Cathrina Constantine's Blog, page 8
September 1, 2020
#WriterSupport #writingcommunity #IWSG @TheIWSG
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!
Guidelines and rules:
Word count: 4500-6000
Genre: Science Fiction
Theme: Dark Matter
Submissions accepted: May 6 - September 2, 2020
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted (double-spaced, no footers or headers), previously unpublished story to admin @ insecurewriterssupportgroup.com before the deadline passes. Please include your full contact details, your social links, and if you are part of the Blogging, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter IWSG group.
Alex's awesome co-hosts are PJ Colando, J Lenni Dorner, Deniz Bevan, Kim Lajevardi, Natalie Aguirre, and Louise - Fundy Blue!
September 2 question - If you could choose one author, living or dead, to be your beta partner, who would it be and why?
This is a difficult question because I've worked with a few awesome beta partners. For example, Nana Prah, Chrys Fey, Catherine Stoval, and more...I can't choose a living or dead author because in my weird mind, I'd like to get to know the person. (Besides, there are too many famous authors, and I can't choose just one...LOL)
I feel there needs to be a connection with your beta. There has to be complete transparency and honesty when it comes to critiquing my writing or their writing. Sometimes the critiquing comments can be harsh, which can make me feel like a terrible writer. I've learned to roll with the punches, but come away with bruises. I can only believe even authors that have made the New York Times Best Selling Lists have also struggled.
Time and time again, I've said this, and I've heard this repeated by many authors: "Writer's need a suit of armor."
August 21, 2020
August 4, 2020
@TheIWSG #writerscommunity #writersupport #Writer
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 Susan Baury Rouchard, Nancy Gideon, Jennifer Lane, Jennifer Hawes, Chemist Ken, and Chrys Fey!
How are all my blogger friends and writers coping through this pandemic? So far, my immediate family has been spared. But my sister had covid in the beginning of March, terribly sick for 3 weeks. Her 2 children living at home with her both tested positive, yet had little or no symptoms. Her husband tested negative. Strange. Then my cousin was hospitalized with the virus. Day by day, she was getting worse, to the point where she realized it was time to write her children goodbye letters because the next procedure was the ventilator. The doctor asked her if she'd be willing to try an experimental drug. At this point, who wouldn't? 3 days later she was home recuperating. It was Hydroxychloroquine. There are various medicines for the same maladies. What works for 1 person, doesn't help another. All our bodies work differently.
Enough about the virus, now, on to writing.
On July 6th I published my 8th book with CHBB. It did well those first few weeks. Marly in Pieces made it to the top ranking spot: #1 on Amazon in its category. I was happily surprised. But, for me, getting it to remain in the top 100 is problematic. This marketing stuff gets me every time. If anyone has any brilliant marketing tools, please let me know.
Self-doubt, in regards to writing, likes to burrow into me every chance it gets. With that said, if you are a new writer, someone who hasn't taken that leap of putting your work into the world, remember, you are never alone with your anxieties. ALL writers are in this struggle together.
I have to remember my own word of advice:Perseverance.
STAY SAFE & STAY HEALTHY
July 19, 2020
#NewRelease @ChrysFey #WritingCommunity #Writerslife #WritersSupport #WritersBlock #FindingCreativity
Catch the sparks you need to conquer writer’s block, depression, and burnout!
When Chrys Fey shared her story about depression and burnout, it struck a chord with other writers. That put into perspective for her how desperate writers are to hear they aren’t alone. Many creative types experience these challenges, battling to recover. Let Keep Writing with Fey: Sparks to Defeat Writer's Block, Depression, and Burnout guide you through:
· Writer's block· Depression· Writer's burnout· What a writer doesn’t need to succeed· Finding creativity boosts
With these sparks, you can begin your journey of rediscovering your creativity and get back to what you love - writing.
BOOK LINKS:
Amazon / Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Goodreads
AUTHOR’S NOTE:When I shared my story about depression and writer’s burnout, I received many emails, comments, and Facebook messages from other writers thanking me for my bravery and telling me about their own trials. That really put into perspective for me how many people suffer from depression and/or burnout in silence. I had no idea those individuals were impacted by these things, just as they hadn’t known that I was, because my outward presence to others was always happy and smiley and bright.After the supportive response and upon realizing how many writers in my online circles were struggling, too, I wanted to do something to help. I was candid with my experiences and blogged about the things that assisted me through the rough times in the hope that it would aid others.During this time, I recognized the need for writers to receive support, guidance, tips, reminders, and encouragement during their writer’s block, depression, and burnout. That’s how I got the idea for this book. A book not just about depression or only about writer’s block, but both, and much more.Since you have picked up this book, that means you may need assistance with one or all of these areas, and I sincerely hope you find what you need here…that tiny spark to get you through whatever you are going through.As always, keep writing.Keep believing.Keep dreaming.Chrys Fey
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Chrys Fey is the author of
Write with Fey: 10 Sparks to Guide You from Idea to Publication
. She is also the author of the Disaster Crimes series. Visit her blog, Write with Fey, for more tips on how to reverse writer’s burnout. https://www.chrysfey.com/
July 9, 2020
June 30, 2020
@TheIWSG #writingcommunity #writersupportgroup #writerslife #writer
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
Jenni Enzor, Beth Camp, Liesbet @ Roaming About, Tyrean Martinson, and Sandra Cox!
