Cathrina Constantine's Blog, page 9

#AuthorSpotlight @NanaPrah #Interview #author #writer #writingcommunity #romance

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT


NANA PRAHLet me introduce, Nana Prah, a prolific and fabulous romance writer. We first met, online, when we were newbie writer's, and we have become good friends. Nana is a nurse, and during these tragic times, battling this coronavirus pandemic, Nana deserves a standing ovation for all her time consuming hard work, helping those who are sick and in need ...
When everyone is done cheering and clapping, here is Nana's response to a few interview questions.
1. Tell us about yourself. (like what you do for a living, etc.) I’m a nurse by profession. I’ve recently returned to patient care and am loving it. I never knew I’d become a writer. It all started when I wrote an e-mail to a friend describing how she’d meet her next boyfriend. That e-mail turned into a book which made me a writer. Don’t go looking for that story, its hidden in the archives of my computer.
2. What is your writing process? (A special place or how you outline or just jump into it. Or, what you need before you sit down to write, coffee, tea, cookies) My writing process changes depending on my mood. I write on my laptop. My preference is to write at my desk or in a coffeeshop, but sometimes my bed entices me to get comfy in it. Music kills my creativity because I spend more time singing and dancing than I do writing, so silence is key for me.The process basically goes: write, eat snacks and procrastinate on social media and then write some more.

3. I've read a few of your excellent novels. Do you have a favorite, or a favorite character that sticks with you? I love all of my characters and books. One of my favorites is Commander Akin Solarin. I have a thing for military men and he’s as alpha as they come, yet he showed tenderness and compassion to the heroine when she needed it most. Thinking about him makes me sigh.
4. How do you create your stories?  I get an idea and write a general outline of what I’d like to see happen during the story. This tends to go out the window once I start writing. The characters help take me on journeys that I didn’t expect. It’s not until I revise that I regain control of the book.

5. From start to finish, how long does it take for you to complete a novel?  Its different for every book I’ve written. The shortest was a month for a first draft. The longest was anywhere from three to six months. And then revision adds to the timeline.
6. What are you working on at the moment? A yet untitled story about Zareb Saene, a prince of Bagumi. He is the brother of Princess Amira from His Defiant Princess. Its now time for the princes to share their romantic adventures.
7. Do you have any advice for inspiring writers? It’s the standard advice that they hear all the time. To be a writer you must write and be consistent about it. I encourage myself by giving myself a fifty word minimum to write.  Sometimes I go beyond it, sometimes its just the fifty and I’m done. The most important thing is to make a habit of writing.

Thank you so much, Cathy for having me on your blog.
You are welcome, Nana. Sending you prayers to stay safe and  healthy. Also, wishing you great success in your writing career!

Contact informationTwitter: https://twitter.com/NanaPrahFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/NanaPrah.AuthorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanaprahauthor/?hl=enBookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nana-prahAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nana-Prah/e/B00E9ILIPA/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1517833825&sr=8-1Blog : www.nanaprah.blogspot.comNewsletter: https://www.nanaprah.com/newsletter-sign-up

Healing His Medic 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.​Commander Akin Solarin wants nothing more than to do his job, especially when his medic's temporary replacement turns out to be a disconcerting woman who pushes all his buttons. He runs a tight ship, and doesn't need captivating and efficient yet aloof Comfort around to keep his heart-rate in semi-permanent overdrive.​Neither can deny the attraction between them, but navigating uncharted personal waters may be the least of their problems when confronted with bold pirate attacks and other vicious unknown dangers onboard the frigate. And when Comfort's life gets on the line, Akin knows he will do anything to save his medic and heal her battered heart in the process.

Buy LinksOkadabooks: https://okadabooks.com/book/about/healing_his_medic/20584Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/healing-his-medicBarnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1129589626?ean=9781916475519iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/healing-his-medic/id1436653319/Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-His-Medic-Protectors-Book-ebook/dp/B07HJ3LZNP?tag=hubp0a34-20Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Healing-His-Medic-Protectors-Book-ebook/dp/B07HJ3LZNPAmazon UK: https://amzn.to/2POLa1b

 Love and Hiplife
Lamisi Imoro will do anything to complete her PhD before the extension is up. It doesn’t matter who dies, leaves her high and dry, or hates her guts, she’s on fire. But her supervisor wants to prove just how much he’d love to see her fail by throwing obstacles to thwart her from reaching her goal. Desperate for help and nowhere else to turn, she’s forced to ask for the assistance of the hiplife artist who once saved her from a nasty fall. She finds that their scorching attraction is a problem and is determined to tamp her rising emotions because nothing will stop her from getting what she set out to accomplish.
Blaise Ayoma is on the verge of taking African Francophone countries by storm with his new style of music. Learning how to sing in French without butchering the beautiful language is harder than he thought. Multi-linguist, Lamisi is the key to his success. When his presence in her life puts her in danger, will he end the budding relationship in order to keep her safe?
Buy links:OKADABOOKS: https://okadabooks.com/book/about/love_and_hiplife/30752AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083QHRP3W/AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B083QHRP3WKOBO:  https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/love-and-hiplifeSMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/999085?ref=loveafricapressB&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-and-hiplife-nana-prah/1135997679ITUNES: https://books.apple.com/gb/book/love-and-hiplife/id1493978158

