Reflecting on Romance in the North and a Little Family Drama

Hi folks! Phew, I am just about recovered after attending Romance in the North at the Hilton Hotel in Leeds last weekend. It was a lovely day with a chilled vibe, and I’m going to tell  you all about it in today’s blog post.

After having only three hours’ sleep due to an incident outside our house the night before, my daughter and I made it to the event later than planned but we got there, we got set up, and we got stuck in. Read on to find out what happened.

A Drunk Driver Destroyed my Husband’s Car

I went to bed early the night before the event because I knew it would be a long day. Having got home late from a busy shift at my day job, I barely had time to eat my dinner and fall into bed before I was woken by a loud bang as a drunk driver crashed into my husband’s parked car on the street outside our house. He had left his car on the road so that he could park it in front of mine on our drive when I got home from work as he was up early for work himself on the Saturday morning (are you following me?). He fell asleep on the sofa, and I decided we should just leave his car where it was because it wasn’t worth moving for such a short time. We have left it on the road before with no problems. We learned a hard lesson that night!

Police Cars, a Transporter Lorry, Scared Children

The incident happened at around 11:20pm. Our younger daughter’s bedroom is at the front of the house, and she heard the impact when I did. It terrified her. Our older daughter thought it was a firework. I had to leave her to comfort her sister while I supported their dad as he dealt with the incident. Being neurodiverse, I knew this was really going to cause him stress. So, I had to be there to speak to the police and handle the situation. He coped well, actually, and his insurance company was amazing. He now has a hire car and an insurance payout so that we can go shopping for a replacement car at the weekend. I recommend Hastings Direct car insurance!

We Finally Made it to Leeds

 

After filing an insurance claim online and grabbing a couple of hours’ sleep, I was up extra early to take my husband to work before driving approximately seventy miles to Leeds. I was the last author to arrive, but my table neighbours all pitched in to help set up and calm us down after the chaos, and we were ready to greet our visitors. The hotel was lovely, and room was chic but with an intimate energy that felt nice. It all felt calm and serene, which I definitely needed at that point!

 

It was great to meet new readers and introduce them to the Redcliffe novels series and my vampire hunter novels. I had compliments from some visitors that were pleased to see a Gothic author in their home city. Others were happy to find a paranormal author to satisfy their thirst for dark romance. I had a nice chat with the authors at the event, I did a little shopping, and I had time alone with my younger daughter who had accompanied me. Unfortunately, we were too tired to explore Leeds city centre at lunchtime, but we agreed that a return visit with the family is on our to-do list. There is some fascinating architecture in the buildings we could see from the hotel, and I want to explore their history and see if it inspires my muse.

 

One thing I love about attending these events is the chance to discover new books for my collection, and Romance in the North did not disappoint. I had a lovely chat with my table neighbour Kelly Lord and her husband, and I bought a short story anthology that she had collaborated on. I like the look of all of her books, but I couldn't buy them all right then, as much as I would have loved to! So, I compromised and chose one to start me off. I’m enjoying the book so far and I will review it when it is finished. We also received a cute little “Peenie” squishy toy that Kelly makes as a hobby. These little toys are popping up (pun intended) at all the big book signing events to accompany the saucy books in which they feature and now I want to build a collection of those as well!

 

I Met my Author Friend

 

The highlight of my day was finally being able to meet my author friend Louise Murchie in real life. We have been friends on social media for several years, bonding over our children of similar ages, our experiences in parenthood and running a small business, and of course our books. I was delighted to get my hands on signed copies of her Tango Down books. I have read them on Kindle, and they were brilliant, and now I have the signed paperbacks to display on my bookshelves at home. They will be accompanying me to Spain on our upcoming family holiday!

 

Discover the Next Romance in the North Event

To discover the next book signing event, visit the Romance in the North Facebook page.

 

My latest release, “Bite of the Wolf (A Redcliffe Novel)” - Book 6 in my #RedcliffeNovels series is available now for your reading pleasure! This paranormal and urban fantasy tale is a must-read for fans of supernatural romance, packed with danger, intrigue, and wolves you won't want to miss. You can grab your copy from Waterstones or your favourite online bookstore.

 

 

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

 

Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting Catherine Green!

Join Me at PARA-CON 2024: A Celebration of All Things Paranormal in Northwich!

 Hello, my fellow paranormal enthusiasts! 👻

 

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you—PARA-CON 2024 is just around the corner, and I’m honoured to be part of this incredible event! As many of you know, I’m Catherine Green, also known as SpookyMrsGreen, and I can’t wait to meet you all in Northwich for the UK’s largest free paranormal event. This is going to be an unforgettable gathering for everyone who loves the supernatural as much as we do!

