I couldn’t let Christmas pass by without sharing some photos of my crafty projects this season. Now all the cards have been handed out, I can freely display them.
It was a joint endeavor between me and my little girl (aged almost 2), isn’t she a very talented artist?
Handcrafted Christmas cards by Catherine Green
Christmas Craft Projects
These are some cards I made when Elliot got bored (she helped with the Christmas trees):
Handcrafted Christmas cards by Catherine Green
And, finally, I will dare to show a gift I made for someone close to me (I hope she doesn’t see this before Christmas Day!)
Handcrafted Green Bead Necklace and Bracelet
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It is over! It is finally over! The amazing saga that is Twilight has aired its final movie, and the world of vampire and werewolf lovers will be in mourning. Well, those of us who enjoyed the books and films.
I have to admit; I did not read the novels. I tried to read the first one, but I found it boring and gave up. Perhaps I should give it another go.
Love Kills A Redcliffe Novel by paranormal author Catherine Green
Farewell Twilight: Hello Redcliffe!
I really did enjoy the films. I especially enjoyed Breaking Dawn, because I could feel and see the love that was poured into this project by its creators. It wasn’t simply about the money. That is an easy target for people who are jealous of Stephanie Mayer’s immense success. I admire her. She wrote a story from the heart, she managed to get it seen by the right people in the industry, and now her creation will live on forever.
After all, that is what we all strive for as authors, don’t we? I know I do. Which is why I am now introducing, for those who have not yet discovered them, my Redcliffe novels. I draw a parallel with the Twilight saga in that my books tell the story of a witch who falls in love with a vampire and a werewolf. The Redcliffe novels are strictly adult, however, and not for the faint hearted. The first in the series is Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel), the sequel is Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) and the third book Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) is estimated for release in 2013.
LGBT fantasy in Cornwall, England
Set in Cornwall, England, the Redcliffe novels follow the adventures of bookshop owner Jessica Stone as she unwittingly falls in love with a vampire, becomes entangled with his identical twin brother’s werewolf pack, and then discovers she is a witch.
In the newly released sequel Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) Jessica Stone recovers from an horrific werewolf attack and comes to terms with revelations that her lover, Jack Mason, is a vampire, his brother, Danny, the werewolf pack leader, and her best friend, Simon, is a werewolf. Add to that her discovery that she is a witch, and life is suddenly a whole lot harder than it used to be. Jessica has to fight for her own life and Jack’s when faced with his jealous vampire master who wants her old lover back. But things are never easy, and a vampire master is not so easy to defeat…
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
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Wow, I have just suffered for two very long weeks without broadband access at home, and it has practically killed me! I am not even exaggerating.
Perhaps I am seriously (and rather unhealthily) addicted to social networking, but I need the internet to promote my novels for sale. I’m sure my fellow Indie authors will understand.
Vampire writer Catherine Green working on her laptop
I’m Back Online, Phew!
It all happened the day after I submitted my NaNoWriMo novel to the website for validation. I am so glad I finished it 4 days early! Otherwise I would have failed in the challenge through no fault of my own. It took a whole week for our network provider, TalkTalk, to inform me we had had a server fault in our local area. This came after several phone calls from me to their customer service teams.
When the server was repaired and we still had no internet, the call centre advisor asked me to unscrew our telephone point and plug the land-line phone directly into the test socket. She then diagnosed a line fault, for which we would need a visit from a BT engineer. When after two more days of waiting I received a text message asking me to phone TalkTalk and make an appointment, I was getting a little more stressed.
Imagine my anger when the unhelpful advisor on the phone told me there were no notes on my account and could I phone back later to make the appointment! I went crazy. I made a formal complaint. I demanded to speak to a manager (who still has not phoned me back after 48 hours), and I told them I would find another service provider.
Complain on social media
In the meantime I had received messages from TalkTalk via Twitter when they saw my very agitated tweets to the world. They sent me a replacement router, which at first seemed unsuccessful. That was 2 days ago. Today my husband and father-in-law had a look at the connections and voila, now we are back online! No need for a telephone engineer, we can do it ourselves thank you very much TalkTalk!
So, tonight I am networking with a vengeance! It is great to be back online, and I will read and respond to a backlog of blogs and newspaper articles in due course. Hello my friends, I have missed you!
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author 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.
I did it! I won NaNoWriMo 2012 and I feel epic (to quote a rather annoying British television commercial!)
My final word count came in at a very healthy 50,055, which means that by the time I finish editing the manuscript, I will have a decent sized novel to pitch. Wonderful!
I am also totally in love with the story, which is always a bonus.
#NaNoWriMo 2012 Winner LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green
I’m a #NaNoWriMo Winner
The month has been a long one, and it isn’t even over. NaNoWriMo 2012 was definitely harder than NaNoWriMo 2011. Perhaps this was because in 2011 I was writing the sequel to my debut novel and it was all clearly mapped out in my mind. Perhaps it was the fact that I then had a child under the age of 1, who was easily satisfied with a nap and some sensory toys. Whatever, this year was a tough one.
