Cathrina Constantine's Blog, page 13

#IWSG

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.htmlJoin Alex J. Cavanaugh and a multitude of writer's in this monthly hop to help support one another!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Alex's awesome co-hosts are Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor, Ann V. Friend, JQ Rose, and Elizabeth Seckman!


It's been a rough month of insecurities. And it's the same old story. Feelings of doubt, not producing fast enough, my writing isn't good enough.... and blah...blah...blah.... I feel as if all my stories have dried up like a grape left out in the sun to shrivel. I've been racking my brain to create a new tale. Nothing is popping into my thick skull.  


Then life ~ wonderful, glorious life manages to steal all my time. Finding time to write is like searching for that needle in a haystack ~ it's not going to happen.



One of my many problems comes from needing to reread what I last wrote, whether it was hours earlier or days prior, and then settle down and put my writing cap on. It takes my brain almost 15 to 30 minutes to construct a paragraph or two.... time is ticking.... and then I'm needed elsewhere...


Have I complained and bellyached enough? I believe so....

Do you have any insecurities this month? 

Or ~ How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?

#NewRelease #eBooks #supernatural #fantasy #romance #spooky

New Releases and books I've read and Enjoyed



Supernatural beings and the evils of humanity come alive in these grim, dark tales with a twist.








Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0115OZHGQ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i4https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0115OZHGQ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i4










Doctor Comfort Djan is looking for salvation after a tragic accident, which takes her to deprived regions where her skills heal the helpless. Until Fate thrusts her as a medic on board a West African military coastal protection ship. Proving herself to the male-only crew is nothing compared to being near one intense naval officer who has her feeling something other than her survivor's guilt.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-His-Medic-Protectors-Book-ebook/dp/B07HJ3LZNP?crid=14Y6UO7Y6IV7B&keywords=healing+his+medic&qid=1540811342&s=Kindle+Store&sprefix=healing+his+med%2Cdigital-text%2C142&sr=1-1-catcorr&ref=sr_1_1



The 3rd installment of A Throne of Glass series.
Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak-but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth . . . a truth about her heritage that could change her life-and her future-forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons, but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed?

The bestselling series that has captured readers all over the world reaches new heights in this sequel to the New York Times best-selling Crown of Midnight. Packed with heart-pounding action, fierce new characters, and swoon-worthy romance, this third book will enthrall readers from start to finish.
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Heir-Fire-Throne-Glass-Book-ebook/dp/B00I43Z1J0?crid=172CRTN8O3ZYJ&keywords=heir+of+fire&qid=1540818168&s=Kindle+Store&sprefix=heir+o%2Cdigital-text%2C135&sr=1-1&ref=sr_1_1




The Luxe is the first book in the New York Times bestselling Luxe series by Anna Godbersen.In a world of luxury and deception, where appearance matters above everything and breaking the social code means running the risk of being ostracized forever, five teenagers lead dangerously scandalous lives. This thrilling trip to the age of innocence is anything but innocent.Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Luxe-Novel-Book-ebook/dp/B000SFP9RG?crid=3ERCB2UBO4FTP&keywords=luxe+anna+godbersen&qid=1540818571&s=Kindle+Store&sprefix=Luxe%2Cdigital-text%2C132&sr=1-6-catcorr&ref=sr_1_6



Most girls dream of being princesses, but one princess just wants to be a normal girl.

Ella Carina, crown princess of Aelawyn, knows brutality and lies—she’s seen the way her father rules. Princess. Possession. To her father, the words had the same meaning. She was only as valuable as the alliance formed with her betrothal. Her freedom comes from an unlikely place: an attack on the castle.

When the conquering King offers to protect her from the betrothal her father arranged for political gain, she consents. Hiding her within a peasant family is the only way to keep her and her secret safe. 

In this simpler life, Ella flourishes and catches the eye of the local Blacksmith’s son. For once, she can be herself and make her own choices, but the life of a princess—even one kept secret—was never meant to be easy. 

