Cate Masters's Blog, page 72
March 9, 2012
Paranormal BlurbFest today!
Do you love to read paranormal stories? Or write them? Either way, you shouldn't miss out on the Paranormal Blurb Fest at TBR today. See you there. :) [image error]
At Sexy Reads today
Pop on over to Sexy Reads today - I'm talking about everything from favorite mythological creatures to favorite ice cream and TV shows. Stuff you probably never knew you wanted to know!
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March 8, 2012
Clutter bug
I've been seeing so many articles lately about clutter, I'm beginning to think the Universe is trying to throw me hints. Yes, I suffer from clutter. Everywhere. It's definitely not feng shui around here. I think I need one of these mouse pads!
There are piles of magazines atop notebooks atop more magazines and books in my bedroom. My office is worse - papers mixed in with notebooks of all sizes, more magazines and flyers and oo! I just found one from Dickinson College advertising their Spring events, and Jennifer Egan is reading on April 4! *marking calendar now before I forget again!*
So I am living proof that going paperless only creates more paper! I do have old crits, research and contracts filed by story in binders, but what is all this other scrap paper lying around? I don't know, but I should find out before I end up tossing it en masse into the trash and later regretting it.
The Kaizen Plan blog recommends finding the root cause of the clutter so you'll know how to attack it. Good advice, but I need to figure out how to extrapolate the bathroom example to my office. :)
Oprah also recently attacked the clutter issue, and asked readers to identify what type of clutterer they were so they'd know how to attack the problem. I unfortunately fit four of the five profiles. (I am not a bargain shopper aka hoarder. One point in my favor.) Of course, defining the clutter by "style" only makes it seem fashionable, and it's anything but stylish to view.
I think my biggest problem is writing myself notes, and never cleaning out those notepads. And never actually filing any of the papers I have lying around in the file drawer sitting right beside my desk. The clutter usually rises above the bottom of the monitor screen before I can't stand it and move things.
Aside from a bonfire, any advice on how to deal with clutter?
And by the way, whatever you do, don't open that closet door. Thanks. :) [image error]
There are piles of magazines atop notebooks atop more magazines and books in my bedroom. My office is worse - papers mixed in with notebooks of all sizes, more magazines and flyers and oo! I just found one from Dickinson College advertising their Spring events, and Jennifer Egan is reading on April 4! *marking calendar now before I forget again!*So I am living proof that going paperless only creates more paper! I do have old crits, research and contracts filed by story in binders, but what is all this other scrap paper lying around? I don't know, but I should find out before I end up tossing it en masse into the trash and later regretting it.
The Kaizen Plan blog recommends finding the root cause of the clutter so you'll know how to attack it. Good advice, but I need to figure out how to extrapolate the bathroom example to my office. :)
Oprah also recently attacked the clutter issue, and asked readers to identify what type of clutterer they were so they'd know how to attack the problem. I unfortunately fit four of the five profiles. (I am not a bargain shopper aka hoarder. One point in my favor.) Of course, defining the clutter by "style" only makes it seem fashionable, and it's anything but stylish to view.
I think my biggest problem is writing myself notes, and never cleaning out those notepads. And never actually filing any of the papers I have lying around in the file drawer sitting right beside my desk. The clutter usually rises above the bottom of the monitor screen before I can't stand it and move things.
Aside from a bonfire, any advice on how to deal with clutter?
And by the way, whatever you do, don't open that closet door. Thanks. :) [image error]
March 6, 2012
Steal these graphics!
First, congrats to the Leap Into Books blog hop winner - Barb! Barb will receive a print copy of my contemporary fantasy, Surfacing, plus Bad Moon Rising by Sherilynn Kenyon and Fired Up by Jayne Ann Krentz. Happy reading, Barb!
Next, I learned today that March is Small and Indie Press Month. I couldn't find any graphics online, though a few sites confirmed the designation. So I made a few graphics of my own. Go ahead, steal one for your own site.
Next, I learned today that March is Small and Indie Press Month. I couldn't find any graphics online, though a few sites confirmed the designation. So I made a few graphics of my own. Go ahead, steal one for your own site.
March 4, 2012
Barbara Vey's throwing a party!
To celebrate the fifth anniversary of her Beyond the Book blog, Barbara Vey's throwing a huge bash all week. Today the party's in Transylvania, and features paranormal stories. I'm adding to the merriment with some special dishes (virtual, of course) - lavender sugar cake, lavender mocha lattes, lavender lemonade and lavender margaritas! Yum.
