So the next step in my journey of releasing my baby, was to organise some early previews of my book for review. This was incredibly difficult. Finding a book club to preview it for me, that was the easy part, but actually knowing my book was going to be read by someone who was not me - that was difficult. I know that just seems ridiculous when the whole point of publishing a book is to have people read it.. but writing for me, is incredibly personal. 

It's something that can't really be measured by right or wrong, or even determined by bad grammar or phrasing. The whole measure of a novel is whether the reader just gets it! 

Does the reader get lost in the story? Are they really on that emotional ride with the characters as they embark on their journey? To me, that is what makes a book enjoyable or not to its audience. Quite simply, its honesty.

With all of that in mind, the early reviews for 'Cut' prior to its official release, will be posted on my Blog and through the Goodreads website (if anyone has a profile, please look me up). Not long now... 

Eeek! ;)

I hope you enjoyed the small snippet from 'Cut' that I sneaked into my previous post. I will definitely be posting some more excerpts over the coming months leading up to it's official release - so keep your comments (and sharing) coming!

Now, I wanted to express how music has influenced my first novel, and continues to do so throughout it's follow up. Music and writing for me, is like love and sex... :) One of them definitely makes the other more expressively powerful - and one without the other will never be as emotionally satisfying. 


The idea to centre each novel around a song was really about giving the reader that third dimension. Yes with reading you can imagine the characters, hear their voices, see their journey and even visualise their scenery - but what it doesn't do, is heighten those emotions to reach their maximum impact. There is a reason movies have soundtracks. Watch any emotional scene in a film and there is always a song being played in the background. Now I am sure I am not ruining this for anyone when I tell you that those songs are there for a reason. :) The tune is chosen specifically to enhance the actors performance and mood that the scene is trying to articulate. It quite simply - makes it more Powerful. Watch any scene again without the song, and you will see how much of a difference it makes to the way you had originally felt about it.

Whether it's the lyrics, emotion or even just the way it sounds - music definitely make's this story more Powerful.

Here is a little snippet from my upcoming release, 'Cut.' I do hope you enjoy it and look forward to releasing more excerpts from my book. I will be very careful not to reveal too much :) 

Enjoy!




Excerpt from 'Cut' by Kathleen Mareé

He raises his hand through his tousled hair like he’s trying to find the right words, but his thoughts appear to be restricting him. Not being able to look at him any longer I turn back toward the street trying to signal a taxi when I feel his ice cold, yet delicate touch stroke my outstretched wrist. He tugs at it ever so slightly, guiding it down to my side and takes a subtle step towards me until his chest brushes my back softly. His lips barely brushing my hair as I feel his dangerous breath move the strands like they sway on a breezy day.

"Please don’t go yet."

Oh my.

His voice cuts through me, right to the core and I stand motionless not wanting to move at all. I don’t turn my body - only my eyes as I tentatively look up at him from over my shoulder.  As honestly as I can manage without completely falling apart around him I tenderly whisper.

"I can’t."

I take a deep breath and muster as much strength as I can. Without further analysing, I raise my hand from underneath his sensitive touch and signal the oncoming taxi, and within seconds the car pulls abruptly into the kerb. I reach dramatically for the door handle swinging it open emotionally, and before I leap into the cab I turn to look at him once more.

"I’m sorry," I mutter before getting in.

"141 Harper Street, Annandale please," I retort to the driver, and as the car pulls back into the street all I can do is stare at his motionless body as we drive away. As soon as he is out of my sight the tears that seem to permanently hover just under the surface can’t be held back anymore.

They flow uncontrollably.

This blog is my first step in actually releasing my novel.


Eeek!


The thought is quite terrifying. Crippling even. I have been writing short stories from the time I was in my early school years, through to journals as I got older. I had always found writing enjoyable, and it was a great way for me to submerge myself in my much loved world of fantasy.  'Cut' from start to finish, took me about one and a half years to fully complete. Even now, I find myself continually tweaking it - which I know is the worst thing to do. I just can't seem to help myself. You see, besides being a mother, wife, worker and avid writer... I am also quite the perfectionist. A Virgo trait, if you are into astrology. Annoyingly so. I think this is why it has taken me so long to gain enough courage and confidence in my work to actually allow it to be read. 

My very first novel will be released at the end of this year, with it's follow up 'Battle scars' coming the following year. I welcome you to my page where I will be posting excerpts of my story, or perhaps other books I am reading at the moment. I encourage your comments, constructive feedback, and am excited to be joining the literary community.