Trevor, crown prince of Galder has been searching for Ella, but not because of their betrothal. She is in grave danger from the very people who hid her away. His plan is to show her the truth and help her to safety. 

Nothing goes as planned. When Trevor finds her, it’s to discover she’s fallen in love with a peasant. Now he has two goals: help her regain her throne… and show her that she belongs with him. Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Riches-Rags-Casey-L-Bond-ebook/dp/B077376ZBR?crid=1XVAR4BIG45TM&keywords=riches+to+rags&qid=1540818714&s=Kindle+Store&sprefix=riches+to+ra%2Cdigital-text%2C137&sr=1-1&ref=sr_1_1


It happened several years ago now. My name is Anna Hall and I am the High Priestess of the Briar Glen Covenant of Earth Magic. We are white witches and I’m going to tell you a story. It will make you question your reality and the appearance of things and people around you. I was shocked when an angel and a demon appeared and shook our small community to its core. It was at the end of September and all through October that the town came alive, alive with spirits from the underworld. And my coven sent the demons back to Hell. That is, all except for one.Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JFN5V54/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539688922&sr=8-3&keywords=anna+darling&fbclid=IwAR3rqGgdJEhWhQeSnR51I1H3BILx5m07ACW3n5RTn6BFcatQTy_jDk-RcsQ&tag=smarturlebook-20

#NewRelease #SpecFiction #fantasy #supernatural #ghosts #ebook #anthology

Hey, have you checked out this anthology by Untethered Realms 

Enter our mysterious realms where the stories are as varied and rich as the types of soil on this and other planets. Enchanted forests are knotted with roots and vines. Dreaded paths take us through strange, unexplored places.

Investigate new worlds and houses frequented by ghosts. Come across witches and wizards and an assassin tasked to kill Death.

Meet hot robots, hungry winds, and the goddess of chaos. Explore alien lands, purgatorial realms, and a shocking place where people bury the living with their dead.

Encounter paranormal detectives, imprisoned dragons, dark demons, cursed jewels, and handsome prophets. Search shifting worlds trapped in mirrors and a disturbing future where a president aims to rid the world of Otherkind.

Experience a haunted journey on a riverboat, water sprites borne of pennies, preternatural creatures, ancient serpents, and the Lady of the Lake who lurks in dark waters.

From USA Today bestselling and popular science fiction and fantasy authors comes Elements of Untethered Realms, a supernatural compilation of the anthologies Twisted Earths, Mayhem in the Air, Ghosts of Fire, and Spirits in the Water. These forty thrilling tales feature authors Angela Brown, Jeff Chapman, Cathrina Constantine, Julie Flanders, River Fairchild, Gwen Gardner, Misha/M. Gerrick, Meradeth Houston, Graeme Ing, Simon Kewin, M. Pax, Christine Rains, Cherie Reich, and Catherine Stine.


Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Untethered-Realms-Cherie-Reich-ebook/dp/B07HJH93FJ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1539773551&sr=1-1&keywords=untethered+realms+anthology

#PrahConstantineBaryehReviews #western #romance

Buffalo, New York is entering my favorite time of year. Autumn. I love the sights and smells and cooler weather. Also, our awesome review team is back with our bi-monthly review of an old time Western novel:
Mail Order Bride:Mail Order MayorbyAshley Walter

Cadence Fairbanks was supposed to be a mail-order bride, until things went wrong. 
She’d left her old life behind her and tried to start over, but the man she was supposed to marry is back. 

He wants a second chance. 

Cadence doesn't know if she loves him anymore. 

Or does she? 

Austin Wilkes has to prove himself to her. 
But he’s got his own secrets, and he's still mourning for his first wife and child. 
She's not sure she can trust him, but he's not sure he can trust her. 

When the women of Angel's Reach start to go missing, Cadence vows to hunt down their kidnapper. 
Austin promises to help her, and the two embark on a journey that will teach them 
things aren't always what they seem. 
Can Cadence and Austin find the missing women before she becomes one herself? 


