Vampire writer of fantasy books for adults, werewolf fiction and LGBT fantasy books. Polyamory rules in my world!
Sunday, 30 June 2013
Hump Day Hook: Author Spotlight Catherine Green
Hump Day Hook: Author Spotlight Catherine Green: Author Spotlight #HDH - Catherine Green Hello and thank you to Kerrianne for hosting me on the Hump Day Hook blog...
Should an Author become a Twitter Fiend?
This is an interesting question. Technology has advanced to such an extent that our lives now appear to be dominated, and in some cases even ruled, by social networking. There are tales of families who sit in a line on the sofa at home, each person glued to a different device. One might be using Facebook on a tablet computer. Another might be playing social games on an Ipod. A third sibling will be on Twitter or a social messenger app on their mobile phone. Crazy times!
Personally I consider myself fairly well versed in social networks. Yes, I am still only familiar with the most popular ones, namely Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest. I haven’t found the time to explore all the other networks, what with raising a young family, writing my novels, and maintaining two blogs alongside any freelance non-fiction work projects I pick up. But as an Indie author, I have been schooled in the necessity for social networking to sell my books. I have no budget for marketing. I cannot currently afford to pay a publicist to do everything for me. It is down to me, all by myself, to tell people about my books and encourage them to buy.
There is the challenge! I spent a lot of time in 2012 studying Twitter, reading a series of helpful blogs written by social media experts, and learning the techniques for using hash tags and keywords effectively. I modified my profile information across all my networks every time I learned something new. I changed my profile photograph and made them all the same, so that my image might better show up in search engines. And then I got into the Hootsuite revolution. I had toyed with Tweetdeck for a while, having had it recommended by some fellow authors. I just don’t get along very well with this application. It doesn’t seem to do what I want, and is often more cumbersome than helpful.
Hootsuite, on the other hand, has become an addiction. I’m not sure that I should be admitting to this, or even if I should perhaps be taking a break. But there we are. I decided to join Hootsuite and try it out as a method for scheduling tweets about my books and those of my fellow Indie authors. According to the advice I have gleaned from my online studies, an author should adopt an 80/20 ratio of promotion. This means that we should use 80% of our social network feeds to promote other authors, books and related activities, and we should use 20% of our feed to promote our own books. The idea is that we join social groups where authors do the work for each other. We share our details across several accounts, therefore giving us the best possible exposure.
But is it too much? I have recently become involved with another author group via Facebook, where we tweet for each other. Some of the authors are very aggressive in their tweeting tactics, and it does seem to work for them. Others are a little more hesitant, and perhaps struggle to fit it all in. I suppose I might better fit the ‘aggressive Tweeter’ label. I’m not sure I am comfortable with that, but there it is. I have found that when I don’t partake in the group tweets for a day or two, my book sales do slump. But I also haven’t yet hit the bestseller lists as a result of my efforts. Perhaps I need to give it more time. Perhaps I need another marketing plan.
What advice can you give to this confused and frustrated author? All comments and personal experiences welcome…
*Images courtesy of Pinterest; Frustrated Author and Social Networker
Personally I consider myself fairly well versed in social networks. Yes, I am still only familiar with the most popular ones, namely Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest. I haven’t found the time to explore all the other networks, what with raising a young family, writing my novels, and maintaining two blogs alongside any freelance non-fiction work projects I pick up. But as an Indie author, I have been schooled in the necessity for social networking to sell my books. I have no budget for marketing. I cannot currently afford to pay a publicist to do everything for me. It is down to me, all by myself, to tell people about my books and encourage them to buy.
There is the challenge! I spent a lot of time in 2012 studying Twitter, reading a series of helpful blogs written by social media experts, and learning the techniques for using hash tags and keywords effectively. I modified my profile information across all my networks every time I learned something new. I changed my profile photograph and made them all the same, so that my image might better show up in search engines. And then I got into the Hootsuite revolution. I had toyed with Tweetdeck for a while, having had it recommended by some fellow authors. I just don’t get along very well with this application. It doesn’t seem to do what I want, and is often more cumbersome than helpful.
