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!

Book Promotion and the Indie Author

I feel a little frustrated this morning. No, I feel very frustrated actually. My Redcliffe novels are not selling as well on Amazon as they were earlier in the month, and although I understand that the Author Central feature is not always completely accurate, I use it as a guide in the absence of regular sales figures. My books do sell in other formats, but Amazon is still the most popular, probably because it is the most accessible.

Like most of my fellow author friends, I simply do not have the money to pay for promotional advertisements in big publications and on popular websites. All I can do at the moment is flog my wares across the free social networks, and keep trying to build a fan base using Twitter and Facebook. It is working. My numbers have increased significantly during the last 3 months alone. But it isn't good enough. I want to be an international bestseller. That is my ultimate goal. And dammit, I will succeed!

So, what do I try next? My plan now is to do another round of letters to literary agents, and try to get my books sold to a big publishing house that can afford to promote me. I know this is a very long shot. I also know that it isn't always as straightforward as that. All I can do is try. At the very least my books will seep into the public consciousness if I keep on talking about them to anyone and everyone. Never give up. Never back down.

If anyone has suggestions on how I could promote my books more effectively, or any advice based on personal experience, please do let me know. I am eager to learn, eager to expand, and when I do finally have some spare cash, I am willing to spend it on advertising. I am also not averse to assistance with funding from a willing benefactor or organization... just saying!

Moving away from the Redcliffe Novels

I have finished writing the third novel in my Redcliffe series.  Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) is complete and has been edited, but I am hanging on to it for just a little longer before I send it to my publisher.  At just under 90,000 words, this novel is longer than the first two.  It is certainly more fantastical than Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) and Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel), and I am interested to see what sort of response it gets from readers. 

Therein lies part of the problem. I am anxious about letting go of a story that has haunted me for ten years. It is finally written, and the first two sections are already in print and being consumed by readers the world over. Of course, that is what I want, otherwise I would never have submitted my work to a publisher. I want my Redcliffe novels to be enjoyed and celebrated, and I want to be a best selling, popular author in my genre. I even want to see a film or a television series about my stories one day.

But what happens next? Where do I go from here? The Redcliffe novels will definitely continue. My heroine, Jessica Stone, has made that perfectly clear. She has lots more stories to tell about her complicated relationship with two vampires and a werewolf, and about her personal journey into the world of magic and mystery as a witch. Book 4 in the Redcliffe series will be something very different to book 1 I am certain, and I feel that the witches will play a far more prominent role than they have so far. I also don't know what will happen, because my original plans have been changed after I rewrote the ending to Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel).

There is yet more news. Today I received inspiration from my muse for a completely new novel. This one tells the story of a female vampire hunter in the UK. I won't give too many details at present, indeed I don't even know very much myself. So far I have written the first chapter and become acquainted with my new heroine, Dr Jennifer Worthington, and her protagonists. The story came to me while I was out for an early morning walk with my family, and I spent all afternoon in a daydream until I could find the time to sit down and write properly. Now it is out of my head, on the computer, and I am very excited about what will arise.

Happy days, my friends!

Catherine Green in the Middlewich Guardian Newspaper

I am in my local newspaper, the Middlewich Guardian, again! Just thought I would share the link for those who are interested...

http://www.middlewichguardian.co.uk/news/9875523.Love_of_the_supernatural_inspires_Catherine_s_trilogy/

Catherine Green on the Vampire Book Realm

Today I have a guest blog on the Vampire Book Realm. You can read about the Redcliffe Novels, and a little of my insight into the history of vampires in Britain in popular culture. Learn about our heroine, Jessica Stone, and the vampire and werewolf she becomes entangled with...

www.vampirebookrealm.com/1/post/2012/08/vampires-in-britain-by-author-catherine-green.html

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/

Mind, Body and Spirit Event – Stockport, Cheshire

Join me on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2^nd September 2012 from 10:00am – 5:00pm for a Mind, Body and Spirit Event at the Masonic Guild Hall, 169 Wellington Road South, Stockport, Cheshire.

