Category Archives: A category all its own – i.e. random posts
random posts!
25 Random Things – a fun way to get to know me
Happy Tuesday!
I got this idea from a forum I spend far too much time on. 
So, here it is – 25 random things you probably don’t know about me.
Enjoy!
Shakespeare’s Globe, South Bank, London
1. I am a hobby photographer – I have traveled around the world, taking photos of some really incredible places.
2. On the travel theme – I travel solo, and have done so, armed with a backpack and my camera, for the last 15 years.
3. I love musicals. For years, I owned more soundtracks than I did popular music.
4. I spent 8 years working as a costume mistress in equity theatres.
5. I didn’t attend my first concert until I was 22 – one of Elton John’s many “farewell tours.”
6. I can write in iambic pentameter. Yes, I am a Shakespeare geek. 
7. I plan my trips to London around the theatre. I haven’t been to a single play where I live, but I will happily fly 5,000 miles for some of the best theatre in the world.
8. I grew up with the twins who played Tabitha on the series Bewitched. I am still friends with one of them.
9. The first joint of my index finger is double-jointed.
10. My father was a flight instructor out of Orange County Airport (California), and I spent nearly every weekend flying with him. I have seen the top of Catalina Island many times, but never the rest!
11. I can tie a cherry stem with my tongue.
12. I love my car – a sporty red Scion xD, but I hate to drive. HATE IT.
13. Friday the 13th has ALWAYS been a lucky day for me.
14. I love cemeteries.
15. I am a rabid Doctor Who fan – and I have even touched a TARDIS. 
16. I have walked among the trilithons at Stonehenge, and watched the sun rise over it.
17. I hung out with kangaroos, basking on a hill in the autumn sun, at Steve Irwin’s zoo in Queensland, Australia.
18. I built sandcastles with my family in a yearly contest, and we won first place 10 years in a row.
19. I was an actor and a dancer in high school/college, and won several awards, including best actress. Some of my most treasured memories are tied to those plays and musicals.
20. I was a seamstress in my college theatre costume shop, and I can make anything without a pattern.
21. I am a huge history buff – and standing where history was made gives me chills.
22. I am a direct descendent of Betsy Ross. I guess the sewing prowess is genetic!
23. I played guitar for eight years. My favorite riff – the intro of Stairway to Heaven. I can still play it.
24. I spoke fluent French in high school – something I want to get back before I go over there next year.
25. My goal is to stand on every continent at least once in my life.
Now it’s your turn to share some of your quirky, random things. It’s a fab way to roam around your own past, and share some fun facts with people who think they know you.
Until next time – read on.
cheers,
~Cate
Review of Don’t Fear The Reaper
When I first saw the title, I was intrigued. When I discovered that the idea was the brainchild of the writer’s 12 year old son, I knew I had to read it. I wasn’t disappointed.
Nick Ramsay is just an ordinary kid, living his life – until his teacher dies in front of him. What he sees changes his life. Forever.
I loved the premise of this book, and zipped through it in one sitting. Nick is so easy to like, and is immediately sympathetic. This fast connection really pulled me into his story, and pulled me along as he learned the truth about – everything. You didn’t expect me to tell you, now, did you? You know me and spoilers. 
I was thrilled to have the mom half of the writing team as a guest earlier this week. You can find her great post here.
There was only one issue I had – some basic editing/punctuation errors, but not enough to mar my enjoyment of the story. I highly recommend this unique and often touching book. You can find it on Amazon.
I look forward to the next installment. I can’t wait to find out how Nick will get his – oh, almost got me that time. You will just have to read it for yourself.
Until next time – read on.
cheers,
~Cate
I was a human guinea pig! And here is the result . . .
Yep - I bet that got your attention.
But it is true – I was a guinea pig for graphic artist Dawn from Book Graphics. She did the cover for When Walls Can Talk, and I signed up for her email newsletter not long after I bought it.
So when she put out a call for a guinea pig, I stepped right up.
And as promised, here is the result of the experiment:
Beautiful notecards, that will fit into a standard 6 1/2″ X 3 5/8″ envelope.
So – which one do you all like?
Want one or two of your own? Come on over here for more information.
I can’t wait to start using mine – they will be perfect for adding the personal touch to giveaways and signed paperbacks. And they’re just so pretty. *sigh*
Thanks for checking out my experiment, and until next time – write on.
cheers,
~Cate
Indiependence Day! And a spotlight on Lost in Italy, by Stacey Joy Netzel
Good morning, and welcome to Indiependence Day. What is that? I’m glad you asked.
It’s a celebration of independent authors, spotlighting a favorite book already read, or a book at the top of a TBR pile.
I am thrilled to introduce you to fellow author Stacey Joy Netzel.
We met when I offered to review her book, Lost in Italy.
I loved it, and while I was writing a glowing review, she was busy reading one of my books. So began a mutual fan club.
Not only is this book in my top 5, it is also the 2012 *WINNER* ~ romantic suspense ~ WisRWA Write Touch Readers’ Award.
And to my delight, she is writing a sequel – one that I am anxiously waiting for her to finish. *hint hint*
You can find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords. And find out more about Stacey at her website, including her other fine books.
Thanks for stopping by – come check out the other great indie books spotlighted today, right here. Just scroll down the page and click on a blogger link to find out their favorite.
Happy Indiependence Day!
Until next time – read on.
cheers,
~Cate
Diary of a blog tour: week 1 round up
It’s been a whirlwind first week. My paperback went live (!), I had a couple interviews on some great blogs in addition to my guest blog spots, only one MIA blogger, and an uptick in sales. All around, a good week.
I’m looking forward to week 2 – there will be at least one giveaway *hint hint* and a couple of reviews. Gulp.
Plus, there’s still time to enter my contest – it ends with the blog tour. You can find out more here.
Have a great week, everyone!
cheers,
~Cate
The magic of Christmas – do you believe?
A spell of white magic takes hold – the kind of magic that lifts the spirit and lightens the soul.
It is the magic of Christmas, wrapping itself in laughter, traditions old and new, creating memories that will linger long after the last ornament is put away.
To believe is to experience the pleasure of giving, sharing the surprises hidden under paper and ribbon, shining on faces flushed with excitement.
There is no other time, no other magic quite like it. A crooked tree with a single glass ball can become a symbol of celebration. Music can sing through the heart. A string of blinking lights can inspire a masterpiece.
Laugh, love, and embrace the magic surrounding you. It is a potent spell, one worth falling under, falling into for the sheer joy.
I believe in the magic – do you?
