Jane Cousins's Blog, page 4
February 22, 2020
Time for a catch up.
Hello lovely people, its been a while since I did one of my Q&A blogs. Thanks to everyone who has messaged me of late with your burning questions.
Q: When will you publish your next book?
A: What's Up, Buttercup? (Book 1, Vexatious Valkyries) is still on schedule for a mid-year release.
Q: Any hints on what your next book is about?
A: Oh, you know me and how I love to tease. You only had to ask.
The series, Vexatious Valkyries, is set in the same world as the Southern Sanctuary but will focus on the Valkyries (who appear in book 9 - SS series)
Book 1 will focus on Stephanie (Brodie's Boss) whose suffering a little battle fatigue and unhappy with the way things are being done back at Valkyrie corporate headquarters.
Galen, lawyer and Conflict Demon, is suffering his own woes. Unmated and sick, he only has two options open to him if he wants to live. Become a mindless raging killing machine. Or, be magically melded to a political mate, never to feel love, physically weakened, less but alive.
These two are thrown together. First trapped in an underground cavern . Then transported to the Conflict Demon Realm where they must fend off wannabe-brides and uncover a plot that will rock the very foundations of the monarchy.
Can Galen convince a blood thirsty Valkyrie warrior woman to claim him?
Q: Any further hints about Vexatious Valkyries' series?
A: Expect to meet the Book 2 Hero and Heroine in book 1. Already have a very rough idea of what their adventures will entail.
Q: What's happening with - To Goad A Goddess (Book 14, Southern Sanctuary)?
A: It's still percolating away in my head. Have a very good idea of what the first few chapters will look like. I know who the bad guys are (as do you if you read book 13).
Elijah and Copper's tale is going to be a blast. They are going to clash and butt heads in a major way. Expect the interfering cats to return for a supporting role, plus the addition of Ramsey's kitten (Yes, Berry finally buckled).
Also have a feeling Darcy will be playing a major role in this. A Goddess and a sociopath meet, they are either going to be best friends or blood will spill... what do you think?
I want to tell you more, but don't want to ruin the surprise. Assuming all goes to plan, expect book 14 to be released late Nov/early Dec 2020.
Q: How's my health?
A: Why thank you for asking. Am still dealing with ramifications of my car accident (Took place some 18 months ago now) And unfortunately I require more surgery. Which is scheduled for late March and will be followed by 7 - 8 weeks of minimal activity and lots of healing time.
Fingers crossed this doesn't impact my writing/editing schedule. I will do my best.
Q: Will we keep getting glimpses of Hadleigh/Gaia's babies in future SS instalments?
A: Absolutely. Plus we will catch up with Nell and her glowing stomach in book 14, as she deals with her pregnancy. Don't expect Drum to be dealing too well with the idea of witnessing his wife giving birth.
Q: Will you ever write another By The Numbers book?
A: I would love to. I had the fourth and fifth books outlined in my head. And for the sixth book totally wanted to feature Ryan/Chase from book one back in the lead roles.
But.... I just don't have the time. And whilst I adore the series, Southern Sanctuary has proved way more popular and I do have to eat and pay the electric bill - so I can keep writing.
Maybe that's something I can do in my so-called retirement years. Though I'm not sure a writer ever really retires.
Q: I thought the new series was going to be a sci-fi romance?
A: Me too! I kind of have two rough ideas for sci-fi series that won't seem to leave me alone. But my muse had another idea and Stephanie & Galen's tale demanded to be written.
Q: How can I stay across all the latest news?
A: When I'm writing I often drop quotes, hints and cover updates on Facebook https://business.facebook.com/janecou...
or on Twitter https://twitter.com/jcousins_author
There is a website coming soon - I'll let you know the details once they are confirmed.
If you have any more burning questions, or just want to drop me a line, you can message me via Goodreads or contact me on Facebook / Twitter, via the links above.
Wishing you nothing but five star fantastic reads.
Q: When will you publish your next book?
A: What's Up, Buttercup? (Book 1, Vexatious Valkyries) is still on schedule for a mid-year release.
Q: Any hints on what your next book is about?
A: Oh, you know me and how I love to tease. You only had to ask.
The series, Vexatious Valkyries, is set in the same world as the Southern Sanctuary but will focus on the Valkyries (who appear in book 9 - SS series)
Book 1 will focus on Stephanie (Brodie's Boss) whose suffering a little battle fatigue and unhappy with the way things are being done back at Valkyrie corporate headquarters.
Galen, lawyer and Conflict Demon, is suffering his own woes. Unmated and sick, he only has two options open to him if he wants to live. Become a mindless raging killing machine. Or, be magically melded to a political mate, never to feel love, physically weakened, less but alive.
These two are thrown together. First trapped in an underground cavern . Then transported to the Conflict Demon Realm where they must fend off wannabe-brides and uncover a plot that will rock the very foundations of the monarchy.
Can Galen convince a blood thirsty Valkyrie warrior woman to claim him?
Q: Any further hints about Vexatious Valkyries' series?
A: Expect to meet the Book 2 Hero and Heroine in book 1. Already have a very rough idea of what their adventures will entail.
Q: What's happening with - To Goad A Goddess (Book 14, Southern Sanctuary)?
A: It's still percolating away in my head. Have a very good idea of what the first few chapters will look like. I know who the bad guys are (as do you if you read book 13).
Elijah and Copper's tale is going to be a blast. They are going to clash and butt heads in a major way. Expect the interfering cats to return for a supporting role, plus the addition of Ramsey's kitten (Yes, Berry finally buckled).
Also have a feeling Darcy will be playing a major role in this. A Goddess and a sociopath meet, they are either going to be best friends or blood will spill... what do you think?
