Catt Ford's Blog, page 3
September 17, 2013
Bully for You
A while back, the DSP anthology, Make a Play, came out with lots of lovely sports stories. I even wrote one: Bully for You, which got some decent reviews. It's funny and it's about bull riding.
What I wanted to point out though, is the beautiful cover that DSP Art Director, Paul Richmond, painted for me. It's the best cover he's ever done!!! (I might be a tinge partial.)
I just love it to death and I want people to see it. Because it's brilliant.
Oh, and you can buy the story here:
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3924
A Strong Hand review
3 chicks after dark liked A Strong Hand!
http://3chicksafterdark.com/2013/09/a-strong-hand-by-catt-ford/
Oh, I forgot, a link to get it:
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=990
It's also available in Italian, Spanish and German.
Thanks, 3 chicks!
August 18, 2013
JB Mauney rides Bushwhacker!
Today JB Mauney rode Bushwhacker for a score of 95.25! Bushwhacker had not been ridden in 43 outs and is considered the top bull in the PBR right now, with Asteroid a close second. (I am very partial to Asteroid) This was an incredible, exciting ride, probably more exciting than when JB rode Asteroid.
I sure hope he wins a Championship but he may be the best rider to never win it. However, it's rides like that that people will remember and talk about.
I am chuffed!
I sure hope he wins a Championship but he may be the best rider to never win it. However, it's rides like that that people will remember and talk about.
I am chuffed!
July 22, 2013
An interview with me as a cover artist!
Recently, popular Dreamspinner Press author, Mickie Ashling, interviewed me about creating cover art. You can read the interview and see some covers here:
http://mickiebashling.blogspot.com/2013/07/behind-cover-art-catt-ford_19.html
I included a lot of my own covers, simply because I like them, and I apologize to authors whose covers didn't get shown. I've done so many that I like but space was limited.
I really enjoyed the interview and it's part of an ongoing series of which I'm only one designer. The other interviews are very interesting and enlightening, well worth reading.
And I'd like to thank Mickie for giving us artists a little nod in public. We're very behind-the-scenes, like the editors, but it's gratifying to be recognized and to know that the authors like our work!
http://mickiebashling.blogspot.com/2013/07/behind-cover-art-catt-ford_19.html
I included a lot of my own covers, simply because I like them, and I apologize to authors whose covers didn't get shown. I've done so many that I like but space was limited.
I really enjoyed the interview and it's part of an ongoing series of which I'm only one designer. The other interviews are very interesting and enlightening, well worth reading.
And I'd like to thank Mickie for giving us artists a little nod in public. We're very behind-the-scenes, like the editors, but it's gratifying to be recognized and to know that the authors like our work!
April 23, 2013
Live Your Life likes Bullheaded
I got a great review from Faye at Live Your Life, Buy the Book. I feel like Faye totally got the book and even had insight into some things I didn't think of myself. It's a great feeling when your work hits someone the right way. It gives me warm fuzzies to read this review and if you'd like to see it, you can head on over to Live Your Life.
http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpress.com/2013/04/13/bullheaded/
Thanks, Faye!
http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpress.com/2013/04/13/bullheaded/
Thanks, Faye!
April 16, 2013
Bullheaded
Bull riding is the most dangerous sport in the world and any rider could be killed or crippled without the heroic bullfighters who keep them safe in the ring. The bond of trust between rider Cody Grainger and bullfighter Johnny Arrow has gone beyond the professional arena into love but there are still barriers that tear them apart.
A ten year age difference presents each man with different challenges. Cody is fighting retirement to remain dominant in the extreme, adrenaline-rush sport he loves, while Johnny is only beginning to find recognition with his bullfighting team. Frustration makes Johnny walk away from Cody, sending the rider into a spectacular slump that threatens his quest for the Championship. While they’re apart each man learns enough about themselves and the people who love them to realize they are meant to be together but the male pride that drives both macho professions may be enough to keep them apart.
This was a fun story to write. I love watching bull riding but I soon started to see that the bullfighters have a pretty important job as well. Their courage and athleticism inspired me to find out more about it. I'm no expert but I hope I've brought some interest to the sport of bull riding.
I'm drowning in deadlines but I'll do my best to post an excerpt next week. In the meantime, you can go to Dreamspinner and read about it there. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did writing it.
Available at Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3764
I admit it, I am a Herdie
Yep, a genuine, card-carrying fangurl of the PBR. Can't wait for the weekends to watch. Go JB Mauney! Reese Cates! Douglas Duncan! Fabiano Vierra and come back soon Valderon de Oliviera. And so many more but do we really need a list of names?
In honor of the bull riding stories coming out soon (see what I did there?) I'm posting a glossary of bull riding terms for anyone interested.