But I did it, and in just 25 days! I know there are many hundreds (and probably thousands) of other NaNoWriMo winners around the world, some who finished ahead of me, and to those I say hearty congratulations. To my fellow Wrimos who are still slogging at the final hurdles, do not give up. You will do this, and we will meet at the finish line!
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author 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.
Well, this year’s NaNoWriMo challenge has proved especially tough, and it is only my second attempt at the contest!
It was easier to write last year partly because I was writing the sequel to my debut novel and the story was already planned, and partly because my daughter was under 1 and therefore easier to entertain.
#NaNoWriMo 2012 Participant LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green
#NaNoWriMo: It’s in the Bag!
This month, in NaNoWriMo 2012, my novel has literally been a surprise to me. My title is The Vampire of Blackpool. It probably won’t stick, but it was all I could come up with in time for the challenge. My story has literally developed every time I sit down to write. I have no prior understanding of my characters or the plot. All I knew in the beginning was that I had a female vampire living in solitude on the outskirts of Blackpool. She was a traditional vampire, feeding and killing humans with no sense of remorse. It was supposed to be a horror story.
It hasn’t quite turned out that way, but I am still happy with the developments. My vampire, Meredith Hanson, has been on a killing spree. A vampire hunter is also chasing her and they have so far battled to near-death and then engaged in conversation, albeit brief. She feels something for him, but she is confused. Meredith has also become intimately acquainted with a young nurse who just happens to be a witch, and this sub-plot has taken me by surprise during the last couple of days.
Hello, old friend!
The icing on the cake for NaNoWriMo 2012 has been the arrival in my story of a familiar face from the Redcliffe novels. Detective Jack Mason has arrived on the scene! He has travelled up from Cornwall to Lancashire, and it seems that he and Meredith have a history. We might learn a little about it soon enough, but I am not sure. I will give Meredith free reign to tell her story. My muse has suddenly woken up and seems very eager to share. Wonderful!
So, as it stands, I am now at 38,493 words. I have to write another 11,507 words in just 8 days. The estimate is to write 1,439 words per day, according to my stats on the NaNoWriMo website. This means I will finish my novel on 29th November. Perfect! And, a little early but I’m feeling generous, Merry Christmas!
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author 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.
My weekend did not turn out to be quite so productive as I anticipated. My dreams of sitting in an ancient library, tapping away at my laptop, never transpired. I was kept away from NaNoWriMo, busy with the family; sightseeing, exploring, and enjoying fresh air and good food.
I had a thoroughly relaxing break. But I only managed to write another 1000 words.
#NaNoWriMo 2012 Participant LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green
#NaNoWriMo: Beginning to Panic
Returning home yesterday, the panic began to bite. The finish line looms for NaNoWriMo 2012. I had only written 26,430 words. It would be a disaster. Last night I was too exhausted to even look at the computer, and so I opted to go to bed early. This morning I was distracted with mother-daughter activities, which continued into the afternoon.
Tonight I finally sat down at my computer and began to write. I had to do it for NaNoWriMo. I will not be beaten! I wrote another 2000+ words and got my word count up to 28,828. Then I consulted the NaNoWriMo tools on my author dashboard on their website. It was not looking good. I needed to do at least another 2000 words to be in with a fighting chance.
Now I am up to 30,162. Phew! I am back in the game, although it is still very touch and go. My current estimated finishing date is Dec 4th. Not good enough. I will finish on Nov 30th if it kills me! By my calculations, I have to write roughly 2000 words per day to bring it back under control. I have to write 30,000 words in the next 10 days. Watch this space…
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author 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.
As I write this post I am feeling very happy. After a somewhat stilted and disjointed start to the month I managed to get my ass into gear and am now officially half way through my NaNoWriMo project. Hooray!
Who knew I could magically find the time to write 25,011 words in just 14 days, complete with a demanding toddler in tow? Apparently I could, I did, and I am on track to succeed!
#NaNoWriMo 2012 Participant LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green
NaNoWriMo: Half Way There
The novel is shaping up nicely, although my inner editor is already screaming that it is not good enough, we need to re-read what we have written, and we need to tear it to pieces and rebuild. Nope, not during November! This month is all about the writing. I am in my stride. I sit at the computer, stare at the screen, place my fingers on the keys and allow my Muse to take control. The demon editor can wait until after NaNoWriMo. I will not return to the manuscript until some time in December, once I have come down from the elation of succeeding at my second year of the challenge.
Oh yes, I will succeed! I am actually away this weekend for a short family holiday. Fortunately I can use it to my advantage. My very understanding husband and parents in-law have agreed that I may take my laptop and shut myself away in the library at the farm in which we are staying. I can indulge in some pure, uninterrupted writing time in a setting that promises to be both romantic, isolated and inspiring.
Emerge from my writer’s cave
I will emerge from my writer’s cave at some point during the weekend. I do intend to be sociable, to enjoy some long walks in the Yorkshire countryside with my family, and to enjoy a hearty meal or two. But always at the back of my mind will lurk the manuscript, the NaNoWriMo challenge, and my desperate need to succeed in the competition once again. It is a wonderful tool for motivation!
