Happy Friday All,
Some people have mentioned they're having trouble posting comments on here. I apologize. I don't know why that happens, but I know it happens on some other blogs. You can always email me your comments and I will post them for you if you find you can't post them here.
Now...drum roll please...today's an author interview day. I'd like you all to meet my friend and chaptermate, Cheri Jetton. Cheri has published "Sweet" Romances and a Romantic Suspense. She's also worked as an editor. I've read one of her Sweet Romances and her Romantic Suspense.
Me: Earlier this year you put out a Romantic Suspense entitled Crimson Snow. Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired the story?
Cheri: I think the setting spawned this one, Bethany. I was born and raised in California and have spent all but a couple of years of my adult life here in Houston. Very little snow in either place, but in 2001 I went to visit my brother on Sugar Island, MI and ended up spending the winter. It was awsome! By mid-winter the snow was hip deep. He and his wife keep bird feeders outside the breakfast room windows. A show unto itself. The pristine expanses of snow were marked only by little bird feet, rabbit tracks, and fox tracks. The trees sparkled under heavy pillows of snow that weighed down the branches.
It was all new to me and I savored every snowflake. Then, like a good writer I began to think, "what if...".
Me: Crimson Snow isn't the only novel you've published. Can you tell us about your other work and how it differs from Crimson Snow?
Cheri: My other three books are traditional (read, sweet) romances published by Avalon Books. Although "Texas Dawn" has a bit of suspense to it when someone starts harrasing the heroine, they wouldn't be considered mysteries, or even suspenses. "Blue Plate Special" and "Jessie and the Ranger" have no mystery at all, just men and women looking for love.
Me: You've done some editing as well as writing, what do you look for as an editor? What do you think makes a great novel?
Cheri: My editing job requires evaluating the manuscript for continuity, balance, and pesky writing errors. I take out redundant and repeated words, every "that" I possibly can, and trim overly verbose paragraphs. In short, I try to make the story more attention grabbing and readable.
Me: For Fun: What sort of movies do you enjoy?
Cheri: Romantic comedies, hands down!
Me: What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Cheri: Study and pay attention! Nothing drives me battier when I'm working with a private client than to point out a problem, and find the author repeating that mistake again and again. If you can't learn from your mistakes, you aren't going to make it!
Keep it simple. Don't try so hard to impress with big words, long sentences, and unnatural dialog. Anytime you have the chance, attend workshops and take notes.
Me: What do you think is harder: Writing or editing? WHY?
Cheri: At this stage of my life, writing is probably harder, because I can't give it the time I'd like. I work full time with the public and unfortunately, I'm a person who needs a couple of days to decompress before my muse can come out of hiding. By then, it's time to go back to work!
Editing has its own frustrations, to be sure, but I don't usually need to call on my creativity to edit.
Me: For fun: What's your favorite color?
Cheri: Blue
Me: How do you feel about the options authors have in publishing nowadays as opposed to 10-20 years ago?
Cheri: I think they're awesome! It will be interesting to see where the self-published ebook trend takes the industry. I want to make a major point here, though. ONLY PUT UP YOUR BEST WORK!
Find an impartial critic to read your book. Listen to what they say. Maybe even show it to another one. These should be seasoned writers, with good publishing credits. If you go out there with weak, flawed writing, not only will you fail to win a following you'll weaken the market for everyone else who isn't Nora Roberts or Debbie Macomber.
The same is true if you go through an epublisher. Read some of the books they've published. Are they the same quality of stories you see in Harlequin, and the other print houses? If not, look elsewhere.
Me: What's some of the best experiences you've had as an author?
Cheri: LOL! I think the most special moment was when my youngest daughter called to tell me "Texas Dawn" kept her up all night. That is one of a writer's greatest accolades, and to have it come from your own child (who takes you for granted, right?) was just so special.
Me: Who are some authors you admire and WHY?
Cheri: I have the complete collection of Laveryle Spencer's books. I can't tell you why, I just love her writing. "Spring Fancy" had real emotional punch.
