Catherine Bybee's Blog, page 40

10 Questions for Angel Martinez

Bestselling Author, Angel Martinez will be celebrating her Amber Allure debut on November 28th, 2010 with A Different Breed. What an amazing cover... don't you think? Remember folks, all month long I'll be putting the names of those people making comments on my blog into a hat and giving away a copy of Silent Vows (e-book). So join my newsletter and ask Angel a question while you're here.
Now... onto my questions for Angel.

1. You write quite a bit of Science Fiction... in fact most of your romance novels have a ton of fantasy in them. Tell me, do you think you were born in the wrong era? - If you could choose, what time would you travel to?

AM: I used to think I was born in the wrong era. When you're young, knights and horses and simpler times are so appealing. But I know enough about the real issues of earlier times to know I'd miss little things like sanitation and heating. I think I'd have a terrible time trying to choose one time to visit, though. Renaissance Europe, Pre-Columbian Mexico, Ancient Rome, Minoa…don't make me choose just one.
CB: Ahhh, no, not getting off that easy. If I said okay... for one day you're going to_______?
AM: *grumble* Fine, fine...Renaissance Italy during the later half of the 1400's, during Lorenzo de Medici's rule. Have to go have a talk with Leonardo. Maybe drop in on various artists.

2. If you could pick one person (dead or alive) to sit down and talk to, who would it be and why?

AM: Martin Scorsese. Wait. I heard your jaw hit the floor. Hear me out. Yes, his movies are often filled with brutality and violence. I don't always enjoy everything in them. However, if you've ever heard him speak, he's an incredibly intelligent man with a love of history, a unique understanding of the craft of storytelling, and a marvelous sense of the creative process. He could simply talk the whole time. I'd be content to listen.

CB: No jaw slacking... but I did look him up since the name didn't ring one bell in my head. Ohhh, 5 wives. He and my dad should talk. Here is the link for those of you reading this interview.
AM: Creative personalities are often difficult to live with. He's directed violent films but he also directs a lot of documentaries and bio-pics, has a show where he talks about the history of film and so on. I think my favorite movie of his was The Aviator, about Howard Hughes. Like me, he's drawn to people who don't quite fit.

3. What book, or story, that you wrote surprised you the most.

AM: I think over the years my SF continually surprises me. Fantasy tends to grow organically, sometimes like a single, lovely poppy, and sometimes wild like a tomato plant in August, but it happens in a one thing arising from another sort of way. My SF ambushes me. Leaps upon me. Trips me in the dark and demands things. Romenel was written from a single scene that occurs well into the story. I had to figure out how, what and why to finally reach that scene again.
CB: I love it when stories evolve that way.

4. Do you believe that opposites attract in real life?

AM: Absolutely. Often to our detriment. We seek the other, someone unlike us for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it means you're fighting with your parents about your hoodlum boyfriend. I do think, when it's right, it's because we need someone to complete us, to supply the qualities we lack. A couple has to have something in common, sure, but I wouldn't want a mate exactly like me. Horrid thought.

CB: For the record, we (you and I) are quite opposite and yet click as friends and CP's. Just saying... Although I'd probably drive you crazy if you lived next door.

AM: LOL, possibly. But as long as you didn't mow your lawn in the dark (one of my neighbors does), I'd be OK with everything else.

5. If you could only write one genre for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

AM: Oh, dear. Just one? I think I'd have to keep the Fantasy. The rules are more fluid, the possibilities endless. With Fantasy, you get to put in whatever other genre you like (mystery, suspense, action, even a bit of SF) and not break the 'rules' so long as you don't break your own world-built rules.
CB: I'm with ya... I think paranormal would top my list, too.

6. When did you realize that you HAD to write novels? Was there a defining moment or occurrence that made you put pen to paper? Or fingers to keyboard?

AM: I always loved spinning stories. Told them to my stuffed animals at bedtime. Loved the English assignments that allowed us to make stuff up. However, I'd always been told that fiction writing was a pipedream, a waste of energy since it wouldn't support a family. It took a soul-draining corporate job to bring me back to reality. Half my job there was spent sitting in silent conference rooms waiting for other people. Apparently, only peons were expected to be polite and be on time. I started to write in the backs of notebooks, in blank pages in my day runner, tiny, crabbed, desperate script that grew and grew into…novels. When I finished the first one, I had a moment of shock. Wow. I wrote a whole novel. Followed swiftly by a moment of clarity. Wow. I felt good again.

CB: So if you won the lottery you'd quit the day job and write... right? Love the peons bit. So very true in life.

