Category Archives: chit-chatting with Cat

Announcing My Screenwriting Analysis Series! (TV Shows & Movies)

Hello hello, folks!

I'm putting together a screenplay, movie, tv show pilot and script analysis series. Why? As a script reader, and future professional screenwriter (you can read my Daphné scene here and my Philip scene there), I thought this would not only serve as an immensely rich training ground for me and you, but also as quite an interesting way to look at movies, TV shows and stories we love and the screenwriting at work behind it!

Now, what will I cover? In all cases, I will go through the characterization & relationships, the logic, the flow, my overall Impression, my thoughts & what I learned. Depending on whether it's the script, the movie/TV show, or the beat sheet, I will also tackle the format, the cinematographic techniques, the acts, and more. Plus, if the movie/TV show is based on a book or on a series of books, I will add a post that compares the movie/TV show to the book(s) while covering their dialogue, descriptions, characterization & relationships, divergences, techniques, structure & beats.

As for each collection of posts (by collection I mean "each series of blog posts pertaining to one specific story"), here is the order:

Script analysis
Movie/TV show pilot analysis
Beats analysis
Movie/TV show VS book (if that's the case)

So, you can expect at least three posts for each story, with the occasional fourth post.

As for my first analysis, we'll send the balloon floating with:

IT: Chapter One

I can't wait to share this new blog post series with you! I hope to see you there so we can learn together about screenwriting. 😀

Stay tuned for more in a few weeks with my very first script analysis!

a reddie playlist, made by yours truly a...

(These two might be my favorites… Who am I kidding?

OF COURSE, Eddie Kaspbrak and Richie Tozier are my favorites!)

A New Chapter for You to Read & And I’m Almost Finished Writing My Novel

chit-chatting with Cat, Miranda Kane (ROAH:R), My Projects May 21, 2021 Leave a comment

Hi, folks!

I've got two news for you relating to my novel Rise of a Heroine: Resurgence, a.k.a Miranda Kane (my main character).

So, I'm using Inkitt, a publishing platform similar to Wattpad, to post my novel online and land a publication contract with said platform.

Unfortunately, I've been neglecting it those last few months… BUT FEAR NOT! I am back in the ring with the 7th chapter now posted and ready for you to read!

YAY! Are you excited? I AM EXCITED! 😀

melissa benoist gifs Page 4 | WiffleGif

You can read my first 7 chapters and 2 prologues FOR FREE over at Inkitt: Rise of a Heroine: Resurgence

Please, sign up and leave a comment and/or rating. It really helps making my story known and gives me the opportunity to be offered a contract!

In addition to these news, I want to announce that:

I'M NEARLY DONE WRITING MY NOVEL! YES, FOLKS!

I've written 40 chapters out of 52 already! I'M SOON GETTING THERE!

Honestly, I'm looking at my novel like this:

Supergirl Melissa Benoist GIF - Supergirl MelissaBenoist KaraDanvers - Discover & Share GIFs

Genuine love, passion, tenderness, and awe. A bit of uncertainty, too. That's what I feel for it.

I'M SO READY!

I hope you'll give reading a try over at Inkitt, and that you'll enjoy my novel as much as I do.

Also, I made a vow to myself and you that I'd now upload a new chapter on Inkitt every two weeks. So, be prepared (*cue Scar's theme song from The Lion King here*)

Also, if you're wondering why I'm using Melissa Benoist in all my GIFs, it's because of this choice of face claims and here's a bonus graphic.

See you next post, lovelies!

A Horror Comic Anthology: Texas Horror

Blog Tours, Book Reviews, chit-chatting with Cat May 13, 2021 Leave a comment

Now, finally, another great comic book arrived.

Now, let me just…

Comic Book GIFs | Tenor

Yes, let me just read it please.

So, I was fortunate enough to get an insider's look at Texas Horror by David Doub and Halo Toons (writers), and several artists such as Dominic Racho (art), Daniel Chan (letters), Terry Parr (art), Diego Garza (art), and Miguel Ángel Hernández (art).

This comic anthology has everything: diversity, LGBTQA+, horror, gore, humour… Name it! The drawing styles are different from story to story, which renews your attention, and there's one you'll like for sure.

As we all know, the pandemic makes it hard on everyone. However, conventions are an important part of making a comic book for creators; they help sell copies, spread the word about them, and generally get the connections and funds required–but where are the conventions now?

Exactly, none (or very few) is happening lately. So, ingenious creators turned to crowdfunding. After all, the public gets to read those comics, so a little contribution to the artists and writers can go a long way. If you want (and can) to help publish Texas Horror, please visit their Kickstarter page and make a contribution to receive benefits such as a copy of the comic book upon release: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/demonsinthedarkness/texas-horror

Read below for my review of the insider's look I was offered.

Thank you for reading and helping, loves! Please share and boost as any help will be useful. 😉

The first story I decided to read was Demons in the Dark, written by David Doub, art by Dominic Racho, and letters by Daniel Chan.