 

What is PARA-CON 2024?

 

PARA-CON is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of our shared passion for the paranormal. Whether you're a seasoned ghost hunter, a fan of dark romance and Gothic novels, or simply curious about the unexplained, PARA-CON has something for you. The event brings together a diverse group of paranormal investigators, industry professionals, authors, and vendors, all under one roof to share knowledge, swap stories, and explore the mysteries that captivate our imaginations.

 

My Role at PARA-CON 2024

 

I’ll be there as SpookyMrsGreen, your friendly neighbourhood paranormal author and ghost hunter. 📚👻 At my booth, you’ll find signed copies of my Redcliffe Novels series—where sexy vampires and shifters come alive in the eerie corners of Cornwall—as well as stories from my Ghost Hunter Diaries, where I document my own paranormal investigations.

 

Whether you’re interested in chatting about dark romance, swapping ghost stories, or just exploring the darker side of British seaside resorts, I’m here for it all. Let’s connect and delve into the world of the unknown together!

 

Missed Out on Tickets? No Problem!

 

I know tickets for PARA-CON 2024 have already been allocated, and if you didn’t manage to get one, don’t worry. The paraunity community is thriving, and you can still be part of the excitement. Join the official PARA-CON Facebook group to stay connected, meet like-minded people, and get updates on future events. This is just the beginning—there are more thrilling events planned for the future, and I’ll keep you posted on all the latest developments.

 

Why You Shouldn’t Miss PARA-CON 2024

 

PARA-CON isn’t just about attending an event; it’s about being part of a community that shares your passion for the paranormal. It’s a place where you can explore your interests, discover new ideas, and connect with others who understand the allure of the unknown. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the world of paranormal, PARA-CON is the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into the mysteries that intrigue us all.

 

Stay Connected

 

I’ll be sharing more updates as we get closer to the event, so be sure to follow my blog and social media channels. And if you haven’t already, join the PARA-CON Facebook group to immerse yourself in the paraunity community.

 

I can’t wait to see you at PARA-CON 2024—let’s make this an event to remember! 🖤

 

Until then, keep it spooky!

 

Catherine Green 

Paranormal Author and Ghost Hunter

aka SpookyMrsGreen

 

Visit my website for more about my books, ghost hunting adventures, and upcoming events: SpookyMrsGreen.com  

Join the PARA-CON Facebook group here!

“AI, Write a Story about a Demon”

I recently discovered the power of AI and introduced my daughter to it. She asked it to write a story about a demon. Read the story and tell me your thoughts.

AI Story about a Demon

There once was a powerful demon named Azazel, who had roamed the earth for centuries. He had been summoned by humans throughout history to do their bidding, and he had grown tired of the constant cycle of servitude. Azazel longed for something more, something that would make him truly feel alive.

One day, he heard whispers of a powerful artifact that had been hidden away for centuries. The artifact was said to grant the one who possessed it immense power, and Azazel knew that he had to have it.

He searched for years, using his demonic powers to track down the artifact's location. Finally, he found it hidden deep within a mountain range, guarded by powerful magic.

Azazel knew that he could not take the artifact by force, so he hatched a plan. He would disguise himself as a human and infiltrate the nearby village. There, he would gain the trust of the villagers and learn more about the artifact's location.

It took months of careful planning, but Azazel eventually gained the trust of the village's elders. They revealed the artifact's location to him, and Azazel set out to retrieve it.

When he arrived at the mountain's entrance, Azazel was confronted by the guardians of the artifact. They were fierce warriors, armed with enchanted weapons and powerful spells.

But Azazel was a demon, and he was not easily defeated. He fought his way through the guardians, using his powers to vanquish them one by one.

Finally, he reached the artifact, and he felt its power coursing through his veins. He knew that he had become something more than just a demon. With the artifact's power, he was unstoppable.

For years, Azazel ruled over the earth with an iron fist. He was feared by all, and his power was unmatched. But as the centuries passed, Azazel began to feel the weight of his actions. He had become a monster, a creature of pure evil.

In the end, Azazel realized that he could not continue down this path. He knew that he had to give up the artifact and atone for his sins. With great effort, he returned the artifact to its resting place and vanished from the earth.

Azazel's story lived on, a cautionary tale of the dangers of power and the corrupting influence of evil. And even though he was gone, his legend lived on, a testament to the enduring power of the demon who had once ruled over the world.

What the author thinks of it

I was impressed that AI could create a decent story, but then I wasn’t surprised. It makes for a light read and if I had written this type of story, there would be more violence and probably some sex. Hey, I like to write it spicy! The AI program will come in useful for writing blurbs and social media posts anyway, leaving me more time to write the good stories.

Download your FREE copy of It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here.