Jane Cousins's Blog, page 10
April 6, 2016
Number of authors on my must-buy list taken a nose dive
The number of authors on my must-buy list has always been subject to peaks and troughs. But never has it been this dizzyingly low. Is it just me?
Now I'm only referring to paperbacks - my e-book must-buy list is brimming. I'm talking about the authors here that I love so much that I just have to own their work. The ones I read and re-read.
Once upon a time, in the not so distant past my must-buy list was two pages long, with notes next to each book reminding me of the publishing date. But these days... the number of books on that list has dwindled to an embarrassingly low number.
Why?
First off - the switch of several great series to hardback has blown my calendar out by months. I'm not sure what the hold up is, but it seems to take forever for the mass trade paperback releases to occur.
The second reason - several formerly great series have gone so far off the boil I've had to transfer the author to my library list - rather than waste my time/money on average additions to the series that I can't quite let go of just yet - Laurell K Hamilton, Jayne Ann Krentz to name a few.
Or worse, where the books in the series have become unreadable - Charlaine Harris (Sookie), Rob Thurman (Cal/Niko), Mary Janice Davidson (Wacky whiney Betsy) Cecy Robson - all great series to begin with but I had to drop completely and walk away from fast, in case I began to forget why I loved them in the first place.
More disheartening is the number of series I've recently downgraded to the - wait and see the reviews list. As much as it pains me: Thea Harrison's Elder Races has been demoted, sorry, but where has the deft light touch and humour of the first few books in the series gone? And it pains me even more to add Shelly Laurenston's Crows series to that list. The Unleashing was a deal breaker for me. (I vote for more Pride Series).
Darynda Jones series sits on the cusp of this group thanks to her last wobbly effort, fingers crossed she doesn't cross the line.
The less than impressive new series by existing beloved authors. Oh, let me count the number of failures that fall under this heading. Lisa Shearin's SPI series - no thanks. Thea Harrison's Game of Shadows series - yikes. Charlene Harris Midnight Crossing - so boring. Jennifer Estep's recent YA series - jury is still out on this one.
I don't think it's just me. I know it's hard to write a book (trust me, I know) and harder still to write a series with consistently great additions each and every time. But isn't that what publishers, editors and beta readers are all for? Given that I'm really only talking about 'best-selling' authors in this blog, with PR machines and loads of support.
But at the end of the day it still comes back to the individual author to produce great books that are deserving of the readers' time and money. (And a coveted spot in my overcrowded bookcase)
So here I sit, fingers and toes crossed, hoping that this slump in regards to my paperback must-buy list is nothing but a brief and annoying anomaly.
Now I'm only referring to paperbacks - my e-book must-buy list is brimming. I'm talking about the authors here that I love so much that I just have to own their work. The ones I read and re-read.
Once upon a time, in the not so distant past my must-buy list was two pages long, with notes next to each book reminding me of the publishing date. But these days... the number of books on that list has dwindled to an embarrassingly low number.
Why?
First off - the switch of several great series to hardback has blown my calendar out by months. I'm not sure what the hold up is, but it seems to take forever for the mass trade paperback releases to occur.
The second reason - several formerly great series have gone so far off the boil I've had to transfer the author to my library list - rather than waste my time/money on average additions to the series that I can't quite let go of just yet - Laurell K Hamilton, Jayne Ann Krentz to name a few.
Or worse, where the books in the series have become unreadable - Charlaine Harris (Sookie), Rob Thurman (Cal/Niko), Mary Janice Davidson (Wacky whiney Betsy) Cecy Robson - all great series to begin with but I had to drop completely and walk away from fast, in case I began to forget why I loved them in the first place.
More disheartening is the number of series I've recently downgraded to the - wait and see the reviews list. As much as it pains me: Thea Harrison's Elder Races has been demoted, sorry, but where has the deft light touch and humour of the first few books in the series gone? And it pains me even more to add Shelly Laurenston's Crows series to that list. The Unleashing was a deal breaker for me. (I vote for more Pride Series).
Darynda Jones series sits on the cusp of this group thanks to her last wobbly effort, fingers crossed she doesn't cross the line.
The less than impressive new series by existing beloved authors. Oh, let me count the number of failures that fall under this heading. Lisa Shearin's SPI series - no thanks. Thea Harrison's Game of Shadows series - yikes. Charlene Harris Midnight Crossing - so boring. Jennifer Estep's recent YA series - jury is still out on this one.
I don't think it's just me. I know it's hard to write a book (trust me, I know) and harder still to write a series with consistently great additions each and every time. But isn't that what publishers, editors and beta readers are all for? Given that I'm really only talking about 'best-selling' authors in this blog, with PR machines and loads of support.
But at the end of the day it still comes back to the individual author to produce great books that are deserving of the readers' time and money. (And a coveted spot in my overcrowded bookcase)
So here I sit, fingers and toes crossed, hoping that this slump in regards to my paperback must-buy list is nothing but a brief and annoying anomaly.
March 11, 2016
Hating when a series goes hardcover.
It seems inevitable for most bestselling series these days - you know, the dreaded day you are notified that the next long awaited book in the series is to be released in "Hardcover".
Almost as if someone somewhere believes they are doing you a favour.
From an author's perspective, I can only assume this is a major goal to achieve. Recognition of their success, popularity and a helpful bump up into the next income bracket.
From a reader's perspective - I don't know about you but when a series goes hardcover, I kind of feel as if I am being punished for some reason.
The cost being the first problem. If I don't want to be hit by spoilers or a plethora of oversharing reviewers - I am expected to shell out the big bucks.
