Review: Bounty Hunter - Kate Lynd

Here is a review for the sci-fi novel Bounty Hunter by Kate Lynd:

Tough, gruff and passionate!

It has been a while since I read sci-fi, and so I was pleasantly surprised when I enjoyed this story. There is no messing in this narrative. We are thrown straight into the depths of adventure, meeting both the heroes and villains almost immediately. I liked the fast pace of this novel, and the story is well described. You really feel the passion with the characters, and I feel a personal connection to Logan Mitchell, in that I really wanted to offer him some comfort! That said, I think this book could have benefited from some fleshing out towards the end. It felt a bit rushed, as though the author was desperate to give us the conclusion and forgot that the reader might not be so familiar with the futuristic setting and character traits. All in all, I recommend this novel to anybody who enjoys a bit of rough and ready romance. It is very adult, and it is mostly a believable plot.  

Hump Day Hook for Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel)

It is time for another Hump Day Hook snippet from my second novel Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel). I trust you have all had a wonderful Christmas holiday and are preparing for an exciting New Year celebration. There will be more from Redcliffe in 2013, starting with the release of my third book, Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel). Stay tuned, and in the meantime, here is something to whet your appetite.

*WARNING* - VIOLENT IMAGERY - NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED!

Kimberley started to move and then suddenly her hand was at my throat.  She pushed me hard against the wall and I panicked, struggling to breathe.  Before she could speak Danny grabbed her, yanked her back, and threw her across the room so that she skidded and crashed into the wooden chairs.  I sank to the floor, hands to my throat, catching my breath, coughing and spluttering violently as my body reacted in fear.  Danny was crouched above Kimberley, growling and snarling but still in human form.  He punched her and the sound echoed through the room.  She cried out and I heard her whimper and beg him for forgiveness.  His voice was clear and terrifying.

“You ask my forgiveness?” he roared, slapping her face, “You should ask for Jessica’s!  She is my friend, and I welcome her here into our lair with a promise of protection.  You will protect her as our own, Kimberley, or you will be cast out.  What do you choose?”

Don't forget to check out our Facebook group for more exciting novel snippets and lots of fabulous authors. Happy reading! 

Supernatural Adventures in Cornwall - the Redcliffe Novels

Since we are fast approaching an especially busy week for eBook sales and people eagerly searching for new authors and series' to get their teeth into, I am taking this opportunity to promote the Redcliffe novels. Allow me to elaborate...

Set in Cornwall, England, the Redcliffe novels follow the adventures of bookshop owner Jessica Stone as she unwittingly falls in love with a vampire, becomes entangled with his identical twin brother's werewolf pack, and then discovers she is a witch. 

 Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) is about a young woman who runs a bookshop in Cornwall with her best friend. She falls in love with a local police detective and later discovers that he is a vampire, and that his identical twin brother is a werewolf. She is dragged into their complicated and dangerous lives, to her detriment, where secrets are told and lives are lost...

In the recently released sequel Love Kills (A RedcliffeNovel), Jessica Stone recovers from an horrific werewolf attack and comes to terms with revelations that her lover, Jack Mason, is a vampire, his brother, Danny, the werewolf pack leader, and her best friend, Simon, is a werewolf.  Add to that her discovery that she is a witch, and life is suddenly a whole lot harder than it used to be. Jessica has to fight for her own life and Jack’s when faced with his jealous vampire master who wants her old lover back. But things are never easy, and a vampire master is not so easy to defeat…

My books are available in both eBook and paperback formats, with a third novel due out in 2013. You can find links for all formats on my website, on Smashwords, Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Waterstones. I hope you enjoy reading them just as much as I enjoy creating the magic and mayhem! 

Hump Day Hook - Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel)

Here is another sample from my second Redcliffe novel, Love Kills, for this week's Hump Day Hook:

           Here I was reluctant to speak.  It was one thing to accept the reality of werewolves and vampires when they were physically attacking me.  But to accept that the spirit of my dead mother, who just happened to be a witch, was actually holding conversations in my mind was something I struggled with.  Jack saw the confusion in my expression, and suddenly he was there in front of me.  I hadn’t seen him move, and my heart lurched into my throat.  He very gently put his arms around me, and gathered me against his body in a tight hug. 

            “She is real, Jessica,” he said quietly, “I feel her energy around you.  She has spoken in my dreams also, to warn me about protecting you.”
            I drew away from him in surprise, and looked up into his face.

            “You have spoken to her?” I asked incredulously, “When?”

            Jack stared at me with those brilliant blue eyes, and I almost lost myself in the depths of blue flame.  I struggled with the urge to throw myself into his arms again.  My lips twitched with the need to kiss him, and the force of my love was terrifying.  I stood straight and stiff, willing myself to be strong.  Jack spoke quietly, holding my gaze. 

If you like what you see, check out my author website for a free short werewolf story and links to my books for sale. See our Facebook group Hump Day Hook for more exciting novel excerpts and fantastic authors! You can also see a list of participants here.

Merry Christmas!  

