Cate Masters's Blog, page 30

I hear the universe laughing

Goals? Did I mention I had a few I intended to conquer? Unfortunately, the universe apparently read the last post. Now two grandboys and I are on antibiotics for strep.

*note to self: do NOT list goals online again. Or even speak them aloud*

So this is going to be short, but sweet. :)

First, I have a Kensington author page now. So it seems a little more real.

And oh yes! A release date for Goddess, Awakened - July 7. *happy dances* I can't wait to see the cover!

I've made zero progress on the WIP. Next week, I swear. Crit peeps, I hope you're ready. Willing and able would help, too. Unless... oh Joss Whedon, I think you're right...

Do you ever get to a point in your story where you just want to rip it to shreds? The old "kill your darlings" in action?

I'm approaching that point. It's part of the reason I haven't finished yet. I'm hoping the clouds will part for a brilliant beam of inspiration to knock me on my butt, slap my face and say, "That's what's wrong. Fix it."

The universe can be so helpful sometimes, can't it?

Ask away

I've been quiet this week, sorry. I've had to reset my goals because I fell so far behind after being ill, but am aiming to finish a draft of a short-ish story (~20k) next week. Of course, I've had that goal for about a month now. But I'm going to do it, dammit! If not next week, the week after.

According to WXPN, my favorite radio station, today is International Ask A Question Day. So in the spirit of transparency, you can ask me anything today. If it's overly technical - say, physics (one can learn only so much from watching The Big Bang Theory) - I may fudge the answer, but will give it my best shot.

So go ahead. Ask away!

A leap of faith can pay off

Sometimes all the hard work is worth it.

I loved my fantasy romance novel, The Magic of Lavender, and it received some excellent reviews. But because I'd self-pubbed it, I gave it less attention than the stories I subbed to publishers. In my heart, I knew an editor could take the story up a level.

I had started the third and fourth Goddess Connection novels, but let those languish because I knew I wouldn't commit the same level of promotion to my self-pubbed stories as I did for others. But I absolutely love the premise of this series - that every woman should embrace her inner goddess, and be treated like one. An idea I hoped would resonate with all readers. Plus, I just love a strong, intelligent, feisty heroine who comes into her own.

So earlier this year, I hit unpublish for both books in The Goddess Connection series - The Magic of Lavender and Dancing with the Devil.

I subbed The Magic of Lavender to Lyrical Press, now an imprint of Kensington Publishing so Kensington editors reviewed it. And loved the concept too, but said it needed work.

So work I did. I cut thousands of words and added more where the story needed it. I also changed the title of both books. The Magic of Lavender has become Goddess, Awakened, and each book will follow that style.

All that hard work paid off with an acceptance! I signed the Kensington contract last week, and it will be published under the Lyrical imprint. *happy dance*

A good reminder to go with your gut. A reminder I needed, I think.

I'm about 30k into the third novel. My goal is to have a draft finished by May, when I attend the Dara Marks workshop, Engaging the Feminine Heroic. It should be a great fit for all the stories in the series, and I'm hoping to come away with some great ideas.


If you're unfamiliar with Ms. Marks, you should check out her Inside Story book on structure. Well worth the read!

Today only! Enter to win any of my backlist

The Romance Reviews is celebrating their third birthday! I'm joining the party with a giveaway - winner's choice of any of my backlist ebooks. I hope you'll join the party too!

Just answer an easy question at TRR's party site at http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php.

You have to scroll down a bit to see it, but my question is #1.





And the contest at Night Owl Reviews is still in full swing. Enter here to win an ebook of Cursed, the first in The Vitruvian Man series.

NOR made it a Top Pick. Other reviewers have called it "a shockingly beautiful love story," and "Cate Masters' series starter Cursed is a unique blend of historical facts and paranormal elements that nicely combine in an action-packed romantic story that lays the groundwork for what promises to be a memorable series."

You can find out more about Cursed here.

Good luck and have fun! Happy weekend!

