Tag Archives: My project

Oh, Outline, Outline… (OLD POST)

chit-chatting with Cat, My Projects July 24, 2019 Leave a comment

As you probably have guessed from the title, I’m currently outlining my new novel in the NaNoWriMo Prep, titled The Stranger: The Rise of a Heroine. I have the beginning and the middle, but the ending has yet to be found… I’ll update you when it’s complete! For now, I’ll need a

Divine move

P.S.: Dylan O’Brien is my faceclaim for my deranged Thomas Lance, one of my two main characters. I think he has his potential and energy, along with his sense of humor, which clearly show in his roles. Thank you, Dylan, for being my Thomas’ appearance and source of inspiration along with my imagination.

Updates on My Writing

chit-chatting with Cat, Nightshade (My Series), poetry June 30, 2019 Leave a comment

Follow my blog with Bloglovin (P.S.: I just created it, so I hope you'll check it out and help me over there! :)) Ahum. Hello, lovelies! I hope I find you all well and happy. Several major updates about my writing are coming your way! Let's start:

  • I'm currently working on three poems I'll soon send to a poetry journal in Ireland. The first two are nearly complete (only a quick revision and they're done) whilst I still need to write the third one. But I should be finished at the end of the weekend, so I can send them next week. Yay!

 

  • Speaking of literature magazine, I'm working on a short story that I find rather entertaining and poignant. Once it's done, I'll send it to two Canadian literature magazines (yes, they do accept simultaneous submissions). I'm excited!

 

  • As for my main writing project, I've finally found the big plot and ending of my Nightshade series! Moreover, I've even got a few extra ideas about the settings, powers, creatures, worlds, etc. featured in it. I'm so powered up and I am working hard at writing it all down and revising (a.k.a editing) what I've already done! If I didn't do that, let me tell you there would be major plot holes and stuff like that for my beta readers to… not enjoy, that's for sure. Once I'm done revising the first 7 chapters, I'm going to… WRITE! YES!

Here is a picture featuring an interview with Rosellia's father, Ryan Lovelace:

  • Surprise: I've decided to write a free novella for you! Yes, I'll distribute it for free on via sites like Instafreebie, etc. once it's ready. You'll have nothing to purchase. Nada. Exciting, isn't it?! I ran a poll on Twitter (The Novella Poll) in order to know which story idea between two I had people prefer. The answer was straightforward: the two of my poll participants voted for a retelling of Persephone's kidnapping! Yes, the Persephone from Greek mythology. I've always been a huge Greek and Egyptian mythology nerd, so I was quite surprised and immensely overjoyed they chose that particular idea (I promise, I didn't sway them! Otherwise, what's the point of a poll?)

I intend on using a new angle—something we've yet to see done with Persephone's kidnapping. Oh, and it's not a romance story! I didn't want to do what most of the other authors are doing with it. It'll be more an adventure/drama story. I already have the main storyline, so I just need to come up with a few scenes and the outline, then I'm on my way!

  I'll keep you updated about all this, don't you fret! Pinky swear! What do you all think of my progress? Are you as interested in the free novella idea as I am? Please tell me in the comment section! See you next post, lovelies. Muah!  

A Breakthrough & Paradise

chit-chatting with Cat September 6, 2018 Leave a comment

Hello folks! Okay, get this (like Sam loves to say in Supernatural): I lied only ever so slightly in the title. I didn't have a major breakthrough… I had two! Yes! I realized what was missing in both my Nightshade series and Heaven's Army: Down to Earth. *shocked face* Thus, I was able to outline better and now know the endings along with the villains' implications in the stories. There were also ideas about the infamous saggy middle, as we writers know, but trust me: there won't be one anymore! I've got so many exciting plans for this particular part.

