Wednesday Wordsmith Author Interview - Catherine Green

Here is an interview I did for the very lovely Stephen C. Ormsby, author of Long Lost Song. Enjoy!

http://stephenormsby.wordpress.com/2012/08/08/wednesday-wordsmith-author-interview-catherine-green/

The Redcliffe Novels - Meet Jessica Stone

I would like you to meet my Redcliffe heroine, Jessica Stone. She would have liked to be here for an interview, but unfortunately she is currently dealing with a few personal issues. Whoever knew a girl's love life could get so complicated? It wasn't something Jessica planned, and she is not too impressed about the whole situation. Here is her brief introduction:

Jessica Marie Stone is 29 years old at the time of writing this. She has recently begun telling her story in the Redcliffe Novels, kindly written by Catherine Green. Jessica owns and runs a bookshop with her best friend, Elizabeth Gormond. Liz recently had a baby with her husband, Rob, so she is out of action for a while. Jessica was going to run the bookshop alone for a few months, but with her current dramas, she needs a little help. She is recruiting an assistant manager to take some of the stress away on a temporary basis, just until Liz is ready to put her daughter into nursery for a few days a week.

Jessica was just your average single woman up until she met Detective Jack Mason. She lived alone in her apartment above the bookshop. She enjoyed socializing in the local pub, the Ship, on Redcliffe promenade. Her other best friend, Simon Bunce, manages the pub on behalf of its owner, Detective Danny Mason. Yep, you guessed it, that's where the complications arose! Danny is Jack's identical twin brother. Jessica met Jack first, fell in love, and then met Danny. Now she is totally confused.

That isn't the half of it. Jack is a vampire. Danny is a werewolf, and alpha for the Redcliffe wolf pack. It turns out that Simon Bunce is his lieutenant, and he hid the secret of his identity to Jessica for almost five years. Needless to say she is a little angry about that. But she has bigger problems. Around the time that she met Jack, she was having crazy dreams about monsters. Then an older woman started visiting her. The woman is Jessica's deceased mother, Lillian.

Jessica's parents died in a car accident when Jessica was six years old. She grew up in foster homes, and got used to being alone and self sufficient. Now her mother has returned, albeit as a ghost, and is helping Jessica come to terms with the truth about the man she loves. Her revelations were not accidental. Jessica Stone is a witch, born of an ancient line, and her mother wants her to embrace her true abilities and make use of her natural powers. Jessica is very uncertain about all of this. Then again, it might help her deal with the vampires and werewolves a little better.

Would you like to know more? Read her novels, Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) and Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel). Jessica is currently continuing her story in the third book, Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel), but it seems I just can't type fast enough for her...

Eagerly Awaiting a New Book Delivery

I can't decide at the moment whether I feel anxious or excited, or both. I am currently waiting for delivery of my new novel, the second book in the Redcliffe adult paranormal romance series, Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel). This story continues where we left off with our heroine Jessica Stone recovering from a horrific werewolf attack that almost killed her. She survived with the help of some vampire blood, but it had some rather unexpected side effects.

In Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel), Jessica continues to discover hidden secrets about herself. She has a whole new existence to uncover and embrace, but she struggles to let go of her previously comfortable, human life. Add to that her confusion about her love for the vampire Jack Mason, and his identical twin alpha werewolf Danny, and life isn't easy. And then Jessica is confronted by an enemy she never even contemplated. It is hard to fight an old vampire when she is determined to win back her former lover. Emily Rose is dangerous, powerful, and determined. But then, so is Jessica Stone, perhaps even more so...

The Darkness of Love - Victorian Vampire Story

I would like to share with you the synopsis for another manuscript of mine, a historical vampire novel called The Darkness of Love. I began writing this one in 2010 when the vampire character Marcus Scott from my Redcliffe novels decided he wanted his story told. He became very insistent, so I had to write it!

Marcus Scott works as a stable hand for Lord Gregory Stockton during the prosperous and industrial Victorian era. He has grown up in the grounds of Stockton Manor, and his parents also work for Lord Stockton. Marcus is in love with Lady Sarah Stockton, and gradually begins to lose control over his passion. She also harbours desires for him, but struggles with her strict upbringing and devotion to her husband. 

Gregory discovers the depth of the would-be lovers feelings for each other, and he takes a special interest in Marcus, promoting him to a position within the house, and throwing him into close contact with Sarah. Gregory plans to turn Marcus into a vampire, and bring him over as his heir. The drama unfolds, and the humans are pawns in the vampire’s game of power and control, passion and emotion. 

Do you like the sound of it? I need an agent and/or a publisher if anyone is interested...