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…

There will be lots of other exhibitors at the event, offering anything from Tarot readings, aura readings, mediumship demonstrations, holistic therapies and healthy living products and gifts. See you in Stockport, come and say hello! 

Book Signing Event – Waterstones, Chester

Join me in Waterstones, Chester on Saturday 25^th August 2012 from 11:00 – 4:00pm.

I will be on hand to sign copies of my adult paranormal romance novels Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) and the newly released Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel).

Love Kills (ARedcliffe Novel) is book 2 in the developing Redcliffe series. In the quiet Cornish seaside town of Redcliffe, 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…

If you are interested I will also tell you about my work as a spiritual advisor for Spirit Sisters, and my training as a shaman… See you there!

Catherine Green, Famous Author

I am Catherine Green. I am a famous author. There, I said it! I am currently riding the waves of the Indie cruise, desperately promoting my books through all the free social network avenues that I can pyhsically fit into my days. I am active with the World Literary Cafe, a Facebook group called Tweets4Authors, and I am always surfing Twitter and Facebook searching for new concepts and outlets.

Aside from that I read blogs, books and newspaper articles on the subject of being an entrepreneur, a small business owner, an Indie author, and all sorts of other relevant industry news. It is exhausting! It takes me away from my writing, which really is kind of silly. I have to be strict with myself, and sometimes switch off our internet connection so I will actually work on my manuscript.

It is strange how addictive the task becomes. I find myself compelled to sit glued to my computer, checking my Amazon rankings, making sure I am active on all my networks, chatting with other authors in the same situation. But now I am changing my tactics. I am reaching out to people by attending local Mind, Body and Spirit events, as well as the obligatory booksignings in Waterstones book shops.

My other tactic is that of Law of Attraction. I am currently reading The Power by Rhonda Byrne. I read her previous book The Secret a few years ago, and while I wouldn't say it changed my life, I do agree with the concept. It just makes perfect sense. Everything she suggests is so simple, so true, and so completely accessible. So that is me now. I am Catherine Green. I am a famous author. I love my life!

If you are in or around Cheshire this weekend, why not come and see me in Knutsford? We can share stories, and I will tell you all about the Redcliffe Novels... See you later!

Review - The Mark of a Druid by Rhonda Carpenter

I recently read The Mark of a Druid by Rhonda Carpenter after downloading the free Kindle version that is currently available. Here is my review:

I really enjoyed this book! At the beginning I struggled to get involved. There are lots of characters, and I became very confused trying to decipher their connections and relationships. This isn’t helped by the fact that the story revolves around past lives, regression, and people remembering themselves in different eras. My advice is to stick with it, because once you get half way through, you will be hooked! I loved the historical references, because it resonated with me personally, as it will to anybody who feels drawn to Celtic heritage and ancient folklore. It is different to anything I have read before, and I am very impressed with the author and the way she wove a very difficult story into something entertaining and absorbing. Try it for yourself!

Mind, Body and Spirit Festival – Knutsford, Cheshire

Join me on Saturday 28^th and Sunday 29^th July 2012 from 10:00am – 5:00pm for a Mind, Body and Spirit Event at the Civic Centre, Toft Road, Knutsford, Cheshire.

I will be exhibiting at this event to promote my adult paranormal romance series, The Redcliffe Novels. I have two books available; the first is Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) and the sequel is Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel). On Saturday afternoon I will do a talk about my books, explaining where the ideas came from, why I chose Cornwall for the setting, and how I find my journey as an Indie author. 

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…

There will be lots of other exhibitors at the event, offering anything from Tarot readings, aura readings, mediumship demonstrations, holistic therapies and healthy living products and gifts. See you at the Civic Centre, come and say hello! 

A Booksigning Event and the Indie Author

I recently attended a book signing event to promote my latest Redcliffe novel, Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel). I returned to the Waterstones bookshop in Warrington, Cheshire. When I last visited this venue, it was in the run-up to Christmas and we had expected a busy day. At the time it was disappointingly quiet and I felt very disillusioned about the whole process. This time I swallowed my pride, and decided that I had to keep trying and get myself and my books out there.

