Never Say Never

Being focused on pushing forward to new and exciting story horizons, I don't like going back to revised old stories.

Usually.

But, as the blog post title says, never say never.

When a publisher put out a call and the submission guidelines specifically included previously published stories, I had two novels that fit the other specs. Well, after a few tweaks.

I've spent the past month or so revising them both. I was going to merely sub the revised versions, but liked them so much better, I published the new versions on Amazon and Smashwords. Once they go through the review process, Smashwords will release the updated version to its secondary affiliate sites such as Barnes and Noble, etc.

Fear not, I'm not going to be one of those authors stuck on their old stories, constantly updating the old with new versions. How many versions of one story can anyone read?

But I promise, these two are much better stories for the revisions.

That leaves only one more to finish. The Vitruvian Man trilogy of novellas (Cursed, Charmed and Claimed) will become one full-length novel. It's taken me forever because not only did life keep getting in the way, as so often happens, but the main character will undergo some major changes, and the story's going to go into more detail, as well. I'm hoping to finish that by the end of the year.

In the meanwhile, I hope you'll try the new and improved stories!

Surfacing is my contemporary fantasy, a 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award semi-finalist. The story follows a mermaid who meets and inspires a wannabe rock star. Set in Weeki Wachee Springs, home of the Weeki Wachee mermaids!

You can view more detail on Smashwords or Amazon.

Angels, Sinners and Madmen is my historical romance, an adventure that I couldn't resist after visiting Key West and learning about the wreckers.

More deets on Smashwords and Amazon.

The fact they're both set in Florida is a happy coincidence. Or maybe Florida is a writer's muse? I did visit Ernest Hemingway's house while in Key West... maybe his ghost followed me home!

What to do?

I'm very excited that this year the rights to three stories will return to me. I love them all, but the question is: what now? Do I revise on my own and self-pub? Or sub to another publisher?

The first, Surfacing, had such promise. It was a 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel semi-finalist, and had some excellent reviews, like this one:
“I found myself drawn to her characters and their world almost immediately, and within a few pages I became completely lost in the story. Surfacing is a delightful, entertaining, and touching read that will have readers rooting for the young hero and hoping that somehow fairytales can come true. This is more than a romance: it is a coming-of-age story that will linger in my memory. I truly enjoyed every page.”.

But despite a catchy cover, readers passed it over. Maybe because it's more a love story than a romance? I've never received any complaints, so I have no idea. And at about 65k, it's too long for my current publisher.

Ground Rules is another story I'm uncertain about. Again, reviewers had wonderful things to say about it, like: "Ms. Masters took a simple love story and made it magical, drawing the reader into the world where angels can make your dreams come true. And the fact that Luke could make a mean margarita certainly didn't hurt, either. I'm a sucker for a Christmas story - throw in a hot angel on a Harley and we've got a party!” and “This fun fantasy tale will keep you reading and waiting to see just what happens next. I didn’t see this ending coming, and I consider that an accomplishment for the author.”

But the story never really took off. The cover didn't quite convey the story line, and I've toyed with new covers and really like one of them, so this is one short story I'm considering self-pubbing.

Last is Romancing the Hero, a fun little fantasy story. Much as I love it, readers found it confusing so I'll likely spend more time revising this time based on previous comments. I liked that the ending left things open, but some didn't. Others, however, loved the story as much as me:
“A steamy cast of characters pulls the reader right into Romancing the Hero, and doesn’t let go until the final page. Cate Masters’ romantic novella, an homage to the classic romance movie Romancing the Stone, will make you believe that your fantasies can come true.
The well-written characters--feisty Jody Feather, best-selling romance writer who’s dissatisfied with her love life and perfect hero Jake Emerson--are captivating from their initial meeting." 
and
"The novella leads you excellently right down the garden path--is Jake really an actor, or is he stud-come-to-life Jake? I really liked how Ms. Masters’ tight plotting keeps you guessing, up to the very end. Ms. Masters is a very good author and Romancing the Hero is a fun, well-written story.”

With every story, I have to block out my inner critic, and not think about what any reader might say. I have to let the characters dictate the direction of the story, and I follow - mostly.

Published stories are a slightly different animal. They've been out in the world for awhile. When the rights come back to me, I have an opportunity to improve them. So if anyone has read these stories and been confused by anything, please let me know. I am all about making the story the best it can be, and appreciate all feedback.

Thanks!

