It has been a hectic couple of weeks. I have, unfortunately, neglected my writing slightly in favour of giving my house a good clean and preparing for my daughter’s first birthday party. But, it was worth it, because all our invited guests arrived on time (while the birthday girl was still asleep bless her), and we had a lovely party.
I had a wonderful surprise in the form of a beautiful birthday cake made specially for myself and my daughter, to celebrate her 1st birthday, and my 30th, which fell within two days of each other. My in-laws arranged it, and brought it round for the party. I was very touched and almost cried, but I held it together! Here is a picture, and this is my favourite wild animal:
#MummyMonday Sharing a Birthday Party with my Daughter
Crazy Birthday Weekend!
Although I was exhausted from arranging everything, my friends and family were a huge help, for which I thank them greatly. I was also touched when my friends asked about my books and my current projects. They are genuinely interested, and are following my progress with lots of love and support, which is fantastic.
One friend in particular gave me a wonderful compliment, even though he probably doesn’t realise it. He said that when he read my novel Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel). it isn’t just a normal romance story. He told me that to him it has more activity, and more sub plots which kept his interest.
What really made me happy was when he told me he likened my book to the Hollywood film Avatar. He said that Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel), like Avatar, has a love story within it, but that isn’t the central theme and therefore it appeals to a greater audience. Now you, my writer friends, will understand exactly how ecstatic I am to hear that!
“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.
This morning I felt a mild sense of panic when I realised that once I finish editing Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) and send it off to the publisher, I will then need to start writing the third Redcliffe book.
At the time it was only a vague idea in my head, sort of following on from the latest instalment that I just wrote. Determined not to be perturbed, I put the panic out of my mind and sent out a silent plea to my muse.
Love Kills A Redcliffe Novel by paranormal author Catherine Green
The Redcliffe Novels Trilogy Inspiration
After lunch I finally dragged myself away from the computer and decided to take myself, the baby and the dog out for our daily walk. The weather was beautiful. It was sunny and fairly mild for a January day in England. We strolled along by the canal, my daughter chattering away happily in her pushchair, the dog running off ahead exploring the undergrowth.
My mind wandered as I stared out at the water, and I admired the way the sunshine reflected in warm colours of orange, yellow, and even hints of blue on the gently rippling surface. There were no boats moored up in their usual spots, which surprised me, but then I remembered, it is winter. We continued on our walk, following the gentle sweep of the recently resurfaced towpath, and we didn’t encounter anybody else on our way.
Mentally writing the next book
And then it hit me. I was mentally organizing my current edit ofLove Kills (A Redcliffe Novel), and then I started to think about what would happen next to Jessica Stone and Jack and Danny Mason. The story suddenly panned out in my head, clear and exciting and ready to be written. Hallelujah! My muse has spoken, and my prayers have been answered. As soon as Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) has been dispatched, I will get started on the next book, as yet untitled.
But that wasn’t all. I was in luck today, and it must have been the sunshine drawing out my inspiration. Not only did I mentally prepare the third Redcliffe book, but an idea for the fourth one started to grow as well. And it sounds good! And then, to top it off, I came up with a plot for a completely separate novel featuring a character that appeared in another novel. She is a powerful and ancient vampire, and I now have a clear idea of where she came from, and how her story should be told.
A successful, productive walk
All in all, it was a very successful walk. I feel refreshed and invigorated to continue my work, the dog is happy after running round like a puppy and playing with sticks. And my daughter had some fresh air and a little stimulation as she saw the ducks, the water, and the beautiful countryside in which we live. Clearly I was brought to live in Middlewich by some sort of divine intervention!
If you haven’t yet read Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel), get it now for Kindle on special offer until the end of January!
Love Hurts A Redcliffe Novel 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.
Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!
It is that time of year, as people say. We have celebrated Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Now we are slowly falling back into the routine of work and the daily grind.
My husband has been very miserable these last few days, leaving me in bed feeding our baby, while he battles the elements to spend his days monitoring household waste sites in Greater Manchester. It is dark when he leaves for work, and dark when he gets home. I remember those days.
#WitchyWednesday Cloudy Sky over Rocks in the Sea
January, the New Year and Plans for 2012
Now, my work involves staying at home, watching the baby, playing with her to aid her development, walking the dog, cleaning the house. Oh, and a bit of writing, networking and blogging if I can fit it in. I must admit I’m already starting to feel a bit claustrophobic. While I want to use this ‘downtime’ to get on with some serious work, and get more stories out there in books and novels, I also feel the need to do fun things, like go out for daytrips with friends. But we must work, if we want to get anywhere in life. And I’m aiming for the international bestseller lists.
