Why you should write a review

Okay... now that I have your attention, dirty girls...

As many of you know I write reviews. I do this for a couple of reasons. First... Can you say FREE BOOKS? Yeah, free as in zero, nada...nothing down... Great price if you ask me. The other reason I write reviews is for practice. When you write a review you need to summarize the book in a blurb type format. And when you do this over and over again, you get rather good at it.

Another reason to write reviews is this... When you have to put your feelings about a book down on paper, all of a sudden you realize how difficult it is to do this. So when the day comes that someone reviews your work, you'll really be able to appreciate what goes into the review. Some reviewers write better reviews than others... and dare I say some reviews are down right mean...

...and another thing... If you enjoyed a recent read it is always a good idea to , write a review and place it on the publishers site... Amazon... or simply send it to the author who may be have a right shit of a day and would love to hear that they made someone happy. So be an angel and write a review.

So tell me... have you ever written a review? What is the hardest part for you about writing a review?

Interview with Rachel E. Moniz

I want to introduce to all of you a lovely woman I've met on-line via Myspace... Rachel E. Moniz is celebrating her debut release of Litha Dreams published by DCL - or Dark Castle Lords Publications.


Welcome Rachel and thank you for chatting on my side of cyber space. Now as you know my questions for interviews are a bit different than others so lets jump right in.


How many books do you read a month? Are they all romance?

Anyone that visits my MySpace page will see that I describe myself as a voracious reader. I usually read 7-8 books a month depending on how busy my work schedule is and if I am in a serious spurt of writing. While romance is my favorite genre, I also enjoy reading about astrology, biographies and history.

Catherine: Good to know, Rachel. I'll ask you questions when I'm doing my own research. LOL

What are your goals as a writer?

Of course, it is to see my name on book store shelves among the authors that I have admired for a very long time. But more so than just that, it is to write books filled with real characters that capture readers. When I was freelancing for a small local newspaper, the first time I saw my name in a by-line, I was thrilled! I had three articles come out in that edition and I was 'over the moon' happy! What I loved after that was hearing from people who had read those articles and having them tell me "Your stuff makes the paper something I want to read!" So my goal is definitely connecting with readers.

Catherine: Wow! Good for you.

How do you respond when someone says... "Oh, you write THAT kind of book."

I smile and say "Yes! I have always aspired to have my art imitate my life" (*grin*) OK, well this would be the IDEAL answer to shut the critics up. In reality, I smile and say
"Yes, after years of being a reader, I decided to give it a shot." I haven't run across too many who have said this.

Catherine: Give it time, sister... give it time.

Tell us about your new book out now:

LITHA DREAMS is a story about soulmates being brought together by a common dream. Morgan Mackenzie is being pressured into a marriage by her highstrung and overbearing mother. Rowan Buchanan is also looking for a wife. Both have been dreaming of a 'mystery lover'. There are some colorful secondary characters that all do their part in solving the mystery of the dream.

I had so much fun writing this story and used a lot of my 'people watching' skills to use when writing the characters.I am naturally very excited about this release, as it is my first. I have gotten a good response from a reviewer and really look forward to getting feedback from the readers!

Catherine: I love to people watch too. Makes that cup of coffee at Starbucks worth the while.

Do you have anything new in the works?


I am currently at work on a HUGE project that took on a life of its own. What started out as a single title, has now become a series in the making. It is a military/adventure/romance series that I have been doing extensive research on. I don't anticipate the first book being completed for a year or so. I have thoroughly fallen in love with my hero, even with all of his faults.
I am also working on a sequel to LITHA DREAMS tentatively titled YULETIDE BRIDES which will keep the comedic and dysfunctional Mackenzies in a new adventure and a Valentine's Day novella about a busy career woman who falls in love with one of her male friends and doesn't realize it until he has a girlfriend.

Catherine: I love that hook.

Where can we find you? Your book?

I invite all reading this to friend me on MySpace www.myspace.com/tinkiepotter and subscribe to my blogs or at Facebook using my name Rachel E. Moniz.I have a brand new blog http://rachelemoniz.blogspot.com . Emails are also welcomed at REMonizOL@aol.com

Starting on release day March 26, 2009 you can find LITHA DREAMS at www.thedarkcastlelords.com , at www.fictionwise.com or at www.allromanceebooks.com

Thank you, Catherine, for having me here. I look forward to hearing from your blog readers and will respond to all comments and emails sent!

No, thank you, Rachel. This is one fun lady whom I'm sure you'll all enjoy getting to know. Her blogs on myspace sucked me in as I'm sure her book will as well.

~Catherine's Update~

Busy, busy, busy... Hey everyone... I know I've been neglecting the blogspear. I hope the blog Gods will forgive me. I will actually post a new Video Blog this week. However, it won't be here. ~ Cryptic much? ~
Shelley Munro has invited me to her blog this Wednesday to yack about video blogging. So please stop by. Many people have been asking me lately about why and how I video blog. I talk about the process and what inspired me to do it. The video is longer than my others... so please forgive the Chatty Cathy side of things.

