Free Short Story

Just a short note to let you know that my publisher, Crescent Moon Press, has posted one of my short stories on their website as a free read. The story is titled, A Lifetime to Love
and is my take on the Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot love story...with a twist. :-)

This is the link that will take you directly to the story:
http://www.crescentmoonpress.com/Glade/ALifetimeToLove.html

While there, why not browse some of the books offered in the Shoppe. If you haven't read my latest, A Witch's Lament, you'll find it offered for sale as well.

Have a great day,
Catherine

What to write?

That is the question. You'd think that being a writer, I'd find it easy to write a blog entry. The thing is, I can never think of anything to write. I open my blog, look at the blank page and have nothing to say.

Isn't that awful?

The thing is, I have a million stories rolling around in my mind and not nearly enough time to write them, so why can't I write a simple blog entry? Hmmm, I suppose that I function better in a fictional world. I can create, mold, shape and bring to life characters and places, but ask me to talk (write) about something real and I can't quite seem to shift into that gear.

So, since my brain doesn't seem to want to work today and I feel the need to give you some worthy tidbit of information, I'll let someone else do the work. Check out this site for some basic and interesting mythbusting information on writing and publishing.

http://www.articlesbase.com/writing-articles/get-real-publishing-myths-exposed-562837.html

Have a great night,
Cathy

Guest Author at Romance Junkies

Take a minute to check out the link below and see what I wrote over at Romance Junkies.

http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/?p=576#comments

The Wow Factor

Wow. I have my first deadline.

Up until now I've written on a loose schedule, never having a reason to write other than the urge that drives me to create. Sporadic, maybe, but I managed to complete 5 manuscripts, get a good start on 2 others and write a few short stories. I lived through the drawer full (and I do mean full) of rejection slips and make it through the typical writer's lack of confidence. After the usual process of submitting my manuscripts and waiting for another rejection (or not), I've had 4 of my manuscripts published.

Well, Crescent Moon Press, publisher of my book, A Witch's Lament, loved the book so much they contracted me to write the sequel. I was expecting to write the book and submit for acceptance, but they sent me a contract to sign. How cool! They trust in me and my writing enough to give me a contract on a book that hasn't been written yet. Wow. I'm thrilled.

Now, I have no choice. If I want to finish the manuscript in time, I have to write every day and I have to say, I'm kind of enjoying the pressure. I love to write but have a terrible habit of procrastinating...the goats can be a very tempting time waster. Especially in the nice weather.

Writing every day makes it easier to keep in the mood and up to date on what's going on in the story, so I think it makes for a more even flow.

Anyway, gotta go...I've got a book to write. :-)

Barbara Bretton loves my book!

Yep, it's the truth. I was fortunate enough to win a critique from Barbara Bretton at an auction a few years ago. At the time, my manuscript was titled Sweet Dreams in a Small Town, and upon reading the first 3 chapters, Barbara sent me the most amazing critique. It was a time when her encouragement and positive comments were appreciated and needed.

It took awhile and a couple of other manuscripts written before I was able to find a publisher for the manuscript. With a new title of Solitary Cove, my book is soon to be published by Treble Heart Books and Barbara Bretton agreed to write a blurb for the book. This is what she wrote about Solitary Cove:

If you love fast-paced romantic suspense novels peopled withcharacters you’ll cheer for, SOLITARY COVE is the bookfor you. A seaside village in Nova Scotia, a movie hero witha daughter he barely knows, and a woman on the run fromdanger equal the perfect formula for a terrific read. Catherine Anne Collins has a winner on her hands!

Award Winning Author
Barbara Bretton

For anyone who hasn't read any of Barbara's book...what are you waiting for? She's a great writer and I especially love her new series that takes place in a magical town populated with an interesting assortment of characters. Casting Spells is the first book in the series while the second one, Laced with Magic, will be released very soon.

Have a great day,
Cathy

Solitary Cove Cover

My soon too be released book now has a cover and I love it. Solitary Cove is a romantic suspense that takes place in a small (mythical) town in Nova Scotia, Canada, and will be released by Treble Heart Books. I've posted a blurb and the cover below.

Solitary Cove

Stalked relentlessly by her husband's killer, Nicole changes her name and moves to Solitary Cove, a small town on the coast of Nova Scotia. Aware that danger lurks in the shadows for anyone she cares about, Nicole rents the local lighthouse and spends her time writing and avoiding people.
An aging movie star, Ian has a life filled with fame, fortune, and women. He loves the fame and fortune, but the constant women have worn thin. Cynicism and boredom creep into his life, and he develops a problem that chips away at his self-confidence—he can no longer perform sexually.
Coming together during the filming of Ian's latest movie in Solitary Cove, Ian and Nicole's uncertain relationship is tested by the appearance of Ian's daughter, Vanessa, who has fled her abusive marriage, as well as Nicole's stalker who appears in town renewing his death threats against Nicole.
Throw into the mix, a crusty fisherman, a flaky new age storeowner and a heroic dog, and Solitary Cove weaves a tale of love, self-discovery, suspense, and self-sacrifice.

Where's the summer?

Yep. That's the question. It's now July and I'm still waiting for some summer weather. Oh, well. Always think of the positive side of everything...sitting inside and writing on a rainy day is ALOT easier than it is on a sunny day and I managed to complete a scene that has been giving me nothing but trouble, so I'm happy.

Here's a photo of one of my guys. I thought since the weather is almost wintery out...Actually, he's just so cute, I couldn't resist.

Have a great day,

Cathy