And I'm giving away an ebook of The Magic of Lavender, book one of The Goddess Connection. I hope you'll pop over and join the festivities.
And I'm giving away an ebook of The Magic of Lavender, book one of The Goddess Connection. I hope you'll pop over and join the festivities.
March 3, 2012
How's it going with those resolutions?
It's not quite a quarter of the way into 2012, and I'm already behind on my resolutions. I feel good about making an attempt, though. And with today the first day of Read an E-Book Week, I'll at least read one!
I'm getting some writing done. Woo hoo! (But am sitting out SSS today because I'm far behind.)
And I'm getting some reading done. Mostly short stories and novellas, but I'm working my way down through the list on my Kindle (now jammed with 265 items - more on that later this month).
But I don't want to simply read the stories and set them aside. I'll share them with you so you can check out these fantastic authors too.
In no particular order...
Arrow to the Heart by Arlene Webb
In every one of her stories, Arlene's prose sparkles with wit and smart humor. Her twist on Cupid will leave you chuckling and turning pages to find out what's going to happen next, and the ending will leave you wanting more.
Let it Rain - Lacey's Lamp by Arlene Webb
A short, sweet and sexy read about a married couple rediscovering their relationship after making the same wish - for each other.
Bones of the Sea by Pippa Jay
A fascinating scifi/speculative read that will leave you wishing it were longer. Don't pass on this incredible freebie. Love that cover as well.
North of Need by Laura Kaye
Laura draws you into this sweet fantasy about a grieving widow whose loneliness brings a snowman to life. It's an engaging, emotional read that will have you wishing for snow and your own hot snowman. And yeah, the cover drew me in as well!
An Ordinary Girl by Barbara Elsborg
Barbara's another author whose work I have much to catch up on. She has a wonderful writing style. I have a few other titles on my Kindle by Barbara, but the flawed characters of An Ordinary Girl hooked me. They're both damaged, but together, learn to heal one another. Barbara's gritty realism makes you root for these characters so the ending's all the more gratifying.
I need to get back to the writing books waiting for me as well - I have at least half a dozen on my Kindle yet.
I'm excited that I sent for Anne Rice's latest. How crazy is it that the hardcover copy cost less than the Kindle version? Not sure what the big pubs are thinking with that.
Have you read any of these stories? Any story recommendations of your own to make? Any ebooks you'll be reading this week?
I'm getting some writing done. Woo hoo! (But am sitting out SSS today because I'm far behind.)
And I'm getting some reading done. Mostly short stories and novellas, but I'm working my way down through the list on my Kindle (now jammed with 265 items - more on that later this month).
But I don't want to simply read the stories and set them aside. I'll share them with you so you can check out these fantastic authors too.
In no particular order...
Arrow to the Heart by Arlene WebbIn every one of her stories, Arlene's prose sparkles with wit and smart humor. Her twist on Cupid will leave you chuckling and turning pages to find out what's going to happen next, and the ending will leave you wanting more.
Let it Rain - Lacey's Lamp by Arlene Webb
A short, sweet and sexy read about a married couple rediscovering their relationship after making the same wish - for each other.
Bones of the Sea by Pippa Jay
A fascinating scifi/speculative read that will leave you wishing it were longer. Don't pass on this incredible freebie. Love that cover as well.
North of Need by Laura Kaye
Laura draws you into this sweet fantasy about a grieving widow whose loneliness brings a snowman to life. It's an engaging, emotional read that will have you wishing for snow and your own hot snowman. And yeah, the cover drew me in as well!
An Ordinary Girl by Barbara ElsborgBarbara's another author whose work I have much to catch up on. She has a wonderful writing style. I have a few other titles on my Kindle by Barbara, but the flawed characters of An Ordinary Girl hooked me. They're both damaged, but together, learn to heal one another. Barbara's gritty realism makes you root for these characters so the ending's all the more gratifying.
I need to get back to the writing books waiting for me as well - I have at least half a dozen on my Kindle yet.
I'm excited that I sent for Anne Rice's latest. How crazy is it that the hardcover copy cost less than the Kindle version? Not sure what the big pubs are thinking with that.
Have you read any of these stories? Any story recommendations of your own to make? Any ebooks you'll be reading this week?