Me: Anything else you'd like to add?
Cheri: Um, if the man in your life needs a new suit, come see me?
Cheri Jetton's Crimson Snow is available on Kindle and Nook. You can find her other titles through Avalon Books / Amazon
Have A Fabulous Friday!
Showing posts with label friday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friday. Show all posts
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Checking In Before The Weekend...
Happy Friday All,
I know...it's weird not having me post all week (except Monday & Tuesday) but, I'm still super-busy. Edits, plus family obligations, and having allergy issues has made it very hard for me to figure out posts for the blog, so I've had to put it on hold most days.
However, I'm doing okay. Had to go to the doctor about my allergy issues, but it's all right. Got an antibiotic if I end up needing it, and they switched which over-the-counter decongestion I was taking. I've got a meeting on Saturday and they said I should be absolutely fine to go to it. (This is a meeting I look forward to).
Because of the doc appointment, I had to move my dental work to another time, but that's no big deal. It's a short appointment and I'm not really worried about it.
I do plan to post an author interview this month, but I haven't picked the day, yet. There's still some details to be ironed out there.
Question for the day: Has anyone read Nocturne by Syrie James? I saw this book in a store I was at the other day and saved the information for when I have a moment to read it. I haven't read this author's work before and I'm intrigued by this novel.
Have A Fabulous Friday & Enjoy your weekend!
However, I'm doing okay. Had to go to the doctor about my allergy issues, but it's all right. Got an antibiotic if I end up needing it, and they switched which over-the-counter decongestion I was taking. I've got a meeting on Saturday and they said I should be absolutely fine to go to it. (This is a meeting I look forward to).
Because of the doc appointment, I had to move my dental work to another time, but that's no big deal. It's a short appointment and I'm not really worried about it.
I do plan to post an author interview this month, but I haven't picked the day, yet. There's still some details to be ironed out there.
Question for the day: Has anyone read Nocturne by Syrie James? I saw this book in a store I was at the other day and saved the information for when I have a moment to read it. I haven't read this author's work before and I'm intrigued by this novel.
Have A Fabulous Friday & Enjoy your weekend!
Friday, September 2, 2011
And The World Keeps Moving...
Happy Friday Everyone,
Also, Happy September--yay, Fall is on its way!
Not only am I late posting this during the day, but I'm also behind on blog posts. I've been working hard on edits and a bunch of things going on in my life, so I had to put blog updates on hold. I don't know what next week will bring in the way of blog posts, but I'll try to post more.
I'm not the only busy one around here. While I'm hiding under the editing rock, the world keeps spinning around me (which is a good thing!)
So, I'm going to tell you to what's going on in the order I heard/found out about it:
Adult Romance author, Robin Badillo's Whiskey Road is now available on Amazon Kindle. 
My book review of Christie Craig's new release (adult Romance), Don't Mess With Texas was quoted by Christie in her blog post on Killer Fiction. (Arrow down on that post to see what part of my review she quoted). I was deeply honored that she liked it so much that she'd quote it. 
The very talented Jennifer Bray-Weber's Blood And Treasure (adult Romance) is on a poll for Historical Book to read this month on iBookBuzz. Please everyone go vote for Blood And Treasure! (Oh, if you don't have Blood And Treasure...there's several ways you can pick up a copy: Amazon Kindle, Amazon Paperback and Barnes & Noble Nook).
Also, reminder: the Lone Star Conference hosted by the Northwest Houston Romance Writers of America (NWHRWA) is happening on October 15, 2011. You do NOT have to write Romance to attend the Conference (we invite authors of all genres). Screenwriters are also invited. Please be sure to let other authors you're acquainted with know about this conference. I've attended it in 2009 and 2010. Both years were excellent and I had a great time. This year looks like it's going to be just as awesome. Authors/writers...you won't want to miss an opportunity to learn more and have fun with other authors.
Anyway, what are you reading these days?
Have A Fantastical Friday!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
I'm Not Gone...