Next is the size. My house and bookcases have only so much room. A hardcover edition of a book seems like such an investment - one I may only ever end up reading once, but will be stuck storing for the rest of my life.
The excruciating wait - the cycle of book releases seems to go on for eternity when hardcover releases are added to the calendar - sometimes followed by the trade paperback release and then FINALLY the mass trade paperback.
The drop in quality of the product - sometimes it feels as if the author is on the verge of winding things up, or they have just quite clearly run out of fresh ideas and enthusiasm for their series - when they are tapped by a publishing company to go hardcover.
Nothing hurts more than shelling out for a hardcover only to discover it is a poor or inconsistent addition to the series.
Oh, let me count the series where this has happened - Laurell K Hamilton, J.R Ward, Christine Feehan, Jayne Ann Krentz under all her pseudonyms ( and don't even get me started on the mis-match release dates of her trilogies from differing publishing companies). Darynda Jones has gone hardback - just when her wonderful Grave series has developed a distinct wobble.
Weirder still when a series goes hardcover - I start finding I have gaps in my bookcases. Mainly because I borrow the hardback version of a book from my local library - and once I've read it - well, what's the point in then buying the mass paperback version? I've generally moved on by that point.
Weirder still - when an author goes down the hardcover release path I find myself too often suddenly disenchanted by the series - Oh, I'll still borrow it from the library if I stumble across it - but I don't go out of my way to reserve it.
So to all those authors standing firm - to Gini Koch, Jennifer Estep and a host of my other favourite authors - please don't jump on the hardcover release bandwagon. Because I'm afraid if you jump on... I'll probably end up falling off.
Almost as if someone somewhere believes they are doing you a favour.
From an author's perspective, I can only assume this is a major goal to achieve. Recognition of their success, popularity and a helpful bump up into the next income bracket.
From a reader's perspective - I don't know about you but when a series goes hardcover, I kind of feel as if I am being punished for some reason.
The cost being the first problem. If I don't want to be hit by spoilers or a plethora of oversharing reviewers - I am expected to shell out the big bucks.
Next is the size. My house and bookcases have only so much room. A hardcover edition of a book seems like such an investment - one I may only ever end up reading once, but will be stuck storing for the rest of my life.
The excruciating wait - the cycle of book releases seems to go on for eternity when hardcover releases are added to the calendar - sometimes followed by the trade paperback release and then FINALLY the mass trade paperback.
The drop in quality of the product - sometimes it feels as if the author is on the verge of winding things up, or they have just quite clearly run out of fresh ideas and enthusiasm for their series - when they are tapped by a publishing company to go hardcover.
Nothing hurts more than shelling out for a hardcover only to discover it is a poor or inconsistent addition to the series.
Oh, let me count the series where this has happened - Laurell K Hamilton, J.R Ward, Christine Feehan, Jayne Ann Krentz under all her pseudonyms ( and don't even get me started on the mis-match release dates of her trilogies from differing publishing companies). Darynda Jones has gone hardback - just when her wonderful Grave series has developed a distinct wobble.
Weirder still when a series goes hardcover - I start finding I have gaps in my bookcases. Mainly because I borrow the hardback version of a book from my local library - and once I've read it - well, what's the point in then buying the mass paperback version? I've generally moved on by that point.
Weirder still - when an author goes down the hardcover release path I find myself too often suddenly disenchanted by the series - Oh, I'll still borrow it from the library if I stumble across it - but I don't go out of my way to reserve it.
So to all those authors standing firm - to Gini Koch, Jennifer Estep and a host of my other favourite authors - please don't jump on the hardcover release bandwagon. Because I'm afraid if you jump on... I'll probably end up falling off.
February 27, 2016
All writers should write - but should all writers publish?
I love writing. Always have and hopefully always will. Even when I couldn't find a publishing medium I wrote. Because I had to.
That's the way it is for me, not a job, not a business and I certainly don't do it for the respect. Honestly, you should see some of the judgmental looks I get when people hear that I write romance.
These days there are a lot of books out there. With hundreds arriving on the market everyday. As readers, our time is precious, not to mention that very few of us have bottomless bank accounts. So when I do purchase a book, my expectations are always high - great characters, gripping story, hot romance, laughs, thrills, mystery - whatever genre, I just want an excellent read.
But finding those great books is getting harder, just because of the sheer volume out there. And let's face it, not all of it is good, in some cases it's shockingly terrible. I took a punt on a new author the other day - the book sounded sexy, fun and who doesn't like a shape shifting dragon?
Horrified, doesn't begin to cover off the experience. The grammar was non-existent, the spelling worse and the sex scene was down right embarrassing. Except perhaps if you like your characters to say things like - "Aaaiieee" and "Urggghhh".
And the story was short... lucky if it were 25 pages long. Not only that but the author had the balls to include 40 pages of links to books I might like. I can only assume the author had twenty or so pseudonyms and churned a book out every three days or so.
Obviously to them writing is a money making business.
But I'm not just talking about new/emerging ebook authors flooding the market with garbage here. Nothing sells a book better than those written by well known brand name authors.
If I like a series by an author there is a 100% chance that I will put any new offering they publish on my must buy list. Anyone else burnt by Lisa Shearin's SPI series? What about Thea Harrison's Game of Shadows series?
And what about once great series that are now boring, drawn out, repetitive, or just veered so far from the original concept it is no longer recognisable.
Seriously, does an editor never step up anymore and say "insert best selling author's name here" - I love you, but this is crap. ????
