Cate Masters's Blog, page 52
January 12, 2013
Another blog visit, a blurbfest and news!
Wow, it's been a long time since I didn't have blog posts scheduled ahead, and a long time since I didn't feel pressured to post something. It's very freeing - I'm liking it. :)
On Sunday (it's live now! already Sunday Down Under), I'm going Western with amazing author Cassandra Dean. I hope y'all will mosey on by and say hey.
BlurbFest
This weekend, TBR's holding its first blurbfest of 2013 - any and all genres welcome. Come on over and share your book blurb!
News to Happy Dance To
Decadent Publishing contracted my paranormal novella, Cursed! It's extra exciting because I was invited to submit for the launch of their new line, Tease. I am so thrilled this story will be part of it!
Formerly The Vitruvian Man, it's now book 1 of the series by that name. I'm working on a follow-up, tentatively titled Charmed. It's set in contemporary Venice during the 10-day festival of Carnevale, where more goes on than meets the eye, mwahaha.
Here's the short blurb for Cursed:
Ten days of freedom. That’s all Fate had allotted me each year. In the streets of Venice, I could walk among them. Mingle. Belong.
During Carnevale, they had no idea who I was. What I was.
For ten days, it didn’t matter.
Until I met her.
Happy weekend! I hope to get some writing done on Charmed. What are you up to?
On Sunday (it's live now! already Sunday Down Under), I'm going Western with amazing author Cassandra Dean. I hope y'all will mosey on by and say hey.
BlurbFest
This weekend, TBR's holding its first blurbfest of 2013 - any and all genres welcome. Come on over and share your book blurb!
News to Happy Dance To
Decadent Publishing contracted my paranormal novella, Cursed! It's extra exciting because I was invited to submit for the launch of their new line, Tease. I am so thrilled this story will be part of it!
Formerly The Vitruvian Man, it's now book 1 of the series by that name. I'm working on a follow-up, tentatively titled Charmed. It's set in contemporary Venice during the 10-day festival of Carnevale, where more goes on than meets the eye, mwahaha.
Here's the short blurb for Cursed:
Ten days of freedom. That’s all Fate had allotted me each year. In the streets of Venice, I could walk among them. Mingle. Belong.
During Carnevale, they had no idea who I was. What I was.
For ten days, it didn’t matter.
Until I met her.
Happy weekend! I hope to get some writing done on Charmed. What are you up to?
January 7, 2013
Inspiration and balance
Creativity can't survive without these two elements. Not in any meaningful way for me, at least. And last year lacked one or both at various times.
Balance has long been a challenge. My drive to write is very strong, and I devote every spare moment to it. For the past few years, spare moments have been few and far between, but that's where inspiration evens out the scales again. And sometimes from the most surprising sources.
For instance, I received a catalog for women's clothing, and flipped open the cover. The introductory text gripped me. All about the Power of Intention, it said we all have great power within us - the power to do our best, to harness our strengths to become the most amazing versions of ourselves possible. That setting intentions and then striving for those goals can propel us toward what we most want in life.
Wow. I love it when words can act like a kick in the head. I needed that reminder. Not that I haven't been striving all along, but I think sometimes we can work against our intentions. At the end of 2012, I was experiencing burnout. I felt very scattered, trying to do too much. This year, I'm going to concentrate on the harnessing aspect to restore the joy that comes with doing what I love, and not just related to writing.
I made no real resolutions this year, but I hope to stick to this one. How about you - have you made any resolutions? Any tips on how to keep your resolve strong?
Around the blogosphere this week
Today I'm visiting with Deanna Jewel, who was kind enough to invite me to her blog to talk about my dark paranormal, Death Is A Bitch. I hope you can pop over and say hi.
Tomorrow, I'm back at Lorrie Struiff's blog, sharing a bit about the inspiration behind my Western historical, A Midwest Summer Night's Dream. Hope you'll visit me there.
I have another blog visit coming up on Sunday, but may not post here for the rest of the week. I have to travel out of town for a family funeral - the second loss within my family so far this year. Another reminder to make every day count.
And some good news....
Decadent Publishing released Dead to Rights in print! It's available through Amazon. I've already received my copies, and it's such a thrill. I love my Kindle, but it's wonderful to hold my own book in my hands. And I've always loved the cover, but it looks even more gorgeous in print!