Happy Friday All,
*EDIT as of 10:50 a.m. (Central Time): I forgot to mention tomorrow (Saturday, August 27, 2011) is Christie Craig's booksigning for her new release. I wrote a post about this awhile back. Please, if you can make it, go and support her.
Whew, what a week! This has been a week of appointments and all kinds of things going on. My body decided I needed to relax so I had to make sure I did that. But the good news is, it looks like I'm finally getting more to where I want to be.
Edits are coming along. I finished my round of edits and now have gotten started on the ones from my critique partner.
I got my registration mailed out for the Lone Star Conference and reserved my hotel room...yay! So, God willing, I definitely will be there. (For those of you going to the conference and wanting to reserve a hotel room, just click here: http://www.nwhrwa.com/conference.htm ).
Anyway, I know I've been away for several days...I have a lot going on but I should be around more soon.
So, what's going on with you?
Have A Fabulous Friday!
*EDIT as of 10:50 a.m. (Central Time): I forgot to mention tomorrow (Saturday, August 27, 2011) is Christie Craig's booksigning for her new release. I wrote a post about this awhile back. Please, if you can make it, go and support her. Whew, what a week! This has been a week of appointments and all kinds of things going on. My body decided I needed to relax so I had to make sure I did that. But the good news is, it looks like I'm finally getting more to where I want to be.
Edits are coming along. I finished my round of edits and now have gotten started on the ones from my critique partner.
I got my registration mailed out for the Lone Star Conference and reserved my hotel room...yay! So, God willing, I definitely will be there. (For those of you going to the conference and wanting to reserve a hotel room, just click here: http://www.nwhrwa.com/conference.htm ).
Anyway, I know I've been away for several days...I have a lot going on but I should be around more soon.
So, what's going on with you?
Have A Fabulous Friday!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Friday--Updates
Happy Friday All,
Wow...it's already Friday? Hard to believe. Edits are coming along pretty well, which I'm very happy about.
Next week is an official book review and I'm working hard to get done reading the book (which is really good by the way, just got several things going on as well, so it takes time).
Found out recently (because I made it to that side of the Internet) Tess St. John posted an excerpt of Eyes Of Jade. The cover is really awesome, so I recommend taking a cyberspace trip out that direction to check it out.
Christie Craig has her book signing coming up (August 27, 2011). I talked about this sometime ago in this post.
Don't forget to register for the Lone Star Conference! God willing I'll be there--3rd year (yeah that's how much I like it).
Anyway, what are you up to these days?
Have A Fantastical Friday!
Wow...it's already Friday? Hard to believe. Edits are coming along pretty well, which I'm very happy about.
Next week is an official book review and I'm working hard to get done reading the book (which is really good by the way, just got several things going on as well, so it takes time).
Found out recently (because I made it to that side of the Internet) Tess St. John posted an excerpt of Eyes Of Jade. The cover is really awesome, so I recommend taking a cyberspace trip out that direction to check it out.
Christie Craig has her book signing coming up (August 27, 2011). I talked about this sometime ago in this post.
Don't forget to register for the Lone Star Conference! God willing I'll be there--3rd year (yeah that's how much I like it).
Anyway, what are you up to these days?
Have A Fantastical Friday!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Spotlight On Author: Jennifer Bray-Weber
Happy Friday Everybody,
As promised, today is the day I'm posting my August Author Interview. I know every author I'm always excited about (I must sound like a broken record LOL). But I always have a reason for being excited about whoever I interview.
This particular interview is with Jennifer Bray-Weber, who, besides being an incredibly talented author, is a really cool person. She also has a great sense of humor and is a lot of fun to hang out with; so, without further ado, I give you the awesome Jennifer Bray-Weber...
Me: Your novel, Blood And Treasure focuses on pirates. I've read from other interviews you've done, that you got the idea from a dream, but did you always want to write about pirates or was it just after you had that dream that the idea came to you?
Jennifer: Thank you for having me, Bethany.