I want to tell you more, but don't want to ruin the surprise. Assuming all goes to plan, expect book 14 to be released late Nov/early Dec 2020.
Q: How's my health?
A: Why thank you for asking. Am still dealing with ramifications of my car accident (Took place some 18 months ago now) And unfortunately I require more surgery. Which is scheduled for late March and will be followed by 7 - 8 weeks of minimal activity and lots of healing time.
Fingers crossed this doesn't impact my writing/editing schedule. I will do my best.
Q: Will we keep getting glimpses of Hadleigh/Gaia's babies in future SS instalments?
A: Absolutely. Plus we will catch up with Nell and her glowing stomach in book 14, as she deals with her pregnancy. Don't expect Drum to be dealing too well with the idea of witnessing his wife giving birth.
Q: Will you ever write another By The Numbers book?
A: I would love to. I had the fourth and fifth books outlined in my head. And for the sixth book totally wanted to feature Ryan/Chase from book one back in the lead roles.
But.... I just don't have the time. And whilst I adore the series, Southern Sanctuary has proved way more popular and I do have to eat and pay the electric bill - so I can keep writing.
Maybe that's something I can do in my so-called retirement years. Though I'm not sure a writer ever really retires.
Q: I thought the new series was going to be a sci-fi romance?
A: Me too! I kind of have two rough ideas for sci-fi series that won't seem to leave me alone. But my muse had another idea and Stephanie & Galen's tale demanded to be written.
Q: How can I stay across all the latest news?
A: When I'm writing I often drop quotes, hints and cover updates on Facebook https://business.facebook.com/janecou...
or on Twitter https://twitter.com/jcousins_author
There is a website coming soon - I'll let you know the details once they are confirmed.
If you have any more burning questions, or just want to drop me a line, you can message me via Goodreads or contact me on Facebook / Twitter, via the links above.
Wishing you nothing but five star fantastic reads.
January 16, 2020
Why are romance films a no-show at the box office?
It seems to me that romance films are designated to hallmark, movie of the week status and do not exist as a category at the box office. Unless you are Nicholas Sparks - which is kind of weird, right? A man is responsible for the highest grossing romance films that reach the cinema?
For the purposes of this discussion - let me define my idea of a romance film.
There are layers. There is drama, but not all tears all the time. There is humour. I'm not talking about romantic-comedies here, they are a genre of their own. I'm talking about witty conversations, between characters. Jokes shared. Conversations had. Like normal human beings.
And there can even be the occasional humorous set up - because life/fate is like that. Just when you are wearing your best outfit and your hair is perfect chances are that a bird will fly overhead and poop on your parade.
And most importantly of all - a HEA must be had.
So just think about that for a moment. Of all the movies you've seen over the last few decades - what films could be considered true romance films?
It's like women (and men who love a good romance) don't even exist as a potential cinema going market - the execs insist upon adding that dreaded com to every romance film so the Rom-com can appeal to the broadest potential market. Or they seem to think that only overblown historical dramas will appeal - but let me hit the nail on that last one - since inevitably either the H or the h tend to die in those. So not technically a romance by my definition.
Where are the films that reflect modern, contemporary life and romance? Instead the romance tends to take a backseat (and the female love interest character takes third, fourth or even lower billing). The plot is focused upon the action, the mystery, or the disaster - and the romance part of the equation is kind of an afterthought. Expected to be there, but shoehorned in awkwardly.
And don't even get me started on the epic failure to even try to appeal to women with a paranormal romance film. Why not? Twilight was a humongous trilogy hit. And that cinema going public haven't gone anywhere (just matured with even more spending money at their disposal) - surely if the right movie came along - with an angsty/capable H with a destiny and a kickass h, women would flock to the cinema in droves.
Passengers - was at least an attempt - starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt. I'd consider that a sci-fi romance.
And there are a plethora of TV series that are emerging that could technically be considered PNR.
But it's like the cinema execs don't or can't - create films that target women as their primary audience.
It's got to change - there are so many wonderful romance writers out there who have created exciting and interesting characters with layers, and depth - setting their stories in worlds that captivate us - whether contemporary or fantastical. Delivered plots that take us on a journey that grips us - with drama & humour interwoven seamlessly, reflecting real life.
I can only give my strongest support to all those who are trying to break through that glass ceiling in the movie going world - trying their hardest to bring projects to fruition that aren't afraid to target those of us who love a well-told romance.
You make it - I promise to turn up.
Happy five star reading lovely people.
For the purposes of this discussion - let me define my idea of a romance film.
There are layers. There is drama, but not all tears all the time. There is humour. I'm not talking about romantic-comedies here, they are a genre of their own. I'm talking about witty conversations, between characters. Jokes shared. Conversations had. Like normal human beings.
And there can even be the occasional humorous set up - because life/fate is like that. Just when you are wearing your best outfit and your hair is perfect chances are that a bird will fly overhead and poop on your parade.
And most importantly of all - a HEA must be had.
So just think about that for a moment. Of all the movies you've seen over the last few decades - what films could be considered true romance films?
It's like women (and men who love a good romance) don't even exist as a potential cinema going market - the execs insist upon adding that dreaded com to every romance film so the Rom-com can appeal to the broadest potential market. Or they seem to think that only overblown historical dramas will appeal - but let me hit the nail on that last one - since inevitably either the H or the h tend to die in those. So not technically a romance by my definition.
Where are the films that reflect modern, contemporary life and romance? Instead the romance tends to take a backseat (and the female love interest character takes third, fourth or even lower billing). The plot is focused upon the action, the mystery, or the disaster - and the romance part of the equation is kind of an afterthought. Expected to be there, but shoehorned in awkwardly.
