Cathrina Constantine's Blog, page 14

#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 Erika Beebe, Sandra Hoover, Susan Gourley, and Lee Lowery!
What pitfalls would you warn other writer's to avoid on their publishing journey?

If you're self-publishing, never release your book without getting a professional editor. Typos, repetitive words, and scenes can be avoided by employing an editing service. 
Always have beta readers or a critique group help guide you through the pitfalls in your manuscript. After writing and editing your own work, you'd be amazed how many blunders that can escape you.
If you plan to query for an agent, make sure your query letter is topnotch with an obvious hook. And make sure it's typo free and professional. There are numerous sites on how to compose a good query letter. Also, have another writer or editor read it. Others may find where the letter needs improvement. After querying with the same letter without feedback or requests, change it up. 
Learn how to market your book. (I'm still learning) Before publishing have plan in place. Get advanced reviews. Send out ARC's (Advanced Reader Copy)

#CTST

I'm Celebrating My Vacation 

Last week, the family vacationed on Lake Chautauqua, New York. We were blessed with gorgeous weather day after day. The side patio which overlooked the lake was where we spent our evening meals, filled with good conversation.

Sammy liked wading in the water, searching for shells.

It wasn't only the children who loved to watch the baby ducklings swimming by each day. 
We took the kids to Midway Park. An amusement park for little ones. This is an awesome Merry-Go-Round.


We had fun paddle boating. Once I had a problem getting back to shore, but we made it.
My daughter and her two babies, Hazel and Sam. We went for a delightful lunch at the Southern Tier Brewery. The kids had a blast running around, on and off the stage.



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

#IndependenceDay #IWSG

**Wishing everyone a Happy and Safe 4th of July**

What are you doing for Independence Day?





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 Nicki Elson, Juneta Key, Tamara Narayan, and Patricia Lynne!
July 3 question - What are your ultimate writing goals, and how have they changed over time (if at all)? 
In the beginning, I was antsy. Because, I'd seen many indie authors publishing several books a year. And I couldn't write fast enough or good enough for that to happen.
What's changed: I'm a little less neurotic, and not as antsy. I've realized I'm not in a competition, a race to publish as many books as I can. Everyday, or when I find the time to put words to my ms, I want to produce a good story. A story that will entertain readers. I try very hard to hone my craft by reading, and reading differing genres. I learn something new each day, and ultimately, I'd like to read my own writing and smile and say to myself ~ that's good!
At the present time: My goal is too settle down and try very hard to write 1k a day. And, if at all possible, I'd like to publish at least one book a year. God Willing.

#CTST

It's been weeks of sleepless nights, harried hours, sad and treasured moments. We'd been cherishing each and every day, taking care of my sweet mother. Through all her trials and suffering, this brave woman never complained, except for time wasted visiting doctors, in fact, she'd only mentioned she'd have a headache now and then. 

The malignancy was severe, filling her lungs making it almost impossible to breathe, even the oxygen barely helped. But when asked by us or the nurses that came to the house, she'd say, "I'm breathing fine. No pain. I'm good."

She passed peacefully on June 12th. 

I'd like to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers. This is a part of life. And our family has been extremely Blessed to have Mom for 85 years. 

We are here for a short time, and then go home...that's my faith...


 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 Review The Perfect Catch #romance

We're Baaaaack!!!Summer is working its way into Buffalo, New York, and soon, people will be vacationing. And our team picked a sweet romance that is suitable for laying on a sandy beach.
Her Perfect CatchbyK.L. Brady

Melanie is a struggling, nerdy sports writer with the power to change Jet's image. 

Jet is a bad-boy NFL star receiver with the power to change Melanie's career. 

Dylan, Melanie's sexy best friend, has the power to throw a monkey wrench in everybody's plans. 

When the three connect in a chance meeting at the Super Bowl, none of their lives will ever be the same.

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Her-Perfect-Catch-Novella-Playmaker/dp/0996708332/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1528649639&sr=1-1&keywords=9780996708333

Cathrina's Review:

The blurb basically says it all. And within the pages of this sweet novel you'll become involved and sympathize with Melanie and her struggles. It's not that simple being a woman sportswriter on a blog. A blog that can make or break an athletes career. 

While I never leave spoilers, I liked this romantic triangle, and a little more than halfway through I was a bit surprised where it was going. 

Now head over to read Nana Prah's and Empi Baryeh's reviews. 

#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 Beverly Stowe McClure, Tyrean Martinson, Tonja Drecker, and  Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!

June 6 question - What's harder for you to come up with, book titles or character names?

Book Titles!!! 

Prior to publication, I change the title of my manuscipts all the time. Other author's book titles are extremely catchy, and I can't seem to find that catchy hook, at least I don't think I do. 
I enjoy coming up with character names. That is loads of fun for me. 
***
I just finished editing my new manuscript for my agent and sent it back to her. And, typical for me, I sent her the wrong copy...duh!! But, I did finally send her the right copy. **fingerscrossed** that she likes it. 
Besides editing, I haven't had any time to add any words to my WIP. 
Do you have an insecurity this month? Do you have problems coming up with a title for your stories or characters?

#CTST

 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


This week I'm celebrating Life. Sunday is my daughter's baby shower. Her due date is July 26th, and we're so excited!!!

I'd like to thank everyone sending prayers for my mother in the past. I'd like to ask, again, to send a prayer or thought of mercy. She's now under Hospice care. It's all part of life, and we're blessed to have her for 85 years...plus...

#CTST

 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


I left yesterday to visit my son in Pennsylvania for the weekend. I haven't seen them and baby Charlotte since Christmas.  



I hope everyone will have a nice weekend.

#CTST

First off, I'd like to say I'm sorry for not blog hopping lately, especially during the IWSG posts. My computer wouldn't boot up, and even with being tied up on the phone for hours with Apple Support, no luck. I finally found the time to take it into the local Apple Store where, thankfully, they were able to download all my writing pieces and whatnot onto a hard-drive, and then wiped my computer clean, and then restored it. I've still been having strange glitches where I have to constantly sign into various sites over and over. 

I'm celebrating not having to dole out money for a new computer!

Also I'm celebrating Springtime! It's finally arrived, and as I sit here typing I see leaves blossoming on the trees.


I'm about to bust because I have a secret I've been holding onto. 


I have an Agent!!!


I will let you know all about it in another post.


 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

#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 E.M.A. Timar, J. Q. Rose,C.Lee McKenzie, and Raimey Gallant!
May 2 question - It’s spring! Does this season inspire you to write more than others, or not?


Actually, I feel as if spring hasn't totally arrived in Western New York, not just yet. We're on the brink of warmer weather, though. 

Our backyard has standing water, its a mud pit. I have tons of work to try and get my flower gardens somewhat presentable before my daughters baby shower, here at my house, on June 3rd. So the answer to the question is~ not really. I don't have time for writing when the weather breaks.

How about you, does springtime inspire you to write??