don't worry about me or pity me, rejoice that I had those moments.

Putting aside the sadder part of this post (sorry to bring anyone down, that is NOT my intention!) I do have some fun stuff to report. I got some positive response on one of my queries--I can't say much unless they offer me rep & I sign with them, but it's still nice to get positive response(s). I've been re-reading one of my WIPs (Works In Progress) to do some more writing on it. I've got several other WIPs in various stages of being written, so lots of ideas. All of those are really fun things to report on. I won't say a lot about what I'm writing (I like to kinda keep it close with only a few people knowing what it is), but as always, there are magical things, some kind of adventure (I always think even the less "journey" type stories I write have something adventurous in them), romance, the stuff you've come to know in my work.

The Author Encounter had a bit of a slow start to the year, but there are several things being planned. Authors March Forward happens next month! There is also work going on to update the site. If you want the replay to previous events, check out The Author Encounter's Facebook page and The Author Encounter's YouTube Page.

I'm working on reading a non-fiction book that was recommended on a podcast I sometimes listen to (I don't listen to a lot of podcasts, because I do better with visuals or reading) but this podcast has been fun for me. I also watch a literary agency's YouTube Videos which has been very informative (some information I already know--I've been in the business since around 2009 for perspective). Listening to these things, picking up information, and growing as an author are good things for writers to do. I'm not saying you're always going to learn something jaw-dropping, but you might pick up a tip or a trick that you hadn't thought of before. So, reading books/articles/etc and listening to podcasts or YouTube videos of literary agencies or other authors or editors can be helpful.

My husband and I didn't do anything special for Valentine's Day, which is okay. :-) We're pretty lowkey about Valentine's Day anyway. We'll likely do more for our anniversary.

Recently on Twitter, I saw a literary agent Tweet that the authors who query them will check up on the author's social media. I know many agents do this to get a "feel" for an author, but it makes me a little nervous. My website isn't renovated (I know it's been something that's been needing to happen, just getting everything lined up hasn't been easy for me. I promise, it's in my head, it's just taking longer than I originally thought). I'm trying to post at least once a month on here. I do try to post a couple of times a week on my Instagram and Facebook. I'm mainly on Twitter. For me, Twitter is just easy. It's short, and I can quickly scroll through my feed. A lot of people don't like Twitter for various reasons (NOT going to get into any of that on here, so please don't get into any of that in the comments). It's also sometimes hard for me to come up with posts, so Twitter is good because if I can't think of something, I can respond to someone. Instagram is tough because I don't always have a picture or video I want to post. Don't even ask about YouTube (I don't have an account on TikTok). I don't have a good set up for videos at this time, so I haven't done anything beyond post All's Fair In Love & Lion's book trailer years ago (that book is now not available anymore from me or my previous publisher). So, for anyone who has wondered about my social media, that's where I'm at. I update my Author Page on Facebook from time to time (I try at least once or twice a month--on occasion it's more than that), but I'm really active on Twitter, so if you're looking for regular posts, that's where to find me.

For those who observe the Lenten Season, I wish you one full of blessings. (Lent started on February 22, 2023).

How has your February been? Do you have big plans for the weekend, next week, or in March? I hope things have been good/great/or, as I often like to say, FRABJOUS (one of my favorite words--it's from Lewis Carrol's "Jabberwocky" poem), on your end!

Have A Fabulously Frabjous Friday!

A New Year...

 Happy January (about 30 days late)!

Happy New Year! Can you believe it's a brand-new year, and 2023? So much happened last year. Some good, some hard, some not-so-good. I often get a mixed bag; although, some of it I hope never happens again. Good and bad often happen every year, though.

January has been busy. Family stuff, mostly. Nothing bad, just as I said, busy. My eldest is getting older and had an overnight trip. I was a worried Mama, but Eldest was fine, of course. Eldest had fun at this camp for 2 nights. It was weird having Eldest gone for longer than a night, but I reminded myself that one day Eldest would become an adult and be out there in the world doing whatever Eldest decides to do with life. Kinda a spooky thought, all things considered, but parents do have to help their offspring grow up.

I'm querying one of my manuscripts and have about 4-5 WIPs in various stages of being written. There are about 2-3 main ones that I'm focusing most of my attention on at the moment. One of them is involving learning disabilities--which I don't normally include in my work. You see, I live with learning disabilities. Both within myself, Eldest, and another one of my offspring, who is autistic. I write/read to escape reality not to relive it, but this one WIP (Work In Progress) has some learning disabilities in it, which actually seem to fit in that WIP. We'll see what happens. The others have various other things in them--I don't like to talk much about my writing until it's definitely going to be released. So, unfortunately, you darling reader, will have to wait. But, try not to be too disappointed. I'm still involving fantasy and paranormal aspects in my work.

This weekend I finally posted a new post (on Saturday, January 28, 2023) on my Author Facebook Page (yeah, I don't always update that, I'm mostly on Twitter). Working on several other things, including some stuff for The Author Encounter.