Laurel K Hamilton, MaryJanice Davidson, Charlaine Harris are all guilty of this.
As I stated in the title of this blog - All writers should write. Good, bad, indifferent. It can be an uplifting experience, cathartic, and even amusing as hell. Non-fiction, fiction, serious, historical, romance or funny - write it down for heaven's sake.
And yes, everyone who wants to should be able to publish. Sure there is a lot of crap out there, but there are a lot of gems yet to be discovered as well.
When choosing to invest in a book now, at the top of my criteria is - does the author love to write? How can you tell? The characters for one, are they empathetic, do you immediately want to know their story? And from the way the words flow like music on the page, the story sweeping you up and consuming you, not letting go until the very last page.
Thank heavens for the "look inside' function - it makes it that much easier to determine which authors are out there just to make a quick buck, and sucker you in with a glossy cover and blurb they have no intention on delivering upon. Versus authors who love their characters, along with the worlds they create and just have to share it with you.
That's the way it is for me, not a job, not a business and I certainly don't do it for the respect. Honestly, you should see some of the judgmental looks I get when people hear that I write romance.
These days there are a lot of books out there. With hundreds arriving on the market everyday. As readers, our time is precious, not to mention that very few of us have bottomless bank accounts. So when I do purchase a book, my expectations are always high - great characters, gripping story, hot romance, laughs, thrills, mystery - whatever genre, I just want an excellent read.
But finding those great books is getting harder, just because of the sheer volume out there. And let's face it, not all of it is good, in some cases it's shockingly terrible. I took a punt on a new author the other day - the book sounded sexy, fun and who doesn't like a shape shifting dragon?
Horrified, doesn't begin to cover off the experience. The grammar was non-existent, the spelling worse and the sex scene was down right embarrassing. Except perhaps if you like your characters to say things like - "Aaaiieee" and "Urggghhh".
And the story was short... lucky if it were 25 pages long. Not only that but the author had the balls to include 40 pages of links to books I might like. I can only assume the author had twenty or so pseudonyms and churned a book out every three days or so.
Obviously to them writing is a money making business.
But I'm not just talking about new/emerging ebook authors flooding the market with garbage here. Nothing sells a book better than those written by well known brand name authors.
If I like a series by an author there is a 100% chance that I will put any new offering they publish on my must buy list. Anyone else burnt by Lisa Shearin's SPI series? What about Thea Harrison's Game of Shadows series?
And what about once great series that are now boring, drawn out, repetitive, or just veered so far from the original concept it is no longer recognisable.
Seriously, does an editor never step up anymore and say "insert best selling author's name here" - I love you, but this is crap. ????
Laurel K Hamilton, MaryJanice Davidson, Charlaine Harris are all guilty of this.
As I stated in the title of this blog - All writers should write. Good, bad, indifferent. It can be an uplifting experience, cathartic, and even amusing as hell. Non-fiction, fiction, serious, historical, romance or funny - write it down for heaven's sake.
And yes, everyone who wants to should be able to publish. Sure there is a lot of crap out there, but there are a lot of gems yet to be discovered as well.
When choosing to invest in a book now, at the top of my criteria is - does the author love to write? How can you tell? The characters for one, are they empathetic, do you immediately want to know their story? And from the way the words flow like music on the page, the story sweeping you up and consuming you, not letting go until the very last page.
Thank heavens for the "look inside' function - it makes it that much easier to determine which authors are out there just to make a quick buck, and sucker you in with a glossy cover and blurb they have no intention on delivering upon. Versus authors who love their characters, along with the worlds they create and just have to share it with you.
February 23, 2016
Why I never think to return an e-book.
Picture this, my face is puckered in horror and distaste, just as if I'd bitten into a shiny juicy apple and discovered it is rotten to the core - okay, now translate that experience to my last e-book purchase.
On the outside - the book had everything. A glossy cover. A book blurb that sounded fun, action packed, with the promise of a hot, hot romance. And lots and lots of glowing five star reviews.
And for complete sucker bait, at least two of my favourite authors had endorsed it.
I couldn't click the - buy now - button fast enough.
But from the first page things began to go horribly wrong. The h, was limp and seemed to burst into tears every other page. The H was stoic, and by that I mean one dimensional, making cardboard cutouts look lively and fully fleshed in comparison.
I knew who the bad guy was by the end of chapter two - problem was this book was supposed to be a mystery - so there went the suspense element.
I trudged on, in hope that things would improve - foolish me. By the 50% mark I was done. Another one for the DNF pile.
But not once did I consider returning the book for a refund. I know people do it. They even do it to me... occasionally. Probably downloaded it accidentally - I like to think.
But why can't I demand a refund?
First off because I did my research, checked the reviews and clearly the book sounded like something I would/should enjoy.
The fact that I didn't... does the fault lie with me or the author/or all the five star reviewers?
I've read many books where the actual contents of the book have little, sometimes nothing, to do with the enticing book blurb that sucked me in.
I've even been badly burnt by long time favourite authors whose latest offering stunk to high heaven - but I would never consider asking for a refund.
In my mind - it's like a roll of the dice. Sometimes, you win, sometimes you lose.
Because let's face it, when you do come across a great new book/series or author, it is literally like winning the lottery. And double the jackpot if they are an established author and have a big back-catalogue of books for you to get your mitts on immediately.
So, no, asking for a refund, just isn't in me. Leaving a constructive, alternative review... much more my style.