AM: Oh, heck yes. I'm not counting on the lottery, but someday there will be a time when I can "retire" from the day jobs and write full time. The job I have now is non-demanding - forty hours, leave the job at the workplace kind of thing. No corporate ambitions for me.

7. Since Christmas is around the corner, a little holiday question for you. What was the one gift you wanted as a kid and received... and what gift did you 'just have to have' and didn't find under the tree?

AM: My parents were never well to do, but they always made sure we felt special at Christmas. This is going to sound so geeky, but I longed for a microscope at one point. I can still smell the wood of that microscope box…oh, the wonder of it all from the workings of the device itself to all the cool little slides that came with it. Algae. Plankton. Euglena. Honestly, I never recall pining for something that didn't materialize.

CB: Okay, I did laugh at the microscope. Good thing I wasn't drinking something or my computer would be trash... I think mine was an E-Z-Bake Oven. Could you and I be more different? LOL

AM: Yes, we could. You could be like the lady who sits next to me at work who finds fantasy "boring".
8. One more Christmas question... When did you realize that Santa was part of the fantasy world.

AM: Ha! I have an older brother. I think I was in First Grade when he made sure I understood there was no Santa. Doesn't matter. I still leave out cookies.

CB: Oh, give me that boy's number so I can go kick his butt. I had an older brother too, but he sure as heck didn't say a thing knowing that if he did there would be NOTHING under the tree for him. One year he peaked at his presents to wake Christmas morning finding all his gifts missing. Don't think I didn't gloat on that one. *still shaking my fist at your brother*

AM: Catherine to the rescue! LOL. That "boy" is a Geophysics professor teaching in London now, with a family of his own. I think he simply felt it his duty to make certain I knew the truth about the world. But, yes, my parents weren't pleased with him.
9. Back to romance: You write M/M romance, but who (what author) of M/M romance is on your auto buy list?

AM: I have several authors I absolutely adore, both for their choices of subject and their skill as storytellers. I will buy anything by L. E. Bryce. She's amazing. Ava March, adore her Regency romances (it's a tough thing to pull off, M/M in that era.) Andrew Grey – very uplifting stories, I read his when I need an emotional boost. There are many others I've enjoyed, but these are the ones I take special care to search for.
CB: Writing these down.

10. If there is one thing about the publishing world that you could change, what would it be?

AM: I would ensure that e-publishing enjoys the same rights as the big print houses. Copyright infringement is a serious issue and all things printed enjoy protection under the law. But a too-large slice of the population still believes e-books are fine to steal, to copy, to redistribute as they please, robbing hardworking authors of the little bits of compensation we scrape out of hours and hours of labor. The laws are in place, of course, but government needs to get serious and crack down on the thieves.

Sorry, got all stern and soap-boxy there. I'd also like to ensure that there are more kittens and fluffy clouds in publishing firms.
CB: Don't forget the instant redial at month three of all submissions so the author knows what the heck is happening with their MS. I think we'll see e-publishing go through all these changes and more in the next ten years. Sadly, I think a hard copy is going to be difficult to come by some day soon.

An interview over at Angel's

Okay... so I do the interview thing from time to time just like all the other authors out there. But when the interview is done by someone you know it changes the whole feel for information passed around.

Angel Martinez, the goddess of all things grammar and oh so much more, interviewed me and the post is up on her site today. So, click HERE and make a comment or two. The interview is kinda like watching The View. Lite on the promo, and heavy on the info. Grin

5 Star Review from Affaire de Coeur

What author doesn't love a 5 star review from a well known review magazine? Not this one... Take a look at this. Link HERE.

This is what the reviewer said about Myra and Todd's story:

Silent Vows is a fascinating time-travel tale of ancient Druids and modern heroes that pulls the reader in from the very first page. Ms. Bybee has created a myriad of characters who immediately forge a bond with the reader and take them back into the 16th century with skillful ease. Her combination of time-travel, ancient magic and 16th century Scottish culture with a 21st century male macho law enforcer hero is absolutely brilliant and hilarious. And Todd quickly discovers that his modern machismo doesn't hold a candle to a 16th century Scottish warrior's. This is the second book of a trilogy, but easily stands alone. This trilogy is hot and definitely a keeper!

Lani Roberts

December Contest!

I know... I did this last month, but hey, it's the time of year to give! So, I'm giving.

All month long I'll be collecting the names of people posting here on my blog. As always, you MUST sign up to receive my newsletter AND post comments here. That's it.



