“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…

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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!) 

Dodging Satan by Kathleen McCormick

I like to share news about the authors that I meet on my travels, and today I introduce you to the book Dodging Satan by Kathleen McCormick. It is a YA novel, so not my usual genre, but I do like the sound of this one… 

Dodging Satan by Kathleen McCormick

Dodging Satan is a humorous coming-of-age story. Bridget Flagherty, a student at St. Michaels Catholic school outside Boston in the 60s-70s, takes refuge in wacky misunderstandings of Bible stories and Catholic beliefs to avoid problems in her Irish/Italian family. 

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Sharing the Love LGBT-Style

Many people are unaware that my Redcliffe novels, and my contemporary English Gothic stories, include characters who are lesbian, gay and bisexual. I don’t shout about it because it shouldn’t be a selling point. We are who we are, and we are free to love and play with other people as we see fit. But enough of my preaching. In the spirit of sharing diverse works of art, today I introduce you to a novel called Juliana, by Vanda.

Juliana by Vanda 

“She went looking for fame, and found her true self, instead.”

So begins the story of Juliana, a talented Broadway performer, and the young, naïve farm girl Alice that she seduces. The novel is set between 1941 and 1944, and tells a story about the modern world of the gay and lesbian social scene, and the old-fashioned values of small-town, rural families who just want their children to get married and continue the family line.

I look forward to reading and reviewing this novel myself, and if you want to know more about the author, see her website for social media links and news about her next 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!) 

Children of the Night… Celebrate Vampire Month!

Ha ha, I do love my favourite old movie references. This month we celebrate Vampire Month, as decreed by the mysterious and alluring D.A. Lascelles… I met the author during our Sandbach Authors Signing Event late last year, and now he has recruited me into his vampire fan club.

Keep watching his website for author interviews (including mine), book features (me again), and all things relating to vampires and vampire pop culture (yes, more of my writing!) 
The writing is lively, even though the subject matter is not!  

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!) 

Book Review: She Wolf by Elizabeth Morgan

I finally got around to reading She Wolf by Elizabeth Morgan. This is a contemporary werewolf love story set in Scotland, and I loved it! The scenery was beautiful, as you would expect. We hear the story of a werewolf pack with ancient lineage, and how its youngsters continue the family business. And then there is the love story between our feisty she-wolf and her mate. The tension is brilliantly worked, and the characters could be my mates from the local pub, I feel so familiar with them. I highly recommend this book!

Rugged, Scottish Werewolves – how could I resist?

This book is seriously sexy, and deeply passionate. I like the way it is told from both protagonists' points of view. I feel like part of the pack after reading this book, and now I need to read the series!

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!) 

World Book Day #WorldBookDay20

Happy World Book Day! I am ridiculously excited about this day, even though I don’t really get involved with activities. I am visiting my daughter’s class at school to read a book later today, but that’s about it. Still, I love any excuse to talk about books, to pick up a book, to worship books and the art of reading. And later this month we celebrate books and writing with the Scribe Festival right here in Middlewich. Fantastic!

I heard a lot of news coverage about parents complaining that they have to dress their children up in World Book Day costumes. We don’t do that in my local area. My daughter’s school are running a game where they ring a bell at regular intervals, the children must stop what they are doing, pick up a book, and read. Sounds like my kind of game… The chosen book theme is Mr Men, which is a childhood favourite of mine. I have selected some vintage books from my personal collection to take for my “Mystery Reader” session.

Have a fabulous, booky day, my friends!

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!) 

This Author’s Health Journey

We all have a story. Every single one of us, whether we write about it or not. My fictional stories are inspired by real-life events, experiences and perceptions, albeit with a little paranormal twist… hey, I like to liven things up a little bit! A big part of my personal story is my health. I am generally a very healthy and happy thirty-five-year-old woman. I have had two successful pregnancies with very minor complications during labour. But I have been in and out of hospital for all my life.