My Paradise

Believe it or not, I have found Heaven. It might not be to everyone's tastes, but it sure is to mine. Here's what it looks like:

image1 (2)

(Copyrighted Catherine G.V., Saint-Luc Library, iPhone, 2018)

Yes, my local library, of course! And you can see I'm reading the second volume of the Captive Prince trilogy by C.S. Pacat. Good LGBTQ+ stuff. 😉 It's in French, by the way. Now, why did I take this picture? Because due to family complications (my grandfather has Alzheimer's disease and my grandma has serious heart issues like me), I spend a lot of time studying for university at the library. We don't have the Internet yet at my gramps'. I feel so good and at ease, even at peace, in this library (in most libraries to be honest) that I figured showing you guys how much a paradise it is would be a great invitation for you. I mean it for both work and pleasure, since in my breaks I peruse all the aisles and pass my hands over books lovingly. Really, you should try and shake the routine by doing some work at the library (unless you already do, haha!). If you love the library, it'll be a perfect experience, I'm telling you. P.S.: Please forgive me for my lack of posts in the last weeks; like I mentioned above, I must take care of my grandparents, so it has delayed my publications on this blog. But don't worry, I'm picking the pace up again!

See you next post, lovelies!

Résultats de recherche d'images pour « love you gif »

Well, Well… Look Who ‘ s Not Stuck Anymore!

chit-chatting with Cat, Nightshade (My Series) August 9, 2017 Comments: 2

Hello, folks! Remember I said that whenever there were news and updates concerning my writing I would tell you? Believe it or not, there are! I'm psyched! You know how I've been stuck with my novel (first in a pentalogy) Down to Earth for months now? I have finally written myself out of that infernal corner! YES! That means I now know where the story's going and more importantly what to do in order to get there. I just need to sit down and do the timeline of big events and relationships, but other than that I've solved the big issue. Isn't it fantastic?!

Résultats de recherche d'images pour « fantastic gif »

Also, my Nightshade series is very close to my heart and has quite a strong presence in my mind… You know where I'm getting at, of course. Because of that, I'll try to outline and write the first book (Nightshade: The Death Stone) in that series at the same time as Down to Earth. Call me crazy… I'll just say you're right, but it feels so good. Lastly, I told you a week and a half ago I had an idea for a novella. Whilst it's still true, this ''novella'' of mine seems to be expanding into either a full book or a duology or something of the like. I'm still trying to keep it at its current size, but really it's counterattacking me to get bigger, so I'll look at what to do with it. Moreover, I started researching (I've even got a notebook for that purpose!) fairies, Ireland, and the Seelie Court. I'm having much fun! Although I don't give myself deadlines when it comes to writing (unless it's for a contest or a magazine), I am working hard on disciplining myself. It might seem odd coming from a woman who's studying her bachelor's degree in translation online (no, really!) and who needs a high level of discipline to succeed at it, but when it's about my writing, I'm quite sporadic and spontaneous. I'm quite proud to tell you I've been writing every day of the last week, so it's coming along!

And that's all for today! Watch out for another book review this week. I'll also keep you updated about my writing projects (those three main I just talked to you about!). As always, thank you for being interested in what I have to say and accompanying me on my writing journey. It's an immense pleasure to have you here with me. Where is your writing at? Is it hard for you to be disciplined for your writing?    

It ‘ s Raining News… Hallelujah, It ‘ s Raining News!

chit-chatting with Cat April 16, 2017 Leave a comment

lfHello, everyone!

I have some good news for you all.

Do you remember when I told you I started learning Greek a few weeks ago? Well, my full Greek kit just came in last week! I'm simply delighted at spending nearly all of my time learning Greek. So far it's going quite well. I've tackled numbers and plurals, people and family, and some essential expressions (along with a bit of grammar). Today I'm onto the verb ''to be'' and the expressions ''there is/there are''. All I'm missing is a dictionary, then I'll be all set up.

Moreover, I told you I'd keep you updated about my short story for the contest so here I am. Yes, the one I got edited! I found the courage to work on it again today after two weeks spent avoiding it – wait for it – intentionally! Yes, intentionally. I was so afraid of not getting the sentences and words right, that I looked to every distraction. But I faced myself yesterday, telling myself that I would miss the deadline if I didn't put my pants on and go back to it! And so, I took a shower and forced – yes, forced! – myself to sit down at the computer and write what needed to be written according to the editing. God, am I glad I did it! My short story is now done! All that's left for me to do is format it and write a cover letter following the guidelines I found in ''Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript'' excerpt from the Writers' Digest Shop. I give myself one week to do all this, then I'm off to submit my work to the contest. I'm so excited! I'm so near the goal I gave myself this year: professionally participate in contests! One click on Friday and… hop! I reach my goal of participating professionally. It is a huge step for me. And one I'm glad I'm not letting go of like I was doing these past two weeks by avoiding reviewing my short story.

