Catina Noble
Catina Noble’s eclectic multi-genre works contain something for everyone, having appeared over two hundred times, some in publications including, but not limited to, Chicken Soup for the Soul: 10 Keys to Happiness, Woman’s World Magazine, Bywords Magazine, Y Travel Blog, Canadian Newcomer Magazine, The Mindful Word, and Perceptive Travel. Her poem “You Can’t See Me” took first place in CAA–NCR’s 2013 National Capital Writing Contest. Her books, Finding Evie, Vacancy at the Food Court & Other Short Stories, I’m Glad I Didn’t Kill Myself, and Everest Base Camp: Close Call have each received Readers’ Favorite 5-Star reviews. Catina Noble has a B.A. in Psychology from Carleton University and a Social Services Worker Diploma from Algonquin College. She currently writes, works full time, and is enrolled not only in Algonquin College’s Addictions & Mental Health Program but also in its Creative Writing Certificate Program. Sometimes her dog, Aspen, and her cat, PJ, supervise her creative writing process but her favorite place to write is at a local coffee shop.
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Catina's Books
Catina Noble’s collection of poetry in Katzenjammer spans several years.
Included in this eclectic Twig Works publication is her poem “You Can’t See Me”, which won 1st Place in the Canadian Authors Association–NCR's 2013 National Capital Writing Contest.
Her poems are raw, without fluff, tangle with hope and everyday struggles. No matter the age, gender or circumstance in life, each person who reads this book will be able to identify with Catina and her poetry.
Although she has three chapbooks in print Pussyfoot (2013), Clean Up in Aisle 4 (2014) and Odds & Ends (2014), this is her first full-length collection.
Review by Dakota Morgan, age 13:
“When Teal graduates, she has to set down her roots and make many hard decisions about her future. Teal’s friend Olive has some tough choices to make with her boyfriend. Teal is getting used to having a new stepbrother and getting along very well with Toby, and her second family. She goes on her visit to unlock some new doors in Spain with the key Miss Tate’s cousin Dottie had sent to her mother. This book is very interesting and parts of it were a little scary, but I loved THIS IS IT.”
I’m sure we all must have told ourselves, at least once while growing up, that life couldn’t possibly get worse. As Rod Serling, host of the ancient TV show, The Twilight Zone, actually never said, “Imagine if you will,” being the eldest female child in a family with no parenting. Imagine being “Mommy” to a pair of irresponsible, substance-addicted adult children. Imagine taking on the responsibility of being the nanny for younger siblings, the maid for lazy, hungover parents, the literal whipping girl for a father’s outbursts. Catina Noble has nailed it in Finding Evie. She has managed to portray Evie Feathers as though she herself had lived through each and every soul-destroying experience and come out, not merely as a survivor, but as a thriver. Finding Evie holds hope between its covers for neglected children.
Nice and Creepy Says this Horror Fan
“The stories in Vacancy at the Food Court are disturbing. Wonderfully, enticingly and fun disturbing, that is. Being able to combine humor and horror—making non-horror fans cringe with fear but aficionados giggle with delight—is a true talent. Each story draws one in and keeps one involved until the usually twisted (in more ways than one) ending.
“All thirteen stories are well-written with an almost poetic nuance to some of them and this use of words by author Catina Noble brings a depth to the stories that reaches beyond the surface areas of the reader’s mind into the psyche.
“Two stories stayed with me long after I finished the book. I hope to see more from Catina Noble.”—Christina Crowe
Vacancy at the Food Court
Two years in the life of a teenage girl.
“When I pour my heart down on paper there is a record that I am a human being with feelings and no one can judge me right away.
“A lot of people ask me why I write so much and the point behind it. I write because I love it. I write mainly to get thoughts out of my head and sort out how I feel. I am always so confused about everything. I also hope that one day when I no longer exist, someone somewhere will forgive me for all the things I have done wrong and not hold it against me. Hopefully I will answer some questions in my many journals. Maybe this will be helpful to someone else.” — Cat
(Poetry) Attending to one's mother while she succumbs to cancer is no easy feat as this poetry chapbook will attest to.
"Many people want to write but find it hard to get started. Or they have started but do not know where to go next. If you are a beginner writer, or have always had the desire to write, Catina Noble’s book, Letter Rip, has excellent information and guidance to help you break into the writing world. Each chapter, filled with essential guidelines, engaging exercises, and many tips, tricks and resources, will motivate you, not only to get started, it will inspire you to keep going. For beginner writers, you will discover more deeply why you want to write, how to get ideas, find time to write, explore the various genres. From first drafts, editing tips, to wrapping up your manuscript, you will learn about networking, submitting, and then promoting your work—and so much more.
"So, pick up and read this book! Take a course or workshop or both! Catina Noble has a passion for writing and teaching. Let her be your guide as you follow the steps in each chapter and do the suggested activities. Along with the best information a student can have and carry forward, this is a practical, educational, and entertaining introduction into the writing world. Now is the time to begin! Release your words and start writing your way to success! Enjoy the journey!" — Evelyn Crete
AND MORE TO COME, says Catina Noble!
