“Tell me a story…” My dad used to say to me.
And so I wrote.
24 books written so far and still telling stories.
Category: achieving your dreams
18th book published
My 18th book has been published and is Live! I have other titles that I’ve been included on in anthologies but I’m not counting those in my total count (maybe I should?)
Dry Spell by Catherine Burr is a personal journey of faith that I invite you to share. It’s available in hardcover, paperback and ebook.
Feminist in Training
This little girl doesn’t look frightened, probably because she wasn’t; the rally crowd was peaceful. Yes, the Women’s March crowd chanted but the chant was one of unity.
This little girl’s remembrance of her first protest will be far different from my first rally.
I had just turned 13. I was a young 13. Not like 13-year-olds now. I had led a pretty middle-class sheltered life in Santa Clara Valley. I played in the fields with my brothers and sisters, watching the valley morph into this thing called Silicon Valley. My family had lived in the United States for less than a decade yet my non-American parents were very politically savvy.
My parents took my sister and I to a rally see President Richard Nixon at the San Jose Civic Auditorium on October 29, 1970. It turned into a full-fledged riot. I will never forget the chantings of the angry mob in the street, 1-2-3-4, WE DON’T WANT YOUR FUCKING WAR!!” It started out peaceful but turned violent. It was a crazy memory that lives on and perpetuated an interest in politics my entire life, and I know my sister would say the same. It was a frightening experience, quite different than what this little girl at the recent Women’s March experienced. I like to think that this little girl will grow up knowing she can protest and speak her mind in a peaceful manner, this is after all the United States of America. Last time I checked.
it’s about damn time #amwriting
Pleased to report now that I have 4 new releases out this month and 2 novel re-releases in hardcover in the hopper, I can at last start work on a new novel. I went through my stack of WIP’s and decided to do the one that has been nagging on me to get done. I worked on it fast and furious a couple years ago, that is until my editor ripped my POV’s apart! “You can’t have multiple POV’s in one chapter!” She said.
Ok, I give. Begrudgingly, I have decided to be an obedient writer and listen to my editor and try her suggestions!
By the way, for those interested souls, my word count is at 15,000, so yes I have a way to go, but it’s a start. This will be my 4th published novel and it’s about damn time!
PS. If you know anyone who may be interested in an editing job, buzz me! lol. No, I’m serious.
Are You Addicted to Your Cell Phone?
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Received Foreword for my newest book
No, I’m not posting it yet.
Dry Spell is the first book I’ve had where I’ve had a Foreword and I just received it and I have to say I am so thrilled and honored with the Foreword that’s been written for it. It’s written with integrity, thoughtful nature and wisdom. I’m so blown away and my gratitude bursts forth from my very being. You can read the Foreword when it’s released.
The hardcover release of Dry Spell is scheduled for Feb 14th, 2017.
“You still writing?”
When I’m out and about and see people I know or acquaintances, I’m asked one of two things, “How’s the real estate market?” or “You still writing?”
The first answer is always the same, “good, and busy!” The second answer is “Yes!” Writers may take breaks but they never stop writing. They can’t. It would be like telling Donald Trump he can’t tweet.
I saw someone today in the market who asked me if I was still writing. “Yes” I said. “I have 4 books that have been released this month!” So, here’s the run-down:
Lenora, a short story. I love this romantic thriller of a story about a woman who suspects her husband is cheating and she follows him and what she finds, shocks her and forever changes her life. Surprise ending. 76 pages, available in ebook and print.
Cassie, a super short story. A young girl graduates high school and spends the summer on her grandpa’s farm. She is raped and tries to get over it but he has destroyed her internally. She tries to recover and finally meets a handsome cowboy who she is resistant to — at first. 30 pages. This is a New Adult with grown-up themes. It’s a strong and powerful short story. By the way, New Adult does not mean “Adult” – it means after high school/college.
Jack and Jill. A super short story. The entire story takes place in a therapist’s office with a Dr. Jung who tries to bring the faltering couple together but they have far too many secrets to be resolved in one session. New Adult, ebook, 20 pages.
These 3 stories are all part of the She Knew Not series by Catherine Burr, about women who should’ve known better.
