Cate Masters's Blog, page 45

Giveaway today on TRR's Sizzling Summer Reads party!

The Romance Reviews' Sizzling Summer Reads party is in full swing! It's going on all month, with loads of authors holding giveaways.

Today's my day! Visit http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php and answer an easy question, and you might win an ebook of my paranormal novella, Death Is A Bitch. Scroll down the page a bit to view where the questions begin.

Ahh, doesn't that beach look inviting? Wish I were there now with a few books.

And don't forget, Cursed has another spotlight today for the tour at Sizzling Hot Books.  

Have you entered the tour-wide Rafflecopter giveaway yet? What are you waiting for? :)

Two more tour stops for Cursed

Today and tomorrow, Cursed will be in the spotlight! Thanks to these wonderful blog hosts:



June 11:  Spotlight - Jessica Subject
June 12:  Spotlight - Sizzling Hot Books

The official Cursed blog tour begins today!

Thanks to Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews for their spotlight, and especially for the 4-star review of Cursed!

I hope you'll pop over and read it. :)

Sunday teaser - more from Cursed

At the bottom of the stone stairs, he set her on her feet but maintained his firm hold. “Dampness has a habit of lingering here. You’d best allow me to assist you.” “Please.” She fitted herself against him, acutely aware of the way his body moved against hers. “In these calle of San Samuele,” he said, “Giacomo Casanova spent his youth.” “Calle?” She should have brushed up on her Italian. He dipped his head closer. “Narrow alleyways.” “Narrow and dark. I wonder how many trysts Casanova had in these alleys?” And Casanova had nothing on Bruno. Women probably flocked around him constantly. Acid flashed through her at the thought. “Too many to recount.” He paused, then added, “If one believes the writings in his diary. His mentor, the poet Giorgio Baffe, lived just down there.” “Mentor?” She didn’t recall Casanova writing poetry. Did Bruno as well? Or was he not romantic that way? “Of a sort. The man who introduced Casanova to worldly pleasures.” The way the last two words rolled off his tongue, so enticing. She glanced at the dark steps that led to deeper shadows beside the canal. She surprised herself by steering him down there, tugging him to an abrupt halt. “Do such mentors still exist?” He whirled her against a wall. “Why? Would you be interested?” She let her hands wander across the contours of his chest. “You did offer to introduce me to the delights of Venice.” The same growl as earlier rumbled in his throat, unmistakable this time. “You do like to play with fire, don’t you?” And he knew how to ignite one. “Yes.”
Cursed is available at: Decadent Publishing’s new Tease linehttp://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=767&osCsid=55spbi1c1g6m9c5lo8rdo7jd17
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Cursed-The-Vitruvian-Man-ebook/dp/B00CGM8ARA/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1366571454&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Cate+Masters%2C+cursed
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cursed-cate-masters/1046524638?ean=2940016637204
Coffee Time Romance: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookStore/pubs_product_book_info/decadent-publishing-c-93/cursed-p-9911
All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-cursed-1169369-140.html
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/308564
View the book video, Casting Call, reviews, excerpt and more here: http://catemasters.blogspot.com/2013/04/cursed-vitruvian-man-book-1-paranormal.html
Have a great Sunday!