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author 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.
We are just into day 7 of NaNoWriMo and the month is already crazy busy! I was set back on the first day by a last-minute excursion to a local theme park. We had free tickets, they had a special Halloween theme, I couldn’t say no!
Anyway, I got back on track with my NaNoWriMo project by hitting the keys for two days of furious writing. My novel is still very vague, and this is the first time I have sat down with absolutely no idea of what I am writing. It is quite exhilarating really, when I transform a blank page into a work of prose.
#NaNoWriMo 2012 Participant LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green
NaNoWriMo Update and Crazy November
Well, after that mad dash to get started, I was hit by a sickness bug which wiped me out for 2 days. I was so not impressed! Actually I really needed some rest, so I took the opportunity and tried not to let the little NaNoWriMo demon shout too loud. Today I got back on track, wrote another 4000 words, and am almost up to speed. According to the official website stats I will now finish my NaNoWriMo project on Dec 5th. That is not good enough. I must do better. I will do better tomorrow, after I have slept!
So, away from the crazy month of writing, there are several other things demanding my attention in November. I have already done a live author interview on a local internet radio station, 6 Towns Radio. I have scheduled a live interview with a community internet radio station, KTPF, later in November. This has yet to be confirmed but I am already looking forward to it. And all of a sudden I have several author interviews to prepare for various websites. I hadn’t even consciously planned them, they just sort of happened. Don’t you just love events like that? It’s all excellent fodder for the pre-Christmas sales promotion.
Ho Ho Ho!
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author 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.
It is finally here! NaNoWriMo, that magical month of writing abandon that has haunted and taunted me, always lingering somewhere in the back of my conscious mind, always whispering that it would be here soon and I had better get my affairs in order.
Well, November is here, and I missed the first day. Oh dear!
#NaNoWriMo 2012 Participant LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green
NaNoWriMo 2012: Here We Go!
It wasn’t my fault, honest. My best friend procured free tickets to a local theme park, and the season closes this weekend. They had a special Halloween entertainment package, and I hadn’t experienced it since I worked there several years ago. We had to participate. So, I allowed myself one more day off, and today I intend to get stuck in. I will write double the daily quota of words for NaNoWriMo. I will. I definitely will…
So, I have sat down in front of the computer with my daughter safely in bed where she will (hopefully) sleep for another hour. The dog is curled up on the sofa and won’t demand his walk until later in the day. I am distraction-free. The moment has come. I stare at a blank page. The unwritten words taunt me. They whisper to me, but I can’t hear them. Where do I begin? How do I start? I am about to write yet another masterpiece, but I cannot form even the first sentence. This is not looking good.
I will not be defeated
I will not give up. I will not be defeated. I succeeded in NaNoWriMo 2011, and I will damn sure do the same with NaNoWriMo 2012. At least I have a story. Now all I need to do is call on my Muse, tempt her out of hiding, and let my fingers do the talking… See you on the other side folks!
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author 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 have had a crazy weekend! Just a short post this evening since I am ready for bed and need my sleep before the start of another busy week.
I have just returned from a mind, body and spirit event in Cheshire, where I sold copies of my Redcliffe novels and offered Tarot and Oracle card readings.
The Redcliffe Novels series by paranormal author Catherine Green
Crazy Energy, Fun Times: Halloween and Samhain
What I love about these events is the sense of community. Throughout the past year I have gotten to know a whole new ‘family’ of people that work within the holistic field. I was especially looking forward to this weekend because it was a return visit to a lovely venue, and I really needed to be with ‘my people.’ By this I mean I could speak freely about my energy work, and we could exchange stories about our experiences and lessons during the last few months.
Time to wind down
As we approach the popular festival of Halloween, or Samhain as I prefer to call it, I feel it is a time to wind down. Traditionally this is the time of year when we honour our ancestors by holding memorials to those who have passed. In fact, I have just realised that our national Remembrance Day in the UK is on 11th November. I know the reason for this was the time and date of when the official documents were signed that ended the Great War, but I find it curious that it was this time of year which heralded such a dramatic close…
But I digress. Anyway, I am preparing to honour my ancestors with meditation and ceremony in a quiet space at home. During this weekend I feel I have honoured my friends in the spiritual field by spending time with them and engaging in conversation and general socializing. During the next few weeks I will see various friends and family members for similar activities, and I feel very thankful to have such wonderful people in my life.
Lots of crazy energy
I mentioned crazy energy in my blog title. There is a lot of crazy energy around at the moment, mainly due to the 2012 shift. Today I was able to offer a very powerful healing meditation to a new friend (who perhaps was not so new if you believe in past lives!). Together with my sister and spiritual brother we performed a sound healing exercise which was wonderful and left me filled with a sense of complete fulfillment about my current position and situation in life.
Now, I must take my leave and toddle off to bed, as we say in my part of the world! Sleep well my friends, and remember to honour your own ancestors during the next few days…
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author 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.
