Tag Archives: writer

Blog Tour for Blood Pact – Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway Announcement

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

Blood Pact Blog Tour Banner_Cover

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!

 

Blood Pact_Courtney Maguire Cover

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.

 

Courtney Maguire Author Pic

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 14th 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 15th.

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. 😉

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!

 

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

 

MaleBeneficialGoosefish-size_restricted
(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!

Original

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

The Young Adult Writer’s Journey: A Book Review

Book Reviews June 18, 2020 Leave a comment

42934393._SY475_

Amazon.ca

Amazon.com

B&N

Tell-Tale Publishing

Goodreads

LibraryThing

 

Sub.: An encyclopedia for YA writers

By Janet Schrader-Post & Elizabeth Fortin-Hinds

Genre: Non-fiction, Writing, Guide

Pages: 199

ISBN: 9781944056988

ASIN: B07K3VZ2ZK

Format: Hardcover, eBook (Kindle)

Publication date: November 23rd, 2018

Publisher: Tell-Tale Publishing Group

Type: Book

 

*I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to Tell-Tale Publishing Group and NetGalley!*

 

Introduction

It’s no secret that I’m writing young adult (a.k.a YA) novels and series. As soon as I saw this book on NetGalley, I knew I had to read it! Hopefully, it would give me advice and guidance on how to think like a teenager and what it is to be one now that I’m an adult. I was looking to supplement my knowledge both of the craft and my audience.

Guess what?

It did just that and more!

Let’s see how together, shall we?

 

The Positive Sides

The first and foremost attribute of this YA writing guide is really the knowledge of teenagers and how they feel and think. It is enlightening and well brought! Mostly to adults as we’re writing for teenagers, after all (even though a lot of adults read YA books too, but they’re not our main audience.) Then, I was surprised and overjoyed to find out there is a chapter about writing a series, yay! Also, did you know there are varieties of teen love? It’s wicked good to know! Plus, the explanations go into details such as what to consider with the first kiss scene—quite important for teens discovering love, in my opinion.

Now, what about the craft itself? Well, every stage of writing a novel is tackled such as the beginning, the sagging middle, the climax, the ending, and so on. Geography, both natural and manmade, and precise details like the kinds of crops in fields if you are in the country are touched upon as well. Insightful and a good reminder of how to world-build! The authors give information on writing craft in general such as POVs too, which is very useful. Moreover, there are informative steps-by-steps of the hero’s journey, falling in love, and more events and craft-related topics. The authors offer in-depth suggestions and explanations, which is something to love. You are not left wondering! Not everything is always explained in a step-by-step manner, but it is done so directly for what should be done and what should be avoided in writing YA. Super, super useful!

Something I particularly enjoyed about this book is the many examples. Diverse novels are mentioned as well as movies, comics, and video games (recent and well-known ones!) in order to make the concept of the hero’s journey clearer. It’s also filled with relevant and YA popular examples—quite contemporary ones at that too!

Lastly, the advice is direct and no nonsense. When it is not condescending (which happens frequently), it's very good, sound, and thoughtful. The explanations are of a similar nature: crisp, sharp, and straight-to-the-point.

 

The Negative Sides

All in all, I like the interspersed jokes but not the mean comments or ways of expressing themselves about bullied kids or rejects and so on. It sounds mocking. As someone who’s been badly bullied, this stood out in a very bad way.

Moreover, the drawings at the beginning of each chapter don't bring anything else to the plate. It doesn't add information, emotions, or else. They seem to play no important part except just to distract visually from the text.

 

In Conclusion

I greatly enjoyed this book! The Young Adult Writer’s Journey is filled with useful advice. Overall, I give it a rating of 4.5/5 stars—I took away .5 because of the condescending voice, mostly on sensitive topics. Otherwise, this book is SO useful and eye-opening. I will always recommend it as an excellent guide for YA writers of all types. You want to write YA? Look no further and pick up this book already!

