“My Mummy’s a Vampire Writer”

I make no secret of the fact that I write adult novels. My children are only young, aged 6 and 3, and my eldest daughter is now of an age where she can read full sentences. I realised that I must now take care of what I am writing when she is in the room! I had a similar experience with our next-door neighbour a few years ago, so have been fairly secretive since then. I usually write my novels at night, when the children are in bed.

Anyway, I took my daughters to our local Scribe Festival recently. As a volunteer organiser, I took an active role in preparation of the event, and on the day, I wanted my children to get involved with the family activities. They loved it! I also wanted an author presence at the event, so I took my display banner and a collection of books to showcase. My banner has a vampire image on it, taken from the cover of my short story, Christmas with the Vampires. I thought nothing of it until my daughter studied the image for a while, asked a few questions about what that red stuff in the glass was, why was the lady lying down, and was the man a vampire? She began to look a little frightened as I explained that it was from one of my stories. Whoops!

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Book Review: Pretty Masks by C.A. Bell

Pretty Masks is the brand-new novel by C.A. Bell, and I was lucky to receive an advanced review copy to share on my blog. I must say; this book was not what I expected. Actually, I don’t know what I did expect, but it certainly wasn’t this. The book hooked me in, although I did get a little bit confused during the first couple of pages. Once I warmed to it, I was soon engrossed, and I finished reading it very quickly.

Pretty Masks by C.A. Bell

The subject matter in Pretty Masks is very dark and disturbing, not least because it tackles the issue of mental health. We meet Lois, who on the outside appears to be your average married woman. When she is betrayed by her husband, however, she reveals a life history of tragic events and experiences. The story unravels a mind twisted with pain and suffering, but there is no happy ending when the Pretty Masks are removed… Suffice to say, I believe this book is a good read. A very good read.

                                                      

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Embrace the Darkness for Vampire Month

We have almost reached the end of Vampire Month, although my vampires continue to haunt and delight me every day. At the moment, I am struggling to finish a first draft of book 5 in the Redcliffe novels series. The manuscript is called Heart of the Vampire (A Redcliffe Novel), and yet those pesky werewolves keep interfering!

Photo Credit #AtoZchallenge 

But enough of that. Today’s blog post on the Vampire Month website is a reflection on popular culture and the vampire image. I really like the Gothic photography that is featured, and I agree, vampires are sexy. There is no escaping the fact that we know they are disturbed and grotesque creatures in truth, but we prefer to see them as attractive. Could we say the same about our fellow humans? Maybe…

Did you enjoy this article? Join my tribe today, and I will send you a fabulous FREE book to get you started… (be warned, my vampires do not sparkle, and my wolves will bite!) 

Bridge House Publishing Author Event

My very first published story was The Teen Game, a short vampire story set in Manchester. It was featured in the anthology Devils, Demons and Werewolves by Bridge House Publishing, and is listed under my maiden name, Catherine Hargreaves.  I still remember the excitement I felt when I read the acceptance email as I was travelling out for a pre-wedding celebration with my mum and mother-in-law!

Later this week I will be attending an online author event with Gill James from Bridge House publishing. She is bringing together a group of authors and their books, and we will share our advice, our writing experience, and offer up a few new books and stories in competitions.

I believe Devils, Demons and Werewolves may be on special offer for the event, so sign up on the Facebook page, and I will see you there… You might even win a free book!

Did you enjoy this article? Join my tribe today, and I will send you a fabulous FREE book to get you started… (be warned, my vampires do not sparkle, and my wolves will bite!) 

SCRIBE Festival is Live! #ScribeFest

SCRIBE launches at 6:00pm today with a sparkling presentation by lecturer Elizabeth Williams. Join Elizabeth for a funny, entertaining, and very informative hour exploring The Fallen Woman in Victorian Literature. Tea and cakes will be served. Tickets are available online or you can pay on the door. No. 28, Hightown, Middlewich.  

Matthew Hall, writer of the popular The Coroner and Jenny Cooper series, has been an author, screenwriter and producer of prime-time drama for BBC1 and ITV for over ten years. Matthew will be talking about his intriguing career and his latest novel A Life to Kill tonight at 7:15pm in Middlewich Library. Tickets are available online or pay at the door. Middlewich Library, Lewin Street. 

We have a surprise addition to the SCRIBE programme. Dr Dick Shepherd is one of only 35 forensic pathologists in the country and he has featured in many TV documentaries about suspicious deaths. Dick joins us tonight for Life, Death and Taxis, a fascinating insight into the day to day work of a forensic pathologist. Dick will be in Middlewich library at 8:30pm. Book tickets for Matthew Hall, gain automatic free entry to Life, Death and Taxis and enjoy a rare and unmissable evening. Refreshments will be served. 

Phew, what a great start to #ScribeFest! Check back for more updates on Facebook and Twitter, and join us for the main event, The Crime Zone, on Saturday 25^th March in Middlewich town centre. And don’t forget to do the Book Trail and vote for your favourite shop window display.

Did you enjoy this article? Join my tribe today, and I will send you a fabulous FREE book to get you started… (be warned, my vampires do not sparkle, and my wolves will bite!) 

Out Now - Pretty Masks by C.A. Bell

OUT NOW - PRETTY MASKS: A TWISTED TALE OF REVENGE BY C.A.BELL

RELEASE PRICE - 0.99

BLURB

Masking a problem doesn’t fix it. No matter how long you keep it covered.

We all hide behind masks. Whether that be a forced smile to a loved one after a long day. A sympathetic frown of concern to someone that doesn’t really matter to you. Or a professional face at work after an almighty row at home. The fact is, we all do it. We do it because we want to be prettier on the outside than we truly are on the inside. We do it to hide the cracks that have formed due to life. But what about the people who are forced to wear masks? The people who are forced to hide their true colours because society says so?

Life has thrown its fair share of crap at Lois Johnston, and the one thing that has kept her sane and going for the last seven years is her husband, Nathan. But what happens when the one person that is keeping you safe from yourself leaves, taking not only your heart, but your sanity with them as well?

For the first time in a long time Lois is about to remove the mask that was forced upon her years ago. But what’s matured underneath after years of heartache and hiding is something even uglier than before. Life has twisted her into a monster, and she’s about to set it free.

AVAILABLE NOW

AMAZON

GOODREADS

About the Author

C.A.Bell was born and raised on the outskirts of London, England, but for the past four years has resided in the west midlands where she married and made a home.

She is author to numerous erotic fiction stories, including The Architect, Nancy's Curse, Femme Fatale: The Agency, The Shame Train, and many more.

As well as putting together her own collections of short stories and poetry, she is also a contributor to many anthologies and online magazines.

C.A.Bell's Social Links

Website - http://cbellatrix.wixsite.com/cabell

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorC.A.BELL/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/cbellAtrix09

Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.co.uk/C-A-Bell/e/B0140XPC0U/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

Goodreads -https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1951042.C_A_Bell

Countdown to #ScribeFest (Middlewich Literary Festival)

#ScribeFest celebrates all aspects of writing, illustrating and art, and it is happening this week, from 23rd-25th March! Brochures are available to collect from venues around Middlewich, and the shops are already preparing their special window displays for our “Guess the Book” competition… See you there!

Follow Scribe Festival on Twitter, use the hashtag #ScribeFest to see live updates, and like our page on Facebook to see exclusive news and giveaways before and during the event.

Did you enjoy this article? Join my tribe today, and I will send you a fabulous FREE book to get you started… (be warned, my vampires do not sparkle, and my wolves will bite!)