Christina Martine's Official Blog

There is No Lonliness, There is Only This

2011-02-12T17:50:00.000-08:00

Wow...

It's been a long time since I've written. I've been going through some major personal things. Moving around a lot, being super stressed out. But things are okay now.

I'm in school now, for film acting. It's fabulous. I don't think I've ever enjoyed school more. I get to learn all about the film industry, I get to learn how to act (duh), and I get voice training. It's been fun so far. Stressful, but I don't mind this kind of stress. It keeps me on my toes. Keeps me busy. I'm constantly surrounded by stories as well... Constantly being told how to dissect stories... told how to access characters' wants and needs, intentions, etc... It's great for me as an actor, but as a writer as well. My imagination is working well.

I've met so many great people in my program thus far. It's nice being surrounded by such creative, intelligent folks. I feel at home in school. It's the real world that freaks me out. I guess that's a pretty normal thing though.

I never really thought I was going to be an actress. I acted in high school, in plays and in musicals, but I was too shy back then to really pursue it. Now, I feel I've gained the confidence to really go for it. I know I have the ability to be a success in the industry. I just have to push myself. But I love it so much, that it doesn't feel like work.

I've been so busy with school that I hardly have time to write. But I have been working on my novel, and I like the way things are coming together. I'm really excited right now, because I'm working on the most crucial part of the novel, the "climax" or whathaveyou... It feels daunting sometimes, but I know I'll get through it. I love writing. I'm going to keep doing it. For me.

I'm pretty content right now. I didn't stay single like I said I was going to. I jumped into a relationship pretty quickly. And it ended. But we're still friends, like, *sigh* I guess we're supposed to be. I think the universe is trying to tell me something. I'm noticing recurring themes in my relationships... and I'm starting to put two and two together. I'm okay being alone right now. I hope this feeling lasts. This loneliness that feels good. Because, I know there IS someone out there for me. Of course there is. But I know that's not what my life should centre around. It's not my "one true mission in life" to find a lover... a soul mate. I know that's not what my life is about. I feel that there are certain things I need to do in this life, and I'm doing them.

I read a quote on a wall once:

It really affected me. I've incorporated my interpretation of what I think it means in the novel I'm working on.

Anyway, that's all.

<3 Christina Martine.

Cat the Vamp in The Newspaper

2010-10-30T01:32:00.000-07:00

I had my first phone interview last weekend with an author from the Metro newspaper, a free local paper that gets printed daily in Vancouver (my city), Toronto, and a few others... (http://www.metronews.ca/) We talked for about ten minutes about my book, me, my inspirations, my theories, vampires (duh), the Vancouver vampire scene, etc... Anyway, today the article came out. I was at a Starbucks at 7:45am gulping back a grande, dark coffee with like 5 sugars and scarfing down a bagel with cream cheese. I found a Metro lying on the counter I was leaning over. My heart almost stopped; I realized the article with ME in it was IN THAT PAPER! AHHHHH! (They're always lying everywhere since they get handed out at skytrain stations, etc...) I had totally forgotten that TODAY was THE day! LOL! I searched frantically for my article, SUPER excited, but couldn't find it... Then I searched harder and found my name at the end of an article. The author used ONE quote from me, which she butchered a bit, but she also mentioned my name, my novel, Cat the Vamp, and the fact that I was published at age 21. Hopefully, people will look me up! ;) The article was about "Otherkin"... a term I JUST learned about today. Anyway, read on for yourself:

After feeling a slight dissapointment, I felt pleased. I was skipping around my workplace... I felt so charged up, and then I felt TOO charged up. My heart started to pound SO hard. My chest was tight and yes, I think I may have had arm pains. From the caffeine. And from a night of drinking before... I've been slamming back coffee to keep awake at work. And I popped a caffeine pill the other day. And well, today, I actually felt like I was going to have a heart attack. I tried to cough, and breathe calmly and whatever... It was scary. So, I'm VOWING to lay off the coffee for a while... and the cigarettes... and the stress. I'm taking the steps necessary for HEALTH AND GROWTH. Wish me luck. Please?

On a more depressing, but personal, note:

I went through a major breakup, but I'll be okay. I know now that this is the time to focus on myself. I finally feel okay on my own. I know I am a whole soul and need no one. Yes, it's nice... it would be nice to have someone, but right now, I don't think I'm ready. I have to do some more "soul-searching" and healing. I've learned that sometimes the right thing is the hardest thing to do... I'm a big believer in positive thinking: whatever frequency you put out into the universe, you get in return kind-of-thing... So why? Why, can one try SO hard to make something work, and have it fail? Because it's meant to fail. For a reason I suppose. And sometimes bad situations are there to teach you a lesson. To be genuine and true to yourself is to make room for positivity in your life. To let go of the negativity. In a way, I guess I'm to blame for all the hurt I feel now. I should have walked away instead of clinging onto something with hate in my heart. Humans are such selfish creatures.