Mind, Body and Spirit Event in Chester, UK

I will be exhibiting at a Mind, Body and Spirit event taking place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Chester on Sunday 6th May 2012. The event starts at 10:00am and finishes at 5:00pm. I will be doing a talk about my Redcliffe novels at 4:15pm, and all day I will be available to promote my books and my work with Spirit Sisters. I will offer exclusive signed copies of my books for sale, and there will even be sneak previews of the brand new Redcliffe novel, Love Kills....

Blog Lucky 7 Challenge - A Redcliffe Novel

I have been handed the challenge by WordzNerdzDebz, also known as the fabulous Debz Hobbs-Wyatt from Bridge House Publishing. She was one of the editors responsible for selecting my very first published short story The Teen Game in the Young Adult anthology Devils, Demons and Werewolves.

The challenge is to open your current manuscript or work in progress. Go to either page 7 or 77, whichever is juiciest. Copy the first seven lines on the page, and post them in your blog under this title. Then wait for your audience to react with excitement!

Here is my excerpt, taken from page 7 of my current manuscript Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel). It is the third book in my Redcliffe paranormal romance series, and this is from the very rough first draft in progress:

           “No!” I said, “I mean, yes,” I stuttered, “I just, I thought we needed a little space after what happened the other night.”
            Danny’s expression sobered a little as he stared at me.  He nodded.

            “I suppose that was wise,” he agreed, “But I will not be bullied by a tiger familiar.  Just learn to control her so she doesn’t force you to shift, and we will be safe.”
            The room spun around me and I swallowed nervously.

  

Now to pass on the challenge

Now I must choose 7 lucky and talented writers who have active blogs, and challenge them to the task. Here are my chosen few, from those who have not already done the challenge (I hope):

1. David J. Pedersen @got_angst
2. Sarah Luddington @BlakWulf
3. Craig Stone @robolollycop
4. Naomi Chance @Write_ShareNaom
5. Becca Campbell @beccajcampbell
6. Kirkus MacGowan @KirkusMacGowan
7. Rachel Chance @write_sharerachel

Have fun everybody!

Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) - Exclusive Preview

For those of you who have read Love Hurts and are thirsty for more sex, blood and secrets, here is a taster from my second Redcliffe novel, Love Kills. This book is due for publication in Summer 2012:   

     I was running through the forest on the outskirts of the Cornish town of Redcliffe.  It was evening and the sky was growing dark with that smooth, silky blackness that descends gradually as night progresses.  There was an eerie feel to my surroundings, where tall trees shadowed me with their heavy green branches, but I saw only light and colour.  The air was clear and fresh, late summer, and I paused and breathed in the delicious scents of plant life and nature.  Here, deep in the forest, I could still taste sea salt on my tongue, and I relished the sensation.  It was beautiful, and I was blissfully happy.
     Suddenly a man burst through the trees into the clearing where I stood, making me jump with surprise.  My fright quickly turned to welcome when I recognized my boyfriend Jack standing before me.  My gaze rose from the ground up, taking in the delicious definition of muscle that showed through the grey t-shirt he wore with black jeans. His skin was glowing with health, he was smiling, and his deep blue eyes were sparkling with a promise of delight and excitement.  As he strode towards me I stood still, waiting for his embrace.  He put a hand on the back of my head, drawing me close, and touched his soft lips to mine. 
    The kiss started out gentle but quickly escalated and I knew this wasn’t Jack; it was his identical twin brother Danny.  I pulled away, gasping.
    “Danny what are you doing?” I said breathlessly, my heart pounding,  “We can’t do this!” 
    He laughed and spoke in a low, deep voice, with a hint of growl betraying his werewolf lineage.  The sound rumbled through my body, setting off shivers of excitement that I tried to suppress. 
    “You know Jack will not mind, Jessica.” he said, “After all that we have been through I am sure you understand.” 

Catherine Green Radio Interview - Cauldron FM

It gives me great pleasure to share my very first live internet radio interview. Here I talk about my debut paranormal romance novel Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel), the inspiration for my Redcliffe series, and life as a pagan mother. Have a listen, and I appreciate any feedback...

http://cauldronfm.podomatic.com/entry/2012-03-31T01_01_46-07_00

Sex, Secrets and Scandal - Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel)

I have recently had the pleasure of some more positive verbal reviews for my debut paranormal romance novel Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel).  In fact, they were quite amusing responses. I sold a book to a lady who is a regular customer at my local hairdressing salon. She read the book and then loaned it to her friend. Both ladies know me by sight as we often pass in town. They always say hello to my baby daughter as she sits in her pushchair.

It turns out they both commented to my hairdresser about the nature of Love Hurts. Their comments were something along the lines of, “You mean, that young girl wrote that book? Well I never! It’s a bit saucy. Always the quiet ones!” I was delighted to have such a response. I always enjoy surprising people, and those that think they know me have rather a shock when they read my book. I then tell them it will only get worse as the series develops!