#NewRelease #MurderMystery #Mystery #Author @yolandarenee

It’s a pleasure to be participating in author Yolanda Renee’s 
MURDER, JUST BECAUSE  Blog Tour through MC Book Tours today.

The author is offering an awesome tour-wide international giveaway. More information on the giveaway is listed below.
MURDER, JUST BECAUSE

by Yolanda  Renée
◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Publisher: Yolanda Renee

◊ Series: Detective Quaid Mysteries

◊ Paperback: 291 pages

◊ Print & eBooks

◊ ISBN-10: 0985820632

◊ ISBN-13: 978-0985820633

◊ Contains explicit sex & graphic violence

AMAZON LINK: - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081XHNX69/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i7 "While this book does contain explicit sexual language and graphic violence, it could easily be taken from the daily headlines. The content is plausible and realistic as we look at the world around us. The events in the book are not overly done but give a pragmatic look at the terrifying actions killers can and sometimes do take."
It was a matter of beginner’s luck, but rookie detective Steven Quaid’s career and reputation as an elite investigator skyrocketed when he captured one of the most sadistic serial killers in Alaskan history: Stowy Jenkins, AKA the Snowman. But that was ten years ago.
And now…Jenkins is back. Escaped from prison and on the move, his bloodlust is stronger than ever, and his methods of torture are even more horrifying than before. As his bloody rampage continues and the number of mutilated bodies mounts, terrified Alaskans increasingly doubt Quaid’s ability to catch the killer again. The detective’s reputation is on the line, and he’s going to need a lot more than luck, because this time, Jenkins is driven by more than the thrill of a random kill.
This time, it’s more personal. He’s out for revenge…and his ultimate target is Quaid. In a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, Jenkins starts picking off the people in Quaid’s life…slowly, gradually tightening his circle of corpses and drawing ever closer to the most important person in Quaid’s life...his wife. Can Quaid do the impossible again? Can he outmaneuver the killer, or has the detective's luck finally run out?
Author Yolanda Renee For those who aren’t familiar with the author, here’s a bit of background on her in her own words.
At one time Alaska called to me, and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun, survive in below zero temperatures, and hike the Mountain Ranges.
I’ve traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influences my writing.Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and I have two handsome sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure!
For more on Yolanda and her writing, you can connect with her here:

*     Blog
*      Facebook  
*      Twitter  
*      Pinterest     


GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
This tour-wide giveaway is for a complete set of the Detective Quaid Mystery series books for one winner, paperback copies of MURDER, JUST BECAUSE  for five winners, and a Kindle copy of MURDER, JUST BECAUSE for 10 winners.
To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient.


If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.


Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Yolanda on her week-long tour HERE. You never know what you
might find out. Do you enjoy watching a character grow from one story to the next?


a Rafflecopter giveaway

#IWSG #WritingCommunity @TheIWSG #covid19 #coronavirus

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 fabulous co-hosts are Diane Burton, JH Moncrieff, Anna @ Emaginette, Karen @ Reprobate Typewriter, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard!


April 1 question - The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the covid-19 pandemic, our optional question this month is: how are things in your world?


My world consists of the interior of my home. When weather cooperates here, in Buffalo, NY, we go for walks around the neighborhood. In the past week, I made a trip to the market, and that is all. I drove very slow to see the sights. LOL...What helps in my daily doldrums is my 18 month old grandson and my daughter who live with us. My heart grows bigger each day seeing that baby. We dance, laugh, giggle, and watch cartoons.
To stay informed, we watch the world news. And sometimes, I come away baffled because I hear differing things. But, last night, it was the first time I couldn't watch it. Hearing the death tolls around the world are heart wrenching. At times, I feel the sensationalizing of this pandemic creates havoc, tension, and hysteria. It might be beneficial to take a break from watching the news once in a while. 

The only way I feel I can help, is by adding my daily prayers to those being said around the globe. I feel God is bringing His people to their knees. If you don't have a faith filled belief, then spread your love and light into the world. 
At night, as I lay my head down on my pillow, I tend to worry and pray more. My son, which I've mentioned before, is an Emergency Room doctor in PA, who's been working in the covid-19 unit, and he has a 4 month old and a 3 year old at home. Needless to say, this is concerning and I'm scared for him and his family. I haven't seen them in months, and we'd planned on visiting them this past weekend...but the world is sick...At least we have Facetime and pictures...
  