Hootsuite, on the other hand, has become an addiction. I’m not sure that I should be admitting to this, or even if I should perhaps be taking a break. But there we are. I decided to join Hootsuite and try it out as a method for scheduling tweets about my books and those of my fellow Indie authors. According to the advice I have gleaned from my online studies, an author should adopt an 80/20 ratio of promotion. This means that we should use 80% of our social network feeds to promote other authors, books and related activities, and we should use 20% of our feed to promote our own books. The idea is that we join social groups where authors do the work for each other. We share our details across several accounts, therefore giving us the best possible exposure.
But is it too much? I have recently become involved with another author group via Facebook, where we tweet for each other. Some of the authors are very aggressive in their tweeting tactics, and it does seem to work for them. Others are a little more hesitant, and perhaps struggle to fit it all in. I suppose I might better fit the ‘aggressive Tweeter’ label. I’m not sure I am comfortable with that, but there it is. I have found that when I don’t partake in the group tweets for a day or two, my book sales do slump. But I also haven’t yet hit the bestseller lists as a result of my efforts. Perhaps I need to give it more time. Perhaps I need another marketing plan.
What advice can you give to this confused and frustrated author? All comments and personal experiences welcome…
*Images courtesy of Pinterest; Frustrated Author and Social Networker
Friday, 28 June 2013
Book Review: One Soul to Share by Lori Devoti
Here is my review of the paranormal romance novella One Soul to Share by Lori Devoti:
A different story concept, not quite emotionally involved enough for me
I had quite high hopes for this novel, since the story was a little different to what I have come across before. I enjoyed reading it, and it didn’t take long to read either, but I did not feel drawn in as I would have expected. The characters seemed distant, perhaps intentionally due to their nature, but I just could not sustain that personal connection that I like to develop when I read a book. I probably identified best with the vampire Nolan, but I feel that overall the book could have done with a little more description in places, just to draw the reader in more closely. Still, I intend to try out some of the author’s other books, so it wasn’t that bad in the end!
A different story concept, not quite emotionally involved enough for me
I had quite high hopes for this novel, since the story was a little different to what I have come across before. I enjoyed reading it, and it didn’t take long to read either, but I did not feel drawn in as I would have expected. The characters seemed distant, perhaps intentionally due to their nature, but I just could not sustain that personal connection that I like to develop when I read a book. I probably identified best with the vampire Nolan, but I feel that overall the book could have done with a little more description in places, just to draw the reader in more closely. Still, I intend to try out some of the author’s other books, so it wasn’t that bad in the end!
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Painful Passion in Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) #HDH
Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. I am returning to my debut novel, and today I offer an excerpt from Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel), with a scene from the beginning of this passionate and powerful love story.
I led Jack into the small storeroom and then through the adjoining door into my kitchen. Once inside I turned back to Jack, trying not to throw myself at him. I crossed my arms and leaned against the cupboards in front of the window. He looked at me with those piercing blue eyes and then his gaze dropped to my neck. In a quick stride he was in front of me, gently moving my scarf and reaching out to touch the bruise with fingers that were cold. How had he seen the bruise? I was sure I had fixed the scarf properly this time, and Liz said she couldn’t see anything under it. I winced, more from the coolness of his touch than from the pain.
“Jessica, I am so sorry, I didn’t realize how rough I was with you.” he said, voice taut with emotion.
I shook my hair back and blinked slowly, then looked into those amazing eyes.
“It’s fine honestly.” I said, “I didn’t even feel it until this morning. So why are you here?”
If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping!
I led Jack into the small storeroom and then through the adjoining door into my kitchen. Once inside I turned back to Jack, trying not to throw myself at him. I crossed my arms and leaned against the cupboards in front of the window. He looked at me with those piercing blue eyes and then his gaze dropped to my neck. In a quick stride he was in front of me, gently moving my scarf and reaching out to touch the bruise with fingers that were cold. How had he seen the bruise? I was sure I had fixed the scarf properly this time, and Liz said she couldn’t see anything under it. I winced, more from the coolness of his touch than from the pain.
“Jessica, I am so sorry, I didn’t realize how rough I was with you.” he said, voice taut with emotion.
I shook my hair back and blinked slowly, then looked into those amazing eyes.
“It’s fine honestly.” I said, “I didn’t even feel it until this morning. So why are you here?”
If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping!