Another happy reader wrote to me on Facebook recently to say she got very excited while reading the book on a tram. Her comments made me chuckle, and I am happy to know that people of all ages are enjoying Love Hurts. I must admit I thought it would have a very select audience. As it turns out, there is more appeal than you might think. When I think about it, Love Hurts is simply a book about sex, secrets and scandal. It is the paranormal soap opera of the UK. Enjoy! 

By the way, if you are in the UK, I will be at the Rosemary Douglas Mind, Body and Spirit event at Nantwich Civic Hall in Cheshire on Saturday 31st March and Sunday 1st April. I will be signing copies of Love Hurts and the Young Adult short story anthology The Mirador Fantasmagoria. I will also be offering Tarot and Oracle card readings for spiritual guidance and counseling.

Rosemary Douglas Mind Body Spirit Events: Catherine Green - Paranormal Author

Rosemary Douglas Mind Body Spirit Events: Catherine Green - Paranormal Author: Catherine Green , author of Love Hurts , will be available for book signing at the Nantwich Mind Body Spirit Event. You can follow Cathe...

Love Hurts on the Vampire Book Realm

Please see my latest author feature for Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) on the brand new website The Vampire Book Realm. If you  like books with bite, you will love this!

Catherine Green Author Interview with NAWR

I recently joined a brilliant organisation called the National Association for Women on the Rise. This is a group who celebrate women entrepreneurs, business women, and female authors. Cue my latest author interview, featured on both the NAWR website and the blog of its founder, Sylvia Browder.

Enjoy!

http://sylviabrowder.com/featured/catherine-green.html/

World Book Day and my Local Library

Yesterday was World Book Day. I was going to post this article on time, but when I sat down at the computer I became engrossed in my manuscript for Love Redeems, the third book in my Redcliffe paranormal romance series. Anyway, aside from writing, I am a life-long book lover. I probably mentioned that already. It kind of goes with the territory of being an author.

Buy Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) today

On Tuesday I took my daughter to our local library for a weekly 'Rhymetime' session. This is a great little group where babies and toddlers are entertained by singing nursery rhymes and reading books. The library assistant who ran the session informed us that in honour of World Book Day, our children would each receive a voucher for a free book. Fantastic!

She then encouraged the adults to peruse a pile of books on an adjacent table. These books were wrapped in brown paper, and were not labelled. We were invited to pick up a 'mystery' book and loan it from the library as part of their World Book Day celebration. I had to check it out! So I selected a juicy looking package and took it home.

How exciting to have a mystery  book! When we returned home, I put it on the table and avoided it for as long as possible to prolong the excitement of this annual event. (Yes I am a geek!) So what was this book? Take a look:

It is a contemporary thriller set on a remote Scottish island. This is a genre that I haven't read for a long time, so it will be quite a treat. Thank you, World Book Day!

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!) 

Love those Vampires and Werewolves!

"Love those Vampires and Werewolves!" - Join me on Wednesday March 7th for the Coffee Time Romance Chatters e-Loop, 15:00 - 17:00 EST (20:00 - 22:00 BST)

I will be hosting an e-loop chat with Coffee Time Romance to promote my paranormal romance series 'The Redcliffe Novels.' I will run a competition to win a signed paperback copy of my debut novel 'Love Hurts.'  Join me if you love vampires and werewolves in all their manifestations, where we can talk about our love for these often-misunderstood creatures of the night...

Love Hurts on Valentines Day

I have to say I apologise for the title of my post, but you must forgive me! Actually, I understand love shouldn't hurt on Valentines Day. In fact it should be a beautiful celebration of our love for each other, whether we are  in long-term comfortable relationships, or shorter developing ones. I am simply offering a view of Valentines Day from the perspective of my paranormal romance novel Love Hurts.

Personally I am not celebrating Valentines Day this year. My husband and me are very busy at the moment developing our careers and raising a family, and we simply cannot afford an extravagent celebration. We barely have time to see each other these days. I am not sad about it, and our relationship is strong and secure. We accept that there are many years ahead for us to enjoy Valentines celebrations in romantic and indulgent ways.

I wonder how my characters in Love Hurts will celebrate Valentines Day? Without giving too much away, my protagonist Jessica Stone is an independent woman struggling to acknowledge that she has fallen in love. Jack Mason has his own reasons for not wanting or needing a relationship, but finds himself falling for Jessica against his will. As the old saying goes, we cannot help who we fall in love with. It happens, and we deal with it.

