Jane Cousins's Blog, page 3
June 23, 2021
Reviews - authors just have to deal.
When you are a newbie author and you send your first few babies out into the publishing world it is hard to let go of them. Will they be bullied? Will people love them unconditionally like you do?
And those first few book reviews, it doesn't matter if they are one star or five star, the author is going to agonise over every single world. Every. Single. Word.
We pick those reviews apart because, I'm sorry, but becoming an author doesn't come with a complimentary thick layer of skin. We are human, and who likes being critiqued? Even glowing reviews always seem to have a BUT in them.
I loved this tale but... I didn't like etc, etc, etc.
Don't get me wrong, I don't believe a writer should EVER contact a reviewer. Good. Bad. Indifferent. Stay the hell out of the equation is my motto.
I wrote a fairly glowing review of a newbie author a while ago and I was okay that they hit the like button on GR, what I wasn't okay with was they also commented on my review when I had no history or contact with the author previously. I felt... exposed somehow. I didn't like the feeling at all.
In every forum you will see authors/reviewers/bloggers state categorically that reviews are for readers, not authors. Yes. Absolutely. But like I said, authors are only human and we seem incapable of not looking.
The only thing that will help an author when it comes to being able handle reviews is time, and perhaps a heap more published books under their belt.
Because with time the author will finally get it:
- One person will slavishly love, love, love a book, whilst the next will hate it with the fiery passion of a thousand suns. Cos, that's life, and people have different ideas of what they find funny, romantic, interesting, annoying, frustrating, and irritating.
- What the author loves most about the characters, world or story they have created might just zip on by an oblivious reader without ever making any impact.
- People have unique and personal scoring systems. A three star review and a terse comment might be the equivalent of a glowing five star review from some readers.
- Likewise a glowing five star review may not hold much value when the reader only ever awards five star reviews because they don't want to hurt anyone's feelings and they know how much time and energy go into creating a book. An A for effort, if you will. But really it is just a participation ribbon.
Once an author has several published books under their belt and an array of reviews for each of those books, you are so busy working on the next instalment, or new series, that you don't have time to dwell on reviews or give them much head space anymore.
You finally get it, people will love, hate or be indifferent to your work and there is not a damn thing you can do about it but put your head down and keep on writing.
Because in the end, we don't write for the reviews. We write because we have something to say, because we have to get a story on paper, because we need to feed the family or pay the bills. And reviews? Should never stop a writer from writing - but hopefully they will help a reader find stories that will resonate and they will love.
And those first few book reviews, it doesn't matter if they are one star or five star, the author is going to agonise over every single world. Every. Single. Word.
We pick those reviews apart because, I'm sorry, but becoming an author doesn't come with a complimentary thick layer of skin. We are human, and who likes being critiqued? Even glowing reviews always seem to have a BUT in them.
I loved this tale but... I didn't like etc, etc, etc.
Don't get me wrong, I don't believe a writer should EVER contact a reviewer. Good. Bad. Indifferent. Stay the hell out of the equation is my motto.
I wrote a fairly glowing review of a newbie author a while ago and I was okay that they hit the like button on GR, what I wasn't okay with was they also commented on my review when I had no history or contact with the author previously. I felt... exposed somehow. I didn't like the feeling at all.
In every forum you will see authors/reviewers/bloggers state categorically that reviews are for readers, not authors. Yes. Absolutely. But like I said, authors are only human and we seem incapable of not looking.
The only thing that will help an author when it comes to being able handle reviews is time, and perhaps a heap more published books under their belt.
Because with time the author will finally get it:
- One person will slavishly love, love, love a book, whilst the next will hate it with the fiery passion of a thousand suns. Cos, that's life, and people have different ideas of what they find funny, romantic, interesting, annoying, frustrating, and irritating.
- What the author loves most about the characters, world or story they have created might just zip on by an oblivious reader without ever making any impact.
- People have unique and personal scoring systems. A three star review and a terse comment might be the equivalent of a glowing five star review from some readers.
- Likewise a glowing five star review may not hold much value when the reader only ever awards five star reviews because they don't want to hurt anyone's feelings and they know how much time and energy go into creating a book. An A for effort, if you will. But really it is just a participation ribbon.
Once an author has several published books under their belt and an array of reviews for each of those books, you are so busy working on the next instalment, or new series, that you don't have time to dwell on reviews or give them much head space anymore.
You finally get it, people will love, hate or be indifferent to your work and there is not a damn thing you can do about it but put your head down and keep on writing.
Because in the end, we don't write for the reviews. We write because we have something to say, because we have to get a story on paper, because we need to feed the family or pay the bills. And reviews? Should never stop a writer from writing - but hopefully they will help a reader find stories that will resonate and they will love.
April 7, 2021
Does age matter?
Have you ever thought about how the age of the heroine in romance novels factors into your selections and enjoyment?
Once upon a mills & boon time every heroine was twenty-two.