On the outside - the book had everything. A glossy cover. A book blurb that sounded fun, action packed, with the promise of a hot, hot romance. And lots and lots of glowing five star reviews.
And for complete sucker bait, at least two of my favourite authors had endorsed it.
I couldn't click the - buy now - button fast enough.
But from the first page things began to go horribly wrong. The h, was limp and seemed to burst into tears every other page. The H was stoic, and by that I mean one dimensional, making cardboard cutouts look lively and fully fleshed in comparison.
I knew who the bad guy was by the end of chapter two - problem was this book was supposed to be a mystery - so there went the suspense element.
I trudged on, in hope that things would improve - foolish me. By the 50% mark I was done. Another one for the DNF pile.
But not once did I consider returning the book for a refund. I know people do it. They even do it to me... occasionally. Probably downloaded it accidentally - I like to think.
But why can't I demand a refund?
First off because I did my research, checked the reviews and clearly the book sounded like something I would/should enjoy.
The fact that I didn't... does the fault lie with me or the author/or all the five star reviewers?
I've read many books where the actual contents of the book have little, sometimes nothing, to do with the enticing book blurb that sucked me in.
I've even been badly burnt by long time favourite authors whose latest offering stunk to high heaven - but I would never consider asking for a refund.
In my mind - it's like a roll of the dice. Sometimes, you win, sometimes you lose.
Because let's face it, when you do come across a great new book/series or author, it is literally like winning the lottery. And double the jackpot if they are an established author and have a big back-catalogue of books for you to get your mitts on immediately.
So, no, asking for a refund, just isn't in me. Leaving a constructive, alternative review... much more my style.
February 8, 2016
Laughing to myself as I write book 9
Some days I feel a little like a mad scientist - as my creation comes together on the page (laptop - but you know what I mean).
Have been cackling to myself this morning as I write, all that's missing is the rubbing in glee of my hands and the muttering of the words - yes, my precious... - under my breath.
Thankfully I haven't fallen down the rabbit hole that far.... yet.
Book 9 of the Southern Sanctuary Series is in the development stage, just about to begin chapter six and I've got to tell you how much fun I'm having writing it.
With this book have decided to turn everything around. This time it's the h, chasing the H.
Yes, our hero, Fen Valhalla, fireman, and brother to Hadleigh, Locke and Erik is having a decidedly difficult time of it.
He's had to watch each of his siblings fall to the machinations of the Sanctuary match maker - and determined he won't be next, Fen has sworn off women... abstinence his only weapon, as much as it pains him.
So of course, that's the moment when a six foot Valkyrie is dropped into his lap.
Brodie lives for the battle field. But of late, even the other Valkyries have become concerned at how rough and blood thirsty she has become.
Banished and forced to take holiday leave, Brodie's boss has informed her not to report for duty again until she's good and relaxed - or in other words - bang a guy, they're the best stress relievers out there.
And the only man Brodie wants his Fen Valhalla.
Of course danger lurks, there is a magical arsonist targeting Brodie and anyone who gets close to her - and it will be up to Fen to find and defeat the firebug... resisting Brodie's advances along the way.
So... back to the cackling I go, can't wait for this story to unfold.
Have been cackling to myself this morning as I write, all that's missing is the rubbing in glee of my hands and the muttering of the words - yes, my precious... - under my breath.
Thankfully I haven't fallen down the rabbit hole that far.... yet.
Book 9 of the Southern Sanctuary Series is in the development stage, just about to begin chapter six and I've got to tell you how much fun I'm having writing it.
With this book have decided to turn everything around. This time it's the h, chasing the H.
Yes, our hero, Fen Valhalla, fireman, and brother to Hadleigh, Locke and Erik is having a decidedly difficult time of it.
He's had to watch each of his siblings fall to the machinations of the Sanctuary match maker - and determined he won't be next, Fen has sworn off women... abstinence his only weapon, as much as it pains him.
So of course, that's the moment when a six foot Valkyrie is dropped into his lap.
Brodie lives for the battle field. But of late, even the other Valkyries have become concerned at how rough and blood thirsty she has become.
Banished and forced to take holiday leave, Brodie's boss has informed her not to report for duty again until she's good and relaxed - or in other words - bang a guy, they're the best stress relievers out there.
And the only man Brodie wants his Fen Valhalla.
Of course danger lurks, there is a magical arsonist targeting Brodie and anyone who gets close to her - and it will be up to Fen to find and defeat the firebug... resisting Brodie's advances along the way.
So... back to the cackling I go, can't wait for this story to unfold.
January 28, 2016
Is there such a thing as GOOD crappy books?
Okay, there is many a bad/crappy film that I have loved despite the overblown musical score, clearly impossible stunts and improbable casting of a gorgeous hunky guy as a supposedly average joe.
Oh, and the television I have watched and adored over the years all too often has seemed to make others shudder in despair at my taste.
Though in my defence, many of those television shows are now considered classics; Buffy, Dark Angel, X-Files and a host of others.
It's funny, when I like a bad/crappy TV show or film - I tend to be the first to jump on the defensive band wagon. Saying things like, - I know its science fiction, but it's really good.
Some part of me recognises that my viewing tastes are not particularly high-brow (no master theatre episodes for me, thank you very much) - I love science fiction, I think the stories are imaginative, the characters are layered and seriously... some of the best angst ridden love stories come from these shows.
I think the same can be said for my reading habits. I still to this day, when I tell people that I write paranormal romance novels get this blank look and the inevitable question - paranormal?
