Cathrina Constantine's Blog, page 56

Months ago I read somewhere about the Blog or Blogging is...

Months ago I read somewhere about the Blog or Blogging is dying, and the new and upcoming "thing" is the Newsletter. When I read this I was disappointed because my blog just turned a year old. I never was a trendsetter and I happen to like meeting new people through blogging. A newsletter is fine and dandy, yet, it seems so...impersonal. What's your opinion? 


Press on Ninja Captain Alex's logo to join in this fun Blogfest and to learn more! Everyone has a favorite movie, band, book, or television show that no one has ever heard about. Many remain undiscovered and underrated. Now is your chance to tell the world about this obscure treasure!



Here's a great place for writer's to find helpful information. This week a post by Susan Gourley/Kelly talks about High Concept. And on Wednesday a post by Angela Ackerman.


My Fellow and Amazing Author and Review Partner Nana Prah has a New Book Coming Out! Jump on the Bandwagon to Help Promote 
LOVE UNDERCOVER 
COVER REVEAL!
Press on logo to learn more.

It's time for the Celebrate the Small Things1. Reached th...

It's time for the Celebrate the Small Things
1. Reached the halfway point in my WIP!
2. Here's my Small Thing I like to Celebrate every day--        
Sam Henry
Thanks to Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for this brain child. Join in the fun here.
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

CONSTANTINE REVIEW: DOUBLE NEGATIVE by C.LEE MCKENZIE

This is the first book by the prolific author, C. Lee. McKenzie that I've had the pleasure of reading and it won't be the last.








THE BLURB:

"My life was going, going, gone, and I hadn't been laid yet. I couldn't go into the slammer before that happened." --Hutch McQueen.

Sixteen-year-old Hutchinson McQueen is a big time loser. Trapped in a dysfunctional family, his one thought is escape, but everything he does to get away lands him in trouble.

Shackled by poor reading skills, he squeaks through classes with his talent for eavesdropping and memorizing what he hears. When he shoplifts and lands in juvenile detention, the court sentences him to a county youth program. There he meets the priest and Maggie, a retired teacher. They're determined to set Hutch on a path leading away from trouble. Hutch is determined not to cooperate.

It isn't until he's facing serious charges that he confronts the truth--his own bad choices are trapping him. When he's offered the freedom he craves, all he has to do is take it.

 BUY ON AMAZON

MY REVIEW:
I'm significantly impressed by Ms. McKenzie's young adult voice. It's right on. I admit it was difficult to read at first due to the Double Negatives. And then I found myself devouring those passages, mainly because the voice sounded vaguely familiar, like my own as a kid."I ain't got no money."Hutch McQueen, born to a dysfunctional family, and just trying to get by can't seem to fly under the radar. Since I don't provide spoilers, I can say I groaned at one point, caught up in Hutch's dilemma.
It would be nice to live in a society of well rounded children nourished by loving parents and family. Though, sadly Double Negative is not a new story, but one that should be read by all.

I'm shamelessly plugging my book **WICKEDLY THEY COME** h...

I'm shamelessly plugging my book **WICKEDLY THEY COME** hit it's one year anniversary and is on sale for 99 cents until August 14th!
http://www.amazon.com/Wickedly-They-Come-ebook/dp/B00EP5MGDA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383350151&sr=8-1&keywords=wickedly+they+come


This week I'm celebrating somewhat good news from my cardiologist. I'm too young for a pacemaker (which is nonsense on my part. And I'm somewhat wary because of a heart oblation that went wrong years ago) yet it's in my future due to a heart condition.  

Making plans for my daughter's Bridal Shower in October. 
I'm working on my wip and added 4k this week.

**Always look on the bright side**
Thanks to Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for this brainchild. Join in the weekly Small Celebration!

What are you Celebrating!

This week I'm celebrating somewhat good news from my card...

This week I'm celebrating somewhat good news from my cardiologist. I'm too young for a pacemaker (which is nonsense on my part. And I'm somewhat wary because of a heart oblation that went wrong years ago) yet it's in my future due to a heart condition.  

Making plans for my daughter's Bridal Shower in October. 
I'm working on my wip and added 4k this week.

**Always look on the bright side**
Thanks to Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for this brainchild. Join in the weekly Small Celebration!

What are you Celebrating!

A great big thank you to the founder of IWSG Alex J. Cava...

A great big thank you to the founder of IWSG Alex J. Cavanaugh. A wonderful site where writer's gain support and inspiration.This months co-hosts are Sarah Foster, Joylene Nowell Butler, Lily Eva, and Rhonda Albom!

I finally said enough is enough when it comes to editing my haunting YA/Mystery novel. (Far---far from being perfect, but is any ms really perfect?) I've sent out queries and a few requests that ultimately generated rejections. I don't care how thick skinned we become, each rejection causes a scar of some sort. I started looking into small and independent presses and hope for some success. 