Quatre point cinq

If you want to learn more about the Elizabeth Fortin-Hinds, you can visit her page on Wise Words Publishing, you can also follow their publisher (owned by Elizabeth Fortin-Hinds) on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. You can visit their publisher, Tell-Tale Publishing Group. You can also add The Young Adult Writer's Journey to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.

Complete the Story: My Review and Free Flash Fiction

Book Reviews, flash fiction, Freebies May 6, 2020 Leave a comment

Hi, folks!

Remember the book Complete the Story I told you in this article of mine I'd come back to?

Well, here it is!

 

IMG-1482

Copyrighted Catherine G.V., 2020.

 

This book gives you the first sentence of a story that you have to complete. I even added the limit of only on one page since there's a new sentence on every page. So, here's to the added challenge! *raises her glass of iced coffee*

 

As I thought, I simply love this book! Not only is it fun, but it is surprising. The sentences are so varied that you can write a sci-fi story, then fall into romance, historical, and so on. You never know what to expect!

 

Did I expect the first sentence to turn into a sci-fi flash fiction? Heck no, I barely write in that genre!

Was it fun? YES! Did it make me expand my writing skills and field? YES. Do I regret it? NOT AT ALL.

 

Here's what I have (you can read it as part of this article further down):

 

IMG-1484

Copyrighted Catherine G.V., 2020.

 

And now, please enjoy my flash fiction and don't forget to check out Complete the Story at Indigo!

 

Shine a Light, I Might Accept

 

It was that fleeting hour of day when the moon and sun are high and bright at the same time. Like many things in my life, these summer nights wouldn’t last much longer. I sat quietly on a fallen tree, staring at the reflections of the sun and the moon on the sparkling purple lake’s surface. A smile expanded on my face as their rays both warmed parts of me while cooling others. I took a deep, satisfying breath with my eyes closed, the chirping of the Lagún birds reaching my ears through the transparent Nhelmet on my head.

Beep ding!

I sucked in my interrupted breath, a bitter disappointment in my chest. Cursing, I pressed on the side of the Nhelmet, just above my right ear.

“Yeah?”

“Kitley, get back inside! School’s tomorrow.”

The shrill voice of my mother echoed in my head. I blinked, defiance boiling in me.

“Come on, they’re out for a few more nights only!”

“That’s very well, but you’ll still come in, Kitley.”

“But dad—”

“Inside.”

The beep sounded and I grumbled. With one last glance at the wonderful moon and sun, I started towards the house. My heart shattered a bit more as I walked to join my breaking family. Maybe it would be better if it ended now.

 

Enjoyed it? Feel free to leave me a comment!

 

See you next post, lovelies!

A Quarter Into My Novel (My Writing Journey)

chit-chatting with Cat, My Projects January 4, 2020 Leave a comment

Hello, folks! I’ve got great writing news today: I reached a personal goal in my Miranda Kane novel, Rise of a Heroine: Resurgence! I gave myself the goal of finishing the first draft by August 31st for personal reasons. I’ve got another open heart surgery coming up… and I want to make sure I come back from it again – I had one when I was four years old and died thrice until I came back to life, clinging to my less than 10% chance of survival. And this time, I wanted a huge reason to come back if something went wrong… I wanted my book. So I know it’s ready to be edited and published when I wake up. See?

SO, I reached a milestone in that overall goal, which is…

 

I Reached a Goal!

I’m 25% done in my novel! 😀 It’s a quarter of it written. *THROWS CONFETTI* I’m so happy and proud!

In order to celebrate this achievement, I decided to make graphics for Rise of a Heroine: Resurgence as well as publish it on Inkitt (it’s similar to Wattpad). And yes, you’ll be able to read it. 🙂

Who Wants Graphics?

This graphic is the one I made specially for reaching 25% written in my novel. It features my sweet heroine Miranda Kane (a.k.a Feather) and my dear Thomas Lance, villain with a big heart who started Miranda’s journey as a superhero.