Dry Spell, a story of faith has been pre-released which means ARC’s (advanced reading copies) are out and I’m still tweaking the cover and parts of the text. This is my true story of faith faltered the journey through the dark into lightness. A deep philosophical read. Memoir. 80 pages, ebook and print.
Dry Spell bestseller in Faith category
In less than 24 hours since its pre-release my newest book, DRY SPELL is #72 on the bestseller list in the Faith category on Amazon and in the Top 100 paid category in the Death & Grief category.
Yes, this a deep book, and in fact author Winona Rasheed said of Dry Spell, “Your thoughts are deep and full of consciousness.” That sums it up well. Thank you Winona! And thanks to those who may read this book and find themselves digging deep into their own consciousness.
Dry Spell Available on iBooks
I just received word that my newest book release, DRY SPELL, a story of faith, is now available at Apple iBookstores in over 50 countries around the world. The book is written in English.
Here’s the Apple iBookstore Link and thanks for those who pre-ordered it, I hope you find the book useful and relatable.
Catherine Burr Interview on Ageless Living TV
Ageless Living TV, hosted by Stephanie Farrell interviewed author/realtor Catherine Burr and she delves into the business of real estate, aging fabulously and some never before personal stories shared by Catherine Burr. Check out the interview as you look to live and find inspiration in fabulous women and living the most fabulous life you can live, at any age. photo credit: Steven Farrell. Interview courtesy Ageless Living TV.
College grads follow their hearts
A few years ago, I attended a college graduation and the memories remain like it were yesterday. The hopeful look on the faces of the young people, especially the young women, was truly inspiring.
One thing that we often tell our young women as they head out into the universe is to, follow your heart. Easy words to say, but we say them so haphazardly.
Young women who are graduating college have just spent the better part of 16 years in school, all the while having instructors, professors, parents telling them what to do, what to think, what to study, what jobs to look to when they graduate.
They’ve had so much instilled in them that hopefully what remains is a piece of their heart where they can find the passion they yearn for now that they’re free. Free at least until they find a job that whereby they will have to follow a whole net set of rules.
But, hopefully in the interim, they can take a few minutes and dig deep into their souls and bring out the passion for that one thing that held their interest through their school years. That one thing that they can hold onto while they go out into the work force and give them the passion to stay up all night, the passion that will propel them to be creative and hold on to their determination to make decisions for themselves.
Perhaps for someone to follow their heart it means to not listen to what others are guiding (telling you) to do, but rather, in many cases of college graduates, to listen to what they feel inside of them is telling them to do. What passion is buried deep within or worn on their sleeve that they can’t say no to, what desire held so deep that transcends them to want to get out of bed in the morning, that keeps them up late at night with fresh ideas and excitement.
Following your heart should be more than a cliché, it is something we should all remember, it’s what drives us to be the best we can be, in any given field. Following your heart is what will put a smile on your face and treat others with respect, and they in turn will see the confidence that you’ve built up and acknowledge your passion and even set an example for others. That’s what following your heart is all about.
Learn to follow your passion and your heart and you’ll be glad you did. Life is a joy to be grateful for each and every day. Every day is a wonder, and every day you live with passion and from your heart, will be the best days of your life.
Catherine Burr has many passions, including being a romance novelist, women’s fiction author, parenting humor author, children’s author, and real estate. @catherineburr
Tips before you self-publish
Technology is changing so quickly, that the tools are available like never before within online bookstores, like Amazon and Barnes and Noble, to help you create covers, design the interior, even check for spelling errors!
But, in your fantastic enthusiasm, one tiny piece of advice I’d give is to remember that publishing is a business, it’s not an after school assignment or a hobby. Publishing should be treated as a professional business, work with professionals, don’t skimp on your editing or covers. Don’t trust a “critique group” for your editing. Even though sites like Amazon allow you to make your own covers, which is fine, however, if you want your book cover to not look “cookie cutter,” I’d suggest a professional graphic designer, they know what they’re doing, hire them and allow them to create a one-of-a-kind book cover that will stand out. Use professional editors, don’t try to edit your book yourself, and don’t just have a friend or cousin do it, unless they are a professional, experienced editor.
