Cathrina Constantine's Blog, page 7

#NewRelease #ReleaseDay #Fantasy #Horror #GhostStory #ebook #SALE #Free w/ #KindleUnlimited & #AmazonPrime

 🌟🌟🌟HAPPY RELEASE DAY 🌟🌟🌟

Nora has visions of horrific things. Things that lurk in the shadows and feast on bones. After moving with her mother into an old farmhouse, Nora discovers a blank journal that fills itself with an ominous warning. A cursed beast is coming for her and time is running out. When the blood moon rises, so shall the beast.

Local teen, Rebel, has his own trepidations about the house. His parents, both paranormal scientists, were investigating it when they died under mysterious circumstances. His growing feelings for Nora motivate him to battle the ghosts of his past, if it means keeping her safe.

Allies to turn to enemies. Fiction turns to fact. The past and the present collide. All in an epic battle to claim unfathomable power. Can Nora unlock the secrets buried within the farmhouse in time to save herself and those dear to her from a grisly fate?
Buy on AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Upside-Down-Nora-Gaines-ebook/dp/B08V8KFBD7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HRQEVQEXOXHP&dchild=1&keywords=the+upside+down+of+nora+gaines&qid=1614949316&sprefix=the+upside+down+of+nor%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1

@TheIWSG #WriterSupport #WritingCommunity #Read #Reading #Writing #Writerslife #WritingTips

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html

Join 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! 
The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Alex's awesome co-hosts are Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen Jacqui Murray, Chemist Ken, Victoria Marie Lees, Natalie Aguirre, and JQ Rose!
March 3 question - Everyone has a favorite genre or genres to write. But what about your reading preferences? Do you read widely or only within the genre(s) you create stories for? What motivates your reading choice?
I write YA novels that have market appeal for both young adults and adults. Whatever a writer likes to pen, I believe it is essential they read, read, read books of their genre. But, I also believe in being well rounded and a writer should read many genres. 
With that said, I love YA reads and that is my first go to. And, I don't stick primarily with YA, I enjoy a gambit of genres. 
When I am writing or when I am reading, a book helps me to escape reality.
Reading tickles a persons imagination. A must for writer's.


Reading hones a writer's craft.


During the day, I lack the precious time to read, so my current read is always next to my bed. At night when I settle comfortably beneath my blankets, I take a moment to crack a book and read.

  What are you reading?

#CoverReveal #Paranormal #GhostStory #FantasyFicion #eBooks #Novel @TheIWSG #WritingsSupportGroup

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html

Join 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! 
The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.Alex's awesome co-hosts are Louise - Fundy Blue , Jennifer Lane, Mary Aalgaard, Patsy Collins at Womagwriter, and Nancy Gideon!
February 3 question - Blogging is often more than just sharing stories. It’s often the start of special friendships and relationships. Have you made any friends through the blogosphere?
I can remember being so timid and uncertain because I was a total newbie to the world of writing and blogging. It took me months and months before I created my blog, and then months more before I joined this AWESOME group (IWSG) of Bloggers. During these past years I've made dozens and dozens of wonderful friends. Our friendships have carried over onto our Facebook pages and other social media sites. 




Today, I am also revealing the cover for my new book The UPSIDE DOWN of NORA GAINES Release date: March 6th.
 Cathrina Constantine's 

Cover Reveal

Nora has visions of horrific things. Things that lurk in the shadows and feast on bones. After moving with her mother into an old farmhouse, Nora discovers a blank journal that fills itself with an ominous warning. A cursed beast is coming for her and time is running out. When the lunar blood moon rises, so shall the beast. 
Local teen, Rebel has is own trepidation about the house. His parents, both paranormal scientists, were investigating it when they died under mysterious circumstances. His growing feelings for Nora motivate him to battle the ghosts of his past, if it means keeping her safe. 
Allies to turn to enemies. Fiction turns to face. The past and the present collide. All in an epic battle to claim unfathomable power. Can Nora unlock the secrets buried within the farmhouse in time to save herself and those dear to her from a grisly fate?
Coming March 5thA Ghost Story