And several years ago I would immediately have gone
into defensive mode. Well, it's just this little sub-genre of romance, features magic, vampires, you know that sort of thing. Um, frantically hiding the book I'm currently reading and wishing it was Shakespeare or at the very least Michael Crichton.
Now, I tend to roll my eyes first and then go on the offensive. Seriously? Have you been living under a rock? PNR romance is everywhere, including the bestseller lists.
I no longer recognise the PNR genre (my ultimate favourite) as anything less than great. I no longer hide the book cover when I'm reading on a plane. I don't hesitate to tell people what I'm actually reading when they ask - hey, they asked, and they deserve exactly what they get when I invariably now go on to tell them in great detail what the story is about.
The only bad/crappy books out there are those where the grammar is bad, the story is woeful and the characters one-dimensional.
So when the next person asks you what type of books you like to read - follow my advice - square your shoulders, look them right in the eye and tell them.
They might roll their eyes and dismiss you as having poor taste (and we should only pity them) - or you might just have made a convert to the wonderful, exciting, world of PNR.
Oh, and the television I have watched and adored over the years all too often has seemed to make others shudder in despair at my taste.
Though in my defence, many of those television shows are now considered classics; Buffy, Dark Angel, X-Files and a host of others.
It's funny, when I like a bad/crappy TV show or film - I tend to be the first to jump on the defensive band wagon. Saying things like, - I know its science fiction, but it's really good.
Some part of me recognises that my viewing tastes are not particularly high-brow (no master theatre episodes for me, thank you very much) - I love science fiction, I think the stories are imaginative, the characters are layered and seriously... some of the best angst ridden love stories come from these shows.
I think the same can be said for my reading habits. I still to this day, when I tell people that I write paranormal romance novels get this blank look and the inevitable question - paranormal?
And several years ago I would immediately have gone
into defensive mode. Well, it's just this little sub-genre of romance, features magic, vampires, you know that sort of thing. Um, frantically hiding the book I'm currently reading and wishing it was Shakespeare or at the very least Michael Crichton.
Now, I tend to roll my eyes first and then go on the offensive. Seriously? Have you been living under a rock? PNR romance is everywhere, including the bestseller lists.
I no longer recognise the PNR genre (my ultimate favourite) as anything less than great. I no longer hide the book cover when I'm reading on a plane. I don't hesitate to tell people what I'm actually reading when they ask - hey, they asked, and they deserve exactly what they get when I invariably now go on to tell them in great detail what the story is about.
The only bad/crappy books out there are those where the grammar is bad, the story is woeful and the characters one-dimensional.
So when the next person asks you what type of books you like to read - follow my advice - square your shoulders, look them right in the eye and tell them.
They might roll their eyes and dismiss you as having poor taste (and we should only pity them) - or you might just have made a convert to the wonderful, exciting, world of PNR.
January 13, 2016
Guide to avoiding crappy books
After years of shelling out money and too often being stuck with ho-hum or just plain crappy books, I have decided enough is enough. I'm going to enforce some rules in 2016 and see if I can't cut down my on my crappy versus quality reads.
I will not buy a book if:
1. More than 5% of reviewers state that the heroine is TSTL. I like my heroines strong, independent and able to stand on their own two feet.
2. More than 5% of reviewers complain that the heroine keeps dissolving into tears or comes across as too Y.A - see point 1.
3. The lead female is a P.I or Detective - now I love this PNR genre but seriously, it has been done to death lately. Too many ho-hum authors are packed into this niche market and it's way too hard to find the diamonds versus the lumps of smelly coal that I seem to invariably end up with.
4. The book is part of a novella series. Now I've been really clear on my feelings about this approach to publishing by authors in my earlier blogs (if you haven't read any of them, go do it now, I'll wait) This is purely a money making approach that favours the author and not the reader - just say no people, let's not encourage this trend.
5. The publisher starts off the book blurb using the words - In the tradition of - and finishes that sentence by naming a best selling book i.e Hunger Games, Twilight, Shades of Grey, Graceling. Honestly, who wants to read pale imitations of best selling novels?
6. The book blurb names two best selling books and claims theirs is a mash up of the two. For instance I came across one the other day - Hunger Games meets Alice in Wonderland. Which sounded very left field and very bold, but upon reading the first three chapters just struck me as bad, bad, BAD.
7. The blurb insists the book is - a compelling, sweeping saga that will take the readers on a harrowing journey - WTF? Seriously, unless I open the book and there is a plane ticket inside, the author needs to take a chill pill, and not set their book up to be such an epic fail.
8. Within twenty-four hours of being published a book has over a hundred reviews and each one starts - I was provided this book by (insert publishing company name) in return for a fair and honest review. Um... no, you were given something for free, which means you are no longer objective and can't possibly be counted upon to supply a fair and honest review.
9. There are more sex scenes than action scenes then count me out - the only exception to this rule being if I am buying erotica, then it's a must.
10. Any reviewers mention rape of the h, by the H. Under no circumstances would I ever read a book where the abused falls in love with her abuser.
11. Love triangle is the main part of plot - been there done that, I'm moving on. I don't mind a second hot guy to split the h's focus, but I want it to be clear she and the H are meant to be.
12. The storyline and h are eternally grim. Now I like a gritty read, but there has to be something to lighten the mood occasionally, whether that be a sarcastic h/H or even secondary character. That, or the tale needs to be incredibly fast paced and action packed.
There we go... a few rules to start 2016 off with to hopefully ensure a year of reading only quality gems, fingers crossed as I hit the button to place my next big order of books.