It was good to see that many people still visit their local bookshop just to browse and buy something new. When I first entered the store it was vibrant and lively, with families filling up the children’s book section, couples of all ages wandering in and out, and groups of friends checking out the new releases and popular books in the charts. Despite all the doom and gloom in the media about the eBook revolution and the demise of the old-fashioned paperback, it seems that people do still enjoy the feel, smell, and texture of a good solid book in their hands. That said, I didn’t see very many hardback books in the shop. I believe these formats are now almost obsolete.

My table was set up at the front of the shop, near the door, where people could not fail to see me as they walked in and out. I had a low table on which to display my books, and I sat in a comfortable faux-leather armchair. Actually, it was quite nice to have the opportunity to sit still for a while and not be distracted by demanding children and pets (fellow parents, you know what I mean!) I sat back, settled comfortably in my chair, and watched the shoppers going about their business.

The first thing I noticed was that I was surrounded by piles of the current popular book: the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy by E.L. James. This book has exploded into the public sphere within a year it seems, and I am intrigued about how and why this has happened. All accounts I have heard from friends, colleagues and press attention do not exactly paint the books in a good picture. Yet here it is, now released by a large publishing house, and being bought by many thousands of people. I believe it is one of those stories that you simply have to try out for yourself…

After glancing at the book Fifty Shades of Grey, I am not compelled to read it myself. I have downloaded the free sample on my Kindle from Amazon, and I will give it a try just to be fair. I feel like I should read the book more for research purposes. It might help me with my own personal marketing campaign, since the genre is the same as that of my own Redcliffe novels. I am not immediately sure that I like the style of writing for Fifty Shades of Grey. It is presented in the first person present tense, and usually I find this irritating. However, I am currently reading another novel written in the same way and I am enjoying that one, so maybe I should get past that particular hump.

Books and authors are still perceived as glamorous, I think. People love the excitement and exhilaration they feel from discovering and reading a good book. It elicits all sorts of emotional responses, and allows us the freedom to push our boundaries, step outside our cultural and societal norms, or simply to try a new experience through a work of fiction. That said, I don’t think people are quite so concerned about having autographed, paperback copies of books these days. I noticed several customers pick up Fifty Shades of Grey and glance quickly at the back cover, before replacing it on the shelf and walking off. I suspect these people will be searching for the book at a cheaper price on the internet, or they will order an eBook version.

I think that the technological revolution is not to be feared or disliked. Yes, it is easier to get published nowadays. We have a much larger platform on which to sell our work. But that platform is also far more crowded, and we have to fight to be heard above the clamour. EBooks have intensified the game of publishing and selling books. We have stepped up a level, we must be strong, we must not back down. Let’s hear it for the Indie authors! Ding, ding!

Catherine Green Author Interview on Redshift Radio

I did it! My very first actual studio appearance on a radio station, and here is the finished product. Enjoy!

http://www.mixcloud.com/ManInTheRain/catherine-green-guest-on-something-different-with-tim-prevett-on-redshift-radio-12th-july-2012/

We talked about books, Tarot, new age beliefs and random music. It was fun!

Live Author Interview on RedShift Radio

I will be a guest at Red Shift Radio in Crewe, Cheshire tomorrow evening (Thursday 12th July) from 7:00pm - 9:00pm GMT (2:00pm - 4:00pm EST) and will be interviewed by local historian and ghost tour guide Tim Previtt.

We will discuss my adult paranormal romance series The Redcliffe Novels and my opinions on popular media including the Twilight saga, Being Human, True Blood and whatever else comes up in the conversation...

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 (ARedcliffe 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…

A Redcliffe Short Story: It’s Complicated

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!) 

“Sally, would you take bloods from Mr Kelner in bed 3 please?” asked Sister Bond, my supervisor,  “and then assist Doctor Wayne with the patient in bed 1.” she added in her clipped, efficient tone.   

 I nodded and hurried away to fulfill my tasks, several in an everlasting list at this busy city hospital in the English Riviera.  Well, that’s what people call Devon and Cornwall isn’t it?  No matter, I love this place, even if it is work.  I love my job, I love my home, and I love my friends.  Life is good.