My editor's computer crashed while editing the sequel to Wickedly They Come. Now off to another editor which means my sequel, Wickedly They Dream is w-a-a-y behind schedule.

I picked up where I left off on my wip which I'd shelved for many months. Needless to say, it takes me a while to delve back into a manuscript and my characters. By this time next month, I'm hoping to have made significant progress. 

Do you have a problem saying enough is enough when editing your books? 

Does it take you a while to get involved with your characters? 

Welcome to the Prah & Constantine Monthly Book Review...

Welcome to the Prah & Constantine Monthly Book Review. 
This month Nana picked a sweet tale:YOU ME AND SWEET TEA by Calico Daniels

BLURB:
Paisley Archer has spent two years moving on…or at least trying to. But that is a hard thing to do when around every corner there are reminders of her marriage and its subsequent crumble. But with Matt back in town, all the old feelings are getting stirred up again and she’s not sure she wants them gone forever. 
Matt Weston is still in love with his wife. They had the perfect relationship until Paisley called it quits after he became a pro bullrider. Now all he wants to do is figure out if what they had is able to be saved…or if a lonely life on the road is all he’ll ever have. 
Small town gossip, a couple who is struggling to figure out what they want, and a dog who has a way of keeping everyone on their toes. Welcome to Big Creek where everything is Redneck Fabulous! 

My Review: Nana and I were hooked on the first page which read: "The room temperature ale washed over her tongue and trickled down the back of her throat as she swallowed. Yep, still tasted like poo. Or what she imagined poo would taste like."  
Now if those lines don't raise a chuckle, I don't know how to help you. I struggled with Paisley's dilemma and felt like kicking her husband in the butt for leaving her high and dry for 2 years! Even though Matt still loves Paisley, he hadn't a clue why she wouldn't support his gallivanting around to become a pro bullrider. Okay--so Matt is hot and Paisley is beautiful and neither one can keep their hands off each other, and the book heats up a little. In the end...OOPS--no spoilers. YOU ME AND SWEET TEA is an easy, sweet read.


Let's hop over to Nana Prah's Blog to read her review!

HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO Author Megan CyrulewskiBook Tit...

HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO Author Megan Cyrulewski

Book Title: Who Am I?

 How My Daughter Taught Me to Let Go and Live Again
Tell us about Megan Cyrulewski

Like most authors, I really don't like talking about myself! Here is my bio from my website: Megan Cyrulewski has been writing short stories ever since she was ten-years-old. After attending Grand Valley State University, Megan eventually settled into a career in the non-profit sector for eight years. She decided to chang ecareers and went back to school to get her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. While in school, she documented her divorce, child custody battle and postpartum depression struggles in her memoir, Who Am I? Megan lives in Michigan with her 3-year-old daughter who loves to dance, run, read, and snuggle with Mommy. Megan also enjoys her volunteer work with various organizations in and around metro-Detroit.

BUY LINKS:
Amazon Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Who-Am-Daughter-Taught-Again/dp/1626941513/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406913594&sr=8-1&keywords=megan+cyrulewski

Amazon Kindle:  http://www.amazon.com/Who-Am-Daughter-Taught-Again-ebook/dp/B00MBKZD9K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1406913594&sr=8-2&keywords=megan+cyrulewsk
Can you tell us about your debut novel?
My book is about my journey into post-partum depression, anxiety disorder, panic attcks, stays in the psych ward, divorce, domestic violence, law school, how I managed to graduate from law school and a beautiful little girl who emerged from all the chaos.
What is your writing journey so far?
It's been amazing. I've met so many people on social media. I've interviewed over 100 authors on my blog. I feel like I finally found my niche -  it just took 35 years. ;)
Do you find difficulties in your writing process?
Right now, it's balancing marketing and writing. I'm trying to work on my second book (crime fiction) but there just doesn't seeme to be enough time in the day.
What do you enjoy most about writing?
Losing myself in the story. I love it because if I'm having a rough day, I know I can always lose myself for a while in my book.
Do you thrive during the editing process or is it a struggle?
I always tell everyone that an Editor is a gift from God for Authors. So I am happy to hand my work to the professionals to clean up.
Where is your favorite writing spot?
Probably on my bed. I light a candle and start typing. 
Can you share with us your next project?
It's a crime fiction based on things that I learned in law school. It's got some twists and turns. Hopefully it will be released in 2015.
Can you give any advice to aspiring writers?
You have to have thick skin for this industry. People are going to judge, criticize and tear your work apart. Most people have good intentions and they just want to help. Just remember, though, that you can't make everyone happy. Some people are going to like your book cover and some people won't. If you try to please everyone, you will go crazy. Take people's advice, but, in the end, follow your instinct.
Megan has given some great advice. Advice I plan to implement for myself. Thank You, Megan for visiting with us today!