Speaking up

I woke up today, psyched that it was a Saturday -- free time, which means writing. Loosing into words those ideas that have been building up inside my head all week.
But I can't. My head's reeling with outrage and indignation. I read Delilah Dawson'spostand it left me stupefied. I wanted to reach out and hug her for all she's had to endure. I wanted to tell her it will be all right. Things will get better.
Except I don't believe it. Especially after reading Ann Aguire's post(linked to Delilah's), and the ugly comments that followed. Horrendous replies that attacked her personally, and bordered on threatening. All because she's writing what she loves.
And then I began remembering all the times I hadn't spoken up.
The time when another author said she "didn't understand women's fiction and would never write it." (A YA author.)
The time I got so excited that Margaret Atwood came to speak at a local college, but she quashed my decades-old awe of her by literally laughing at the romance genre. When my turn in line came to have my book signed, I couldn't say anything to her. I couldn't understand why a writer of her superstar status felt the need to put down other writers. So I said nothing as she signed my book, and I didn't even say thanks or goodbye afterward.
Other instances have left me puzzled too.
Writers who started out the same time as me, before I began writing romance but who now look at me as less than a serious writer.
It astounds me even more when writers within the same genre bash each other. It's almost a given that non-romance authors consider romance stories to be fluff. But romance writers bashing other romance writers?
And the latest head-scratcher: complaints about authors helping other authors promote their work. Alex J. Cavanaughmentioned it in this post. Which -- unbelievable as it is -- was part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Alex is an amazing guy who helps other writers regardless of genre, and I applaud him.
So now I'm responding.
Delilah Dawson and Ann Aguire, I truly wish I could say things will get better. They won't. There will always be people who feel the need to belittle others. Be sorry for them. And then keep writing awesome stories.
What I should have said to the YA author who "didn't get" women's fiction:  Fine. Don't read it. Plenty of readers "get it" and love it. Read whatever you like.
To Margaret Atwood: Bullshit. An author of your status should be encouraging other writers, not creating divisive cliques to exclude certain types. Leave that for your fiction.
Me, not a serious writer? Really? I spend every spare moment of my time either writing, promoting, or trying to better my craft through how-to books. And I read as often as possible--mainstream, scifi, urban fantasy, fantasy, contemporary, historical, steampunk. Whatever. Genre doesn't matter to me. I'm drawn to stories with compelling story lines, engaging characters and dialogue. Well written stories. (Because face it, crappy stories exist in every genre.)
To romance writers: Romance has a myriad of subgenres. Some stories don't fit the specific definition of romance, but end up there because it might contain a romantic element. It's a marketing gimmick, nothing more, but that's the way it is. It doesn't make your subgenre any better than another. Again, let the readers decide which they prefer.
To those who object to authors helping each other promote, I'll repeat my response that I left on Alex's blog: Why anyone would object to one another helping another with promotion is beyond me. Writers work hard enough to write a great book, but promotion is another full-time job. If blog visitors don't want to read about an author's work, they're fully capable of skipping over it. I love to help other authors spread the word about their work, and I've been blessed with plenty of generous writers who help me as well.
To anyone who feels the need to lash out at a writer--for whatever reason--get the hell over yourself. If you think you can write a better book, go for it. That's how lots of writers started out. Some succeeded, others discovered it isn't such a cakewalk to create great stories. It's damn hard work. Again--and I'm not sure why this is so difficult a concept to wrap your head around--support the writers you do love by buying their books. If you don't like an author's work, don't buy it. Period.
Author or reader, let's have some respect. If you can't manage that much, then I hope you learn someday how to embrace your humanity.
I encourage other authors to read both Delilah and Ann's posts. Then speak up as well. Bigotry's rooted in a lack of education, so let's educate everyone. Even ourselves.
And now, I've already lost half a day. I'm going to write.
Peace.

The first official Cursed blog tour!

Coming at ya next week, and running from June 10th through the 22nd.

I'm so thankful to each blog for hosting me and helping to get the word out about Cursed, my paranormal romance novella. There'll be some really fun interviews, and fun and interesting guest posts as well. :)

Here's the lineup for June:


10:  Spotlight and Review  - Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews  11:  Spotlight - Jessica Subject 12:  Spotlight - Sizzling Hot Books 13:  Interview - Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews 14:  Interview and Review -  My Home Away From Home17: Guest Blog - Reader's Edyn 18:  Spotlight - In Shadows 19: Interview/Spotlight -  Storm Goddess Book Reviews 20:  Spotlight - Page Flipperz 
22: Guest Blog - Ramblings From This Chick

That's it - a whirlwind tour. :)  I hope to see you around the blogosphere! And I hope you'll enter the giveaway too! You might win a $15 Amazon gift card.

 

Here and there today

I warned you before that you might get sick of seeing me around the blogosphere, lol. But it's only just begun! The official book tour for Cursed starts next week!

Today, I'm hanging out with the lovely Amanda McIntyre on her front porch - it's so beautiful and relaxing! And I'm sharing a yummy summer recipe. I hope you'll join us there: http://www.amandamcintyresbooks.com/2013/06/june-6-summers-on-front-porch-guest.html

And at Smile Somebody Loves You, Cursed is in the Thrill Me Thursday Spotlight - how cool is that? http://sslyblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/06/thrill-me-thursday-book-spotlight-cursed-cate-masters/

Read any interesting articles lately?

And do you like your history with a little twist? Come share! I'm at You Gotta Read Reviews, talking about how Cursed came together.
http://yougottaread.com/giving-history-a-twist-cate-masters/

Cursed special - today only! And cover reveal: This Time Next Year by Catherine Peace

Have I mentioned how amazing Decadent Publishing is? They've chosen Cursed for the special All Romance eBooks promotion for today! It's something new ARe is trying called a shopping cart bargain book promotion, and I'm very excited that their customers will get a chance to buy Cursed at fifty percent off today. Even if a customer has placed a free book in their cart, the promo for Cursed will appear. Woot! :)  It's a great chance to pick up a copy if you've been meaning to but needed a little incentive. Hop over to All Romance eBooks and get yourself a little something, and then you can get Cursed for half price!: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/
And now, without further adieu....  ta da! Here is Cate's gorgeous cover! And a peek at her upcoming release.