#Novel #NewRelease @jemifraser #nonfiction #dementia #EarlySigns

It’s a pleasure to be participating in author 

Jemi Fraser’s 

DANCING WITH  DEMENTIA


Recognizing and Coping with the Early Stages of Dementia 
Blog Tour through MC Book Tours today.
The author is offering a tour-wide international giveaway of an Amazon
Gift Card. More information on the giveaway is listed below.
Recognizing and Coping with the Early Stages of Dementia

by Jemi Fraser

◊ Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

◊ Publisher: Just Jemi Books

◊ eBooks

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1-9991258-1-3
Dementia and Alzheimer’s touch the lives of millions around the
world, but so much is still unknown.
As first-generation Canadians, we didn’t recognize
the early warning signs. We didn’t know the differences between regular aging
and the early stages of dementia. We’ve made mistakes but we’ve learned a lot.
DANCING WITH DEMENTIA will help you:

•Identify those early warning signs

•Use visuals to improve communication

•Choose your words wisely

•Redirect and reassure

•Stay calm and cope with your own emotions

•Consider nursing home options

•Improve caregiver self-care
We’ve learned to dance the early steps of the
disease with our love and laughter intact. If you are looking for help
recognizing early signposts along with practical ways to cope with early
Dementia and Alzheimer’s, this book is for you.


DANCING WITH DEMENTIA buy links:

Amazon.com                Amazon.ca            Apple Books    
  Barnes & Noble            Kobo

Add DANCING WITH DEMENTIA to your Goodreads shelf
For those who aren’t familiar with the author, here’s a bit of background on her.
Jemi Fraser writes both fiction and nonfiction. Her nonfiction work focuses on the ways that dementia has impacted her family. Her fiction work varies from contemporary romance to suspense and flash fiction. Years as a teacher have taught Jemi that life is short and that happy endings are a must.
Jemi lives in Northern Ontario, Canada where snow is always a topic of conversation and the autumn leaves make everything better.
For more on
Jemi and her writing, visit her following sites:
Website     Just Jemi Blog    DancingWith Dementia blog  AmazonPage BookBub      Goodreads   
 Facebook   
 Twitter   
 Quick
Tips Videos
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
This tour-wide giveaway is for a $20 Amazon Gift Card . The giveaway is
open internationally.
To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient.


If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Jemi on her week-long tour HERE. 

You never know what you might find out. I hope dementia hasn’t touch your family or friends, but in case it has do you have any tips to share on dealing with this terrible disease?



a Rafflecopter giveaway

#covid19 #coronavirus #staysafe #stayhome #staystrong #slowthespread #heal #healourland

My son, an ER doctor in Reading Hospital, PA, is working in the Covid-19 unit. My son, and so many other doctors, and nurses, and those that are on the front lines: Give them your support by praying or/and sending them positive energy.

As you are aware, this covid-19 virus is impacting the whole world.


We Are All In This Together.

We are living in trying times. It's scary. I'm hoping for people to be smart. If you are sick, self-isolate yourself. Don't go into the hospital unless your personal doctor believes you should. Keep your distance. Remember, hygiene, hand washing, covering your nose and mouth with your inner elbow. 

I have for you, I believe, is one of the best and easiest to understand description of this virus. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt_SqI1RQig&fbclid=IwAR1koevtj3sZXtSHNuEBqczW1dAi2VIL9uCntFYpqtr3W2cUGur6uSi2rG0&app=desktop

Remember, 99% of those infected will have a fever. If you don't have a fever, it's not coronavirus. We still have the flu flittering around too. 

I'm praying for all of you. 
Stay Safe
Stay Healthy
Stay Strong.

#PrahConstantineBaryehReview #review #romance #writingcommunity #sixties

Happy February!Here in Buffalo, NY we are only a month away from springtime. Though, as I write this post, I can't complain about winter. So far it has been extremely mild. Cold, some snow, but all in all nothing like the 3, 4, 5, or 6 feet of snow we've had in the past. 

This month our review team chose

LET IT SHINEbyAlyssa Cole



Sofronia Wallis knows that proper Black women don’t court trouble by upending the status quo, but it’s 1961 and the Civil Rights movement is in full swing. Sofie’s spent half her life being prim, proper, and reserved—as if that could bring her mother back—but the nonviolent protests happening across the South bring out her inner agitator.

Ivan Friedman has devoted his life to boxing, loving the finesse of a well-delivered punch and the penance of receiving one. His family escaped from Europe before the horrors of WWII, and Ivan decides to help fight injustice in their new country, even if it goes against all his instincts as a fighter.