For me, these days, reading about a 22 yr old falling in love forever kind of makes me roll my eyes in derision. Cause I look back on me at 22, and well the words "you know nothing John Snow, I mean Jane Cousins, you know nothing" - spring to mind.
And I didn't. Though at the time I thought I was mature and street smart - cue another eye roll.
I hadn't had enough life experiences at 22 yrs of age, in fact I was just getting started on discovering who I really was.
Certainly there are a lot of mature 22 year olds out there, thanks to culture and early life lessons - but I wasn't one of them, and that has certainly coloured my thoughts on how old a heroine should be in a romance.
There are always going to be exceptions to my rule. I have read copious novels where the heroine is younger but damn if she doesn't deserve her HEA. But then I've tossed just as many books on my dnf pile because of how unbelievable and immature I found the heroine and her epic romance.
And there is also the added complication of how old the hero is. Too often I find myself asking - isn't she a little young for him? Double that and add a cherry on top when we are talking about fantasy and the vamp/shifter is over a hundred years old plus. Too often I find there is an ick grooming factor that I just can't shake - unless the writer is beyond awesome.
Of course historical novels invariably have young heroines. If anything most authors have done us the courtesy of ageing them up a few years, as 16 yr olds getting married was very much the norm, but I doubt few readers want to deal with that reality. And more often I note many authors are ageing their heroines up, making them on the shelf blue-stockings, so we the readers can more happily relate to the 24-26 yr old heroines. Smart.
Personally, when I am writing my heroines, I tend to age them 28 - 50 plus yrs old. I just find older heroines interesting. They've had the opportunity to make mistakes. Get to know themselves. And hopefully have come to the conclusion that whether single or part of a couple their contribution to the world is valuable.
I don't see their HEA as them settling for anything, instead I hope that their true love ends up being their best friend and life partner.
The fantastic thing about being a reader right now, is that when it comes to romance, there is such a vast variety on offer. There are many YA and NA (New adult) epic tales out there by talented writers who will totally suck you in to their romances and make you ship for them.
But the older I get, perhaps the more cynical I have become, because when I read those tales I often think, give the heroine another ten years and will she still be happy with that HEA of hers?
What about you? Do you have age preferences when it comes to your heroines? Like me do you find yourself getting pickier as you get older?
Once upon a mills & boon time every heroine was twenty-two.
For me, these days, reading about a 22 yr old falling in love forever kind of makes me roll my eyes in derision. Cause I look back on me at 22, and well the words "you know nothing John Snow, I mean Jane Cousins, you know nothing" - spring to mind.
And I didn't. Though at the time I thought I was mature and street smart - cue another eye roll.
I hadn't had enough life experiences at 22 yrs of age, in fact I was just getting started on discovering who I really was.
Certainly there are a lot of mature 22 year olds out there, thanks to culture and early life lessons - but I wasn't one of them, and that has certainly coloured my thoughts on how old a heroine should be in a romance.
There are always going to be exceptions to my rule. I have read copious novels where the heroine is younger but damn if she doesn't deserve her HEA. But then I've tossed just as many books on my dnf pile because of how unbelievable and immature I found the heroine and her epic romance.
And there is also the added complication of how old the hero is. Too often I find myself asking - isn't she a little young for him? Double that and add a cherry on top when we are talking about fantasy and the vamp/shifter is over a hundred years old plus. Too often I find there is an ick grooming factor that I just can't shake - unless the writer is beyond awesome.
Of course historical novels invariably have young heroines. If anything most authors have done us the courtesy of ageing them up a few years, as 16 yr olds getting married was very much the norm, but I doubt few readers want to deal with that reality. And more often I note many authors are ageing their heroines up, making them on the shelf blue-stockings, so we the readers can more happily relate to the 24-26 yr old heroines. Smart.
Personally, when I am writing my heroines, I tend to age them 28 - 50 plus yrs old. I just find older heroines interesting. They've had the opportunity to make mistakes. Get to know themselves. And hopefully have come to the conclusion that whether single or part of a couple their contribution to the world is valuable.
I don't see their HEA as them settling for anything, instead I hope that their true love ends up being their best friend and life partner.
The fantastic thing about being a reader right now, is that when it comes to romance, there is such a vast variety on offer. There are many YA and NA (New adult) epic tales out there by talented writers who will totally suck you in to their romances and make you ship for them.
But the older I get, perhaps the more cynical I have become, because when I read those tales I often think, give the heroine another ten years and will she still be happy with that HEA of hers?
What about you? Do you have age preferences when it comes to your heroines? Like me do you find yourself getting pickier as you get older?
December 28, 2020
SPIKE - new heroine guidelines
A few years ago I instituted a new reading rule. I refused to put up with Alpha-hole heroes anymore. They could skirt the boundary but once that toe went over the line, I was out of there.
But what about the heroine?
More and more lately I have been sighing in exasperation and throwing a book on my DNF pile because the heroine has me grinding my teeth down to the nubs.
You know the heroines I mean - the excessively klutzy ones, that fall down constantly for no good reason. Or the ones who keep telling the reader they are plain but every male in the book is head over heels in love with them for some obscure reason.
