Jane Cousins's Blog, page 5

March 25, 2019

Goldilocks pricing - how does an author get it just right?

How do you put a price on something that you have sweated over and wrestled with for months, or in some cases, years? Doubly so when you know that some readers will read and re-read your baby with glee in their hearts. Others will skim it, slap a two star rating on it, following up with a review ripping it to shreds, denouncing your work as a blight upon the world.

Sigh....

As a voracious reader I find myself navigating the bounty of books on offer in search of those elusive five star reads. Lots of things sway me to choose a book and it's not always the reviews. Unless they mention my all time pet hate, the TSTLAM heroine. Then count me out.
Sure, the price often drives my decision making. Mainly because with new to me authors it can be such a gamble.
But more and more I find myself checking the number of pages. Trying to determine if I will be getting my money's worth. Because too many times recently I've spent more money than I should have on what turned out to be a 'novella' or worse, in two cases I bought 'books' that were only ten chapters or so... before I was slammed with a cliffhanger and advised to spend my hard earned money on instalment two.
Grrr...... I'm left feeling cheated. Bad-mouthing the author as a money grubbing so-and-so, whilst kicking myself for falling for their glossy cover, or kick ass blurb.
Because even when I do all my research; reviews, price, page length, I can still get caught out.
Some authors are increasing the size of their fonts to up their page numbers. Others are blank page hogs. You know the ones, the chapter title takes up an entire page. And then there is another page between chapters. And then there are like fifteen sneak peeks of their other books at the end of the 'novella' which you could have sworn was novel length.

Some authors leave me gob smacked with envy at their audacity. $17 for a debut e-book. $17!!! Investigating further I discover the book length is worthy of being called a novel. And they have a surprising number of five star reviews... yet not one single person complained about the price. Really? I'm not talking Ilona Andrews here, we all know we'd sell our first born for one of 'their' novels. I'm talking some unknown author with no back catalogue, no famous pseudonym branching out into another genre. Like I said, gob smacked.

Then there is the other end of the scale, the freebie or low cost first books in a series. Does anyone ever bother to look at the future books in the series, as the prices climb exponentially higher and higher and do the math of what that freebie/low cost tempter is truly going to cost you? I know I've started to.

And there are many famous authors who release an amazing number of works a year; the entertainment factor high, the page length low and the price...? Well, the more famous they get the higher those prices are getting. But when you are guaranteed a great escape read and you know it will be four/five star great, I'm pretty sure we don't care, even if that escape is all too brief.

There are no answers to what is the right price. If an author actually quantified the time of writing, editing, organising book covers, publishing, marketing etc, etc, and reflected that in a book price, it would be one scary number.
So it has to come down to the level of entertainment a book offers a reader. Problem is, that is such an individual thing. Some readers only have time for a short, sharp, 150 page read; HEA, done and dusted. Others need to immerse themselves in a rich fantasy 600 page plus book to feel they have gotten their money's worth.

Goldilocks pricing. The authors can assign any price they like to their books, all that matters in the end is what the reader deems suitable, The book comes in a package - the author, the glossy cover, the blurb, the number of pages, and the price. Only the reader knows when it is just right for them.

Happy five star reading gorgeous people
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Published on March 25, 2019 17:25 Tags: funny, pnr, southern-sanctuary

March 7, 2019

If I can't slap the heroine I'll invent a new acronym

Ever read a book and the heroine... grrr, you just want to reach in, grab her, and slap the hell out of her? And then for good measure slap her up the side of the head again?
Immature. Irresponsible. Giggling. Failing to be kick ass when everyone keeps telling you she is - prove it beyotch!
Acting like a brat. Letting the hero spank you and then proceeding to sleep with him a few chapters later rather than kicking him in the nuts.
Failing to know the rules of the secret society and breaking them so the Hero has to step up and save the day (Okay, I know the author is at fault for writing her like that but this is my rant so don't get in my way)
Being a cliche.
For being plain, and constantly insisting you are plain but every man in a hundred mile radius is panting after your plain ass.
Being a psychic but being unable to use your powers when you are agitated.
For suddenly having your magical abilities ramped up for no particular reason and saving the day in less than a paragraph.

So my acronym? TSTLAM - Too stupid to live another minute.

Use it with my blessing as often as needed until all the authors get that we readers like our heroines strong, independent and capable. Sure she can break down into tears... ONCE. She can be thoughtless. Stumble (again, once. Let's not make her cute and clumsy). She can lose a fight as long as she gets up, learns from her mistakes and tries again.
Let her be smutty, sexy, raunchy. Let her laugh loudly, and from the belly. Let her be right... and occasionally wrong. Let her make smart decisions, or at least when she makes a bad one let her get out of the situation in a clever, mature manner.
Please let her be an adult. Let her have layers.