Cathrina's Review

This is an old time western story, except, you won't find any weak kneed women. Mail Order Mayor is filled with strong women who manage their own town devoid of interfering men. 

Men do come a calling, and women town-folks aren't too happy and find it hard to trust them. 

Austin lost his wife and child a while back and seeks companionship with a mail order bride, then changes his mind. And Cadence just so happens to be that bride and puts down roots in a small town not far from Austin. 

Austin is falling for Cadence, but she feels spurned, and he has to prove himself to her. 

Town women have suddenly gone missing. It's a mystery which has the men and women combining efforts to find them. 

I felt the book was a bit longer then necessary, but it's a sweet story with western action, trickery, and romance. 

Now, head over to read Nana and Empi's reviews!! 

#NewRelease

Enter our mysterious realms where the stories are as varied and rich as the types of soil on this and other planets. Enchanted forests are knotted with roots and vines. Dreaded paths take us through strange, unexplored places.

Investigate new worlds and houses frequented by ghosts. Come across witches and wizards and an assassin tasked to kill Death.

Meet hot robots, hungry winds, and the goddess of chaos. Explore alien lands, purgatorial realms, and a shocking place where people bury the living with their dead.

Encounter paranormal detectives, imprisoned dragons, dark demons, cursed jewels, and handsome prophets. Search shifting worlds trapped in mirrors and a disturbing future where a president aims to rid the world of Otherkind.

Experience a haunted journey on a riverboat, water sprites borne of pennies, preternatural creatures, ancient serpents, and the Lady of the Lake who lurks in dark waters.

From USA Today bestselling and popular science fiction and fantasy authors comes Elements of Untethered Realms , a supernatural compilation of the anthologies Twisted Earths , Mayhem in the Air , Ghosts of Fire , and Spirits in the Water . These forty thrilling tales feature authors Angela Brown, Jeff Chapman, Cathrina Constantine, Julie Flanders, River Fairchild, Gwen Gardner, Misha/M. Gerrick, Meradeth Houston, Graeme Ing, Simon Kewin, M. Pax, Christine Rains, Cherie Reich, and Catherine Stine.
Buy it here:
Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Google Play * iTunes

#IWSG

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.htmlJoin Alex J. Cavanaugh and a multitude of writer's in this monthly hop to help support one another!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Alex's co-hosts are Dolorah @ Book Lover,Christopher D. Votey, Tanya Miranda, and Chemist Ken!


How do major life events affect your writing? Has writing ever helped you through something?

Major life events definitely affect my writing, one way or another. Sometimes during a serious situation I can't put a sentence together. My muse is focused on the circumstance, happy or sad. These life events also help to inspire me. Emotions play a big part in books. And I dig deep into my own feelings to try and describe certain scenes. I'm not always successful, though, we each feel differently.
  Writing has also helped me get through many difficult times. 
One example: This past spring, when my mother was physically failing, I wrote to get away from reality. It truly helped me to forget what was transpiring and what was quickly approaching, for a short while. When I get entranced with my characters, they take me away, and I get lost in their journey.  

This summer has been very busy ~ in a great way. Two of my daughter's have newborn babies. Needless to say, I've been with them as much as possible, enjoying and savoring every minute. I might have written a paragraph or two.

The Best Gift

#IWSG

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.htmlJoin Alex J. Cavanaugh and a multitude of writer's in this monthly hop to help support one another!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Alex's awesome co-hosts are Toi Thomas, T. Powell Coltrin, M.J. Fifield, and Tara Tyler!

September 5 question - What publishing path are you considering/did you take, and why?

After I completed my first manuscript, I attempted to learn about the publishing process. I learned how to write a query letter, and it must've been pretty good because I received a partial request from agent, Jodi Reamer. (She's the agent behind Stephanie Meyers and the Twilight Series) I was psyched. But, my manuscript wasn't top-notch, wasn't ready. And it took many, many revisions and rewrites. The lesson here is: don't rush it. Have a beta reader and/or a critique partner or have a group read your work. 
Afterward, I did receive more requests, and more rejections. I was ready to throw in the towel, until someone mentioned Small Presses and Independent Publishing Houses. Within a week I got 3 offers of representation. I went the small press publishing route.