Or the grim, sullen tantrum throwing heroines who do nothing but complain constantly. The idiots. The cliches. Those that giggle. Any female who takes any kind of abusive spanking and then sleeps with and falls for the hero. And don't even get me started on the doormats who are betrayed by the H, never receive an apology or in some cases even an explanation but roll over and forgive the H.
I could go on... and on.
So I came up with a heroine test - more specifically the SPIKE test. If any heroine fails it, DNF pile here this book comes.
S - She can be sassy, snarky and strong willed. But NEVER sulky, sullen or stupid.
P - No pathetic, petty or woe-is-me pity party gals allowed.
I - Bring on the independent ladies, who have purpose and a plan. They don't 'need' a man to complete them, instead they recognise and grab a man when he complements them.
K - kick-ass. Enough said.
E - No matter the story, situation or journey, the heroine needs to engage and entertain me. She can be opening a bakery or taking on a dragon army - a fluffy story or an epic tale - no matter, she just has to be real, be inspirational, be my champion. Is that too much to ask?
Anyone else have lines in the sand for their heroines and heroes? Any big no-nos I might have left out?
But what about the heroine?
More and more lately I have been sighing in exasperation and throwing a book on my DNF pile because the heroine has me grinding my teeth down to the nubs.
You know the heroines I mean - the excessively klutzy ones, that fall down constantly for no good reason. Or the ones who keep telling the reader they are plain but every male in the book is head over heels in love with them for some obscure reason.
Or the grim, sullen tantrum throwing heroines who do nothing but complain constantly. The idiots. The cliches. Those that giggle. Any female who takes any kind of abusive spanking and then sleeps with and falls for the hero. And don't even get me started on the doormats who are betrayed by the H, never receive an apology or in some cases even an explanation but roll over and forgive the H.
I could go on... and on.
So I came up with a heroine test - more specifically the SPIKE test. If any heroine fails it, DNF pile here this book comes.
S - She can be sassy, snarky and strong willed. But NEVER sulky, sullen or stupid.
P - No pathetic, petty or woe-is-me pity party gals allowed.
I - Bring on the independent ladies, who have purpose and a plan. They don't 'need' a man to complete them, instead they recognise and grab a man when he complements them.
K - kick-ass. Enough said.
E - No matter the story, situation or journey, the heroine needs to engage and entertain me. She can be opening a bakery or taking on a dragon army - a fluffy story or an epic tale - no matter, she just has to be real, be inspirational, be my champion. Is that too much to ask?
Anyone else have lines in the sand for their heroines and heroes? Any big no-nos I might have left out?
September 27, 2020
Not the news I wish to be sharing...
Darn it. I've started this blog six different times and erased every single attempt.
If I can avoid it, I have always tried to keep real-world problems out of my blogs/news. Some times though, like my car accident back in 2018 and ongoing health battle, that has been unavoidable as you guys deserve to know why books were not delivered to promised deadlines.
So of course, as life would have it. Just when I was getting back into a writing/publishing routine I have been presented with another challenge. In mid-August I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
I know, right? Doesn't it feel like every author out there is suffering a health crisis at the moment. Well, unfortunately I must join their ranks.
Hundreds, perhaps thousands of people receive this diagnosis daily. And whilst we are all fighting the same fight, I have discovered it is a very personal one.
And that is my intention - to keep it a personal one. So once I have written this blog, things should return to normal news wise from me. I'll continue to blog about whatever topics take my fancy when it comes to being a reader/author. And if I read any awesome books I will certainly write a review and let you know.
Instead of heading straight to surgery, my team of experts have determined that I should commence a course of chemotherapy first. I've had two sessions so far with more scheduled for the future. I am undergoing constant reviews so this treatment plan could all change on a dime - we shall see.
There has been a very obvious affect on my writing - I am afraid I have barely managed to do much of any. Though I think in the long run you may reap some benefits as I have come up with some amazing storylines thanks to the odd fever. One night I became so obsessed with the idea for a four book historical romance series about widows who must re-marry that I made a page of notes about it. Me? Historical romance? Who knew.
I will write what I can, when I can. Follow me on twitter or Facebook for ongoing updates/quotes or just my usual random nonsense. That won't stop.
To Goad A Goddess - as it stands, is only at the 50% mark. And I can't guarantee that what I have managed to write lately is of a high enough standard or strikes the right note. So it might need a complete revamp or re-write. It certainly won't be making the end of year dead line that I had intended.
I love writing. And will do what I can when I am both physically and mentally able to but I know where all my energies need to be directed at the moment. I have a mountain to climb in front of me, complicated further by all the outstanding car accident related crap I am currently/and have yet to deal with.
I have a wonderful family and group of friends who are all supporting me & demanding that they be allowed to accompany me on this journey. And I have you guys. I love reading your recommendations, book reviews and thoughts.
For those who follow me on Facebook - thought I would add my chemo-selfie. No one rocks a gel-cap better than moi.
