Showing posts with label Picture This. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Picture This. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Re-release of Picture This

Finally, after spending months revising the previously published version, I've finished Picture This. It's now available on Smashwords and Amazon Kindle.

I was so proud that Picture This had been a 2011 EPIC finalist! It received some great reviews too, although some said it would have been better with both the hero and heroine's POV.

I heard you. The new release now shows Ben's point of view. When I began rewrites, Ben was more than ready to step out of the shadows and tell his side of the story. And it's a rather compelling story too. 

I hope you'll check it out! :)

Of the previous version, reviewers have said: “The author grabs you from the first chapter and takes you on a great ride” and “It mixes a little humor and romance together into a snappy and readable package that will leave the reader with a smile as well as a renewed belief in happily ever after” and “The heroine is intelligent and resilient. The hero is sexy and charming. And the political background made for an exciting source of external conflict.”


Here's the revised trailer:






Tomorrow, I'll show you the Casting Call for Picture This too. Can't believe I didn't already! Ben especially embodies the mannerisms of the person who occupied my head while I wrote it.

You can find more about Picture This here.

Monday, February 28, 2011

And the winner is...

 

Congrats to Sarah Grimm, who won the autographed print copy of Picture This, along with a beaded book thong. Sarah, I'll contact you for your mailing address so I can pop this in the mail to you this week. Hope you enjoy it!

Thanks to everyone who left a comment for yesterday's Six Sentence Sunday. I'm having a great time participating each week. Hope you're enjoying reading my Six too!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Blogfest!


Today begins the three-day mania of Blogfest! Woo hoo! *throws confetti and blows noisemaker*

My blog is number 71 out of 257. Follow the link from my blog to the next, and the last will link to the first on the list.


Click on the photo for a larger view.

To win the tasty prize shown above, all you need to do is:

1. Live in the continental U.S. or Canada
2. Leave a comment
3. Follow my blog

Easy peasy!

After doing that, follow on to Blogfest blog number 72: Seductive Musings to see what other great prizes may be in store for you.

But wait, as they say in the cheesy commercials, there's more!

THE BIG GIVEAWAY
Don't forget about the massive BlogFest 2010 grand giveaway! Head on over to http://ajourneyofbooks.halfzero.net and click on the Tracking Site link to head to our own exclusive tracking site. Once there you can register with a valid email address (to be used solely for the purpose of contacting the winner). This site will allow you to track your progress through BlogFest 2010! You can log on from anywhere at any time and continue where you left off. The best part is that every blog that you visit and mark off through this tracking site will give you one entry into the massive giveaway! They have a great collection of books, goodies and other swag that is looking for a new home!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

A blog stop, and a new review!



Today, the tour stops at Cindy Vine's blog - hope you'll pop over and comment! Only a few weeks left in the tour, and at the end, I'll be giving away a print copy of Fever Dreams to one lucky commenter. So follow along!

I'm also thrilled that Romance Book Scene gave 5 hearts to Picture This!

The review said, in part, "This is a nicely written short novel, told in the third person from Sydney's perspective. The style gives an element of surprise in the story.
As a journalist by profession, I enjoyed the realism with the way Cate Masters portrayed Sydney's job. Sydney's character shows some real feelings about the stories she writes, just like a real journalist would.
All and all the book is nicely done with a sweet romance, without the heavy setting of erotic scenes and frankly this book didn't need them." You can read the entire review here.

Thanks so much, Romance Book Scene!

Picture This is available digitally from Eternal Press and in print from Amazon.



Saturday, May 22, 2010

Another great review for Picture This!

It's been a week of wonderful reviews!

Rita's Reviews gave Picture This 4 out of 5, and had this to say, in part:
This story was extremely easy to get into but not so easy to put down. I think I strained my eyes from sitting too long at the computer. You can relate to the characters and I easily become involved in their story. Sydney is like the friend you cheer on even though you secretly aren't sure about the guy.

Thanks so much for the wonderful review, Rita!

You can read the full review here.