And don't even get me started on the epic failure to even try to appeal to women with a paranormal romance film. Why not? Twilight was a humongous trilogy hit. And that cinema going public haven't gone anywhere (just matured with even more spending money at their disposal) - surely if the right movie came along - with an angsty/capable H with a destiny and a kickass h, women would flock to the cinema in droves.
Passengers - was at least an attempt - starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt. I'd consider that a sci-fi romance.
And there are a plethora of TV series that are emerging that could technically be considered PNR.
But it's like the cinema execs don't or can't - create films that target women as their primary audience.
It's got to change - there are so many wonderful romance writers out there who have created exciting and interesting characters with layers, and depth - setting their stories in worlds that captivate us - whether contemporary or fantastical. Delivered plots that take us on a journey that grips us - with drama & humour interwoven seamlessly, reflecting real life.
I can only give my strongest support to all those who are trying to break through that glass ceiling in the movie going world - trying their hardest to bring projects to fruition that aren't afraid to target those of us who love a well-told romance.
You make it - I promise to turn up.
Happy five star reading lovely people.
December 27, 2019
The writing pipeline; what's coming.
The rumour that I am starting a new series is totally true - sort of. It will be a series set in the same world as the Southern Sanctuary but will focus upon the Valkyries.
Ever since I wrote To Vex A Valkyrie (Book 9) and mentioned that Brodie's boss, Stephanie, was kidnapped and held captive for several weeks - eventually falling in love and marrying her Demon captor - well, the old brain box wouldn't let that go.
Valkyries are so wonderfully prickly, I kept asking myself how that would have happened. And suddenly, one day, I just knew how it all took place and quite frankly (you know how I love to tease) it is a hoot and a half.
I'm at the half way point writing the first draft. I have a tentative title for the series - Vexatious Valkyries. But haven't yet decided on the book title.
Barring any annoying interruptions, I'm thinking of a mid-year publication date 2020. I'll keep you apprised.
And for anyone following me on Twitter/Facebook, expect me to start dropping plot line hints and fun quotes in the New Year.
Now for all those who have been hanging out, waiting not so patiently for Elijah & Copper's story - To Goad A Goddess (Book 14). Do not despair. That is up next on my to do list.
And yes, of course I'm happy to share a few ideas that are floating around in my head.
You know who the bad gal will be. Since I set that up in Book 13 - To Kiss A Kringle. But she'll be bringing quite a few evil friends with her. So expect lots of drama, tension and intrigue.
The cats will be back and feature prominently. But they may have met their match in Copper.
Expect Elijah and Copper to butt heads constantly. She's out for revenge, since Elijah kidnapped her from the past and returned her to the future. Boy, is she going to make him suffer on a daily basis.
Expect to catch up with Nell, and find out how her pregnancy is developing. Quinn will definitely be showing up, along with Matias - as their formal wedding looms large on the calendar.
Convincing Copper to ditch the mud and the leaf bikini for a bridesmaid dress is not going to be an easy task.
I'll be re-reading Book 10 - To Surprise a Seer, before I start writing. I expect the prologue to focus on Elijah and Copper's first meeting that took place in the past (Which kind of happened off camera - so to speak - as I focused on Quinn & Matias's experiences)
The above all makes perfect sense, right? Right? Well, if you have any questions you know where to find me.
To all you lovely people, Happy New Year. May 2020 be kind to you and yours. Hope all your books are five star fantastic.
Ever since I wrote To Vex A Valkyrie (Book 9) and mentioned that Brodie's boss, Stephanie, was kidnapped and held captive for several weeks - eventually falling in love and marrying her Demon captor - well, the old brain box wouldn't let that go.
Valkyries are so wonderfully prickly, I kept asking myself how that would have happened. And suddenly, one day, I just knew how it all took place and quite frankly (you know how I love to tease) it is a hoot and a half.
I'm at the half way point writing the first draft. I have a tentative title for the series - Vexatious Valkyries. But haven't yet decided on the book title.
Barring any annoying interruptions, I'm thinking of a mid-year publication date 2020. I'll keep you apprised.
And for anyone following me on Twitter/Facebook, expect me to start dropping plot line hints and fun quotes in the New Year.
Now for all those who have been hanging out, waiting not so patiently for Elijah & Copper's story - To Goad A Goddess (Book 14). Do not despair. That is up next on my to do list.
And yes, of course I'm happy to share a few ideas that are floating around in my head.
You know who the bad gal will be. Since I set that up in Book 13 - To Kiss A Kringle. But she'll be bringing quite a few evil friends with her. So expect lots of drama, tension and intrigue.
The cats will be back and feature prominently. But they may have met their match in Copper.
Expect Elijah and Copper to butt heads constantly. She's out for revenge, since Elijah kidnapped her from the past and returned her to the future. Boy, is she going to make him suffer on a daily basis.
Expect to catch up with Nell, and find out how her pregnancy is developing. Quinn will definitely be showing up, along with Matias - as their formal wedding looms large on the calendar.
Convincing Copper to ditch the mud and the leaf bikini for a bridesmaid dress is not going to be an easy task.
I'll be re-reading Book 10 - To Surprise a Seer, before I start writing. I expect the prologue to focus on Elijah and Copper's first meeting that took place in the past (Which kind of happened off camera - so to speak - as I focused on Quinn & Matias's experiences)
The above all makes perfect sense, right? Right? Well, if you have any questions you know where to find me.
To all you lovely people, Happy New Year. May 2020 be kind to you and yours. Hope all your books are five star fantastic.