I started out writing dark stories set in various times throughout history. The Roman Empire, Salem Witch Trials, and the Civil War have been the backdrop to most of these tales. The common thread to these stories is the tragic endings. Hardly anyone gets out alive! My favorite is about a Civil War veteran battling deep depression. The final word in this short story is ‘Bang’. I still get goose bumps. Some might suggest I see a professional. I say mwuahahaha….
Me: How many books do you plan to have in the Romancing The Pirate series and do you have an idea when the next one will be released?
Jennifer: There are 5 total in the "Romancing The Pirate" series. Each story is an adventure for the pirate ship Rissa and her crew. The pirate captains in "Blood And Treasure", "A Kiss In The Wind", and "The Bruised Sky" get more than they bargain for in the lasses they encounter. Sea battles, vicious enemies, and the testy sea aren’t nearly as dangerous as these captains losing their hearts. "In Clash Of The Tides", the pirate captain is a woman who buys her hero off the auction block. The last novel, yet to be titled, is a dual love story between modern day treasure hunters seeking the mystery behind the sunken Rissa and the pirate captain and his heroine on the doomed vessel.
My next novel, "A Kiss In The Wind", is scheduled for release in spring 2012 with Carina Press.
Me: For Fun: What music puts you in a good mood?
Jennifer: Everything from Metallica and Def Leppard to Breaking Benjamin and Shinedown. Yep – I’m a heavy beats and hard rockin’, loud music kind of girl.
Me: What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Jennifer: Listen to those who speak of hard work, writing the best story you can, perseverance, growing the proverbial thick skin, and finding great critique partners. It’s all great advice. But I’m all about opportunities. Never, EVER let opportunity pass you by. My career has been enriched because I tackled opportunity, put it in a strangle hold, and held it for ransom within an inch of its life.
Me: You recently went to the RWA National Conference in New York City. What do you find is the most helpful about conferences like that?
Jennifer: Networking. There is so much value in attending writing conferences. Workshops, meetings, book signings, awards ceremonies, and parties all provide the opportunity (BUZZ WORD!!) to meet others, learn from industry pros, exchange and absorb knowledge, and forge new friendships.
Me: Do you have a favorite character who you've written, and if so, who is it and why are they are you favorite?
Jennifer: Captain Blade Tyburn of "A Kiss In The Wind". He’s an infamous libertine with devilish good looks, quick wit, and insatiable desire for women. That is, until he meets his match in knife-wielding, pick-pocket Marisol.
Henri, the small (don’t call him a dwarf! ) curmudgeonly cook, runs a very close second. The only thing he fancies more than the little bows in his beard is his rum.
Me: For Fun: What's your favorite Holiday and why?
Jennifer: It’s a tie between Christmas and Halloween. Christmas is magical. Family traditions, good will, twinkling lights, yummy food, festive decorations and lots of parties makes for an enchanting holiday. I like Halloween for many of the same reasons, except Halloween is mischievous. I love mischief. Lots of mischief.
Me: What's something you learned about pirates that you found really fascinating?
Jennifer: Pirates were democratic and lived by codes. Captains were elected by the crew and often split power with the quartermaster. Articles were drawn up by the crew and signed by the crew. These articles were detailed and included rules of behavior, care of weaponry, punishments, treatment of women, and the division of shares.
Me: Do you find that pirate legends are close to the truth or not at all?
Jennifer: All legends are based on some sort of truth. I will say that the "Pirates Of The Caribbean" franchise does depict pirates, shipboard terminology, and pirate superstitions with a lot of elemental authenticity. But just so you know, the Kraken, half-sea-creature-half-man pirates, and giant goddesses are not real. Not sure about zombies, the Flying Dutchman, or man-eating mermaids.
Me: Are you planning to stick with pirates or do you have other series ideas in mind?
Jennifer: In my future I see more pirates, serial killers, Confederate spies, fire-breathing dragons, and a paranormal world built around the 7 virtues and 7 sins. Thankfully, not all in the same book.
Me: Anything else you'd like to add?