Here's a different excerpt from the usual:

The pine tree’s sweeping branches presented an obstacle, but he pushed them out of the way and was soon out of sight. For the benefit of a middle-aged couple walking toward the door, she pulled out her cell phone and pretended to answer a call. When they were out of earshot, she asked, “See anything?”
Branches crackled.
“Ben?” she whispered.
The shutter clicked several times, and branches swayed.
“What’s going on?” She whispered louder.
“Shh. Hold on.” Another succession of clicks. After a moment, the branches opened out as he made his way through.
He brushed the front of his shirt. “I got a few…”
A stocky man in a white overshirt walked from the back of the restaurant carrying a garbage bag. “Hey – what’re you doing?”
Ben pulled Sydney to him. His warm, soft lips on hers sent an explosion of light through her brain, and its rumblings reverberated through her. A whimper escaped as she slid her arms tight around his waist and held on. With a moan, his hands slid low on her back, and his hips ground against hers. Her breaths came hard as she met his thrusting
tongue with her own.
“Get a room,” the man muttered. The back door slammed shut.
The urgency left them, but neither let go. She relaxed into him, relishing the touch she’d missed for more than a year. She wanted to remember this, since it might not happen again.
She opened her eyes. He held his closed. He looked so relaxed, so content.
All the tension had left her body, as if she’d had a long massage coupled with electroshock therapy. Kissing someone her own height had distinct advantages. This kiss was especially nice.
Her lips slid from his. “That was close.”
His face inches from hers; he moved his hands higher on her back.
“Very.”
She held back a smile. “I think he’s gone.”
He let out a long breath. “Sydney…” His words trailed as he appeared to struggle with what he wanted to say.
Still holding her, his eyes widened as two figures stepped from the walkway into the parking lot. His muscles tightened. “There goes the mayor.”


Thursday, May 20, 2010

New review for Picture This!

I'm so jazzed about this wonderful review! The Romance Studio gave Picture This four hearts! The review said, in part, "The author grabs you from the first chapter and takes you on a great ride. This story was easy to get into and hard to put down. The characters are easy to relate to and you quickly become involved in their story."

Thanks so much, TRS!

Here's another excerpt from Picture This, an Eternal Press bestseller!

The night air had an edge of chill. She rubbed her arms, wished she’d brought her jacket from the car. He sat close and warmth tingled through her.
She tucked her leg under her and leaned back. Frogs trilled from the pond across the road. The stars blazed in the crisp September sky.
“This is such a wonderful place. I see now why you chose to live way out here.”
“It’s my grandparents’ place, actually. My granddad died last year. That’s when I decided to move from Philly.”
“I’m so sorry.” She resisted the urge to touch his leg.
He rested his arm on the back of the swing, his hand behind her head. “He wasn’t. Since my Grandmom died two years before, he was ready to follow her. He hated being here without her.”
She wrapped her hands around her knee, relaxed into the rhythm of the swing, of the night. “That’s sad. But I always envied couples who couldn’t bear to live apart. It’s so romantic. Is that their picture in the hallway?”
“Yeah. They were great. This place was always special to me. I couldn’t let strangers buy it, turn it into condos or a mass production farm.” He swigged at his beer bottle. “So, I heard Sadie say she was going to see Soul Custody at a club later.”
“Yeah, I was tempted to tag along. I’ve heard they’re interesting – kind of Dylan meets Foo Fighters.”
He laughed. “Or Eric Clapton meets melodic Pearl Jam meets Dandy Warhols.”
“A mellow Stones with a tincture of Springsteen.”
Sydney lost track of the time. Their conversation kept finding new threads, interesting ones she wanted to follow.
He leaned toward her when he spoke. He smelled like fresh air or an open field. She liked the way his hair curled close to his collar. The way he listened to her entire sentence before responding. The conversational threads weaved them closer.
He looked at her. “How’s your head? No headache today?”
“No, I’ve been so relaxed here. Maybe it’s the country air.”
His voice was soft. “Anytime you need your chi unblocked, let me know.” He searched her face.
“You’ll be first to know.” She smiled, then sipped at her wine. Her glass was empty. “Well.” She leaned forward and placed her feet on the porch.
“Sydney.” He turned to face her, his eyes bright.
They sat for a moment, gripped by silence. Whatever he had to say, he couldn’t seem to, even while they were alone. Though it had driven her crazy not to know, she didn’t want to push him. He’d tell her when he was ready.
She stood and walked to the door. “Why don’t I help you clean up before I go?”
Pensive, he stared into the yard, and then stood without looking at her.
She walked through the house and to the back door. The large yard was dark, and the light over the back step afforded small illumination to the large, now dark yard. Her foot twisted as she stepped down, and she cried out.
“What happened? Are you okay?” He took her arm and helped her to the picnic table.
She sat down and took off a shoe. “Damn heels. I never should have worn them.” She rubbed her ankle.
“Let me see.” He knelt in front of her and lifted her foot to his leg, his fingers massaging her ankle.
She leaned her elbows on the table behind her. He definitely had a magic touch. “So you’re the guy that Heart sang about.”
He chuckled. “I’m the man with the magic hands.” He looked up at her. “Are they working their magic on you?”
She’d been imagining his fingers working on her all day. “It feels much better. But I don’t want to keep you any longer. It’s getting late.”
He held her foot. “Sydney. I need to tell you something.”
She knew she should take her foot from his lap, but it felt so good to have his hand on her, so warm. “What?”
He bit his lip. “I need to explain. About that night.”


