Just another day in Paradise...

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Sometimes you get a day when everything just falls into place, time is well-spent, life is smooth sailing. That's me today. A perfect Saturday with cool[ish] temperatures and sunny skies. With a hubby busy in the garage and kids who have, so far, been occupied with their own games and activities.

I'm sitting in the garage, computer in my lap, with the opportunity to both watch my husband work AND do a bit of editing. Whoohoooo!

Sit back, people, and enjoy the weekend.
With Love,
Bethanne

The Witness

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I read two books this week. I know! Two! crazy!! Actually, that's stretching the truth. I started two books. Both called The Witness. One by Dee Henderson. The other by Nora Roberts.

The story lines were similar, as you might expect from a romance story called the witness. Heroine sees a crime, goes into hiding, and eventually must come out of hiding.

I wanted to write about this, not to go on and on about what I didn't like in Henderson's book... she is highly acclaimed. People love her books. They say her writing is grittier, edgy. [than most Christian Fiction] I suppose that's true. It's definitely true! Unfortunately, I did get bored. I started skimming, then skipping. Until finally I stopped. And in that time...about through chapter five, I was never once in the heroine's POV. It also bugged me that the hero, the Police Guy, never once suspected the heroine. Didn't even for one instance think to detain her at the crime scene. His assumption that she was the damsel in distress... eh. Why did it bug me? I'm not sure I can say. Maybe it was because I hadn't been in her POV. I would think a story like this would need to start in her POV. She has the most at stake. As writers, that's the question we ask when we are comtemplating, Whose point of view should I be in during this scene? The answer is always, who has the most to lose? Who is risking the most? Who has the most at stake? In any case, now I am going on about it. Over all, though, the story didn't capture me. It fell flat as I struggled to feel as if I knew anyone.   There was a distance in the writing of the characters. I didn't not feel connected to them. And I'm a Christian! I want to feel connected to people in Christian books! But, I don't... it's like Christian writers are too worried about how their characters will come across, how they'll be perceived. The writing is stilted instead of filled with life. It's...what's the word, formulated...planned...something.

Which brings me around to Roberts' book, The Witness. Right away I'm thrust into the life of a young lady, a girl. I feel for her. The more I get to know her, the more I love her and want the best for her. I feel sorry for her and indignant and even scared. I can't put the book down. It's her story...the story of THE WITNESS. As far as technique goes, NR hit this one on the head. Over the last several releases, I would have admitted that it seemed Nora had been influenced by publishing house rules... no POV changes midscene. Her writing had become somewhat predictable, perhaps a little flat. But this book proved that she is still going strong. Her POV switches, even midscene, were done to perfection. The book actually reminded me of her book Public Secrets, which, btw, is my all time favorite book EVER.

Lesson learned this week.
Keep the writing real. Draw your readers in with your characters. I'm convinced that story line comes in second place to well-written characters. This is the perfect example of that... two books, same title, similar [sort of] story lines, night and day on the characters. :D

BTW, this is NOT a review. :D
Have a wonderful Thursday,
Bethanne

Happy Friday!

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Another week closer to our new home...
Another week closer to a new release!!

I'm working my way through a final revision in hopes of getting my new book, Dark Summer, out the first week of September. Like the name suggests, it's not the light contemporary romance I published in June. It's a bit grittier but it will still capture your heart and the characters will leave you wanting more. Most of all, I think you'll recognize them. A married couple, you'll see yourself in their relationship... the best of all relationships: marriage--irritations, flaws, quirks, all mixed with the grace and humor that makes a good couple last.

I'll have a cover for you soon. Wheee! ...ha, hopefully anyway. I have to contact my cover lady and see when she can get a cover done. All tentative... so I can't give you dates yet.

But now I'm somewhat accountable and with the kids starting school soon, it's time to buckle down, I guess. :P Yuck. It's so easy to sit around and stare at the mountains! They're just sitting there! Always there, begging for attention.

Enjoy the weekend friends.
With Love,
Bethanne

Holding Back

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At the start of the Homily today at church, I wrote a check to put in the basket. Not alot... cuz, well, I didn't want to give it all away. ya know? I was thinking about donuts and coffee for afterwards... :P and payday in two days.

Then we heard the story of the fishes and loaves. A little boy came forward and gave all he had. It's a story that's retold six times in the bible, said the priest, signifying its importance. A miracle happened that day because the boy GAVE ALL HE HAD. If we're looking for miracles, looking for God's work in our lives, looking for that break from the stress and strain of modern living, maybe we need to give all we have, too. Then, miracles will happen.

After contemplating for a few moments, I leaned over to my husband and whispered, "I might need to rewrite that check."

haha. Of course, giving means more than money... time, attitudes, work, play. It's all encompassing. :)

Writing is happening slowly, too slowly for me, but i'm so excited about our prospective new house...and it's fifth bedroom/office. I'm able to sit back a little while the kids are home from school, because I know in a month, the house will be quiet again [except for Darla] and I'll have more time to write. I like how today's sermon even applies to my writing. And it can apply to just about every aspect of life.

Looking forward to Autumn and what the change in season will bring.
Have a great week, friends.
With Love,
Bethanne

Back to School

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New town.

Does anyone feel like school keeps starting earlier and earlier?!
Where we are now there are three school options: public, private, and charter.
The public schools start on the 20th of August.
Depending on the school, the rest start on the 13th or even the 8th...or was it the 9th?

