Run in with a boxer...

...a dog, that is.

Talk about freak accidents!

Last Wednesday I was with my dog, Chase, and a few of his friends at the playground across the street from my house. A normal morning of running and playing together. Just as we were getting ready to leave, a new friend arrived, a husky. Of course, we had to let the dogs run around for just a few minutes more.

That's when I was talking to the owner of Butch, a 90 pound boxer, one of the friendliest dogs you could meet. I looked up to see Butch barreling right towards me and couldn't back up in time. He apparently couldn't change course either and rammed right into my left knee, knocking me onto my right side.

The dog's owner helped me up, but I couldn't put any weight on the knee. In the emergency room, they originally thought it was likely a tendon pull or tear at the worst, but xrays showed the break.

After sending me home in a full leg brace and crutches, I went to see the orhthopedic doctor on Thursday and learned I needed surgery to repair it, but it likely would just be one screw to hold the broken bone in place.

Ended up to be a metal plate and two screws. I'm home now, still in the leg brace and crutches and have to wait a few weeks to have xrays before I can attempt to put weight on it.

Goes to show how an accident can hit you at any time. I'm just glad the surgery is out of the way and I can now move forward. And best yet, this actually gives me more time to write, since I'm unable to care for the dog and do household chores.

Have to look on the positive side.

Weekly excerpt at Slip Into Something Victorian

I'm posting an excerpt from my Civil War Christmas story over at Slip Into Something Victorian today. Sort of a Christmas in July theme.

This excerpt is from the historical Christmas anthology, An American Rose Christmas.

At Slip Into Something Victorian today

And I'm talking about the first major battle of the American Civil War, First Bull Run or First Manassas, depending which side you were on.

Find out at Slip Into Something Victorian how local civilians added to the legend of this historic battle.

A week to revive

Since my husband was on vacation last week, we took a trip to Gettysburg, PA. We've visited the town several times in the past, both for reenactments, and just to do the tour and take in the Civil War atmosphere. This trip we wanted to visit the new museum, but we also did another tour of the battlefield. We stopped at Little Round Top and Devil's Den and spent a night walking the sidewalks of the town and visiting a few of the shops.

Oh, and of course we had to visit our favorite ice cream shop. Love that butter pecan! Ummm!

I also took a week away from writing. And now, I'm ready to jump back in, refreshed and ready to start revising and editing my new Civil War novella, Cole's Promise.

Redefining goals

On New Year’s Eve, I posted a list of writing goals that I wanted to accomplish over 2011. Since it’s now about mid-year, I thought I’d review that list to see what I’ve accomplished so far, what I still have to do, and what goals I’m putting aside to make room for unexpected projects that have cropped up.

Here are the original goals, with notes on my progress.

2011 Writing Goals

* Proofread and submit novel, Cassidy’s War – complete – This novel has been contracted by The Wild Rose Press and I’ve just completed the second set of edits.

* List at least 6 or 7 ideas for short stories for True Romance and True Confession magazines – complete

* Write and submit stories – complete – sold all but one story which I’ve submitted elsewhere after learning True Romance has temporarily suspended publication and am awaiting reply.

* Finish first draft of time travel novella – complete

* Revise, edit, polish and submit – will start in the fall

* Outline series of science fiction romance novellas based on novel I put aside – have decided to temporarily put this project aside, because I was invited to write an historical novella for a new series my publisher is putting out. I’ve written the first draft and now have to revise, edit, polish and submit by mid-August.

* Plot out first novella – put aside

* Write first draft for first novella – put aside


In addition, I was given reversion of rights for my paranormal, Civil War novella, Angel of My Dreams, part of the Civil War romance anthology, Northern Roses and Southern Belles. I plan to re-title the story, revise to lengthen it, then resubmit elsewhere.

So, I’ve accomplished a lot, changed a few goals along the way and taken on a few new projects. I’ll see how I do by the end of December.

A German American regiment

Blog post at Slip Into Something Victorian today on a regiment formed by German Americans early in the American Civil War.

Finished edits...finished story...

Just sent the second round of edits for Cassidy's War back to my editor. And I also completed the first draft of my new Civil War set novella, Cole's Promise.

And next week I'm off to vacation in Gettysburg. I've been working hard on both projects and am looking forward to a much needed break. When I return, I'll re-read Cole's Promise and start making revision notes.

In the meantime, I'll start fooling around with a blurb for the novella.

And if you scroll down, you'll see my beautiful cover for my American Victorian post-Civil War romance novel, Cassidy's War.

Want to show off my brand new cover!

Here's the official book cover for my upcoming American Victorian romance, Cassidy's War, set five years after the Civil War. This will be my third novel with The Wild Rose Press and my seventh release with them overall. How do you like it?

Blurb:

The Civil War is over, but Cassidy’s War is just beginning.

Cassidy Stuart longs to attend medical school. Her training under her physician father and her time serving as a nurse during the war, have only increased her desire to be a real physician with a practice of her own. When the man who’d left her at the altar five years before, returns, she’s determined not to let him upset the plans she’s set for herself.

Unknown to his former fiancée and her family, George Masters is now a Pinkerton agent sent to investigate a physician now living in George’s former hometown. When he finds Cassidy hasn’t married, he hopes he can have another chance with her, but can’t reveal his real reason for returning, at least not until his mission is accomplished.

Can love be rekindled with a doctor bent on revenge against them both?

Unedited excerpt:

After settling her on the wicker settee, he sat beside her, enveloping her hand and rubbing it between his large, warm ones. His sandalwood and male scent invited her to lean into his warmth, but she held herself rigid, her emotions on guard.

She had so many questions she wanted answered, like where he’d been all these years and how he made his living.

“Cassie, I know you must hate me for leaving you.”