Friday, April 30, 2010

Today is Blogmania day!

WELCOME To BLOGMANIA !
My Blog is 91 of 123 participating blogs. Today, you will have the opportunity to explore lots of new blogs, all of which ARE GIVING AWAY A VERY SPECIAL BLOGMANIA GIVEAWAY. It's for today only – April 30th.

We’ve done all the work for you. No hunting or surfing. Each blog will have a number and each new blog link will have a number. These numbers will allow you to keep track of which blogs you’ve visited and how many are left to visit. Why not take a moment to make a list of blog numbers 1-123 and check off the blogs as you go.
So many blogs have fantastic giveaways, you’ll want to visit as many blogs today as you can. So, if you see something that interests you on any of our participating blogs, why not bookmark that site. Later, when you have more time, you can discover all its fabulous treasures.

MY GIVEAWAY and RULES
To be eligible for my giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment here, and if you're not already following my blog, become a follower. Be sure to leave your email address so I will know how to contact you.
Easy peasey! :)
Tomorrow, I'll collect everyone's names into a bowl, blindfold a member of my family and have him or her draw a name. That person will receive:

One print copy each of One Soul for Sale and Picture This, both bestsellers at Eternal Press!



Also, a bracelet handmade by me, and a beaded book thong! Click on either photo for a closeup view.



BE SURE TO VISIT THESE OTHER BLOGS TODAY:
Blog 1 – HOST OF BLOGMANIA) Between The Pages - http://betweenthelinesandmore.blogspot.com/
(Blog -2 – CO-HOST OF BLOGMANIA) The Black Sheep Dances - http://www.theblacksheepdances.blogspot.com
(Blog-43 - CO-HOST OF BLOGMANIA) Books, Books Everywhere - http://bookywooks.blogspot.com/
(Blog-42) Information Central - http://blog.stephaniesuesansmith.com
(Blog-66) Little Yayas and Blessed - http://littleyayasandblessed.blogspot.com
(Blog-82) Carpe Libris - www.seizethebookblog.blogspot.com
(Blog-119) A Bead A Day - www.abeadaday.blogspot.com
(Blog-72) Mommy Has To Work - http://mommyhastowork.blogspot.com
(Blog-53) Dark Faerie Tales - www.darkfaerietales.com
(Blog-76) Under The Boardwalk - http://nisefunpages.blogspot.com
(Blog-80) I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read - http://ijustwannasithereandread.blogspot.com

For the full list of participating blogs, visit Between The Pages: http://betweenthelinesandmore.blogspot.com/

Comment and click away! Good luck, and happy blog-hopping!

Friday, April 16, 2010

Blogmania goodies!

Here are the goodies I'll be offering to a random commenter on April 30 for Blogmania - one print copy each of One Soul for Sale and Picture This!



Also, I'll include a bracelet handmade by me, and a beaded book thong! Click on either photo for a closeup view.



Don't forget to come back on April 30! More than 100 authors and artisans are participating with some very cool offerings, so it's well worth visiting their blogs!


Sunday, March 14, 2010

Romance Junkies contest continues

Romance Junkies is throwing a mega Valentine's Day celebration!