My New Year plan is something like this: finish editing two manuscripts (one of which I have just completed, hooray!). Ensure my blog sites are updated regularly, at least once a week but preferably more. Find more book review sites who will host me as guest author for an interview or a book review. Promote and market my work wherever and whenever I can. Write my third Redcliffe novel. Keep applying for an agent or publisher who will give me a contract and advance so I can actually afford to keep doing the writing thing.
Another busy year
Bearing that in mind, 2012 looks to be another very busy year. I know my goals are achievable. The Law of Attraction is on my side. It has been working well for me during the last two years, and the results are only getting more visible and powerful. So I keep at it. As long as I apply myself and don’t become lazy (as I did during the holidays), I will hit those targets. As can we all, whatever it is we are striving for. Now is the time to strike, to achieve that dream of yours. You are capable, you are powerful, and you will succeed.
“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.
I have just finished writing an intense cliff-hanger of an ending to my second Redcliffe novel Love Kills (The Redcliffe Novels). It was amazing!
Having finished editing a separate manuscript, I was thinking about what needed to be done on my current WIP. I had written the first draft of Love Kills (The Redcliffe Novels), but was unhappy with the way I had finished it. There had to be more.
Love Kills A Redcliffe Novel by paranormal author Catherine Green
The Thrill of being a Writer
Well it seems that my muse agreed, and all day today, while doing my menial household chores, the story has unfolded in my head. As soon as my daughter was in bed, I had to get on the computer. Two and a half hours later, and the result is one finished first draft manuscript, and one very excited author! I do love this job.
The crazy thing is, I am actually physically shaking from the exertion of writing that particular part of my novel. The adrenaline is pumping through me, and I’m on a high. Who needs drugs? Just write! I could happily write all night now, but I know that I need a break, and my muse needs to rest.
No wine to celebrate with
The only downside is I don’t have any wine in the house to celebrate with. Never mind. Once my book is published and people are enjoying it, my current task will be complete. And by that time I will be on book 3, which promises to be even more exciting and intense.
Have you written anything that left you physically exhausted? Or have you read anything that gave you the same effect? Please share in the comments.
“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.
Do you prefer to read on Kindle, read a book on your phone, or read a good, old-fashioned paperback book?
Join the conversation as I talk about my love of books and discuss whether I prefer to read on my Kindle device or read a paperback book, or even if it matters how we read, just as long we are reading books.
Love Hurts A Redcliffe Novel by paranormal author Catherine Green
For the Love of Books
I have finally embraced the digital revolution, and have acquired a Kindle. I love it. I was resistant at first, because I am of the old school generation where we believe there is nothing better than curling up with a good book. I realise now that it doesn’t have to be one or the other. I can enjoy both, and each has their own merits and advantages.
The Kindle, for example, is like a portable library. I had great fun one evening browsing the top 100 free bestsellers (I’m a penniless writer, there you go!). Anyway, my husband was greatly amused as I sat giggling away to myself, and proceeded to download somewhere in the region of 50 eBooks. Add to that a couple of PDFs that I had acquired, and my reading list is now looking extremely busy.
My Kindle is perfect for reading one-handed, for example while I am propping my daughter up as she learns to walk. Or I can stand in the kitchen with it while I am cooking dinner. And I have a very handy reading light so I don’t disturb my husband while I’m sitting up in bed at night. Oh, and I can comfortably recline in bed with the Kindle, something I struggled to do with my books before.
My books on Kindle
I was also very excited when I searched for my novel Love Hurts (The Redcliffe Novels) on the Kindle and found it second in the list of books with that name. It means my sales are doing well and I’m getting some exposure. Thank you my adoring fans! And for those who haven’t yet read it, why not? It is even on special offer now until 5th January, so snap up a bargain while you can.
Do not despair my precious books! I still love you just as much. There is nothing quite like picking up a nice shiny new paperback, opening it for the first time, and inhaling that special smell of excitement and adventure. Every book is different. I love smoothing my fingers over the covers, and feeling the texture and shape. I love seeing the crisp, white pages of print just waiting to be explored. And I love walking past my bookshelves, and glancing at rows of beautiful, delightful, tomes of imagination.
A useful, portable, book reading device
So I have deduced that the Kindle, or indeed any other eReader tablet, is a great gadget for an easy to handle, quick to access book, and also a means of storing various books, magazines and newspapers. This is perfect for a frequent traveller, and saves lots of bag space for a young family with a modest car. But the good old-fashioned paperback, or hardback book, is a sacred and beloved text. It is to be treasured, revered, and will never be cast aside or forgotten, at least not in my world.
“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.
Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!
I am a huge believer in the Law of Attraction (LOA). This is the belief that whatever you think about and focus on in your life, becomes your reality.