I really enjoyed this story. It was dark, gruesome, poignant, and emotional. I understand what these kids are going through; been there, suffered that. There's a lot of diversity, whether in regards to ethnicity and sexuality! Kudos for that, champs! Also, I rather enjoyed the moral of the story, it was touching. A bit too on the nose, maybe. But the characters are right: Anger hurts yourself, not the others. Plus, I thought the comic was too short. That’s a compliment.

On the negative side, sometimes the story felt rushed or cramped… again, I’d have preferred it to be longer. But it’s because it was good! Lastly, the drawings are detailed but the characters are supposed to be teenagers… Honestly, I thought for a few pages they were adults, or teachers, and then I debated the fact. Until it was made clear by their playing cards at the cafeteria they were teenagers…

The second story was Mask it or Casket, written by David Doub and art by Miguel Ángel Hernández:

That one was… hilarious, honestly. The names and the cynical & weirdo humour are perfect! I laughed a lot in the preview. But this comic can also be poignant as there’s a difficult family situation in the story, and the topic is about “masking”, something that is very current. Also, the drawings are both cute and pop with colours. They seem “light”, if drawings can have weight… it’s like you could cut them out and move them around like paper toys. That nice! They remind me of the latest Archie Comics, the newest issues. A different style, but that’s the vibe I get from this story. Finally, the horror looks to be ramped up… dangerous. Awesome!

The third story was Aerobicide Blockbuster, written by David Doub and art by Terry Parr:

The most beautiful and colourful of the stories! It’s so bright it pops, and I love the matte effect of the main character, blue-haired Sheri Ken (nice name there…, like a Shuriken!) This story was undoubtedly SO WEIRD, so upside down, with hints and allusions to old horror movies! So confusing, but so funny, and entertaining. I loved the nods to the classics, seriously! Honestly, I want to read the rest! Trust me, you’ll be surprised, too.

As for the other comics, the drawings look gorgeous to me, and they’re quite detailed (End World Escape, Luna Vino) and very cute (Kitchen Witches)! The stories sound very intriguing, and I wish the creators the best to publish Texas Horror Comic with YOUR help through their crowdfunding campaign.

Don’t forget to support them here to get a copy and bonuses: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/demonsinthedarkness/texas-horror

Please share this post, and talk about it on social media. Every bit helps!

Thank you, loves.

I hope this comic entertains you as much as it did me.

Love,

Catherine

Blog Tour for Blood Pact – Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway Announcement

Blog Tours, chit-chatting with Cat, Giveaways May 6, 2021 Leave a comment

Hey, folks!

Today is blog tour day for Blood Pact by Courtney Maguire on Ad Librum Aeternam, yay!

I was fortunate enough to be offered review copies of Bloodlaced and Blood Pact, the first two books in the Youkai Bloodlines series. Stay on the lookout for my upcoming reviews. You can now find my review of Bloodlaced here.

Meanwhile, have fun reading the excerpt exclusive to my blog and you, my dear readers, and make sure to read until the end for the giveaway!

Publisher: City Owl Press (May 4, 2021)
Releases on: May 4, 2021
Genre: LGBTQIA Dark Historical Paranormal Romance
Language: English
ASIN: B091V1P3FT
ISBN: 9781648980831

Amazon: http://mybook.to/BloodPact
B&N: https://smarturl.it/Youkai2BN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/Youkai2Kobo
City Owl: https://smarturl.it/Youkai2CO
Add it on Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/3b3jec53