I'll be giving away a print copy of Picture This -- currently one of EP's bestsellers! -- and the book thong shown in the photo below. Visit my contest page to learn how you can win!
The contest runs until March 31st.



Friday, February 26, 2010

Dishin' it Out at Ginger's

Follow me to Ginger Simpson's Dishin' It Out blog, where I'm part of the February Love Fest! Find out how being a handyman (or woman!) can keep your relationship running smooth.
I'll be giving away a PDF of Picture This -- currently one of EP's bestsellers! -- so join the party!


Sunday, February 14, 2010

Celebrating Valentine's Day with another giveaway

Romance Junkies is throwing a mega Valentine's Day celebration! I'll be giving away a print copy of Picture This and the book thong shown in the photo below. Visit my contest page to learn how you can win!
The contest runs until March 31st.



Saturday, December 19, 2009

Booksigning in Harrisburg postponed!

Today I was supposed to be at the Midtown Scholar in Harrisburg, PA, signing away copies of Picture This and One Soul for Sale.

However, because Old Man Winter made a surprise appearance in full force, the Midtown has officially postponed the event until sometime after the spring thaw. I took the photo below at 7:30 this morning. Already about three inches have fallen, and the brunt of the storm's not supposed to hit until later today.



I know several of you were going to be traveling this weekend, picking up kids from college. Stay safe!

Disappointing that the weather would be so uncooperative - I had my Santa hat and excerpt and giveaways of candy and book marks all ready! And The Patriot-News in Harrisburg supposedly had a write-up yesterday, though I couldn't find it online.

So look for news of the rescheduled event in a few months.

In the meantime, you can always order copies of Picture This and One Soul for Sale from Amazon - both are linked to my Amazon Author Page. There's nothing better than cozying up with a good book on a snowy day. :)


Saturday, December 12, 2009

Booksigning in Harrisburg next Saturday!


On Saturday, Dec. 19, from 3 to 5 p.m., I'll be at the Midtown Scholar in Harrisburg, PA, signing away copies of Picture This and One Soul for Sale. Anyone who purchases a print copy will receive a free book thong, while supplies last. If you're in central PA, I hope you'll come by. My novellas make perfect holiday gifts! And you can always buy one for yourself, too. There's nothing better than snuggling up with a book on a cold winter's day.

So mark your calendars, and spread the word:
Dec. 19, 3-5 p.m.
The Midtown Scholar, 1302 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102

A brief description appears on the Midtown Scholar's site but please note, they still list their old address on their web site. The shop is now directly across from The Broad Street Market on Third.

Hope to see you there! If you can't make it that day, The Midtown Scholar has several copies of One Soul for Sale and Picture This for sale, so get 'em while you can! Or you can always order copies from Amazon - both are linked to my Amazon Author Page.


Closeup of bookmarks (no two alike)

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Dividing my time today

I've always wanted to be able to be in two places at once! Today, I get my wish, if only virtually.
The BookWenches interviewed me at their site. They had recently given my novella Picture This a good review.

The wonderful ladies at The Lark Journals also invited me to spend the day with them, which I'm very happy to do. I'm showcasing Going with Gravity, my contemporary romance.

Hope you'll drop by and leave a comment!


Saturday, September 5, 2009

More great reviews for Picture This!

In its review of Picture This, Romancing the Pubs said in part: “The heroine is intelligent and resilient. The hero is sexy and charming. And the political background made for an exciting source of external conflict.”
And two readers rated Picture This as “Great” on Fictionwise!


Sunday, August 30, 2009

Great review for Picture This!


