Cate Masters's Blog, page 97
May 14, 2011
Delving into design
Although it's a bit tedious searching for cover images, it's very cool to find one that fits a story. I've been sifting through so many lately on Dreamstime, I lose track. My objectivity's always better the next day anyway, so I copy the links of the images, along with a sample copy of the image itself, into a Word document.
It's amazing how altering the key words in a search can produce vastly different images, even though the search terms themselves may not be so different.
Thinking I might be missing out, I also checked the Shutterstock site, and was surprised to find many of the same images posted there as well. After my disastrous visit to another art site, I'm sticking with Dreamstime to minimize exposure to any potential viruses (I'm overly cautious these days!).
And because I'm so excited about this one (and it's finished, lol), here's the cover to my upcoming urban fantasy, Dead to Rights, set for release in July.What do you think?
Here's a quick (unofficial) teaser:Identity theft sucks. But it's worse when someone steals your life -- body included. All memory of her life before waking up in a mental facility has vanished. Or was erased. Now she has to figure out how to get it all back.
Now I'm off to work on a few more, for new stories, and re-releases.
What about you? Do you have a favorite image site? Any tricks to share as far as finding that perfect image? What sort of images catch your eye?
It's amazing how altering the key words in a search can produce vastly different images, even though the search terms themselves may not be so different.
Thinking I might be missing out, I also checked the Shutterstock site, and was surprised to find many of the same images posted there as well. After my disastrous visit to another art site, I'm sticking with Dreamstime to minimize exposure to any potential viruses (I'm overly cautious these days!).
And because I'm so excited about this one (and it's finished, lol), here's the cover to my upcoming urban fantasy, Dead to Rights, set for release in July.What do you think?
Here's a quick (unofficial) teaser:Identity theft sucks. But it's worse when someone steals your life -- body included. All memory of her life before waking up in a mental facility has vanished. Or was erased. Now she has to figure out how to get it all back.
Now I'm off to work on a few more, for new stories, and re-releases.
What about you? Do you have a favorite image site? Any tricks to share as far as finding that perfect image? What sort of images catch your eye?
May 13, 2011
Don't forget to check the Chat and Spotlight pages!
I moved the buttons for the Author Chat and Author Spotlight features to a more prominent place to make it easier for you to find. Now I just have to remember to update the captions for new guests!
As you can see, the amazing Maria Zannini's sharing some sage advice and chatting about her latest fantasy time travel, and I know she'd love to hear from you.
Beth Trissel's in the spotlight for two more days. She has exciting news about a new series, with her novel launching it! She'd also love to hear from you, and will give away a copy to one lucky commenter, so check it out!
Just click on the buttons to take you to those pages.
As you can see, the amazing Maria Zannini's sharing some sage advice and chatting about her latest fantasy time travel, and I know she'd love to hear from you.
Beth Trissel's in the spotlight for two more days. She has exciting news about a new series, with her novel launching it! She'd also love to hear from you, and will give away a copy to one lucky commenter, so check it out!
Just click on the buttons to take you to those pages.
May 10, 2011
Casting Call: San Francisco Dreams
I love doing Casting Calls. It's a chance for me to show you who starred in the video version of my stories as they ran through my head while writing. Some characters come through more vividly than others.
For San Francisco Dreams, Rachel McAdams was very clearly Norah Hawkins. Rachel's range of characters make her adaptable to most any genre. She brings characters to life in a unique way, and makes a strong heroine even stronger. Norah's determination make her a bit pigheaded at times, but it's a survival tactic. Rachel could easily convey those nuances of character.
Gerard Butler's teasing smile, clear blue eyes and especially his lilting speech were always the personification of Gerard MacKenzie. It's why they share the same first name, in fact. It's my tip of the cap to the actor. Both are lovable wiseguys who sometimes have difficulty keeping their tempers in check. :) 
Some of the secondary characters came through vividly too. Norah's mom, Estelle, could only be Susan Sarandon, who has stayed sexy for decades.I can picture the actor who I envisioned as Dan Jamison very clearly in my head, but unfortunately he'll have to stay there, as I can't remember his name. If it comes to me, I'll update this Casting Call. :)
May 9, 2011
Where the Rain is Made for Teaser Tuesday
Here are two from the paranormal Native American time travel romance, Where the Rain is Made by Keta Diablo:
The power of the raven surged through his veins, and he tumbled through a dark tunnel faster than a meteor falling from the sky, struggling to emerge on the other side. Brother to the open sky, ally to the distant sun, he'd soar above the clouds to where the rain is made.Check out all the Teaser Tuesday entries here.
May 8, 2011
San Francisco Dreams now available!
I had a very productive weekend! I finished final revisions on San Francisco Dreams, my vintage historical romance novella. I uploaded the story for publication, and it's now available on Smashwords and on Amazon for just $1.99. :)
I also finished the book trailer:
I'd love to hear what you think!