Like I said in the title - this is not the news I wish to be sharing. But you deserve to know why promises I have made will not be delivered upon. In the meantime, have you read - What's Up, Buttercup? Book 1 in my new series? If not, get to it.
Happy five star reading my lovelies. And to anyone out there who has a spot, lump, bump or a freckle that you are even vaguely concerned about, get it checked out, NOW.
If I can avoid it, I have always tried to keep real-world problems out of my blogs/news. Some times though, like my car accident back in 2018 and ongoing health battle, that has been unavoidable as you guys deserve to know why books were not delivered to promised deadlines.
So of course, as life would have it. Just when I was getting back into a writing/publishing routine I have been presented with another challenge. In mid-August I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
I know, right? Doesn't it feel like every author out there is suffering a health crisis at the moment. Well, unfortunately I must join their ranks.
Hundreds, perhaps thousands of people receive this diagnosis daily. And whilst we are all fighting the same fight, I have discovered it is a very personal one.
And that is my intention - to keep it a personal one. So once I have written this blog, things should return to normal news wise from me. I'll continue to blog about whatever topics take my fancy when it comes to being a reader/author. And if I read any awesome books I will certainly write a review and let you know.
Instead of heading straight to surgery, my team of experts have determined that I should commence a course of chemotherapy first. I've had two sessions so far with more scheduled for the future. I am undergoing constant reviews so this treatment plan could all change on a dime - we shall see.
There has been a very obvious affect on my writing - I am afraid I have barely managed to do much of any. Though I think in the long run you may reap some benefits as I have come up with some amazing storylines thanks to the odd fever. One night I became so obsessed with the idea for a four book historical romance series about widows who must re-marry that I made a page of notes about it. Me? Historical romance? Who knew.
I will write what I can, when I can. Follow me on twitter or Facebook for ongoing updates/quotes or just my usual random nonsense. That won't stop.
To Goad A Goddess - as it stands, is only at the 50% mark. And I can't guarantee that what I have managed to write lately is of a high enough standard or strikes the right note. So it might need a complete revamp or re-write. It certainly won't be making the end of year dead line that I had intended.
I love writing. And will do what I can when I am both physically and mentally able to but I know where all my energies need to be directed at the moment. I have a mountain to climb in front of me, complicated further by all the outstanding car accident related crap I am currently/and have yet to deal with.
I have a wonderful family and group of friends who are all supporting me & demanding that they be allowed to accompany me on this journey. And I have you guys. I love reading your recommendations, book reviews and thoughts.
For those who follow me on Facebook - thought I would add my chemo-selfie. No one rocks a gel-cap better than moi.
Like I said in the title - this is not the news I wish to be sharing. But you deserve to know why promises I have made will not be delivered upon. In the meantime, have you read - What's Up, Buttercup? Book 1 in my new series? If not, get to it.
Happy five star reading my lovelies. And to anyone out there who has a spot, lump, bump or a freckle that you are even vaguely concerned about, get it checked out, NOW.
July 31, 2020
What do I want from my heroines?
Reality. Okay, that's not entirely true. I read most genres, but my true love is Romance, and in particular PNR/Urban/Sci-fi romance. And there is invariably an element of unreality in those types of books. Fine, then I want relatability.
A good, relatable heroine - she always feels instantly like my new best friend. It's thrilling to be included in her adventures and taken into her confidence, and often makes me feel a little jealous of her maybe. How come she gets all the adventures and the hot buff guy? But at the same time you are completely happy for her.
Having a best friend is complicated - all the best relationships are layered. I don't think any of us actually wish we were the heroine - those gals lives are fraught with dangers, trouble and some of those Heroes take a heck of a lot of wrangling to bring into line... BUT.
And this is a really important but. When I become best friends with a heroine I find myself not just admiring her sass, her grit and her kick-assedness (so a word) I find myself inspired by her.
I'm not talking about wanting to pick up a sword, slay a dragon and save the Prince.
But there's a little more steel in my backbone these days when I cheekily haul someone across the coals for their entitled impoliteness. "You're so very welcome." I tell everyone loudly who breezes through the door I opened for an elderly lady at the post office as if I was their servant and without a word of acknowledgement.
And a relatable heroine - she can't just be one note. No one wants a best friend who is only ever grim, or clumsy, or ditsy.
People always seem surprised when I say this but a great heroine, she needs some flaws, some contradictions and most of all she needs layers.
She can make mistakes, but they need to be acceptable mistakes given the world, her knowledge and the storyline.
TSTL heroines are a dime a dozen and I'm over them. I refuse to read any tale that has the heroine either too blinkered, too stupid, or too naive (cause the Hero won't share the rules - ggggrrrr) and stumbling into situation after situation just so the author can create some angst or advance the plot in a particular direction.
TSTL heroines make me, the reader, just want to slap some sense into her. I'm talking about the heroine here, but maybe some authors could use an educational tap or two.
No layered heroine is going to be perfect. If they are written with flaws then readers will have hot buttons that they just can't stand. Some will find the heroine too snarky. Too immature. Too reckless. Too annoying because she can't see the clues the reader sees and know the next door neighbour is an assassin from Hell.