Either way...holy moley!!
Give me a break. I don't think I like it. I'm sure there are reasons... but I think they cater to administration and--like someone else suggested--standardized testing.

I guess I'll be off school shopping soon. :P
Wish I knew what schools my kids would be going to...
:( transitions suck!

7 people in a one bedroom

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It's said that military families need to be flexible.
We're learning that now.
And learning that PCSing takes practice.
Permanent Change of Station
When a change of orders instigates a move to a new Post, the whole family picks up and follows along.
But I'm finding that it's not so much following...as leading the way.
Together, of course. But still, women think of things that men don't always think of...
and men think of things that women don't always think of...

Together is better.
We'll learn.

For example, next time... screw permissive TDY--paid-for leave, which is the time they allow you to find a place to live. But if you find a place to live before you get to your new station, you forfeit the leave. Well, forfeit the leave. It's no good, coming to a place and having to live in a hotel for almost a week. All that money you get to move??? It disappears PDQ when you live in a hotel. :D

No news here yet.
I did get some writing done this morning while all the kids slept. Yay!


A review -- Sunday Summation

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I noticed a new review on Amazon, and it was really great. I love how it pointed out the flaws. Too many 5 stars and people might wonder if it's just family. :D LOL The reader liked the book and still gave it a 4. Awesome!

I also woke today to an email from Night Owl Reviews. WhooT! 3 Stars. Another great, thoughtful review. Yeah! Go ahead, click the banner. :D



I think what I know is...I can always improve. Which I knew. Of course, I knew that... but still, it's exciting to get these small bits of feedback from the reading public. :D

Independence Day

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I see mountains!!!

I think about how we got to Colorado Springs, and it's sorta fitting that we're here the first week of July. When my husband joined the Army, he became descendant to a long line of men willing to fight for freedom. Now, at Fort Carson, we'll make our home, cradled at the foot of the Rockies, and we are unbelievably excited.

It made me a little teary-eyed as we drove north through New Mexico and the Rockies came into view because the boys in the back were so excited. They were completely awed by the BIGNESS. It was really great to experience it through the kids' eyes.

Posting will be a bit spotty until we get settled. Wish us luck as we start house hunting. I'll get a few pictures up soon. Happy Fourth of July all my wonderful friends!

Saturday Sweets

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In a wonderful moment of parenthood last night, my husband took over bed time and I went to Panera Bread. On the door it said open until 9pm. When I left at 8:58, I was suspicious that perhaps that wasn't true. There were people hanging out in there! And about five minutes previous to my exit, a guy sat down with a sandwich and a bowl of soup. :( Hey now! If I hadn't packed up all my stuff and successfully ended my time... I would have stayed.

Let me just say, I hope the next place I live has a more well-run Panera. :P I've had a few comments about this location... like the sticky floors. Always sticky floors in front of the coffee station.

Anyhoo...back to the sweets. Had a really yummy pudding/custard filled croissaint with fresh fruit on top of it. The blueberries! Yum. Today, my husband has called for blueberry pancakes. :D I love summer! I love fruit!

<--Mine was bigger, more blueberries, too.

What's your favorite summer FRUIT dessert?


Back to the Grind

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I'm doubly enjoying this week as I write through some edits and revisions.

I'm lucky and/or blessed to have a sounding board in my writing friend, Moira Keith. And I'm fortunate to have an editor on the line for this ms. So my fingers are still crossed... and whether that goes through or not, I'm really excited about the series.

At this point, I'm torn between wanting to let a publisher nab it or doing it myself.
One thing I've liked about self-publishing is the freedom. Picking my cover. Writing my story as I want to.

I've been in a discussion about publishing lines. Harlequin and inspirational fiction are the two biggest examples of this. Know the market, know their market and the books they are publishing. Otherwise, you're likely to get rejected. Length, Content, Rules...

There is liberation in knowing I don't have to curb my enthusiasm.
If I want my characters to be Catholic, they can be Catholic.
If I want my characters to swear, they can swear.
If I want them to be vampires or angels or shifters or ghosts...

It's just me, my characters, and my story.

Writing is a joyful experience again.

What to Control

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As often happens after [sometimes crappy] meaningful events, I've been reflecting.

One. There's not much we control. We make choices, yes. But actually controlling life... not so much. Most of the time, I only control my reactions.

But I woke on Saturday and it hit me. There are a few things I can control.
Like what I eat and how I exercise. So I got up and walked. 
I'm the cliche exerciser... start something, never follow through.
I won't say, this time it's going to different, cuz it probably won't be. haha. 

But, I need to control something! :P
My goal is to walk every day until we get settled in Colorado.
Once there, I'll figure something out.

Am I a control freak?
I think not...
I don't refill the dishwasher. 
I don't do all the Christmas shopping.
I don't do all the packing or cooking or cleaning....just so it's done correctly.

er, wait. I guess I do do that. [I just said doodoo] :D
See?
Told ya I'd bounce back. Also, my man went to fix the car today and do some routine maintenance when four of the five bolts that the lug nuts screw onto snapped off. On the tires, ya know? I can't drive my car until it's fixed. Unbelievable. At this point, I'm almost laughing because what a friend said is right... Why does stuff like this happen????

Because it just does...it happens when we least expect it and when we can least afford it. LOL :D But you know what I think? I think I'll learn a lesson in trusting God to take care of my family. I have no other choice but to freak out and panic and worry. I'm not going to do that because there's no good in it.

Have a great week, friends.
With Love,
Bethanne