Book Wenches reviewed Picture This, and had some great things to say: "Cate Master’s novella Picture This is a story about misunderstandings and second chances. Although a light and quick read, it is well-written enough to grab a reader’s interest and hold on to it... I found myself drawn into the story by the puzzle presented by Ben’s behavior and also charmed by both the story’s touches of humor and its colorful and personable characters. In Sydney and Ben, Ms. Masters has given us a hero and heroine who feel very 'real' and quite human."
Thanks, Book Wenches!
You can read the full review here.
Picture This is available digitally now from Eternal Press and in print from Amazon!
You can view the trailer at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N8luvtiK2g
Here’s the story blurb:
Harrisburg News reporter Sydney Welles writes award-winning, attention-getting news stories. Her career’s on track, but she’d like a little more attention in her personal life. A year ago, she shared a great kiss with Philadelphia Daily News photographer Ben Taylor. Since then, nothing but a string of one-hit wonders. Suddenly, Ben’s back in her life – well, in her newsroom, anyway – but he acts as if he’s meeting her for the first time. Their story assignments throw them into uncomfortably close quarters, but Claudia, her editor, reminds Sydney she’s a consummate professional. She can handle it. Sydney’s not so certain when she and Ben go undercover to expose the mayor for shady dealings and he kisses her again. To keep their cover, he says. The mayor resigns amid shame, and Sydney’s the toast of the town. Two other reporters take an interest in more than her journalistic talents, but Sydney can’t help picturing herself back in Ben’s arms. Will she still want to once she learns Ben’s secret?


Saturday, August 8, 2009

Giving away a PDF of Picture This!

To celebrate yesterday's release day, I'm giving away an ecopy of Picture This, available now from Eternal Press and soon in print from Amazon and Barnes and Noble!
An excerpt and the trailer appear in the post just below.
Set in Pennsylvania’s capital city of Harrisburg, Picture This follows award-winning journalist Sydney Welles in her quest to write attention-getting news stories, and win the attention of photographer Ben Taylor. Ben’s funny, intelligent, loves the same music… bands like Soul Custody. Yes, Soul Custody’s an actual musical group from New Jersey. When I was young, one of its members, Ed Wall, used to come to my house and sounded just like The Young Rascals’ lead singer (whose name escapes me, and is so not the point here!). My brother banged away on his drums, and I was in heaven, listening to great live music. I don’t get back to listen to many shows, but one of these days, I’ll catch up to one of their shows. Michael Eli was kind enough to give me permission to use the band’s name in Picture This. Thanks guys!
Music has always been a huge part of my life, and songs of certain decades provide the soundtrack for my life. What about you? Do certain songs inspire you? Leave me a comment and tomorrow night, I’ll give away a PDF copy of Picture This to a random commenter. Have a great weekend!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Release day for Picture This!

Eternal Press releases Picture This today!
This story went through many revisions before acceptance. Not until I imagined Robert Downey Jr. as the hero did the story finally come together. So thanks, Robert. And if you're looking for a new project, you'd be perfect for this role. :) With Rachel Weisz as your leading lady (she starred in the version in my head, anyway).



Here's an excerpt:
Sydney didn’t like the look in Claudia’s eye. Like she was about to fire her. “Uh oh. What’s going on?”
Claudia took off her reading glasses, always a precursor to a delicate conversation. Never a good sign. “Do you remember Ben Taylor?”
Sydney released the breath she held. “Is that a trick question? We only have a conversation about him once a week or so.”
She hadn’t seen him in almost a year, a night that began with excitement and promise, continued blissfully for hours, and ended like a train wreck, with Ben dragged from the wreckage by another woman. Possibly his fiancé. Sydney could never quite learn the true story, but that fateful night stood out in her memory as a marker. The beginning of the end. After that, all her dates ended on a sour note. Ben Taylor had opened the flood gates of Bad Date Hell. From those gates streamed a neverending lineup of ill-suited matches, men who she should never have wasted her time on, but who each looked so tempting, she couldn’t resist trying. That was the thing about Hell, though, wasn’t it? People ended up there because the sin always seemed like a good idea at the time.
Claudia pursed her lips. “Yes, I know. The thing is… how do I put this?”
Sydney tensed. Claudia was not one to dance around a topic. Her style was more blunt – the resulting blunt force trauma notwithstanding. Something must be wrong. Terribly wrong.
She blanched. “Is he… “ Her voice trailed off. She couldn’t finish. Ben must be dead. Why else would her editor – her friend, her confidant, her mentor – be looking at her with such pity?
“He’s here.” Claudia watched her as if ready to catch her woozy body.
Those two short words snapped Sydney to attention. “Here?”


Sunday, July 26, 2009

New trailer for Picture This

Less than two weeks till Eternal Press releases Picture This on August 7!