So really, when an author gets it right, creates a heroine you adore, who is your new best friend - it's kind of a miracle when you think about it.
So to all the authors out there who have provided me some awesome best friends, thank you so very much.
Now, on to the only remaining problem - can the author at the same time produce a double whammy miracle and create a Hero who could totally be my next book friend?
Happy Reading.
A good, relatable heroine - she always feels instantly like my new best friend. It's thrilling to be included in her adventures and taken into her confidence, and often makes me feel a little jealous of her maybe. How come she gets all the adventures and the hot buff guy? But at the same time you are completely happy for her.
Having a best friend is complicated - all the best relationships are layered. I don't think any of us actually wish we were the heroine - those gals lives are fraught with dangers, trouble and some of those Heroes take a heck of a lot of wrangling to bring into line... BUT.
And this is a really important but. When I become best friends with a heroine I find myself not just admiring her sass, her grit and her kick-assedness (so a word) I find myself inspired by her.
I'm not talking about wanting to pick up a sword, slay a dragon and save the Prince.
But there's a little more steel in my backbone these days when I cheekily haul someone across the coals for their entitled impoliteness. "You're so very welcome." I tell everyone loudly who breezes through the door I opened for an elderly lady at the post office as if I was their servant and without a word of acknowledgement.
And a relatable heroine - she can't just be one note. No one wants a best friend who is only ever grim, or clumsy, or ditsy.
People always seem surprised when I say this but a great heroine, she needs some flaws, some contradictions and most of all she needs layers.
She can make mistakes, but they need to be acceptable mistakes given the world, her knowledge and the storyline.
TSTL heroines are a dime a dozen and I'm over them. I refuse to read any tale that has the heroine either too blinkered, too stupid, or too naive (cause the Hero won't share the rules - ggggrrrr) and stumbling into situation after situation just so the author can create some angst or advance the plot in a particular direction.
TSTL heroines make me, the reader, just want to slap some sense into her. I'm talking about the heroine here, but maybe some authors could use an educational tap or two.
No layered heroine is going to be perfect. If they are written with flaws then readers will have hot buttons that they just can't stand. Some will find the heroine too snarky. Too immature. Too reckless. Too annoying because she can't see the clues the reader sees and know the next door neighbour is an assassin from Hell.
So really, when an author gets it right, creates a heroine you adore, who is your new best friend - it's kind of a miracle when you think about it.
So to all the authors out there who have provided me some awesome best friends, thank you so very much.
Now, on to the only remaining problem - can the author at the same time produce a double whammy miracle and create a Hero who could totally be my next book friend?
Happy Reading.
July 17, 2020
Vexatious Valkyries Series. Book 1 released TODAY.
What's Up, Buttercup? Book one in my new PNR snarkfest series - Vexatious Valkyries - is available NOW.
Well, don't just sit there, get busy clicking & reading. Laughs and a HEA guaranteed. Moo baby.
Read the damn book and you'll get that last reference.
https://getbook.at/WhatsUpButtercup
Well, don't just sit there, get busy clicking & reading. Laughs and a HEA guaranteed. Moo baby.
Read the damn book and you'll get that last reference.
https://getbook.at/WhatsUpButtercup
June 27, 2020
What's Up, Buttercup? (Vexatious Valkyries, Book 1) - NOW available for pre-order
Pre-order NOW - https://getbook.at/WhatsUpButtercup
Release date 17th July 2020.
What happens when a bloodthirsty Valkyrie and an arrogant Conflict Demon find themselves trapped in a subterranean cavern?
Galen Darvyn is shocked to discover the Valkyrie is his destined mate. Problem is, he’s on a clock. If he isn’t claimed by her soon, then he will either have to choose a substitute bride, or risk devolving into a mindless, savage beast.
Stephanie is just wondering where she can stash the body so it doesn’t stink up the place.
With wannabe She-Demon brides lurking around every corner. Evil Shamans stalking their every move. It will require every underhanded, dirty trick in Galen’s repertoire to convince a stubborn Valkyrie that they are fated to be together. Only one little problem stands in the way of him being claimed, and unfortunately, she’s holding a weapon to his throat.
Release date 17th July 2020.
What happens when a bloodthirsty Valkyrie and an arrogant Conflict Demon find themselves trapped in a subterranean cavern?
Galen Darvyn is shocked to discover the Valkyrie is his destined mate. Problem is, he’s on a clock. If he isn’t claimed by her soon, then he will either have to choose a substitute bride, or risk devolving into a mindless, savage beast.
Stephanie is just wondering where she can stash the body so it doesn’t stink up the place.
With wannabe She-Demon brides lurking around every corner. Evil Shamans stalking their every move. It will require every underhanded, dirty trick in Galen’s repertoire to convince a stubborn Valkyrie that they are fated to be together. Only one little problem stands in the way of him being claimed, and unfortunately, she’s holding a weapon to his throat.
May 11, 2020
The rarified contents of my bookcase.
