I did it! I survived #NaNoWriMo2015, and I conquered it! This has been a very challenging month for me.
Not only did I have the ongoing chaos of domestic family life, I was dealing with emotional and mental health difficulties as a caregiver. By that I mean that I do not have a mental health disorder, but I am close to people that do, and I take on the role as cheerleader, counsellor, and supporter for these people, because I love them, and I want them to be happy.
#NaNoWriMo 2015 Winner LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green
The World Needs My Stories: #NaNoWriMo
There was one major trauma during #NaNoWriMo for me this year, and it was the death of my beloved Nanna. I was very fortunate to have her in my life for over 33 years, and I am thankful and happy to hold such precious memories of growing up with her, and with my remaining grandparents. My Nan was my cheerleader. She was incredibly proud of my writing achievements, and she would keep our distant family members well informed of my projects and novels in progress. Therefore, I had no choice but to persevere with #NaNoWriMo this year, even as I was wracked with grief and sadness at her loss. This new novel, Hunting the Hunted, will be dedicated to my Nanna Hargreaves. It is the least I could do.
Congratulations on your successes, fellow Wrimos. Whether you hit 50k or not, you wrote something, and I am proud to call you my writing buddies. Well done folks!
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
The past week has been very challenging for me. I fought hard to catch up with #NaNoWriMo, and for a couple of days my Muse was wild and active. Then the day approached for my Nanna’s funeral.
I am very fortunate to have reached the age of 33 and still have all four of my grandparents living at home. I have given thanks for my blessed life when it comes to loving family. Now, however, the grief is hitting me very hard. My urge to write the novel has all but died, and yet I feel the urge to write something poetic and meaningful, although I do not know what.
#WitchyWednesday Coping with Grief
Write Through The Grief: #NaNoWriMo
My Nan was incredibly proud of my writing achievements. She always asked what I was working on, After her funeral, when we attended the wake, I found myself meeting with distant relatives that I hadn’t seen since I was a little girl. They all knew about my books, and they all told me about how Nan kept them informed of my activities (alongside the Facebook updates from those that see me online).
I find myself wavering between the desire to give up and call this year’s #NaNoWriMo a failure due to circumstance, and the burning need to continue with my novel, to complete the challenge, and to make my Nan proud, wherever she has moved on to now. You all know how this will turn out… see you at the finish, my Wrimo friends!
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
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This week I experienced the first expression of intended sarcasm from my daughter. She is not yet 5 years old. How is this possible? Well, she did it, and she knew exactly what she was saying.
It started when we were walking home from school one afternoon.
#WitchyWednesday Cloudy Sky and a Meadow with a Copse of Trees
“What a Beautiful Sky, Mummy!”
A few days earlier, I had been very excited about a particularly spectacular sunset that we experienced here in South Cheshire. I wasn’t the only one to appreciate its beauty: several friends shared their photos on the social networks, and our local news channels talked about it as well. My daughter even came running to tell me that the sky was all pink and pretty. Well, we were walking home and she looked at me with a huge grin on her face and said, “Ooh, what a beautiful sky!” in her mock-mummy voice. Little monkey!
Still, maybe I get a bit over-excited sometimes. I look up at the sky very often, you see. When I am washing dishes at the kitchen sink, I stare out of the window and my gaze naturally travels up towards the clouds, where my mind wanders away. Walking to and from school, we have to admire every aeroplane that flies over (and we are on the flight path for Manchester Airport), because our toddler loves flying machines. And, of course, as a pagan, I appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature, and I want to instil that in my children. And you know what? I don’t care if she thinks I’m daft! I will continue to show my excitement for the beautiful sky, the gorgeous trees, and the colours of our seasons. We live on this Earth, and we should blimmin’ well enjoy it while we are here! I’m off to watch the trees now…
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
This poem has been brewing for some time I believe, hidden deep in my subconscious. It came out quite suddenly just last-night, and here I am compelled to share it.