But life isn’t perfect, not by a long shot.  I’m still single, despite my best attempts to seduce my boss.  And I don’t mean my boss at the hospital.  Nope, I have two jobs.  By day I’m a mild-mannered, efficient, NHS nurse at my local hospital.  But in my personal life, I am third in command to the Redcliffe werewolf pack.  Yes, that’s right, we do exist!  And that is where my life becomes complicated.  Not because I’m a werewolf, although that can be confusing at times.  Especially around the full moon when I have to work with sick and wounded patients, and their blood smells so good, and all I can see is food when I’m supposed to care for them. 

No, being a werewolf is easy.  I’m powerful and strong, which is why I am a deputy pack leader.  The complicated part is my alpha male, Danny Mason, and his lieutenant, Simon Bunce.  You see, I am in love with Danny, and so is Simon.  I am certain that Danny loves me too, but he won’t commit to a relationship because he cares deeply for Simon.  Danny isn’t gay, but he and Simon share a special relationship, and for that he makes exceptions.  And this is where the complications arise. 

Danny has only recently returned to Redcliffe after a long mission working undercover for the police in Scotland.  That is a whole different story.  While he was gone, Simon and I commanded the pack.  Simon took over as alpha male, and I was alpha female.  I still am in some ways, since Danny won’t choose a mate, but I still fall in line behind Simon because he is stronger than me, and Danny defers everything to him. 

“Nurse Frost, did you hear me?” asked Doctor Wayne, rousing me from my thoughts.  I shook my head, cleared my throat, and ducked my head in an embarrassed gesture. 

“Sorry, Doctor Wayne, what did you say?” I asked politely.  But it was too late. 

Doctor Marianne Wayne couldn’t stand dreamers, and she especially couldn’t stand me.  Here in the hospital she was a successful cardio surgeon, with a track record of success and a skill with new medical techniques.  At five feet and ten inches tall she dwarfed my petite frame.  I knew she was jealous of my naturally blond hair, but what really upset her was my superiority outside of work.  Doctor Wayne is a member of our pack, and she wants the job of alpha female.  But in wolf form, I overpower her in every way.  She could never challenge me because I would win, and she knows that.  So at work, in the hospital, she makes my life a living hell.

Book Signing Event – Waterstones, Warrington

Join me in Waterstones, Warrington on Saturday 14^th July 2012 from 11:00 – 3:00pm.

I will be on hand to sign copies of my adult paranormal romance novels Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) and the newly released Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel).

 Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) is book 2 in the developing Redcliffe series. In the quiet Cornish seaside town of Redcliffe, 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…

If you are interested I will also tell you about my work as a spiritual advisor for Spirit Sisters, and my training as a shaman… See you there!

My Muse has Spoken - Redcliffe needs more Murder!

You might have seen a recent post on my Facebook page in which I asked for readers' opinions on the growing sexual tension between my heroine Jessica Stone, and the alpha werewolf Danny Mason in my Redcliffe novels. Jessica is in love with Danny's identical twin brother, the vampire Jack Mason, so she is understandably very confused right now.

Anyway, I digress. My Muse has been very bossy this week, and has had me furiously typing away on the manuscript whenever I found time. I am very excited about our progress with the third book Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) but now I am faced with another dilemma. My books seem to favour rather violent endings, and poor old Jessica is feeling the brunt of it.

So far I have managed to keep the body count to a minimum, killing a few werewolves and one vampire in Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) and Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel). There were plenty of near-death experiences for Jessica, the Mason brothers, and their close friends. But that's not enough apparently. My Muse (who, by the way insists that she be known to all as Suri Sans) is demanding more bloodshed. It means I now have to rewrite the ending of Love Redeems, because the one we have is too soft.

I am just slightly unnerved, but I will do as I am told. It is the way of the writer and her Muse of infinite wisdom...

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...