Tagging Tuesday at the Paranormalists

The Paranormalists, another blog I'm part of, is holding a Tagging Tuesday party. I hope you'll pop over and show some love for the five books featured there, including my own fantasy, Surfacing. :)

I'm excited that the Paranormalists is revving up. Special thanks to DL Jackson for commandeering the troops and leading us forward!

I'm the new art officer for the Paranormalists, and am working on a graphic for Tagging Tuesday - it will be a regular event, along with lots of other new stuff. Stay tuned!

Thankful for readers

Tomorrow through Tuesday, I'll be part of the TRS Thanksgiving Party, a celebration to give thanks for readers. I can't think of a better way to say thanks than with a giveaway. Come on over and join the celebration. You might win a print copy of my fantasy, Surfacing.

Hope to see you there!

What's your writer's fantasy?

Pop on over to the wonder Julie Lynn Hayes' blog today and share yours. Hope to see you there!

Six Sentence Sunday - Surfacing

I was sorry to have to miss Six Sentence Sunday last week, but I had long ago scheduled a guest, so honored that commitment.

Here's a little more from my fun contemporary fantasy, Surfacing. I think this will probably be my last for this novel. Hopefully it will tempt you to read more. :)

Chaz whirled, the rifle at his shoulder. A dull noise sounded – like a door slamming – as the rifle barrel lit for a split second in a burst of light.

AJ fell to his knees, clutching his side. It tingled. When his hand felt wet, he looked down. The red blotch on his shirt matched his palm. He dropped onto the patchy grass.


****

You can read reviews, the excerpt, view the trailer, and even see who I envisioned in the movie roles for Surfacing here.

Check out more wonderfully talented Six Sentence Sunday participants here. I have to travel out of state for a funeral today but will catch up with everyone afterward.

Be sure to follow next week,when SSS celebrates its first anniversary. There'll be plenty of great giveaways, including one from me, so you won't want to miss it. :)

Six Sentence Sunday - still more Surfacing

Yay, it's Six Sentence Sunday. Thanks to all who checked out my entry last week. Your comments give me a real boost. :)

Here's a little more from my fun contemporary fantasy, Surfacing:

She slid down against his chest, her slow smile burning into his heart.

He waited until her form blurred to nothingness beneath the water, then sat watching the moonlight ripple across the surface. In the distance, she leapt from the sea in a twist, making his heart leap, too, before she plunged and disappeared.

He stood. “Cassiopeia.”

Only the breeze through his wet clothes moved him, singing her name in different variations as he stepped along the rocks.


****

You can read reviews, the excerpt, view the trailer, and even see who I envisioned in the movie roles for Surfacing here.

Check out more wonderfully talented Six Sentence Sunday participants here.

I won't be able to participate next week, but will be back on Feb. 20 with more! And you won't want to miss Feb. 27th, when Six Sentence Sunday throws a birthday bash, with great giveaways, along with the usual great snippets!

Six Sentence Sunday - more Surfacing

I'm having a lot of fun with Six Sentence Sunday. Thanks to all who checked out my entry last week.

Here's a little more from my fun contemporary fantasy, Surfacing:

Clouds roiled over the ocean as AJ waited. Unable to sit still, he paced along the islet. His nerves jangled in his skin. He should have gone home for his guitar, but he couldn’t face Grandpa. He wasn’t sure he would be able to face Cassiopeia, but he had to. To save her life, he had to lie to her.

****

You can read reviews, the excerpt, and view the trailer for Surfacing here.

Check out more wonderfully talented Six Sentence Sunday participants here.

More of Surfacing, my contemporary fantasy

Six Sentence Sunday was a blast last week. Thanks to all who checked out my entry.

Here's a little more from my fun contemporary fantasy, Surfacing:

He owed her everything. “Thanks for saving me today.”

She tilted her head, as if awaiting his kiss. “I couldn’t let an alligator devour such a talented singer.”

It took all he had not to cup her face in his hands, press his mouth against hers. He began to speak, to call her name, then realized he didn’t know it.

****

You can read reviews, the excerpt, and view the trailer for Surfacing here. The excerpt sets up the scene above.

Check out more talented Six Sentence Sunday participants here.

Six Sentence Sunday: Surfacing

Six Sentence Sunday seemed like such a great idea, I thought I'd give it a try.

This is from my fun contemporary fantasy, Surfacing:

A girl’s giggle snapped his attention to the sea. He waited, afraid to breathe. “Cassiopeia?”