Photo Credit 

I have a rare genetic disorder called Lymphedema Distichiasis. Yep, you can’t even pronounce it, can you? I had to practice a little when the diagnosis officially came several years ago. Basically, it means that I have a recessive gene, called the FOXC2 gene. It means that my body produces anomalies. For me those anomalies include a double row of eyelashes in both eyes. My eyelashes grow on the inside of the eyelid, and they turn in so that they scratch my corneas. I have severe scarring in both eyes, and I have routine minor surgery procedures to have the extra eyelashes removed using lasers. In between hospital visits, I pluck the offending eyelashes out with tweezers. Not pleasant. It is very painful and can be very debilitating, but I am not the sort of person to let that get in my way.

Photo Credit 

You see, that is my story. One author, one rare genetic eye disorder. It could have caused me to give up my job, my ability to drive, even my independence, because it got so bad at one point. But I refused to submit to the pain and the discomfort. Instead I sought alternative methods of healing, which brought me to my current training in Reiki. That is a higher vibrational energy healing system that we can all tap into, and I find it incredibly helpful for my health condition. It will also find its way into my stories, and has even inspired me to plan some non-fiction books based on my experiences.

What are your life experiences, health or otherwise? How do they inspire and inform your career choices, your hobbies, your way of life?

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!) 

Did You Get Your Free Werewolf Story?

I am doing a little spring cleaning alongside writing book 5 in the Redcliffe novels series, and I decided to revamp the covers for a couple of my digital books. What do you think of this one? You can download it for FREE if you follow the link below…

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!) 

#ScribeFest Young Writers Crime Short Story Competition – Enter Now!

***Attention Young Crime Writers***

Write a prize winning crime short story and include the following words:

1. MYSTERIOUS

2. CLUE

3. PRINT

Age 12-15 - 500 words

Age 7-11 300 words

Closing date 6^th March 2017

There are more clues on how to enter the Scribe Short Story Competitions over on our website.

#ScribeFest celebrates all aspects of writing, illustrating and art. 23rd-25th March 2017

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!) 

#ScribeFest Short Story Competition – Submissions Welcome!

“It was a human skull” – so begins the tale of The Canal Detective, but how will it end? That is for you, my quick-witted, creative crime writer, to tell us! Enter the Scribe Short Story competition now and see what you can win… competitions running for adults and children, see website for submission guidelines and criteria.

#ScribeFest celebrates all aspects of writing, illustrating and art. 23rd-25th March 2017

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!) 

‘The Valentine’s Card’ from My Vampire Boyfriend Anthology

Happy Valentine’s Day, my book loving friends! I am feeling all soppy and romantic after spending some quality time with my husband this weekend (and no, we didn’t do roses and dating!) Anyway, today I share with you an excerpt from the short story The Valentine’s Card which features inside the Redcliffe short story anthology, My Vampire Boyfriend. You can download the book today for just 99p! Consider it my Valentine’s Day gift to you…

“The card was white with a vase of pink roses printed on the front, glittered for effect. It didn’t feel like something Jack would send. It looked garish and dated. I opened it up, feeling a strange sense of dread. There was a message inside, printed by hand in blue biro. It read, “Happy Valentine’s Day Jessica. See you tonight, my little witch.”

I gasped. There was only one person who had called me ‘little witch,’ and she was dead. I destroyed her myself several months ago. I felt sick, picked up my phone, and called Jack.”

PS. I’m taking part in Hooked on Books & Cherry0Blossoms Promotions Annual Valentine’s Hop. Come and take part, lots to be won. Even a chance to win a Kindle. https://hobcbpromotions.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/valentines-hop.html

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!) 

Book Review: Blood of the Tainted by Alex Laybourne

Today I share a review of a very disturbing, and very compelling, novel that I recently read. I am a fan of horror, and I like to think I have seen it all and read it all. Oh no, not quite. Alex Laybourne has been nicknamed by some as the Prince of Horror, and reading this book, I can see why…

 

Nosferatu meets John Carpenter’s Vampires – a gruesome combination!