Megan's Website:  www.megancyrulewski.com 



Book Excerpt: Who Am I?
Chapter One:  Ahhh…Young Love
 Envy. There is a reason why it’s one of the seven deadly sins. It can kill you. It almost killed me.
The summer of 2004, I was 26 and just got out of a long-term relationship. Good man, he just wasn’t the right man for me.
I had just found out that my old college roommate had recently gotten engaged. The two of us were always “competing” during college: who was skinnier, who can pick up the most guys at the bar. Stupid girl stuff. Other friends of mine were either married or having babies. I think the last straw was finding out my high school sweetheart had gotten engaged. Somewhere in fantasyland, I always thought it was possible we might get back together. Needless to say, I was definitely envious.

That summer, my roommate, Jessica, bought a house. At the time we were sharing an apartment, but she asked if I wanted to move into her house. Jessica and I had known each other since high school and she was the best roommate, and one of the best friends, I have ever had. Without hesitation, I agreed. A month after moving in, we had a house warming party. That’s when I met Tyler*.

CONGRATULATIONS, MEGAN!!

CELEBRATE THE SMALL THINGS

I totally forgot to Celebrate the Small Things last Friday. I think my brain was still on vacation.
This week I'm celebrating a wonderful candlelit night with long-time friends. Sitting outside on a balmy summers night with candle's flickering while we laughed and chatted made me happy.

Yesterday on FB-IWSG, Lynda Young asked: "Good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better, until your better's best." John White (Pulitzer Prizewinning photojournalist)

When do you know you've reached "best"?  

Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IWSG13/332287863596339/?notif_t=group_activity

And that's my problem, I never seem to reach my "best." I edit and edit, and still choke on problematic grammar and whatnot. I have to say enough is enough. 
So with that said, I'm Celebrating enough is enough and I'm moving on...After months of editing my now completed ms, (hope) I finally opened my wip where the characters have been patiently waiting for me. I'm a slow writer, though, happy to say I've added 7k this week.
Thanks to Vikki at Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for this brain child. Hop over and add your name to the celebration here. 
What are you Celebrating? 

BOOK RELEASE by the AMAZINGC. LEE McKENZIETitle: Double N...

BOOK RELEASE by the AMAZINGC. LEE McKENZIE Title: Double Negative
Author: C. Lee McKenzieGenre: Contemporary/Realistic FictionCategory: Young AdultAvailable: July 25 from Evernight Teen
Sixteen-year-old Hutch McQueen is a smart kid who can barely read. He makes one bad choice after another, trying to find a way to escape his rotten life at home and at school. Each time he gets into more trouble.
Summary:
Hutchison Mc Queen is a sixteen-year-old smart kid who screws up regularly. He’s a member of Larkston High’s loser clique, the boy who’s on his way to nowhere—unless juvenile hall counts as a destination. He squeaks through classes with his talent for eavesdropping and memorizing what he hears. When that doesn’t work, he goes to Fat Nyla, the one some mean girls are out to get and a person who’s in on his secret—he can barely read. And then Maggie happens. For twenty-five years she’s saved boys from their own bad choices. But she may not have time to save Hutch. Alzheimer’s disease is steadily stealing her keen mind.
LET'S HELP LEE TWEET ABOUT DOUBLE NEGATIVE
Bad grammar. Bad choices. No future, except prison. DOUBLE NEGATIVE @cleemckenzie http://www.evernightteen.com/double-negative-by-c-lee-mckenzie #YA  #YALit @UncommonYA
A new #YA releases today. DOUBLE NEGATIVE by @cleemckenzie. Add it to your goodreads. http://www.evernightteen.com/double-n... @UncommonYA
Hutch McQueen will make you laugh and cry. C. Lee McKenzie’s new @UncommonYA DOUBLE NEGATIVE is out. http://www.evernightteen.com/double-negative-by-c-lee-mckenzie @YaTwts
Is bad boy, Hutch McQueen, going to jail or to college? DOUBLE NEGATIVE by @cleemckenzie available now. http://www.evernightteen.com/double-negative-by-c-lee-mckenzie #YA #YALit @UncommonYA
DOUBLE NEGATIVE. Hutch McQueen is a smart boy who can’t read. http://www.evernightteen.com/double-negative-by-c-lee-mckenzie C. Lee McKenzie’s new #YA #YALit @UncommonYA @Y_A_Now

Buy Link: http://www.evernightteen.com/double-negative-by-c-lee-mckenzieWebsite: http://cleemckenziebooks.comBlog: http://writegame.blogspot.comFacebook Fan Page:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Double-Negative/532193566907446


 AUTHOR C.LEE McKENZIEa Rafflecopter giveaway