Balance has long been a challenge. My drive to write is very strong, and I devote every spare moment to it. For the past few years, spare moments have been few and far between, but that's where inspiration evens out the scales again. And sometimes from the most surprising sources.
For instance, I received a catalog for women's clothing, and flipped open the cover. The introductory text gripped me. All about the Power of Intention, it said we all have great power within us - the power to do our best, to harness our strengths to become the most amazing versions of ourselves possible. That setting intentions and then striving for those goals can propel us toward what we most want in life.
Wow. I love it when words can act like a kick in the head. I needed that reminder. Not that I haven't been striving all along, but I think sometimes we can work against our intentions. At the end of 2012, I was experiencing burnout. I felt very scattered, trying to do too much. This year, I'm going to concentrate on the harnessing aspect to restore the joy that comes with doing what I love, and not just related to writing.
I made no real resolutions this year, but I hope to stick to this one. How about you - have you made any resolutions? Any tips on how to keep your resolve strong?
Around the blogosphere this week
Today I'm visiting with Deanna Jewel, who was kind enough to invite me to her blog to talk about my dark paranormal, Death Is A Bitch. I hope you can pop over and say hi.
Tomorrow, I'm back at Lorrie Struiff's blog, sharing a bit about the inspiration behind my Western historical, A Midwest Summer Night's Dream. Hope you'll visit me there.
I have another blog visit coming up on Sunday, but may not post here for the rest of the week. I have to travel out of town for a family funeral - the second loss within my family so far this year. Another reminder to make every day count.
And some good news....
Decadent Publishing released Dead to Rights in print! It's available through Amazon. I've already received my copies, and it's such a thrill. I love my Kindle, but it's wonderful to hold my own book in my hands. And I've always loved the cover, but it looks even more gorgeous in print!December 31, 2012
Happy New Year!
Well, we've survived yet another apocalypse and 2013 is almost here. Death has her party hat on again - but please be safe tonight when you party so you don't meet her too soon!Wishing you a new year filled with laughter and joy, and time with friends and loved ones. But also remember to take time to do what you love, and nourish your soul with your art.
It's been a fantastic year, and I'm truly grateful for the friendship and support I've received. I hope I've been able to help others as much as they've helped me.
I plan to write as much as possible, which means I'll likely be blogging less, with no set schedule.
This year's been difficult to visit as many blogs as I'd have liked, and I don't foresee my schedule easing much in the coming year. But I'm always happy to help other authors. On occasional Fridays, I host other authors in a feature called Spilling the Beans, so contact me if you'd like to schedule a visit.
One year ago, I also launched a reader's blog called To Be Read, and it's all about other authors - interviews, guest posts, book spotlights, blurb blitzes - however you'd like to promote, I'll do my best to help. Check the 2013 schedule and let me know if you'd like to reserve a date.
Have a wonderful New Year's celebration!
December 29, 2012
Last blog visit of the year!
The snow's falling here, a very picturesque sight. But then, I'm not going anywhere today, except virtually. The wonderfully talented Lorrie Struiff invited me to her blog, where I'm sharing some little-known facts about wreckers. I hope you'll pop over and visit! I can't promise hot cocoa, but Key West makes a great tropical escape in a snowstorm, even virtually.December 27, 2012
Would love your votes in the PredEd poll!
It's that time of year again. The Christmas tree's dropping its needles in the family room. Waistlines expanded from too many goodies, thoughts of resolutions are dancing in our heads.
And... the annual Preditors and Editors poll is up!
I'd love your votes for Cate Masters titles in these categories:
Dancing With the Devil http://critters.org/predpoll/novelerot.shtml
A Hard Day’s Knight http://critters.org/predpoll/shortstoryr.shtml
Dead to Rights http://critters.org/predpoll/novelsf.shtml
Death Is A Bitch http://critters.org/predpoll/novelr.shtml
Cate Masters http://critters.org/predpoll/author.shtml
And, written under the pen name of C.A. Masterson, for my literary family saga:
Orion Rising http://critters.org/predpoll/novel.shtml
And for A Community of Writers, nominated in the Best Anthology category: http://critters.org/predpoll/antho.shtml
I worked very hard and was proud of the way my book cover turned out for In the Midnight Hour. It's listed under Book Cover: In the Midnight Hour http://critters.org/predpoll/bookart.shtml
Please note: You must validate your vote by clicking the link in the email sent to you, so voting is a two-step process.
Authors work very hard all year long. It's wonderful to receive feedback anytime, but gratifying to receive votes from readers who've enjoyed our work.