Jennifer: Should I tickle your fancy, please visit me at the following places on the World Wide Web.
www.jbrayweber.com.
https://www.facebook.com/jbrayweber
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Bray-Weber-Author/172485736149726
http://twitter.com/@jbrayweber
Thank you, Jennifer Bray-Weber for dropping by! You can get a copy of Blood And Treasure (which is really, really good by the way) on Amazon Kindle and Amazon in Paperback, as well as on Barnes & Noble Nook.
Have A Fantastical Friday!
As promised, today is the day I'm posting my August Author Interview. I know every author I'm always excited about (I must sound like a broken record LOL). But I always have a reason for being excited about whoever I interview.
This particular interview is with Jennifer Bray-Weber, who, besides being an incredibly talented author, is a really cool person. She also has a great sense of humor and is a lot of fun to hang out with; so, without further ado, I give you the awesome Jennifer Bray-Weber...
Jennifer: Thank you for having me, Bethany.
I started out writing dark stories set in various times throughout history. The Roman Empire, Salem Witch Trials, and the Civil War have been the backdrop to most of these tales. The common thread to these stories is the tragic endings. Hardly anyone gets out alive! My favorite is about a Civil War veteran battling deep depression. The final word in this short story is ‘Bang’. I still get goose bumps. Some might suggest I see a professional. I say mwuahahaha….
Me: How many books do you plan to have in the Romancing The Pirate series and do you have an idea when the next one will be released?
Jennifer: There are 5 total in the "Romancing The Pirate" series. Each story is an adventure for the pirate ship Rissa and her crew. The pirate captains in "Blood And Treasure", "A Kiss In The Wind", and "The Bruised Sky" get more than they bargain for in the lasses they encounter. Sea battles, vicious enemies, and the testy sea aren’t nearly as dangerous as these captains losing their hearts. "In Clash Of The Tides", the pirate captain is a woman who buys her hero off the auction block. The last novel, yet to be titled, is a dual love story between modern day treasure hunters seeking the mystery behind the sunken Rissa and the pirate captain and his heroine on the doomed vessel.
My next novel, "A Kiss In The Wind", is scheduled for release in spring 2012 with Carina Press.
Me: For Fun: What music puts you in a good mood?
Jennifer: Everything from Metallica and Def Leppard to Breaking Benjamin and Shinedown. Yep – I’m a heavy beats and hard rockin’, loud music kind of girl.
Me: What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Jennifer: Listen to those who speak of hard work, writing the best story you can, perseverance, growing the proverbial thick skin, and finding great critique partners. It’s all great advice. But I’m all about opportunities. Never, EVER let opportunity pass you by. My career has been enriched because I tackled opportunity, put it in a strangle hold, and held it for ransom within an inch of its life.
Me: You recently went to the RWA National Conference in New York City. What do you find is the most helpful about conferences like that?
Jennifer: Networking. There is so much value in attending writing conferences. Workshops, meetings, book signings, awards ceremonies, and parties all provide the opportunity (BUZZ WORD!!) to meet others, learn from industry pros, exchange and absorb knowledge, and forge new friendships.
Me: Do you have a favorite character who you've written, and if so, who is it and why are they are you favorite?
Jennifer: Captain Blade Tyburn of "A Kiss In The Wind". He’s an infamous libertine with devilish good looks, quick wit, and insatiable desire for women. That is, until he meets his match in knife-wielding, pick-pocket Marisol.
Henri, the small (don’t call him a dwarf! ) curmudgeonly cook, runs a very close second. The only thing he fancies more than the little bows in his beard is his rum.
Me: For Fun: What's your favorite Holiday and why?
Jennifer: It’s a tie between Christmas and Halloween. Christmas is magical. Family traditions, good will, twinkling lights, yummy food, festive decorations and lots of parties makes for an enchanting holiday. I like Halloween for many of the same reasons, except Halloween is mischievous. I love mischief. Lots of mischief.
Me: What's something you learned about pirates that you found really fascinating?