Panic clenched in my chest as he turned away from me again. “Bakayarou!” I flung the curse at his back like a stone, and he flinched as it struck between his shoulder blades. “You act like you care about me. You treat me gently and help me when it’s convenient and easy for you. But when it matters, you’re just like the rest of them.”
My hurt poured down my face in fat drops. My heart pounded in slow, painful beats as if my blood had turned to sludge. I realized then that I was wrong, that I’d believed my own fantasy and let it blur and mix too much with reality. I’d been waiting, wanting, yearning for the confession I’d heard from so many others and he’d never give me. I was just a geisha, a beautiful thing to push back against the ugliness, and now I was wasting what could be my mother’s last moments begging for something that was never mine to have.
Tension rippled through Sakurai-han’s back, and he whipped around on me again. He covered the distance between us in two long strides. Before I could react, he took my face in his hands and crashed his lips into mine, hard and possessive. He walked me backward until my back was against the wall, the entire length of his body pressed against mine.
My mind went blank, aware only of the solidness of his chest and the scrape of his teeth. Little fires ignited under my skin. A whine slipped past my lips as he pushed deeper, and I gave in, first in increments and then in one great rush that left me weak and boneless.
He backed away just enough to allow me to breathe, and his eyes filled my vision, those eyes that so enthralled me, pupils blown wide and rimmed in white. Desire spiraled through me, hot and desperate. A few ragged breaths, and I pulled him in again, fingers tangled in his long hair. I drank him down in deep gulps that only left me wanting more. I could have ended there, existing only on his lips and in his arms.
He grabbed my wrists and pressed them against the wall over my head to force some distance. He stared at me, cheeks flushed and lips swollen. Strands of his hair still clung to my fingers like spiderwebs, like we could never come apart no matter how hard we tried.
“There’s no going back,” he said, face stern though his voice shook. “I will be a part of you.”
My eyes burned, and I blinked rapidly to keep the tears at bay. “I have nothing to go back to.”
“It feels like dying.”
“It’s only a matter of time before Yamaguchi comes for me.” I swallowed down a sliver of fear, and it caught in my throat like splintered glass. “I’d rather die in your hands than his.”
He took a deep breath but didn’t move. His heart tapped a fast rhythm against my chest. I leaned forward just enough to brush my lips against his. He made a low sound like a purr, and I strained against his hold as he deepened the kiss, a momentary tease of teeth and tongue before moving down my jaw. My breath caught as he nipped at the tender place just below my ear and flicked his tongue over the vein beneath it.
“Do you want it?” he whispered against my skin.
I could barely get the word out between gasps as he trailed featherlight kisses down the line of my neck. “Yes.”
“Tell me again.” His voice shook. “Tell me you’ll stay with me forever.”
“Yes, yes. Please. I want it.” His breath against my damp skin sent a spiky heat cascading through my body, and it gathered low in my belly. I arched toward him and dropped my head back. I almost forgot what I was there for. Man or monster didn’t matter anymore—I only wanted him. I allowed myself to give into the fantasy, and it bloomed with delirious joy.
He tugged me even closer until there was no space left between us, his lips pressed to the column of my throat. My toes curled as he traced the vein with his tongue, followed by the graze of teeth and a sharp sting. A fiery sensation started at his lips and cut through my very core. Not quite pain, not quite pleasure. My head swam as something was sucked, dragged, pulled out of me.
Another sensation, this one slower, softer, started at his hands and flowed over me like a warm rain. My muscles relaxed. My mind went soft. Any fear I had dissolved and washed away, replaced with peace and complete trust. I would give him everything, my heart, my life, my soul. It didn’t matter if I died because I would be with him, a part of him. I wept, not from sadness, but from release.
He let go of my wrists and hooked one arm around my waist as my strength waned and my knees gave out. He cradled my head with his other hand as he lowered me to the ground. It was almost tender, the way he brushed my hair away from my face and wiped the tears from my cheeks. His features blurred as my consciousness wavered. I thought briefly of the girl I’d seen him with earlier, how she crumpled at his feet. Did she feel this, too? This complete and total surrender to his power?
“Drink, Hiro.” He teased my lips open with his thumb and sealed his over them. Thick, coppery liquid filled my mouth. Blood. I choked on it at first, my body convulsing reflexively beneath him.
The first swallow was like a burst of light. All the pleasure, all the heat of our passionate embrace returned and redoubled. My vision instantly cleared. My muscles came alive once again, and I wrapped my fingers in his hair, hooked my leg around his waist. My ears rang with the sound of our hearts, and I took in everything he gave me, my tongue fighting his for every last drop.
Finally, he released me, and I lay gasping on the ground. My skin lit up. My body burned as if every cell was turning itself inside out. It wasn't pain or pleasure, but something entirely new. I writhed as my body remade itself, screaming as this new sensation coursed through me. I fell into darkness deep as a well, wondering if I had made a terrible mistake.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Courtney Maguire is a University of Texas graduate from Corpus Christi, Texas.
Drawn to Austin by a voracious appetite for music, she spent most of her young adult life in dark, divey venues nursing a love for the sublimely weird. A self-proclaimed fangirl with a press pass, she combined her love of music and writing as the primary contributor for Japanese music and culture blog, Project: Lixx, interviewing Japanese rock and roll icons and providing live event coverage for appearances across the country.
Her first novel, WOUNDED MARTYR, is a 2019 RWA® Golden Heart® Finalist in the Contemporary Romance: Short Category.

You can find her on social media: Facebook, Twitter or at www.courtneymaguirewrites.com

Love the Youkai Bloodlines Series? Keep an eye out for Blood Bound, coming in Spring 2022.
Worried you might miss it? Join Maguire's Reader Group, Courtney's Coven: https://tinyurl.com/3yuh2vxc or sign up for her newsletter at the bottom of her website: https://www.courtneymaguirewrites.com/about to make sure to keep up to date on your favorite characters.

Giveaway Details!

Now, now, what about that giveaway, Catherine?!

Here it comes!

Dear readers, as a thank-you for being loyal readers of mine, you can enter my very first giveaway in order to win an e-copy of Bloodlaced, book one of the Youkai Bloodlines Series. That's right!

This would be a perfect introduction into this marvelous Japan-inspired story with vampires!

Okay, but what are the rules, Catherine?!

Well, pretty simple: there are three steps.

1- Follow my Twitter account: @CatGV6

2- Follow my Instagram account: @catherinegv

3- Send me an email stating your name and account handles (so I can verify you're following me) to catherinegv.writertranslator@gmail.com OR send me a DM on either platform (Twitter or Instagram) and tell me your handles. 🙂

NO UNFOLLOWS ALLOWED! This giveaway is for my readers and followers. Be honest.