So stop by Shelley's blog by clicking here, on Wednesday the 25th of March.

Oh and BTW... Binding Vows has a release date: December 4th 2009. OMG, nine months from now. Geeze, I could have a baby in that time. NOT! oh, man... did I just jinx myself? *looking for lightning from above* Needless to say, I have plenty of time to fix that typo in my trailer. lol... I'll keep you posted about my other stories.

Interview with Christina Phillips

I have another author interview for you all to enjoy. Welcome Aussie Author, Christina Phillips. She is enjoying her second Scarlet release from The Wilder Rose Press this month.
Thanks for joining us, Christina.


Hi Catherine! Thanks for having me on your blog today!

How many books do you read a month? Are they all romance?

I used to read soooo much more before I started writing. Now I find I might read loads of books one month, and then go a couple of months where I might only read one or two books. Also, since I've been published I've started to read a lot more novellas and short stories, whereas before I didn't. I do tend to buy books by my friends, and since I'm lucky enough to have many wonderful writer friends that means my tbr pile is tottering (physically and electronically!)

They aren't all romance although the vast majority are. And even if the book isn't a romance I will generally find some hint of romance in it somewhere. Ha! I also love reading YA books, as my 14 year old son is a voracious reader and when he particularly enjoys a book he likes me to read it as well so we can discuss it. That's how I ended up reading the Bartimaeus trilogy (LOVE them) and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials.

Why do you write Erotic?

I blame my CPs!!!

Seriously, I owe the fact that I'm published today to my wonderful CPs who never gave up on me, even when I often came close to giving up on myself. For almost nine years I'd written category, chic lit and paranormal romance and although I always had hot love scenes (since I enjoyed writing them) I'd never tried my hand at writing erotic.

My CPs urged me to give it a go. I assured them it was impossible, since the genre was far too hard and exhausting.

Thankfully, they've never taken much notice of me when I say I can't do something, and continued to pester me (I mean encourage me!!) to try writing erotic romance. I explained, kindly, there was no way I could manage it.

A week later I dug out a short story which had been languishing on my hard drive for a few years. Before I quite knew what was happening I was rewriting it in a hot and steamy manner! And not only that, I realised I absolutely loved writing erotic romance and it didn't exhaust me nearly as much as I'd feared!!!

I love my CP's as well, Christina. I'm glad they pushed you out of your comfort zone.

What are your goals as a writer?

I want to sign with an agent for my longer novels. Is that a goal or a dream? LOL. It's what I'm aiming for.

I'd love to attend the RWAmerica conference in 2011 in NYC. That would be just amazing, to have the chance to meet lots of writers I've become friends with online, and soak up the whole huge conference experience. It would also be unbelievably cool to visit New York!!!

Hit the NYT Bestseller list. Frequently! Yes, I suffer from delusions, but the world I inhabit is a happy one!!!

Have a movie made of my Roman novel. Which goes on to win umpteen Golden Globes and Oscars and whatever... hehe... See above disclaimer...

Good for you! Dream big. That why they call it dreaming. I wish you all the luck in the world.

How do you respond when someone says... "Oh, you write THAT kind of book."

"Yes, that's right. Isn't my husband the lucky one?"
LOL

Tell us about your new book out now:

My Scarlet Rosette, Touch of the Demon, has recently been released by The Wild Rose Press, who describe is as a Futuristic/Fantasy, "lush and dark, providing an interesting fantasy for the tumultuous days of earth".

Dark angel Rafe travels back in time to destroy the woman who is fated to bring untold chaos to the cosmos. Instead, he finds Celeste, a child of the Earth Goddess, who is sworn to protect the one Rafe seeks. He mistakes her for his quarry but an irresistible attraction prevents him from taking her soul. And although Celeste holds the one weapon capable of banishing Rafe from Earth forever, she's unable to deny the overwhelming desire to possess this creature from hell. They come together in a frenzy of passion, each believing they are changing destiny by their actions. But when the Earth Goddess appears they discover her plans are more far reaching than either had imagined.

Watch the Trailer here

Visit my Website and Blog

Thanks for answering my crazy questions. And best of luck with Touch of a Demon.

Mad Catherine!

ERRRRR!!!

That was me growling. Yep, I'm a bit ticked today. Why you ask? Some of my video blogs have disappeared from you tube. UGH!! And I have no idea as to why. I'm unable to ask a direct question to you tube because there is no e-mail address. Only a FAQ site which only quotes copyright issues as reasons to remove videos. Now, since I'm only yacking and using Adobe's Elements program who says you can use their music... hello?? What's up?

Errrrr... Frustrated in cyber-ville.

Binding Vows Book Trailer

I just can't wait! I'm so horriable that way. Here it is... my very first book trailer. Made by me.
I hope you like it. Lie if you don't! grin...

Debut Author Ann Campbell

Thank you all for stopping by today. I'd like to introduce to you Ann Campbell who is celebrating her debut release LIGHTS OUT. This Scarlet Rosette was released March 5th over at The Wilder Rose Press.