However, I couldn't quell that spark of acquiring an agent. I'd recently completed a project and decided to again send out queries. 

Let me be clear, if you go this route, grow a thick skin of armor. Be aware of the unsettling depression that can wreck havoc on your brain with each rejection letter, or the new thing agents do--no response is a rejection, which is frustrating. After years of this, I think my skin is made of chainmail, and I don't get depressed anymore. I look forward to improving my project and query letter.

My new manuscript did get the attention of an agent. I signed with her. The edits are completed and it will be going out on submission sometime this month. It just might flop altogether, who knows! But I tried.

Basically, I've ventured down two paths. And, I'm very happy with my independent publisher, she's wonderful and extremely easy to talk to.

In truth, I believe both paths are equally adventurous. My advice is, whichever path you turn onto, be happy with your decision.




What path have you chosen, or which path do you plan on venturing down?

#CTST

**This week I'm Celebrating New Life**
My fourth grand-baby was born on August 2, 2018.Meet Penelope Marie Going through labor and pushing for 3 hours, my daughter wasn't progressing. A C-Section was performed. Then, 2 days later we had a scare. Penelope was transferred to a children's hospital for possible surgery. But, when all the tests were resolved, no surgery was necessary and she came home! Thank God! 
Mama, Daddy, and Penelope

Two Proud Grandmothers!




Hazel with her new cousin.                           Sam with Penelope.
Celebrate the Small Things
If you're looking for a sweet Blog Hop that doesn't have to take a lot of your time, and can post about any little tidbit, then join in #CTST! Go to Lexa Cain's and sign up. 
Lexa's wonderful co-hosts are:

L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The Edge

Prah, Constantine Baryeh Reviews #paranormal #ebook

I can't believe we're into the month of August already. Didn't we just celebrate New Years!!! The year is flying by and I hope you all are having a fabulous summer. This month our review team chose:
Wicked for HirebyLotta Smith

Medical student Amanda Meyers thought she had her life all planned out until people started dying the moment they touched her. Being cleared of any wrongdoing didn’t stop the medical school from expelling her, and it didn’t rid her of the unfortunate nickname Grim Reaper. 

Luckily, having a rep as the harbinger of death isn’t a total resume killer. Rick Rowling, Special Agent for the FBI’s Paranormal Cases Division recruits her to work for the Bureau. But the sexy, brilliant, outrageous loose cannon proves to be just as untouchable as the mysterious creature or creatures that may be responsible for the seemingly unsolvable murder that becomes their first case together. 

Instead of treating patients, Amanda’s life becomes a test of her patience and a wild ride into the wicked paranormal world where her new boss runs the show. Together they face a ghoulish force that could destroy the entire city and a grueling family dinner that could leave Amanda contemplating harakiri. 

It’s a battle of life and debt [student debt, that is] and saving the world has never been so funny.

Cathrina's Review

Wicked for Hire is a quick, short read. I enjoyed this story surrounding the witty Amanda and the fast talking, and strange Rick Rowling.

Mandy gets terminated from medical school due to her deadly touch, which gets her hired by Rick into the FBI for paranormal cases. It gets a little hairy in the beginning, mainly because Mandy doesn't believe or understand what her job will entail. Rick takes Amanda on quite a wild ride into a mysterious case, which he seems to figure out quite easily, while she stands by and learns. Rick also seems to be immediately attracted to Mandy, however, she thinks the guy is off-his-rocker. But she  can't resist the handsomely charming Rick much longer.  

I believe this novella sets up the reader for the next book installments.  

#NewRelease @nanaprah #romance #KimaniRomance #Harlequin #ebook

Today, I'm Celebrating A
Hot New Release
by an Amazing, Prolific Author
NANA PRAH