What's the prize? Easy... I'll be giving away a download of Silent Vows. Myra and Todd's story in my time travel trilogy. Why this story? Well, for those of you who read Binding Vows, you know that the story ends at Christmas time. Alas, Myra's story picks up around the holidays. So there. A teaser and a hint.











So here is my newsletter link. It's a yahoo loop closed to comments. I only use the link to give my readers updates on what is new and exciting in the world of Catherine Bybee. No big piles of e-mail to worry about.

Click to join CatherineBybee

Goals for the next 2 1/2 months

I don't know about you... but I'm one of those people who fall into way too many stereotypes in the months of November and December.

I tend to put off my shopping and find myself looking for something on the 23rd of December. My Christmas cards seem to go out later than I'd like, the wrapping is waited until the final week... and... can you say Christmas cookies? Or, do you know what it's like to step on the scale on Jan 1st and cringe?

So, from this day forward... I'm going to try and buy two gifts a week... And wrap them.
I'm going to make my cards early and get them in the mail by December 1st.

And... I'm not going to gain any weight between now and Jan 1st. - That doesn't mean I won't fluctuate, but I'm going to give it my all to keep the pounds that make the gyms and weight loss centers money, off during the holidays.

So, who's with me?
Are you in?
What are your goals?

Fastest 1st draft ever!

Nice way to start out a blog... don't you think? Merry Santa Baby! Okay writers... tell me, do you ever have a story that has to come out so fast your fingers just can't keep up?

With many of you doing the November NaNo thingy, I'm guessing that you'd love it if the words flowed from your fingertips like water in a stream.

In the course of two and a half weeks, I've managed to finish a 57k story. It's rough, and there are places where I need to go in and tweak and shine before it's completely ready to send out to see if it will fly... but wow. I'm shocked with how fast this one came together and hopeful that I can do it again sometime... soon.

What's your pace? Tell me about your last manuscript and how long it took you to finish it.

Contest Winner

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my blog in the month of October. All month I ran a contest and asked that you leave a comment and sign up for my newsletter. With all the crazy names people put down as their email addys I've no idea if the name drawn from Random.org, matches one on my newsletter list.

So, Terra P. you need to contact me for your free download.

Now get out there and go shopping everyone! Christmas is coming... oh, and I love Barnes & Noble Gift cards! Just saying....

Happy Halloween ~ Last Day of my Contest

Happy Halloween Everyone!


Today is your last chance to post something here on my blog and enter into a drawing where I'll be giving away a free download of my book, Embracing the Wolf.



Halloween gives us all a chance to be a kid. Over the years I've dressed as nearly everything under the sun. My boys were Cub Scouts and I have this nasty habit of raising my hand when people ask for help... Alas, I was the Pack Cub Master until just this year. But in those seven years of playing and being a kid all over again, memories were etched into my mind that will live with me forever. So get out there and enjoy your children, or grand children and be a part of their fun.

Tell me, dear reader, what was the best costume you ever put on?

Shifter Tour Continues PARTY

Welcome back everyone. Day two of the tour so don't miss one stop.

Today I'm going to highlight Richard, Max's brother from Before the Moon Rises.
This category length romance is available in e-book - and if you want a chance to win a copy of Embracing the Wolf, be sure and leave a comment here on my blog AND sign up to receive my newsletter via my yahoo loop... and I'll put your name in a hat and choose the lucky winner on November 1st.

Now... onto the blurb and excerpt:

~Embracing the Wolf~





Blurb:
Werewolves come in two categories, good and evil. Although Richard Ritter's family has encouraged him to make the change for years, he never considered embracing his wolf until he meets Kate Davis. One night with her however, and his life changes forever.

After a horrifying evening of violence, Kate Davis's life is turned upside down. Richard offers more than security; he offers her passion, something she hasn't experienced in years. Falling in love with him was easy, but once she learns what he becomes every month her fear of the unknown threatens their future.





2nd Excerpt:

With no parking space in sight, Kate parked along the side street in the dirt. Joey lugged his backpack over his arm and followed her toward the entrance of the school.

"We're going to sleep there again tonight, right?"

"I think so." Kate pivoted, certain someone called her name. A parent she didn't recognize walked a few feet away, but diverted her eyes when Kate searched hers. Not seeing anyone she knew, she continued walking.

"I hope so," Joey said.

Her hands chilled, the hair on her nape stood on end. A few more feet, and Kate stopped moving. The heavy weight of someone's stare kept her from taking another step. Wary, she turned around in a full circle.

Someone was watching her.

Parents passed her by, moving around her as if she were a big rock in a small stream.

Her spine stiffened.

"Come on, mom." Joey tugged her arm.