Yeah, I know, right?
Arena: Bull riding takes place in a sports arena surrounded by steel fences six feet high. At one end the ring announcers narrate from a safe place, giving stats, scores and their opinions. At the other end a two-story steel structure houses the TV announcers up top, with the chutes down below. By the gate a TV reporter is stationed to interview riders coming and going.
Away from his hand: If a rider is right-handed and the bull spins to the opposite direction, the bull is going away from his hand and vice versa.
Back pens: There is a maze of fencing behind the scenes where the bulls wait before and after their trip.
Bonus points: Each round has a winner and each event has a championship round. Winners of rounds and the event receive bonus points and extra money.
Bucked off: When a rider is thrown before eight seconds and doesn’t earn a score.
Bull rope: The rope is wrapped around the bull and the rider’s gloved hand. It is not tied with a knot. A bell is attached to the rope and the weight of the bell pulls the rope off the bull after the dismount.
Bullfighter: A team of athletes with training in handling livestock who distract the bull to keep the rider safe. The bullfighter’s goal is to look like an easier target and they will take the hit for the rider or each other.
Challenge: A rider can push the red challenge button if he feels the bull fouled or the timing clock malfunctioned. If the challenge is denied, the rider pays $500 for the challenge.
Change direction: When a bull changes direction laterally front to back or side to side.
Chutes: A gated box where the rider wraps his rope around the bull and gets ready to ride. There are usually 6 chutes, where riders get ready in turn. When the rider nods his head, the gateman will open the gate.
Cover: When a rider successfully stays aboard the bull for 8 seconds, he has covered the bull.
Delivery: The stock owner decides whether the gate will open left or right, as bulls usually perform better in a particular direction.
Dismount: If a rider makes the whistle, he reaches down with his free hand, jerks the tail of the rope to free his riding hand and tries to get off as safely as possible.
Disqualify: A rider can be DQ’d if he touches the bull with his free arm, loses his grip on the rope or leaves the chute with his spur caught in the knot of his bull rope.
Down in the well: If the bull pulls the rider down into the vortex of his motion. Bullfighters call this going into the blender.
Draw: Bulls and riders are randomly paired in the draw. The championship round of each event, riders choose their own bulls from a list provided to them.
Eight seconds: A qualified ride is eight seconds. The clock starts when a bull’s shoulder or flank breaks the plane of the gate and stops if the whistle blows, the rider’s hand comes out of the rope, the rider’s free arm touches the bull, or the rider falls off. The rider can be upside down but as long as he’s got hold of the rope, he makes a score.
Finals: Points are counted throughout the year and the top forty riders (and alternates) go to the finals to joust for the World Championship.
Flank strap: A rope that is loosely tied around the bull’s hips. It has to be loose so the bull thinks it can kick it off. This rope has no contact with the bull’s genitals. Most contractors baby their bulls and would never hurt them. Besides, you damage the genitals, you aren’t getting stud fees from your money bulls when they retire.
Free arm: The rider uses the arm not wrapped in the rope to move his body with the bull. If the bull turns suddenly a rider can throw his arm in the same direction to avoid falling off. If any part of the arm below the shoulder makes contact with the bull, the rider is DQ’d.
Gate man: The gate man is positioned inside the arena and when the rider gives the nod, he must open the gate as quickly as possible. He must also get out of the bull’s sightline because some bulls will get distracted and chase him.
Glove: Thick leather glove that protects the rider’s riding hand from rope burn.
Go-around: Each event has several tries for the riders, called long rounds. If they score high enough, up to fifteen riders can advance to the short-go, or championship round for the event.
Hooked: When a bull hooks a human target with his horns.
Hung up: When a rider is unable to free his hand from the bull rope, he is hung up. The bull will drag the rider until he or the bullfighters can free him from the rope.
Into his hand: If the bull turns toward the rider’s riding hand, he is spinning into his hand.
Judging: Four judges evaluate each bull and rider. Bulls always receive a score, even if they buck the rider off. They are judged on the difficulty of their performance and how smart they are at getting a rider off. Riders are judged on technique and control, but only get a score if he makes eight seconds. Spurring earns extra points as showing control.
Kindness to animals: Only blunt spurs are allowed. The rider spurs to demonstrate control, but the spurs do not scratch the bull’s hide.
Livestock director: The Livestock Director works with stock contractors to bring the best bucking bulls to the events.
Making the whistle: Or horn. An alarm sounds when eight seconds has passed or if the rider makes a violation.
Mean bull: A bull that will actively go after a rider or bullfighter.
Muley bull: A bull without horns.
Rank bull: A challenging bull that is difficult to ride.