Jennifer: Pirates were democratic and lived by codes. Captains were elected by the crew and often split power with the quartermaster. Articles were drawn up by the crew and signed by the crew. These articles were detailed and included rules of behavior, care of weaponry, punishments, treatment of women, and the division of shares.
Me: Do you find that pirate legends are close to the truth or not at all?
Jennifer: All legends are based on some sort of truth. I will say that the "Pirates Of The Caribbean" franchise does depict pirates, shipboard terminology, and pirate superstitions with a lot of elemental authenticity. But just so you know, the Kraken, half-sea-creature-half-man pirates, and giant goddesses are not real. Not sure about zombies, the Flying Dutchman, or man-eating mermaids.
Me: Are you planning to stick with pirates or do you have other series ideas in mind?
Jennifer: In my future I see more pirates, serial killers, Confederate spies, fire-breathing dragons, and a paranormal world built around the 7 virtues and 7 sins. Thankfully, not all in the same book.
Me: Anything else you'd like to add?
Jennifer: Should I tickle your fancy, please visit me at the following places on the World Wide Web.
www.jbrayweber.com.
https://www.facebook.com/jbrayweber
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Bray-Weber-Author/172485736149726
http://twitter.com/@jbrayweber
Thank you, Jennifer Bray-Weber for dropping by! You can get a copy of Blood And Treasure (which is really, really good by the way) on Amazon Kindle and Amazon in Paperback, as well as on Barnes & Noble Nook.
Have A Fantastical Friday!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Author Sightings Alert!
Happy Friday Everyone,
Are you going to be in Houston, Texas on August 27, 2011 or November 12, 2011? If so, you will want to put these two events in your plans. If you live in Houston, add these to your calender:
Saturday, August 27, 2011 Christie Craig book Signing at Katy Budget Books at 2450 Fry Road, Houston, Texas 77084. The book signing will start at 1:30 p.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. (Central Time).
Saturday, November 12, 2011 Christie Craig will be teaming up with Romantic Mystery author, Diane Kelly (Diane will be signing her new release: Death, Taxes, And A French Manicure--release date November 2011--this book looks like a lot of fun, by the way) for a book signing at Wine Styles The Vintage 10300 Louetta Road Suite 150, Houston, Texas 77070. This event will start at 4:00 p.m. and end at 7:00 p.m. (Central Time).
Also...Don't forget: You can pre-order Christie Craig's upcoming novel, Don't Mess With Texas. Available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. (Release date: August, 2011).
You can also pre-order Christie Craig's alter ego, C.C. Hunter's upcoming novel, Awake At Dawn from Amazon and Barnes & Noble (release date: October, 2011).
Have A Fantastic Friday!
This won't be my regular type of post, but these things sound like so much fun and well, when author Christie Craig asked me to let you all know about these events, I couldn't say no. After all, I'm a big fan of hers and I'm looking forward to reading the new release, Don't Mess With Texas.
Are you going to be in Houston, Texas on August 27, 2011 or November 12, 2011? If so, you will want to put these two events in your plans. If you live in Houston, add these to your calender:Saturday, August 27, 2011 Christie Craig book Signing at Katy Budget Books at 2450 Fry Road, Houston, Texas 77084. The book signing will start at 1:30 p.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. (Central Time).
Saturday, November 12, 2011 Christie Craig will be teaming up with Romantic Mystery author, Diane Kelly (Diane will be signing her new release: Death, Taxes, And A French Manicure--release date November 2011--this book looks like a lot of fun, by the way) for a book signing at Wine Styles The Vintage 10300 Louetta Road Suite 150, Houston, Texas 77070. This event will start at 4:00 p.m. and end at 7:00 p.m. (Central Time).
Also...Don't forget: You can pre-order Christie Craig's upcoming novel, Don't Mess With Texas. Available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. (Release date: August, 2011).
You can also pre-order Christie Craig's alter ego, C.C. Hunter's upcoming novel, Awake At Dawn from Amazon and Barnes & Noble (release date: October, 2011).Have A Fantastic Friday!
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