Author's Bookshelf: Isobelle Cate

We're bringing something a bit different to Writing in the Modern Age today. Awhile back, I had an idea for a new feature so I reached out to some author colleagues to see if they'd like to participate. I thought it might be nice to show readers a few books that have inspired authors. You might find it enlightening, and at least be able to answer the age old question, "What the heck do authors read?"

 

 

Writers are readers too! Most authors love to collect books for their vast personal libraries. The written word is fascinating to us, and many newer authors as well as those in the past have helped to shape who we are today. 

Without further ado, our guest today is Isobelle Cate, an adult fiction author and writer of all kinds of romance. Won't it be interesting to hear about a few books that have inspired Isobelle on her writing and publishing journey? 

 

 

Sounds pretty awesome to me. So, take it away, Isobelle!

 

 

For a writer to be inspired, she looks at the world around her. She gains inspiration when she sees something that catches her eye, she smells a scent that brings back a memory, she listens to a song.

     She reads.

     Reading is perhaps the most important source of inspiration for other writers. Just look at the plethora of paranormal novels – romance or otherwise – that lift situations from mythology, from news events, from poetry or from urban legends to name a few. I am no different. My books are inspired by other stories that I have read and the mythology that I grew up with. The characteristics which I infuse my characters with come from the ideal that I have formed from all of these sources. Here are some of the books that have inspired me.

 

1. The Prophet by Khalil Gibran

 

 

Blurb:

 

This is Khalil Gibran’s best and most powerful work ever-written…. Blending the elements of Eastern and Western mysticism, Lebanese – American essayist – Khalil Gibran, in this enriching collection of parables expounds the philosophy of living conveying a strong and beautiful message on every aspect of life. Set forth in the form of profound wisdom and philosophy of life, these discourses apply dynamically with amazing timeliness to our human problems in day-to-day life. Millions of followers today absorb Gibran’s writings with religious devotion and fervor because his thoughts are ageless and realistic. 

 

Isobelle's Thoughts:

 

A beautiful poem, The Prophet helped me decide what attributes I wanted for my characters.

 

2. The Scanguards Series by Tina Folsom

Blurb:

 

From Book 1: NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY Bestselling Author Tina Folsom presents: Samson's Lovely Mortal (Scanguards Vampires Series #1)

Vampire bachelor Samson can't get it up anymore. Not even his shrink can help him. That changes when the lovely mortal auditor Delilah tumbles into his arms after a seemingly random attack. Suddenly there's nothing wrong with his hydraulics - that is, as long as Delilah is the woman in his arms.

His scruples about taking Delilah to bed vanish when his shrink suggests it's the only way to cure his problem. Thinking all he needs is one night with her, Samson indulges in a night of pleasure and passion.

However, another attack on Delilah and a dead body later, and Samson has his hands full: not only with trying to hide the fact he's a vampire, but also with finding out what secrets Delilah harbors for somebody to want her harm.

"I'm addicted to Tina Folsom's books! The Scanguards series is one of the hottest things to happen to vampire romance. If you love scorching, fast-paced reads, don't miss this thrilling series!" --- Lara Adrian, New York Times Bestselling Author of the Midnight Breed series

Scanguards Vampires (Vampire Series):
 

Book 1: Samson's Lovely Mortal
Book 2: Amaury's Hellion
Book 3: Gabriel's Mate
Book 4: Yvette's Haven
Book 5: Zane's Redemption
Book 6: Quinn's Undying Rose
Book 7: Oliver's Hunger
Book 8: Thomas's Choice
Book 8 1/2: Silent Bite (A Scanguards Wedding Novella)
Book 9: Cain's Identity
Book 10: Luther's Return
Novella: Mortal Wish
Book 11: Blake's Pursuit (Winter 2015/Spring 2016)
...and more to come...

The Scanguards Vampires series is nothing like the Vampire Diaries, Vampire Academy, Shades of Vampire, or Twilight. It's a vampire romance series for adults who like their vampires with a bit of bite--and a lot of hotness! This vampire series takes place in San Francisco.