Rise of a Heroine_ Resurgence

As for this one, it’s the cover I made for my story on Inkitt. I used real objects I had at home as well as my professional camera. When I saw the mask I could only think of my Miranda/Feather, so I bought it. As for the Batman comics, it’s this specific one that is quite important in my story. It all makes sense when you read it.

Rise of a Heroine_Cover

Where You Can Read My Novel

Speaking of reading, are you interested in reading Rise of a Heroine: Resurgence?

Head over Inkitt here: Rise of a Heroine: Resurgence

I upload a new chapter each week so you’ll always have something to read. I hope you’ll like it and stay on Miranda’s adventure of becoming a superhero and her fight against evil!

 

In Conclusion

I’m so glad I reached the 25% milestone! I managed to do it in two months, which makes me even prouder. Here’s to the next 75% by August 31st! *Raises her iced coffee*

I hope you’ll stick around and walk this journey with me. It’s always better with company.

Are you working on a project of your own?

Is a big event (like my upcoming surgery) a motivator for said project?

Leave a comment below and let’s discuss!

See you next post, lovelies!

How An Authortube Video Helped Me Win Against (Severe) Writer’s Block 

Tips September 19, 2019 Leave a comment

How An Authortube Video

 

I watch YouTube a lot (guilty as charged, dang) and love to learn through tutorials and how-to videos. I didn't venture into book reviews BUT Authortube caught my eye as an aspiring author myself… And I must mention Miss Kate Cavanaugh is my new obsession (Whoa! I mean in a "I'm watching all of her videos non-stop" and not like a creep, okay? Okay!) 

Most importantly, she just saved my Heaven's Army: Down to Earth series with one of her methods. 

How did she contribute to saving my cherished story? 

And also, why do I appreciate Kate's videos so much?

I'll first list all her qualities and what makes her videos the best, in my opinion. Then, I'll introduce you to the specific video which helped me and what I realized and what I proceeded to do. Lastly, I'll explain how it works and what's new on the horizon for me and my story as well as this seemingly innocent technique. All interspersed with images and wishing Miss Cavanaugh the best (and please, do make other awesome videos so I can binge-watch them, oki-please??)

Ready?

What About That Kate Cavanaugh?

I'll be blunt here: her videos are the best and the most inspiring I've found because 

* She's hilarious both in what she says and how she edits her videos

* She's so lively it's sweet and entertaining and cannot not move you into action (talk about motivational!)

* She finds different angles to tackle the eternal struggles for writers and explores various methods

* She has an amazing series where she writes like a famous author (using their own routine!) and it's both extremely funny and useful to see what works and how you can tailor it for you!

* She's honest and kind and enthusiastic

* Kate deals with writers's problems, her own progression, tips and tricks, "I tried writing like…", honest talks about writing and money (and so on), and amusing topics like "Sh*t writers thinks // Coffee Shop Edition".

If after such compliments you still don't want to take a look at her videos, you… Who the heck are you, then?! (Just joking. Nah.)

The Life-Changing Video

There is one video that affected me more than the others in terms of resounding with me and the potential technique. If there is one thing you need to know about me before I go into explanations, it's that even though I read eBooks and own three ereaders, paper is always the best (and it smells SOOOO enchanting). 

So, what video am I talking about, the one that changed the course of my problems with Down to Earth and helped me beat writer's block with this story? 

Well, here it is:

And the Lightbulb Was Turned On!

As for the issue with my story, I was stuck. The plotting never seemed good enough, and I’d had terrible feedback and gratuitously mean comments. So, nothing I ever did worked (plotting and character-wise), and I was pretty hurt. So, sadness took over.

I spent months working this issue over…. Okay, I’m lying. Years. But then, a week ago I watched Kate’s video and it hit me!

I have to print the goddamn story like a book (or at least, as professional-looking as I could right now)! And I did. Like she says, it doesn’t cost much (it was $32 for me at Staples) and it looks GORGEOUS what with those white spirals, protector sheet and hmmmmm all those sheets with written words on them. My words.