I haven't been alone since I was 17. It's different and it's feels like, well, freedom. At first, it was horrible. I was devastated. Pain is extreme and it feels better than nothing, so I attach myself to it sometimes. I've learnt that that does me no good either. I have myself now and my thoughts and my peace of mind. I've been really enjoying my alone time and using it well. I cherish it now because I have a full-time job. I thought being single would mean tons of free time, but my life has been so busy. I force myself to push harder, to get up and go to work everyday, to go to the gym, to hang out with people, to create, to laugh. At first, it was to keep my mind off him. But now, I'm in such a good routine, I can't stop. It feels good and I will ALWAYS keep pushing for greatness... Not greatness over other people, just greatness within me, for me.

I'm happy I have such amazing friends now. I sincerely feel grateful for the people who care about me. I'm making an effort to really be good to people... to show integrity and love and understanding. I want a clean conscience and a clean mind.

It was my 22nd birthday last weekend. 22 on the 22nd, so my champagne birthday! I rented a a huge party bus! I think it was a success. I got everyone to dress up in stylish, classy dress clothes. I felt happy. Here is me and my best friend, Charlotte:

I feel like I've levelled up! I feel like I've definitely grown, evolved somehow... like I'm just beginning a new and exciting chapter in my life. I feel hopeful, but sometimes, jaded now too. I feel like love just isn't as magical anymore. Maybe one day, it will be. I don't feel like there's ONE person out there for me anymore. I know I'm alone and that the universe is within me, that my "soul mate" is already one with me as we are all from the same source. Maybe it's not a bad thing. Maybe I'm just growing up.

Have a GREAT Halloween!

<3 Christina Martine.

Vampires and Sailboats!

2010-07-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

Hey!

I've been doing a lot of giveaways, etc... I recently had a funny guest blog featured on http://vampchix.blogspot.com/. Check it out:

Hello fellow vampire fans! Thanks for reading.

As you may have already guessed, I sort of have a thing for vampires. My love affair with the horrifying, yet oh-so-mysterious and sexy creatures of the night all started back when I first read Anne Rice’s, Interview With The Vampire as a teen. I fell in love with these powerful and seductive beings who were also intensely troubled. I felt I could identify more with these bloodsuckers than my high school classmates! Instead of crushing on Tommy from homeroom I was crushing on Lestat, the rock star bad boy vampire that could live forever. Before bed each night, I began praying for vampires to come find me and change me into one of them. Unfortunately, that never happened, but my love affair was still fiery.

I came across the idea of “real vampires” and was immensely intrigued. The idea that one could possess an energy-leak and have the ability to give and take life energy really fascinated me. It was also, at the time, a perfect explanation for my teenage hormonal imbalance! I found there were many others out there who enjoyed this same notion. Suddenly, I wasn’t alone. I realized I no longer had to pray for strange men in capes to come bite me. Vampires were everywhere; all I had to do was open my eyes to the world.

***

I also have my first author interview up on http://suburbanvampire.blogspot.com/.

I'm doing a giveaway with this site. The contest runs until August 4th. Check it out for more deets! <3

In other news, I've been enjoying my days to the fullest. I went sailing for the first time the other day and LOVED it! Being on the water is so relaxing. I helped host a few boat parties... (I love being a host) and made snacks for everyone... Brie with strawberries and crackers and grapes, etc... I drank SO much wine these past few days. Heaven! haha... I've always been a red person but my good friend Alice brought a Gewürztraminer that was SO delicious! I think I'm hooked.

Things are so wonderful lately that it feels strange. I feel like I have to worry about something, but I know that's not true at all. It feels good to feel free, to be free. The world is mine and I understand that now.

I hope you are all having a wonderful SUMMER! :) ... depending on where you are of course.

<3 Christina Martine.

Guest Blog and GIVEAWAY!

2010-07-05T18:51:00.001-07:00

Hey!

Long time no post... I have a guest blog up at http://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com/. Check it out and leave a comment there for a chance to win a copy of CAT THE VAMP! :D I get to do whatever I want here... so I'm sorry if I go overboard on the smiles. :p

In other news, life is grand. The sun is shining and I feel content. I'm working on lots of really exciting things. I feel good.

Oh yeah, my fan page's url is now: www.facebook.com/christinamartinefanpage.

Easy peasy puddin' and pie.

Later gators.

<3 Christina Martine.

Author Video

2010-06-21T03:06:00.000-07:00

I made an author video. Please watch it:

^I talk so much with my hands lol!

I also made a facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christina-Martine-Fan-Page/103372576380105?ref=ts Look up Christina Martine Fan Page and join in on the magic. Please become a fan and tell everyone you know to become one as well. I appreciate every single one of you. <3In other news, my life has been fun work-wise. I've been shooting a lot. I did a cutesy pin-up shoot a while ago. Check it:

Be well,

<3 Christina Martine.