@TheIWSG #WritersSupport #WritingCommunity #amwriting #WritersLife #SupportGroup

 

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! 
The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG. 
Alex's awesome co-hosts are Ronel Janse van Vuuren , J Lenni Dorner, Gwen Gardner, Sandra Cox, and Louise - Fundy Blue!
January 6 question - Being a writer, when you're reading someone else's work, what stops you from finishing a book/throws you out of the story/frustrates you the most about other people's books?
Time is very important to me, and if I start to read a book that doesn't hold my interest during the first chapter, I will usually put it down and begin another book. Eventually, I will go back to the book that didn't interest me, and I will begin reading again. I like to give the story a chance to unfold. If it still frustrates me ~ the dialogue, the storyline, the plot, the characters, I will flip through the pages and read paragraphs to see if the story develops to my liking. I might not finish it. However, I have shelved a book for months or even a year, and then have gone back to it, and found that I enjoyed it. Perhaps, I just wasn't mentally prepared for that genre at that time in my life.   
I know this will horrify some writer's and reader's, it is normal for me to read the ending of books. Because, like I said, time is precious, and if I despise the ending, I won't waste my time. Sometimes I am able to wait until I'm halfway through. However, if I absolutely love a book, I can't stand the suspense and have to read the ending. LOL!  

 

If anyone likes Audio Books I have Promo Codes for FREE Audible Books. Just comment below with your email or send me an email @ cathrinaconstantine@gmail.com
Press on the book to learn more:FREE Audible Promo Code for:

#MerryChristmas #Peace #Christmas2020 #love #faith #hope

 

#WritingCommunity #WriterSupport @The IWSG #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 
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Alex's awesome co-hosts are Pat Garcia, Sylvia Ney, Liesbet @ Roaming About Cathrina Constantine, and Natalie Aguirre!
December 2 question: Are there months or times of the year that you are more productive with your writing than other months, and why?
That's an easy question for me. I am more productive with my writing during the wintery months. Especially when the snow is falling and the wind is blowing. I'm nice and cozy inside watching the blustering flakes with a cup of hot tea, and it's when I find my writing inspiration.
Our summer months are short and I like to be outside. Puttering in my gardens, playing with grand-babies, and floating in the pool, which doesn't leave much time for writing or for creating new stories. While I do write in the summer, it's normally minimal. 
When are you most productive with your writing?
Since this is IWSG's final post for 2020, I'd like to wish all my blogging friends a 

#NewRelese @TyreanMartinson #SciFi #yalit

Let's Get to Know the Author:Tyrean Martinson 1. Tell us about yourself. (like what you do for a living, etc.)
I’m a private writing tutor and English Language Arts teacher for pre-teens and teens. Some of these teens are highly capable, some are right in the “average” zone, and some have dyslexia and dysgraphia. Some like to read and some of them view books with fear. I’ve recommended the Alex Rider series for the reluctant readers (especially the teen boys) because those books have short chapters and a fast-pace with plenty of action. My current novella is my own re-take on that subgenre – fast-paced, action-packed, with a hint of romance for teen girls. (Guys are welcome to read it, too.)

2. What is your writing process? (A special place or how you outline, or do you just jump into it. Or, what you need before you sit down to write: coffee, tea, cookies)

I love to have tea or coffee next to me. I don’t need to be in a special place to write, but my current favorite place is at a small desk in the living room of our house by the window and the bookshelves. I crave a source of natural light while I’m writing. If it’s dark, I write while sitting on the couch or in bed. I usually jump into it, but lately I’ve been outlining more because of the nature of my current projects.

3. Do you have a favorite book that you’ve written, or a favorite character that sticks with you?
This is tricky. When I’m writing a character, that character is my favorite. The same goes for the book. I think I like this book best, but when I write the next book, I may like that book best. Amaya is a feisty, slightly troubled character who is unhappy about being swept up in a war with aliens. She’s fun to write.

