Adjusting to life with vampires and werewolves, Jessica Stone is learning about being a witch. Love is painful. Life is difficult. It is never boring.
The third book in the Redcliffe series is available now via my website where you can get it in paperback and all eBook formats. Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) concludes the trilogy of how we met our heroine Jessica Stone and how falling in love with a vampire changed her life forever.
Here is an excerpt from the new novel, where the newly awakened witch struggles with her increasingly complicated supernatural relationships:
LGBT fantasy book series set in Cornwall. “Love Redeems (The Redcliffe Novels)” #3 by Catherine Green.
Excerpt from “Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel)“
“Are they alright, Danny?” I asked tentatively. Danny turned his head slowly to stare at me. My heart skipped a beat and thudded painfully in my chest. I swallowed again, forcing myself to hold his gaze and not back down. “They need to hunt,” Danny said gruffly, “The power hit them hard. They lost control and their beasts awoke early. It leaves them in pain and disoriented. They need their master for support and grounding.” “Oh.” Was all I managed to say in reply. Danny shook his head. “I cannot deal with you at present, Jessica,” he said, “We will speak later. I must go.”
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
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Today is International Women’s Day. I am very keen to be involved with women’s issues, but there is such a broad range of topics that I have to pick an area of interest.
For 2013 I am focusing on women in business, mainly because it is something I am exploring at the moment.
Catherine from SpookyMrsGreen.com
International Women’s Day
I find it incredible here in the UK that women are still being held back in the professional circuit. We cannot get ahead in our careers because of childcare issues. That is a basic fact. Yes, there are some women, and it is a very small minority, who seem to prove that you can have it all. By having it all I mean the loving family, the happy domestic life, and the successful, rewarding career.
In my experience, women still struggle to get ahead in business. I have been rejected for more high-end graduate jobs during my 20s than I care to remember. Most of those were in the media industry, so I accept that comes with its own set of issues. But I am also convinced that a lot of it was down to my gender. I am a woman of childbearing age (and yes, currently pregnant with my second child). Why should I be penalised for honouring my biological clock?
Do businesses intentionally discriminate against women?
I know that corporate businesses do not intentionally discriminate against women. They couldn’t in this climate, what with all the employment law issues being thrown around. But the fact remains that women have to make very tough choices when the time comes to have children. We either have our children at a younger age, giving us time to study and develop our careers as the children grow older, or we struggle to combine work and childcare.
This issue could be debated for evermore. For now I will leave it there, but I am keen to hear from other women in similar situations. How do you find managing your career while having children? Have you taken a career break, and do you worry about the impact this will have on your employment chances? Or have you decided to focus on your family and forsake your career altogether?
Today I am attending a business networking event in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. It starts at 12:00pm at Unity, Garth Street, Hanley. Check out the Linked In group for details, and pop along if you are in the area. Have a lovely day!
International Women’s Day at SpookyMrsGreen.com
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Today is World Book Day. Did I mention that I love books? Well, I do! And I am doubly excited because my daughter’s pre-school are taking part in the event by requesting that the children dress up as their favourite book characters.
Now, my daughter is only 2 years old, so this could be tricky. She is very independent, and she has very definite ideas about what she will and will not do.
#MummyMonday World Book Day 2013
Celebrate World Book Day
But, she loves books, just like her Mummy! And at the moment she has a little obsession with Peppa Pig. So, I have the bright idea to dress her up as Peppa Pig. She has a pink dress that will suit, and I am attempting to make a mask and a curly tail to complete the outfit. Simple but effective (I hope!).
When I first heard about World Book Day I really wanted to be a part of it, but I didn’t know how. I mean, it was difficult, being a new mother and experiencing all sorts of new lifestyle situations. Today I will make a small contribution by attending my local library in Middlewich, Cheshire, where they are hosting a story time and tea session at 11:00am. My daughter loves visiting the library, and it is a place that instantly calms me down when I am feeling stressed.