I welcome your response to my words…
Bleak Landscape Frozen Lake in Winter
The Beast Inside Your Head
I talk to you But you’re not there, You look beyond me Away you stare
What do you see Out there in front? Do you see me? Is there any point
Of all my tears Excuses, and noise I’m beaten, worn down, I have no voice
The beast has won Inside your head It steals you away And we are dead.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
This week has been one of emotional upheaval. I started the week feeling refreshed and happy after a busy and fun-filled weekend. Then I received some upsetting news about a loved one who had been in hospital for the past three weeks. And then I embarked upon the madness that is National Novel Writing Month (#NaNoWriMo).
Top that off with the usual domestic chaos that is my life, and you begin to see the bigger picture. It is one of any average mother, wife and writer. I have been taking time to honour the change of season as the Wheel of the Year turns and Autumn shows herself in all her beautiful, golden glory. It is essential to ground yourself during times of emotional stress, to remember that we do need to rest sometimes, and it is alright to do so.
#WitchyWednesday Family Canal Walk in Autumn Season
The Season Turns, and we say Goodbye
Well, my week has culminated in the most dramatic of all emotions: grief. I am very sad to report that my wonderful Nanna died peacefully in hospital, with her children around her. I am very lucky to have had her for all of my thirty-three years in this world. And I am still processing the feelings and emotions that come from her loss. I alternate from smiling and laughing, to crying at the most bizarre memories.
For example, earlier today I was preparing a batch of pizza dough, and as I rinsed flour and water from my fingers, I remembered those childhood days when I would do baking with my Nan in her bungalow. And then I found the photo albums… I will not go on. We all experience loss and grief at some point in our lives. I have been blessed to have avoided it until now. My Nan had a good, wholesome, fulfilling life and she was happy. That is the best memory of all. I love you, Dorothy Hargreaves, my Nanna.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
Oh yes, the time has come! We are fast approaching that marvellous month of madness and mayhem…it is time for National Novel Writing Month, 2015. And this year I am ready and raring to go.
There is one slight problem: I don’t have a clue what I am going to write! But that’s never stopped me before… and this year I have a team of writing buddies on hand to assist, which is fabulous. We are forming our own little NaNoWriMo group, just the three of us for now, although we may persuade a few more to join us as we progress.
#NaNoWriMo 2015 Participant LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green
The Month of Madness has arrived: #NaNoWriMo
Part of the joy of NaNoWriMo is the sense of community and comradeship that we find. Although I have not yet managed to attend local write-in sessions for our regional writing groups, I now have people in my home town that will participate this year, and we have a central venue in which to work together. Amazing! And then, of course, I will have all of my lovely supporters via Twitter and the NaNoWriMo forums. We are always there to console and cajole at odd hours of the day or night, such is the all-consuming madness of the month.
So, for the next couple of days, I must prepare my home and my family for the abandonment that is to come. Fortunately, my elder daughter is now in school, so she is happy to relax when she gets home in the evenings. My younger daughter attends preschool, so I do have at least two days in the week for solid writing sessions. And the rest, well, I will do what I can around the domestic responsibilities. November will be a month for ready meals (sorry kids!), a dusty house (nothing new there, then), and even less sleep than usual for me. But it is totally worth it! See you on the other side… with my brand new manuscript!
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
Phew! I was totally unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster that is my elder daughter’s first full week at school, and my younger daughter’s first week at preschool.
We started the term full of excitement, happiness, and a little anxiety. As this week has worn on, I have turned into what can only be described as an emotional wreck! I have swung from happy and free, to grumpy and stressed, and now I am quite simply exhausted. And I know I am not alone here. All around me are parents in exactly the same position, both mums and dads (and even grandparents and carers I presume).
#MummyMonday SpookyMrsGreen with her Children
A Big Hug to all Parents with School Children
Why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we sail along in the blissfully ignorant belief that our child will be different, and that our experience will be better than what our parents described, or our peers? I think we are just stubborn. And I also believe that we put too many expectations upon ourselves. For example, I had planned to miraculously start cleaning our house, clearing out all our old toys and craft bits, and still find time to do my professional work. How the heck did I even think to accomplish such a task, when I’ve spent most of the week alternately crying, laughing hysterically, and worrying about my children? Aagghhh!!!