4. How do you create your stories?

I create my stories with a spark of an idea from a place, character, image, or idea followed by questions like: What if? Why? How? I start writing the character right away. After I burn off steam chasing the character around, I slow down and start spending time on plot development.

5. From start to finish, how long does it take for you to complete a novel?

I am a super speedy rough draft writer, and then I spend far more time on revision. It can take between four months to ten years to get a novel from story spark to finished revision. It varies by project.

6. What are you working on at the moment?

I am working on both the second novella in The Rayatana series and a rewrite of Anomalies: The Hunt, which is a teen superhero book I wrote a few years ago, rewrote, re-imagined, and need to finish rewriting again. The foundation of the world-building for both books is the same, so it’s like grappling with two different arms of the same multiple-armed alien entity, or braiding together strands of the same weave (depends on the day).

7. Do you have any advice for inspiring writers?

Write. Finish. Submit your work. Repeat. Keep on studying the writing craft, but more importantly, keep writing.

8. Besides inspiring other writers, what inspires you?

Anyone who dares to dream, and works at that dream with perseverance: athletes, film-makers, artists, dancers, musicians, engineers, chefs, hostesses, business owners, photographers, pastors, missionaries, students, teachers, nurses, pilots, mechanics, parents, grandparents, and fellow writers. If you have a dream, build your foundation, and keep on building.
Now A Glimpse into Tyrean Martinson's New Release:

  Title: Liftoff

Subtitle:  The Rayatana Series, Book 1

A spaceship in disguise, An Earth girl searching for a sense of home,

And a Thousand Years’ War between alien races,

All collide on a summer afternoon.

An old movie theater welcomes Amaya in and wraps her up in the smell of popcorn and licorice. But one sunny afternoon during a matinee, the movie screen goes dark. The theater rumbles.Amaya gets trapped in the middle of an ancient alien conflict. 

Angry and frightened, Amaya entangles herself in a life-changing cultural misunderstanding with Sol, a young alien who keeps omitting key information, even while they’re on the run from his enemies.

What will it take to survive a battle between alien races involved in an ancient war?

Liftoff is a fast-paced read for fans of Code 8, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Cobra Kai.

 

Release Date: November 10, 2020

Paperback ISBN:  978-0-9889933-8-9

Ebook ISBN:  978-0-9889933-9-6

Copyright Tyrean Martinson November 2020

Publisher: Wings of Light Publishing, Gig Harbor, WA, USA

Professionally Edited by Chrys Fey

Cover Art and Interior Design by Carrie Butler

LINKS: Kindle           Barnes and Noble                  Kobo               Smashwords                Bookbub         Goodreads

Tyrean Martinson is an author and teacher from Washingston State. As a former fencer and kickboxer, she enjoys writing fight scenes in fast-paced novels and novella. As a teacher and writing tutor, she loves to get students writing and reading comfortably by any means: talk-to-text, short writing assignments, short stories, novellas, and adventures. She wrote her latest novella, Liftoff, for herself during COVID, but realized it also fits a dream she's had for a while: to create a short, fast-paced read for teen/YA readers who love popcorn movies, adventure, and sweet romance.

#WritingCommunity #WriterSupportGroup @TheIWSG #Writerslife #writing #amwriting

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 
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Alex's awesome co-hosts are Jemi Fraser, Kim Lajevardi, L.G Keltner, Tyrean Martinson, and  Rachna Chhabria!

I am super stoked because finally, after months and months, of barely adding a paragraph to my WIP, I started writing again. 
I can honesty say, my agent informed me that the YA fantasy market is overwhelmed, and I should consider writing something else. Possibly, it might have been her dire advice that stopped my brain from continuing on. Because I was 30k into my YA/Fantasy, and then I had thoughts of throwing it all away. 
What happened is a good lesson for a writer. Especially for me. Write what makes you happy. Write the genre that sets you on fire.  
Now, I am having so much fun with this storyline. I even find a smile on my face during some of the scenes. 
Be true to yourself, and the rest will fall into place.