The heroines I have read that I love the most (and I'm going to include my own heroines in this - even Darcy, sociopath with good intentions) are the ones that I have wanted as best friends.

So to all the authors out there, I need more fictional best friends. Hopefully very, very soon no one will need to define any Heroine as TSTLAM.

Happy Five star reading
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Published on March 07, 2019 15:54 Tags: funny, pnr, southern-sanctuary

March 2, 2019

You can't handle the truth.

Sure, every morning after a solid eight hours of sleep I gradually come into consciousness with at least fifteen fantastic ideas of where my book should go next simmering away in the back of my head.
My lithe yet muscular butler, six foot two, dark hair, blue-grey eyes with a mischievous smile, greets me with a mimosa as I gracefully make my way to my spacious personal office. The satin peignoir I wear feels soft and silky against my skin.
Outside the sun shines. Birds sing softly. My computer leaps to life within a fraction of a second. Of course the first thing to catch my eye is the twenty brand new five star reviews for my latest book. Then upon opening my e-mail I read letter after letter from my adoring fans who praise everything, from my commanding use of fullstops to the way I spell words such as honour, colour and calibre - in that charming Australian way I have about me.
I write non-stop for six hours, eating the occasional chocolate for fuel - I never put on weight even though I sit on my ass ALL day, because I am a glamorous writer after all.
I celebrate my productive day of writing with another mimosa, and a full body massage provided by the previously mentioned butler. Who has spent his day cleaning my house and making me a fabulous dinner.
And repeat.

The truth is so much sadder than that. If you wish to remain starry-eyed then stop here and read no further. For those of you made of sterner stuff -
I roll out of bed just after the sun rises as next door's car backfires as they leave for work. In my pjs I stumble to the computer. Check my emails. Check out Pinterest.. lose like thirty minutes of my life drooling over other people's kitchens and living rooms.
Make breakfast, usually porridge. Open up the draft of my latest book and start writing. Usually I have left myself some kind of helpful note such as - do that magic thing. Sex next.
Three hours later I head to my local fitness centre where I use the pool. This is where things start to get really sad. I have been known to fake that my gym card won't be read by the electronic turnstile so I have an excuse to approach the counter and speak to a real human being for ninety seconds. The sound of my own voice is croaky and rough from lack of use.
In the pool I nod and smile at a few people I know by sight. Zen time in the water as my mind switches off and suddenly I start getting some great ideas for story directions and character development. Of course I am in the pool, so no paper or pen. I repeat the ideas to myself, trying to wedge them into my brain box.
Back home I sit down at the computer again and try desperately to recall all the great ideas I had in the pool. Ummmmm.
Lunch. More time on Pinterest.
Working on latest draft until late afternoon when I switch to edit mode on an earlier draft of work. My ass is so numb by six o'clock that I have to force myself to head out for a walk in order to rediscover how to use my legs.
Dinner. Netflix. Bed.
Repeat.

You probably won't believe me but that, sadly, is closer to the truth most days of the week. So spare a thought occasionally for your favourite writers. Tell us about the latest book you loved... or hated. Write reviews. Send emails, even if it is to share that you admire my commanding use of fullstops.

May all your reads be five star fantastic
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Published on March 02, 2019 17:24 Tags: funny, pnr, southern-sanctuary

February 20, 2019

Riddle me this. What makes the most sense when packaging books in a series?

I'm an admittedly picky reader. I never used to be but blame it on age, time management, or the old 'five star needle in a one star haystack' mentality - I am what I am.
When I do find a new author/series I like, colour me happy when I discover the author has packaged at least three of their books together and is offering them at a lower cost price but..... BUT there remains a problem for me.
I do not want to spend more money than I would like on trying out a new author by purchasing books 1 though 3 packaged together. Preferably, I would like to dip my toe into this series pond by purchasing book 1, and then assuming I have felt the love, I'd like to purchase books 2 through 4 packaged together.
Thoughts?
Are you happy to splash out money on an untried author/series so you can have the first three books in the series at a lower price point? Potentially getting stuck with said 3 books if the series fails to impress.
Or, are you like me? Purchase book 1. Love ensues. Ooh, lucky me, books 2 through 4 are packaged up for my convenience.

This is not just an idle question, lovely people. I'm considering combining 3 of my books together for a purchase offering. The questions remains, which 3 to package?

Love to hear your thoughts on the matter. What would be your preference, if you could have a say?