DSC00822_WIP_Down to Earth Manuscript

 

While it’s beautiful, do you want to know what’s best about it? 

It works!

The Innocent-Looking But Powerful Technique 

It might not seem much and you’ll probably go “Well,

Duh
You just had to print it to advance.’’ 

But nah uh! Printing it out is only half of the issue solved. What makes it work is having it look professional and not just sheets you took out from your home printer and stapled together. The answer lies in its appearance and practicality. 

Okay, sure, it’s easier to do with your home printer. But it’s less striking, and most importantly, less inspiring. And that’s the trick. You need to hold your story (completely drafted or not) and feel closer to your goal. You need to look at it and go: “Wow, I did that?!’’ With the protector, colour cover and spirals, you’ll feel it’s going somewhere and, I hope, have your confidence renewed! Desire and drive to get somewhere with that story will come at your beck and call after that!

“But what did it give you honestly?’’

Well, since you asked, I’ll answer it in the next section!

I See the Horizon!(And Glimpse at What It Holds)

I envision my completed novel, at last. The feel of just-printed pages and the smell of just-fresh ink. And at last, written in big, bold letters at the very last page: "The End".

This might be in a little while, but now it's much clearer and tangible for me. I see and feel it. I *know* I will reach that vision.

And in the end, isn't it what counts?

Thank you so very much to you for reading and to Kate Cavanaugh for inspiring me with every upload. Please go and check out her channel.

What tip have you tried and loved?

Is there any you learned through Authortube?

See you next post, lovelies!

The Move from WordPress (A New Adventure Begins! Beam Me Up, Scotty!)

chit-chatting with Cat July 26, 2019 1 Comment

Hello, folks!

I hope you're doing well!

I'm sorry I've been absent lately, but it was due to my moving my blog from WordPress.com (https://adlibrumaeternam.wordpress.com/) to TypePad (here). I thought it was high time I implemented an email list and have a Web site of my own for my writing and book reviews, hence the move. TypePad allows me to do this. So I switched.

If you're interested, please do follow me on here (you can use your email address or feed app!) It will delight me!

As usual, you'll see posts on writing, book reviews, languages, and anything I find of interest for you and my writing journey. 🙂

I'm preparing a few new series and surprises.

With that, I hope to see you around and

WELCOME TO MY NEW WEB SITE, AD LIBRUM AETERNAM.COM!       

 

Permission granted

 

Let’s Celebrate 100 Followers!

chit-chatting with Cat, Freebies, Short Stories March 9, 2019 Leave a comment

YAY! I reached 100 followers! THANK YOU.

Do you remember my post back in October? I mentioned a gift to celebrate all you folks who choose to support and motivate me. I’m so thrilled you’re here!

Here’s your gift: a free short story written just for YOU.

Enjoy!

Crashing into the Veil

Copyrighted Catherine Girard-Veilleux, 2019

‘’This is ridiculous.’’

Martin sighed and shook his head at the traffic in a well-trodden suburban road. Patience wasn’t one of his virtues and he had a wife and a little girl of 4 to get to. It was late enough with evening plain to see outside the car windows. Work had drained him and he wasn’t quite in a… good mood. He grabbed the wheel and turned it in a brisk movement, his foot hard on the gas pedal.

He could’ve sworn there was no one else in the left lane, but some jerk cut in from the third lane and crashed into him. The first car barreled into two others on the right and caused a pile-up.

As for Martin, he gasped and cussed as fear froze him to the bone, making him let go of his wheel. When the cars hit, all he saw was his hood being crushed and pushed back, and his head hit the wheel with such force he thought he heard an awful cracking sound.

But then, all movement and sound ceased around him for what seemed like a second.

He blinked hard when a policeman directed a flashlight in his face. Someone must have called the 9-1-1… He couldn’t have been out that long, could he? The young officer talked to him through the window. Martin opened his mouth and tried to tell him he couldn’t hear. He was struck by the absence of pain, but his rational mind told him it was due to adrenaline. Of course. Instead of opening the door and saving him, the officer straightened up and walked to his colleague, discussing what he saw, no doubt.