I say rarefied, because I only have one, rather hefty, bookcase, and its contents are constantly being picked over, culled, shuffled, re-arranged but rarely ever dusted.
I'm forever trying to diminish numbers in order to make room for new favourites. There are some hard won battles going on constantly. And often a book might fail in a skirmish, only to be retrieved from the 'donate to charity' pile a few days later and returned to its former spot.
Thought you might like a look-see at what I consider my champions. In no particular order:
Jennifer Estep - Elemental Assassin Series
Simon R Green - Nightside Series
Gail Carriger - The Parasol Protectorate Series
Moira J Moore - Heroes Series
A.Lee Martinez - Gil's All Fright Diner. In a Company of Ogres.
Ilona Andrews - Hidden Legacy & Kate Daniels Series
Lisa Shearin - Raine Benares Series
Wen Spencer - Tinker. Wolf Who Rules
Seanan McGuire - October Daye Series
Eileen Wilks - Lupi series
Kate Locke - the Immortal Empire series
Patricia Briggs - Mercy Thompson Series. When Demons Walk.
Elliott James - Pax Arcana Series
G.A Aiken - Dragon Series. Blacksmith Queen.
Shelly Laurenston - Pride series. Honey Badger series. Pack challenge series. Hunting Season.
Daniel O'Malley - The Rook
Rachel Bach - Paradox series
Nalini Singh - Archangel Series. Psy/Trinity series.
Gini Koch - Alien Series
Darynda Jones - Charley Davidson Series
Jayne Castle - Anything written under this PNR pseudonym but especially the early stuff
Jayne Anne Krentz - Her early stuff. Not so much the recent releases.
Amanda Quick - Her early historical romances were light, charming and kind of awesome.
Thea Harrison - Pia/Dragos books from the series.
Laurell K Hamilton - Anita Blake (only first 9 in series)
Kevin Hearne - Atticus Druid series
Benedict Jacka - Alex Versus series
Jim Butcher - Harry Dresden Series
Donna Andrews - Bird mysteries - start with Murder with Peacocks.
Heather Webber - Lucy Valentine series
C.S Harris - Sebastian St Cyr series
Robert Galbraith - mysteries
J.D Robb - Eve/Roarke series
These books remain in my bookcase for a variety of reasons - mainly though it is because on some level the author has blown me away. It can be any one or a combination of factors. Creativity. World-building. An epic romance. Intricate plotting. Humorous. Kick butt (I so want to be her) Heroine.
Hopefully the war to stay in the bookcase will be a long, hard fought one, and I will reap the benefits of it daily.
May all your books be five star.
I'm forever trying to diminish numbers in order to make room for new favourites. There are some hard won battles going on constantly. And often a book might fail in a skirmish, only to be retrieved from the 'donate to charity' pile a few days later and returned to its former spot.
Thought you might like a look-see at what I consider my champions. In no particular order:
Jennifer Estep - Elemental Assassin Series
Simon R Green - Nightside Series
Gail Carriger - The Parasol Protectorate Series
Moira J Moore - Heroes Series
A.Lee Martinez - Gil's All Fright Diner. In a Company of Ogres.
Ilona Andrews - Hidden Legacy & Kate Daniels Series
Lisa Shearin - Raine Benares Series
Wen Spencer - Tinker. Wolf Who Rules
Seanan McGuire - October Daye Series
Eileen Wilks - Lupi series
Kate Locke - the Immortal Empire series
Patricia Briggs - Mercy Thompson Series. When Demons Walk.
Elliott James - Pax Arcana Series
G.A Aiken - Dragon Series. Blacksmith Queen.
Shelly Laurenston - Pride series. Honey Badger series. Pack challenge series. Hunting Season.
Daniel O'Malley - The Rook
Rachel Bach - Paradox series
Nalini Singh - Archangel Series. Psy/Trinity series.
Gini Koch - Alien Series
Darynda Jones - Charley Davidson Series
Jayne Castle - Anything written under this PNR pseudonym but especially the early stuff
Jayne Anne Krentz - Her early stuff. Not so much the recent releases.
Amanda Quick - Her early historical romances were light, charming and kind of awesome.
Thea Harrison - Pia/Dragos books from the series.
Laurell K Hamilton - Anita Blake (only first 9 in series)
Kevin Hearne - Atticus Druid series
Benedict Jacka - Alex Versus series
Jim Butcher - Harry Dresden Series
Donna Andrews - Bird mysteries - start with Murder with Peacocks.
Heather Webber - Lucy Valentine series
C.S Harris - Sebastian St Cyr series
Robert Galbraith - mysteries
J.D Robb - Eve/Roarke series
These books remain in my bookcase for a variety of reasons - mainly though it is because on some level the author has blown me away. It can be any one or a combination of factors. Creativity. World-building. An epic romance. Intricate plotting. Humorous. Kick butt (I so want to be her) Heroine.
Hopefully the war to stay in the bookcase will be a long, hard fought one, and I will reap the benefits of it daily.
May all your books be five star.