Amazon Author Page

2010-05-29T00:58:00.000-07:00

I now have an author page on amazon! http://www.amazon.com/Christina-Martine/e/B003NQRY0C/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1275119124&sr=8-1 Neat... I'm going to add more stuff soon... a video of me talking about my book. That'll be fun. :)

A friend made me a cool banner:

I got some writing done today. Well, typing. I write... like actually write with a pen in notebooks and then transfer everything onto the computer. The writing is always enjoyable, but the transfer part gets tedious and tiring. I'm up to date now and excited to keep on track. Things are going well. I'm listening to channel 434... The nature sounds channel. Right now I'm hearing a song entitled "Meadow Creek, Cold Creek." It's basically birds chirping with some intstrumentals in the background. Very relaxing. I never listen to music while I write, but I do when I type. I always need complete silence when I'm ACTUALLY focusing... something I find extremely hard to come by in this day and age. Where we seem to crave sound and constant stimulous from outside sources.

Anyway, I have a big DODGEBALL tournament tomorrow. That's right. Dodgeball. It's going to be intense... so I have to get some rest. Afterwards, I have a fashion show to model in. It's going to be a big day.

Wish me luck.

<3 Christina Martine.

My book is available at Chapters!

2010-05-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

YAY!

Cat the Vamp is available on the Chapters website: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Cat-the-Vamp-Christina-Martine/9781935303008-item.html

I found that out a few days ago... I was immensely happy.

I thought I'd update, and hopefully draw in some more readers. I know you're out there! ;) Anyway, some of you may know me for my modelling... No, I'm not just a vampire lover/nerd. I'm kinda hot... and I've been modelling ever since I was a teen. I was with an agency when I was younger but it was super stressful and I dropped out entirely for a while. I'm starting to get back into it as an independent artist and I'm creating my OWN standards. I'm doing creative shoots that make me happy and sometimes make me money. I've been pretty busy lately doing some really fun artsy shoots. Hopefully I'll have some pics to post later on.

Today I got some shots taken of me for NC Models... (www.nc-entertainment.com) a promo model company. My makeup looked so cool! I felt like Barbie... or Jem. Anyone remember her? So... when I got home I took a photo of me on my new laptop:

So... back to writing, etc... I've been trying to figure out what picture to use for my bio on wwww.christinamartine.com. I was thinking of this one:

It was taken by Ryan Connors... the photographer/graphic designer who created my site. It's nice and classy and everything. I have some more shoots in mind, so I'll probably come up with something neat! :D

I have been working off and on on my new book, which is a sequel to my first one. It's going to be much more detailed. Not so rushed. More character development. I'm a better writer now. I know that for a fact. Why? ... Time. Practise. I'm more educated. More well read. I'm older and wiser. It's as simple as that. So... I think my readers will have A LOT to look forward to. I'm going to treat this book like my baby. I'm going to care for it, love it, and put my everything into it. I know where I want to go with it. I really just have to buckle down, manage my time better and work. WORK. WORK!! <3 But I know that publishing IS a REAL possibility now, and that is soothing...

That's what I've been up to. I was contemplating whether to keep this blog only for my novel, but my passions are so varied, and so it will be all about me and my adventures in life. But I'm going to be focusing on my writing career here more than anything!

Goodbye for now!

<3 Christina Martine.

Intro

2010-05-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

So... I'm the author of Cat the Vamp and this is my fabulous blog. Well, it's not so fabulous now, but it will be, I promise! It's been my life long dream to publish a book, and looky here, my dream has come true. So now, basically, I'm trying to promote it and get people interested in it so writing can become my profession... so I can eventually move away and write all day and live with trees and only take occasional trips into the city to see people and maybe to shop... A girl's GOTTA shop.

Anyway, so if you've checked out my website and read the synopsis for my book, you know that it's about vampires... but not ones that sparkle... My vampires are very modern, and in fact, just like you or me! They can EVEN walk out in the sun! The only thing that makes them different is that they lack life energy... which makes them very sad sad sad people.

My book is different. My book has been called "profane" and "too graphic" for teens... and in all honesty, maybe it is a little too "hardcore" for anyone under the age of 15... but it's not directed at those people. It's for mature young adults and adults alike. People who love vampires and love the idea of "real vampires". It's for people who are sick of chick-lit, sappy romance vampire novels and crave something new and exciting. Something fresh. Something they can sink their teeth into...

I've had a couple FANTASTIC REVIEWS! and some more... er... critical ones. I want to address some issues brought up in a more nasty (but honest) review. Firstly, I do not condone unprotected sex. It's obviously dangerous and DEFINITELY COULD make you pregnant, jeez. I wanted people to be shocked I guess, that Catherine wasn't thinking of the consequences of her behavior... because she was overly "energized." And, in most romance novels, people just GET DOWN. There is no mention of condoms whatsoever. I guess I wanted people to actually THINK of that for once. Maybe I could have handled her reaction a little better, but I'm still learning, still growing, just like you!

I tried to write an accurate account of what it would be like to live as a "real vampire." With a REAL NEED for BLOOD. The blood and cutting scenes are a result of that. I don't condone cutting. And I do realize now that it is a MAJOR issue with teenagers. I never meant it to offend anyone and I'm sorry if it did.

I know I'm not going to be able to please everyone, but I'm sure my book will definitely please lots! <3

p.s. I need friends on twitter. I'm lonely!
www.twitter.com/catthevamp

<3 Christina Martine.