 

Isobelle's Thoughts:

 

This series started me writing about vampires. The Scanguards are as sexy as any vampire can get!

 

3. The Highlander Series by Donna Grant

 

Blurb:

 

The Dark Sword Series, The Complete Collection contains Dangerous Highlander, Forbidden Highlander, Wicked Highlander, Untamed Highlander, Shadow Highlander, and Darkest Highlander. In the acclaimed Dark Sword series, the darkest, fiercest warriors of Scottish legend finally meet their match—in the brave, fiery hearts of the women they cherish…

 

Isobelle's Thoughts:

A fantastic series about immortals, Ms. Grant’s books will bring the reader right inside the story. Very addictive!
 

4. The Masters of the Tabu Series by Gray Dixon

Blurb:

 

The Masters of Tabu are seven novel length stories and center around six college friends from Texas plus a new friend brought into the circle. Ten years after graduating from Texas A&M with graduate degrees, each is a master in their own right, and not just academically. Every man is successful in his own business or endeavor and all are co-owners in Club Tabu, a BDSM private club on the outskirts of Dallas.

Their stories take the reader on a journey of discovery, redemption, healing and finding love when they least expect it. The Big D has more than hot days, but sizzling nights. Dallas will never be the same.

 

Isobelle's Thoughts:

 

Because these books are hot, steamy reads!  

 

5. The Fire in Fiction by Donald Maass

Blurb:

 

Discover the Difference Between a So-So Manuscript and a Novel Readers Can't Forget
We've all read them: novels by our favorite authors that disappoint. Uninspired and lifeless, we wonder what happened. Was the author in a hurry? Did she have a bad year? Has he lost interest altogether?
Something similar is true of a great many unpublished manuscripts. They are okay stories that never take flight. They don't grip the imagination, let alone the heart. They merit only a shrug and a polite dismissal by agents and editors.
It doesn't have to be that way. In The Fire in Fiction, successful literary agent and author Donald Maass shows you not only how to infuse your story with deep conviction and fiery passion, but how to do it over and over again. The book features:

• Techniques for capturing a special time and place, creating characters whose lives matter, nailing multiple-impact plot turns, making the supernatural real, infusing issues into fiction, and more.
• Story-enriching exercises at the end of every chapter to show you how to apply the practical tools just covered to your own work.
• Rich examples drawn from contemporary novels as diverse as The Lake House, Water for Elephants, and Jennifer Government to illustrate how various techniques work in actual stories.

Plus, Maass introduces an original technique that any novelist can use any time, in any scene, in any novel, even on the most uninspired day...to take the most powerful experiences from your personal life and turn those experiences directly into powerful fiction.
Tap into The Fire in Fiction, and supercharge your story with originality and spark!

 

Isobelle's Thoughts:

 

A very good book for writers about principles of writing. This is my writing bible.
 

 

 

These are just some of the books that have inspired me. There are more because when you’re a writer, you never stop reading.

 

Thank you, Isobelle! :)

And here is a little about Isobelle's book, You and I, which is just 99 cents right now for the ebook at all major booksellers!

 

 

Book Blurb:

 

Serenity wanted to escape her past. Matt needed to finish his mission. Danger insisted on keeping them together.

 

Here is an excerpt.

 