She burst from the waves like an angel taking flight. The full moon rising along the horizon illuminated her, made her look magical. Bracing her arms against her sides, her torso came out of the water, revealing the top of her tail, that seamless skin binding girl to fin.

****

That's it, short and sweet. Hope you liked it. You can read reviews, the excerpt, and view the trailer for Surfacing here.

Check out more Six Sentence Sunday participants here.

Page 99 of Surfacing

Here's a peek at page 99 of my contemporary fantasy, Surfacing.

“Busy again.” Chaz fell back for a moment, then charged ahead to fall into step with AJ. “Same girl?”
“Yeah.” AJ held his pace even, though he wanted to run. Or shove Chaz. Anything to get away.
“She must be some special kind of girl, for you to be so crazy about her so quick.” No matter how casual Chaz’s tone, he was interrogating AJ nonetheless.
“She is.” Maybe if he kept his answers short, the dude would take the hint.
The strain of trying to keep pace sounded in his breathy voice. “Cause I figured you more for a player, not someone who fell in love with a girl just like that.”
AJ kept his gaze ahead, but felt Chaz’s constant stare. “She’s different.”
“Different how?” Chaz stepped in front of AJ, his steely grey eyes bore into him.
Oh, man. How did he pick up on the slightest nuance like that? AJ shrugged, his annoyance came through in his tone. “She’s nice. And smart. And funny. I like talking to her. Being with her.” He sounded like a drooling middle-schooler.
And it wasn’t fooling Chaz one bit. His intense gaze cut through AJ’s bullshit lines. He knew.
“She sounds really special.” The way he said it made AJ want to take a shower. Like he pictured her naked.
AJ set his hands on his hips. “She is. I don’t want to mess things up.”
The movement of Chaz’s head might have been a nod, might have been a nervous twitch. He didn’t release AJ from his crazy-eyed scrutiny.
He had to get away from the creep. “Listen, we’ll work out a night, maybe next week. All right?”
“Sure. Next week.” His eyes glazed, Chaz sounded far from convinced.
“That’s what I said.” AJ shifted his legs, ready to sprint away the moment this damn conversation ended.
“And you’re a man of your word.” Chaz tilted his head, and narrowed his eyes. “And in the meantime, maybe we could double-date. I’d like to meet this girl of yours.”
AJ winced. “What? No.”
With pouty lips, Chaz clucked his tongue. “Don’t be afraid, AJ. I won’t steal her from you.” His eyes shone with hate – or something more insidious.

****

See the trailer, read reviews and more here.

At Liz Arnold's blog today

I hope you'll pop over and say hello to Liz and me. Nothing more warming on a blustery winter day than hearing from friends!

Last chance to enter NOR's Autumn web hunt

I'm home from the cruise! My DH and I had a wonderful time on the cruise, lolling on beaches and drinking Coco Locos. Here's a pic of the beach at Coco Cay, our final port of call.

Though it's tough to return to freezing temps after lovely 80-degree temps, it's still great to be home again.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. And thanks to all the guests who blog-sat while I was away!

Tomorrow's the final day for Night Owl Reviews' Autumn Harvest web hunt, in which you can win great prizes from great authors!

In December, you can still enter the Winter Wonderland Web Hunt.

I'm one of the participating authors, and have already sent in my three print copies of Surfacing, my contemporary fantasy novel, and Follow the Stars Home, my historical Native American novel. Both will leave you satisfied, and warm inside. :)

Another fun interview

Today I'm at the beautiful blog, Deep in the Heart Romance. I hope you'll join me for another fun interview, highlighting Surfacing, my contemporary fantasy.

After today, I'll be away till the end of the month. If you look closely, you can see me and my hubby on the ship's deck, umbrella drinks in hand. :)

But nearly every day, a new author will be featured here, so I hope you'll help them all feel welcome.

Hasta la vista!

It's hunting season!

No, no, not that kind of hunting. Night Owl Reviews still has two web hunts, in which you can win great prizes from great authors!

Throughout November, it's the Autumn Harvest Web Hunt, and in December, walk through the Winter Wonderland Web Hunt.

I'm one of the participating authors, and have already sent in my three print copies of Surfacing, my contemporary fantasy novel, and Follow the Stars Home, my historical Native American novel. Both will leave you satisfied, and warm inside. :)

A recent review of Surfacing, Bookwenches said, in part:
Surfacing is a delightful, entertaining, and touching read that will have readers rooting for the young hero and hoping that somehow fairytales can come true. This is more than a romance: it is a coming-of-age story that will linger in my memory. I truly enjoyed every page, and I think that if you decide to read it, you may as well.