Note from an isolated, neurotic, caffeine addict

Earlier this week, someone posted this quote on Facebook and it resonated with me. Deeply. Even though I have serious doubts about Robert DeNiro actually saying this, but that's neither here nor there.

Maybe it's been too long of a winter and I have been far too isolated (grandboys notwithstanding, lol). I try to stay upbeat and focused, but honestly, after being sick for weeks with what ended up as bronchitis, I was worn out. Beaten down. Feeling unloved and yes, completely whiny. Unsure whether I'm existing in some fantasy world while hubby bears the brunt of the financial burden (not that he complains - to the contrary, he's my biggest cheerleader. Figuratively and literally!)

Thankfully, the Z-Pack kicked in and did its job.

But I also believe in signs from the universe. Some are little signs, like the one above that reaches into my heart, reminds me I'm not alone and in no way unique (take that, ego). That the struggle is part of the process of becoming a better writer.

I've had other good signs recently. I can't share them just yet but will within a few weeks. :)

So I have to take a step back, remind myself that I'm a far cry from where I was when I started out, and to just keep going. Things happen when they happen for a reason. Personally, if any huge success had found me right away, it might have overwhelmed me. There's been a lot going on in my life these past five years, and I've had to make certain time commitments. Without hesitation, I did so because their importance far outweighed my stories.

Slowly, things are turning around. I'm grateful. I put my writing aside while we raised our three kids, and it's something I can never give up completely. I can deal with the panic, sense of inadequacy, and so on, because it happens. So does exhilaration and excitement, which makes it all worthwhile.

I'm also grateful for my family's constant support, not just of me but of every one of us. We all contribute to each others' success, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I also apologize for not being around much, but believe me, in my less-than-coherent state, you wouldn't have wanted me around anyway. So I hibernated and became a Game of Thrones addict. Now I'm almost caught up on Season 3 and am feeling better so I'll do my best to catch up. Thanks for visiting me. You guys always cheer me up. :)

Cover reveal: Night Magic by Kathleen Ann Gallagher

I'm so happy to be part of Kathleen's cover reveal for her upcoming release, Night Magic! Isn't her new cover gorgeous? Please give her a warm welcome.

Night Magic Blurb
The beautiful, but lonely owner of a bath & body shop, Krista Winters, is in need of legal counsel. Her past is about to catch up with her.  She was forced to flee from her life as a teacher in New Jersey after she was let go when the principal found out she was UNEDITED EXCERPT
A woman knows when a man is about to make a move. A rippling feeling waved across her chest. Jon kept his eyes on her, stood and came from around his desk. When he got close enough for Krista to get a whiff of his tempting, earthy cologne, a warm sensation caught her off guard and her ears rang so bad her head spun.  Before she realized what had happened, he slipped his hand around her back and pulled her up against his chest. Tunnel vision altered all perception of reality and she closed her eyes. Jon’s touch aroused her mercifully. Her panties moistened and her nipples tingled, and she felt like she was in another world. Who was this man? How did he capture her heart in an instant? His strong hands cupped her butt cheeks as if he owned her body and soul. There wasn’t time to react.  His caresses brought her to a place she had longed for. When Jon covered her mouth with his lips it didn’t matter if they were strangers. It felt right. A quiet echo and a brightness filled the room as if the goddess of love shined light upon them. The connection felt so strong it practically knocked her over. Steadying herself, Krista stood back and stared into his eyes. As Jon moved in again and plunged his tongue reached deep into her mouth, he lightly brushed his hand across the back of her hair, and Krista surrendered to his touch. It was as if a long lost lover had reappeared and claimed her heart’s desire. There was no telling what might happen next. Krista’s body quivered and she quietly moaned with pleasure, as he nuzzled her ear, teasing her with playful nips at her neck. All rules had been broken, but it didn’t matter. His hard shaft rubbed up against her stomach, and she swayed back and forth, unable to break away from temptation. Jon’s breathing sped up and with his strong arms tight around her back. Every movement taking her one step closer. Am I that lonely? I’m about to have sex with a man I just met. As his hand trailed across her back, her body rocked with his.  Each touch electrifying as if he wanted to devour her, and she found herself in a trance-like state. Is this what I’ve been missing? Krista ran her hand across his bicep and felt woozy. The warmth of his body raising her level of arousal. Here in the middle of an office, she found a longing like no other, and everything seemed right. Lust took control of her senses, and she let herself go with it. With each kiss he brought cradled her in his arms, his embrace warm and protective like a warrior of love. How did this happen? Had she found the man she was destined for or was it all a dream?
BIO
Although writing is my passion, nursing is my vocation.  I work in an emergency room, and it’s been challenging, and rewarding, to be such an integral part of so many other’s daily struggles.  I have a wonderful husband who always offers his support, and never complains about my crazy schedule. One of our favorite romantic getaways is Cape May, New Jersey, an old historic beach town where we take a step into the past, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.  Although my children are all grown with busy lives of their own, Chaz, our Shepherd mix, and Luc our Coton deTulear bring us joy and unconditional love.  We are also blessed with three adorable grandsons. Other interests of mine include cooking, reading, and the theater.  However, spending time with my family is most important to me.  Even though my life is filled with work, family, etc., my mind continues to ponder the next story or concept for a new novel.
You can find Kathleen here. She loves to meet readers and make new friends.
http://kathleenanngallagher.net/Home.html
https://www.facebook.com/kathleen.a.gallagher
http://kathleensplacetoreflect.blogspot.com/?zx=8449b834263ba5c9
https://twitter.com/Kathleenwrites https://plus.google.com/u/0/117606070036565136137/posts?partnerid=gplp0
http://www.pinterest.com/magicalwriter/