Also, if you don't have one or both accounts, no worries, just send me an email stating which post of mine is your favorite and why. 😉 That way, everyone gets a fair chance!

I invite you to follow the author, Courtney Maguire's social medias, too. 🙂

Lastly, the giveaway deadline is on Friday, May 14^th at 9 PM EST. Plus, I'll use a fair automatic generator to decide who's the winner. No cheating here! The winner will be announced on all my social medias on Saturday, May 15^th.

Oh, and since it's an e-copy, INTERNATIONAL IS OKAY! 😀

Don't forget to follow the rules! I wish you all the best of luck and a HUGE THANK YOU FOR READING ME SO LOYALLY!

Love y'all.

See you next post. 😉

TV Show Scene Excerpt – Philip at the Restaurant

chit-chatting with Cat, My Projects, screenwriting April 10, 2021 Leave a comment

Hi, loves!

I've continued writing my TV show, and I managed to finish Philip's exercise scene I mentioned in Daphné's scene. Hopefully, you will connect with Philip and his quirky but loving personality.

Who is my faceclaim for dear Philip Grayson? The amazing Cameron Monaghan, ladies, gents, and all other folks! Yes, in my head, my Philip is a redhead ^.^.

This GIF of his is my favorite because it's perfect display of my Philip's whole kind yet unstable attitude, vibe, and energy:

Being “friends with benefits” with Mason Ashford...

Here's my scene for Philip at the restaurant (happy reading!):

INT. FANCY RESTAURANT – NIGHT

Philip sits at a small round table. He adjusts his proper jacket and looks around the restaurant in a calm, poised manner. He takes it all in. He taps with his index on the table without noticing it, and watches the waiters and waitresses giving and taking orders, all bustling around him.

WAITER

Hello, Sir. Can I offer you wine and appetizers?

Philip startles as he looks at the waiter to his right. He chuckles and smiles with a characteristic warmth and kindness.

PHILIP

Absolutely. A bottle of red wine, your best, and bruschetti, please.

WAITER

Are you waiting for someone?

Philip glances at his polished shoes, then smiles shyly.

PHILIP

Yeah. I'll wait before ordering, if you don't mind.

WAITER

Not at all, Sir.

The waiter nods and leans closer. Philip straightens up, puzzled.

WAITER

May I suggest the baked fish with lemon cream sauce?

Philip stares into the waiter's mischievous eyes, awaiting an answer to his unspoken question.

WAITER

It serves wonders to impress the ladies…

Philip bursts out laughing nervously. He shakes his head and looks at the waiter.

PHILIP

Who says I'm waiting for a lady? It could be a man. You're not bad either yourself…

WAITER

(grins)

Thank you, Sir. I return the compliment. But with your behaviour and proper clothes, you're clearly looking to please.

Philip smiles and cocks his head, flirty. His smile turns into a grimace.

PHILIP

(whispers)

Don't we all?

WAITER

Actually, no. Still, I suggest the baked fish with lemon cream sauce, it's astounding.

The waiter winks at Philip and walks away. Philip watches him go as if in a daze. The restaurant doorbell tinks, but Philip keeps staring before him. Daphné lowers her head in his field of vision, smiling.

DAPHNÉ

Hi, Phil. You look superb.

Philip opens wide eyes and grin. He jumps to his feet and opens the chair for her across from him.

PHILIP

I'm nothing compared to you, Daph. Look at yourself!

Philip gestures at her gorgeous red dress and elegant hairstyle. Daphné giggles and puts a lock of hair behind her ears before sitting down. Philip helps her, then takes back his seat.

DAPHNÉ

Have you ordered?

Philip bites his lower lip as he observes her, a loving look in his eyes.

PHILIP

No, I was waiting for you.

DAPHNÉ

Oh, you shouldn't have. You know what I like, so…

PHILIP

I'd wait eons for you, so a few minutes isn't a problem.

Daphné grins, then clears her throat.

DAPHNÉ

Thanks for taking me here. We travel so much, yet such places seem… out of reach.

Philip nods, undisclosed emotions battling on his features.

PHILIP

What are best friends for, huh?

Daphné laughs.

DAPHNÉ

You're the best!

PHILIP

I try to please.

Philip opens wide eyes and his smile falls as he realizes what he's just said.

WAITER

I see your guest has arrived. May I take your order now?

Daphné gasps, turning her head to the waiter. Philip startles again before chuckling.

PHILIP

You're magic, man… Sure.

Philip glances at Daphné, who looks at him with a fond smile. Philip breathes deeply, straightening up with confidence and pride.

PHILIP

I'll take the maple glazed salmon with rice, and she'll take the baked fish with lemon cream sauce.

Daphné fakes shock as he orders for her, but she looks pleased he knows what to order to please her. The waiter raises an eyebrow at Philip, then smirks.

WAITER

You've made the right choice, Sir.

A mutual understanding passes between the two men that the choice applies to Daphné.

WAITER

I'll come back with your wine and appetizers.

PHILIP

Thank you.

The waiter leaves. Philip turns back to Daphné, proud. Daphné laughs and shakes her head.