This Time Next Yearby Catherine Peace

BLURB
Ever since surviving the vampire attack that killed her parents, Moira Curran has dealt with the resulting nightmares and abandonment issues the only way she could—by throwing herself into her education and then her biochemistry career, preferring a life of hermitude in her lab.
Kiernan Shaw has never forgotten the night twenty years ago when his maker killed a six-year-old girl’s parents in front of her. He’s spent the better part of the last two decades searching for her in order to make amends.
Madame Eve has managed to bring the two together. When they finally meet, will Moira be able to give Kiernan what he needs? Will Kiernan put her fears to rest? Or will old fears and guilt keep them apart?
EXCERPT

For a moment, he thought back to Madame Eve’s email. If she trusts you, she will tell you her name.He understood the power of names, and so did Madame Eve. Something insignificant to a mortal meant everything to a vampire, in whose world names were both salvation and control. Remind a vampire of his humanity, or steal it away by forcing him to do something horrific, like watching a little girl’s parents be eviscerated right in front of her. “Kiernan Shaw.” Swallowing hard, he found his way back onto the coffee table. “And yours?”Would she tell him her name? Would she allow him that kind of power? She took a deep breath, as though considering the same questions. “Moira Curran.”He rolled the name on his tongue and loved the way it felt. “Beautiful.” He reached to stroke her cheek, but she flinched. “Moira, I won't hurt you. I could never hurt you.”“I'm sorry,” she muttered. “Old habits, I guess.”He nodded, unable to speak at first. The cloying scent of her fear, like overripe peaches, almost strangled him. “Why did you ask me to stay?”“I don't know.”Neither did he, but he wouldn't leave until she asked him to.“I don’t want to be alone, Kiernan. Isn’t that pathetic?”He warmed at the sound of his name on her lips. His mouth watered at the thought of kissing her, exploring her, making his name come out of that gorgeous mouth again and again. He tamped down his desire. Nothing good would happen if he moved too fast. “Not in the slightest.” Willem had all but guaranteed him a life alone. Like he approached a scared animal, he moved next to her on the couch. She uncoiled, but didn't relax. “Talk, Moira. Please.” The silence hurt his ears as much as any scream.She shook her head. “It's too hard.” Tears spilled but she didn't move to wipe them away.Time to be bold, I guess.He brushed a hand against her cheek again. Instead of flinching, she eased into his touch. “I want to ease your hurt,” he said. “Will you let me?”
About Catherine Peace

Catherine Peace has been telling stories for as long as she could remember. She often blames two things for her forays into speculative fiction—Syfy (when it was SciFi) channel Sundays with her dad and The Island of Dr. Moreau by HG Wells. She graduated in 2008 from Northern Kentucky University with a degree in English and is still chasing the dream of being super rich and famous, mostly so she can sit around in her PJs all day and write stories. When not being a slave to the people in her head, she’s a slave to two adorable dogs.
Facebook TwitterBlog: Going from Nobody to Somebody
Blog: The Pen Punks
Reviewer for Indie Books R Us

Sunday teaser - Cursed

A hint of sweet wine tinged the air as she said, “I’ve never met anyone like you.” Not likely she ever would. I smirked beneath my mask. “Is that a compliment?” “I think so.” She reached up and touched my Bauta. “But you conceal your true self.” Tempting to allow her to remove the mask, to reveal my true self. Instead, I stayed her hand with mine. “As does everyone at Carnevale. Is that not the point?” Her fingers caressed mine, and she sighed. I couldn’t allow her palpable disappointment to put me on the defensive again. “Come. Let’s explore together.” Grasping her hands, I drew her into the hallway. Reluctance weighed her steps at first, but then she glided freely along, lifting my spirit higher. Had she judged the risk worthwhile? I knew exactly how she felt. My pulse raced, a steady hum of excitement vibrating through my veins. I wanted this woman, wanted her to abandon herself with me as she did while wielding her fire wands. I would be the one to unleash the wildness within her, and the one to tame it. A growl rumbled in my chest before I could stifle it. She gasped and slowed, staring at me. I wrapped my arm around her waist and led her outside. Too late for second thoughts. She was mine.
Learn more about Cursed here: http://catemasters.blogspot.com/2013/04/cursed-vitruvian-man-book-1-paranormal.html
Or buy here :) Decadent Publishing’s new Tease linehttp://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=767&osCsid=55spbi1c1g6m9c5lo8rdo7jd17
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Cursed-The-Vitruvian-Man-ebook/dp/B00CGM8ARA/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1366571454&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Cate+Masters%2C+cursed
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cursed-cate-masters/1046524638?ean=2940016637204
Coffee Time Romance: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookStore/pubs_product_book_info/decadent-publishing-c-93/cursed-p-9911
All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-cursed-1169369-140.html
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/308564