I will not buy a book if:
1. More than 5% of reviewers state that the heroine is TSTL. I like my heroines strong, independent and able to stand on their own two feet.
2. More than 5% of reviewers complain that the heroine keeps dissolving into tears or comes across as too Y.A - see point 1.
3. The lead female is a P.I or Detective - now I love this PNR genre but seriously, it has been done to death lately. Too many ho-hum authors are packed into this niche market and it's way too hard to find the diamonds versus the lumps of smelly coal that I seem to invariably end up with.
4. The book is part of a novella series. Now I've been really clear on my feelings about this approach to publishing by authors in my earlier blogs (if you haven't read any of them, go do it now, I'll wait) This is purely a money making approach that favours the author and not the reader - just say no people, let's not encourage this trend.
5. The publisher starts off the book blurb using the words - In the tradition of - and finishes that sentence by naming a best selling book i.e Hunger Games, Twilight, Shades of Grey, Graceling. Honestly, who wants to read pale imitations of best selling novels?
6. The book blurb names two best selling books and claims theirs is a mash up of the two. For instance I came across one the other day - Hunger Games meets Alice in Wonderland. Which sounded very left field and very bold, but upon reading the first three chapters just struck me as bad, bad, BAD.
7. The blurb insists the book is - a compelling, sweeping saga that will take the readers on a harrowing journey - WTF? Seriously, unless I open the book and there is a plane ticket inside, the author needs to take a chill pill, and not set their book up to be such an epic fail.
8. Within twenty-four hours of being published a book has over a hundred reviews and each one starts - I was provided this book by (insert publishing company name) in return for a fair and honest review. Um... no, you were given something for free, which means you are no longer objective and can't possibly be counted upon to supply a fair and honest review.
9. There are more sex scenes than action scenes then count me out - the only exception to this rule being if I am buying erotica, then it's a must.
10. Any reviewers mention rape of the h, by the H. Under no circumstances would I ever read a book where the abused falls in love with her abuser.
11. Love triangle is the main part of plot - been there done that, I'm moving on. I don't mind a second hot guy to split the h's focus, but I want it to be clear she and the H are meant to be.
12. The storyline and h are eternally grim. Now I like a gritty read, but there has to be something to lighten the mood occasionally, whether that be a sarcastic h/H or even secondary character. That, or the tale needs to be incredibly fast paced and action packed.
There we go... a few rules to start 2016 off with to hopefully ensure a year of reading only quality gems, fingers crossed as I hit the button to place my next big order of books.
January 9, 2016
Q/A blog - what's happening in my world 2016
Happy 2016 all. As promised, I have been trolling through my in-box and thought it time to answer a few burning questions.
Q: I'm dying to know more about the next book in the Southern Sanctuary series, what can you tell us about it?
A: Well I could play it coy and just reiterate that the title of book 8 will be - To Thrill A Thief. Or, I could go one better, and provide you with the draft book blurb for it... decisions, decisions. Hah, since I'm a complete tease...
To Thrill A Thief
Thanks to her magic Eli Stevens is quite literally forgettable girl, ten seconds out of her presence and no one remembers who she is. Which makes her an awesome master thief but lousy girlfriend material. Resigned to a long lonely life Eli focuses all her attention on her job as Retrieval Expert for her eccentric magical extended family who have a tendency to misplace dangerous be-spelled objects.
Drafted to snatch five rubies imbued with the dead God Apep’s chaos magic, Eli is partnered up with Rafe, elite warrior of Maat, and logistics genius. The man is the epitome of walking temptation but Eli has been burnt too many times before to believe this time will be any different. Rafe might be a gorgeous semi-immortal being, but she’s forgettable girl. It’s time to lock up her heart for good and throw away the key before she gets it shattered into a million pieces.
For Rafe, falling in love with gorgeous thief Eli was easy… remembering her was the hard part. Now he just has to convince Eli to fight for them. To trust that in working together they will find a way to negate her magic. It will take all of his skills and all of his charm to thrill a thief.
To Thrill A Thief - Out May 2016.
Q: What's happening with Darcy? When will she get her own book?
A: Darcy. Darcy. Darcy. She's starting to become my Marsha Brady. Darcy will return as a secondary character in Book 8 and we are inching closer to her getting her own story. Currently she's still slated for book 10, or 11... maybe 12. Trust me, certain other elements of the overarching storyline have to come into fruition before Darcy's story can be told.
Q: Do you know who Darcy's mate will be?
A: Yes, and so should you. I've been dropping hints since book 1.
Q: Which other characters have you lined up to be the major players in coming books?
A: Book 9, at this stage, will star Fen Valhalla, brother to Hadleigh, Locke and Erik. Easy going Fen will meet his match when he goes up against a very determined Valkyrie. The draft title at the moment is - To Vex A Valkyrie. Promises to be lots of fun.
Then it will probably be Riya's turn - time to explain that mystery 24 hour pregnancy.
I'd also like to tell Patricia's story - whose books keep disappearing from her library and ending up in Cullen's potting shed.... I mean auxiliary library. I'm thinking maybe a Christmas themed story for those two.
And I have big plans for Quinn - which may edge out Darcy's story further, not sure yet.
Then further down the track will be Gigi, Fraser, Flynn, and Dash...
OMG... it's never-ending, just what the hell did I start when I invented this world?
Q: Do you plan to start a new series?
A: Absolutely, yes. It will probably be more of a Science-fiction type setting, as I have something bubbling away in the back of my brain. Don't intend to split my focus just yet though, and probably won't start drafting anything until after I have finished Darcy's book.