Monday, 24 June 2013
Guest Author Feature: Alexandra Anthony and The Vampire Destiny series
Today I welcome a friend from the Hump Day Hook author group, Alexandra Anthony, to talk about her new book in the Vampire Destiny series. Take it away, Alexandra!
"I’d like to thank Catherine Green for having me on her blog today. I’m here to discuss the launch of my newest book in The Vampire Destiny Series, Ascend. It’s the fourth book in the series…and I’m excited to answer a few questions and reveal a small excerpt from the book."
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m rather boring outside of my little writing world. I’m a mother to a wonderful nine-year-old that keeps me on my toes. I’m also a vampire fan girl (along with having tiny obsessions with Alexander Skarsgard and Norman Reedus). Ok, maybe tiny is an understatement.
What book are you reading now?
You’ll laugh. The Encyclopedia of Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories. It’s research for a stand-alone novel I’m working on. I also happen to love conspiracy theories, so it’s a win-win.
What motivates you to write?
I suppose it’s just the enjoyment of writing. It’s the freedom to create your own world and be in total control of fates, lives and love. It’s almost a power trip!
What was your inspiration for your latest book?
Ascend is the fourth book in The Vampire Destiny Series. My inspiration is Stefan (my hero of the series). I enjoy “seeing” him in action!
What are your favorite type of scenes to write?
I’d like to say dialogue, but I’d be lying. My favorite scenes to write are the sexy, smutty scenes. I enjoy writing reactions and drawing the reader into the story.
Who is your most popular character? Why do your readers like or dislike this character?
I’d have to say Stefan is probably a favorite. I also think a few fans would be partial to Nick Hart from my other series, The Dark Hart Chronicles.
What are your current projects?
I have a lot on my plate. I’m working on a novella from Stefan’s POV (due out late summer), Book 2 of The Dark Hart Chronicles, Book 5 of The Vampire Destiny Series, and I’m working on a non-paranormal, erotic thriller. It will be a stand-alone book with a kick-ass female!
Excerpt from Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4)
Did he regret that I'd no longer be so fragile? Would he miss the small remaining human part of me…my blood, my heart beat?
"Never." He vowed, reading my unspoken worries. He tilted my head back to gaze into my eyes. His face was streaked with pink tears, standing boldly out against the paleness of his handsome face. "I was terrified that you would not wake. I could only sense your pain in the bond until you touched me. You were a complete void to me."
I felt my lips tug up at the corners. "As if you could get rid of me so easily. You're stuck with me, Stefan. Forever."
His face relaxed and the soft smile he reserved for me relaxed the
tenseness of his lips. "There us nothing I want more than that. Jag alskar dig."
His large hands smoothed my hair away from my face as his bright blue eyes searched my face. "I did not think it would be possible for you to be more beautiful. Yet you are."
His soft words made me smile, and if I could have blushed, I would have. Looking up at him through my eyelashes, my vampiric eyes took him in. I saw details I couldn't have seen before with my much weaker human vision. He was more beautiful than my human eyes and mind could ever comprehend. The flawless skin of his face glowed, the intense blue of his eyes sparkled. The prominent arch of his high cheekbones tapered to the sharp square of his jaw. My fingers traced the contours of his face, relishing the satin of his skin under my fingertips. My thumb dragged across his lower lip, aching to feel the powerful sensation of his mouth against my own.
"I love you too," I whispered. He was always perfect to me, but he'd never looked this stunningly gorgeous. Studying his face even closer, I could see more than the light blue of his eyes; there were tiny flecks of green that I'd never seen before. I noticed the feathery laugh lines that seemed more prominent. His flesh was smooth, his once hard body pliable under my hands. I placed my fingers against his cheek and smiled as he leaned into my touch.
"You are back with me. The way it should be." He touched his lips to mine, slowly, tentatively. I melted against his powerful body, my lips working in tandem with his. Wrapping my legs around him, I squeezed him closer and heard him grunt softly in pain. “You are stronger now. Unbreakable.”
“Unbreakable?” I echoed, loosening the grip my legs had around him. My mind whirled into overdrive as I thought of all the things I no longer had to fear. No illness could touch me and I’d walk away from a car crash literally unscathed. No human death could take me away from him.