For example, I always wanted to be an author, ever since I was a child. As I grew up I was convinced that I wasn’t clever enough or that people wouldn’t want to read my stories. A chance conversation one day prompted me to finally write something down, and now, eighteen months later, I have one published novel and two more in the editing stages.
“Life is an adventure, and the Universe is always on my side.” – Louise Hay.
Try A New Perspective for 2012
I truly believe that my writing career has progressed so suddenly because I finally believed in myself, put in some effort to reaching my goals, and concentrated on it. The more I focus on it, the better it gets. This happens in all areas of my life, from simple everyday occurrences, to more powerful life-changing ones. And it could be a reality for you, too, if you allow it.
Think about it. Every day in the media we see negative stories. We hear about death and destruction, natural disasters and the global economic crisis. The more stories we hear, the more negativity seems to grow. Yet we can all think of at least one person in our social peer group who is always happy and content, and who doesn’t seem to have any major problems. That is because they attract positive reactions through their actions and thoughts.
Learn from other people
Another way of looking at this theory is to see how spiritual people live their lives. Traditional fortune tellers use crystal balls, but they don’t ‘magically’ see answers to your questions. They use the ball as a focus, a means of calming the mind, ignoring the everyday mundane issues, and looking for the answers requested. Anyone can do it. You just have to believe, and put in a little effort.
If you would like a more scientific approach to what is basically the same theory, just search “Law of Attraction” on YouTube or your preferred media channel. I was very impressed with the concept because it resonates on a spiritual and practical level. It makes perfect sense. Let us move into 2012 and beyond with an informed, independent and forward thinking attitude.
“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.
Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!
It has been a very merry Christmas in the Green household this year. We celebrated my daughter’s first Christmas, and she was thoroughly spoiled by the whole family.
In fact, we had to open her presents in three different houses! I do love having a large and close-knit family. We may not live so close to each other any more, but we certainly make the most of the holidays.
#RedcliffeNovels LGBT Fantasy Book Series for Adults
Happy New Kindle!
Anyway, my wish was for some money to buy a Kindle this year. I told my family that it was a necessary part of my writer’s kit. I need a Kindle in order to keep on top of all the fantastic Indie authors and new books that are available. And I need to read as many books as I can within my genre, for research purposes. Strangely, they didn’t believe me, but they did fulfil my wish.
Now I am the proud owner of a shiny new Kindle 3G, and have already downloaded about 50 free books from its top 100 bestsellers. I am also adding many more to my wish list and will process these over the coming months. My reading pile has now exploded. Not only do I have about twenty old-fashioned paperbacks still waiting to be read, I also have a growing selection on my Kindle. When will I ever find time to actually write my books?
The weather outside is frightful
Today I am fortunate in that the weather outside is frightful (to quote a famous seasonal song), so I have no choice but to stay indoors. We don’t have snow here in South Cheshire. Oh no, that was last year. Today we have gale force winds and heavy rain showers. The poor dog will have to do without a walk, mainly because he won’t actually go outside in the rain. He is a fair-weather pooch!
So if I seem distant during the coming months, please forgive me. I am either reading, or writing, or eBook shopping! Happy New Year! And look out for my Redcliffe sequel in 2012…
PS – I just have to tell you that my debut novel Love Hurts (The Redcliffe Novels) is on a special offer price on Kindle until 10th January 2012. Get it now while it’s still hot!
“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.
I’m not a keen political observer, or even very knowledgeable on the activities of our UK political parties, but I was listening to the daily breakfast phone-in show on BBC Radio 5 Live today, and it was very interesting.
The subject was a recent announcement by the Conservative party, where they propose to introduce tax breaks for married couples, in a bid to try and entice people back into the marriage institution. Naturally this sparked a very lively debate from people with all sorts of ideas and opinions.
UK Political Parties to Vote For
Married or Single Parent?
One was from a single mother who strongly opposes the move, since she claims that single parents do not receive sufficient financial help from the government, and are in the majority of poor and poverty stricken families. Another came from a devout Christian man who believes that we should reinforce the sanctity of marriage, and that women should be encouraged to remain at home raising the children, while their husbands earn a wage.
Naturally this brought on a whole onslaught of opposition from women claiming that the men were once again trying to oppress us, and that we should not return to a 1950s ideal of the nuclear family. They said that society has grown and moved on so much since that time, that it simply couldn’t work. And then what about same sex married couples, or indeed heterosexual couples where the mother works full time and the father stays home with the children? All very valid questions, I agree.
Is Marriage Worth It?