DAPHNÉ

I don't know how you'll pay for all this… Let me help.

PHILIP

No. I saved, that's all. I'm treating you to something better for once.

DAPHNÉ

Why? You don't have to.

Philip looks awkward and vulnerable.

PHILIP

For a change… Because you deserve the best.

Daphné lets out an appreciative sound and looks around them. She then leans over the table and nudges him roughly on the shoulder. Philip laughs.

DAPHNÉ

Thanks, this is nice.

Philip winks at her. The waiter comes back and puts down the wine glasses and the bottle before them as well as appetizers, then leaves again. Philip picks up the bottle and pours Daphné and himself some wine.

PHILIP

(picks up his glass)

To us.

DAPHNÉ

Always us.

They grin at each other and clink their glasses on their promise.

(Don't you just get he yearns to say this to Daphné? ;))

Did you like it? I rather love the distinct format for screenwriting? What do you think of Philip? Did you like him? What about Daphné? Or their friendship?

I've got a lovely story about this character and a hint about what's to come in the TV show: When I first thought of the show, I'd just watched the episode of Gotham in which we see Jerome (played by Cameron Monaghan) for the first time. So, when I imagined my own Philip, I swear he always came with that faceclaim and no matter how hard I tried to change it to see if others would fit best, this face stuck. But I'm okay with this! Philip was my favorite of the two main characters from the get-go. He is kind, unstable, gentle, intense in love (this will cause and sustain the plot), smart, and caring. He brought in the basis of the show: his and Daphné's relationship which grows from deep friendship to something profoundly more complicated. He's not what I'd call a villain per se, but he sure raises the stakes in more ways than one.

If you have any questions or comments for me about screenwriting, this scene or Philip, please leave comments or contact me on Twitter at @CatGV6 or by email! I'll be so glad to discuss this with you.

See you next post, lovelies! I intend on writing a fun and emotional scene of them texting and facetiming with each other. Stay tuned for more!

Ciao!

TV Show Introduction & Scene Excerpt – Daphné at the Restaurant

chit-chatting with Cat, My Projects, screenwriting February 28, 2021 Leave a comment

Hello, folks!

So, I've told you a year ago how I started screenwriting. I love it! While I paused the writing of my movie, I'm having a blast writing my TV show, The Carousel! I took three screenwriting courses, including one last month for a TV show pilot and it was not only extremely enjoyable but also very informative (which I'll tell you about in another post as a review). As an exercise in the last course, I had to write a scene where my protagonist went to a restaurant alone. Since I have two protagonists, Daphné and Philip, I decided to write two scenes.

Thus, I am sharing the scene with Daphné so you can get a taste of my screenwriting and connect with her (hopefully).

My face claim for Daphné Vegas? Camila Cabello, ladies, gents, and all other folks!

I particularly love this GIF because, as you'll see in the scene, this is the perfect display of my Daphné's whole attitude, vibe, and energy:

I got the stuff that you want I got the thing that you need I got mo… #fanfiction #Fanfiction #amreading #books #w… | Camila cabello, Cabello hair, Lauren jauregui

So, here is my scene for Daphné at the restaurant (enjoy!):

DAPHNÉ

You sure you're not coming?

Daphné walks into the diner, speaking on the cellphone. She looks around her.

DAPHNÉ

No, it's fine. Another time. See you tonight, Phil.

Daphné hangs up and puts the phone away in her black leather jacket. She licks her lips and goes to the counter to order. She stands straight and proud, her short boots tapping the tiled floor.

DAPHNÉ

Hello, I'd like a–

The foreign man behind the counter lifts a finger to silence her as he finishes writing down on a receipt. Daphné snaps her head backward, offended, and scoffs as she crosses her arms over her chest.

CASHIER

(smiles)

What'd you say?

DAPHNÉ

(opens wide eyes)

Nothing, I couldn't finish.

Silence. The cashier nods slowly but still smiles at her. Daphné relents and uncrosses her arms, gently tapping her boot on the floor.

DAPHNÉ

I mean: I'll take a hamburger with mustard, onions, tomatoes, and salad, please. Add a root beer. No take-out. Thanks.

The cashier nods, writes down the order on an old receipt. With a wink, he turns and gives the paper to an Arab woman who cooks the order. Daphné waits, looking curiously at the several pictures from their home country.

CASHIER

Here. 9.76$ please.

He smiles at her and opens his palm. Daphné forces a smile and takes out a debit card. The cashier's smile vanishes. Daphné raises an eyebrow and keeps the card up in mid-air.

DAPHNÉ

You take debit, right?

CASHIER

(serious)

Yes.

The cashier hands her the debit machine roughly. Daphné exhales loudly by the nose and slides her card. She gives the machine back with a glare, then picks up her tray and goes to sit at the farthest table, near the bay window.

Daphné eats for a while as she watches calmly passers-by and other customers come in. When she's done, she stands up and gazes at the tray questioningly. She gives in and takes it to the counter. When she reaches the door, the cashier calls out to her.

CASHIER

(curt nod)

See you next time!