Q: Find myself laughing all the time when I read your books, are you funny in person?
A: Thanks. I must admit even I find myself laughing as I write sometimes. I'm pretty much the same in person, which is kind of scary when you think about it.
Q: Do you map out your books/Series?
A: Kind of, yes, no, maybe. Honestly, sometimes I start a book with a germ of an idea and it explodes in a completely surprising direction. Which is the great thing about writing a magical world, anything can happen. And as much as I've tried to add layers to each of my books, building on the world, adding fully fleshed secondary characters to enhance it - for me, forget the bad guys, forget the mystery - the most important part of my books is the romance.
Q: I love your books, can't believe more people don't know about you, what's up with that?
A: Thanks, sincerely. Grr, marketing, spreading the word in the literary world isn't really in my wheel house. I have a code - and I refuse to pay for reviews or pander to bloggers who request that I send them my book for free, promising nothing in return but that they may or may not get around to reviewing it in the next twenty-four months.
Currently I'm relying on word of mouth, people like you guys, who read my work, rate it, and leave reviews on Amazon/Goodreads.
It might be naïve but I'm working on the premise that good/funny books will eventually find an audience. I'm also working on getting my books into hard print this year, with the intention of moving into new markets... fingers crossed.
Q: What's the hardest thing about being a writer?
A: I'm not troubled, thankfully, by writer's block. I suppose my main gripe would be the feedback I get on my grammar/editing - hey, said it before and I'll say it again, I'm not perfect - but it's like some people don't even realise that the British/English style of writing exists - it's very frustrating - especially, since as an Australian, our book market is flooded equally by British/English books and American/English books - and I'm comfortable with both styles as long as the author remains consistent.
Q: Who are you reading at the moment?
A: At this exact moment in time I'm reading - A Red Rose Chain by Seanan McGuire. And am also in the process of re-reading the Grave witch series by Kalayna Price.
That's about it for the moment - there's a few personal questions that I think it's best for everyone that I ignore, let me maintain some measure of mystique, please.
If your burning question wasn't addressed above, then feel free to send me an email or post a question on my Goodreads author page.
In the meantime, happy reading.
Q: I'm dying to know more about the next book in the Southern Sanctuary series, what can you tell us about it?
A: Well I could play it coy and just reiterate that the title of book 8 will be - To Thrill A Thief. Or, I could go one better, and provide you with the draft book blurb for it... decisions, decisions. Hah, since I'm a complete tease...
To Thrill A Thief
Thanks to her magic Eli Stevens is quite literally forgettable girl, ten seconds out of her presence and no one remembers who she is. Which makes her an awesome master thief but lousy girlfriend material. Resigned to a long lonely life Eli focuses all her attention on her job as Retrieval Expert for her eccentric magical extended family who have a tendency to misplace dangerous be-spelled objects.
Drafted to snatch five rubies imbued with the dead God Apep’s chaos magic, Eli is partnered up with Rafe, elite warrior of Maat, and logistics genius. The man is the epitome of walking temptation but Eli has been burnt too many times before to believe this time will be any different. Rafe might be a gorgeous semi-immortal being, but she’s forgettable girl. It’s time to lock up her heart for good and throw away the key before she gets it shattered into a million pieces.
For Rafe, falling in love with gorgeous thief Eli was easy… remembering her was the hard part. Now he just has to convince Eli to fight for them. To trust that in working together they will find a way to negate her magic. It will take all of his skills and all of his charm to thrill a thief.
To Thrill A Thief - Out May 2016.
Q: What's happening with Darcy? When will she get her own book?
A: Darcy. Darcy. Darcy. She's starting to become my Marsha Brady. Darcy will return as a secondary character in Book 8 and we are inching closer to her getting her own story. Currently she's still slated for book 10, or 11... maybe 12. Trust me, certain other elements of the overarching storyline have to come into fruition before Darcy's story can be told.
Q: Do you know who Darcy's mate will be?
A: Yes, and so should you. I've been dropping hints since book 1.
Q: Which other characters have you lined up to be the major players in coming books?
A: Book 9, at this stage, will star Fen Valhalla, brother to Hadleigh, Locke and Erik. Easy going Fen will meet his match when he goes up against a very determined Valkyrie. The draft title at the moment is - To Vex A Valkyrie. Promises to be lots of fun.
Then it will probably be Riya's turn - time to explain that mystery 24 hour pregnancy.
I'd also like to tell Patricia's story - whose books keep disappearing from her library and ending up in Cullen's potting shed.... I mean auxiliary library. I'm thinking maybe a Christmas themed story for those two.
And I have big plans for Quinn - which may edge out Darcy's story further, not sure yet.
Then further down the track will be Gigi, Fraser, Flynn, and Dash...
OMG... it's never-ending, just what the hell did I start when I invented this world?
Q: Do you plan to start a new series?
A: Absolutely, yes. It will probably be more of a Science-fiction type setting, as I have something bubbling away in the back of my brain. Don't intend to split my focus just yet though, and probably won't start drafting anything until after I have finished Darcy's book.
Q: Find myself laughing all the time when I read your books, are you funny in person?
A: Thanks. I must admit even I find myself laughing as I write sometimes. I'm pretty much the same in person, which is kind of scary when you think about it.
Q: Do you map out your books/Series?
A: Kind of, yes, no, maybe. Honestly, sometimes I start a book with a germ of an idea and it explodes in a completely surprising direction. Which is the great thing about writing a magical world, anything can happen. And as much as I've tried to add layers to each of my books, building on the world, adding fully fleshed secondary characters to enhance it - for me, forget the bad guys, forget the mystery - the most important part of my books is the romance.