When Ivan and Sofie meet, they realize that their pasts are intertwined and—with the sparks that fly between them—perhaps their futures will be too. With everything in their society lined up against them, will Sofie and Ivan be able to beat the odds? Or will their chance at love be destroyed by the tumultuous times they live in?

Cathrina's Review:

As I read page two of LET IT SHINE, the author Alyssa Cole had hooked me. Her writing is fabulous. 

LET IT SHINE takes the reader back to the turbulent sixties, when the civil rights movement was in full gear. Needless to say, before and during and after this time in history, it will always continue to make me cringe and cry. Right after reading LET IT SHINE, I watched the movie, MISSISSIPPI BURNING which took place in 1964 when 3 civil rights activates had been killed. While the movie is loosely based on fact, either way, it left me in tears. 

LET IT SHINE, brings together a couple fighting for civil rights, it is heart-wrenching and in the end up-lifting. And, an excellent novella which I highly recommend.  

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

#IWSG @TheIWSG #WritingCommunity #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 Lee Lowery, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Jennifer Hawes, Cathrina Constantine, and Tyrean Martinson!

Writer's are neurotic. We struggle with insecurities all the time. If a writer says any different, I'd be stunned.
Writing is hard

It's unfortunate that after reading certain posts I turn into an insecure mess. For instance, Stephen King stating 'it should take a writer 3 months, a season, to complete a first draft'. Or, when I see a writer publishing a book every couple months. It amazes me. I can barely get my imagination to crank out 1 halfway decent book a year. And then I see all these newbie authors with their debut novels that hit the NYT Best Sellers Lists. I'm extremely happy for them. And, I believe they must have substantial clout to push them up that ladder. Also, I am envious. As a writer, you can deny it, but who wouldn't want that famed acclaim? 

Since I'm a pantser, this is how I begin my first draft....


In my personal, day to day life, I do not have any support in regards to my writing. However, I have gained support from my daughter who has begun who own writing career. She completed and edited her first book, which I believe is pretty awesome. She is in the process of constructing a query. I've been encouraging her, giving her my support, and I am thrilled to have someone to discuss writing techniques. She's enthusiastic, and at this point, I'm kind of a downer telling her to grow a thick skin of armor.

My ups and downs are wearing me thin. What kind of month are you having?

@TheIWSG #IWSG #WritingCommunity #Writer #Writerslife

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 T. Powell Coltrin, Victoria Marie Lees, Stephen Tremp, Renee Scattergood, and J.H. Moncrieff!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
It's Coming!!
The next #IWSGPit  will be in January 15, 2020
8:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time
Create a Twitter-length pitch for your completed and polished manuscript and leave room for genre, age, and the hashtag. On January 15, Tweet your pitch. If your pitch receives a favorite/heart from a publisher/agent check their submission guidelines and send your requested query.

If your new year's resolution is to see your book published, the IWSG is here to help! Many writers have seen their books published from a Twitter pitch - it’s a quick and easy way to put your manuscript in front of publishers and agents.Industry Pro Pitch Tips 
Preparation is key. Prepare your pitch and familiarize yourself with participating publishers and agents.If you receive “hearts” on your pitch, check out the publisher’s/agent’s submission guidelines. You have the advantage that your query is requested, but still follow the guidelines.Don’t waste time comparing your work to others.Take advantage of the characters allowed and sell your story. Go for the WOW factor.Don’t include images. Most pitch parties don’t allow it and it’s a red flag for publishers and agents.Those who can summarize their manuscripts in 1-2 lines win!L. Diane Wolfe, Dancing Lemur Press / Spunk on a Stick Blog


January 8 question - What started you on your writing journey? Was it a particular book, movie, story, or series? Was it a teacher/coach/spouse/friend/parent? Did you just "know" suddenly you wanted to write?

My first love was acting and writing plays. I was very young, under the age of 10, and the neighborhood kids gathered in the summertime to put on a performance. Those were fun days. (Do kids even do those things anymore?) The older girls actually were the directors, and my little friend and I did whatever they told us to do. I think the charge to watch the play was 5 or 10 cents. LOL. I remember the first play was The Princess and the Pea. As I got older I liked to write my own plays and act them out with friends and family. 
For some reason, I always liked to write stories, perhaps to live in another world. In my late teens and early 20's I did send out a few short stories to various magazines, but all had been rejected. 
Then I got married and kids came along, and I didn't have the time or energy to write. My family was and is everything to me. 
I was in my 40's when the urge hit me to begin writing again. It was after reading the Twilight Series that sparked my interest.  Let's just say, it took many years to learn the correct writing skills, and needless to say, I'm still learning.  That's a whole other story.

#HappyNewYear #HappyNewYear2020 #2020 #NewBeginnings

✨ HAPPY NEW YEAR ✨

#MerryChristmas #Holidays #HolyFamily #JesusIsTheReason