The story begins with a disturbing murder, and immediately you feel kinship with the victim and the characters that quickly become involved. It all takes place in a small, rural town that I think could represent somewhere in the US, but also feels a little like it could be in the UK, so I suppose it works for the reader. That element of confusion always increases the horror, anyway. There is a very sweet, burgeoning romance between two teenage girls, but as you can imagine, in this story, it isn’t allowed to progress too far. At least not in the way you would think. Gruesome rites of passage, confusing, mysterious strangers, and the old-fashioned monster that is the vampire preying on innocent humans. Just don’t read this if you are of a nervous disposition. If you enjoy classic, atmospheric horror, go for it!

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!) 

A Fabulous Book Signing Event

I just had the most amazing weekend! It started on Friday with a daytrip to the ICHF Stitch and Hobbycrafts exhibition, where my mum, sister and I indulged our crafting habit and made a few cheeky purchases… Then on Saturday came the big event. I attended the West Midlands Valentines Book Signing Event (I missed the evening Ball due to a prior commitment), and it was fabulous! I look forward to my next book event, which will be Scribe Literary Festival in March.

 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!) 

My Vampire Boyfriend & Valentines Book Signing Event

I have been very quiet on the book front for the past ten months or so, and with good reason. I am still writing, but I am also planning and organizing my books and their design. One challenge has been that of the book cover, and to that end I am in the process of having professional covers designed for some of my self-published books, in keeping with the contemporary Gothic feel of my work. Today I give you My Vampire Boyfriend (A Redcliffe Short Story Anthology) - what do you think?

Grab your copy of the anthology today, then come and see me in Telford this weekend so we can discuss all things Gothic, vampire and magical... I'm bringing my Tarot cards! 

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!) 

#ScribeFest 2017 – Middlewich Literary Festival

We are back in business! Scribe (Middlewich Literary Festival) will run from 23rd - 25th March 2017 and it's gonna be wild! #ScribeFest celebrates all aspects of writing, illustrating and art. There are even top secret plans for an interactive genre mix crime scene adventure...

Finer details are still being worked out, but we will have events running in different venues around Middlewich, including a Top-Secret Crime Scene Investigation, a children's story writing and illustrating workshop, and visiting speakers and performers from the literary and arts industry.

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!) 

Unleash Your Creative Spirit

We have only one week left until my first book signing event of 2017, and I am rather excited now! I haven’t been to Telford for several years, so that will make a nice change to my weekend routine. I look forward to seeing all my author friends and colleagues at the event, and of course, meeting new readers. Come and see me! I am eager to see you.

After considering my options with regards to book swag, and the fact that my business finances are rather slim after a few advertising experiments, I decided to get creative with my offerings. Before I became a published author, I spent a lot of time making greetings cards and bead jewellery. It was my method of relaxation after a long day at work in a demanding job. This was before I had children, of course, when the evenings belonged to me. I would stamp and colour and embellish to my heart’s content.

The arrival of my babies interfered somewhat with my hobby. Now, whenever I step near my craft cupboard, I hear cries of, “I want to do painting, Mummy!” and “I want to do crafts with you!” That is lovely, of course, but with young children comes a lot of mess, and I cannot simply sit and craft in peace. So, I started doing it in the evenings again. I set aside my marketing and computer work, and revisited my old hobby. And I have created some beautiful book themed greetings cards and bookmarks that I will bring to the book signing event. What do you think?

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!) 

Author Brand Design

The world of publishing is certainly diverse these days. And there is so much more to being an author than simply writing your masterpiece and sending it out to the world. For starters, we need to decide whether to throw ourselves at the mercy of the publishing gatekeepers, only to be rejected time and time again, or whether to go it alone.

We know that being an independent (Indie) author can prove quite lucrative if it is done properly. I have learned during the past couple of years that all of those “overnight success stories” we hear about in the media are not necessarily accurate. The authors behind those successes have often spent years, anything up to a decade or longer, writing, publishing, networking and marketing before making their breakthrough.

I am at the point now where the idea of being an actual “proper” author is sinking in. I think we need to feel the lifestyle in order to project it. Up to now it has pretty much been a hobby that kept me entertained during my long days stuck at home nursing babies and preschoolers. Now my children are getting older, I am finding a bit more time to myself, and I must treat it like a job. Now I am developing my author brand. Exciting!

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!)