December 7, 2019
To Kiss Kringle (Southern Sanctuary Book 13) Available NOW
First let me get the happy dance out of the way. You might want to take several steps back, things are about to get awkward.
Shimmy. Shimmy. Tush waggle. Step. Step. Leg kick. Jazz hands. Twirl.... and fire off the glitter cannon.
you can snap up book 13, just click on this link https://amazon.com/dp/B08224CC6K
Come for the battle of the wills and the snappy dialogue and stay for the sizzling, yet sweet, romance.
They are not your typical couple. She's tall. He's short. They both love to be in charge. Yet... there is an undeniable physical attraction that just won't go away.
This spy has definitely met his match in a librarian who thinks she has all the answers.
Shimmy. Shimmy. Tush waggle. Step. Step. Leg kick. Jazz hands. Twirl.... and fire off the glitter cannon.
you can snap up book 13, just click on this link https://amazon.com/dp/B08224CC6K
Come for the battle of the wills and the snappy dialogue and stay for the sizzling, yet sweet, romance.
They are not your typical couple. She's tall. He's short. They both love to be in charge. Yet... there is an undeniable physical attraction that just won't go away.
This spy has definitely met his match in a librarian who thinks she has all the answers.
November 28, 2019
To Kiss A Kringle (Southern Sanctuary Book 13) - Pre-order now Available
Publication date 7th December - only a few more sleeps. Merry Christmas lovely people.
Click on https://amazon.com/dp/B08224CC6K to fill your Christmas stocking.
Patricia Bennett, Head Librarian, was quickly coming to believe that her matchmaking Great-Aunt was losing the plot. Oh, sure, the warrior that turned up in her Library fulfilled all her secret fantasy requirements; gorgeous and tall, but he was also irritating and bordering on being an Alpha-hole. Besides, she really didn’t have time to bring him up to scratch, she was too busy working on ousting the arrogant - thinks he’s always right - Cullen from the Southern Sanctuary. The gall of the man. First he steals her library books. Then he sets up his Potting Shed as a Library Annexe. Enough is enough.
Descended from the Camelot Archers, Cullen has devoted his life to protecting the sovereign soil. But when he’s betrayed and forced to go into hiding, the Southern Sanctuary appears perfect for his needs. More so when he meets the riveting Patricia Bennett. But who knew the Library world would be fraught with just as many dangers as that of being a spy. With magic in the mix. Peril at every turn. Cullen must defeat a warrior-rival. Organise a high tea for a Chaos God. Hang some Christmas ornaments. Expose a traitor, and somehow convince Patricia that he belongs in the Southern Sanctuary.
It’s no longer just a battle of wits when Patricia and Cullen team up to go after a traitorous spy. They must learn to trust one another if they want to survive. But before too long Patricia is in danger of becoming addicted to the excitement, the adrenalin rush and worse, the man of mystery himself.
Click on https://amazon.com/dp/B08224CC6K to fill your Christmas stocking.
Patricia Bennett, Head Librarian, was quickly coming to believe that her matchmaking Great-Aunt was losing the plot. Oh, sure, the warrior that turned up in her Library fulfilled all her secret fantasy requirements; gorgeous and tall, but he was also irritating and bordering on being an Alpha-hole. Besides, she really didn’t have time to bring him up to scratch, she was too busy working on ousting the arrogant - thinks he’s always right - Cullen from the Southern Sanctuary. The gall of the man. First he steals her library books. Then he sets up his Potting Shed as a Library Annexe. Enough is enough.
Descended from the Camelot Archers, Cullen has devoted his life to protecting the sovereign soil. But when he’s betrayed and forced to go into hiding, the Southern Sanctuary appears perfect for his needs. More so when he meets the riveting Patricia Bennett. But who knew the Library world would be fraught with just as many dangers as that of being a spy. With magic in the mix. Peril at every turn. Cullen must defeat a warrior-rival. Organise a high tea for a Chaos God. Hang some Christmas ornaments. Expose a traitor, and somehow convince Patricia that he belongs in the Southern Sanctuary.
It’s no longer just a battle of wits when Patricia and Cullen team up to go after a traitorous spy. They must learn to trust one another if they want to survive. But before too long Patricia is in danger of becoming addicted to the excitement, the adrenalin rush and worse, the man of mystery himself.
October 18, 2019
The fine line of being an Alpha-hole.
Being an Alpha male is a tough gig. But why do we women love them so? It's not like they make it easy on us. They are snarly, bossy, hot, dominant, sullen, mono-syllabic, cruel, sexy, selfish, tortured, broken - a combination of all of these things and more.
The Alpha-hole always seems to know what he wants, and more often than not ignores anyone else's feelings to take it.
Which makes him kind of a prick, really. So why do we women sigh over them? Add them to our laminated list of top ten fictional boyfriends that we'd get a free pass to sleep with, if only they were real?
For me, as a writer, and avid reader, the Hero has to walk a fine line of being an Alpha-hole. He can dip his toe over the line occasionally. He may even take one big step forward and stomp all over the heroine's life/feelings. But... and this is a serious big BUT here, if I'm going to fall for this guy, he needs to be redeemable.
There needs to be a glimmer of hope that I can hang onto as the storyline unfolds. A sly sense of humour. A detailed explanation of why he is broken and he needs to eventually come to terms with that past, apologise, and move on.
And no cheating either - I want to hear the Alpha-hole admit he was wrong, out and proud. None of that Stockholm syndrome crap where the heroine excuses away all his bad behaviour because he had an ouchie once when he was ten.
I'm not saying the Alpha-hole has to man up. I'm saying he has to act like an adult. Be mature enough to realise that treating other people like dirt is unacceptable. And work, everyday, on trying to be a better person (as we all should).