Don’t forget the IWSG Anthology Contest is open!
Guidelines and rules:
Word count: 4500-6000
Genre: Science Fiction
Theme: Dark Matter
Submissions accepted: May 6 - September 2, 2020
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted (double-spaced, no footers or headers), previously unpublished story to admin @ insecurewriterssupportgroup.com before the deadline passes. Please include your full contact details, your social links, and if you are part of the Blogging, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter IWSG group.
Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges.
Our judges: Dan Koboldt, Lynda R. Young, Colleen Oefelein, Damien Larkin, Ion Newcombe, Julie Gwinn, and David Powers King
The pent up anxiety of releasing a new book has lessened somewhat for me with book #9. But, I feel the anxiety is beginning to creep up with the day getting closer and closer.
Marly In Pieces has been in the works for well over a year. I was grateful to have Chrys Fey to work with me. She diligently edited this manuscript, tightening and polishing many scenes. We reduced the telling aspects into showing, which is so important.
If anyone who like a ARC/PDF to read and review, just comment below or email me: cathrinaconstantine@gmail.com July 1st question: There have been many industry changes in the last decade, so what are some changes you would like to see happen in the next decade?
I would like brick and mortar stores, such as Barnes and Noble, Target, Walmart...etc...to accept indie published books to be stacked in their book isles.
I tried to get one of my books into B&N, years ago, by filling out their required paperwork and sent them my book. But they rejected it.
I have heard some authors were able to get their books distributed. It'd like to learn how that happened.
It seems most of them only accept traditional published books.
I am happy to see writer's that worked so hard on their books, and had been rejected by agents, can now self-publish. That's a big plus!
June 8, 2020
#NewRelease #ComingSoon #ARC #yalit #mystery #ebook #novel
New Release
Coming July 10, 2020
YA/Murder Mystery
Published by: CHBB
Marly refuses to believe her friend, Rae, committed suicide. Even though her wrists were slit, Marly knows her beautiful, vibrant bestie would never do that.
Even though the two had drifted apart, Marly and Rae made a blood promise long ago. Even in death, Marly intends to honor that vow.
Determined to find Rae’s killer, Marly faces a long list of potential suspects. It seems everyone has secrets or lies that they are covering up... including the boy she loves. Can Marly uncover the murderer’s identity before she becomes the next victim?
If any of my fellow bloggers are interested in an ARC to Read and Review, and to post on Amazon please comment below or message me at cathrinaconstantine@gmail.com
June 2, 2020
#WritingCommunity #Writer @TheIWSG #SupportingWriters
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, J.Q. Rose, and Natalie Aguirre!
June 3 question: Writer's have secrets! What are one or two of yours, something readers would never know from your work?What readers would never know from my work:
My book, Incense and Peppermints, is a work of fiction. However, incorporated into the story are factual events. Things that happened to me and to the world. It takes place in 1969. It was a wild age when the United States had begun pulling out of of the Viet Nam War. Endless protests, hippies, Woodstock, drinking and drugs, which I'd remembered quite well, even though I was not yet a teen myself at that time. Also, there was a music revolution, and the songs mentioned are tunes that I remember well, and love to this day.
What writer's secrets are you holding onto?
May 12, 2020
#NewRelease #Vampires #Werewolves #Zombies #Fantasy #Novella #Anthology @pattyauthor07
New Book Release by Patricia JosephinePatricia Lynne
Vampires.Werewolves.Zombies.
These monsters tickle our imagination.
Sink your teeth into a collection of tales about paranormal creatures that go bump in the night. Each story is told in exactly 200 words and designed to give you a quick bite no matter how busy your day is.
Are you hungry?
Buy LinksAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085DDJH83/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0
About the AuthorPatricia Josephine is a writer of Urban Fantasy and Sci-Fi Romance books. She actually never set out to become a writer, and in fact, she was more interested in art and band in high school and college. Her dreams were of becoming an artist like Picasso. On a whim, she wrote down a story bouncing in her head for fun. That was the start of her writing journey, and she hasn't regretted a moment. When she's not writing, she's watching Doctor Who or reading about serial killers. She's an avid knitter. One can never have too much yarn. She writes Young Adult Paranormal, Science Fiction, and Fantasy under the name Patricia Lynne.
Patricia lives with her husband in Michigan, hopes one day to have what will resemble a small petting zoo, and has a fondness for dying her hair the colors of the rainbow.
Social Media Links:Website: - https://www.patriciajosephine.comPatreon - http://bit.ly/2sHZ3VrTwitter - https://twitter.com/pattyauthor07Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pattyauthor07Newsletter - http://bit.ly/2qOsvbmGoodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13460894.Patricia_JosephineAmazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00UH7GAK0Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/patriciajosephine
Three Real Life Vampires (or so they say.)Tales of vampires have fascinated humanity for centuries. Sometimes they are monsters, and other times, they are sexy, sparkling heroes. While most stories are complete fiction, here are three cases of so-called real vampires.