Irritated by this obvious lack of compassion for someone in need, Martin pushes with much strength on the car door. He ends up tripping out of his car instead.

Okay, that was… strange. He filed this occurrence in his mind for later, though. It was a consequence of the accident.

He needed to focus on what’s important and help others since he was still able-bodied. No?

Without deigning to take a glance at the officer, Martin rushed to the nearest victims of the crash. A poor middle-aged woman lay on in the middle of the road, croaking with pain and blood oozing out of her mouth. Martin reached her and tried to hold her hand, but it slipped through. Shocked, Martin focused on his own fingers and flexed them; they still responded. So what the hell was that? Was he dead?

The dying woman turned her head an inch in order to face him. Her eyes were glazing over, but still she said in one last breath: ‘’You’re my angel, aren’t you?’’

Martin couldn’t reply as a paramedic walked through him to take the woman’s pulse. A cold, rippling sensation flooded him. He grimaced and touched himself. Why, he felt solid… to himself. Obviously, he was not.

Terrified, and piecing the puzzle together, Martin ran back to his car. Paramedics were doing CPR, trying to keep him alive. But the more they tried, the better he felt.

‘’Stop. He’s not coming back,’’ the older paramedic says to the youngest, putting a hand over his arm in a compassionate gesture.

‘’No! NO!’’ Martin shouted, though he knew no one here would hear him.

Panic was eating away at him. His body (or whatever it was now!) shook with force, his teeth gritting. He hugged himself, eyes roaming the horrendous scene, taking in all the tragedy.

His daughter? It would be hell not to see her grow up and become a woman. His wife? It would be torture to live without her… wherever he was going next.

Death had come and stolen his life away like the worst thief. Because he knew he was dead, all right. But what happens now? Is he left alone to wander the world without playing any part in it? Is it truly the end of the road? Surely there has to be more answers to these incessant questions, if not in life then in death!

A shrill scream tore through his dark thoughts. He spun around and saw a woman standing near a shape under a white sheet… The dying woman! Though now she looked beautiful; no blood, no wounds, and her vintage clothes weren’t torn.

Martin went to her. ‘’I know,’’ was all he said, nodding. Nothing could comfort her. That he was certain of.

Then, the whole area shudders and ripples. They both jerk their head up. ‘’What the-’’

It’s all gone in an instant.

Martin looks down and sees he’s not on a road anymore. In fact, it’s quite as though he’s floating as there’s nothing under his feet! All there is is a gray mist all around, above, and under them both.

‘’Wh-where are we?’’ the woman asked, her eyes bulging out of her face.

“Welcome to the land of the dead.”

There was nothing else to say; they needed to keep going. Perhaps they’d find the answer to all this at the end of the invisible path. And so they went, hand-in-hand, for God knows how long.

But he sure pondered. And most unsettling sensation was the growing freedom in him as they walked. Freedom…

Is this what it means…

Death?

If you enjoyed this short story (and I genuinely hope you did!), you’re more than welcome to leave me a comment or share your thoughts with me on Twitter.

See you next post, lovelies!

Let ‘ s Celebrate 100 Followers!

chit-chatting with Cat, Freebies, Short Stories March 9, 2019 Leave a comment

YAY! I reached 100 followers! THANK YOU.

Do you remember my post back in October? I mentioned a gift to celebrate all you folks who choose to support and motivate me. I'm so thrilled you're here!

Here's your gift: a free short story written just for YOU.

Enjoy!

Crashing into the Veil

Copyrighted Catherine Girard-Veilleux, 2019

‘’This is ridiculous.’’

Martin sighed and shook his head at the traffic in a well-trodden suburban road. Patience wasn’t one of his virtues and he had a wife and a little girl of 4 to get to. It was late enough with evening plain to see outside the car windows. Work had drained him and he wasn’t quite in a… good mood. He grabbed the wheel and turned it in a brisk movement, his foot hard on the gas pedal.