Q: I love your books, can't believe more people don't know about you, what's up with that?
A: Thanks, sincerely. Grr, marketing, spreading the word in the literary world isn't really in my wheel house. I have a code - and I refuse to pay for reviews or pander to bloggers who request that I send them my book for free, promising nothing in return but that they may or may not get around to reviewing it in the next twenty-four months.
Currently I'm relying on word of mouth, people like you guys, who read my work, rate it, and leave reviews on Amazon/Goodreads.
It might be naïve but I'm working on the premise that good/funny books will eventually find an audience. I'm also working on getting my books into hard print this year, with the intention of moving into new markets... fingers crossed.
Q: What's the hardest thing about being a writer?
A: I'm not troubled, thankfully, by writer's block. I suppose my main gripe would be the feedback I get on my grammar/editing - hey, said it before and I'll say it again, I'm not perfect - but it's like some people don't even realise that the British/English style of writing exists - it's very frustrating - especially, since as an Australian, our book market is flooded equally by British/English books and American/English books - and I'm comfortable with both styles as long as the author remains consistent.
Q: Who are you reading at the moment?
A: At this exact moment in time I'm reading - A Red Rose Chain by Seanan McGuire. And am also in the process of re-reading the Grave witch series by Kalayna Price.
That's about it for the moment - there's a few personal questions that I think it's best for everyone that I ignore, let me maintain some measure of mystique, please.
If your burning question wasn't addressed above, then feel free to send me an email or post a question on my Goodreads author page.
In the meantime, happy reading.
December 15, 2015
New Release - To Shackle A Shrew (Southern Sanctuary - book 7)
Amazon - RELEASE - 16th Dec
The Merrow were a notorious bunch of liars, cheaters and scoundrels. Descended from a long line of swindlers, conmen, pirates and politicians. Unfortunately for Devon Patel, Makura Princess, she’s expected to marry one of the Merrow Royal Princes. Hiring the services of the Southern Sanctuary match maker therefore seems like a smart first move. But before Devon can blink she’s trapped in the Southern Sanctuary and suffering through fourteen blind dates from hell.
Worse still, it seems someone out there really wants Devon dead. Lumbered with the annoying Liam Chambers, who says he just wants to protect her. Devon’s not sure if she can trust a Merrow who smiles at her all the time and has a sneaky way of getting under her skin. Decisions? Decisions? Should she go with her gut and kill the Merrow, or go with her heart and kiss him?
Liam Chambers isn’t your typical Merrow. He doesn’t lie, cheat or steal. Which is probably why his family hate him so much. And whilst he may not be interested in getting married, to his complete shock he finds himself very interested in the Makura Princess he has sworn to protect. The more the royal diva snaps, snarls and threatens to kill him, the more Liam wants her. Before too long Liam doesn’t just want to protect Devon, he wants to shackle himself to the shrew for life.
The Merrow were a notorious bunch of liars, cheaters and scoundrels. Descended from a long line of swindlers, conmen, pirates and politicians. Unfortunately for Devon Patel, Makura Princess, she’s expected to marry one of the Merrow Royal Princes. Hiring the services of the Southern Sanctuary match maker therefore seems like a smart first move. But before Devon can blink she’s trapped in the Southern Sanctuary and suffering through fourteen blind dates from hell.
Worse still, it seems someone out there really wants Devon dead. Lumbered with the annoying Liam Chambers, who says he just wants to protect her. Devon’s not sure if she can trust a Merrow who smiles at her all the time and has a sneaky way of getting under her skin. Decisions? Decisions? Should she go with her gut and kill the Merrow, or go with her heart and kiss him?
Liam Chambers isn’t your typical Merrow. He doesn’t lie, cheat or steal. Which is probably why his family hate him so much. And whilst he may not be interested in getting married, to his complete shock he finds himself very interested in the Makura Princess he has sworn to protect. The more the royal diva snaps, snarls and threatens to kill him, the more Liam wants her. Before too long Liam doesn’t just want to protect Devon, he wants to shackle himself to the shrew for life.
November 27, 2015
Can you guess what these Aussie sayings mean?
Australians are renown for our laid back lifestyle and quirky sense of humour. We also have some ridiculous sayings that have somehow permeated our culture.
For a bit of a laugh - I thought I'd share a few with you.
• Fair Dinkum
• Give a bloke a go
• Fit as a mallee bull
• She’ll be right mate
• A knuckle sandwich
• Drongo
• Lower than a snake’s belly
• Scarce as hen’s teeth
• A stickey beak
• Half your luck
• Not within a cooee
• Spit the dummy
• Back of Bourke
• Flat out like a lizard drinking
• It’s your shout
Now I personally don't tend to use any of these sayings in my day to day life (Except for - Spit the dummy - that one comes in useful) but I know what they all mean - can you figure them out?
Good luck.
For a bit of a laugh - I thought I'd share a few with you.
• Fair Dinkum
• Give a bloke a go
• Fit as a mallee bull
• She’ll be right mate
• A knuckle sandwich
• Drongo
• Lower than a snake’s belly
• Scarce as hen’s teeth
• A stickey beak
• Half your luck
• Not within a cooee
• Spit the dummy
• Back of Bourke
• Flat out like a lizard drinking
• It’s your shout
Now I personally don't tend to use any of these sayings in my day to day life (Except for - Spit the dummy - that one comes in useful) but I know what they all mean - can you figure them out?
Good luck.