I hope you'll consider voting! And thanks for your support.
And... the annual Preditors and Editors poll is up!
I'd love your votes for Cate Masters titles in these categories:
Dancing With the Devil http://critters.org/predpoll/novelerot.shtml
A Hard Day’s Knight http://critters.org/predpoll/shortstoryr.shtml
Dead to Rights http://critters.org/predpoll/novelsf.shtml
Death Is A Bitch http://critters.org/predpoll/novelr.shtml
Cate Masters http://critters.org/predpoll/author.shtml
And, written under the pen name of C.A. Masterson, for my literary family saga:
Orion Rising http://critters.org/predpoll/novel.shtml
And for A Community of Writers, nominated in the Best Anthology category: http://critters.org/predpoll/antho.shtml
I worked very hard and was proud of the way my book cover turned out for In the Midnight Hour. It's listed under Book Cover: In the Midnight Hour http://critters.org/predpoll/bookart.shtmlPlease note: You must validate your vote by clicking the link in the email sent to you, so voting is a two-step process.
Authors work very hard all year long. It's wonderful to receive feedback anytime, but gratifying to receive votes from readers who've enjoyed our work.
I hope you'll consider voting! And thanks for your support.
December 24, 2012
December 22, 2012
TBR's 2nd Holiday BlurbFest
This weekend, TBR invites authors of holiday stories to share their blurbs.Don't let the Santa image fool you. Whatever December holiday your story touches on will work. I'm easy. :)
Go share your holiday book blurb on TBR! It's a little extra exposure for your book, and might be just what readers had on their wish lists.
December 21, 2012
Time to party with Death!
The big day is here. December 21. The day we've all posted on Facebook about, tweeted about, maybe even worried about... a little bit. :)Doomsday.
The Apocalypse?
Not exactly.
And Death couldn't be happier.
Today, she's celebrating at the amazing Jessica E. Subject's blog.
And tonight from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. EST, she's throwing a bash on my new group on Facebook. I hope you'll join us!
As usual, there'll be a little magic and mayhem, and a giveaway or two!
December 19, 2012
Doomsday is almost here! Are you ready?
Are you one of the preppers? The hoarders?Well, it's my sister's birthday tomorrow, so the end of the world better wait till another day. :)
And Death is throwing an Apocalypse party! End of the world or not, you really should stay on her good side!
The party will take place tomorrow on my new FB group, Magic, mayhem and a little romance with Cate Masters, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
To celebrate The End of the World - NOT!, Lyrical Press is having a 75 percent off sale. Whether you're holed up in your bunker or not, it's a great time to grab some excellent reads. If I might suggest one, how about Rock Bottom, my rocking contemporary? :) At these prices, you'll want to hoard some ebooks!
I'm excited that Decadent Publishing is launching a new line tomorrow, another reason for the world not to end today. :) You can see some of the new releases on TBR today - go check it out!
And I couldn't resist posting this. Everybody sing along! Happy End of the World-NOT!
December 17, 2012
Cover reveal: Homecoming
The first thing I said when I saw this cover was: "Wow." Isn't it gorgeous?I don't know if I mentioned it or not, but I'd subbed two short stories to Decadent Publishing's 1NS line, and both were accepted. This is one of them.
This cover is perfect, from the emotion of the couple to the lovely yet alarming reds, which hint at the suspenseful section toward the end.
Can't wait for release day!
Blogging schedule
On another note, blogging's going to be sporadic over the holidays. Two more guest posts at author friends' blogs, and that will wrap it up for this year. But there's lots more planned - check the Interviews and Guest Blogs page for more info.
I'd planned a Doomsday party for Dec. 21, and created a new group on FB for the event. I hope you'll join in.
My heart's not really in it after the tragic shootings in Connecticut last week and I'm trying to tread lightly, but if anything, it makes me prouder that the character I crafted is Death with a heart - the kind of entity I'd want to come for my soul when it's time. And my Death has a soft spot for children, too. I know it's only fictional, but I have to believe the angels who came for those kids helped ease the transition for them. It still breaks my heart.
I'll be skipping the Wednesday post, by the way, but will have one Thursday, and another Friday.
Breaking news - happy dancing!
I'm a nominee in GraveTells' 2012 Readers Choice Awards! The category is Most Engaging Author. No idea when voting starts, but I'll be sure to let you know. :)What a great way to start the week!