No spanking the heroine (unless it's agreed upon fun banging boots good times) to punish her. Or to try and get information from her. Who in the hell spanks a woman to get information out of her anyway? Seriously? Sorry, this is a major hot button for me.
The Alpha-hole always seems to know his way around the bedroom and is invariably an expert when it comes to a woman's lady-parts.
And that's fine, for the occasional hot and steamy scene. But it gets a little repetitive for the reader if the Alpha-hole ALWAYS takes charge. Sets the pace. Manages the woman like she some kind of doll. Teases her relentlessly. Tells her when she's allowed to come. (Nothing wrong with this behaviour in the BDSM world - but I'm reading romance here, give and take would be nice, that's what couples do)
And the biggest saving grace when it comes to an Alpha-hole is the heroine. When you think about your favourite Heroes who really skirt that line, the heroine is more often than not sassy, smart, capable and independent. She's a challenge for the Alpha. She doesn't take his crap and if he slings any her way she slings it right back... but way more stylishly.
The biggest death kneel for a H/h romance is when the heroine is forced to manage the Hero's feelings. Seriously, we have enough children to deal with, some Alpha-hole cracking a tantrum and the heroine having to soothe him - that is just not sexy.
So bring on the Alpha-hole, but make him layered. He can be snarly but I want the occasional glimmer of sweet. He can be mono-syllabic but I want to read about how he just can't take his eyes off the heroine. And yes, please, make him hot & tortured, but also occasionally kind.
And whatever you do, don't make him perfect. Let him make mistakes, but let him own them.
Yeah, totally, bring on the Alpha-hole - but pretty please, keep him walking that very fine line.
Wishing you all fantastic five star reads and may all your Alpha-holes be contenders for your laminated list.
The Alpha-hole always seems to know what he wants, and more often than not ignores anyone else's feelings to take it.
Which makes him kind of a prick, really. So why do we women sigh over them? Add them to our laminated list of top ten fictional boyfriends that we'd get a free pass to sleep with, if only they were real?
For me, as a writer, and avid reader, the Hero has to walk a fine line of being an Alpha-hole. He can dip his toe over the line occasionally. He may even take one big step forward and stomp all over the heroine's life/feelings. But... and this is a serious big BUT here, if I'm going to fall for this guy, he needs to be redeemable.
There needs to be a glimmer of hope that I can hang onto as the storyline unfolds. A sly sense of humour. A detailed explanation of why he is broken and he needs to eventually come to terms with that past, apologise, and move on.
And no cheating either - I want to hear the Alpha-hole admit he was wrong, out and proud. None of that Stockholm syndrome crap where the heroine excuses away all his bad behaviour because he had an ouchie once when he was ten.
I'm not saying the Alpha-hole has to man up. I'm saying he has to act like an adult. Be mature enough to realise that treating other people like dirt is unacceptable. And work, everyday, on trying to be a better person (as we all should).
No spanking the heroine (unless it's agreed upon fun banging boots good times) to punish her. Or to try and get information from her. Who in the hell spanks a woman to get information out of her anyway? Seriously? Sorry, this is a major hot button for me.
The Alpha-hole always seems to know his way around the bedroom and is invariably an expert when it comes to a woman's lady-parts.
And that's fine, for the occasional hot and steamy scene. But it gets a little repetitive for the reader if the Alpha-hole ALWAYS takes charge. Sets the pace. Manages the woman like she some kind of doll. Teases her relentlessly. Tells her when she's allowed to come. (Nothing wrong with this behaviour in the BDSM world - but I'm reading romance here, give and take would be nice, that's what couples do)
And the biggest saving grace when it comes to an Alpha-hole is the heroine. When you think about your favourite Heroes who really skirt that line, the heroine is more often than not sassy, smart, capable and independent. She's a challenge for the Alpha. She doesn't take his crap and if he slings any her way she slings it right back... but way more stylishly.
The biggest death kneel for a H/h romance is when the heroine is forced to manage the Hero's feelings. Seriously, we have enough children to deal with, some Alpha-hole cracking a tantrum and the heroine having to soothe him - that is just not sexy.
So bring on the Alpha-hole, but make him layered. He can be snarly but I want the occasional glimmer of sweet. He can be mono-syllabic but I want to read about how he just can't take his eyes off the heroine. And yes, please, make him hot & tortured, but also occasionally kind.
And whatever you do, don't make him perfect. Let him make mistakes, but let him own them.
Yeah, totally, bring on the Alpha-hole - but pretty please, keep him walking that very fine line.
Wishing you all fantastic five star reads and may all your Alpha-holes be contenders for your laminated list.
August 22, 2019
Blurb Blunders
It's no easy task to take a seventy thousand word plus work of fiction and create a succinct blurb that sets the scene, captures the imagination and gives neither too much or too little away of the action within.
It's a tease. A hook. Click bait if you will.
Just writing - For God sake, buy my book already. Won't cut it.
Writing fourteen paragraphs, detailing the plot, the characters and all the world building information a reader could never need (nor want) - won't cut it either.
When an author gets a blurb right. It in itself is a little bit of magic. Instantly you need, have, to know more. Price be damned. Doesn't matter if you already mid way though six other books, you need this book, and you need it now.
However, when an author gets is so very wrong. I don't know about you but I find my nose screwing up as if I've smelt something bad and I can't click away from the page fast enough. Doesn't matter if it is free. Don't care if there are five hundred five star reviews. You blunder on the blurb, count me out.