He could’ve sworn there was no one else in the left lane, but some jerk cut in from the third lane and crashed into him. The first car barreled into two others on the right and caused a pile-up.

As for Martin, he gasped and cussed as fear froze him to the bone, making him let go of his wheel. When the cars hit, all he saw was his hood being crushed and pushed back, and his head hit the wheel with such force he thought he heard an awful cracking sound.

But then, all movement and sound ceased around him for what seemed like a second.

He blinked hard when a policeman directed a flashlight in his face. Someone must have called the 9-1-1… He couldn’t have been out that long, could he? The young officer talked to him through the window. Martin opened his mouth and tried to tell him he couldn’t hear. He was struck by the absence of pain, but his rational mind told him it was due to adrenaline. Of course. Instead of opening the door and saving him, the officer straightened up and walked to his colleague, discussing what he saw, no doubt.

Irritated by this obvious lack of compassion for someone in need, Martin pushes with much strength on the car door. He ends up tripping out of his car instead.

Okay, that was… strange. He filed this occurrence in his mind for later, though. It was a consequence of the accident.

He needed to focus on what’s important and help others since he was still able-bodied. No?

Without deigning to take a glance at the officer, Martin rushed to the nearest victims of the crash. A poor middle-aged woman lay on in the middle of the road, croaking with pain and blood oozing out of her mouth. Martin reached her and tried to hold her hand, but it slipped through. Shocked, Martin focused on his own fingers and flexed them; they still responded. So what the hell was that? Was he dead?

The dying woman turned her head an inch in order to face him. Her eyes were glazing over, but still she said in one last breath: ‘’You’re my angel, aren’t you?’’

Martin couldn’t reply as a paramedic walked through him to take the woman’s pulse. A cold, rippling sensation flooded him. He grimaced and touched himself. Why, he felt solid… to himself. Obviously, he was not.

Terrified, and piecing the puzzle together, Martin ran back to his car. Paramedics were doing CPR, trying to keep him alive. But the more they tried, the better he felt.

‘’Stop. He’s not coming back,’’ the older paramedic says to the youngest, putting a hand over his arm in a compassionate gesture.

‘’No! NO!’’ Martin shouted, though he knew no one here would hear him.

Panic was eating away at him. His body (or whatever it was now!) shook with force, his teeth gritting. He hugged himself, eyes roaming the horrendous scene, taking in all the tragedy.

His daughter? It would be hell not to see her grow up and become a woman. His wife? It would be torture to live without her… wherever he was going next.

Death had come and stolen his life away like the worst thief. Because he knew he was dead, all right. But what happens now? Is he left alone to wander the world without playing any part in it? Is it truly the end of the road? Surely there has to be more answers to these incessant questions, if not in life then in death!

A shrill scream tore through his dark thoughts. He spun around and saw a woman standing near a shape under a white sheet… The dying woman! Though now she looked beautiful; no blood, no wounds, and her vintage clothes weren’t torn.

Martin went to her. ‘’I know,’’ was all he said, nodding. Nothing could comfort her. That he was certain of.

Then, the whole area shudders and ripples. They both jerk their head up. ‘’What the-’’

It’s all gone in an instant.

Martin looks down and sees he’s not on a road anymore. In fact, it’s quite as though he’s floating as there’s nothing under his feet! All there is is a gray mist all around, above, and under them both.

‘’Wh-where are we?’’ the woman asked, her eyes bulging out of her face.

“Welcome to the land of the dead.”

There was nothing else to say; they needed to keep going. Perhaps they’d find the answer to all this at the end of the invisible path. And so they went, hand-in-hand, for God knows how long.

But he sure pondered. And most unsettling sensation was the growing freedom in him as they walked. Freedom…

Is this what it means…

Death?

If you enjoyed this short story (and I genuinely hope you did!), you're more than welcome to leave me a comment or share your thoughts with me on Twitter.

See you next post, lovelies!