In her recent 5-star review of Follow the Stars Home, author Margaret Tanner said:
Another riveting, well researched yarn from the pen of master story-teller Cate Masters.
The Lakota Indians lives are upturned by the white man encroaching into their territory. In a desperate act to ensure the tribe's survival, the chiefs agree to the proposal of an army captain that their children be sent to a boarding school in far off Pennsylvania, to be taught the white man's way.
It is an experiment that brings tragic results.
Quiet Thunder an Indian brave and sweet natured but determined Black Bear love each other. But can their love survive them being uprooted from their people, betrayed and lied to by the white man? Will they ever find their way back to their own people? You will have to read this story to find out. But it is a fabulous journey, and you will enjoy it every step of the way.

Wonderful review for Surfacing!

Wow, I love this review. It's especially gratifying when the reviewer "gets" your work, which is absolutely the case with this BookWenches review of Surfacing:

There is something about mermaids that tickles our imagination. Many of us loved the Ron Howard movie Splash when it came out in the 1980s, and the tale (and ‘toon) of The Little Mermaid has enchanted countless little girls. These mythical creatures resound with romance and whimsy, and if you're as fascinated by them as I am, then I’ve got a treat for you: Cate Masters’ novel Surfacing. This is a very well-written and involving story that features a young man who has lost his sense of direction in life but who regains his self-esteem, his family, and his future when he meets and falls in love with a mermaid.

Ms. Masters’ writing style is smooth and effortless in Surfacing, providing a comfortable and enjoyable read. I found myself drawn to her characters and their world almost immediately, and within a few pages I became completely lost in the story. Not only are her characters well-rounded and believable, but so is the setting.

Ms. Masters has a knack for well-executed yet understated emotion; I found watching AJ and his grandfather bond to be quite moving.

Surfacing is a delightful, entertaining, and touching read that will have readers rooting for the young hero and hoping that somehow fairytales can come true. This is more than a romance: it is a coming-of-age story that will linger in my memory. I truly enjoyed every page, and I think that if you decide to read it, you may as well."

There's even more - you can read the full review here.

A huge thank you, Bobby. You made my week!

At Dawn's Reading Nook today

Stop over and say hello! We're talking about all things book-related.

At Roses of Prose today

The wonderful ladies at Roses of Prose are generously hosting me at their beautiful blog today. I'm in the Saturday Spotlight with Surfacing - leave a comment for a chance to win a copy!

Another chance to win Surfacing!

Surfacing is in the Spotlight Giveaway at HEA Reviews. Simply leave a comment at that post by Friday for a chance to win a print copy of Surfacing!

What an exciting weekend!

I'm still catching up from it. Normally I'm a homebody, but the weekend was jam-packed with amazing stuff.

I was really excited that one of my favorite bands, Spoon, scheduled a concert in Harrisburg. I had to buy tickets! Here's a New York Times article about them. Someone posted a clip from the Forum concert on YouTube, as I'd hoped, so here it is:



A few weeks before, I felt like I'd won the lottery when I got an email saying I'd won the Meet and Greet with the band! The email came on the same day as the phone call that I'd won first place in the Pearl S. Buck writing contest. I joked to my husband that I should run out and buy a lottery ticket to see if the streak would continue.

So here's me and the hubby with (most of) the guys from Spoon!



I slipped Brit Daniels a copy of Surfacing too! I hope he at least likes the music parts, if he reads it. :)

The next day, we traveled to Perkasie for the Pearl S. Buck awards. Afterwards, we stopped off at the Franklin Institute for the Cleopatra exhibit. One word sums it up: amazing. The artifacts didn't appear to have been buried undersea for centuries - some of the detail was just incredible, especially on the coins. And her jewelry... good thing they were enclosed in glass, lol. But some of the artifacts stood within reach (though heavily guarded). I wish I could share some photos, but they didn't allow any photography. Here's an image from the web site, though - can you imagine coming across something so amazing beneath the sea?

Awhile back, I'd started reading Margaret George's The Memoirs of Cleopatra but gave up because it was so long - more than 950 pages. But now I'm determined to go back and finish. I hope Spielberg or Cameron makes an epic film about Cleo soon. We haven't had a movie about her in awhile. She deserves the spotlight!