Reride: If the judges feel the rider didn’t get a fair chance they may award a reride. This can be for a foul, if the bull gets hung up in the gate or if the bull is having a bad day.
Riding hand: The hand the rider uses to hang onto the rope.
Ring usher or safety man: A cowboy on horseback who assists the bullfighters when they have trouble getting a bull to leave the ring.
Safety equipment: Riders must wear protective vests. Helmets are not mandatory although they damn well should be! Bullfighters wear different kinds of vests and lots of padding, but no helmets because they need their peripheral vision. Of course they wear cowboy hats.
Sharkcage: A round steel structure in the middle of the ring. A TV crew is stationed inside to shoot the action. The clown, or entertainer, can go there for safety. Cowboys will often run there if a bull is after them. At the start of the event, there are two ramps and as their names are called, cowboys go up, tip their hat and go down the other side to line up in the ring.
Scoring: Both rider and bull are scored on their performance, with 50 point available for each making a possible score of 100. Chris Shivers is the highest scoring cowboy in history with a score of 96.5.
Slap: If a rider slaps a bull with his free arm during the ride, he’s DQ’d.
Stock contractor: Individual contractors who buy, breed and train bulls for the events.
Trip: The type of ride a particular bull offers.
In honor of the bull riding stories coming out soon (see what I did there?) I'm posting a glossary of bull riding terms for anyone interested.
Yeah, I know, right?
Arena: Bull riding takes place in a sports arena surrounded by steel fences six feet high. At one end the ring announcers narrate from a safe place, giving stats, scores and their opinions. At the other end a two-story steel structure houses the TV announcers up top, with the chutes down below. By the gate a TV reporter is stationed to interview riders coming and going.
Away from his hand: If a rider is right-handed and the bull spins to the opposite direction, the bull is going away from his hand and vice versa.
Back pens: There is a maze of fencing behind the scenes where the bulls wait before and after their trip.
Bonus points: Each round has a winner and each event has a championship round. Winners of rounds and the event receive bonus points and extra money.
Bucked off: When a rider is thrown before eight seconds and doesn’t earn a score.
Bull rope: The rope is wrapped around the bull and the rider’s gloved hand. It is not tied with a knot. A bell is attached to the rope and the weight of the bell pulls the rope off the bull after the dismount.
Bullfighter: A team of athletes with training in handling livestock who distract the bull to keep the rider safe. The bullfighter’s goal is to look like an easier target and they will take the hit for the rider or each other.
Challenge: A rider can push the red challenge button if he feels the bull fouled or the timing clock malfunctioned. If the challenge is denied, the rider pays $500 for the challenge.
Change direction: When a bull changes direction laterally front to back or side to side.
Chutes: A gated box where the rider wraps his rope around the bull and gets ready to ride. There are usually 6 chutes, where riders get ready in turn. When the rider nods his head, the gateman will open the gate.
Cover: When a rider successfully stays aboard the bull for 8 seconds, he has covered the bull.
Delivery: The stock owner decides whether the gate will open left or right, as bulls usually perform better in a particular direction.
Dismount: If a rider makes the whistle, he reaches down with his free hand, jerks the tail of the rope to free his riding hand and tries to get off as safely as possible.
Disqualify: A rider can be DQ’d if he touches the bull with his free arm, loses his grip on the rope or leaves the chute with his spur caught in the knot of his bull rope.
Down in the well: If the bull pulls the rider down into the vortex of his motion. Bullfighters call this going into the blender.
Draw: Bulls and riders are randomly paired in the draw. The championship round of each event, riders choose their own bulls from a list provided to them.
Eight seconds: A qualified ride is eight seconds. The clock starts when a bull’s shoulder or flank breaks the plane of the gate and stops if the whistle blows, the rider’s hand comes out of the rope, the rider’s free arm touches the bull, or the rider falls off. The rider can be upside down but as long as he’s got hold of the rope, he makes a score.
Finals: Points are counted throughout the year and the top forty riders (and alternates) go to the finals to joust for the World Championship.
Flank strap: A rope that is loosely tied around the bull’s hips. It has to be loose so the bull thinks it can kick it off. This rope has no contact with the bull’s genitals. Most contractors baby their bulls and would never hurt them. Besides, you damage the genitals, you aren’t getting stud fees from your money bulls when they retire.
Free arm: The rider uses the arm not wrapped in the rope to move his body with the bull. If the bull turns suddenly a rider can throw his arm in the same direction to avoid falling off. If any part of the arm below the shoulder makes contact with the bull, the rider is DQ’d.
Gate man: The gate man is positioned inside the arena and when the rider gives the nod, he must open the gate as quickly as possible. He must also get out of the bull’s sightline because some bulls will get distracted and chase him.