I just finished the trailer:



Here again is the excerpt:
Sydney didn’t like the look in Claudia’s eye. Like she was about to fire her. “Uh oh. What’s going on?”
Claudia took off her reading glasses, always a precursor to a delicate conversation. Never a good sign. “Do you remember Ben Taylor?”
Sydney released the breath she held. “Is that a trick question? We only have a conversation about him once a week or so.”
She hadn’t seen him in almost a year, a night that began with excitement and promise, continued blissfully for hours, and ended like a train wreck, with Ben dragged from the wreckage by another woman. Possibly his fiancé. Sydney could never quite learn the true story, but that fateful night stood out in her memory as a marker. The beginning of the end. After that, all her dates ended on a sour note. Ben Taylor had opened the flood gates of Bad Date Hell. From those gates streamed a neverending lineup of ill-suited matches, men who she should never have wasted her time on, but who each looked so tempting, she couldn’t resist trying. That was the thing about Hell, though, wasn’t it? People ended up there because the sin always seemed like a good idea at the time.
Claudia pursed her lips. “Yes, I know. The thing is… how do I put this?”
Sydney tensed. Claudia was not one to dance around a topic. Her style was more blunt – the resulting blunt force trauma notwithstanding. Something must be wrong. Terribly wrong.
She blanched. “Is he… “ Her voice trailed off. She couldn’t finish. Ben must be dead. Why else would her editor – her friend, her confidant, her mentor – be looking at her with such pity?
“He’s here.” Claudia watched her as if ready to catch her woozy body.
Those two short words snapped Sydney to attention. “Here?”


Tuesday, July 14, 2009

New cover for Picture This novella

Hooray! My cover's here for Picture This, my contemporary women's fiction coming soon (no date yet) from Eternal Press. Picture This will also be available in print from Amazon. Woot!
Here are the unofficial blurb and excerpt:
Harrisburg News reporter Sydney Welles writes award-winning, attention-getting news stories. Her career’s on track, but she’d like a little more attention in her personal life. A year ago, she shared a great kiss with Philadelphia Daily News photographer Ben Taylor. Since then, nothing but a string of one-hit wonders. Suddenly, Ben’s back in her life – well, in her newsroom, anyway – but he acts as if he’s meeting her for the first time. Their story assignments throw them into uncomfortably close quarters, but Claudia, her editor, reminds Sydney she’s a consummate professional. She can handle it. Sydney’s not so certain when she and Ben go undercover to expose the mayor for shady dealings and he kisses her again. To keep their cover, he says. The mayor resigns amid shame, and Sydney’s the toast of the town. Two other reporters take an interest in more than her journalistic talents, but Sydney can’t help picturing herself back in Ben’s arms.

Excerpt:
Sydney didn’t like the look in Claudia’s eye. Like she was about to fire her. “Uh oh. What’s going on?”
Claudia took off her reading glasses, always a precursor to a delicate conversation. Never a good sign. “Do you remember Ben Taylor?”
Sydney released the breath she held. “Is that a trick question? We only have a conversation about him once a week or so.”
She hadn’t seen him in almost a year, a night that began with excitement and promise, continued blissfully for hours, and ended like a train wreck, with Ben dragged from the wreckage by another woman. Possibly his fiancé. Sydney could never quite learn the true story, but that fateful night stood out in her memory as a marker. The beginning of the end. After that, all her dates ended on a sour note. Ben Taylor had opened the flood gates of Bad Date Hell. From those gates streamed a neverending lineup of ill-suited matches, men who she should never have wasted her time on, but who each looked so tempting, she couldn’t resist trying. That was the thing about Hell, though, wasn’t it? People ended up there because the sin always seemed like a good idea at the time.
Claudia pursed her lips. “Yes, I know. The thing is… how do I put this?”
Sydney tensed. Claudia was not one to dance around a topic. Her style was more blunt – the resulting blunt force trauma notwithstanding. Something must be wrong. Terribly wrong.
She blanched. “Is he… “ Her voice trailed off. She couldn’t finish. Ben must be dead. Why else would her editor – her friend, her confidant, her mentor – be looking at her with such pity?
“He’s here.” Claudia watched her as if ready to catch her woozy body.
Those two short words snapped Sydney to attention. “Here?”