Blurb no-no's:
So busy detailing all your awards (seriously, some of them can't be real) that I can't even find where the actual blurb telling me about your book starts. I scroll down, scroll down some more, then I get tired of you rubbing it in my face how great you are and I click away.
Same goes with comparing yourself to a heap of other authors. One, two maybe, and even then it is a dangerous and slippery slope you are on unknown author who suddenly puts themselves in the same bracket as Darynda Jones or Shelly Laurenston. It makes me wary. It potentially makes me run away.
Starting your blurb with a review. Fine and dandy if it is short and sweet. Not too gushing (did your mum write that one?) And doesn't give too much of the storyline away. Major whoops factor on one such review included in the blurb that told me who the murderer was. Doh!
Just repeating the title and elaborating on it. When you have a book titled My best friend's ex-husband's secret baby. Telling me anything in a blurb seems kind of pointless.
Spelling mistakes in the blurb. No one is perfect but an author should try really hard to present a high quality product when it comes to the packaging. I can forgive a few errors when I am swept up into a story, but in the blurb? That screams amateur hour.
Detailing the entire plot in the blurb. Um, okay, then why the hell would I read the book? No suspense. No surprises.
Listing a heap of magical/alien races and then providing me with a confusing complicated synopsis that leaves me scratching my head. Who did what now? And what do they want?
Keeping things fresh is important. Every author and their best selling dog appears to be releasing a PNR book featuring a heroine who has a SECRET. I'm so over this plot device. Everyone would kill her if only they knew who she 'really' was. She can never be with him because of who she 'really' is. She lives a lie, invariably in some grim apartment with a job in a tacky bar because she is running/hiding because she has... yes, you guessed it. A secret.
Same goes for presenting the heroine as a special snowflake. I get she is kick ass. Smart. Magically gifted etc, etc. And I will probably enjoy her story but... at the same time I can only heave a sigh as I read the blurb, thinking, another one? Please, let the special snowflake just own her powers/individuality - and let's not make a big song and dance about it.
This one is probably just my problem - but sometimes the Hero or Heroine name is just so torturously twee or has such mangled spelling that I just can't subject myself to reading an entire book featuring said character. I'm talking about names like Kynnth, Mhurder, and never, just can't go there - Clive.
Luckily for me there are a heap of authors out there who are blurb maestros. Who avoid all the blunders and give nothing but great blurbs.
Hoping you only find their works also.
Happy five star reading.
It's a tease. A hook. Click bait if you will.
Just writing - For God sake, buy my book already. Won't cut it.
Writing fourteen paragraphs, detailing the plot, the characters and all the world building information a reader could never need (nor want) - won't cut it either.
When an author gets a blurb right. It in itself is a little bit of magic. Instantly you need, have, to know more. Price be damned. Doesn't matter if you already mid way though six other books, you need this book, and you need it now.
However, when an author gets is so very wrong. I don't know about you but I find my nose screwing up as if I've smelt something bad and I can't click away from the page fast enough. Doesn't matter if it is free. Don't care if there are five hundred five star reviews. You blunder on the blurb, count me out.
Blurb no-no's:
So busy detailing all your awards (seriously, some of them can't be real) that I can't even find where the actual blurb telling me about your book starts. I scroll down, scroll down some more, then I get tired of you rubbing it in my face how great you are and I click away.
Same goes with comparing yourself to a heap of other authors. One, two maybe, and even then it is a dangerous and slippery slope you are on unknown author who suddenly puts themselves in the same bracket as Darynda Jones or Shelly Laurenston. It makes me wary. It potentially makes me run away.
Starting your blurb with a review. Fine and dandy if it is short and sweet. Not too gushing (did your mum write that one?) And doesn't give too much of the storyline away. Major whoops factor on one such review included in the blurb that told me who the murderer was. Doh!
Just repeating the title and elaborating on it. When you have a book titled My best friend's ex-husband's secret baby. Telling me anything in a blurb seems kind of pointless.
Spelling mistakes in the blurb. No one is perfect but an author should try really hard to present a high quality product when it comes to the packaging. I can forgive a few errors when I am swept up into a story, but in the blurb? That screams amateur hour.
Detailing the entire plot in the blurb. Um, okay, then why the hell would I read the book? No suspense. No surprises.
Listing a heap of magical/alien races and then providing me with a confusing complicated synopsis that leaves me scratching my head. Who did what now? And what do they want?
Keeping things fresh is important. Every author and their best selling dog appears to be releasing a PNR book featuring a heroine who has a SECRET. I'm so over this plot device. Everyone would kill her if only they knew who she 'really' was. She can never be with him because of who she 'really' is. She lives a lie, invariably in some grim apartment with a job in a tacky bar because she is running/hiding because she has... yes, you guessed it. A secret.
Same goes for presenting the heroine as a special snowflake. I get she is kick ass. Smart. Magically gifted etc, etc. And I will probably enjoy her story but... at the same time I can only heave a sigh as I read the blurb, thinking, another one? Please, let the special snowflake just own her powers/individuality - and let's not make a big song and dance about it.
This one is probably just my problem - but sometimes the Hero or Heroine name is just so torturously twee or has such mangled spelling that I just can't subject myself to reading an entire book featuring said character. I'm talking about names like Kynnth, Mhurder, and never, just can't go there - Clive.
Luckily for me there are a heap of authors out there who are blurb maestros. Who avoid all the blunders and give nothing but great blurbs.
Hoping you only find their works also.
Happy five star reading.
August 17, 2019
Update time
Sorry my lovelies, since my car accident my life has been at sixes and sevens. First there was the physical problems to deal with. Took me almost nine months before I was capable of sitting at a computer for any length of time. And when the body was finally the ready, the mind wasn't quite there yet.