And, relax. Take a deep breath. Ready everyone? Breathe in… 1, 2, 3, 4, 5… Breathe out… 1, 2, 3, 4, 5… Our darlings are safe and supported. We are safe and supported. Everything works out as it is supposed to. We are free to be ourselves. We are allowed to care for ourselves. And in the spirit of self care, I am away now to cuddle my new amethyst crystal lamp, breathe in my incense, and rest. See you later, and big hugs for everyone!
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
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The day has arrived. Today, my eldest daughter, Elliot, begins her new adventure at Big School.
I wanted to write something poignant, so here is a little poem, written from one proud Mummy to her baby:
#MummyMonday at SpookyMrsGreen.com
A Poem for my Daughter, on Your First Day at School
Treasure your baby, they told me, for time will fly as she grows. Remember her joyful smiles Tiny fingers and wiggling toes. Yes, I know, I told them, I know they grow up so fast And I have treasured and cherished our time together We played, we learned, we laughed.
—
Now you begin a new journey And I will be there at your side, I will take you to school every morning And bring you home every night, Your friends will be with you To share learning and laughter, I will always treasure our precious time My sweetheart, my Elliot, my daughter.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
I am so happy! My Muse has returned, and I have reached my target and won #CampNaNoWriMo for the first time. I attempted it in previous years and was unsuccessful, so this feels like a real achievement.
#CampNaNoWriMo differs from #NaNoWriMo because you choose the word count, and everything is more relaxed. I decided to aim for 25,000 words on my new novel, and I got there in 23 days, hooray!
And now I will continue writing, because the words are flowing again. Here is a synopsis of my new novel, Hunting the Hunted:
#CampNaNoWriMo 2015 Winner LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green
I’m a #CampNaNoWriMo Winner!
Frederick James Mitchell is a very old, very bored, vampire. He haunts the hidden tunnels beneath the city of Manchester, and hides out in his luxury penthouse apartment when he is playing human. One day he discovers a vampire hunter watching him. He lures her underground to fight, but his control is lost when she brings backup in the form of battle hardened twins William and Samantha. By a curious twist of fate, Frederick is saved by the intervention of an enchanting young female vampire. His lust for life awakened, he sets about seeking revenge from his attackers, taking pleasure wherever and whenever he chooses.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
You may recall that I am currently in the process of revisiting old spiritual practices that I had fallen behind with due to various domestic distractions. I have been learning about, and practicing, Law of Attraction, for almost ten years now.
My journey began in a pretty Cornish tourist town called Looe (later to become the fictional home of my Redcliffe novels series). I found myself at a loose end one morning, wandering around the town alone. And I saw a pretty little angel shop, full of crystals, statues, butterflies and fairies, among other things. I bought some crystals, which began another adventure that I am still exploring, and I bought a book called You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay.
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
Manifesting my Desires
That book quite literally changed my life. I had believed people when they said that before. I mean, I love reading, but how can a book change your life? Well, evidently it can, and this one did. As I read the words, I began to feel a light dawning. The world suddenly began to make sense to me. Louise Hay’s words were very practical, very simple, and totally true. I returned home from that trip feeling invigorated and ready to take action to fix the ills of my life.
It was a slow process, because I had a lot to learn, and I still do. I find that working with the Law of Attraction can be quite tricky, because very often it goes against everything that I have been raised to believe and follow. It requires me to trust my instincts, to believe what my soul tells me, and that is sometimes challenging when I live in the ‘real world.’
Learning about Law of Attraction
After I read that first book, I was hooked. I went out and bought or borrowed as many more of these types of books as I could get my hands on. I found Sonia Choquette, Esther and Jerry Hicks with their Teachings of Abraham series, and a whole lot of other authors and teachers. I became addicted to Hay House Radio, and I started writing and speaking daily affirmations. I also made an effort to resume writing in my journal, although I didn’t update it every day. There was so much to explore.
I am still exploring now. And more recently, during the past eighteen months, I found a new teacher and inspirational person. I joined Google+ in an effort to build on my author platform, and found my way to the Hangout with Michael show. Michael Losier tells it like it is. He lives, breathes and teaches Law of Attraction, and he resonates with me very deeply. So, I am stepping out once again on my journey, continuing the quest, manifesting all of the happy things that I like to feel in my life. We can all do it, you know. Just allow!
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
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