Back to the subject of Valentines Day. At present I am writing the third book in this opening trilogy for the Redcliffe series. It will not cover Valentines Day, because all the events happen at the end of summer, between August and October specifically. Perhaps I will write a short story about Jack and Jessica's Valentines Day. It would certainly be an interesting exercise. There would be some tension with the local werewolves who are inadvertantly involved, not to mention another vampire who keeps drawing Jessica's attention. That is all I will say for now. I do not want to spoil your enjoyment of Love Hurts.

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Love Hurts Book Review

I am very excited to share with you my latest review of Love Hurts on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R2HRB8H472W20P/ref=cm_cr_dp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B005AXVDZS&nodeID=341677031&tag=&linkCode=

Writing a good Redcliffe Conclusion

For the last week I have been mentally preparing the conclusion for my latest Redcliffe novel Love Kills. This follows the story of bookshop owner Jessica Stone as she comes to terms with the revelation that her lover is a vampire, his identical twin brother is a werewolf, and that she is a witch who must now learn to accept her heritage and embrace her newly discovered powers. The story is set on the rugged coast in Cornwall, England, and I have a host of vampire and werewolf supporting characters, with a few humans and witches thrown in for good measure.

The novel writing went very well until I reached the end. Then I began to struggle. I wanted to end the story at a point which leads easily into the third book in my Redcliffe series, but not so that it was too abrupt. While I was away on a short family holiday, I kept repeating the conclusion in my head, and every day it changed slightly. Tonight I finally managed to sit down and actually do the writing.

I was in for a surprise. Once I had settled my daughter in bed, I quickly became engrossed in my work. My fingers flew over the keys, the words appeared as if by magic on the computer before me. And my conclusion to Love Kills began to take shape with a surprisinly dramatic outcome. I still have a little more to write, and I have reached another brick wall of sorts. But I'm not worried. After a good night's sleep and a day of household chores, I have no doubt that my muse will be back on fine form tomorrow evening and I will write the perfect conclusion. Bring it on!

Romancing the Book: Interview & Contest: Catherine Green

Romancing the Book: Interview & Contest: Catherine Green: Jen: Today we welcome debut author Catherine Green to Romancing the Book. Catherine, will you please share a short bio with us? Catherine:...

The Redcliffe Trilogy Inspiration

This morning I was feeling a mild sense of panic when I realised that once I finish editing Love Kills and send it off to the publisher, I will then need to start writing the third Redcliffe book. At the time it was only a vague idea in my head, sort of following on from the latest instalment that I just wrote. Determined not to be perturbed, I put the panic out of my mind and sent out a silent plea to my muse.

After lunch I finally dragged myself away from the computer and decided to take myself, the baby and the dog out for our daily walk. The weather was beautiful. It was sunny and fairly mild for a January day in England. We strolled along by the canal, my daughter chattering away happily in her pushchair, the dog running off ahead exploring the undergrowth.

My mind wandered as I stared out at the water, and I admired the way the sunshine reflected in warm colours of orange, yellow, and even hints of blue on the gently rippling surface. There were no boats moored up in their usual spots, which surprised me, but then I remembered, it is winter. We continued on our walk, following the gentle sweep of the recently resurfaced towpath, and we didn’t encounter anybody else on our way.

And then it hit me. I was mentally organizing my current edit of Love Kills, and then I started to think about what would happen next to Jessica Stone and Jack and Danny Mason. The story suddenly panned out in my head, clear and exciting and ready to be written. Hallelujah! My muse has spoken, and my prayers have been answered. As soon as Love Kills has been despatched, I will get started on the next book, as yet untitled.

But that wasn’t all. I was in luck today, and it must have been the sunshine drawing out my inspiration. Not only did I mentally prepare the third Redcliffe book, but an idea for the fourth one started to grow as well.  And it sounds good! And then, to top it off, I came up with a plot for a completely separate novel featuring a character that appeared in another novel. She is a powerful and ancient vampire, and I now have a clear idea of where she came from, and how her story should be told.

All in all, it was a very successful walk. I feel refreshed and invigorated to continue my work, the dog is happy after running round like a puppy and playing with sticks. And my daughter had some fresh air and a little stimulation as she saw the ducks, the water, and the beautiful countryside in which we live. Clearly I was brought to live in Middlewich by some sort of divine intervention!

If you haven't yet read Love Hurts, get it now for Kindle on special offer until the end of January!

Author Interview with Catherine Green

As part of my promotional programme for 2012, my aim is to appear on many blogs and book review sites to raise my profile. Here is one of the first, kindly hosted by Laurie:

Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews: Love Hurts by Catherine Green - Interview, Mini Ex...: The Cornish town of Redcliffe is a beautiful seaside resort. It has wild sea, rambling forests, mysterious cliffs, and a local powerful were...

Also remember that the Kindle version of Love Hurts is currently on a special offer price. The offer has now been extended until the end of January. Grab yourself a bargain!