Glove: Thick leather glove that protects the rider’s riding hand from rope burn.
Go-around: Each event has several tries for the riders, called long rounds. If they score high enough, up to fifteen riders can advance to the short-go, or championship round for the event.
Hooked: When a bull hooks a human target with his horns.
Hung up: When a rider is unable to free his hand from the bull rope, he is hung up. The bull will drag the rider until he or the bullfighters can free him from the rope.
Into his hand: If the bull turns toward the rider’s riding hand, he is spinning into his hand.
Judging: Four judges evaluate each bull and rider. Bulls always receive a score, even if they buck the rider off. They are judged on the difficulty of their performance and how smart they are at getting a rider off. Riders are judged on technique and control, but only get a score if he makes eight seconds. Spurring earns extra points as showing control.
Kindness to animals: Only blunt spurs are allowed. The rider spurs to demonstrate control, but the spurs do not scratch the bull’s hide.
Livestock director: The Livestock Director works with stock contractors to bring the best bucking bulls to the events.
Making the whistle: Or horn. An alarm sounds when eight seconds has passed or if the rider makes a violation.
Mean bull: A bull that will actively go after a rider or bullfighter.
Muley bull: A bull without horns.
Rank bull: A challenging bull that is difficult to ride.
Reride: If the judges feel the rider didn’t get a fair chance they may award a reride. This can be for a foul, if the bull gets hung up in the gate or if the bull is having a bad day.
Riding hand: The hand the rider uses to hang onto the rope.
Ring usher or safety man: A cowboy on horseback who assists the bullfighters when they have trouble getting a bull to leave the ring.
Safety equipment: Riders must wear protective vests. Helmets are not mandatory although they damn well should be! Bullfighters wear different kinds of vests and lots of padding, but no helmets because they need their peripheral vision. Of course they wear cowboy hats.
Sharkcage: A round steel structure in the middle of the ring. A TV crew is stationed inside to shoot the action. The clown, or entertainer, can go there for safety. Cowboys will often run there if a bull is after them. At the start of the event, there are two ramps and as their names are called, cowboys go up, tip their hat and go down the other side to line up in the ring.
Scoring: Both rider and bull are scored on their performance, with 50 point available for each making a possible score of 100. Chris Shivers is the highest scoring cowboy in history with a score of 96.5.
Slap: If a rider slaps a bull with his free arm during the ride, he’s DQ’d.
Stock contractor: Individual contractors who buy, breed and train bulls for the events.
Trip: The type of ride a particular bull offers.
September 10, 2012
Georgiamagnolia!
Happy birthday, sweetheart! Miss you.
August 17, 2012
What! Again?
And so the disasters continue. My mother fell down AGAIN and damaged herself. It seems to be a bad hobby she can't shake, coupled with some stunningly bad decisions. The only wonder is she didn't break anything this time, just gave herself impromptu dermabrasion.
The sister of a good friend died very suddenly and unexpectedly. I am trying to help my friend go through her things. No easy task, as she was a hoarder. Going through piles of stuff, I get such a feeling of hopelessness—her hopelessness. It's very sad.
The good thing is I did get my mother to think about looking around before she charges across parking lots, tripping over the concrete curbs and parked cars. Yes, one time she tripped over a parked car. She didn't notice it in her hurry. Le sigh.
The sister of a good friend died very suddenly and unexpectedly. I am trying to help my friend go through her things. No easy task, as she was a hoarder. Going through piles of stuff, I get such a feeling of hopelessness—her hopelessness. It's very sad.
The good thing is I did get my mother to think about looking around before she charges across parking lots, tripping over the concrete curbs and parked cars. Yes, one time she tripped over a parked car. She didn't notice it in her hurry. Le sigh.
July 11, 2012
The Last Concubine
Available July 13 at: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/upcoming_products.php
When Princess Lan’xiu’s brother delivers her under duress into General Hüi Wei’s harem as a political offering, her only question is how soon her secret will be discovered. She is under no illusions: when the general discovers she is actually a he , death is his only future—though he doesn’t plan to make it easy. Lan’xiu has dressed as a woman all his life, but he is no damsel in distress. He can swing a sword with the best of them.
General Hüi Wei has everything a man could want: power, wealth, success on the battlefield, and a harem of concubines. At first, he regards Lan’xiu with suspicion, but he finds himself strangely drawn to her. When he discovers the beautiful young woman is actually a man, his first reaction is to draw his sword. Rather than waste such beauty, he decides to enjoy the spirited Lan’xiu’s submission—and ignites a passion and desire deeper than anything he’s felt with other wives. But court intrigue, political ambitions, and the general's doubts may be too much for their love to overcome.
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