If you want to do something for World Book Day, why not check out your own local library for events? Or see their website for a list of events and activities. Also, get your World Book Day tokens for children’s books. I have received two tokens from my daughter’s pre-school, and I cannot wait to go and purchase her new books. Hooray for books! Happy World Book Day.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
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Just a quick one, and I am sharing some of the delights and depressions of pregnancy. I am currently experiencing some very extreme mood swings, and my poor husband is taking the heat. Well, it’s his fault I’m in this situation!
I am fast approaching the half way point of pregnancy, and yesterday my stomach felt swollen, bloated and very large.
#MummyMonday Pregnant Catherine at The Crask Inn
Pregnancy Makes You Grumpy
My husband is a good man. He works hard, he provides for his family, and he does show that he loves us. But he is hopeless when it comes to domestic duties. And that is why I was getting irate and angry yesterday when it was his day off work. I just need a break now and then, and all I ask is that he takes the initiative with simple things like preparing meals for the family, cleaning the house and generally being aware of what needs to be done.
I won’t go on about it here. We all have the same gripes. In my social circles, women always complain about their husbands and partners, but things never change. I only hope that my husband will make some effort to do those little jobs that are irritating me, and then he won’t have to feel the rage of the Pregnant Wife.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
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Yesterday I took the day off. I have a group of Mum friends from our local NCT group, and we meet for coffee once a week so our children can play together and we can discuss parental issues and whatever else we desire.
The opportunity arose for us to take a break from the children, and have a day out at a spa together. We couldn’t wait! It was planned for quite a few months, and finally we got our day.
#MummyMonday Pregnant Catherine at The Crask Inn
A Yummy Mummy Day at the Spa
I had never visited a spa before, so I was doubly excited about this new experience. My husband was working all weekend, so I sent my daughter off with her grandparents on Saturday. She had a wonderful time, and I had a much-needed break. On Saturday afternoon I caught up with a friend and did some long-overdue housework that just wasn’t doable with a toddler round my ankles.
Then we had our day off. We checked into the spa, swiftly changed into our swimming costumes, and headed for the pool. Now, because I am pregnant, I wasn’t allowed to use the steam room or sauna, along with another friend in the same situation. Instead we made do with a few lengths of the pool and an hour in the relaxation room to read magazines and chill out. Our group enjoyed coffee and pastries for a mid-morning snack, and a delicious long lunch in the attached hotel restaurant.
The day flew by
The day flew by incredibly fast. We all went in armed with magazines and books, but we barely had time to read! We did however, manage to end several conversations and begin new ones, which never happens in our weekly coffee group meetings. It is amazing how demanding a large group of toddlers can be. Later in the afternoon a couple of us, myself included, had a foot massage. The session wasn’t as intense as I would have liked, but it was a huge help to my swollen ankles and puffy feet anyway.
Today I feel happy and relaxed, and my daughter woke up in a brilliant mood because she had fun with her grandparents and other family members. I definitely see the benefits of doing days like this. We all need a break every so often. It is not a crime to admit that you cannot be the doting parent all of the time. If we take care of ourselves in mind and body, we are in a better place from which to care for everybody else who we take responsibility for. I look forward to my next day off!
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
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During the last month or so I have had something of a dispute with my local doctors. I haven’t even seen one of these doctors recently, which I think might be part of the problem.
It all comes from my request for a repeat prescription for eye drops that I have been using every day for around 10 years now.
General Health at Oxford Online Pharmacy
How to Confuse Your Doctor
I have two rare eye disorders. One is genetic, and is called Distichiasis. It basically means I have two rows of eyelashes in both eyes, and one grows on the inside and subsequently scratches and rubs the surface of my eye. The other, not so rare disorder, is called Dry Eye Syndrome. I don’t produce enough natural tears and so my eyes are frequently dry and uncomfortable. With the added scars from my distichiasis I can be left in pain, with a constant sensation of grit in my eye.
