The world of a kiwi writer: Cat Connor

Gavin very kindly let me take over his blog for the day! Thank you Gavin, I appreciate it!

The world of a kiwi writer: Cat Connor

Let me quickly introduce myself (some of you probably don’t know me yet – man, you’re in for a treat! lol)

I’m Cat Connor. A New Zealander living in Wellington and I write thrillers, set in Virginia, USA. I’m writing a series currently known as the Ellie Conway or killerbyte series (but the search for just the right series title is underway.) Not only do I write international thrillers (from a NZ perspective everything is international) but my publisher is in South Africa and a percentage of every sale goes to an environmental fund.

I know, right? This from a kiwi chick.

The writing:

The writing of a book like killerbyte was easy really. I used a true event to kick it off and simply asked, “What is the worst case scenario?” and that alone gave me killerbyte. That true event, a collection of death threats aimed at me while I co-ran a chat room, back in the day of MSN chat. (If you remember that then you’re old enough to truly appreciate my books! –I’m kidding of course, I have it on good authority that any age group can enjoy my writing.)

The second book, terrorbyte, came about after discussing the fate of children with a mentally ill parent (once again in the chat room) with a very good friend.

You’ll have to wait until next year to hear about the 3rd and 4th books in the series.

The publishing:

All up, I’d written four Ellie Conway novels before finding a publisher. The road to publication is rocky at best and downright disheartening at worst. It took me quite a few bumps and sharp curves before landing on my feet with Rebel E Publishers. And I did land on my feet. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive publishers, or for a better editor, copy editor, and design company. I’ve loved every moment with Rebel. And it’s been a busy year!

In April this year, my publisher launched killerbyte on the world.
Killerbyte: When a poetic psychopath starts hunting and killing patrons in Special Agent Ellie Conway’s chat room, Ellie finds herself embroiled in an invisible killer’s twisted plan and battling to keep her sanity.

Killerbyte is now a finalist in the 2010 EPIC awards, mystery and/or suspense category. There are four finalists. I can’t wait until March, to see which of us wins!

In November this year, my publisher launched terrorbyte on the world.

Terrorbyte: Ellie Conway is back: wisecracking, kicking ass and using her psycho-prophetic talents to grapple with a murderer with ulterior motives, secreted behind a series of grotesque crimes.

You can find out more about me, my books, and my publisher with the following links –go ahead and check them out, you won’t be sorry.

Cat’s website: http://catconnor.wordpress.com/
Cat’s blog: http://catconnor.blogspot.com/
Rebel e Publishers: http://www.rebelepublishers.com/
Killerbyte http://www.mobipocket.com/en/eBooks/eBookDetails.asp?BookID=165352
Terrorbyte http://www.mobipocket.com/en/eBooks/eBookDetails.asp?BookID=240117&Origine=4580

Thanks for having me Gavin!

The day before

Its the day before Louizex's book launch, an erotic fiction come chiclit come porn book and I'm helping with all the organisation etc. Am somewhat nervous about it, just want to make sure it all goes down a treat. Being the first book, and the first time I've ever done anything like this its more about what you don't know what you don't know, than what you do know. So everyone cross everything you've got for tomorrow and think positive thoughts. There is one thing for certain, it'll be a ride!..

Day 6 Movember

Its day 6 of Movember for me, as of yet no sponsors, probably because I've not asked yet. Well, that's what I'm telling myself. So if you're out there and you feel like chipping in to a great worthy cause then sponsor me and drop a donation to the following.

Movember

Movember

Its day 4 of Movember and I woke this morning in the hope that a full face of hair would greet me as I stumbled into the bathroom. Not the case, as I opened my somewhat sleepy eyes I was greeted by that very same face, that very same 5 O-clock shadow. Perhaps its a little darker, a little longer, and little less prickly, or it could be just my imagination.

http://bit.ly/13tXF1

Testing my new blog tool

I'm just testing my new blog tool to make sure it works, I'll even put a link to my twitter in here as well just to see if that works too :-)

My Twitter

Yes its been some time since I've been at my blog, some would say I'm a complete and utter failure, I mean, 1 post in 9 months isnt much of a blog. However, I'm here now, putting word on a web page instead of in a document that is bound to be a book. I've been doing lots to help a very special lady of mine and I'm at the point where I think I'm ready to publish that novel, or is a novella of mine. Its a sunny day, I've been working from home most of the day, and I got sent this link to a funny blog site today, for the local rag. Worth a read as its a great place to vent.. http://editingtheherald.blogspot.com/

Lazy Sunday

Yes, I've finally decided to start sharing as people tell me I have much to give.

Its a rainy day in Auckland and I've just put the final virtual marks on a book I'm writing. I set myself the task of finishing it about a year ago and while its now finished, goodness knows what I do now, its with a sense of accomplishment somewhat tempered that I look upon it now. Its probably not the book I would write today if I had the chance so why did I start it so long ago and why did I feel such a compelling desire to finish it. Even though it may never go past being words on my screen, why did I have to put that last dot, why did it have to say "The End"?
I've been mulling that over for some time and I look back on such a chequered history with many a thing left outstanding. Its time perhaps to write a book on my life, to share with the world, or anyone that may want to know, what it is that has consumed me for so long.
As a individual I'm laid back, relaxed about most things, easy to get on with and people often comment that I'm slow to anger, if at all. I'm also a deep and intensely sexual person, seeking a regular thrill when life can be so mundane and boring. I've not really been a monogamous person because my partners have not had the same zest for sex that I have, but in the right company monogamy comes easily to me. I form bonds easily and I dont share well.
So Sunday is whipping past with me sitting in my appartment, contemplating life and thinking about walking to the shop for a paper. Do I really want to read it, or just do the crossword :-)