   

Gifts Aren’t Only from Santa! – Indie eBook Event

Allow me to present a special Christmas event hosted by my fellow Indie author, Angela Orlowski-Peart and her friends: 

The Gifts Aren't Only From Santa crew are gearing up for two days of FREE and discounted for charity!

That's right. December 14th and December 15th, treat yourself to a buffet of ebook joy by visiting Amazon and downloading FREE ebooks or heavily discounted ebooks where 100% of the proceeds go towards charity. How cool is that to be a giver and a receiver all at one time?!?!

On top of that, there's a fun Facebook event scheduled for December 14th with cool games and prizes to win. Go here for details.

Want to get a heads up on the great novels coming up for FREE or discounted? Go here  to peruse the titles. Just make sure you don't drool on the keyboard. You'll need it for the December 14th Facebook fun.

"What if I don't have a kindle?" you ask. Well, that isn't a problem. Got a smartphone (android, blackberry, iPhone), computer (Mac or Windows-based), or a tablet (iPad or android tablet), then you can download a FREE kindle app and take advantage of these great titles being made available to you.

Don't forget to enter to win some great prizes in the rafflecopter as well. Yeah, we're just loving the giving spirit! Make sure to share this with everyone so no one misses out on the fun, prizes and free ebooks galore!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hump Day Hook - Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel)

Today I participate in the Hump Day Hook for the first time. Here is a paragraph from my second novel Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) which is widely available now, and you can have your copy for Christmas if you wish! Here is the excerpt for your reading pleasure:

I stepped closer to Danny again, and my tiger advanced upon him.  Although I couldn’t physically see her, I felt that she was around me like a cloak.  Her warm, exotic energy wrapped around my body and attached itself to me, so that to Danny and Jack, she was clear to see.  Something instinctive told me that only the supernatural creatures would see my tiger.  Humans were not evolved enough to trust in their senses.  They would ignore the tingles down their spine, or that feeling of discomfort.  They would dismiss it as a cold chill, or a draught.  In truth it was energy, pure and brilliant.  And this energy needed an outlet.

Do I have your attention? Good! Now pop over to my website for your free short werewolf story set in Redcliffe, Cornwall, and order your copy of Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) today.

If you would like to see more Hump Day Hook blog posts, check out the Facebook page, or see the blog of Kerrianne Coombes for a list of participants. Happy Hump Day!

Review: Forged by Greed – Angela Orlowski-Peart

Here is my review of Forged By Greed - Book 1 - by Angela Orlowski-Peart:

A love story of magical proportions!

 I really enjoyed this book, although I would say it picks up more towards the end. In the beginning I struggled to get involved with the characters, but that may be due to its Young Adult setting and glamorous location (at least for someone from the North of England!). My favourite characters were Jatred and Crystal. I am definitely a Winter kid at heart! Anyway, if you want a supernatural story that’s a little bit different, I recommend you try this one out. There are shape shifters, Goddesses, and ancient magic and folklore that really get the imagination racing! It was generally well written and you can feel the love from the author on every page.

Farewell Twilight - Hello Redcliffe!

It is over! It is finally over! The amazing saga that is Twilight has aired its final movie, and the world of vampire and werewolf lovers will be in mourning. Well, those of us who enjoyed the books and films! I have to admit; I did not read the novels. I tried to read the first one, but I found it boring and gave up. Perhaps I should give it another go.

I really did enjoy the films. I especially enjoyed Breaking Dawn Part 2, because I could feel and see the love that was poured into this project by its creators. It wasn’t simply about the money. That is an easy target for people who are jealous of Stephanie Meyer’s immense success. I admire her. She wrote a story from the heart, she managed to get it seen by the right people in the industry, and now her creation will live on forever.

After all, that is what we all strive for as authors, don’t we? I know I do. Which is why I am now introducing, for those who have not yet discovered them, my Redcliffe novels. I draw a parallel with the Twilight saga in that my books tell the story of a witch who falls in love with a vampire and a werewolf. The Redcliffe novels are strictly adult, however, and not for the faint hearted. The first in the series is Love Hurts (ARedcliffe Novel), the sequel is Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) and the third book Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) is estimated for release in 2013. 

Set in Cornwall, England, the Redcliffe novels follow the adventures of bookshop owner Jessica Stone as she unwittingly falls in love with a vampire, becomes entangled with his identical twin brother's werewolf pack, and then discovers she is a witch.

In the newly released sequel Love Kills (A RedcliffeNovel) Jessica Stone recovers from an horrific werewolf attack and comes to terms with revelations that her lover, Jack Mason, is a vampire, his brother, Danny, the werewolf pack leader, and her best friend, Simon, is a werewolf.  Add to that her discovery that she is a witch, and life is suddenly a whole lot harder than it used to be. Jessica has to fight for her own life and Jack’s when faced with his jealous vampire master who wants her old lover back. But things are never easy, and a vampire master is not so easy to defeat…

I’m a #NaNoWriMo Winner 2012, Hooray!

I did it! I won NaNoWriMo 2012 and I feel epic (to quote a rather annoying British television commercial!) My final word count came in at a very healthy 50,055, which means that by the time I finish editing the manuscript, I will have a decent sized novel to pitch. Wonderful! I am also totally in love with the story, which is always a bonus.