May 5, 2020
Time to crank up the creativity factor to eleven - PLEASE
I don't know an author who isn't an avid reader. We are always on the lookout for that fantastic five star read, just like you. Reading is not just a great escape for an author, but inspires us to do better and aim higher.
So, why then am I inundated lately by the same old, same old kind of books? If you must use a trope - make it your own, blow me away. Make me jealous as hell at your creativity and moxie.
Too often lately I've been hit by lazy story-telling or romantic short-cuts that all but kill off the romance. I know we can all strive to do better - here are a few hints.
First up - the fated mates pairing.
Please, for the love of all things sparkly (and I do love the bling) do not use fated mates as a means of cutting romantic corners.
In a few cases, very rare, unicorn cases, an author gets away with it.
But in the vast majority of instances an author announcing the MC's are fated mates all but signals a lack-lustre romance is headed my way. "Telling" me something is not enough. I need to read about the journey. The little moments of connection. The getting to know you. The mistrust, the squabbles. The discovering of each others baggage and learning to deal with it.
I don't care if the couple are shifters and on a primal (undeniable) level they are meant to be together - make me believe it.
Anyone can bang it out - fated mates included - but I purchased a romance book. So give me some freaking romance.
Anyone else tired of reading a book blurb and the first sentence goes something like - An epic re-telling of the fairytale....?????
There seem to be about five fairytales in the mix - Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty & the Beast, Cinderella and Red Riding Hood.
The re-telling market is swamped. Or should that be, is a swamp? The hundreds of re-tellings added to the swamp every year are just acting like quick-sand, dragging the readers down.
I get it, you have the best, the most creative take on - pick a fairytale - ever. And that might well be the case. I'd love to read it. But the chances of me finding your book amongst the thousands in this niche are practically zero - especially since your book blurb begins with the words - An epic re-telling of....
Ditch the fairytale revamp and write a book that will blow me away. Invent a new fairytale for heaven's sake, one that your grandchildren will tell their children. That's what we all need to be aiming for.
The love triangle. Man, this is dangerous territory. One as a reader I don't actively seek out. You need to make me fall in love with two men, and ship for two separate relationships, all the while I know that the heroine will make only one choice... eventually.
And if that's the case.
I'm afraid I have no advice on this one except to say, get it right. Problem is, you may end up pleasing half your readers whilst losing the other half.
Bring your a-grade creativity levels on this one and make me believe that the h made the correct choice.
Magic. I love pnr/urban, they are my chosen reads four times out of five. And introducing powers/magic into the mix means the story and the characters have few limits.
But please, if you have a special snowflake heroine, tread carefully. It's one of the hardest characters to get right. Especially when she is often a newbie to the magic world and stumbling around (and way too often into trouble) because she has yet to learn the rules, or the arrogant Hero has yet to tell them to her.
My advice here is to read, read and read some more. Pinpoint what you like and don't like about the special snowflake character which has been done so many, many, many times before and avoid the pitfalls and take it up a notch or two.
The next factor to avoid on the magic front is having any character magically power up for no explainable reason except the author wanted to get out of a tight situation and couldn't plot their way past it. Lazy.
And lastly, on the magical front, define early the rules of magic, and have your world/characters adhere to them. If there have to be explanations - KISS baby - Keep It Simple Stupid.
Hoping all your reads are five stars.
So, why then am I inundated lately by the same old, same old kind of books? If you must use a trope - make it your own, blow me away. Make me jealous as hell at your creativity and moxie.
Too often lately I've been hit by lazy story-telling or romantic short-cuts that all but kill off the romance. I know we can all strive to do better - here are a few hints.
First up - the fated mates pairing.
Please, for the love of all things sparkly (and I do love the bling) do not use fated mates as a means of cutting romantic corners.
In a few cases, very rare, unicorn cases, an author gets away with it.
But in the vast majority of instances an author announcing the MC's are fated mates all but signals a lack-lustre romance is headed my way. "Telling" me something is not enough. I need to read about the journey. The little moments of connection. The getting to know you. The mistrust, the squabbles. The discovering of each others baggage and learning to deal with it.
I don't care if the couple are shifters and on a primal (undeniable) level they are meant to be together - make me believe it.
Anyone can bang it out - fated mates included - but I purchased a romance book. So give me some freaking romance.
Anyone else tired of reading a book blurb and the first sentence goes something like - An epic re-telling of the fairytale....?????
There seem to be about five fairytales in the mix - Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty & the Beast, Cinderella and Red Riding Hood.
The re-telling market is swamped. Or should that be, is a swamp? The hundreds of re-tellings added to the swamp every year are just acting like quick-sand, dragging the readers down.
I get it, you have the best, the most creative take on - pick a fairytale - ever. And that might well be the case. I'd love to read it. But the chances of me finding your book amongst the thousands in this niche are practically zero - especially since your book blurb begins with the words - An epic re-telling of....
Ditch the fairytale revamp and write a book that will blow me away. Invent a new fairytale for heaven's sake, one that your grandchildren will tell their children. That's what we all need to be aiming for.