DAPHNÉ

(grimaces)

No lo creo, nah… Adiós.

She smiles sarcastically and waves at him. Then, she whirls around and leaves quickly.

Camila Cabello Imagines/Gifs - 10. - Wattpad

Did you like it? I rather love the distinct format for screenwriting? What do you think of Daphné? Did you like her?

I've got a funny story about her strong character: While I loved her, I couldn't really grasp her whole personality unlike Philip (her childhood best friend). I thought she was the calm and peaceful one, but writing this scene, I realized she was the one with the loud mouth and ready retorts. Haha, I laughed so hard! So, Philip is the calm and polite one. They both surprised me (mostly Daphné!). In the end, thanks to this exercise, I fell in love with Daphné even more deeply, and now I got a good grasp on her.

If you have any questions or comments for me about screenwriting, this scene or Daphné, please leave comments or contact me on Twitter at @CatGV6 or by email! I'll be so glad to discuss this with you.

See you next post, lovelies! I'll come back with the scene for Philip!

Ciao!

More Than Halfway Through My Novel and Other Projects

chit-chatting with Cat, My Projects, Nightshade (My Series), poetry December 7, 2020 Leave a comment

Miranda Kane

Get this: I’m at the 70% mark in my novel The Rise of a Heroine: Resurgence!!! Yup, I’m nearly at 3/4 and I think my progress amazing!

I never got this far in any of my books, but this one’s really hitting it (if I may say so what with Miranda being a boxing student).

I’ve been really stuck with the plot of the ending last week, BUT I found solutions and I’m ready to resume writing it. I’ll ?%$#$%? smash my goal and write “The End” soon. Hooray!

Miranda Kane and Thomas Lance are my lovelies and I can’t wait for you all to meet them and have my book in your hands, whether it be in physical, ebook, or audiobook!

(Melissa Benoist is my Miranda Kane’s faceclaim. And look, she’s ready, too!)

(Dylan O’Brien is my Thomas Lance’s faceclaim. Hmmm, Thomas is more doubtful about the whole thing, though… Hahah.)

Until then, wish me luck! I’ll go back to writing—it’s my last stretch with drafting!

I’m so ready for this! *punches her palm*

Secret Project

There’s also a secret project of mine I picked back up. It’s an old story that I… put away for a long while. I recently felt it in my bones again, you know? And I found solutions to the major blockage I had!

So, yeah, I’m actually excited about this. I’ll be shedding light on this project little by little. Hopefully, my progress will be easy (ha!) and steady (hm?).

Poetry Collection

Folks! I’m nearly done with my poetry collection. Yup! I wrote thirty poems or so, and I need about another 11 poems. After which I’ll polish them and send them to a professional editor. Soon, dears, soon you’ll be able to read them all in one place.

I’m also writing a new poetry collection, which is more personal in terms of themes and voice. And I’m starting one in French because hey, I live in Quebec, and we speak French first and foremost, so why not pair two of my favorite things?

World Building & Nightshade

Okay, get this: I picked up my Nightshade series again, but more for plotting and world building purposes. Why am I not writing it instead? Well, I find this story with the multiverse and the tangled storylines to be quite… intimidating. I don’t feel ready to tackle and do justice to this great series yet (I need more experience writing books), so I decided I’d still achieve progress by developing the plot (which sometimes gets messy) as well as the worlds we get to visit (and ain’t world building just fun?!?!??! YES!)

So, here I am, on a calm evening, scouring the Web for world building materials. And I found something quite interesting that turned out to be such an excellent surprise!

I ended up on Scribe Forge, and was hooked quickly by the collaborative work of authors and this genuinely interesting world building workbook.

So, you know what happened?

I purchased it. And I’m not mad. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised because not only is it really pretty (look at that fantasy cover! Actually, look at all their covers!), but for the hefty price (USD $20) it includes crucial information digested for you and classified according to their section (such as planets and space, society, resources, and more!) I mean, yeah, you get worksheets in those categories, sure, but real information and guidance on what to use to fill them. Uncertain about how to create a planet, its atmosphere and earth? Here you go, they’ve got you covered with important information on different atmospheres, types of earth, how lack of oxygen impacts the development of life, and so on!

I wasn’t expecting so much out of this workbook, in all honesty. Now I understand the price.

So far, I’m really pleased. I promise to use it for a while with Nightshade and then write a review about it for you, folks. Deal?

Gotcha!

See you next post, lovelies!

(Lily Collins is my Rosellia Rowland-Lovelace in my Nightshade series)

Halfway Through, A Writing Tip, and A New Focus

chit-chatting with Cat, My Projects, Tips September 28, 2020 Leave a comment

WOW, guys and gals!

Guess what I reached last week? That's right, 50% of my novel Rise of a Heroine: Resurgence! I'M AT 50%!!! HALFWAY THROUGH! I might not be done with it, but I count this as a big win. It's the farthest I ever got in a novel of mine, so this is huge. But also quite motivating and humbling, since it's proof of how I can succeed at this. I'm longing for the first draft. Speaking of draft, here's a picture of my thick baby printed out (of course, it's half of it since that's what I got but still it's pretty good, right?):

Thick Book (Copyrighted by Catherine Girard-Veilleux, 2020)

Honestly, this book baby of mine is ENORMOUS. It has 294 pages, imagine that! Need I remind you that's only… half of it?!