Anyway, you may have read on my recent post that I was awaiting eye surgery at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. It was cancelled twice, but I finally had it just under two weeks ago and am recovering well. I still need the daily eye drops however. I recently visited the nurse practitioner at my doctors surgery, and she amended my patient notes to advise that I should be allowed to receive the prescription whenever I request it. Previously it had been withheld by the doctor, who wrongly assumed that I had ordered it too soon and did not really need it.
The hospital saga continues
Well, the saga continues. On Monday I phoned my pharmacy to order the prescription, safe in the knowledge that I had dealt with that particular issue and would receive my eye drops later this week with no problems. Oh no! Not a chance! I think there must be an audit or something happening at the surgery. I reckon it might be down to record keeping for the NHS and government reports that are making my doctors unsure about signing off repeat prescriptions. I don’t know, I am only guessing. Like I said, I haven’t actually seen a doctor in a long time, and none of them would recognize me as their patient.
I was planning to collect my prescription on Thursday afternoon. At lunchtime I received yet another telephone call from the receptionists at my doctors’ surgery, requesting clarification on my usage of these eye drops. They aren’t even medicated! They are just expensive and I use them several times a day. They are known as artificial tears. With some amusement, I had to explain to the very apologetic receptionist exactly how I administer the eye drops, and roughly how many minims I use in a day. Those are the miniature containers that hold the drops. The poor woman was bewildered, but we got there in the end.
So, did I receive my prescription on time? All will be revealed!
My Treatment Plan for Rare Eye Disease
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Today I am feeling very pregnant. That might seem a strange statement, but I was awake most of the night feeling my tiny baby tumbling and somersaulting in my belly.
It was intriguing, and I did not wake up feeling tired, which is always a bonus! I think we were having a growth spurt, because today my stomach feels large and bloated, and I feel quite heavy.
#MummyMonday Pregnant Catherine at The Crask Inn
The Strange Experience of Being Pregnant
This is my second pregnancy. It also feels quite different to my first. My daughter is now 2 years old and currently at pre-school, which is a blessing because I do need a break from my little whirlwind sometimes! I truly appreciate the work done by our childminders and nursery assistants. I certainly couldn’t do it every day. My daughter loves her pre-school, and she comes home singing and dancing after every session. She even spoke her first sentence telling her daddy that she had been dancing the other day. It was very cute!
Back to the pregnancy. First time around I read every mother and baby magazine I could get my hands on, and I became very familiar with the Babycentre website, along with several others including Bounty, Emma’s Diary and Gurgle. Now, strangely, I rarely visit those sites. I barely remember how many weeks pregnant I am, whereas with my daughter I knew pretty much down to the second whenever somebody asked me. Funny how distracted you get when you have a toddler and are developing a business.
I love the experience of being pregnant
I am loving my experience of being pregnant. Yes, there are some unpleasant elements that I will not discuss here. Fellow mothers will understand. I feel all sorts of curious aches and pains, most notably a recurrence of sciatica which thankfully has subsided for the time being. Today I am feeling a very heavy and bloated stomach, but I am alert and awake, so I will get on with my work while I am able. What are your memories or experiences of being pregnant? I think it should be celebrated. We are, after all, creating and nurturing little miracles.
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.
Just over 2 years ago I gave birth to my first child. At the time I was in a whirlwind of excitement about becoming a parent, being a newlywed to my long-term partner, and of course, publishing my first novel “Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel).” I don’t do things by halves!
In fact, I think it was becoming a mother that spurred me on to finally settle down in my career. I had flitted about for several years trying to secure internships with newspaper conglomerates, trying to find magazine editors who would just give me a chance of showing my talent, and then realising how much I still have to learn about the industry and nature of writing for a living.
LGBT fantasy book series set in Cornwall. “Love Hurts (The Redcliffe Novels)” #1 by Catherine Green.
My Story so Far
My biggest hurdle was lack of confidence, closely followed by a tendency to be easily distracted by other pursuits including hobby crafts and chasing ghosts, literally! Once I settled down and decided it was time to move forward and make a decent career that my children can be proud of, I started looking into it. I wrote my first novel and a couple of short stories. I found editors who were willing to read my manuscripts and subsequently publish my work, which gave me a massive boost in the aforementioned self-confidence. Then I began widening my field.