#NewRelease @eseckman #Romance @TyreanMartinson #Scifi #Fiction #books

Brand New Release

Now Available 

by 

Elizabeth Seckman

Some hearts are fixer-uppers, hers is a total flip.

For Danni Lowry, going home for her aunt’s funeral means facing reality, and that’s not something she’s eager to do. Since leaving North Carolina, she’s lost her money, her husband, and all hope for happiness.

She goes to the memorial, but regret hits her on arrival. She is about to leave when she bumps into Fisher, her childhood friend and one-time sweetheart. For him, she will stay for the memorial that challenges her grief… and her sanity. During the service, Danni swears she sees her aunt—the dead one—bouncing about, making fun and cracking jokes.

Certain she’s lost her mind, Danni tries again to go, but Aunt Max won’t allow it. She is a reminder that Danni has obligations. There is the hotel. It is now Danni’s, and a sensible person would flip it before selling it. There is young Darby, the orphaned teen her aunt was adopting. Danni couldn’t leave the child homeless. And finally, there is Fisher— loyal, dependable, heart-skippingly-handsome Fisher. The guy she didn’t realize she missed until he was gone.

Fisher offers to help her with the renovations hoping she’ll stay long enough for him to convince her they are meant to be together. Danni agrees to the help and to the friendship, but nothing more. She will not lose Fisher to love. Not again. It’s better to stay friends. Friends don’t break up like lovers do.

BUY IT HERE: AMAZON

You Can Now Pre-Order Tyrean Martinson's Book: AMAZON 

Coming November 10, 20202

Amaya, a young woman who feels lost after the upheaval of loss and divorce, finds comfort in matinee movies and new friends. When the movie theater is hit by disaster and turns out not to be a movie theater at all, Amaya's world spins upside down. Aliens are real. Space ships don't always look like space ships. Accepting someone's apology could be the start of an intergalactic incident. But most troubling of all? Amaya finds out there's more to her past than even she knows.

Liftoff is an action-packed science fiction novella for teen/YA book lovers who enjoy space battles, fistfights, tropes, alien life forms, and a hint of clean romance.

Note from the author: In all honesty, I wrote this book during the first full month of stay-at-home orders in April 2020. I leaned into the tropes on purpose, for fun, as a way of escape from the serious subjects of life in 2020. I thought of it as my "popcorn book", a novella meant for those who love fun, action-packed, lighthearted, "popcorn" movies. I hope readers have as much fun reading it as I had writing it.

#WritingCommunity @TheIWSG #WriterSupport #WritersLife #Writing

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 
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Alex's awesome co-hosts are Jemima Pett, Beth Camp, Beverly Stowe McClure, and Gwen Gardner!
October 7 question - When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?
What a Working Writer looks like to me. A journalist, a reporter, a researcher...etc... A person who gets paid on a regular basis for their work. I can't imagine working as a writer with a deadline. 

This is how my working like a writer is for me. Sitting on the couch overlooking my backyard while I write my IWSG post.

If I truly think about what I have accomplished over the years, as far as writing novels, I astound myself. I consider myself a hobbyist. I don't write for a paycheck or for money because I'd be homeless and starving by now....LOL.
As of late, I haven't been loyal to my writing. And publishing a book in July was a story that had been on the back burner for over a year.  
I was recently contacted by an aspiring writer who was seeking my professional advice. She'd sent her query letter, and a chapter of her very first book. By her writing sample, I felt she could become an avid author. However, I also noted she had lots of work ahead of her. Since I am aware of the long, lonely hours involved in becoming a published author, I hadn't wanted to deter her hopes. Instead, I offered encouragement and, explained how a good editor is essential. We corresponded a few times and I supplied her with a few links, and said to google the internet for publishing advice and so on... 
As I've said many, many times, the art of catching that golden ring is Perseverance!