Here's the awesome cover my best friend made for me on Inkitt:

You can read the first 8 chapters here, too.

I always use Staples to print my books (or my progress at least) and I love their services. It's always ready in a day no matter how long or thick my document might be.

I prefer to print it out to edit it so I can see it better. But the truth is I hate to concentrate and narrow my eyes at the screen when revising; I prefer to hold the pages in my hands, and feel the book-in-the-making, you know? So it makes it more authentic, more real to me. But funny story is that due to its thickness, the rings for the binding I wanted weren't available; they were too small! So I had to pick my least favorite option, which is the ugly and large black plastic binding. Talk about chic… Anyways, at least I could choose a red cover. I don't know why but red always makes me think of Miranda Kane, probably because she's a boxing athlete and most boxing gloves are red. Or because she's fierce so red fits her. Either way, I'm glad I could get the red cover and the protective transparent cover.

Now, why would it need editing since it's halfway through? Well, I've noticed a few anomalies in how boxing works, mostly for students. I had a kind and generous interview with the head/director of the Fédération québécoise de boxe olympique, which is the reference in Québec. I thank him immensely for that. He informed me about how things worked and even used Miranda and her story as an example to describe her path. He was amazing and so understanding! Thanks to him, I now have essential information about the female boxing world and in general. So, due to these discrepancies, I decided to go over the half book I wrote and revised, fixing a few chapters and inconsistencies with the reality. Then, and only then, will I be able to go forth and write more realistically. Because something big is coming for Miranda Kane, and I have to be ready too, you know?

I have a strange way of writing books (which I'll make a post about), but in general, I write the story, then at a point when it feels critical and I'm moving through quicksand, I stop writing for weeks and do research instead about what's not coming qwell too me in the writing, so I do interviews and read documentaries (even watch a few!) and so on. But while I like to be familiar with the topic when I start writing, it's never to a deep point, it's on the surface. And when I can't go forward anymore, that's when I take a step back and do research. I found it helps me see more potential for a story and even gives me more excitement as I find so many new avenues for the story to go. Okay, it might cause more rewriting, of course, but overall, it doesn't bog me down in the beginning and prevent me from going ahead with the writing for fear of not knowing never never never enough. So many people stay in the research stage out of fear of committing to writing. Research is fun, don't get me wrong, I love research. But I prefer writing my stories. So I hit a compromise: write a certain percentage of the story and when I can't go on anymore because too many details elude me, then do research, and dig deep! Then with a better view of it all, come back and win!! Write it all in a fury with a deep passion like fire is after me. Because I'm so happy I get a better grip on the details and on the story world.

So, while unusual and risky, that's exactly how I do it. And so far it's going well, I went farther than any other novel I started. So I'll keep it, thank you very much.

By the way, I decided to focus my blog, Ad Librum Aeternam, more on my writing journey and writing tips because I feel I've got tips to give now being halfway through my novel, which is more than some achieve. I have two series of posts coming up as well: one is on writing comics and the second is on screenwriting. I think there's not enough free resources about these two fields and since I love them and am writing in them in my spare time, I figured we could go on these two journeys together. Of course, writing novels, short stories and flash fiction stay the main focus of my blog. Expect more writing tips along the way!

I can't wait to share with you what I learned so far!

I’m Listed in the Book Blogger Directory!

Book Reviews, chit-chatting with Cat June 29, 2020 Leave a comment

Hello folks!

As a book blogger and reviewer, it's always exciting to be featured in a directory or to know someone liked my review. And now, for all authors looking for easy access to true book bloggers who review the particular genre you write in (you know, the right reviewer for your story?), well you have the Book Blogger Directory – 2020 Edition by Deena Rae from BookReviews4U!

Indeed, my blog, Ad Librum Aeternam, is listed as part of this beautiful and highly useful book! Not only is it a thrilling honour, but I believe it will help authors looking for the right reviewers for their book(s). And it will do so in an easy, structured manner to help you find them quickly.

Here's the blurb:

This Book Blogger Directory listing blog address, contact information, where reviews are posted as well as standard turn-around time and book formats accepted. Indexes listing bloggers by accepted genre to easily find blogger amendable to your subject matter.

More than 200, all current as of June 2020. Index listing each genre linked to each blog that accept books in that category.

Now, if that's not enticing, I don't know what is, fellow writers!

Its ebook regular retail price is $4.99 USD and its introductory price is $3.99 USD (5,44 $ CAD). Also, it will be available on most platforms for a month before going into Kindle Unlimited. So grab it before it's gone on the other platforms!

I purchased a copy for myself, of course. Not only will it help me know other book bloggers, but it might be useful for my publication plan, too. See? I think this book is a great idea if you're looking for trusty, helpful, and friendly book bloggers.