The month has been a long one, and it isn’t even over. NaNoWriMo 2012 was definitely harder than NaNoWriMo 2011. Perhaps this was because in 2011 I was writing the sequel to my debut novel and it was all clearly mapped out in my mind. Perhaps it was the fact that I then had a child under the age of 1, who was easily satisfied with a nap and some sensory toys. Whatever, this year was a tough one.

But I did it, and in just 25 days! I know there are many hundreds (and probably thousands) of other NaNoWriMo winners around the world, some who finished ahead of me, and to those I say hearty congratulations. To my fellow Wrimos who are still slogging at the final hurdles, do not give up. You will do this, and we will meet at the finish line! 

Meet the Vampire Book Realm Authors at Coffee Time Romance

I have already posted about this a few weeks’ ago, but remember our date for Friday 30^th November (oh, that would be today, now in fact!) I will be live in the Latte Lounge at Coffee Time Romance, along with my fellow authors from the Vampire Book Realm.

This is an all-day event, so drop by anytime and say hello! We are running cool competitions, discussing all aspects of our books, and I will even post excerpts from my newest vampire tale, The Vampire of Blackpool (fresh from the NaNoWriMo press!)

So remember, pop in to our forum any time today at Coffee Time Romance. If you love vampires, you will love the Vampire Book Realm… 

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=1955

#NaNoWriMo – It’s in the Bag!

Well, this year’s NaNoWriMo challenge has proved especially tough, and it is only my second attempt at the contest! It was easier to write last year partly because I was writing the sequel to my debut novel and the story was already planned, and partly because my daughter was under 1 and therefore easier to entertain.

This month, in NaNoWriMo 2012, my novel has literally been a surprise to me. My title is The Vampire of Blackpool. It probably won’t stick, but it was all I could come up with in time for the challenge. My story has literally developed every time I sit down to write. I have no prior understanding of my characters or the plot. All I knew in the beginning was that I had a female vampire living in solitude on the outskirts of Blackpool. She was a traditional vampire, feeding and killing humans with no sense of remorse. It was supposed to be a horror story.

It hasn’t quite turned out that way, but I am still happy with the developments. My vampire, Meredith Hanson, has been on a killing spree. A vampire hunter is also chasing her and they have so far battled to near-death and then engaged in conversation, albeit brief. She feels something for him, but she is confused. Meredith has also become intimately acquainted with a young nurse who just happens to be a witch, and this sub-plot has taken me by surprise during the last couple of days.

The icing on the cake for NaNoWriMo 2012 has been the arrival in my story of a familiar face from the Redcliffe novels. Detective Jack Mason has arrived on the scene! He has travelled up from Cornwall to Lancashire, and it seems that he and Meredith have a history. We might learn a little about it soon enough, but I am not sure. I will give Meredith free reign to tell her story. My muse has suddenly woken up and seems very eager to share. Wonderful!

So, as it stands, I am now at 38,493 words. I have to write another 11,507 words in just 8 days. The estimate is to write 1,439 words per day, according to my stats on the NaNoWriMo website. This means I will finish my novel on 29^th November. Perfect! And, a little early but I’m feeling generous, Merry Christmas!

Mind, Body and Spirit Event – Alderley Edge, Cheshire

Join me on Sunday 2^nd December 2012 from 10:00am – 5:00pm for a Mind, Body and Spirit Event at Festival Hall, Talbot Road, Alderley Edge, SK9 7HR.

  

“Experience The Magic of The Angel and Fairy Grotto”

“You can experience the Magic of The Angel and Fairy Grotto where the Fairy Godmother will be with her Angels and Fairies from the Sanctuary.  If you would like to leave a message in the Post Box for Fairyland, then the Fairy Godmother will make sure it gets there.  The cost is just a Stamped Addressed Envelope.”

 At this event I will do Tarot and Oracle card readings offering spiritual guidance and a new perspective on the trials of everyday life. If you have a question that needs an answer, I will help you understand a little more. If you feel a little lost or unsure about your current situation, the cards may guide us towards a positive and fulfilling resolution. I draw upon my experience as a witch and a shaman in training when I do my readings, which means you may not always receive the answers you expect. I am always genuine, and I believe that we must all learn to take responsibility for our own lives, however that may be.

I will also sell signed copies of my adult paranormal romance series the Redcliffe Novels. Set in Cornwall, England, the Redcliffe novels follow the adventures of bookshop owner Jessica Stone as she unwittingly falls in love with a vampire, becomes entangled with his identical twin brother's werewolf pack, and then discovers she is a witch.