Book Review - Grimm's Fairies by Nukiuk

Here is my review of a non-fiction book about the mythology of the fairies popularized in European folk tales:

I enjoyed the theme of this non-fiction book, and its content was interesting and carefully researched. I can tell that the author is passionate about fairies and fairy stories, and this was evident in the text. The only problem I found was that when I read notes at the end of each chapter taken from the original Grimm stories, I struggled to understand the language. In many cases it seemed to have been directly quoted, with no explanation from this author and no attempt to translate it into contemporary English language. As a result I began to lose interest in some parts of the book, but overall I enjoyed it and I could look beyond these slight imperfections. For an individual who has an interest in fairies, fairy tales, folklore and mythology, this is a must-read book.

If you are interested, you can purchase it on Amazon.

Coffee Time Romance Presents - The Witches of Cornwall

“The Witches of Cornwall” - Join me on Wednesday 27^th June for the Coffee Time Romance Chatters e-Loop, 16:00 - 18:00 EST (21:00 - 23:00 GMT)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/karenfindoutaboutnewbooks

I will be hosting an e-loop chat with Coffee Time Romance to promote my paranormal romance series 'The Redcliffe Novels.' Join me to learn about the newly released Redcliffe sequel Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel), and hear about British bookshop owner Jessica Stone as she discovers her true self and adjusts to life with a vampire and his werewolf brother…I will also offer free online Goddess Oracle card readings during the chat, on behalf of Spirit Sisters.

Love Kills, Love Redeems, the Writer's Muse

Well, my Muse has been on a roll this evening! I had been a little lazy and had not written anything in Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) for almost a week. There was plenty happening in my mind; in fact I'm currently about two chapters ahead of what I have actually written. I just haven't found the time to sit at the computer and write.

Tonight I forced myself to catch up, and I was amazed! My Muse simply took off, my fingers flew over the keys, and before I knew it I had written two more chapters which were totally different to what I had stored in my head. They were far better. I also lost two hours, and now it is very late (or very early, depending on how you look at it) and I simply must retire to bed.

Before I go, I will just share a few more links. Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) is now available for the Kindle on Amazon UK and US. Knock yourselves out! I mean, enjoy...

Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) – Official Paperback Launch

It is finally here! After much speculation and lots of updates on the progress of my writing, I can finally announce the release of my second Redcliffe novel, Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel). In this book we catch up with bookshop owner Jessica Stone as she recovers from a horrific werewolf attack. She now knows the truth about her vampire boyfriend and his identical twin werewolf brother. Her human best friend is still oblivious to the supernatural community in the seaside town of Redcliffe in Cornwall, England, and Jessica wants to keep it that way.

Love is dangerous. Love is painful. And in Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel), Jessica Stone learns just how far she is prepared to go for the man she loves. Before she met Detective Jack Mason her life was safe, boring and comfortable. Now it is full of danger and excitement, with secrets and revelations at every turn. In a short space of time Jessica learned that she was a witch and is currently speaking to her deceased mother in dreams and visions. Will Jessica accept her fate? Does she embrace her newly discovered heritage, or does she run away from it? And will her pregnant best friend, Elizabeth Gormond, discover the truth about the people she calls her friends?

Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) is available to order in all UK bookshops, and online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. The eBook versions will be available shortly; updates will follow.

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...

Mind, Body and Spirit Event in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK

Spirit Sisters are on the road again! This time we are a little closer to home, and will be at the Best Western Moat House Hotel, Festival Park, Stoke-on-Trent on Sunday 10th June. The event runs from 10:00am - 5:00pm and has free entry and free car parking.

I will be offering spiritual guidance with the aid of Tarot and Oracle cards, and I will sell signed copies of my adult paranormal romance series The Redcliffe Novels. My sister, Emily Hargreaves, will do holistic therapies. Try her fabulous Shamanic drum sessions which incorporate Reiki healing; they certainly are effective! She will do Swedish Body Massage, Indian head massage, ear candles, reflexology, and will exhibit a range of hand-crafted oils and creams to accompany her treatments.

There will also be a visit from our local Green Man, Mr Jon James! A professional saxophonist and multi-talented musician, Jon will be on hand to play his flute and guitar, and sell copies of his CDs. Jon has composed, performed and produced all of his music, and he offers a varied range of meditations, chanting sounds, and general music for relaxation and well-being.