Focus and routine are vitally important to my author process and I was sadly lacking in both.
I'm happy to say that though I am still dealing with all the physical ramifications at least the mind/routine part of the equation has finally kicked into gear. So I have actual updates to share.
Book 13 - To Kiss A Kringle.
I have completed the draft but as you can probably guess from the title, the book is Christmas themed. So expect a release date of late November.
What are you in for?
Patricia, Head Librarian of the Southern Sanctuary goes head to head with Cullen, book thief and retired spy. The babies, Gaia and Hadleigh all make an appearance. Along with Elijah. Our manipulative match maker Alma pulls some strings. And her reluctant 'apprentice' Darcy does her thing.
What am I working on right now?
Okay, don't be mad (It's not Elijah/Copper's story) I've taken a little tangent and begun writing a Valkyrie tale. Three chapters in and going strong. This will be set in the same world but is essentially the start of a new series. All of which may be novellas, or not. I often plan to write a novella and then the story unfolds as I write and a hundred thousand words later I have a full novel.
Can I tell you anything about it?
Sure, and I don't even expect your first born in exchange or anything. This tale features Stephanie (Brodie's boss from To Vex A Valkyrie) and Reece, Conflict Demon.
Both of these guys are at a cross roads in their life. After a hundred years of fighting campaigns Stephanie is beginning to feel a little disenchanted with her lifestyle. Whilst Reece has basically gone into heat, and only his true mate can cure him before he goes berserker. Either that or the Demon shamans force a magical meld on him. And since he is a Demon Prince, there are a lot of lady demons lining up willing to sign up for a loveless marriage.
Cue the snark and the eventual HEA.
Anything else you need to know?
Absolutely. Just wanted to share my gratitude to everyone over the past year who has taken the time to write a review on Goodreads/Amazon. And those who have messaged and reached out to find out how I am doing.
You kept my spirits up when I spent months flat on my back. And more than that, you helped to encourage/inspire me to keep trying to sit at the computer every day. Keep trying to write until the focus/routine part of the equation kicked in.
Sloppy kisses and bone crushing hugs to you all.
It's been a year now since my world view was abruptly changed. One moment you are sitting in the passenger seat of a car, the next... your life is irretrievably altered. I was very lucky to have such wonderful family and friends as a support system.
I was also privileged to meet a lot of amazing and interesting people throughout my recovery journey (paramedics, nurses and support staff all deserve raises - just saying)
And luckily I also had you guys.
If you have any character or story line queries, don't hesitate to ask. I can waffle on about my fictional friends and world for hours.
Wishing you all five star reads.
Focus and routine are vitally important to my author process and I was sadly lacking in both.
I'm happy to say that though I am still dealing with all the physical ramifications at least the mind/routine part of the equation has finally kicked into gear. So I have actual updates to share.
Book 13 - To Kiss A Kringle.
I have completed the draft but as you can probably guess from the title, the book is Christmas themed. So expect a release date of late November.
What are you in for?
Patricia, Head Librarian of the Southern Sanctuary goes head to head with Cullen, book thief and retired spy. The babies, Gaia and Hadleigh all make an appearance. Along with Elijah. Our manipulative match maker Alma pulls some strings. And her reluctant 'apprentice' Darcy does her thing.
What am I working on right now?
Okay, don't be mad (It's not Elijah/Copper's story) I've taken a little tangent and begun writing a Valkyrie tale. Three chapters in and going strong. This will be set in the same world but is essentially the start of a new series. All of which may be novellas, or not. I often plan to write a novella and then the story unfolds as I write and a hundred thousand words later I have a full novel.
Can I tell you anything about it?
Sure, and I don't even expect your first born in exchange or anything. This tale features Stephanie (Brodie's boss from To Vex A Valkyrie) and Reece, Conflict Demon.
Both of these guys are at a cross roads in their life. After a hundred years of fighting campaigns Stephanie is beginning to feel a little disenchanted with her lifestyle. Whilst Reece has basically gone into heat, and only his true mate can cure him before he goes berserker. Either that or the Demon shamans force a magical meld on him. And since he is a Demon Prince, there are a lot of lady demons lining up willing to sign up for a loveless marriage.
Cue the snark and the eventual HEA.
Anything else you need to know?
Absolutely. Just wanted to share my gratitude to everyone over the past year who has taken the time to write a review on Goodreads/Amazon. And those who have messaged and reached out to find out how I am doing.
You kept my spirits up when I spent months flat on my back. And more than that, you helped to encourage/inspire me to keep trying to sit at the computer every day. Keep trying to write until the focus/routine part of the equation kicked in.
Sloppy kisses and bone crushing hugs to you all.
It's been a year now since my world view was abruptly changed. One moment you are sitting in the passenger seat of a car, the next... your life is irretrievably altered. I was very lucky to have such wonderful family and friends as a support system.
I was also privileged to meet a lot of amazing and interesting people throughout my recovery journey (paramedics, nurses and support staff all deserve raises - just saying)
And luckily I also had you guys.
If you have any character or story line queries, don't hesitate to ask. I can waffle on about my fictional friends and world for hours.
Wishing you all five star reads.
August 9, 2019
NEW RELEASE - Southern Sanctuary Series Books 1 - 3
First time release book bundle - Special price. Click over to Amazon via amazon.com/dp/B07VWXNC1C and buy now.
Visit the Southern Sanctuary. A magical world populated by sexy, served up with a side of sweet, alpha heroes and their sassy, kick-ass, hold their own heroine matches. This series mashes together a butt load of laughs with sizzling hot, grab the fan - you’re going to need it - romances.