She narrowed her gaze. “It’s hard to think kindly on someone who leaves you, no matter what the reason. I know you were hurting, but we could have made a life together. Healed each other.”

He shook his head. “I would’ve held you back.”

“From what?”

“Well...you’re a doctor. That was your dream when I returned from prison camp.”

“And look what a fine mess I’ve made of that.” She bowed her head, studying his hand wrapped around hers. His warm touch sent tingles straight to her core. But what was he doing here? Did he really come back for her, or had something or someone else drawn him to Burkeville?

“George, what’s the real reason you’re here?” She held her breath, hoping for the answer she wanted to hear.

He withdrew his hand from hers, taking his warmth with it. “I thought I should come back and check on Pa.” His dark gaze settled on her. “I didn’t reckon you’d ever want to see me again, especially after the disaster I made of my life—and yours.”

She leaned back. “George, you’re wearing fine clothing, telling us about your adventures in New York and California.” She shook her head. “Doesn’t sound to me like your life’s a mess.”

He chewed his lower lip. “I haven’t told you all of it. After I left you, I wandered for a long time. I’m not really clear on all of it, because half the time I was so drunk I didn’t know who or where I was.”

Cassidy stood. “Well, I have to say, you look none the worse for wear after all you’ve been through.”

“Cassie, I...” George grinned, lifting his thumbs to the lapels of his coat. “I always had a knack for poker. Cleaned out many fellow soldiers during the war.”

“Are you telling me you’re a professional gambler?”

He grimaced, dropping his gaze. “I’m not the type of man a physician should associate with. To tell the truth, I figured you’d already forgotten me. I expected to find you with a husband and children by now.”

“There’s no one else, George, if that’s what you’re getting at. Since you left, I haven’t exactly had a slew of suitors at my door.” She eyed him, not sure why she’d told him.

I don't yet have a release date for Cassidy's War, but you can find my other books complete with excerpts and blurbs at my website: www.susanmacatee.com

Post about George Armstrong Custer

I’m at Slip Into Something Victorian today blogging about George Armstrong Custer.

Weekly excerpt at Slip Into Something Victorian

I'm posting the opening of my short Civil War vampire story, Eternity Waits, over at Slip Into Something Victorian today.

Battle of Big Bethel

I'm blogging over at Slip Into Something Victorian today about the Civil War battle of Big Bethel, 150 years ago today.

Redid my website today

I had some spare hours this afternoon and decided it was time to re-do my website. I didn't change much, but did add new buy links for all my books.

Check it out at Susan Macatee.

Next set of edits are in

Round two of edits for Cassidy's War are now in. I have until July 6th to finish them up, so have only done a quick look over of what I have to do.

I'll be busy, since I'm still trying to write the first draft of a new novella, but I'm certain I can fit it all in without getting stressed.

I hope to have a cover for the book to show you soon.

Civil War timeline post

I'm over at Slip Into Something Victorian http://www.slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com/ today with my latest Civil War timeline post for 150 years ago, on May 27, 1861.

Blogspot Woes

I haven't posted to my blogspot blog since the network went down. Even after it came back up, I haven't been able to do any post editing, or add links and photos. Still can't. Can't seem to get any help either.

Anyone else on blogger still having this problem?

Sneak Peek at Cassidy's War

I'm giving the first peek at an unedited excerpt from my newly contracted post-Civil War romance, Cassidy's War over at Slip Into Something Victorian  http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com/ today.

Blogging about the occupation of Baltimore by Federal troops

Join me at Slip Into Something Victorian http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com/, where I'm blogging about the Federal occupation of Baltimore 150 years ago today.

Edits are done!

I just finished up the edits for Cassidy's War. They're not due until Monday, but I plan to do a brief look over tomorrow of the entire manuscript, then take the weekend off and send it to my editor first thing Monday.

Feels good to be through the first set of edits.

Progress Report

Been busy with edits for Cassidy's War and haven't had much time to post blogs, but I wanted to post a progress report.

I'm halfway through edits, with two weeks left to go, so think I'm doing very well. I'm also making real headway with the plotting out of my new Civil War set novella and hope to finish soon, so I can start writing the first draft.

I also have two short stories I plan to give final edits and submit this week to True Romance magazine.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with the blurb for Cassidy's War.

The Civil War is over, but Cassidy’s War is just beginning.


Cassidy Stuart longs to attend medical school. Her training under her physician father and her time serving as a nurse during the war, have only increased her desire to be a real physician with a practice of her own. When the man who’d left her at the altar five years before, returns, she’s determined not to let him upset the plans she’s set for herself.

Unknown to his former fiancée and her family, George Masters is now a Pinkerton agent sent to investigate a physician now living in George’s former hometown. When he finds Cassidy hasn’t married, he hopes he can have another chance with her, but can’t reveal his real reason for returning, at least not until his mission is accomplished.

Can love be rekindled with a doctor bent on revenge against them both?

Later, I'll post a few unedited excerpts from the novel.

Very productive week in writing

I'm happy to say I've completed the first 100 pages of edits on my newly contracted novel, Cassidy's War. Fortunately, since I've already gone through two revision requests with this manuscript, these mostly seem to be line edits and I have three weeks to finish up.

I also completed the first draft of a short magazine romance story. I'm putting that aside for a week before doing edits and polishing a bit before submitting.

Besides all that, I researched, wrote and posted a history blog at Slip Into Something Victorian on the Baltimore Raid at the start of the American Civil War.

I think the contracted edits are helping to get me right into my writing tasks. Before the contract, I'd sometimes have a hard time deciding which project I wanted to work on, since I always seem to have several in the works. While trying to decide, I'd waste time checking email and websites, instead of writing during my scheduled writing time.

Hopefully, I can get even more organized now. No fooling around when you have to complete edits on a deadline that's not self-imposed.