March 2, 2012
Celebrate Read an E-Book Week!
Did you know ebooks have been in existence for 41 years? Its true - the first ebook was created in 1971 as part of Project Gutenberg. Amazing!Ebooks overwhelmingly outsell print books these days, and for good reason. Actually, several good reasons!
They're mobile. Instead of carrying one paperback, you can now carry hundreds of books at once. My Kindle's currently holding about 270.
You don't need a special device to read ebooks. Kindles and Nooks are great, but you can also read on your phone, or your computer with free apps.
You can buy an ebook in seconds. A wonderful convenience.
Your favorite authors' books are available as ebooks. And you might find a few new favorites, too.
My kids bought me a Kindle last Mother's Day, and I love it. The font size is adjustable, but with newer ebooks, most are formatted so they're easy to read. But with 270 ebooks loaded, I have some reading to catch up on.
Check the E-Ink Facebook page for more news and giveaways.
Will you celebrate Read An E-Book Week by reading an ebook? Which are on your TBR list?
February 28, 2012
Leap into Books Giveaway Hop
Thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for setting up this blog hop! Love having an extra day - wish I could add an extra day to every weekend! :)Here's my giveaway (U.S. only):
Rock Bottom by Cate Masters - contemporary romance
Signed paperback
For rocker Jet Trently, success means playing the same platinum-selling hits over and over. Philly rock journalist Billie Prescott thrives on covering the latest releases. When her editor sends her to Malibu to cover Jet's reality dating show, Rock Bottom, her blog's success keeps her trapped there. Her life's at Rock Bottom too, until she hears Jet's new songs. They touch her heart as his music did when she was 15. When Jet touches her heart as well, will the reality show ruin the real thing?
Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon - paranormal romance
Hard cover
Prepare to enter a world full of richly imagined mythology — a world where dark and dangerous heroes fight to protect us.
Prepare to enter an endless battle.
Prepare to lose yourself...
Fired Up by Jayne Ann Krentz - paranormal romance
Hard cover
The New York Times—bestselling author presents her latest Arcane Society novel and introduces the first book in the Dreamlight Trilogy—the story of a curse that spans generations, and the love that can heal it. . .
Here's how to enter:
1. Like my Facebook page (also found at right). Easy peasy!
Don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.
I'm also holding a giveaway at my TBR blog, so check it out!
And check out all the giveaways at participating blogs. Happy Leap Year Day! And happy reading.
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February 27, 2012
Catch fire with CassaFire!
Today's finally the day! Alex J. Cavanaugh's Catch Fire Blog Party, celebrating the release of CassaFire! Alex's brilliant strategy to help CassaFire "catch fire" on the best seller charts and achieve the success of the first book, CassaStar. There's also a special package of prizes being given away at the author's blog (copies of CassaFire, CassaStar, tote bag, mug, and bookmarks) as well as book giveaways during his two-week blog tour. See Alex's site for details: http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh
CassaStar was just the beginning…
The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron's days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it's a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.
The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren's civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan's technology and strange mental abilities.
To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron's unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…
Available today! Science fiction - space opera/adventure Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5, $15.95, 6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9, $4.99, available in all formats
CassaFire is the sequel to Cavanaugh's first book, CassaStar, an Amazon Top Ten Best Seller: "…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein's early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars." - Library Journal
You can visit the author's site at http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/ Book trailer available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa6VINRGtyE.
Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cassafire-alex-j-cavanaugh/1034742568 Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/CassaFire-Alex-J-Cavanaugh/dp/0982713940/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329417150&sr=1-1 Amazon Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/CassaFire-ebook/dp/B007A2TSNG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1329663355&sr=1-1
CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh CassaStar was just the beginning…
The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron's days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it's a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.
The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren's civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan's technology and strange mental abilities.
To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron's unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…
Available today! Science fiction - space opera/adventure Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5, $15.95, 6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9, $4.99, available in all formats
CassaFire is the sequel to Cavanaugh's first book, CassaStar, an Amazon Top Ten Best Seller: "…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein's early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars." - Library Journal You can visit the author's site at http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/ Book trailer available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa6VINRGtyE.
Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cassafire-alex-j-cavanaugh/1034742568 Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/CassaFire-Alex-J-Cavanaugh/dp/0982713940/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329417150&sr=1-1 Amazon Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/CassaFire-ebook/dp/B007A2TSNG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1329663355&sr=1-1
