Seattle and Everything Else

Going to Seattle tomorrow.

Don’t be jelly.

Batman and I have been prepping for this trip since my dear college roommate invited us out for a visit (five years ago?) AND WE’RE FINALLY GOING. Watch out Tom Hanks, there’s a new duo set to be sleepless in Seattle based on the amazing itinerary described to me last night. Gourmet hot dogs, the famous Pike district, the Science Fiction museum and like *tons* of other awesome stuff I didn’t even know existed. AND it’s set to be sunny–which means I’ll actually be able to see things.

Someone bought himself new walking shoes for the occasion. I confirmed the same sneakers I’ve had for six years are still in my closet. So, off to a great start already. I even wrote down the directions for the train (after the three-hour car drive and six-hour plane ride). Pay special attention to bullet point 1:

Legit stuff.

And Batman says I get lost. How could I get lost with instructions like these? I’m ready. He’s ready. We’re pumped AND planning on taking tons of pictures so you might even see one or two of us in the Pacific Northwest when I write my return post, “She Forced Us To Leave.” Because I’m pretty sure Seattle is this magical place with unicorns and vampires and snauzberry milkshakes, so I may just stay forever. You’ve been warned, Catie.

I MAY NEVER LEAVE.

In other news, a hawk flew into my car. Yeah. And last Monday, I broke a window after locking myself out. You know, because I’m a fire-breathing motherfucker and what better way to get back into your house than by performing your own B&E? Except it was a failed Breaking & Entering because, as Batman continues to remind me, not only did I shatter the window (seriously, glass everywhere) but I also managed to wedge it in the frame, making it completely impossible to climb through. So maybe… *contemplates identity*… not a ninja??

my bad!

broken window                                     broken window 1

Batman covered the opening with cardboard and plywood in the interim. It seems the caped crusader is handy when his girlfriend goes off her rocker and thinks the best course of action is something she’s seen in movies. Not using the neighbor’s phone first to call for help. (Which I ended up doing – and was super awkward.)

We also dog-sat. Isn’t she cute?

Love me, I'm injured!

Keep me and I will love you FOREVER.

She irritated her paw and needed to be kept separate from her super rowdy sister, so she stayed with us for the week. I must say she was an excellent writing companion. She offered much needed support and encouragement every time I read her some of my stuff:

Regis footRegis 4 regis sleepyRegis snout

I was also invited blueberry picking (yes, it was a super busy week) and as a thank you to Batman for the window thing and not murdering me over it, I decided to make him some him some well-deserved blueberry pancakes.

blueberry fail

It did not go well. I might mention that I was missing the baking soda but come on – one ingredient? Would it make that much difference?

blueberry fail 2                         blueberry fail 4  blueberry plate

Yes. Yes it did. Look at it.

LOOK AT IT.

*sigh*

Poor Batman. Poor me. It’s been a roller coaster recently, so a vacation to Seattle is essential at this point. Stuff has been weird. And breaking. And barking. So when better to fly across the map for some much needed time with friends? Exactly.

Writing news:

FYI, I’ve posted the first few chapters of my newest project on Wattpad which you can find here.  Super short synopsis: Told from the perspectives of a runaway princess and a rogue assassin, the duo escape their toxic realm in search of a new life in the White Wastelands beyond.

Even if you don’t write a review or provide feedback, I still appreciate the view. 😉

Now carry on, good people of the world. Carry on with this weird-as-hell life.

And keep doing your best, just like me.

June: Month of the Dragon-Chicken

So I get really confused and super panicky when I feel obligated.

It’s part of the reason I don’t do more.

Because shit sounds cool and then I realize I’m involved in living my life, so some part of me will have to actually interact which takes time away from writing, and that’s all my life ever seems to be – pieces and blocks of time away from writing. That sounded super writer-emo, didn’t it? I didn’t mean it to be. It’s just the truth.

Back when I was brave (and possibly drinking) I signed up to be the author of the month in the Smashwords group on Goodreads. Follow any of that? No? Here’s a link. It’s basically a month dedicated to being in the spotlight where people ask you questions about your work and process and pretty much everything that gives me panic attacks. And I forgot that I signed up. For June. But that’s okay because I’m trying to embrace my inner dragon, call on my ‘inner Khaleesi’ if you will.

See, I’m a Dragon-Chicken, which basically means my life consists of two trains of thought:

Yeah I’m fire-breathing motherfucker.

Please don’t look at me. My heart is going to implode.

And to both extremes. Seriously.

I’ve tried narrowing down which way the podium will swing and often, if coffee or sugar are involved, I’m ready for flight. But if too many eyes are focused or I feel obligated, I shrink into my feathery fat and pray no one comes near me with an axe (You know, for cutting off my head and eating and stuff).  Being an author is tough. But when you’re trying to grow an audience, you kind of have to force the dragon, right? Be brave and do author things like group spotlights and interviews, like the kind going up on Creative Barbwire on June 19th.

*Squawk*

I mean… Fiery Roar!

I’ll work on it.

Also, I’ve had new covers done for the Arizal War books. Take a look and tell me what you think. Courtesy of talented author and designer Joleene Naylor. 🙂

June will be a good month.

And then next it’s off to the Writers Digest annual conference next month for the real test.

Fiery lungs—don’t fail me yet.

Me.

Me.

Feeling Good on a Wednesday, IWSG

I can’t believe I’m writing June’s IWSG post since I just wrote May’s yesterday. Somehow 31 days passed since them. Strange.

Happy IWSG day to all you of aspiring (and established) writers out there. Today we come together from the safety of our separate screens to share our doubts and fears and to inspire one another to just keep swimming. Brainchild of Alex Cavanaugh, this writing blog hop posts the first Wednesday of every month and you can find the list of your fellow IWSG’s here. Come take a peek.

June crept up like the ninja it is and I’ve been scratching my head all day trying to figure out what I’m insecure about. Which is everything, let’s be honest. But I’ve been trying something new lately. Staying positive. Really forgetting all the other bullshit that comes along with this lifestyle and just keeping my eye on the prize. The big prize. The hell yeah you’re a professional writer now, bitches prize. So that’s what I’ve been doing this month (besides writing a *ton* crap) Positive thinking. Throwing caution to the wind and just getting the work done. And actually betting on myself this time around.

July’s post is probably going to be way more inspiring than this, but I offer you these awesome quotes in challenge. Go on. Try not to feel motivated.

“I have not failed. I’ve found ten thousand ways that won’t work.” Thomas Edison

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Thomas Edison

Told you.

Now go write that story.