The love triangle. Man, this is dangerous territory. One as a reader I don't actively seek out. You need to make me fall in love with two men, and ship for two separate relationships, all the while I know that the heroine will make only one choice... eventually.
And if that's the case.
I'm afraid I have no advice on this one except to say, get it right. Problem is, you may end up pleasing half your readers whilst losing the other half.
Bring your a-grade creativity levels on this one and make me believe that the h made the correct choice.
Magic. I love pnr/urban, they are my chosen reads four times out of five. And introducing powers/magic into the mix means the story and the characters have few limits.
But please, if you have a special snowflake heroine, tread carefully. It's one of the hardest characters to get right. Especially when she is often a newbie to the magic world and stumbling around (and way too often into trouble) because she has yet to learn the rules, or the arrogant Hero has yet to tell them to her.
My advice here is to read, read and read some more. Pinpoint what you like and don't like about the special snowflake character which has been done so many, many, many times before and avoid the pitfalls and take it up a notch or two.
The next factor to avoid on the magic front is having any character magically power up for no explainable reason except the author wanted to get out of a tight situation and couldn't plot their way past it. Lazy.
And lastly, on the magical front, define early the rules of magic, and have your world/characters adhere to them. If there have to be explanations - KISS baby - Keep It Simple Stupid.
Hoping all your reads are five stars.
March 20, 2020
Right now, it isn't about me.
It doesn't matter if the internet is running slow. That my gym has closed. If I'm inconvenienced by not finding every little item on my shopping list. That my wedding is in peril. My holiday was cancelled. That my inbox is bursting with spam email from retailers hawking their goods and constantly giving me weird assurances how they and their team are doing everything possible to mitigate corona-19 so come on in and buy that lipstick, get your car tuned, up for some life insurance - just buy, buy, buy.
These troubled times have certainly shone a spotlight on how selfish and self-involved I have become.
My sympathy levels are topping out at an all time high. There are senior citizens with very little food in the pantry. Kids off school driving their parents mad in extremely close quarters. Rents are due. The utility bills keep coming, and somehow multiplying. Jobs are in peril or no longer exist. The politicians keep reassuring with one shake of the hand and changing our lives on a dime in the next second.
The one thing I want to do is help. But I feel flummoxed and pulled in so many directions that I don't know what to actually do.
So I've started small.
On Facebook there is a page called Adopt a healthcare worker - these people are our frontline soldiers in this fight. Yet they have kids, elderly parents, need to shop and pay bills. So showing them support, a no-brainer.
Next on my list. I have a heap of old games in a cupboard. So every day I clean one up and leave it on my front step. Hoping some young family can make use of it. They are being snapped up rather smartly.
I also leave books on a little table on the street. People have started swapping and changing them out. So this appears to be working. I wipe my books off before giving them to the world. And do so again if I grab a new one.
At the supermarket I make sure I smile and say hello to all the staff who are under so much pressure to keep the shelves full and the crowds under control.
Starting small often leads to brighter and bigger things. Maybe... just maybe this is about me, and you.
So I ask you, is there anything I can do to brighten your day? Or do you have a great idea on how I can help/contribute in these weird and strange times.
(Just to clarify - there is no wedding/holiday in the planning - but if I hear one more person whine about how the virus has affected either of those plans I'm going to hit someone. I know it's devastating on a personal level, but in the bigger picture? You are just going to have to deal with it)
These troubled times have certainly shone a spotlight on how selfish and self-involved I have become.
My sympathy levels are topping out at an all time high. There are senior citizens with very little food in the pantry. Kids off school driving their parents mad in extremely close quarters. Rents are due. The utility bills keep coming, and somehow multiplying. Jobs are in peril or no longer exist. The politicians keep reassuring with one shake of the hand and changing our lives on a dime in the next second.
The one thing I want to do is help. But I feel flummoxed and pulled in so many directions that I don't know what to actually do.
So I've started small.
On Facebook there is a page called Adopt a healthcare worker - these people are our frontline soldiers in this fight. Yet they have kids, elderly parents, need to shop and pay bills. So showing them support, a no-brainer.
Next on my list. I have a heap of old games in a cupboard. So every day I clean one up and leave it on my front step. Hoping some young family can make use of it. They are being snapped up rather smartly.
I also leave books on a little table on the street. People have started swapping and changing them out. So this appears to be working. I wipe my books off before giving them to the world. And do so again if I grab a new one.
At the supermarket I make sure I smile and say hello to all the staff who are under so much pressure to keep the shelves full and the crowds under control.
Starting small often leads to brighter and bigger things. Maybe... just maybe this is about me, and you.
So I ask you, is there anything I can do to brighten your day? Or do you have a great idea on how I can help/contribute in these weird and strange times.
(Just to clarify - there is no wedding/holiday in the planning - but if I hear one more person whine about how the virus has affected either of those plans I'm going to hit someone. I know it's devastating on a personal level, but in the bigger picture? You are just going to have to deal with it)