“Yes. You are unbreakable.” His mouth began a slow descent down my neck. His tongue circled over the now silent pulse point. “And you are perfection.”
A moan slipped from my lips at his words. As his mouth continued to nip at my throat, his hands roamed over my clothes, lingering over the heaviness of my breasts.
“You know what I want, Stefan. I want you to take your time with me…I want you to show me what you’ve been holding back from me.” I laced my fingers through his and squeezed his fingers around mine, tightening his hands around my breasts. My head rolled back and hot desire clawed at me, sharp and begging to break free.
[END]
Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4) is available from:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
Other ways to find Alexandra Anthony
E-mail: alexandraanthony80@gmail.com
Website
Facebook Author Page
Facebook Book Page
Twitter: @AlexAnthony80
Blog
AuthorGraph
LinkedIn
Indie Author Network
Scribe Trailer
Feedburner/RSS
Shelfari
Goodreads
Your Book Authors
Kindle Promo
Alexandra Anthony YouTube Page
Amazon Author Page
Smashwords Author Page
"I’d like to thank Catherine Green for having me on her blog today. I’m here to discuss the launch of my newest book in The Vampire Destiny Series, Ascend. It’s the fourth book in the series…and I’m excited to answer a few questions and reveal a small excerpt from the book."
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m rather boring outside of my little writing world. I’m a mother to a wonderful nine-year-old that keeps me on my toes. I’m also a vampire fan girl (along with having tiny obsessions with Alexander Skarsgard and Norman Reedus). Ok, maybe tiny is an understatement.
What book are you reading now?
You’ll laugh. The Encyclopedia of Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories. It’s research for a stand-alone novel I’m working on. I also happen to love conspiracy theories, so it’s a win-win.
What motivates you to write?
I suppose it’s just the enjoyment of writing. It’s the freedom to create your own world and be in total control of fates, lives and love. It’s almost a power trip!
What was your inspiration for your latest book?
Ascend is the fourth book in The Vampire Destiny Series. My inspiration is Stefan (my hero of the series). I enjoy “seeing” him in action!
What are your favorite type of scenes to write?
I’d like to say dialogue, but I’d be lying. My favorite scenes to write are the sexy, smutty scenes. I enjoy writing reactions and drawing the reader into the story.
Who is your most popular character? Why do your readers like or dislike this character?
I’d have to say Stefan is probably a favorite. I also think a few fans would be partial to Nick Hart from my other series, The Dark Hart Chronicles.
What are your current projects?
I have a lot on my plate. I’m working on a novella from Stefan’s POV (due out late summer), Book 2 of The Dark Hart Chronicles, Book 5 of The Vampire Destiny Series, and I’m working on a non-paranormal, erotic thriller. It will be a stand-alone book with a kick-ass female!
Excerpt from Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4)
Did he regret that I'd no longer be so fragile? Would he miss the small remaining human part of me…my blood, my heart beat?
"Never." He vowed, reading my unspoken worries. He tilted my head back to gaze into my eyes. His face was streaked with pink tears, standing boldly out against the paleness of his handsome face. "I was terrified that you would not wake. I could only sense your pain in the bond until you touched me. You were a complete void to me."
I felt my lips tug up at the corners. "As if you could get rid of me so easily. You're stuck with me, Stefan. Forever."
His face relaxed and the soft smile he reserved for me relaxed the
tenseness of his lips. "There us nothing I want more than that. Jag alskar dig."
His large hands smoothed my hair away from my face as his bright blue eyes searched my face. "I did not think it would be possible for you to be more beautiful. Yet you are."
His soft words made me smile, and if I could have blushed, I would have. Looking up at him through my eyelashes, my vampiric eyes took him in. I saw details I couldn't have seen before with my much weaker human vision. He was more beautiful than my human eyes and mind could ever comprehend. The flawless skin of his face glowed, the intense blue of his eyes sparkled. The prominent arch of his high cheekbones tapered to the sharp square of his jaw. My fingers traced the contours of his face, relishing the satin of his skin under my fingertips. My thumb dragged across his lower lip, aching to feel the powerful sensation of his mouth against my own.
