Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Thankful Author 2019- Barbara Bettis


This is a season of Thanksgiving, and I am truly thankful for my fabulous family and friends. For my faith and for my writing. Life is constant learning process and I hope I never stop.

As I began this post of serious reflection of thankfulness, my mind kept slipping to the side with ‘also thankful fors’ that have popped up as I’ve had fingers-to-the-keyboard finishing my latest story. So I thought I would share a few of those. I’m thankful for:
**slacks with elastic waists as I vow to embark on yet another diet as soon as this book is finished ,
**frozen dinners and microwaves when I’m in the midst of a writing groove,
**granddaughters who will dust my living room for a little extra cash,
**Keurigs, because somehow it’s just too much trouble to scoop loose coffee into a filer and fill a pot with water,
**snack-size bags of, well, snacks, because counting the same number of tiny crackers from a large box doesn’t say “That’s All” loudly enough (see first ‘thankful for’),
**DVRs (is that what they’re still called?) so I can record a TV show and fast-forward through commercials (unless they seem interesting!),
**battery-operated candles with automatic timers,
**retirement, so I no longer have to wake up at early dark-thirty,
**retirement, so I can go back to sleep when I Still wake up at—you know.

My list goes on. And I’m sure you all can come up with more of these rushing-to-finish-something thankful-fors.

But there are two last things I’m thankful for I haven’t mentioned.  In all seriousness I’m 
extremely thankful for fellow authors and—most of all—you wonderful readers. Happy 
Thanksgiving!

Here’s a peek at my latest medieval, For This Knight Only.


Blurb:

He’ll do anything for land, even marry her; she’ll do anything for her people, except marry him.  If only either had a choice. It’s a marriage only love can save.

Sir Roark will do anything to gain land, even beguile an unwilling lady into marriage. He knows she’s much better off with a man to take control of her besieged castle, to say nothing of her desirable person. But it isn’t long before he discovers that,although her eyes sparkle like sunlight on sea waves, her stubbornness alone could have defeated Saladin.   

Lady Alyss is determined to hold her family’s castle, protect her people, and preserve her freedom— until her brother’s dying wish binds her to a stranger. Still, she’ll allow no rugged, over-confident, appealing knight to usurp her authority, even if she must wed him. Especially since he thinks a lady’s duties begin and end with directing servants. Alyss has a few surprises for her new all-too-tempting lord.

But when a common enemy threatens everything, Roark and Alyss face a startling revelation. Without love, neither land nor freedom matters.

Excerpt:

“Pardon?” Alyss’s voice came in a whisper, but he seemed to hear well enough.

“I said your brother wished us to wed.”

The sound of a million crickets chirruped in her ears. His lips continued to move, but she heard nothing. Of a sudden, her bottom hit stone as she collapsed onto a step, but her eyes saw only him.  

He loomed over her, hands propped on hips, dark hair brushing those broad shoulders. She 
raised her brows in a level gaze—and inhaled sharply. Hazel eyes, sprinkled with green and gold 
chips, gleamed back. With effort, she recalled his recent words and her thoughts focused. 

She shot to her feet. “You must be mad. I have no intention of wedding a stranger who appears at my gate with some imaginary story of my brother’s last commands. I remind you, sir, you are a guest. In fact, I must ask you to leave. Your behavior is intolerable.”

His big hands closed around her shoulders. They were warm. Firm but gentle. She shook them off. He leaned in.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, my lady,” he murmured.
Bio:


Award-winning author Barbara Bettis has always loved history and English. As a college freshman, she considered becoming an archeologist until she realized there likely would be bugs and snakes involved. And math. Through careers as a newspaper reporter and editor, then a college journalism and English professor, she’s retained her fascination with history. Give her a research book and a pot of tea, and she’s happy for hours. But what really makes her smile is working on a new story. Now retired, she lives in Missouri where she spins tales of heroines to die for—and heroes to live for. 

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15 comments:

  1. I love your "Thankful" list, Barbara! So thankful to call you a friend, too! Happy (early) Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thanks, Mary. You are such a dear person. Hope your Thanksgiving is fabulous too :)

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  2. I'm gonna second every single item on your list, my dear!!! Elastic waisted pants were invented for me! I am convinced of that! The happiest of Thanksgivings and a wonderful Holiday season to you and yours!

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    1. Hi Peggy! Thanks for the lovely wishes, and right back at you. Hugs!

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  3. Do you think I could borrow the granddaughter who will dust for a reasonable fee? One of my least favorite jobs, especially when I could be writing instead. Loved your post! Have a wonderful holiday.

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    1. Hey Laura. Yes. She will dust for dollars LOL. I'm with you==I'd rather be doing anything other than that! You have a wonderful holiday too, my dear!

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  4. Lovely post, Barb. I'm thankful that I've gotten to know you. :)

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    1. Hugs, Judith! Same to you, my friend. Thanks for being here ;)

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  5. Great list, Barb. I, too, share a love for elastic waistbands. I'd choose comfort over glamour any day. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

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    1. Hi Melody and thanks! From the sound of it, several of us like those relaxed waistlines :) Have a fabulous holiday :)

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  6. You have a great sense of humour. You have many thing for which you are thankful. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. What a perfect list! I'm so grateful for fellow authors too. happy Thanksgiving Barb!

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  8. Loved your post! You sound a lot like me in your writing journey. Am loving your book!

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  9. I love your thankful list, especially the snack size snacks and not having to wake up at dark-thirty, even though you still do. I hear you on that! Good post.

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  10. Barbara, your thankful list (after family & friends of course) gave me a chuckle. I certainly relate to all of those! Love the cover of your book- wishing you lots of success and very happy, healthy holidays! Christine Samuelson

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