Monday, March 10, 2014

MY WRITING PROCESS
BLOG HOP

I've been invited to participate in this fun blog hop that introduces you to author's you may not know and gives a little insight into each author's writing process.

The fabulous author and now my friend, Debbie Christiana, tagged me. Debbie loves curious tales of magic and mystery. Especially dark and scary stories that makes your hair stand on end. She has a monthly blog post called CURIOSITIES, and each month hosts various writer's to tell their tales of the inexplicable (but true) paranormal, and hauntings around the world. Check out Debbie's blog and learn about her writing.

Here's how this Blog Hop works. I answer four questions about my writing then pay it forward by tagging three author's and links to their blogs. 

I've chosen three unique and gifted author's. First is JAMI GRAY. Jami writes Paranormal, Urban Fantasy with a Killing Edge. My next writer is JULIA JOSEPH. Julia writes Paranormal Thrillers. Last but not least, ANETA CRUZ. Aneta writes contemporary and fairy tales.

Now for my four questions:
What am I working on?
I've changed genres completely, but not permanently because I love dark and gritty tales of the inexplicable. I've recently completed a Contemporary YA/Mystery with elements of Romance. It is now in the critique stage and hopefully will be ready to send off this week.

How Does My Work Differ from Others of its Genre?
This is a hard question because I can't think of an answer. Tallas is a dystopia/paranormal thriller. Wickedly They Come is a paranormal thriller, and I've written two contemporary novels. I guess they differ in that it's a new story for people to enjoy and escape from reality for a little while.

Why Do I Write What I Do?
Like I mentioned before, I'm fascinated with the inexplicable. Angels, Demons, Witches, Hobbits, Potter...etc...I turn away from anything too realistic maniacal and gory. I crave a good story. Contemporary, Romance, Mystery, Sci-Fi, I love them all. So I write them all.

How Does Your Writing Process Work?
Right now, I'm suffering from a brain malfunction, and can't write a darn thing after spending the past months in the editing stage. I don't normally outline, except for my last book which needed definition. If a story pops into my head, I sit at the computer and create. 

Thank you for stopping by. Remember to check Debbie's post from last week. And on March 17th please remember to visit JAMI, JULIA, AND ANETA to learn more about these wonderful author's.

Now as Promised My Review for OMNI by Andrea Murray
Author Andrea Murray takes us into the future with OMNI. Since the original government has disbanded, society is now run by various Stratum's. The highest Stratum to the lowest called the Drudges. One of our main characters is from the Drudge Strata, the gorgeous Pierce. And the next main character is from a higher level, Artist Strata, Harmony. The two meet accidentally when Pierce steps in to save Harmony from an abusive fan. Pierce is an instant sensation and all Stratum's want him.
As with all my reviews I ask for you to read the blurb to learn more. 
Andrea Murray writes a sweet, young adult romance. Omni is plagued with a social caste system that makes your teeth clench. The book has scenes of tension and fights between a hulking boy named Malice who plays football in the OFL, and Pierce who is constantly defending Harmony's honor. It is a fast paced and interesting story, and the ending sets the reader up for the next book in the series.

OMNI BLURB:

Pierce only wants a shot, a real shot, and not just the excuses he's been handed his whole life. Harmony wants to escape her future, the future she fears will be chosen for her. After their chance meeting, they might get exactly what they want.

Since taking over the US government years earlier, the Omni party has created a perfect existence. From consorts to job assignments, every choice, every facet of life is under their control. Each citizen has a specific role in one of the four strata. Seventeen-year-old Pierce is a Drudge, the lowest social stratum in society. For over two years, he's hoped--prayed--that his upcoming aptitude test will finally free him from his virtual slavery and give him a chance at a better existence. When he rescues Harmony, an Artist and member of the most successful stratum, at a publicity event for her latest movie, his life takes an unbelievable twist. With his gallant act and good looks, he becomes a media sensation. Every stratum in society seeks his membership for their publicity, but as he becomes closer to Harmony, Pierce realizes what fame in the all-seeing eye of Omni is truly like. His choices will not only affect him but Harmony as well. The life Pierce thought he wanted may not be worth the cost to either of them. 


In this retelling of the classic story of Paris and Helen, love must struggle against an ultramodern, ultracontrolling society. They will risk everything, even challenging the all-seeing eye of the Omni government. But will the prize be worth the cost?

21 comments:

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  2. Hi Cathy - thanks for the shout out! We share a love for the inexplicable and your new mystery sounds intriguing. Tallas in next on my list!

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    1. Yes, we both love dark and spooky! Let me know what you think of Tallas.

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  3. Cathrina, I hope that you move past this stage and start drafting again... soon. I know that it is frustrating. Hang in there. You have so many stories in your head, so I am certain will knock on the door and beg to be told!

    I love the blurb for Omni. This is the first time I am seeing it. I just added it to my Book List. Thanks!

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  4. Oooh...a contemporary YA mystery. Sounds intriguing. Isn't it liberating to step out of our genre box? I've been playing with the idea of trying my hand at a YA contemporary. Normally, I'm all about the creepy.

    Sheri at Writer's Alley

    Home of Rebel Writer CREED 2014
    Mighty Minion Bureau Team #atozchallenge

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    1. I do like to try something different. Thank you for stopping by Sherri.

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  5. I got a good chuckle out of your current writing process. I know the feeling!

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    1. So you understand me, That's good that somebody does.

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  6. Great insights into your writing, Cathrina. I'm with you on the last bit. My mind's in such a muddle that writing at the moment is out to of the question. I'm staying calm, however, and focusing on the return of the muse. Here's to both of us moving forward in our prose.

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  7. You do a wonderful job of writing the inexplicable. I'm curious to see how the change in genre will work out. You know I love romance.

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  8. Thank you for your great review of Omni! I really appreciate it.

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  9. If it helps, Cathrina--you write about 10,000 times faster than I do. It's hard for me to get 1,500 new words on the page in a week. (I'm guessing now that this probably doesn't help, lol.) I can't wait to get my hands on your other stuff. WICKEDLY THEY COME was great!

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    1. Thank you for the compliment, Julia! And it is good to hear that someone else writes as slow as me.

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  10. I'm really enjoying Tallas so far! (Sorry, I'm a slow reader). I hope your brain regains its functioning and produces more great work!

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