I too have grappled with the idea of marriage. My parents divorced when I was seventeen, after a lengthy and painful separation involving court cases, the CSA and various other legal officials. Needless to say, it damaged me, and my younger brother and sister. I vowed that I would never marry because I didn’t see the point. It was too painful when you inevitably split up, and I could never put my children through the same trauma. Then I met a man, fell in love, and now we are married with a baby and I am happy.
I changed my mind about the idea of marriage at some point in my early twenties. My husband and I got engaged while we were at university, as a way to remain strong during our separation at different institutions. But neither one of us at that time really appreciated the true meaning of getting married. We just planned to drift along for a while and see where we ended up. Gradually however, my biological clock started ticking, and I realised that marriage was important to me, because I wanted to be married when we had our children.
The interesting observation I have made is that many of our close friends are also married, and happily so. They, along with me and my husband, all spent several years in monogamous relationships before tying the knot. It seems that we were all cautious about making such a commitment, but eventually we all agreed that it is important. I can’t explain why, but marriage is no longer simply a piece of paper to me. It used to be just that, but somewhere along the way, I matured, and I realised that I’m not a weak, helpless female after all, simply because I love my husband and want to be with him.
Did I aspire to be a Housewife?
Then comes the issue of being a housewife. Again, this was something that I never aspired to. I wanted an exciting life, living in a big city and working at a high-powered important job. I blithely went off to university without a care in the world, and during my education I was convinced that once I graduated, I would quickly find the perfect career job, because that’s what all my college tutors and careers advisors told me.
Oh how wrong they were. And how naïve was I. Since that time I have never even come close to earning the kind of salary a graduate is supposed to receive. I went from working in entry level office administration jobs, to a part time shop assistant role, and finally I went on maternity leave and have now handed in my notice. I will still work, but this time I am an author and a writer, working from home, with no fixed or reliable income.
I gave up Financial Independence
And therein lies a huge issue. I have given up my financial independence, and my car because we couldn’t afford to keep it. I am now a housewife. But actually, I don’t feel trapped, or inferior, or oppressed. I feel liberated, because I realise that the corporate world isn’t right for me, and I could never move in the sort of circles that I was taught to aspire to while at school and college. That kind of life is not mine. I am a creative, imaginative, quiet person, and express myself through my words. That is, after I have cared for the baby, cleaned the house, and supported my husband in his various income-earning activities.
That is the price of 21st century Western living. It isn’t all bad. We just need to take a step back, relax a little, and stop finding fault and negativity in everything our government attempts to do. I believe that they really are trying to help people, but sometimes they are misunderstood, or indeed not listened to properly. And if I could be eligible for one of these tax breaks, it would be very welcome.
“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 I did it! I entered NaNoWriMo for the very first time, and I succeeded, and I won. Tonight at midnight I validated my novel with 50,168 words.
The best thing is, I haven’t even finished yet but I am so close to the end I can taste it, and it is sweet!
I’m a #NaNoWriMo 2011 Winner! LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green
I’m a #NaNoWriMo 2011 Winner
It has been a long, hard month. My poor baby daughter has become very well-acquainted with her toys and the popular British children’s TV channel CBeebies. I haven’t cleaned the bathroom in a long time, but I did vacuum the house vaguely, and I have dusted in the last two weeks, I think.
My laptop and home computer have been used and abused, and my husband barely knows who I am. I have stayed up late practically every evening, and got up early in the mornings, and neglected any number of household chores and jobs on my to-do list. But it doesn’t matter, because I won something! I didn’t win a specific item such as a cash prize or a gift.
I printed a beautiful certificate with my name on, and I now have an almost-complete first draft novel which will be edited during the next two months, and then despatched to various agents and publishers for approval. It will be published next year, though the time depends upon the final publisher.
Congratulations fellow NaNoWriMo winners, and to everyone who participated in the challenge. It was fun, and inspiring, and motivating, and totally worth it.
“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.
I have just read a heart-warming post from the co-owner of Bridge House publishing, who very kindly accepted and published my first vampire short storyThe Teen Game in their anthology Devils, Demons and Werewolves.
Read my blog post to see the link and join a supportive and positive indie writer community for independent book writers and small publishers. We are just as valid and just as worthy of having our hard work recognised and appreciated as those big name famous authors from the big publishers.
Devils Demons and Werewolves Short Story Anthology featuring vampire writer Catherine Hargreaves aka LGBT Fantasy Book Writer Catherine Green
Bridge House publishing
Debz talks about the passion of the indie writer, and she is correct. We write because we have to. We would love to receive generous financial rewards for our efforts, but to see our work in print, in a beautiful, collectible book, is a delight and a pleasure that you cannot understand unless you, too are a writer.
Read it for yourself and see what you think: Going indie.
“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.