I also finished the book trailer:
I'd love to hear what you think!
May 7, 2011
Happy Mother's Day and Six Sentence Sunday
To all the moms out there - hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day! Hope your hubby cooks tonight, or better yet, takes you out to dinner. :)
In honor of Mother's Day, I searched for six sentences that fit the occasion. So here are six from my Native American historical romance novel, Follow the Stars Home. As usual, Mom knows what her daughter's thinking! She's just told Quiet Thunder to stay close to home tonight.
Quiet Thunder swallowed back her argument. Despite wanting to follow Black Bear when he inclined his head toward the darkness surrounding camp, her stomach churned as hesitation fought with deeper urges. His impish grin made him appear as boyish as ever, but today she'd witnessed a new Black Bear emerging from the dust of Mother Earth, breaking free of his youthful, carefree self. She, too, sensed a new Quiet Thunder rising up, filling her spirit with desires she'd never before experienced as she saw Black Bear with new eyes—no longer the eyes of a girl.At her mother's command, hesitation would win over yearning. For tonight.
And as usual, teenagers have a way of getting around their parents, lol.
Check out all the amazing Six Sentence Sunday authors here! And thanks, as always, for visiting, and especially for your comments!
In honor of Mother's Day, I searched for six sentences that fit the occasion. So here are six from my Native American historical romance novel, Follow the Stars Home. As usual, Mom knows what her daughter's thinking! She's just told Quiet Thunder to stay close to home tonight.
Quiet Thunder swallowed back her argument. Despite wanting to follow Black Bear when he inclined his head toward the darkness surrounding camp, her stomach churned as hesitation fought with deeper urges. His impish grin made him appear as boyish as ever, but today she'd witnessed a new Black Bear emerging from the dust of Mother Earth, breaking free of his youthful, carefree self. She, too, sensed a new Quiet Thunder rising up, filling her spirit with desires she'd never before experienced as she saw Black Bear with new eyes—no longer the eyes of a girl.At her mother's command, hesitation would win over yearning. For tonight. And as usual, teenagers have a way of getting around their parents, lol.
Check out all the amazing Six Sentence Sunday authors here! And thanks, as always, for visiting, and especially for your comments!
Excited about some upcoming releases
I have several very different stories very nearly done, and am excited about them all! One is an historical, one a contemporary, one a fantasy and the last is an urban fantasy. The blog's really going to start hopping soon with lots of release news. :)
But today, I'll just give you a sneak peek at the first story, set in San Francisco during the 1906 earthquake. I can't remember how I first began reading about this event, but once I did, I couldn't stop. It rivaled 9/11 for the magnitude of disaster. It was an amazing time, and I couldn't wait to throw two characters into the melee.
YouTube has some incredible videos from that time, including a six-part American Experience documentary. If you have some spare time, I recommend checking them out. They completely captured my imagination. Watching this one was like stepping back in time:
Apparently no traffic rules existed at that time!
I had submitted this story to a publisher, who indicated interest if I tweaked the romance. I'm opting to self-publish instead. I like the story as it is!
So, very soon, after a few tweaks of my own, I will release San Francisco Dreams. I hope you'll check it out. Norah Hawkins and Gerard "Mac" MacKenzie are
Here's the blurb:
Can the daughter of a well-known prostitute start a new life where no one knows her family history? Norah Hawkins is sure going to try. When a letter arrives deeding her property in San Francisco, she packs her bags.Irishman Gerard MacKenzie likes his life free and easy, but is tired of the snobbish East Coast folk. San Francisco has enough vice and folly to suit his needs. Meeting Norah gives him the opportunity to bartend in her saloon. Maybe he can convince her to let him play the piano too. She's a shrewd businesswoman, and negotiating with her makes his blood boil. Damn if she doesn't make his blood boil in other ways too. The morning of April 18, 1906, a terrible earthquake buries their dreams beneath the city's ruins. Can Norah and Mac rebuild their lives? Will rebuilding their dreams bond them forever, or tear them apart?