"Wait a minute." I'm being paranoid.

"I'm going to be late."

Kate started forward again. When her phone rang in her purse, she jumped. She retrieved her phone and glanced at the digital display. She didn't recognize the number.

She pressed talk and slowly brought the phone to her ear. "Hello?"

Static and wind brushed against her ear with the hum of the line.

Nothing.

"Hello?" she asked again, trying to keep her panic at bay.

The school bell buzzed, the sound echoed in her phone as if in stereo. Whoever the caller was, they were somewhere on campus.

Panic gripped her throat, threatening to choke it off. She closed the phone and threw it in her purse. "Come on." She pulled Joey away from the school, back toward her car.

"What are we doing?" Joey's little legs ran to keep up with her, his eyes suddenly large and flooded with fear and confusion.

"We need to go."

"What about school?"

The kids ran in the opposite direction, all of them scrambling to make it inside before the doors shut.

Kate ran to her car with Joey's hand secured in hers.

"What's the matter, Mommy?"


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Have to read this now? Download your copy from The Wild Rose Press click HERE
Kindle download at Amazon click HERE

Fictionwise click HERE

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Next is Mary's blog click HERE
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Here is an easy list of links to all the stops on the tour - so don't miss a one!


http://www.authormariebeau.blogspot.com/
http://masteranthonystevens.com/
http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com
http://quackersandtease.blogspot.com
http://mariposacruz.blogspot.com/
www.aeryntraxx.blogspot.com
http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com/apps/blog/
http://catherinebybee.blogspot.com/
www.maryalicepritchard.com/blog
http://www.patyjager.blogspot.com/
http://simoneeden.blogspot.com/

2 - Day's of Shifters Party Time

Whoo and Hoo... Time to settle into a new story, a new author or a new passion. It's all about shifters over the next two days. Today I'll be posting a snippet of my novella Before the Moon Rises along with an excerpt that warms my heart.

Then when your done you need to do two things to earn a chance of winning a free download of Embracing the Wolf - First, you need to sign up to get my newsletter. Just sign into my yahoo loop, which is strictly for my newsletter and release information.

Click to join CatherineBybee

Then leave a comment. That's it!
Nothing more! Newsletter and comment. I'll be picking a name from all the names of all the people that comment on my blog in the month of October and coming up with a winner. I will announce the winner on my loop and my blog.


Now: Before the Moon Rises:

After a twelve-hour shift in a busy emergency room, Janet O'Brien is beat. Her last patient arrives unconscious and naked. She's lead to believe he's a psyche patient off his meds. However, once he awakens, Janet is charmed by his million-dollar smile and agrees to give him a ride home.
Werewolf, Max Ritter notices the sassy nurse when he wakes after a night under the full moon. Unfortunately, his archrival is drawn to Janet as well. In order to keep her out of harm's way, he opts to keep her close. When the chemistry between them sparks, Max discovers a completely new reason to keep Janet safe.

Excerpt:

Alone with her patient, Janet removed the catheter kit from the supply cabinet and placed it on the bed. She closed the curtain to insure privacy. Not that he would complain; he was still completely out.

She tossed back the covers and took the time to dress the man in a hospital gown. The stranger was built. Tan, muscular and good lord his package was something to be reckoned with. Janet didn't make a habit out of really noticing her patients 'packages', in fact, she couldn't remember ever really looking before. Okay, maybe she looked, but she never ogled. This man was well worth ogling.

Embarrassed over where her eyes landed, she opened the Foley catheter kit and prepared to insert the tube to collect his urine. Good thing he's out. She'd hate to be caught staring at the man's assets. How unprofessional.

Gloved up, she lifted his penis and lubed the end of the catheter tubing. Out of habit she murmured, "This is going to hurt you, more than me."

A strong voice from the top of the bed stopped her mid stride. "Don't you think I should know your name first?"

Shocked, Janet let out a little shriek. Her grip tightened on the man's penis, her eyes shot up to his face. Deep blue eyes swirled and sparkled with a hidden smile, yet his lips remained in a thin line.

She opened her mouth to speak but no words came.

"Well?" he asked, his voice thick and drawn out.

"The doctor needs a urine sample," Janet blurted.

John Doe's eyes traveled to his private parts.

In that second, Janet felt his penis twitch and start to harden.

"Oh, God!"

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Download your copy today from The Wild Rose Press click HERE

Amazon click HERE

Fictionwise click HERE


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Next stop on the tour is


Mary Alice Pritchard's Blog : http://www.maryalicepritchard.com/blog/

Come back tomorrow...