<<span>Shock immobilized Matt, the blood rushing out of his face.
“Hurt you? Serenity, why the hell would I want to hurt you?” He took a step forward and Serenity cowered, pushing herself against the corner of the wall.
“Don’t come any closer!”
His mouth dried and he balled his hands into fists. Shit! What happened? He stopped and slowly crouched to her level.
“Serenity...I’m not going to hurt you.”
Serenity’s eyes were glazed with panic and desperation. From the wanton woman he held in his arms, she had changed to a broken girl with fear radiating from her in waves. It was so quick Matt didn’t know what to do. She was looking through him and not at him. Matt’s chest tightened. What the hell happened to her? Dammit, he was losing time. He looked up at the window, black hues of the sky shading off slowly to midnight blue. He looked back at her. He damn well couldn’t leave her this way.
“Serenity?” Her eyes were clearing up but the tinge of trepidation still hung heavily around her. “Serenity, please talk to me.”
Her blue eyes lost that dazed look but they were devoid of emotion, as though a curtain had fallen to cover what she really felt inside. She took a deep breath and blew it out slowly.
“I’m sorry,” she murmured almost to herself. “I lost it there for a moment.” She slowly stood up and Matt followed. She watched him, the wariness gradually disappearing. She tilted her head to look at the window. She swallowed, looking anywhere but at him. “It’s nearly morning so—”
“Stay.” Matt said. “I’m not taking no for an answer so don’t even try finding a reason not to.” He took a step forward. Her body slumped against the wall behind her as though in defeat. When he gathered her into his arms, Serenity froze before she gradually relaxed, placing her arms around his waist and held on. Tight. Her breathing was slow but she took huge gulps of air every time.
“Do you know that you smell good?” Her head rested on his chest while her nose tickled the side of his neck. “If I could bottle this up and keep it with me, I would.”
Matt relaxed and snorted. “I smell of sweat.”
“No, Matt,” she pulled away to look up at him. “You smell of safety. And where I am right now, that’s more than good enough. It’s perfect.”
Matt kissed her forehead and held her close again. Sighing, he spoke, “I have to go. Stay here, please. I’d rather have you here safe than have you upstairs in your room screaming the house down.”
Serenity’s pursed her mouth to stop herself from smiling but soon failed.
“There,” Matt touched the corner of her mouth with a kiss. “That’s much better. When I come back we’ll talk.”
“But—”
“No buts,” Matt stepped back. “No, Serenity. Whatever you’re trying to run away from, you need to stop and get your bearings. If you don’t you’ll keep running and when there’s nowhere to turn, where will you go?”
She looked at him with sadness that seemed to be deeply rooted inside her. Matt just wanted to find that unseen force causing her pain and beat the crap out of it. He wanted to stay and talk to her some more but his spidey sense was driving him loco.
“I’ll see you later and I expect you to be here when I come back.”
“Is that an order?” She gave him a soft smile. This time he was glad that it reached her eyes.
“No, babe. It’s a request.” Matt curled his hand around her nape and brought her mouth to his, giving her a kiss that shook him down to his feet. He ended the kiss and placed his forehead against hers. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” With one more hard kiss, he was gone.

 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: The Second Chance Series

Purchase Links:

 

Amazon Universal link:  http://mybook.to/YouandI

Barnes & Noble:  http://bit.ly/You_and_I_Cate_Nook

Inktera:  http://bit.ly/YouandI_Cate_Inktera

iBooks:  http://bit.ly/You_and_I_iBooks

Kobo:  http://bit.ly/YouandI_Cate_Kobo

CreateSpace:  https://www.createspace.com/6326574

 

Riveting! Thank you for stopping by to give us a glimpse of your bookshelf, Isobelle!  :)

 

Readers, don't forget to pick up your 99 cent copy of You & I!

 

 

About the Author:

 

 Isobelle Cate is a woman who wears different masks. Mother-writer, wife-professional, scholar-novelist. Currently living in Manchester, she has been drawn to the little known, the secret stories, about the people and the nations: the English, the Irish, the Scots, the Welsh, and those who are now part of these nations whatever their origins. Her vision and passion are fueled by her interest and background in history and paradoxically, shaped by growing up in a clan steeped in lore, loyalty, and legend.

Isobelle is intrigued by forces that simmer beneath the surface of these cultures, the hidden passions, unsaid desires, and yearnings unfulfilled.

 

  

Author Links:  
  
Website: www.isobellecate.weebly.com
Blog:  http://isobellecate.weebly.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorIsobelleCate
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isobelle_Cate
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Isobelle-Cate/e/B00E5OD27K

Author Newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/bMmwT5

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/isobelle-cate

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7191925.Isobelle_Cate

Microcerpt:  http://microcerpt.com/isobellecate/

 

Isobelle's Books: 

 

 

Once again, let's thank Isobelle Cate for allowing us to see her cool author's bookshelf! :)

 

 

Check out our latest Writing in the Modern Age blog post here.