In the newly released sequel Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) Jessica Stone recovers from an horrific werewolf attack and comes to terms with revelations that her lover, Jack Mason, is a vampire, his brother, Danny, the werewolf pack leader, and her best friend, Simon, is a werewolf.  Add to that her discovery that she is a witch, and life is suddenly a whole lot harder than it used to be. Jessica has to fight for her own life and Jack’s when faced with his jealous vampire master who wants her old lover back. But things are never easy, and a vampire master is not so easy to defeat…

As we approach the long-anticipated energy shift on 21st December (21/12/12), this event promises to be very exciting and exhilarating. It is time to stop wandering among the flock, and to step out into our own individual spaces of light. Join me, embrace your truth, and be happy…

Mind, Body and Spirit Event – Whitchurch, Shropshire

Join me on Saturday 1st December 2012 from 10:00am – 5:00pm for a Mind, Body and Spirit Event at the Whitchurch Civic Centre (Market Hall), High Street, Shropshire, SY13 1AX.

At this event I will do Tarot and Oracle card readings offering spiritual guidance and a new perspective on the trials of everyday life. If you have a question that needs an answer, I will help you understand a little more. If you feel a little lost or unsure about your current situation, the cards may guide us towards a positive and fulfilling resolution. I draw upon my experience as a witch and a shaman in training when I do my readings, which means you may not always receive the answers you expect. I am always genuine, and I believe that we must all learn to take responsibility for our own lives, however that may be.

I will also sell signed copies of my adult paranormal romance series the Redcliffe Novels. Set in Cornwall, England, the Redcliffe novels follow the adventures of bookshop owner Jessica Stone as she unwittingly falls in love with a vampire, becomes entangled with his identical twin brother's werewolf pack, and then discovers she is a witch.

In the newly released sequel Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) Jessica Stone recovers from an horrific werewolf attack and comes to terms with revelations that her lover, Jack Mason, is a vampire, his brother, Danny, the werewolf pack leader, and her best friend, Simon, is a werewolf.  Add to that her discovery that she is a witch, and life is suddenly a whole lot harder than it used to be. Jessica has to fight for her own life and Jack’s when faced with his jealous vampire master who wants her old lover back. But things are never easy, and a vampire master is not so easy to defeat…

As we approach the long-anticipated energy shift on 21st December (21/12/12), this event promises to be very exciting and exhilarating. It is time to stop wandering among the flock, and to step out into our own individual spaces of light. Join me, embrace your truth, and be happy…

#NaNoWriMo - Beginning to Panic

My weekend did not turn out to be quite so productive as I anticipated. My dreams of sitting in an ancient library, tapping away at my laptop, never transpired. I was kept away from NaNoWriMo, busy with the family; sightseeing, exploring, and enjoying fresh air and good food. I had a thoroughly relaxing break. But I only managed to write another 1000 words.

Returning home yesterday, the panic began to bite. The finish line looms for NaNoWriMo 2012. I had only written 26,430 words. It would be a disaster. Last night I was too exhausted to even look at the computer, and so I opted to go to bed early. This morning I was distracted with mother-daughter activities, which continued into the afternoon.

Tonight I finally sat down at my computer and began to write. I had to do it for NaNoWriMo. I will not be beaten! I wrote another 2000+ words and got my word count up to 28,828. Then I consulted the NaNoWriMo tools on my author dashboard on their website. It was not looking good. I needed to do at least another 2000 words to be in with a fighting chance.

Now I am up to 30,162. Phew! I am back in the game, although it is still very touch and go. My current estimated finishing date is Dec 4^th. Not good enough. I will finish on Nov 30^th if it kills me! By my calculations, I have to write roughly 2000 words per day to bring it back under control. I have to write 30,000 words in the next 10 days. Watch this space…

NaNoWriMo - Half Way There

As I write this post I am feeling very happy. After a somewhat stilted and disjointed start to the month I managed to get my ass into gear and am now officially half way through my NaNoWriMo project. Hooray! Who knew I could magically find the time to write 25,011 words in just 14 days, complete with a demanding toddler in tow? Apparently I could, I did, and I am on track to succeed!

The novel is shaping up nicely, although my inner editor is already screaming that it is not good enough, we need to re-read what we have written, and we need to tear it to pieces and rebuild. Nope, not during November! This month is all about the writing. I am in my stride. I sit at the computer, stare at the screen, place my fingers on the keys and allow my Muse to take control. The demon editor can wait until after NaNoWriMo. I will not return to the manuscript until some time in December, once I have come down from the elation of succeeding at my second year of the challenge.

Oh yes, I will succeed! I am actually away this weekend for a short family holiday. Fortunately I can use it to my advantage. My very understanding husband and parents in-law have agreed that I may take my laptop and shut myself away in the library at the farm in which we are staying. I can indulge in some pure, uninterrupted writing time in a setting that promises to be both romantic, isolated and inspiring.

I will emerge from my writer's cave at some point during the weekend. I do intend to be sociable, to enjoy some long walks in the Yorkshire countryside with my family, and to enjoy a hearty meal or two. But always at the back of my mind will lurk the manuscript, the NaNoWriMo challenge, and my desperate need to succeed in the competition once again. It is a wonderful tool for motivation!

Coffee Time Romance presents the Vampire Book Realm!