Other than that...doing real life stuff and trying to figure out how it's already the end of January when it was just New Year's Day not that long ago, but tomorrow really is the last day of January, so there you have it. In any case, hope 2023 treats well. Take care, and as I like to say, God bless!

Have A Merrily Marvelous Monday!

Enjoy the rest of January 2023. :-)

December Is Here & So Is FALL...

 Happy Wednesday All,

Surprise! I'm actually posting BEFORE the end of the month! Imagine that. 😊

I think my part of Texas is confused about what season it is. We were having some cooler temperatures and then all of a sudden it decided to go up again. Now, that's relatively normal in a sense for us, but what is curious is that the tree in my backyard decided it wasn't winter, but FALL! All these colored leaves are covering my backyard. I looked around and thought "Guess the plants and trees are confused as to what season it is. Can't blame them since the weather is, too!"

December is quieter so far than September through November were and I am NOT complaining about that. In September, my father suffered a bad fall and consequently there was a whole lot of stress. October saw my folks move out of their home of over 30 years into Assisted Living. When November came along, me and my family had a stomach bug. The very beginnings of December was the tail-end of my parents' estate sale (auction). So, I'm fine with some quiet.

This is not to say my brain is quiet--that's a rare thing even during the best of circumstances. Querying is still going on with my never-been-published manuscript (mss) and I'm making some new friends with people in the writing/publishing industry which has been fun. I really enjoy how encouraging other writers can be and I try to do the same.

I've done a tiny bit of writing, but not as much as I probably should do--but I've also been trying to get my house in better order and get ready for Christmas in the Averie Household, so yeah, writing hasn't been at the forefront. But that's not to say I haven't been thinking about it and working out ideas! I most definitely have been doing that. My imagination doesn't stay still for long.

On The Author Encounter front, my business partner, Nan, and I are prepping for January and the new year. We're hoping to do more than we did this year (both of us have had a crazy, crazy 2022). Watch the website or Twitter for news. We do have some videos posted on the Facebook page and on YouTube.

Until the next time I post, I wish y'all a very happy Advent, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and happy holidays. If by chance I don't post before January 2023, Happy New Year!

Have A Whimsically Wonderful Wednesday!

Thanksgiving Week & More...

 Hi Everyone!

Wishing y'all a very happy Thanksgiving week! As I type this the day before I'm going to post it, my nails are currently finishing drying from me painting them red, green, and gold. Yes, I know, Advent hasn't even started, but I felt like doing it. The colors make me happy!

I'm not entirely sure what my Thanksgiving plans are. My sister and I talked about getting together for a bit, so we'll probably do that. I'm actually allergic to turkey (it makes me throw up... *insert sad face here*) so I either do ham or something like that.

My parents have moved. It's a good move for them. They lived in their previous home for 36-37 years. Me and my siblings have been encouraging them with the move--like I said, it's a good one for them. I don't want to go into detail, but it's been an emotional journey--one that I haven't talked about much publicly and don't intend to because it's something I view as very private. Just know that all of this is part of the reason I've been kinda quiet on here.

In other news, in the early part of November my family had a stomach bug. For the record, I don't recommend them. I'm not sure where youngest picked this thing up, but it wasn't fun. Youngest had issues for about 2 weeks (because youngest didn't ONLY have the stomach bug, there was also constipation involved!) and then later I got it (not the constipation, though. Only youngest had that), and the next day eldest and husband were down with it. The weekend was an adventure with Husband and I tag teaming taking care of Averie Cat and whatever was of immediate concern. Luckily, we recovered pretty quickly and I'm happy to report we seem to be doing okay, now.

We're praying for a quiet and easy December and being able to just enjoy Christmas. Christmas is probably my favorite holiday (although, I should probably choose Easter given my faith background--which, if you've been following me for long know that I'm a Catholic. Don't get me wrong, I love Easter, too. There's just some things about Christmas that mean a lot to me).

I've got several WIPs (Works In Progress) that hopefully I'll be able to do more with, soon. I've had some catching up on housework to do and some other things happening, but I have done some writing, so that's a good thing.

The Author Encounter is gearing up for next year and I think what's getting planned will be interesting! My business partner is an ambitious planner--and I've got mad respect for her skills!

I recently read Kasie West's Fame, Fate, And The First Kiss. I think Dancing Graves (the movie in the book) should be a real story. It sounded like fun. I've read several of Kasie West's books and I think this is probably my favorite so far. :-)

I'm intrigued with Kiera Cass's upcoming release, A Thousand Heartbeats it releases on November 29, 2022, so it'll be available soon. I'm thinking I'm going to have to read it!

What novels have you been reading lately (or if you don't read novels, what non-fiction)?

I wish all of you a very happy and wonderful Thanksgiving this Thursday! I don't know what anyone's faith background is...coming from mine, I like to say "May God bless you." Take care and be safe.

Have A Merry Marvelous Monday!

Saying Goodbye To October...