“The novel’s beautiful message of encouragement reminds us all that no matter how challenging life may get, we can always find a silver lining in the end.”—Amy MacDonald, STAR Program Supervisor, Christie Lake Kids
“Catina Noble has written a coming-of-age novel full of honesty, heart and humour. The dialogue is sharp, and skilfully captures the angst and confusion of the teenage years.”—Sara Dwyer, Executive Director, Russell Heights Community House
“In Not Just Me, fifteen-year-old Teal Flint suffers through too many losses, both imagined and real, triggering powerful self-doubts and a profound mistrust all around her.”—Phyllis Bohonis, Romantic Suspense Author, including The Track
“Not Just Me carries the true, honest voice of a fifteen-year-old girl, Teal Flint, as she navigates the complexities of family life, school and growing up. Catina captures both the anguish and the joy of a sensitive young woman's life—her moods are as variable as the wind, with hope always underlying.”—Heather Swail, Intermediate Teacher, ISST, Vincent Massey PS
August 6, 1992 Life is pretty weird and hard to handle. It always is. Why can’t you leave your body and switch to someone else’s, huh? I have so many questions and no answers.
Image in the River
The image in the river is crying for help.
The image in the river is crying.
The image in the river is saying goodbye
until it finally disappears forever.
I didn’t even know the image in the river.
—Catina Noble
Catina Noble’s Cat’s Journals are anything but notes on an easy life. Once again, Catina Noble takes us on a journey of determination and courage, this time on the El Camino. Alone. With blisters and a twisted ankle.
The guy beside me on the top bunk, Jamie, noticed my ankle. Mentioned he used to be a doctor and that my ankle looked really bad. He told me, if I weren’t so close to the finish line, he would definitely advise me to stop.
The guy beside me on the top bunk, Jamie, noticed my ankle. Mentioned he used to be a doctor and that my ankle looked really bad. He told me, if I weren’t so close to the finish line, he would definitely advise me to stop.
He offered to spray it with some sort of antiseptic stuff that would create a seal all over the blistered area and it would be good for at least twenty-four hours, maybe longer.
That sounded great to me but he also advised me that when he sprayed my ankle, it would hurt like hell for a minute or two so to prepare myself.
I prepared myself.
He didn’t lie to me. It did hurt.
I screamed into my pillow.
“Not Again continues this very real rollercoaster ride of emotions for main character, Teal. Now that she has aged, life’s obstacles continue to get more and more complex. Catina Noble’s writing is relatable for young adults navigating their way through the complicated teenage years, while providing suspense and entertainment for her readers.”—Amy MacDonald, STAR Program Supervisor, Christie Lake Kids
“Teal is the kind of character that leaves a lasting impression, and I thought about her quite a bit after finishing her story. A brave and open-minded young woman stepping carefully through her formative years, not knowing exactly what being right means, but trusting her heart and making decisions based on her own happiness. If only I had been as grounded as Teal when I was her age! And that name, what a delight to say out loud. I despise trendy names but Teal, this I can allow, especially when it suits her so well.”— Joanne MacGregor, Director of STAR Inner City Programs, Christie Lake Kids
Everest Base Camp: Close Call is a gripping and fascinating story about Everest told from the perspective of a brave woman who openly shares the triumphs and disappointments of reaching for a dream. Catina Noble pulls the reader in with the warmth from a stove in the dining room at a teahouse, the humorous attempts at using squat toilets, the delicious comfort food and the kindness of the people of Nepal in contrast with the achingly cold conditions and uncertainty felt on her trek. With vivid and absorbing passages, Noble offers a heartfelt reminder that the journey is as important as the dream itself.—Sonia Saikaley, author of The Allspice Bath
The latest of Cat’s Journals, Everest Base Camp: Close Call, speaks to all of us who long for the courage to take a giant leap past our comfort zone to follow our bucket list dreams. Catina Noble’s story is a cautionary tale and an intimate glimpse of the all-too-real dangers of trekking at altitude in the Nepal Himalayas. It is a riveting account of the bravery, perseverance, and fortitude necessary to overcome both the physical and emotional challenges of the grueling trek to Everest Base Camp. I was with her every exhilarating, frightening, and joyful step of the way.—Patti Shales Lefkos, author of Nepal One Day at a Time
Previously published as three separate novels, Teal, Teal Flint is a rebrand of Teal's journey through difficult times and difficult years.
Not Just Me: “... a beautiful message of encouragement..."—Amy MacDonald, STAR Program Supervisor, Christie Lake Kids; “...full of honesty, heart and humour..."—Sara Dwyer, Executive Director, Russell Heights Community House
Not Again: “... leaves a lasting impression... If only I had been as grounded as Teal when I was her age!..."—Joanne MacGregor, Director of STAR Inner City Programs, Christie Lake Kids
This Is It: "... parts of it were a little scary, but I loved THIS IS IT."—Dakota Morgan, age 13
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