Join me for a very exciting day on Friday 30th November, where you can chat to all your favourite vampire authors from the Vampire Book Realm. I will be there to talk about the Redcliffe novels, and I will share excerpts from Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) and Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel), including special exclusive short stories that didn’t make the final cut. If I am in a really good mood I might even share excerpts from my new novel, the third in the series, Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel)…

If you love vampires, if you are still reeling from the excitement of the latest Twilight film release, then this is the place for you! Join us live in the Latte Lounge at Coffee Time Romance, and we can quench your thirst for all things fanged and dangerous…

See you there!

NaNoWriMo and Crazy November

We are just into day 7 of NaNoWriMo and the month is already crazy busy! I was set back on the first day by a last-minute excursion to a local theme park. We had free tickets, they had a special Halloween theme, I couldn't say no! Anyway, I got back on track with my NaNoWriMo project by hitting the keys for two days of furious writing. My novel is still very vague, and this is the first time I have sat down with absolutely no idea of what I am writing. It is quite exhilarating really, when I transform a blank page into a work of prose.

Well, after that mad dash to get started, I was hit by a sickness bug which wiped me out for 2 days. I was so not impressed! Actually I really needed some rest, so I took the opportunity and tried not to let the little NaNoWriMo demon shout too loud. Today I got back on track, wrote another 4000 words, and am almost up to speed. According to the official website stats I will now finish my NaNoWriMo project on Dec 5th. That is not good enough. I must do better. I will do better tomorrow, after I have slept!

So, away from the crazy month of writing, there are several other things demanding my attention in November. I have already done a live author interview on a local internet radio station, 6 Towns Radio. I have scheduled a live interview with a community internet radio station, KTPF, later in November. This has yet to be confirmed but I am already looking forward to it. And all of a sudden I have several author interviews to prepare for various websites. I hadn't even consciously planned them, they just sort of happened. Don't you just love events like that? It's all excellent fodder for the pre-Christmas sales promotion.

Ho Ho Ho!

NaNoWriMo 2012 - Here We Go!

It is finally here! NaNoWriMo, that magical month of writing abandon that has haunted and taunted me, always lingering somewhere in the back of my conscious mind, always whispering that it would be here soon and I had better get my affairs in order. Well, November is here, and I missed the first day. Oh dear!

It wasn't my fault, honest. My best friend procured free tickets to a local theme park, and the season closes this weekend. They had a special Halloween entertainment package, and I hadn't experienced it since I worked there several years ago. We had to participate. So, I allowed myself one more day off, and today I intend to get stuck in. I will write double the daily quota of words for NaNoWriMo. I will. I definitely will...

So, I have sat down in front of the computer with my daughter safely in bed where she will (hopefully) sleep for another hour. The dog is curled up on the sofa and won't demand his walk until later in the day. I am distraction-free. The moment has come. I stare at a blank page. The unwritten words taunt me. They whisper to me, but I can't hear them. Where do I begin? How do I start? I am about to write yet another masterpiece, but I cannot form even the first sentence. This is not looking good.

I will not give up. I will not be defeated. I succeeded in NaNoWriMo 2011, and I will damn sure do the same with NaNoWriMo 2012. At least I have a story. Now all I need to do is call on my Muse, tempt her out of hiding, and let my fingers do the talking... See you on the other side folks!

Live Author Interview for Halloween

Exciting news! I have been invited to do a live radio interview on a special Halloween show at 6 Towns Radio. The station is  based in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent and covers the Potteries area of the UK. This is my home city, a place where I grew up, fell in love, got my first jobs and lots of other life experiences.

Listen live at 11:00am GMT (6:00am EST) and you can hear about my paranormal romance Redcliffe novels, my experiences as a ghost hunter, and all sorts of weird and wonderful, spooky and supernatural tales and titbits...

http://www.6towns.co.uk/

The Next Big Thing

Today I talk about my new book, Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) as I partake in The Next Big Thing. Thank you to Suzie Tullett for the kind invitation.

  

    1. What is the working title of your book?

Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) – Book 3

    2. Where did the idea for the book come from?

It came naturally after I wrote the first book, Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) and the sequel Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel).

     3. What genre does your work fall under?

It is paranormal romance, with a little dark fantasy and some horror elements.

     4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters?

Hmm, so far I am struggling to decide on the right ones. For my heroine Jessica Stone I need a British woman with a convincing Manchester accent, long auburn hair and green eyes. For the Mason brothers I need identical twins from Dublin with black hair and blue eyes… Any up and coming actors interested in the roles please?

     5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Emotion runs high in this fast-paced paranormal adventure, where secrets unfold and friends are not as they seem…

     6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

It will most likely be published in partnership with Mirador, who produced my first two novels in the series.

     7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of you manuscript?

About four or five months I think. Once I had written the first two, this one just couldn’t wait.

     8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

It probably has elements of the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris, but I aspire to write like Laurell K Hamilton and her Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series, but with less horrific violence and a British perspective.

      9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?

I can’t really remember. My first novel, Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel), was cultivated in my mind for around ten years before I actually wrote it down. It first came about when I read the Nightworld series of novels by L. J. Smith and decided I wanted my own version of a vampire story with characters I could more easily relate to. Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) is a natural progression from that, using experiences gained from my life during recent years.