 Happy Monday All,

Also, Happy All Hallow's Eve aka Halloween! I meant to write an October post earlier this month, but there were things going on in my real life that made it so I just didn't get to it.

I'm doing okay--just a lot going on in my real life. But doesn't everybody usually?

October also means my birthday, which I celebrated by going over to my parents' house. Dad had a fall in September, so it was nice to see him making so much progress and doing so much better. I told them that since they had such an integral part of me coming into existence that it seemed appropriate that I'd come over for a visit. We had a lot of fun. It was simple, small, and just right for me. My parents gave me a beautiful card that touched my heart (I got teary!) and I got some other cards and gifts from my siblings. My husband got me Chinese food for dinner a couple of days before since I was going to be at my folks' house on my actual birthday. I can't complain. It was a good birthday. :-)

I've been doing some writing on and off. Aside from the novel I'm querying to agents, I've got a couple of other things in the works. I don't know what will happen with any of them, but one of them has been a good creative outlet for me, so that's good thing as far as I'm concerned. I can't talk much about them because I'm still in the process of writing them and I don't like to talk about things until they're on their way to being released.

The Author Encounter has Indie Author Day coming up THIS weekend! You can find out more on the website. (If you have questions, send an email to theauthorencounter (at) gmail (dot) com). We livestreamed Traditionally Published Day onto The Author Encounter's Facebook page. You can find the replay to that here. It was a blast! We had Pixel + Ink editor, Alison Weiss as guest for Behind The Page, and featured Ann Rose (agent with Prospect Agency) and Mid-Grade author, Tom Phillips. And yes, I did honestly think it was awesome that Alison likes hot apple cider.

To follow up on the event, I'll answer the question about what's my favorite fall treat? I don't know. I do like hot apple cider or cinnamon apple tea. For me, the perfect Fall day is one that's a bit chilly (for me that would mean somewhere in the lower 60s/50s) sitting inside with a hot drink, a cozy blanket, a good book or movie--or with family or friends. Averie Cat likes to hang out in my lap, so that could also be my version of a perfect Fall day.

During Traditionally Published Day, Tom Phillips mentioned The Frabjous Bunch (pronounced FRAB-JUSS). The Frabjous Bunch is a writer's group that Tom, myself, and author Brittany Tucker put together. The two of them are so supportive. Tom had a Mid-Grade debut in June of this year and Brittany's got a YA debut coming out in January 2023. I believe authors need supportive and encouraging people in their corner, so finding a group you feel comfortable in and can learn from the other members of the group is very important. I know that Tom and Brittany are there for me, just as I'm there for them. And yes, the word "frabjous" is a word you can find in the dictionary. Originally coined by Lewis Carroll (found in his poem "Jabberwocky") it means "fabulous, magnificent" (and in some definitions, better than fabulous). It's one of my favorite words. And I know most of the "Jabberwocky" poem by heart. My family used to quote lines from it. You can find the poem here. Speaking of which, those who watched ABC's Once Upon A Time: Wonderland will recognize "Jabberwock". In the poem, it's a terrible, strange looking monster, but in the show it's this woman who has the power to mess with your mind. Either way, I don't want to encounter the Jabberwock. (Also, I believe you can still watch the show on Amazon Prime--I loved how they reimagined it--and yes they did a little bit of tying in with the main Once Upon A Time show).

I hope to be better about posting a post for November, but I never know what each month will bring, so we'll see what happens. Life sometimes gets adventurous and/or busy, so some months I'm just very busy!

Anyway, I wish y'all a great end of October and hope your November is wonderful! God bless to you and yours.

Have A Marvelously Merry Monday!

September Ends...

 Happy Friday One & All,

Today is the last day of September. In some ways this month has felt long to me, in others I'm trying to compute the idea that tomorrow is October 1st. 

I do plan on keeping my blog to about 1 post a month, which at this point is what I can handle. My real life has had some big ups and downs lately, and it takes a lot of energy to go through it all. Rest assured, the writing world is still very important to me and I'm not inactive in it, I just can't post on my blog more than about once a month at the moment.

So, where can you find me in between posts? Well, normally I'd say Facebook, but I've had a lot of trouble with it, lately. It seems my phone and computer don't like the updates so it's slower than a 2-legged turtle in molasses on my computer and refuses to operate at all on my phone (other than Messenger, which I reserve for those on my friends' list, sorry, I don't do much of communicating with folks I don't know well). However, if you're a fan of my work and you want to send me a note, I'm ALWAYS up for reader emails! I love to hear from my readers, so feel free to reach out there at bethany (dot) averie (at) gmail (dot) com. No spam or solicitations, please. (Those WILL be deleted. Rude emails will also be deleted without a response).

Most often, you can find me on Twitter. (I'm rarely on Instagram, sorry. I have one and I get on it a few times a week, but not often--Twitter I'm on pretty much every day).

Anyway, I'll post more when I do my October blog post. For now, how a Fabulously Fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend!