Cate Masters's Blog, page 32

Happy release day to The Ex Factor!

I'm out and about, as you can imagine, happy dancing all over the web. :)

You can catch me at the Decadent 1NS blog to help celebrate the release of The Ex Factor, my latest 1Night Stand story. A short, but hot, story with a touch of humor and a little bit of Hollywood. :)

I'm also visiting Beckey White's blog with a spotlight on The Ex Factor. Thanks so much, Beckey!

The official post for The Ex Factor appears just below. I'll be adding buy links as they come online. That is, when I can stop happy dancing long enough!


A click, please?
And in case you missed my earlier post this week, I'd love your vote for Cursed in this month's You Gotta Read cover contest. Please visit the site and vote for #10, Cursed, The Vitruvian Man book 1.

I'm so grateful for your support. :)

The Ex Factor, contemporary romance short

The Ex Factor1NS SeriesContemporary About 10,200 words
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | All Romance eBooks | Decadent Publishing
Once half of the most powerful ‘it’ couple in Hollywood, actress Susan Ainsley is tired of shallow guys or men who only want to bask in her spotlight. When her ex can’t seem to stop trashing their relationship even though he’s remarried, she looks to Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand service to help her find a real partner.
Susan has starred in director Jared Thornwell’s dreams for years. But after divorcing her cardboard husband, it seems she’s out on the town with a new guy every other week. Jared wants nothing more than to be the man who fulfills her dreams too, but even with Madame Eve’s help, does he stand a chance with her for longer than one night?


Reviews (coming soon)
Casting CallWho did Cate imagine as these characters? Find out here.
Excerpt
Like something out of a horror flick, the white rose advanced. So pure and delicate, its petals caught the candlelight with a soft but brilliant glow. But how…? “How did you get that?”Amusement flickered across his features. “I assure you, I didn’t sneak into anyone’s yard and snip it.”She glanced around. “Was it already at the table when you sat down?”“No, Susan.”“You….” She must seem an idiot, but she couldn’t fathom it. “You?” Her 1Night Stand date?“Me,” he said sheepishly.“There’s been a mistake.” Madame Eve’s first, apparently. And wow, what a doozy. “I specified a date with a real person.”Mirth practically bubbled up. “I am a real person.”“No, I meant, yes, of course you’re a real person. But you’re a director. A world-famous director.” About as far from ordinary as anyone could get.“I’m still real.” He held his arm out. “Want to pinch me?”She gently shoved it away. “No.”He rose to a crouch. “Maybe you’d rather pinch me somewhere else?” He swung his rear toward her.A chuckle escaped. Great butt. Tempting offer. She gestured for him to sit. “No,” she whispered. “I’m simply explaining there’s been a mistake. I have to text Madame Eve.” She whipped out her cell.His hand enveloped hers. “No, there hasn’t.”Her shoulders slumped in defeat. Oh, this poor man. If she wasn’t dead set on finding someone who hated movies, she’d be tempted to—He leaned across the table, the white rose between them. “Madame Eve’s reputation remains untarnished. She filled both our requests.”Holy hell. He arranged a date, too.

Casting Call: The Ex Factor

I'm getting antsy for this week's release of my contemporary 1Night Stand, The Ex Factor. The perfect excuse to share the Casting Call!

Susan Ainsley was once half of the Hollywood 'it' couple. After her husband left her for another actress, Susan can't escape being linked to him in the news. It drives her to think of a more permanent escape - getting out of show business and going home. But she loves the creative aspect of film making, and would love to expand into other areas such as directing. She's willing to give Madame Eve, the mysterious 1Night Stand matchmaker, a shot at pairing her with a real man, not just someone who wants to share the spotlight with her.

Julia Stiles is a perfect Susan, adored by the public as the all-American sweetheart actress.

Jared Thornwell's the polar opposite of Susan - outwardly. When he directs a movie, he earns the nickname "Thornballs" but popularity matters less to him than making an outstanding film.

Except when it comes to Susan. He has a definite soft spot for her. He's tried to work up the nerve to ask her out for two years, since her cardboard husband walked out on her. Finally, he turns to Madame Eve to set up his dream date. But will it turn into his worst nightmare?

Hugh Jackman has played prickly characters very well, and would be great as Jared.

The Ex Factor is a short story, so that wraps this Casting Call.

Soon to be appearing on Decadent Publishing's site and most online ebook sellers!

Cursed up for best cover!

I'm so excited that Cursed is in the running for Best Cover at You Gotta Read Reviews. It would be such a thrill to win - but I can't do that without your vote!

Please visit the site and vote for #10, Cursed, The Vitruvian Man book 1.

I'm so grateful for your support. :)

The lesson of the sled

This is my sled. Sure, it's a holiday decoration *now*.  When I was a kid, it was my ticket to ride. To fly.

My sisters and brothers and I would drag our sleds about a quarter mile from our house to sled down a steep hill. Mini-mountain might better describe it. Sometimes at the bottom, we'd build a snow ramp so we'd catch some air (though we didn't call it that in those days, the term wouldn't be invented for decades to come).

We'd sled for HOURS. Pull the sled uphill, legs burning, until we reached the top. Take a moment to survey the slope, then position ourselves on the sled and *whoosh*. Down in much less time than it took to climb that hill.

But we kept doing it over and over and over. Because view from the top was so spectacular, made even better because we knew the thrill was coming. The trip down gave us such a rush. We didn't complain about the hill being too steep because that was the point of it - the higher the hill, the better the ride.

Nor did we complain about our sleds being too heavy - about 25 pounds by my husband's estimate. It must have been taller than I was. It stands up to my shoulder now. These days when I pull it out of the basement to set it outside, I always think 'Wow, this is heavy. How the heck did I manage to use it when I was a girl?'

For one, in the Sixties, the Flexible Flyer sled was probably state of the art, lol. And because when we're kids, there's a clearer goal ahead - the fun. Words like "impossible" held no place in our worlds because we challenged everything and turned impossible on its head.

And it was so worth it.

I admit, at some point years later, we traded in these heavy runner sleds for the plastic saucer-type. But it wasn't quite the same. Maybe I'd outgrown the whole thing, or thought I did.

Not hard to guess how this applies to writing. Just do the work for the prize at the end, and because you love it - ups and downs alike.

I put the sled back in the basement until next winter, but I'll try to keep the lesson fresh all year.

The best part is, I'll never stop writing.

How about you?

Casting Call: A Wedding at the Blue Moon Cafe

I love showing you the cast of my stories! These are the actors who I imagined in these roles as I wrote A Wedding at the Blue Moon Cafe.

Loss has left its imprint on Clarissa Hartman, which she's honored with various ink. At 18, she left home and landed in Marfa, a tiny town high atop the West Texas plains. A waitress, she also paints candles and murals. She loves her two best friends, Amy and Jeff, who own the Blue Moon Cafe, and their impending nuptials are turning her world upside down. So does the best man, Dylan Wall.

From the first word, Charlize Theron was Clarissa (use your imagination to add the tattoos).

Dylan's riding high on the success of his self-made PR firm, but he senses a crash coming. Little does he know that agreeing to be best man at his old friend's wedding will lend him the perspective he needs to change. Little does he know, too, that the sharp-tongued waitress who'll be maid of honor will likewise help him change - for the better.

Stephen Amell is Dylan.


Groom-to-be Jeff Smiley came to a Mystery Lights festival in Marfa years earlier, but walked away from his six-digit salary as an engineer after falling head over heels for Amy, a college grad he met at the festival. Eight years later, the Blue Moon Cafe has been written up by travel writers as a five-star eatery. Jeff's just over the moon happy with Amy living in Marfa.

After Dylan can't seem to get along with anyone - especially Clarissa - Jeff wonders if he made a mistake asking him to be his best man.

Adrien Brody is Jeff.




Amy never guessed she'd find her soulmate in a far-flung spot, but loves her life with Jeff.

She can't wait for the wedding, except that her best friend Clarissa seems to be in a tailspin, especially after meeting Dylan.

Anne Hathaway is the perfect Amy.


J.D. was a very fun secondary character to write. Growing up in Texas, he's been everything from a cowboy to a pilot. He's loyal and fierce as a pit bull when it comes to Clarissa. She's never given him any reason to expect more than friendship, but he can't help loving the girl. Her tattoos are enough to convince him she's had more suffering than a young person deserves, and he'd love nothing more than to take care of her.

When Dylan shows up, J.D. takes him for a glider ride he'll never forget - and makes another point Dylan will never forget: never to hurt Clarissa.

I loved having Sam Elliott's voice in my head as J.D.

Harvey had a small but important role in the story. A chef at the cafe, he's also somewhat of a spiritual guru when needed.

My Jersey boy Kevin Smith is Harvey.

And that's a wrap! Hope you enjoyed this Casting Call for A Wedding at the Blue Moon Cafe.

Official release day!

The big day is here! A Wedding at the Blue Moon Cafe officially releases from Decadent Publishing!
*tosses confetti*
*releases doves*
*throws the bouquet*

You can read the blurb and excerpt and view the book video and more just below, at the official post for the novella.

Today I'm holding wedding parties at the Daily Dose of Decadence and at the wonderful and talented Beckey White's blog.  I hope you'll come over for some champagne!

Now I'm down to only one more upcoming release. Another three stories are out on submission, so cross your fingers for me. 

A Wedding at the Blue Moon Cafe, contemporary romance

A Wedding at the Blue Moon CaféBlue Moon Series 2Contemporary novellaAbout 44,000 words


Blurb
Never look back. Clarissa Hartman left her miserable life behind the day she graduated high school, the same day she turned 18. Driving for days, the road led her to Marfa, Texas. Right away, she knew she’d found home. Seven years later, she’s found her place in life plus the one thing she never expected to find: love. Dylan Wall’s everything she ran away from. So why can’t she stay away from him?
Never give up. Dylan Wall is at the top of his game. His PR firm’s sought out by brand name companies, but he’s so busy spinning everyone else’s reps, he doesn’t realize his personal life’s taken a downhill turn. Deep down, he knows that somewhere, the perfect someone is waiting for him. The woman who’ll accept him for who he is – if he’s ever able to reveal it. When he lands in Marfa for his best friend’s wedding, Clarissa’s sharp tongue puts everything in a different perspective. She draws out a side of himself hidden away for too long. She’s everything he wants, in the wrong package. So why does she feel like home?
In Marfa, appearances are deceptive. Discovering the truth beneath the surface is the first step toward finding yourself, and joy.



ReviewsComing soon!



Casting CallWho did Cate imagine as these characters? Find out here.



Available from:
Decadent Publishing:
http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=890&osCsid=hdmana51khc0lq5rr15a5sl3i5
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Blue-Moon-Cafe-ebook/dp/
Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-wedding-at-the-blue-moon-cafe-cate-masters/1118019640?ean=2940148220619
All Romance:
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-aweddingatthebluemooncafe-1392320-177.html
Coffee Time Romance


Excerpt
She pointed a packet of plastic utensils at him. “Amy saw in Jeff what no one else had—a guy who’d stifled his creative side, an unhappy soul stuck in a dead-end job.” “Whoa, what fairy tale did you hear? He had a six-digit salary.” He slid the phone into his back pocket. “Fairy tale? You think there has to be a fairy tale to have a happy ending?” She jabbed the utensils at him. “What did his salary matter if he hated getting up every morning? And going to work felt like a prison sentence?” “You think he’s in a better place in his life here? Now that he has to cook and clean and wait on customers?” “They’re more than customers to Jeff. He knows everyone in town. Cares about them.” “Oh, come on.” “When was the last time you cared about your work?” How could he invest his soul in anything he had to put a new face on to make it more palatable to the public? According to Jeff, Dylan’s successful PR firm spun new images for people, things. In Clarissa’s experience, if people or things needed new images, they probably didn’t deserve them. “I….” His brow furrowed. He blinked, staring out at nothing. Gotcha. “Yeah. That’s what I thought.” So why did it come as a relief that he might have a soul buried beneath that slick facade? “I care. Plenty.” “And I bet you can’t wait to get back.” “I can’t.” Lightning might have struck her nerves. “Good.” She stomped around the booth. “Why do you hate me so much?” His voice drifted through the flimsy canvas. “You’re everything I ran away from.” A pause. “Stability? Success?” Smart ass. “Shallow, egotistical, so focused on work you’re missing out on life.” “I miss nothing.” “You’re so blind, you don’t even see what you’re missing.” Maybe if she took him to see the Marfa Lights, he’d understand. Appreciate more than what he could grasp using only his hands. “Oh, and I suppose if I gardened to get in touch with nature, maybe got a few tattoos to show how tough I am—” Anger sizzled through her blood stream. “You have no clue what you’re talking about.” “Enlighten me.” He reached for the feather on her shoulder. “Why’d you get this one?” His touch sent a jolt through her and she shrugged away his finger. “Don’t.” “Just asking. Don’t shoot the inquisitor.” “Then don’t poke your inquisition where it doesn’t belong. And nobody uses words like inquisitor.” He made a goofy face. “Apparently, I do.” “You’re an ass.”“Don’t speak to the customers like that.” Facing the front of the booth, he smiled. “Good evening, how are you?” She rushed to his side. “I wasn’t—there’s no one here.” He grinned. “I’m here.” Unfortunately. She slammed the box on the table. “If you think you can handle the crowds on your own for a minute, I’d like to go change.” He gave her the once-over. “Why? You look great.” Her breath billowed in her chest, and she restrained it from releasing as a screech. He held up his hands in surrender. “I’m not trying to provoke you, merely stating the obvious. But if you’d be more comfortable in something else, by all means. Go change.” She leaned out and peered past the counter, up and down the street. Some people milling around, nothing crazy yet. “All right. I’ll be back in a few.” “I’ll be here.” All sweetness, he smiled. “Waiting for you.”

2014 Writer's Rebel Creed

I love the title alone - Writer's Rebel Creed. *grins*

Even more, I love the idea behind it. To commit to writing on a regular basis, to focus on the path ahead. I feel as if the past few years, I'd gotten off track somehow. I've been writing, and had stories published regularly, but something feels off. Last year became very unfocused, and I wasted a lot of time until NaNo got me back on track. No more. Time's too valuable, and I want to spend it more productively.

During the last half of 2013, I spent a lot of time re-evaluating. So many stories in my head excited me, but I worried that my "platform" is already muddled because I write mainstream and women's fiction and romance (anywhere from sweet to erotic). Some of the stories I really want to write are not even in those genres (futuristic scifi, speculative). More along the lines of what I used to write but strayed from.

I've always been a strong believer in going with your gut. My gut is telling me to break through the boundaries I've set up for myself. So although I intend to finish a few WIPs already started, I'm also going to begin those new stories.

Another thing I've strayed from - and completely unintentionally - is keeping a strong link to the writers' communities online. My life took a crazy turn a few years ago and I wasn't able to commit support as I had before. There were many days when stress took its toll and I felt I could barely think straight. (But enough about that, I'm not someone who likes to "share" those sort of things online. Everyone has problems, and I'm no different.) Things have eased up somewhat so I want to jump back in. Visit more blogs, invite more blog guests (you're welcome to be my guest too), and more if I can.

Thanks to S.A. Larsen for setting up the Writer's Creed. If you'd like to join, go here. It's never too late to begin. :)

To the list, I'll add: greater balance. It's not as contradictory as it sounds. One feeds the other.

Likewise, I want to read more. My list of books waiting to be read is ridiculously long. I can't absorb them through osmosis, so I'm going to work them in little by little whenever I have spare time (ha!). No, seriously.

Finally, I'll add regular fitness routines - walking, yoga, whatever. I'm a strong believer in the mind-body connection, and if one suffers so does the other. Yin and yang, it has to even out.

Here's wishing everyone a strong, healthy 2014 in every aspect.

A Wedding at the Blue Moon Cafe is here! And enter to win Blue Moon Over Bliss Lake

I'm chicken dancing! A Wedding at the Blue Moon Cafe appeared on Amazon this morning! 

I hope you'll come along with me to Marfa, a tiny town in the high plains of West Texas. Home of cowboys, artists, the Mystery Lights and of course, my characters. :)





Blurb


Never look back. Clarissa Hartman left her miserable life behind the day she graduated high school, the same day she turned 18. Driving for days, the road led her to Marfa, Texas. Right away, she knew she’d found home. Seven years later, she’s found her place in life plus the one thing she never expected to find: love. Dylan Wall’s everything she ran away from. So why can’t she stay away from him?
Never give up. Dylan Wall is at the top of his game. His PR firm’s sought out by brand name companies, but he’s so busy spinning everyone else’s reps, he doesn’t realize his personal life’s taken a downhill turn. Deep down, he knows that somewhere, the perfect someone is waiting for him. The woman who’ll accept him for who he is – if he’s ever able to reveal it. When he lands in Marfa for his best friend’s wedding, Clarissa’s sharp tongue puts everything in a different perspective. She draws out a side of himself hidden away for too long. She’s everything he wants, in the wrong package. So why does she feel like home?
In Marfa, appearances are deceptive. Discovering the truth beneath the surface is the first step toward finding yourself, and joy.
Enter to win Blue Moon Over Bliss Lake Today, you can enter to win an ebook of the first Blue Moon novella at the ARe Cafe's Book A Day Giveaway. So easy, it's like falling off your ice skates. :)