     10. What else about your book might pique the readers’ interest?

It is set in Cornwall and describes the romantic rugged coastline and old smugglers’ caves. There is a best friend with a new baby, two women running a business, and some interesting moral issues explored.

So those are the answers for the next Catherine Green novel. Please see below for other authors taking part in The Next Big Thing.

http://www.emilyharvale.com/blog  Emily writes about love, fun, friendships, drama, sex and romance.

http://www.lizzielamb.co.uk/ Lizzie writes contemporary romance and her novel Tall, Dark and Kilted is due for an Autumn release.

http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.gr/ Celia Yeary is an author of romance and every story she writes, be it long or short, is based in her native home of Texas, the state she knows so well.

http://thefearlesspen.wordpress.com/ Fran and Caro, who juggle life as mums and that gnawing need to write.

Halloween Book Review - Whitby Vampyrrhic by Simon Clark

This book is a good old fashioned British horror story, and a brilliant Halloween read!

I cannot believe I didn’t know about this book before. I came across it by chance in my local library, and I really enjoyed it. The story is set during World War 2, and I love the contrast between the horrific vampire creatures that terrorize Whitby, and the armies who fight in the skies above. It is an interesting version of social commentary, and has echoes of classic vampire stories from the late 19th century. There is no romance in this book, and the creatures are gruesome, but I recommend it to everyone.

Meet the Author and Mind, Body Spirit in Nantwich, Cheshire

October is progressing very nicely and I am preparing for the crazy month that will be National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November. In the meantime, I am getting back out there and making myself available to you, my readers and friends! Join me at the Civic Hall in Nantwich, Cheshire on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October for a fabulous Mind, Body and Spirit event brought to you by Rosemary Douglas.

 I will be offering signed copies of my first two novels Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) and Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel). If you haven’t heard about them, get more details on my website, along with a free short story. They are perfect for Halloween, and a great stocking filler if you have started your Christmas shopping…

Aside from books I will be offering Tarot and Oracle card readings to help you with those tricky or confusing situations we all have to deal with in life. There will be musicians, therapists, healers, and lots of beautiful trinkets, tools and accessories for sale. You can purchase angel drawings and paintings, crystals, incense, fairy goodies and much more.

Make Time to Write your Book with NaNoWriMo

November is National Novel Writing Month, affectionately known as NaNoWriMo to its regular participants. NaNoWriMo is a great idea. I joined the organisation in 2011 for my first time, and it was brilliant for me because I got the opportunity to write the sequel to my first Redcliffe novel. Up until that point I was distracted with the arrival of my first child, the upheaval of being a new parent, and the associated confusion and planning about whether or not I should return to work and how our family system should operate.

Anyway, I heard about NaNoWriMo and decided to give it a go. It is called a competition, but there are no financial prizes or rewards. It is free to join, free to attend, and all that is required is that you attempt to write 50,000 words during the month of November. 50,000 words in 30 days. Wow! It seemed like an impossible task, especially since I don’t usually find the time to write every day. In fact at the time I was lucky to write once a week. Now I realise its potential.

NaNoWriMo gave me the opportunity to test myself, and to learn that actually I can write every day when I put my mind to it. I didn’t have to stay up every night writing until the early hours (although I did on the occasions when my Muse took over), and my daughter was not neglected. I still managed to run a household and do all my usual chores and required tasks. Many people are in awe of my achievement. My fellow NaNoWriMo winners simply smile indulgently and we bask in our shared glory.

Some people might say it’s all well and good to write 50,000 words in 30 days, but where do you get your inspiration? For most natural writers, the words are already there just waiting to spill out. Once we set out a quiet time, a personal space, and an open invitation to our Muse, we can write a whole book within a short space of time.  The good people at NaNoWriMo have set up forums and chat rooms where writers can encourage each other. We can share ideas, assist with queries, and generally offer support based on our individual experiences.

There are also regional groups that physically meet up in pubs and cafes, to swap updates and continue the push to succeed in the NaNoWriMo challenge. My local group meets in Chester, and while I was unable to make any of their meetings in 2011, I might have a little more freedom this year, depending on circumstances of course. It doesn’t matter either way, because the option is still there, and we are all connected via email and forums on the website.

Are you a NaNoWriMo winner? Have you participated in the past but not quite reached the golden 50,000 word challenge? Or have you never attempted it? I suggest you go for it. Try it out. Even if you don’t complete the challenge, you will end the month with a fresh new manuscript underway, and you will be in the practice of finding time to write. It might give you the push that you need to shut out all the other hundreds of daily distractions in life, and to write your masterpiece of a bestseller. If you want to know more, their website is http://www.nanowrimo.org/. See you at NaNo!

We Approach the Witching Hour!

Wow, when did it turn into October? I say this every year, but this one really is flying by! October is a popular month for book promotions, especially by Indie authors. That is why I will be flogging my novels for all they are worth in the run up to Halloween. Well, they are paranormal after all! With a dash of horror, a fair bit of romance, and some good old fashioned conflict to sink your fangs into...