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Giveaway at Night Owl Reviews!

Starting today, I'm holding a giveaway at Night Owl Reviews for an ebook of Cursed! If you love dark paranormals in unusual settings, get over to NOR and enter!

Cursed is the first in The Vitruvian Man series, set in Venice during the 10-day masquerade festival of Carnevale.Who knows who - or what - might hide beneath those beautiful costumes?

Charmed and Claimed are the second and third in the series. Here's a peek:

The lesson of the boot print

One morning this winter, I came in the house after some mundane chore and bent to remove my boots. Afterward, this was what was left on the floor.

An antlered deer! Or maybe a chupacabra? With a saddle? (Don't ask me what that ball-shaped thing is behind him, lol)

In any event, I thought it looked pretty cool. So I grabbed my camera because I knew it wouldn't last long.

Sometimes like story ideas. They flash through my head. Sometimes, I'll write them down while they're fresh and capture them. Other times (if I'm somewhere I can't jot notes), I'll keep repeating it in my head in hopes I don't lose it.

Sometimes, though, like the deer/chupacabra, it melts away. *poof* Gone, and once that happens, it can be gone for good.

Another lesson to apply to writing - get it down while it's fresh, and the image is clear.

A deeper lesson is to stop and look in the first place. There's so much we miss on a daily basis because we rush, rush, rush. It's worthwhile to stand still and look around. Take in all those details that might otherwise be a blur, or fade before we can admire them.

Rock Bottom, revamped

I'm very excited that Rock Bottom has been re-contracted under the new Lyrical Press imprint under Kensington Publishing! Former Lyrical publisher Renee Rocco is staying on as Managing Director. The news was announced last month, but I stayed mum until my contract was signed, sealed and delivered.

Rock Bottom is getting a new look too. What do you think of this new cover?

Yeah, I love it too.

So I'm looking forward to its re-release under the new imprint, and hoping it will find a broader reach of readers. When? The ink on the contract has hardly had time to dry, but I do know that on February 13, it was sent to Kensington to line up in the queue for uploading to retailers. And it has a page ready to go at Lyrical's site. I'll keep you posted.

Wish me luck as it re-launches!

Blue Moon tour continues

Thanks again to Literary Nook for arranging this tour. It ends this Friday! I hope you'll pop over to some of the guest posts and interviews:

February 17Ramblings of a Book Lunatic – Review, promo and excerptWords of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess – Author interview and promoDanita Minnis – Guest post