And excerpt:Nixing her usual jaunty step, she strolled ladylike – well, as ladylike as she'd ever managed – onto the walkway. Damn this rain. The one snag in her plan to escape this dreary city. She skittered under the shop overhangs until she reached Amos' Dry Goods. A book would keep her company on the train ride west.A copy of Mark Twain's Following the Equator drew her to the book shelf. The dollar price outraged her, but Mr. Samuel Clemons was her favorite author, so she'd buy it. The dang book wouldn't fit in this tiny silk purse. The price of femininity, she allowed, tucking the book under her arm.The sight of a man outside the window jolted her to a halt. His piercing stare pricked her skin like sleet on a summer's day. Though a stranger, he watched her as if he knew what she was thinking. Despite her fancy clothes, she could swear he saw through to her very bones with those eyes. Beautiful, blue eyes. They burned with such fire, her skin near ignited from the heat. Framed by smooth, dark locks that curled to his collar, his stare burned into her like a branding iron, leaving an indelible mark. Then, with one flick of his brow, he set his cap at a rakish angle and turned away. Dismissed her, just like that.Anger burned her cheeks. How dare he! He knew nothing about her, yet he treated her no better than the riffraff in this awful town had all her life. Good thing he was leaving, or she'd give him a good snub.His gait purposeful yet slow, he walked away with the bearing of a king—or a predator, all wild energy contained within rippling muscles, ready to spring. She pitied any prey he set his sights on. Lucky for her she wouldn't have to see him again. Unless the train passed him, then maybe she'd wave her lace handkerchief out the window at him.Passing the candy counter, she palmed a few licorice and peppermint sticks, and deftly slid them into her purse. Not too small for those.Her eye caught a familiar figure approaching. Mrs. Hathaway, the snake-tongued biddy. In passing, Norah bumped her shoulder hard into the matronly woman's.Mrs. Hathaway gasped. "Oh my. I'm very sorry. I hope I didn't muss your dress. It's so beautif—" Meeting Norah's cool appraisal, Mrs. Hathaway hissed, "You.""Dear me. I do apologize." For not doing this years ago."Finery can't disguise a…" Mrs. Hathaway whispered the last. "…hussy.""Mm." Norah slowly scanned the woman's barrel-like form. "Why Martha, for once, I do believe you're right. Honestly, a woman of your age shouldn't wear rouge."The biddy resembled a chicken that had lost its squawk. "Why, I never."Norah leaned close. "That's not what I heard. But then, you of all people, know how untrustworthy gossips can be."When Mrs. Hathaway swooned, Norah caught her. "There there. Someone fetch a glass of water for this poor dear. Unless you prefer whiskey, as the rumors allow."Mrs. Hathaway snapped straight. With an indignant huff, she stomped off.With a shrug, Norah flashed her sweetest smile at the dispersing crowd. "It appears she's fine after all." A little lighter in the purse, but the biddy needed to lose a little weight anyway. Norah was more than happy to oblige, after all the good turns Mrs. Hathaway had done for her.Her conscience niggled at her when she noticed the stranger watching her again through the shop window. Had he seen the crime? Her heart lurched. If he reported it, the sheriff would arrest her, and she'd miss the train.Lifting her chin, she silently dared him to challenge her. The letter in her purse gave her the strength to face nearly anything now.
But today, I'll just give you a sneak peek at the first story, set in San Francisco during the 1906 earthquake. I can't remember how I first began reading about this event, but once I did, I couldn't stop. It rivaled 9/11 for the magnitude of disaster. It was an amazing time, and I couldn't wait to throw two characters into the melee.
YouTube has some incredible videos from that time, including a six-part American Experience documentary. If you have some spare time, I recommend checking them out. They completely captured my imagination. Watching this one was like stepping back in time:
Apparently no traffic rules existed at that time!
I had submitted this story to a publisher, who indicated interest if I tweaked the romance. I'm opting to self-publish instead. I like the story as it is!
So, very soon, after a few tweaks of my own, I will release San Francisco Dreams. I hope you'll check it out. Norah Hawkins and Gerard "Mac" MacKenzie are
Here's the blurb:
Can the daughter of a well-known prostitute start a new life where no one knows her family history? Norah Hawkins is sure going to try. When a letter arrives deeding her property in San Francisco, she packs her bags.Irishman Gerard MacKenzie likes his life free and easy, but is tired of the snobbish East Coast folk. San Francisco has enough vice and folly to suit his needs. Meeting Norah gives him the opportunity to bartend in her saloon. Maybe he can convince her to let him play the piano too. She's a shrewd businesswoman, and negotiating with her makes his blood boil. Damn if she doesn't make his blood boil in other ways too. The morning of April 18, 1906, a terrible earthquake buries their dreams beneath the city's ruins. Can Norah and Mac rebuild their lives? Will rebuilding their dreams bond them forever, or tear them apart?And excerpt:Nixing her usual jaunty step, she strolled ladylike – well, as ladylike as she'd ever managed – onto the walkway. Damn this rain. The one snag in her plan to escape this dreary city. She skittered under the shop overhangs until she reached Amos' Dry Goods. A book would keep her company on the train ride west.A copy of Mark Twain's Following the Equator drew her