Here's the pre-order link to all your favourite platforms: https://books2read.com/BkBlog2020

It releases on July 10th.

I hope you will find it an entertaining and useful read.

Do let me know in the comments what you think of this initiative. Will you use it? Are you part of it?

Let's discuss!

See you next post, lovelies!

How Being a Book Reviewer Will Help You As An Author

chit-chatting with Cat, Tips March 31, 2020 Leave a comment

Introduction

When I started as a book reviewer eight years ago, I never expected it to get this big nor the greatly positive surprises it would come with. But the most important thing I’ve learned is how the publishing world works while being one of its gears.

I will show you what I learned and how being a book reviewer will help you on your path to becoming a published author. Because what’s better than knowing how it works from the inside and helping others succeed at the same time?

Be prepared to work a lot AND have fun while making friends or partners. I’ve learned so much and I am still enjoying the path I’m on, discovering new things and concepts. I promise, being a book reviewer will help you as an author. But it doesn’t happen overnight, you need to put in the work and the enthusiasm and diligence.

I’m sure you’ll find the rewards are more than worth it, though.

You will forge good and lovely relationships with authors

This is a bonus I never expected, but I am so grateful for. It’s heart-warming just to think about all the good relationships I made with authors. I started out on OnlineBookClub where authors can actually interact with our reviews. Afterwards, whenever I published a high-rating review of mine, I went and searched for the author on Twitter. And then I sent tweets to them along with DMs (when allowed) so as to tell them I’d be willing to read more of them and sending them personally the links to my review.

After a while, I noticed a few authors kept interacting with me, even on Instagram! It seemed we liked each other as people in the same business. I love being Internet-close with them because there’s a kinship and respect you don’t get from just posting your reviews.

I was given a great gift by reviewing them: friendship.

Notably, with these charming ladies and fellow:

Catherine Kopf (author of one of the most unique stories I know, The Breaking Order series)
J. M. Sullivan (author of one of my favourite retellings, The Transmissions Series). Read my review of Second Star here.
Chris Babu (author of one of my few favourite dystopian stories, The Initiation Series, and whom I also had great fun interviewing ). Read my reviews of the first two books here and here.
Marissa Price (author of my favourite Shakespearian retellings, such as Romeo & Juliet). Read my review of The Vault of Verona here.

I am grateful for all of them and I greatly encourage you to forge such bonds with authors as a book reviewer. They’re happy for the reviews and the time you give them. So why not nudge them when you particularly love their work? Of course, don’t invade their privacy! But just a nudge or lovely comment with your review will help. 🙂

Moreover, these relationships mean that you have an author circle! So when you become one (being published), you will already have author friends who can back you up and stand by you. Help and kinship are always welcome! So, don’t miss out on this opportunity.

You will forge meaningful relationships and partnerships with publishers

This is very similar to point one, but they don’t become your friends. Instead, you become colleagues or partners, which is great! They trust you will provide them with reviews, and you get free books and insider news. But what’s interesting as an author here is you get to see how promotion and street teams work from the inside as a book reviewer.

Why is this important?

Whether you choose to go self-published or traditional, you will need book reviewers AND a street team to help you with promoting your work with love. So if you learn about it, like I said, from the inside, chances are you’ll be rolling with it from the moment you’re ready to publish or be published! Also, publishers love when authors get in the train and know how it works and promote or actively participate.

So, I’d say it’s win-win in this case: you get free books and insider news AND you learn for your future on how to promote your books.

You will experience surprises such as interviews and cover reveals, which will teach you on how to proceed when your own time comes

Another important point is that you will encounter surprises such as interview opportunities and cover reveals! I have to say this is a delight; interviews are fun, if a bit stressful, and cover reveals are exciting and help the authors you like.

But again, why is it noteworthy?

Same as the above point, you will learn how to conduct yourself during interviews in the future. As for cover reveals, you will now know how to manage them, how to contact the book reviewers and your street team, and how to actually do a cover reveal. Okay, as a book reviewer, you might not manage it, but you hear about it from the publishers and authors so you can prepare the cover reveals together.

And that is precious information. It also takes away future stress from it—or helps to, at least.

You will learn about the publishing world and how it works.

Now, you’ll be an insider. Maybe not on the writing side, but definitely an insider. Why? You’ll learn how ARCs and reviewing work, how blog tours and book tours are planned, the publishers’ different catalogs and preferences, Web sites used and how they work with their people (that can tell you a lot about how they might treat their authors as well!). Finally, you’ll get to participate in insider surveys, develop ideas to promote books and reviews, and you’ll get an inside look on their publishing calendar and how it works (that applies to self-published authors too, only they’re the ones to decide when and how they publish).

Conclusion

Through meaningful relationships with authors and publishers and learning about the publishing world, you’ll find yourself grasping the big gears of how publishing works for when you’re done writing your own book. And you know the bonus? You’ll have a hella great time going about it, too! Whether you’re new or already published, I believe you can learn from being an insider—there’s always something new to discover!

Tell me, have you thought about reviewing? And if you’re a book reviewer or an author, has reviewing helped you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment below!

See you next post, lovelies!