 

Aside from selling books, we are now in the run-up to National Novel Writing Month. If you are not familiar with NaNoWriMo (as we regulars fondly call it), this is an opportunity for authors old and new to crack on with their manuscripts. Perhaps you have a new story underway but are just not getting very far with it. Maybe you have one in your head but don't know where to start when it comes to writing it down. Fear not! The crew at NaNoWriMo are on hand to offer help and support, guidance and motivation when you need it.

The whole thing is voluntary, but they will try and sell you merchandise or get you to donate towards running costs. I quite understand why they do this, and I will contribute what I can, as I'm sure everybody else does. You basically register on the website, set your profile details, and start writing. There are lots of forums and you can meet fellow authors, both within your genre and without. NaNoWriMo also arrange regular weekly meetings in person around the UK and US. You simply have to join the relevant forum to your local area, in my case Chester, UK.

I wasn't sure whether to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. It was my first attempt in 2011 and I did succeed, and you can read the finished result in my novel Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel). See, had to get some promotion in there! It was very useful for me because I have a young daughter and struggled to find time to sit down and write. Using NaNoWriMo gives you the oppportunity to dedicate proper time to your writing, without all that fiddly editing nonsense in the middle of your manuscript.

Oh, and incase you were wondering, NaNoWriMo starts in November. The basic task is to write 50,000 words during the month of November. Enjoy, and see you there!

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!) 

Time Flies When You Are Writing Books

A couple of days ago I decided to clear out a rather large accumulation of paperwork from our coffee table. This piece of furniture has proven very useful in a small house, because it is a decent size, with two storage shelves underneath, which are invariably used as a dumping ground for mail, books, newspapers, magazines, and now my daughter's toys and colouring pencils.

 As I dragged out a pile of newspapers and magazines that had been languishing in the dusty recesses, I discovered the North Staffordshire magazine October 2011 edition, which featured me on the front page and gave me a lovely two-page spread promoting my book Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel). See, there's me, "Love bites for Cheadle author." I was so proud!

I am originally from the small market town of Cheadle in North Staffordshire, probably best known as the nearest large town to the Alton Towers theme park in the wilds of the Staffordshire Moorlands. Now I live in South Cheshire, less than fifty miles away but still quite a change.

You might wonder why I chose Cornwall in South West England as the setting for my paranormal romance novels. It simply fits the story.  I used to holiday in a town called Looe on the south coast, near to the Devon border, and it was this place that inspired my fictional town of Redcliffe. I also used a little of the tiny fishing village of Polperro for its traditional setting and general Cornish ambiance.

So there we have it. A simple act of household chores gave me renewed vigour for my work, and reminded me just how far I have come in the short time of twelve months. To all fellow Indie authors, never give up!

Unfinished Business, Short Stories and New Novels

I have been looking through my files of short stories, searching for something to post on my blog. It occurred to me that I have several short stories, but about three of them are variations of the same theme, as yet unfinished. I have a few more still in progress, and the completed ones have already been shared. I have also finished writing a couple of novels and started another one. Oops! I tend to start something, then get distracted, and return to it at a later date. I think it might be time for some file organizing and spring cleaning, so I can figure out where I stand with works in progress.

In the meantime, you can view my edited short stories at Wattpad and a Redcliffe werewolf story on my author website or in the young adult anthology The Mirador Fantasmagoria. You can also find a vampire short story published under my maiden name Catherine Hargreaves in Devils, Demons and Werewolves.

Happy reading!

Catherine Green Author Spotlight

Here is my author spotlight on the blog of Ricki Wilson, thank you very much for having me!

http://www.rickiwilson.com/4/post/2012/09/love-hurts-and-love-kills-books-1-and-2-in-the-redcliffe-series-by-catherine-green-spookymrsgreen.html

The Beauty of Library Books

Much has been discussed recently about the nature of public libraries and their place in a society that is increasingly reliant on computers, tablets and mobile phones for daily activity. We are now able to downlaod digital books for free from hundreds of websites, and can read them on our phones while we are out and about. There is no more need to carry around a heavy hardbacked book, or shove a battered paperback in your pocket or handbag. But I don't believe we have seen the end of real books.

Personally I adore my local library, always have done. It is the place I would find sanctuary as a child, it broadened my horizons as a teenager, it aided my studies as a university student, and now I frequent our library with my young daughter. They hold a weekly toddler and baby group where we sing nursery rhymes and read  books. When we attended yesterday my daughter was far more interested in selecting books to peruse than she was in actually socializing. That's my girl!

The question has been asked recently. Will our libraries survive the digital revolution? My answer to that is most definitely yes they will. I have a Kindle. I read books in PDF format on my computer, but I am far happier curled up on the sofa or stretched out in bed with a real, solid book in my hands. Despite having a TBR list of personal books that will probably take a good 5 years to get through, yesterday I picked up yet another library book that caught my attention. It is a hard-backed novel, called Whitby Vampyrrhic. I never heard of it before, but I spied it while I was gathering my daughter at the end of our library visit. Now I must be going. I have reading to do!