Mercy Brown.Mercy Brown was a young woman who lived in New England around the 1900s. Disease spread to her family and the locals got the idea that that meant she was a vampire. After she died, her body was dug up to make sure she wasn’t a vampire. Her body hadn’t decomposed, and they found fresh blood in her system, leading them to the conclusion that she was a vampire. They cut out her heart and burned, putting the ashes in a drink which was fed to her brother. They believed it would save him since he was sick. Sadly, it didn’t work.
Fritz Haarmann, The Vampire of HanoverFritz Haarmann was a German serial killer in the early 1900s. His method of killing was to bite the neck of his victims so they bled to death. That led to rumors of a real vampire prowling for victims. Of course, alleged cases of real vampires weren’t uncommon then, but they were usually baselss. Fritz Haarmann was eventually captures and executed.
Arnold PaoleArnold Paole was a Serbian man who feel to his death in the early 18th century. A sad tragedy, but the story became remarkable because afterwards, local villagers stated he had become a vampire. Their proof: 16 villagers had died recently. His body was due up to be examined. They found no decomposition and claimed to have seen fresh blood on his lips. So they staked the body.
Are You Ready For A Quick Bite
Vampires.Werewolves.Zombies.
These monsters tickle our imagination.
Sink your teeth into a collection of tales about paranormal creatures that go bump in the night. Each story is told in exactly 200 words and designed to give you a quick bite no matter how busy your day is.
Are you hungry?
Buy LinksAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085DDJH83/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0
About the AuthorPatricia Josephine is a writer of Urban Fantasy and Sci-Fi Romance books. She actually never set out to become a writer, and in fact, she was more interested in art and band in high school and college. Her dreams were of becoming an artist like Picasso. On a whim, she wrote down a story bouncing in her head for fun. That was the start of her writing journey, and she hasn't regretted a moment. When she's not writing, she's watching Doctor Who or reading about serial killers. She's an avid knitter. One can never have too much yarn. She writes Young Adult Paranormal, Science Fiction, and Fantasy under the name Patricia Lynne.
Patricia lives with her husband in Michigan, hopes one day to have what will resemble a small petting zoo, and has a fondness for dying her hair the colors of the rainbow.
Social Media Links:Website: - https://www.patriciajosephine.comPatreon - http://bit.ly/2sHZ3VrTwitter - https://twitter.com/pattyauthor07Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pattyauthor07Newsletter - http://bit.ly/2qOsvbmGoodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13460894.Patricia_JosephineAmazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00UH7GAK0Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/patriciajosephine
Three Real Life Vampires (or so they say.)Tales of vampires have fascinated humanity for centuries. Sometimes they are monsters, and other times, they are sexy, sparkling heroes. While most stories are complete fiction, here are three cases of so-called real vampires.
Mercy Brown.Mercy Brown was a young woman who lived in New England around the 1900s. Disease spread to her family and the locals got the idea that that meant she was a vampire. After she died, her body was dug up to make sure she wasn’t a vampire. Her body hadn’t decomposed, and they found fresh blood in her system, leading them to the conclusion that she was a vampire. They cut out her heart and burned, putting the ashes in a drink which was fed to her brother. They believed it would save him since he was sick. Sadly, it didn’t work.
Fritz Haarmann, The Vampire of HanoverFritz Haarmann was a German serial killer in the early 1900s. His method of killing was to bite the neck of his victims so they bled to death. That led to rumors of a real vampire prowling for victims. Of course, alleged cases of real vampires weren’t uncommon then, but they were usually baselss. Fritz Haarmann was eventually captures and executed.
Arnold PaoleArnold Paole was a Serbian man who feel to his death in the early 18th century. A sad tragedy, but the story became remarkable because afterwards, local villagers stated he had become a vampire. Their proof: 16 villagers had died recently. His body was due up to be examined. They found no decomposition and claimed to have seen fresh blood on his lips. So they staked the body.
Are You Ready For A Quick Bite
May 5, 2020
#IWSG #WritingCommunity #Writers #Writing #Support @TheIWSG
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 for May 6 are Feather Stone, Beverly Stowe McClure, Mary Aalgaard, Kim Lajevardi, and Chemist Ken!
May 6th question: Do you have any rituals that you use when you need help getting into the zone? Care to Share?
I never thought I had an actual ritual, but this question gave me pause. Because I find myself doing exactly that. While I drink coffee in the morning, in the afternoon when I find time to add words to my story, I make a hot cup of tea. If I have cookies, I grab a couple. I find my spot on the end of the couch, or recliner, and settle in. This is normally my best time to write. Lately, I haven't been able to sleep and find myself writing until one or two in the morning. (Sleeplessness might be caused by the pandemic. I'm not positive)
However, that ritual changes during the warm summer months. I make sure I enjoy the pleasant weather and occupy a comfy chair underneath our awning and write. The hot tea is replaced by ice tea...LOL. But not the cookies