Ann is not only a fellow Wilder Rose, she also happens to be in the critique group you guys always here me talking about. Having seen LIGHTS OUT before it was even submitted to TWRP, I can tell you first hand that it is a very hot read and well worth your time.

My new set of questions for authors is my way of spicing up the interview, so here we go...
Click here or on the picture to go directly to TWRP to purchase your copy today.

How many books do you read a month, and are they all romance?
I read on average 10 to 20 books a month. Though most are romance, a good portion of them are children's books that I read to my two children

Why do you write Erotic?
Why not? I like to read it, I love to act it, so why not write about it!

What are your goals as a writer?
I have no delusions of grander. I in no way expect to be the next Nora Roberts but if I could write and sell enough to make sure my kids get a great Christmas every year and maybe take a vacation with the family, I would consider myself a success

How do you respond when someone says... "Oh, you write THAT kind of book."
YOU BET I DO!! and my hubby loves helping me with my .....RESEARCH!

Tell us about your book.
My new book is called LIGHTS OUT. It was the very first story I ever submitted and amazingly I got a contract for it very quickly. It takes place in the Colorado Rockies during a January snow storm. Two friends find themselves stuck together to wait out the storm and things start to ....heat up!

What was the biggest challenge with your debut book?
Finding the time. I stopped working just after my daughter was born because we found out our son was Autistic. He was in his first week of Kindergarten and was having problems with the day care he was going to before and after school. Hubby and I decided that it would be much better for him if I stayed at home and gave him the stability he so desperately needed. Now with 2 kids (ages 7 and 17 months) I can barely find time to work. But after the lights go out in the evenings, I can be found plastered to my computer. Drives my husband nuts!

Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today, Ann.
You can read more about Ann at her WEBSITE and BLOGSPOT.

Busy, busy, busy...

I know you are looking for that next video blog... But if you remember back a while ago I told you all I was knee deep in edits... Well, there up to my boobies! Not to mention book trailers. Which BTW, I can not wait to share with all of you what I'm doing with Binding Vows's trailer. OMG!

Stay tuned... I'll be video blogging before you know it.

Kilt Worthy's Cover

Some things just have perfect timing. And the cover fairy flying over my in-box today was impeccably timed. Angela Anderson is the cover artist for my debut scarlet release.

What do you think?

Blurb:

Peering at the world from behind her camera lens, "Plain Jane" Parker is stunned to see a handsome hunk wearing a kilt as he confidently strolls down a busy Seattle street. Her dormant libido roars to life even before their eyes meet. Aroused and intrigued, she tosses aside her usual caution and follows when Logan MacLaren beckons for a delightfully sinful one-night stand.
Logan is an exceptionally talented lover, wielding the abundant sword he sports beneath his plaid to deliver unparalleled pleasures. He reminds her to trust her instincts after reality proves they're a more perfect fit than either imagined.

Then Logan drops his bombshell: He's traveled through time to find her and wants her to stay with him forever...in medieval Scotland. Did Jane just have the most erotic sex of her life with a delusional crazy man, or is it truly possible for her one-night stand to last forever?

Hurry up and wait

When I first started writing, I was in an all fire hurry to finish my manuscripts. Maybe because I wanted to know that I could complete a book, or maybe because if I didn’t hurry I’d put it aside and never complete it. Then when the book was written, I rushed through edits. (big mistake) Then I rushed to make and send out the dreaded synopsis and query letters. As rejection after rejection came in I realized that I needed to slow down… take my time and learn so much in order to make it in this business.

I take much more time writing that first draft these days, and even longer to work through edits. My work then goes to a trusted CP who I’ll wait for as long as it takes to hear back from. Then I’ll re-work my manuscript until she shines.

Once the query / synopsis / and partial is sent off its time to wait again. No matter how long it took me to get to this point, the wait is hard. However, if I didn’t take the time in my earlier steps then chances are this wait will be in vain and I’ll be revising something before a contract is offered.

So here I am… Four lovely contracts overshadow any and all rejections I’ve had in the past and still I’m waiting. Binding Vows is with a second final reader and I don’t yet have a release date. Kilt Worthy is with my editor for more edits, Soul Mate is in line and edits haven’t even begun, and last but certainly not least… Before the Moon Rises, is in line as well and waiting for that first pass of edits.

Here I was all worried when my contracts were coming in last November and December that I would have a hard time juggling edits with all these titles being contracted at once. Instead of growing grey hair, I’m once again waiting.

Publishing is most definitely a business of hurry up and wait. I’m told that once the book is finally on the shelf, and sales start trickling in there is still a feeling of… “wait…did my review come in?... wait… did I sell anything today? Wait…Wait… Wait…”

I’m not a patient person. But I’m doing so much better than I did last year at this time. There is no reason to hurry in this business. Just be the tortoise and crawl along toward the goal and you’ll find yourself there. With all your hair in place and none of it peppered with grey.