The Redcliffe Novels - *Preview* - Love Redeems

Set in Cornwall, England, the Redcliffe novels follow the adventures of bookshop owner Jessica Stone as she unwittingly falls in love with a vampire, becomes entangled with his identical twin brother's werewolf pack, and then discovers she is a witch. Find out more on my website.

My third book in the series is complete and in pre-publication stages. I will update you on a release date once it is confirmed, but I expect it to be early in 2013. More details to follow...

Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) – Book 3

Life has changed forever in Redcliffe, Cornwall. Jessica Stone used to be a normal, happy human. Now she is an angry, conflicted and confused witch. It all happened when she met Detective Jack Mason and his identical twin brother Danny. Jessica almost died twice, fell into a love triangle, and she became a murderer. Now she faces the ultimate challenge as she continues the fight to save the man she loves, while simultaneously struggling with her lust for his werewolf brother and their vampire friend. Can she survive, or will love finally end her life completely?

Bookshops - Do you buy new or secondhand?

I made a little observation recently while I was sitting in a corner of a Waterstones book store desperately hoping to sell some books, or at the very least entice someone to speak with me for a minute or two. Looking around at the neatly organized shelves, I saw the bright, shiny, clean covers of new books fresh from the printing press. I love the smell of a new book. I love the texture, and the way you can smooth your hand over the covers knowing that it holds treasures and adventures yet to be discovered.

 Independent bookshops are a dying breed on the British high street these days, so whenever I do come across such a place on my travels, I have to step inside just to experience the cornucopia of pleasure that it contains. I have to inhale the smell of new books, admire the artwork on the covers, hold a paperback and a hardback in my hands one after the other, and simply worship the magnificent tome, whatever its subject matter.

High street bookshops are all very well in their place. I enjoy visiting Waterstones, and I appreciate what they do for the industry. But my heart will always be in the old days. By that I mean I absolutely adore secondhand bookshops. They sit nestled in fabulous old buildings, usually medieval or eighteenth century. I step over the threshold into a dimly lit interior, and the smell of old books hits me like the welcome aroma of hot chocolate on a cold day. One thing I notice is that although these bookshops are dimly lit, you can always see all of the books with amazing clarity!

Then there are those crazy, obscure places that match the ethos of eccentric Britain. This is my territory! Only in Britain can you find a bookshop literally in the gardens of an ancient castle. This one is at Hay-on-Wye in Wales, just over the border from Herefordshire in England. Hay-on-Wye is known as 'the book town' and it is wonderful! Here you have a mixture of bookshops for old and new, but my favourite has to be the castle bookshop...

Do you have a favourite bookshop? Indeed, do you even bother with good old-fashioned books anymore, or are you an advocate for the e-reader? Please share your thoughts and observations...

I Love the City of Chester

I recently hosted a book signing event at Waterstones book store in Chester, UK. The city is a beautiful place, steeped in Roman history, crammed with original Tudor buildings and a wonderful Victorian shopping arcade in the city centre. Whenever you visit the place you will find people dressed up for weddings and formal occasions, mixing with people who are relaxing on a day off from work or domestic chores. It is wonderfully eclectic! I have also attended ghost hunts before now in a Tudor house called Stanley Palace, and that holds a special place in my heart from the experiences I had on those events.

Anyway, back to the book signing. What I am beginning to learn about doing these events, is that no store is the same. Even though they are all part of the same chain, Waterstones, they are adapted to suit the needs of their customer base, and the aesthetic qualities of their location. My last book signing event was in Warrington, Cheshire, which is a fairly modern town to my knowledge. That store was inside a large, purpose built shopping mall, and the intention was definitely commercial above all else.

The first things I noticed about the Waterstones store in Chester was its position and the classical music that played in the shop all day long. This store is on one of the historic Victorian shopping terraces right in the heart of Chester. It is on the first floor, and you have to climb a set of steep, stone steps to reach it. There must be lifts available in some of the neighbouring shops though, because plenty of families came into the shop with pushchairs and prams.

My opinion of the Waterstones store in Chester is that of a neat, orderly and organized space. There are no books stacked up on the floor like there were in Warrington. Everything is minimalist, with tables neatly spaced and no garish posters or signs to fight for your visual attention. The Warrington Waterstones store felt more chaotic, crammed with tables and promotional stands. I noticed also that in Chester there were more hardback fiction books for sale than there were in Warrington.

I was not bombarded with the now-famous book 50 Shades of Grey in the Chester Waterstones store, like I was in Warrington only a month ago. Does this mean the furore has died down? The book is still no1 in the Waterstones charts, but apparently not so popular in Chester, or at least not now. The promoted book in this store was The Kingmaker's Daughter by Philippa Gregory, one of my favourite historical authors.

All in all, I had a very pleasant day in Chester. I sold a respectable number of books, despite it being very quiet. I decided that a Bank Holiday weekend is not a good time to do a book promotion, unless I am a famous author. I did meet a fellow Indie author in the science fiction genre, Geoff Nelder. He was very supportive and friendly, and I look forward to continued correspondence with him. I had conversations with some lovely people who took pity on a poor, lonely, neglected author, and I enjoyed the beautiful city. Happy days!