Sunday Summation

Working on my motivation levels...
right now, that includes cleaning house, unpacking and organizing.
Losing the work from the last several weeks has been harder than I expected.
Even thinking about recreating has me in a bit of a rut.
I'm seriously considering driving over to the Colorado University Computer Department and seeing if there's a techie who wants to "practice" retrieving data. My Aunt Laurie suggested it... and it's looking more and more appealing with each passing day.

Now, I'm off to paint my daughter's fingernails.
Lord, help me learn to either let go or have a good deal more patience.
With Love,
Bethanne

PS this post is dedicated to my husband who often gives up his own comfort and needs for those of his family. He is a wonderful man, loving father, and selfless husband. Love you Matt.

I'm still here

Usually, I don't like to write blogs that start with... I'm still here! Or, I'm sorry I haven't blogged in so long... or the ever popular, I'm back! I figure, if I'm not posting, it doesn't come in the feed or whatever you use to surf blogs...therefore, out of sight, out of mind, eh?

I'm officially on my computer in my own home with my own connection. Thank you dear Lord, baby Jesus.

Stolen, security-less internet doesn't really work that well. :P

In case you're curious... I had a mishap with my writing technology. I've lost a good bit of work over the last few weeks. I am horribly disappointed in myself over it. Mostly what this means is that I've had to take a step back... In doing so, I wonder what the heck to do next. Try to piece it all back together? Or start new.

Hard to leave things behind. I think I will work to get some of the lost material back. But in the end, who knows? If it doesn't work, perhaps this is just a sign to move on. Start something new. I'm just disappointed that the manuscript I was working on for publication will have to put off for a while longer. Might take a few extra weeks or more to rewrite.

It's a little depressing...and that, in and of itself, makes it hard to work. :P

But we [stupid heads who didn't back up!] must carry on. I'll keep you posted.
Have a great rest of the week.
With Love,

KIDS LOVE CAMERAS! I LOOK GOOD BLURRY. CAN'T COMPLAIN.

Bethanne

New Release -- Moira Keith

There's a great woman I've been writing with for several years. This past week, I've had the pleasure of sharing her release day. We've both been working and waiting for this day for a long time. Almost since we met, actually. Before I met Moira Keith, I wasn't much into paranormal or urban fantasy. I read this story in its early day, and I have to admit, I was taken in, not just the story line but, by the prose of Moira's writing. Her words flow across the page, not only to tell the story but to create an atmosphere of beauty within your head. I look forward to watching her succeed with this book and go on to make the next two books even better than the first.

Welcome Moira! Thanks for visiting my blog and sharing Blood and Moonlight with my readers. As you know--because you've been here before, I've got cake and ice cream for any event worth celebrating. The bakery is always open. What will you have?

Moira: Favorite cake would be red velvet (which I'm debating on alcohol to pair with it) and ice cream would likely be vanilla bean. When it comes to my cake and ice cream, I'm not too outrageous in my taste, but I do like to infuse a little something extra into them.

...like Irish Cream?! I should have told you to bring some of yours...

I've been waiting a long to time for the release of your latest book, Blood and Moonlight. I can't tell you how excited I am for Kiara's story to finally be out there!! It's been a long time coming. Tell me, what makes this story so special?

Moira: This story was truly a labor of love for me. It doesn't really fit into the romance, paranormal, or urban fantasy box all nice and neatly. It blurs the lines as I see them. The POV is also something that is a bit different as I mix a first/third storytelling here because that was the way my characters stories unfolded for me. Because of it's differences, this story (as the others to follow in the Moonlight trilogy will surely be) very close to my heart.

One of the things I've always loved about this book is the Point of View. I love how it focuses the story and makes it truly the heroine's.

So, tell me. When you made that first sale, how did you celebrate? 

Moira: I celebrated with a Guinness of course. I did consider trying for the Irish whiskey to make my dad and my heroine, Kiara proud. Alas, I am a beer girl through and through.

What made you choose fairies and wolves? Did you always believe in Magic?

Moira: I've always been fascinated by fairies and the mythology of the Fae. While I'm sure there are books out there that pull wolves and Fae together, I haven't seen any, so it seemed like a unique story element. And yes, I've always believed in magic. Not the pull the rabbit out of your hat kind of magic, but the kind of magic that comes from fairytales and fantasy. Morgan Le Fay surely didn't wave a wand over a hat as a party trick, (though I'm sure she had her own brand of fear inducing party tricks). I find that we often need to believe in the impossible or unimaginable. It's what keeps the world interesting.

If there was one book [story] you could live, which one would it be?

Moira: Wow. Tough question. You really want me to choose just one? Could it be a series? Wait even that one is tough. Damn. Okay well if I was forced to choose just one, I would choose the first Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novel - Guilty Pleasures. Anita Blake was serious kick butt heroine.

I've still never read any of the books by Laurell K. Hamilton. Mostly because I've never been that into vampires, but I do appreciate good writing... might have to do that.

What about your next project? Will there be more madness and mayhem for Kiara and Devlin?

Moira: There is definitely some more mayhem, madness, and magic in store for Kiara and Devlin. Their story isn't nearly over and there are plenty of obstacles they will have to overcome and some pieces that need to be solved. But there are additional projects in the works as well. A witch story and a young adult book are in process as we speak.

Awesome! I can't wait to read your YA. I know anyone who picks up Blood and Moonlight will be watching for new releases in the future. Have a great week, Moira. Thanks for coming by. I'm wishing you great sales all week long.

For all my wonderful followers, especially those who like a good story about shifters and fae, you can find Moira's book for sale...well, just about anywhere. :D follow the links for a great read. One lucky commenter will get a free copy of Blood and Moonlight. What a great way to start the new week.
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords

Just another day in Paradise...

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

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!

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

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

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!

Wordless Wednesday -- from the road

7 people in a one bedroom

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

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

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!

Wordless Wednesday

Saturday Sweets

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?

Magical Interview and GIVEAWAY

I'm over at Moira Keith's today being interviewed about my Debut Release. :D
Come over and join the fun. One commentor wins a copy of For Love or Duty.