I wanted to be a professional writer. I wanted to earn money from writing and editing. Why should that be a problem? There are thousands; even millions of journalists and writers of varying persuasions all around the world and they manage to make a living from it. I hold a BA Hons degree in Film and Media Studies. Yes, it is a little vague. Yes, it was labelled the ‘burger bar degree’ by popular news agencies very soon after I graduated. How was I to know? I was naïve, but I am still an intelligent, talented, writer. I can do this!
Freelancer sites I have tried
So where did I go next? I looked at the possibility of writing for websites. That seemed like a safe bet. Sure enough, I found work with Suite101, and that was a big learning curve for me. But it doesn’t pay enough money to earn a living. I tried Freelancer.com. This started out well and I secured a couple of odd writing jobs. Then I realised that all the jobs I was bidding for were paying a ridiculously low sum of money, and yet again one that is not enough to earn a decent living salary. I had to find somewhere else. I found People Per Hour.
People per Hour appealed to me because it is a UK based business. It is basically a directory of professionals in all industries, who advertise their skills and trade for individual jobs. I registered as a freelance writer and copy editor. I very quickly landed a job. Hooray! It worked well, and I like the social, approachable, and friendly nature of People per Hour. They send out regular mailings to prompt me into action for work. They show case studies and advice blogs from people who work and trade in the community. I am currently developing my portfolio and setting myself up for a proper, regular work schedule now that I have managed to settle the childcare and other domestic duties. I am ready and raring to go! Who wants me?
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
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Last weekend I found time to watch the Hollywood film Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. I loved it, of course. Well, who couldn’t love a Tim Burton film? I thought it was wonderfully dark and dramatic, a faithful retelling of a classic children’s story, but still contemporary enough to catch the attention of a modern audience.
As I watched the film I began to realise a few things. Firstly, how interesting to see that there are so many popular classic novels that are considered to be written for children and yet are enjoyed by adults. I am thinking books such as Alice in Wonderland, the Chronicles of Narnia, and the more recent popular Harry Potter series. All of these stories are full of fantasy and make believe. That is why they are traditionally associated with a children’s audience.
Embracing the Supernatural Journey: My Adventures in Novel Submissions and Self-Publishing.
The Curious Nature of Fantasy vs Reality
I was intrigued by the theme in Alice in Wonderland. It has been many years since I read the book, and I am thinking I need to return to it. The story began with a little girl and her enterprising entrepreneur father. He was instrumental in developing international trade business at the turn of the Industrial Revolution, and he forged ahead with his ideas and plans despite being considered a dreamer by his colleagues and business partners. We can all see the evidence of his (albeit fictional) endeavours in the 21st Century world.
In Alice in Wonderland, the girl was faced with challenges at the tender age of nineteen. She was expected to marry a young Lord, simply to give herself and her widowed mother a secure domestic life. She was expected to say yes to a surprise engagement request in a very public setting, where she stuck out like a sore thumb. And she was expected to conform because the adults in her life knew what was best and would continue to rule and dominate her actions if she allowed it.
Her rite of passage
I was very happy to see Alice completing her rite of passage as she traversed the upside-down world into which she fell. I liked that she still fulfilled the decree of the oracle, despite taking charge and making her own decisions along the way. I was also pleased when the film concluded with her becoming an apprentice at her father’s former business, and she embarked on an ocean voyage to explore new trade and forge new relationships.
What struck me is that all of the most enterprising people we know of have been considered crazy or dreamers at some point. It didn’t matter. They simply went ahead with their ideas, made them a reality, and reaped the rewards. For me, life is not much fun if you can’t live for yourself. You have to take some risks, no matter how small or insignificant they might seem. Yes, you may upset people that are close to you. Ultimately they will admire you for your strength of mind and your determination. My motto is ‘never give up.’ And once again, I can relate my experiences and ideals to my favourite stories and books!
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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