The Mind, Body and Spirit event is a wonderful opportunity to stock up on your candles, incense and related accessories. You can find gifted and talented readers that use Tarot, Angel cards and crystal balls. There will be an aura photographer on site, various holistic therapists, and paranormal investigators. Throughout the day there will be free talks and workshops.

For more information please see http://www.pagan-charms.co.uk

Dreaming the Characters of your Novel

I am currently writing the third book in my Redcliffe Novels series. What started out as one story has developed into a whole series of novels, which follow the adventures of bookshop owner Jessica Stone in the fictional seaside town of Redcliffe in Cornwall, England. Not only am I writing the third book which will form a trilogy, but after that I have planned out books four, five and six as Jessica Stone begins a new phase in her life, brought about by her relationships with vampires, werewolves and witches.

Jessica Stone is sort of modelled on me. She is taller, sexier and tougher than I am, so effectively she is me in a parallel universe. Being the author, I have the luxury of passing on my favourite traits to my heroine, while adding those that I wish could be mine in real life.  It is a fun task.

But, recently a strange thing has happened. I actually dreamed that I was Jessica, and that I was interacting with Danny Mason, the werewolf protagonist from my Redcliffe novels. It was bizarre. I fell asleep one night, my head buzzing with the latest twists and turns in my plot, mentally planning what I would write the next day. And then I drifted into a version of Redcliffe that was shrouded in mystery and confusion.

The craziest thing to happen was that in my dream I was kissing Danny Mason. Those of you who have read my debut novel Love Hurts (ARedcliffe Novel) will know that Jessica is actually dating his identical twin brother, Jack Mason, the vampire. Anyway, in my dream I was Jessica, and I was kissing Danny Mason. When I drew away from him, he looked very different to what I imagined as the author.

To my mind, the Mason brothers are tall and ruggedly handsome. They have dark hair that is short but long enough to be wavy and a little unkempt. They are both clean-shaven, and they have piercing blue eyes, which change colour to suit their non-human moods. Jack and Danny Mason have tanned skin and muscular bodies, and if I were to compare them to a real-life actor, I would probably choose Aidan Turner, who played ‘Mitchell’ in the BBC3 television series Being Human. The only thing he doesn’t have is blue eyes.

In my dream, when I was Jessica Stone, I looked at Danny Mason to be met with a man who was clean-shaven. He had dark hair, but it was straight and cut in a neat, short style. He also had brown eyes, and that was the strange thing, because the eyes are important to my characters. Another surprise was that this version of Danny Mason looked very young, possibly in his early twenties. My actual characters appear to be in their mid-thirties, although they are in fact much older. As an idea of how he looked, I would say my ‘dream Danny’ was very similar to the actor Damien Molony, who played ‘Hal’ in the latest series of Being Human (yes, this is my favourite show!)

So there we have it. Not only am I obsessively writing my Redcliffe novels and thinking about them all day long. Now I am also dreaming from the perspective of my female protagonist. It was a fun dream, no doubt about that. It confused me, but at the same time it made me smile. I wonder what will happen next time…

Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) – British Paranormal Romance

Here is a sneak preview of my second Redcliffe novel, Love Kills, due for release in June 2012:

The pretty seaside resort of Redcliffe in Cornwall is a lot more dangerous than you might think. Especially if you fall in love with a vampire and become entangled with his twin brother’s werewolf pack.

Bookshop owner Jessica Stone did just that, against her better judgement, and while recovering from a horrific werewolf attack she is haunted by the creator of the vampire she loves. Jack Mason’s vengeful master does not share easily, and Emily Rose will return to kill her rivals and reclaim her consort.

Jessica has her own secrets, however, and they are about to be revealed as she discovers her true heritage as a witch, and finds out exactly how powerful she could become, and what lengths she is willing to reach to save the vampire she loves.

For more information about my Redcliffe novels, see my website http://www.catherine-green.co.uk and join me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Catherine-Green-Author/254977714519206