You’ve jumped into the world of publishing, take it serious and be taken seriously by being professional. Let’s keep publishing with high standards and not put out sloppy work. Yes, it takes time. Don’t be too quick to put your book out there before it’s completely, and I mean, completely ready. You may be anxious to see your name on Amazon, but in the long run, taking the time to make sure all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed, is to your benefit.
With all that said, it really makes me smile warmly to see so many people publishing themselves and jumping in with both feet and using the courage they’ve mustered up to do so; and believe me, it takes courage to put your work out there.
So, once you’ve hit the “publish” button, sit back and congratulate yourself for doing something so many dream of, but haven’t (yet) found the courage.
Catherine Burr is the author of 14 books and has published over 120 books via New Line Press.
Publishing in a bookstore-less world by Catherine Burr
With the closing of many physical bookstores, publishing has entered a new era and it’s time for authors and indie publishers to take a hard look at other options that are available for us for book events.
We need to start by brainstorming. I’ve posted some ideas to get us kickstarted, please add your ideas in the “comments” section at the end of this blog and we’ll see what new ideas are born so we can move forward into the new age of publishing.
Book Groups: Just about everyone knows someone in a book group. Offer to attend
a meeting if the group chooses your book, or offer to attend to pitch your book so they will choose it!
Coffee Houses: There must be a Starbucks on every corner in America. Where else better to have a, “Meet and Greet” with an author. A local event brings customers into buy coffee and Starbucks has those comfy chairs. Ask the manager or area manager about arranging an event.
Work: Perhaps your office would consider an author holding an event during lunch or after hours? I know an author who works at a hospital and they ok’d an event in the hospital gift shop.
Video Chat: Authors can hold events, including book groups via online video chat. Have relatives and friends a thousand miles away? No worries, set up a book or reading group chat and away you go.
Utilize Who You Know: People are intrigued by authors. People want to know more about them and the writing process. Think about everyone you know and figure out a way to get the people you know involved in having an event that features a discussion with you, the author and your books.
Social Media: This is a given. Blog chats, Twitter, Good Reads, Facebook, all the usual places for promotion of your book and online events are plentiful. Use hashtags for an online promotional opportunity so people can follow the discussion and add to it on Twitter. Set up a time and date and get your author friends to support your event in exchange for supporting their events.
Libraries/Indie Bookstores: There are still libraries and indie bookstores around. Most libraries and indie bookstores are enchanted by local authors, set it up. Read my blog about how to get your book into libraries.
Talk up eBooks and tablets: Some people may not want to admit it but they might not know how the process of reading a book on a tablet or cell phone works. Offer to explain it to them at a book group or event. I once arranged for an author to give a demonstration of the Kindle reader at a library. The room was packed and the author got to sell books afterward.
Just because bookstores are closing, it does not mean there will no longer be author events. People love to read, always have, always will. It’s not the end of publishing, just the beginning of a new era.
Catherine Burr is a bestselling author and publisher of more books than she can count. Her first commercial book was published in 1996. In 2004, she started her own publishing house and is now mentoring and guiding authors through the self-publishing maze. Google Plus her +Catherine Burr
Sometimes, it is that simple by Catherine Burr
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| Night Sky by Daniel Burr Photography DanielBurr.com |
Someone once asked my son how he got straight A’s.
“I study,” he said in a very matter of fact manner.
Someone asked my other son how he took such amazing photographs.
Someone once asked me how I became an author.
“I write,” I said.
On the surface, reaching our goals, finding our passion, living our dreams seems simple enough. And you know what, sometimes it is that simple. Sometimes we just need to do that which we love, that which makes us want to get out of bed in the morning. We need to find our passion and embrace our unique talents that we all have, then our goals become not only viable, but accomplished.
I can hear people arguing now, “But, I have to make a living.”
That’s true, but if you (I truly believe this), do what you are passionate about, if you follow your heart, follow your dreams, if you live a life that you are enthusiastic about, money will follow because you are not working for the money, you are working for your life, you are working for that thing that propels you everyday, and you’d be surprised at how your life can transpire when you are driven by that which inspires you.
Catherine Burr is an inspirational bestselling author of over a dozen books. Follow Catherine on Twitter @catherineburr
Catherine Burr 