to the book shelf. The dollar price outraged her, but Mr. Samuel Clemons was her favorite author, so she'd buy it. The dang book wouldn't fit in this tiny silk purse. The price of femininity, she allowed, tucking the book under her arm.The sight of a man outside the window jolted her to a halt. His piercing stare pricked her skin like sleet on a summer's day. Though a stranger, he watched her as if he knew what she was thinking. Despite her fancy clothes, she could swear he saw through to her very bones with those eyes. Beautiful, blue eyes. They burned with such fire, her skin near ignited from the heat. Framed by smooth, dark locks that curled to his collar, his stare burned into her like a branding iron, leaving an indelible mark. Then, with one flick of his brow, he set his cap at a rakish angle and turned away. Dismissed her, just like that.Anger burned her cheeks. How dare he! He knew nothing about her, yet he treated her no better than the riffraff in this awful town had all her life. Good thing he was leaving, or she'd give him a good snub.His gait purposeful yet slow, he walked away with the bearing of a king—or a predator, all wild energy contained within rippling muscles, ready to spring. She pitied any prey he set his sights on. Lucky for her she wouldn't have to see him again. Unless the train passed him, then maybe she'd wave her lace handkerchief out the window at him.Passing the candy counter, she palmed a few licorice and peppermint sticks, and deftly slid them into her purse. Not too small for those.Her eye caught a familiar figure approaching. Mrs. Hathaway, the snake-tongued biddy. In passing, Norah bumped her shoulder hard into the matronly woman's.Mrs. Hathaway gasped. "Oh my. I'm very sorry. I hope I didn't muss your dress. It's so beautif—" Meeting Norah's cool appraisal, Mrs. Hathaway hissed, "You.""Dear me. I do apologize." For not doing this years ago."Finery can't disguise a…" Mrs. Hathaway whispered the last. "…hussy.""Mm." Norah slowly scanned the woman's barrel-like form. "Why Martha, for once, I do believe you're right. Honestly, a woman of your age shouldn't wear rouge."The biddy resembled a chicken that had lost its squawk. "Why, I never."Norah leaned close. "That's not what I heard. But then, you of all people, know how untrustworthy gossips can be."When Mrs. Hathaway swooned, Norah caught her. "There there. Someone fetch a glass of water for this poor dear. Unless you prefer whiskey, as the rumors allow."Mrs. Hathaway snapped straight. With an indignant huff, she stomped off.With a shrug, Norah flashed her sweetest smile at the dispersing crowd. "It appears she's fine after all." A little lighter in the purse, but the biddy needed to lose a little weight anyway. Norah was more than happy to oblige, after all the good turns Mrs. Hathaway had done for her.Her conscience niggled at her when she noticed the stranger watching her again through the shop window. Had he seen the crime? Her heart lurched. If he reported it, the sheriff would arrest her, and she'd miss the train.Lifting her chin, she silently dared him to challenge her. The letter in her purse gave her the strength to face nearly anything now.
May 5, 2011
Hopping (late) onto the Author Blog Hop
THIS WEEK'S AUTHOR BLOG HOP QUESTION IS: What lengths would you go to, to get noticed as an author/writer? Have you ever, or can you come up with the most extreme idea you can push your imagination to in how to market yourself and your book? (Or future unpublished book if you are not already published). Maybe what seems too extreme or whacky might actually work... Lets have fun and think outside the box for this! Question provided by affiliate author Karen Cote.
Great question, Karen. Wish I had a really great answer! Marketing's one of my worst skills. Extreme marketing is beyond me. The wackiest thing I thought of was wearing a sandwich board outside a cafe where I had a booksigning to lure in people from the street, and maybe catching them on camera for an Author-in-the-Street poll. But I couldn't make the sandwich board in time, lol.
For an upcoming release, I had thought of something unusual. Rock Bottom is a contemporary romance about a rock star and music journalist, and while writing it, I could very clearly hear the songs in my head. I'd love to make a music CD or YouTube video to coincide with the release in June. Anyone know a musician who's willing to donate some time? lol Actually, I'd love to have Steve Miller, if anyone has an 'in' with him!
Last year, I did something a little crazy - my hubby and I went to a Spoon concert, and had won a backstage visit with them. I gave a copy of Surfacing to the lead singer, Britt Daniels. I never heard anything more, so he probably tossed it in a trash can, lol.
Seriously, though - I've done all the blog tours, interviews, chats, book trailers, and the usual. I may have forgotten to take off my Internet cloak of invisibility beforehand, because I don't think anyone noticed!
I'd welcome any extreme ideas, especially if it got Oprah's notice!
May 4, 2011
Don't forget to check the Author Chat page!
My next guest is Maria Zannini! Help her celebrate her latest Carina release, the very cool Apocalypse Rising. You won't want to miss it. :)On May 26th, stop by to chat with Paty Jager. Click on the Author Chat icon on the top right anytime to see the lineup of wonderful writers.
May 2, 2011
The Yellow Stone for Teaser Tuesday
Here are two (well, three actually, but they're short!) from the short sci-fi by T.M. Crone, The Yellow Stone
Wherever you find the stone, then you are home. I believe there are others who took the same stone on their journey. Find them, and you find our people.
Check out more Teaser Tuesday entries here.