"I love you too," I whispered. He was always perfect to me, but he'd never looked this stunningly gorgeous. Studying his face even closer, I could see more than the light blue of his eyes; there were tiny flecks of green that I'd never seen before. I noticed the feathery laugh lines that seemed more prominent. His flesh was smooth, his once hard body pliable under my hands. I placed my fingers against his cheek and smiled as he leaned into my touch.
"You are back with me. The way it should be." He touched his lips to mine, slowly, tentatively. I melted against his powerful body, my lips working in tandem with his. Wrapping my legs around him, I squeezed him closer and heard him grunt softly in pain. “You are stronger now. Unbreakable.”
“Unbreakable?” I echoed, loosening the grip my legs had around him. My mind whirled into overdrive as I thought of all the things I no longer had to fear. No illness could touch me and I’d walk away from a car crash literally unscathed. No human death could take me away from him.
“Yes. You are unbreakable.” His mouth began a slow descent down my neck. His tongue circled over the now silent pulse point. “And you are perfection.”
A moan slipped from my lips at his words. As his mouth continued to nip at my throat, his hands roamed over my clothes, lingering over the heaviness of my breasts.
“You know what I want, Stefan. I want you to take your time with me…I want you to show me what you’ve been holding back from me.” I laced my fingers through his and squeezed his fingers around mine, tightening his hands around my breasts. My head rolled back and hot desire clawed at me, sharp and begging to break free.
[END]
Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4) is available from:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
Other ways to find Alexandra Anthony
E-mail: alexandraanthony80@gmail.com
Website
Facebook Author Page
Facebook Book Page
Twitter: @AlexAnthony80
Blog
AuthorGraph
Indie Author Network
Scribe Trailer
Feedburner/RSS
Shelfari
Goodreads
Your Book Authors
Kindle Promo
Alexandra Anthony YouTube Page
Amazon Author Page
Smashwords Author Page
Saturday, 22 June 2013
Guest Author Feature and Book Giveaway
I am happy to announce another guest author feature on Romancing the Book, along with a competition to win a copy of my latest book, Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel). Go and check it out now!
http://romancing-the-book.com/2013/06/guest-contest-catherine-green.html
http://romancing-the-book.com/2013/06/guest-contest-catherine-green.html
Friday, 21 June 2013
Join Me in Nantwich for Rendezvous Business Networking!
I am jumping onto the business networking wagon again, and this time I am heading over to Nantwich, Cheshire, just up the road from where I live. I will be attending the Rendezvous Business Networking event on Friday 28th June from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. The event is organized by Mhari Oakes in association with Business Update Magazine, and there will be plenty of exciting and interesting people to meet.
My special announcement is that I will use the event to formally showcase all three of my Redcliffe novels now that I have published the trilogy. This is by no means the end of the Redcliffe story, far from it! These novels simply introduced us to Jessica Stone and the Mason brothers, but now their lives have taken on whole new meanings, and they have lots more adventures and experiences to share. I just have to find time to write the books around being a mother with infants!
Anyway, if you would like to come and see me, see my books, and talk about all things writing related, being an author, or even get some advice on publishing and networking, then come along to the event. Or if you are a small business owner in the local area, and you want to reach out to people, we would love to see you there. Aside from the presence of your favourite local author, there will be a jewellery demonstration from the prestigious Stella and Dot brand as showcased by Mhari Oakes.
So don’t forget, Rendezvous Business Networking, on Friday 28th June 2013, from 4:00p - 6:00pm. See you there!
My special announcement is that I will use the event to formally showcase all three of my Redcliffe novels now that I have published the trilogy. This is by no means the end of the Redcliffe story, far from it! These novels simply introduced us to Jessica Stone and the Mason brothers, but now their lives have taken on whole new meanings, and they have lots more adventures and experiences to share. I just have to find time to write the books around being a mother with infants!
Anyway, if you would like to come and see me, see my books, and talk about all things writing related, being an author, or even get some advice on publishing and networking, then come along to the event. Or if you are a small business owner in the local area, and you want to reach out to people, we would love to see you there. Aside from the presence of your favourite local author, there will be a jewellery demonstration from the prestigious Stella and Dot brand as showcased by Mhari Oakes.
So don’t forget, Rendezvous Business Networking, on Friday 28th June 2013, from 4:00p - 6:00pm. See you there!
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