Antonine's wall, Polmont, Scotland We all have a path to walk. Few travel in a straight line, while some have so many twists, turns, switchbacks, and forks that it's a maze. We can lose our way easily, no matter how few branches we choose to take. Or ignore. Sometimes, there's a rock in front of … Continue reading Rocks on the path

Nannan, Mother of the Gods of Avoch Morning, everyone. One thing I allude to in the 'Heroes of Avoch' series is that the mother of the Gods is a dragon. I don't get into how the Gods became divine, etc., as I'm hopeful to write a separate trilogy about them as humans. The first three … Continue reading A bit of history of Avoch

Entry road to Carberry Manor, Scotland So, yeah, I've been busy. Writing has been happening. I'm working on a schedule, a way to get a few hundred words done every day Monday-Friday, with bigger blocks done over the weekend. I've also been purging a lot of old papers. The new file cabinet arrived, was assembled, … Continue reading Thoughts on purging the past

Thistles growing near Clava Cairns, near Inverness, Scotland The new job is great. I have a shared office, assigned parking, and the company considers Black Friday to be a paid holiday. After years working in retail, I am seriously excited at the thought of not being at work that day. Not sure I'll go shopping, … Continue reading Weekends aren’t just for writing any more

I'm in a sneak peek mood, so here's chapter 1 from 'Scales & Stingers: Heroes of Avoch book 1": Chapter One Thia forced herself to keep a steady pace as she walked toward Father Philip’s office. Running wasn’t going to help her nerves, and it might hurt someone who got in her way. It’s nothing, … Continue reading Just to get you asking (I hope) when you can get more….

Yes, that's me. I took it last night, while waiting at the airport for my husband to arrive. I'd wandered the closest mall after work and, well, Grogu was at Build a Bear. I don't regret that decision. Names are a funny thing. I chose, initially, to write under the name of KateMarie Collins because … Continue reading What’s in a name?

Isn't it GORGEOUS!?!?!? One thing I'm not shy about is that I'm not an artist in the sense of drawing. Spacing, color palate, etc...it's a mystery to me. My son is amazing at it. I've wanted a new cover for 'Inversion of Magic' for a while now. A friend and fellow writer, Sean R. Frasier … Continue reading Hoping to spark some magic (aka sales)

Interior door, Fa'side Castle, Scotland I start my new job today. I'm sure there's going to be an hour or two of paperwork, some videos that I'm required to watch. But, eventually, I'll get to my building (orientation is taking place at another one) and see my workspace. Get some training on what I'm to … Continue reading A new door waits

I've had retail jobs pretty much my entire life. I've quit them for different reasons. Sometimes I was moving out of the area. Others I was needed at home, raising our kids. This time is different. I'm quitting because I found something better. I had a shift this morning, will have three more before I … Continue reading Riding the wind of change

One thing I thought of after getting my new job is what projects did I have around the house that needed to get done. I've got this week left at retail/part time. There's a few things that I've wanted to work on, some that even got started, but I didn't get finished yet. In some … Continue reading Something old is new again