P.S.: Two reviews are coming your way in a few days. One for an awesome teen & YA fantasy book and the other for a sweet lesbian romance.

P.S.2: I'm currently juggling between three ideas for a novel. It's a tough choice! I'll let you in on my decision when I've finally made up my mind.

Thank you for reading and being with me on this journey!

A Year? But It ‘ s Too Short!

chit-chatting with Cat October 28, 2016 Leave a comment

Hello, folks! After much thought, I won't be doing NaNoWriMo like I was supposed to. It was making me too stressed out – it even made me lose my love for my story! So, this was no good for me (and my studies!). I also decided that my novel Nightshade deserved better. So, I have found a great alternative: Shaunta Grimes' A Novel Idea course! It is a year-long novel-writing course and I am so glad to be part of it. Shaunta Grimes is the author of the Viral Nation series, a YA dystopian. I'll take the whole year to write and polish my manuscript. This way, I'll be prouder of my work. I hope you all understand. With this said, know that tomorrow is Friday: your writing tip day!

 

P.S.: I'm still working on the surprises I talked to you about and the free ebook and workbook! 😉  

Rebirth & Plot Holes

chit-chatting with Cat, Freebies August 10, 2016 Leave a comment

Hello, folks!

I forgot to post my Weekly Reads last Sunday. Sorry about that. But don't worry!

Here it is. And here as well. It's a horror flash fiction this time – my very first try at horror. Enjoy!

Speaking of fiction, I am working very hard on my novel ''Down to Earth''. However, I hit a major plot hole that could change several things about the story… So I am trying to find what bits and pieces to go with and which to toss away.

Moreover, I will soon come back with other writing tips. Stay connected! That's it for the day!

Have a very nice day/evening/night.

A Heartbreaking Goodbye (Miranda ‘ s Background Excerpt)

chit-chatting with Cat, Freebies, My Projects October 5, 2015 Leave a comment

In preparation for NaNoWriMo, I wrote a background story for Miranda Kane, my main character in my upcoming novel.

Here it is (hope you enjoy!):

''No! No, daddy!''

She couldn't stop crying. Her small hands were trying as best as they could to grab his shirt to make him stay. She had heard her mommy and daddy arguing and had eavesdropped on them, only to find out her daddy had already packed his stuff in a big suitcase. Miranda screamed and tears ran down her face while her mother sobbed beside her, her hand curled up under her nose as she stared at her husband. She looked up, barely seeing anything through her eyes filled with tears. Her mouth was twisted in an ugly grimace, her heart beating hard against her chest.

How could this happen to them? What was wrong?

''Daddy, don't go!''

Upon her exact words, she saw her daddy shake his head and walk away, holding his suitcase tightly as though it was the only thing he had left in this world. And it was.

Her mommy burst into tears and slammed the door, crumbling to the floor. Miranda had just enough time to scream her lungs out and hold out her hand to try and reach her daddy before he turned the corner and went out of their lives forever. But she hadn't made it in time and the door closed in front of her. The little girl was shaking with heart-wrenching sobs. Her mommy, crying, wrapped her arms around her and pulled her into a tight hug. Miranda knew, deep down, that it was only her and her mommy now.

And she was right for he never came back.

New Project & NaNoWriMo 2015

chit-chatting with Cat October 1, 2015 Leave a comment

Hello, folks!

I have a good update to tell you: I am starting a new project. I am currently writing multiple short stories and I intend on making an eBook out of them for you to grab and read. 🙂 Isn't it just fun?! It will include short stories of all length, perhaps even a few flash fictions. I would love to share an excerpt with you, but let's keep the surprise ;)…

Does any of you have good Web sites to make eBook covers? Thank you. If you have any input or questions about this project, please, do leave me a comment. I'll be more than happy to answer!

Moreover, I have decided to enter NaNoWriMo again this year, and so I joined the October Prep group on Writing.com. This is a group where we prepare ourselves for NaNoWriMo through little activities and brainstorming, and even some contests! It's good old fun, if you ask me. 🙂

On this, I wish you a very good evening (or day)! You'll hear more about it throughout October as I post fun facts about my characters and in November some excerpts from the actual story. Thank you for reading me. See you at the next post!