For the first time in print, books one through three are being offered in a box set. Included are:
Book 1: To Woo A Warrior
Book 2: To Trap A Temptress
Book 3: To Wrangle A Witch
Come for the romance, stay for the laughs. Join our magical, meddling match maker as she sets up our reluctant couples. There will be fugly bridesmaids dresses, an interfering Goddess, and wonderful, satisfying HEAs. No triangles or cliffhangers allowed.
Read these books in public at your own risk.
5 star Goodreads review: “I lost count of the number of times I laughed out loud. One scene was so hilarious that I laughed my way into a coughing fit.
April 26, 2019
Romance fiction, it's not just about the sex.
Oh, the comments and knowing looks I receive when I tell people I write Romance, it can be grating. For some reason the general populace instantly equates Romance fiction with wall to wall (maybe add in the occasional swinging apparatus from the ceiling) SEX.
Seriously. That's like saying Cozy fiction is all about the number of cats. Thrillers? It's like there is a dead body every chapter. Action adventure? Just set the damn story on a rollercoaster and be done.
No genre can be distilled down to one element. If it was, why would readers keep buying the same thing over and over again?
But it got me thinking about themes when it comes to romance fiction. What keeps me coming back to this genre? For one, it makes me happy. Okay, but let's for the sake of this blog delve deeper, why does it make me happy?
It's too simplistic to state a romance novel is nothing more than boy meets girl (or another boy, blue skinned alien or cyborg etc etc). I love a meet cute as much as the next person but no romance novel ends the moment after the couple meet and sparks fly. No, that's just the teaser to draw the reader in, identify the leads and let the fun begin.
It took me a while, as an author, to work out that I incorporate the same themes over and over again in my work. And to sit down and really consider what I was doing.
I think everyone, everywhere, just wants to be accepted, loved, for who they really are. So often romance novels are really about finding a home, a family (one of your choosing) where you are accepted for who you are and feel safe.
And the idea of love, it's not just about sex to me, it's about friendship. Finding that person in life who makes you laugh, even better, laughs at all your sad jokes. A person who gets you, supports you and doesn't just love you, likes you. The H & h might not start out the novel being a perfect complement to one another, but by the end it is undeniable. HEA, tie that bow before you turn the last page.
More ironic is that romance novels are often not about the romance/sex part of the equation at all. Often it's about the heroine (or Hero) maturing. Learning to accept themselves. Like themselves. Face personal challenges and emerge on the other side, still holding true to their values whether they win or lose.
It's a nice cherry on top of the storyline when our h has not just a studly supportive love interest at her side, but friends and family also.
And this is going to sound a little sad, but the older you get, the harder it is to make friends (but we should always keep trying on that front) And I consider some of the heroines I have created and read over the years to be very good friends. Ones I like to revisit. Who make me laugh. Who make me feel better by taking the focus off my problems for a few short hours and taking the lead.
When an author creates a great world and populates it with awesome characters, my first thought is not, 'I hope the sex is great in this book'. No, it's more often than not, this is a place I'd like to visit, these are people I want to spend more time with.
There is nothing wrong with sex. Happy to write about it... occasionally. Haven't completely discarded the idea of one day writing Erotica. But for now I am very happy sticking with the romance genre, it is challenging enough.
Happy five star reading lovely people.
Seriously. That's like saying Cozy fiction is all about the number of cats. Thrillers? It's like there is a dead body every chapter. Action adventure? Just set the damn story on a rollercoaster and be done.
No genre can be distilled down to one element. If it was, why would readers keep buying the same thing over and over again?
But it got me thinking about themes when it comes to romance fiction. What keeps me coming back to this genre? For one, it makes me happy. Okay, but let's for the sake of this blog delve deeper, why does it make me happy?
It's too simplistic to state a romance novel is nothing more than boy meets girl (or another boy, blue skinned alien or cyborg etc etc). I love a meet cute as much as the next person but no romance novel ends the moment after the couple meet and sparks fly. No, that's just the teaser to draw the reader in, identify the leads and let the fun begin.
It took me a while, as an author, to work out that I incorporate the same themes over and over again in my work. And to sit down and really consider what I was doing.
I think everyone, everywhere, just wants to be accepted, loved, for who they really are. So often romance novels are really about finding a home, a family (one of your choosing) where you are accepted for who you are and feel safe.
And the idea of love, it's not just about sex to me, it's about friendship. Finding that person in life who makes you laugh, even better, laughs at all your sad jokes. A person who gets you, supports you and doesn't just love you, likes you. The H & h might not start out the novel being a perfect complement to one another, but by the end it is undeniable. HEA, tie that bow before you turn the last page.
More ironic is that romance novels are often not about the romance/sex part of the equation at all. Often it's about the heroine (or Hero) maturing. Learning to accept themselves. Like themselves. Face personal challenges and emerge on the other side, still holding true to their values whether they win or lose.
It's a nice cherry on top of the storyline when our h has not just a studly supportive love interest at her side, but friends and family also.
And this is going to sound a little sad, but the older you get, the harder it is to make friends (but we should always keep trying on that front) And I consider some of the heroines I have created and read over the years to be very good friends. Ones I like to revisit. Who make me laugh. Who make me feel better by taking the focus off my problems for a few short hours and taking the lead.
When an author creates a great world and populates it with awesome characters, my first thought is not, 'I hope the sex is great in this book'. No, it's more often than not, this is a place I'd like to visit, these are people I want to spend more time with.
There is nothing wrong with sex. Happy to write about it... occasionally. Haven't completely discarded the idea of one day writing Erotica. But for now I am very happy sticking with the romance genre, it is challenging enough.
Happy five star reading lovely people.