Happy five star reading to all.
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Published on February 20, 2019 16:04 Tags: funny, pnr, southern-sanctuary

February 14, 2019

I love sizzle, but often need a spoonful of sweet

I'm in love with love. You all know how a well done romance in a story brings the feel good factor. Whether it is the feature of the book or a nice secondary side slice. When love is done right... sigh, doesn't it just make you happy?

I won't lie. Sometimes I like to be swept away with a sizzling romance. A realistic lust turning quickly into something hotter. Phew, pass the fan whilst I try to wipe the dreamy smile off my face.
But it's the rare author who can maintain the heated sizzle factor from page one to the end. Every interaction upping the sizzle factor. But come on, after a while it kind of becomes one note... dare I say, boring.

Love, like a character, needs layers, depth and facets. And I may be the only one but seriously when a sizzling romance begins to blossom, showing other facets, that's when I truly begin to believe in the couple. It doesn't have to be soppy. In fact, yuk, ban the soppy. And I'm not talking about the H placing his hand over his heart and in a gravelly voice saying I love you (though that does sound nice)
I'm talking about the little things. The thoughtful things. The signs that he is taking notice of the lady in his life and listening to her. Feeding her dog. Making her a snack. Being supportive without taking over. Making her laugh as well as sigh.
Sizzle with a side of sweet.

So, to all my gorgeous friends. Here's wishing you the sizzle and the sweet this Valentine's Day.

Love Jane. May all your reads be five star fantastic.
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Published on February 14, 2019 13:33 Tags: funny, pnr, southern-sanctuary

November 29, 2018

I want to be a fan of the reverse harem genre.....but

I'm only human, and a woman to boot. Of course I love the idea of wallowing in a world where a woman has multiple gorgeous mates who worship her.

But.... yeah, unfortunately there is a big ass BUT when it comes to the reality of me picking up a reverse harem novel and immersing myself, mainly because for me, very few of these romances actually work.

Creating a romance between a couple is hard enough. Throw two or invariably four more people into the equation and well, things can go pear shaped very quickly.
Sometimes the storyline can get lost in the equation. Instead the reader is presented with nothing but sex, sex, sex. Which occasionally isnt a bad thing. Except when it is done at the cost of the characters. Plus I still need an evident connection to be present before two.... let alone six people do the dirty deed. And whilst one sizzling instant attraction is believable, six?
Sorry, I start to feel cheated, not to mentioned bored.

Creating a fascinating story and a reverse harem romance between one woman and several men is a tricky equation. And a lot, sorry, let me emphasise that, A LOT of authors have jumped on the reverse harem bandwagon (so long billionaire bear shifters)
The problem for me is that I still need everything I would expect in a female/male romance to be present for me to become invested in a reverse harem novel.

Excellent world building
Fantastic storyline
Layered characters.
Characters that are unique (my biggest problem with a lot of the male characters in a RH is that I can't tell them apart. And too often nor can the author)

And for some bizarre reason RH's have become associated with novellas that must end on cliffhangers. I can think of no other reason than money being at the root of this phenomena.
Pretty clear given the prices RH authors are happy to tag their too often flimsy offerings.

For some reason I keep trying RH books. Probably because I know when I hit the right author with the right story a RH can be magic, hot and fun.
I have found two or three authors that have the golden touch. Who take the slow burn route. Build a great world. Get me invested in a great storyline.

In the meantime I think I will continue to be picky. Looking for the elusive golden needles amongst the ever growing larger stacks of hay.

What about you, are you a RH fan? Has this become your new fave genre?

Happy Reading all. May all your picks be five star fanastic
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Published on November 29, 2018 04:14 Tags: funny, pnr, romantic-comedy

November 8, 2018

Life truly side swiped me this time

There's no way to sugar coat this people, I won't be publishing any more books this year. Yes. Yes. I can hear your teeth gnashing and wails of despair. Trust me, I share your frustration.
But bear with me and all will become clear.
I may have mentioned some mid year travel plans. Well all was going swimmingly. Atlanta. Mexico. Lots of family time. Next stop the UK to spend some quality time with my sister.
She picked me up from the airport and we spent two marvellous days in Wales. Unfortunately on the drive back to her place we were involved in a rather nasty accident. T-boned by an out of control elderly driver.
My side of the car took the brunt of the impact and after being cut free and helicoptered to the nearest hospital I subsequently spent the next 2 weeks in ICU having way too many operations. Followed by a further 10 weeks recovering in hospital.
My first set of steps took place a mere 3 weeks ago...and boy were they shaky.
Today I am out of hospital, working on my mobility with the help of a Zimmer frame. With the view to eventually walking on my own once more.
I won't lie, there will be health challenges ahead for me along with further operations.
I can only cross my fingers and hope that eventually I will be pain-free and be able to resume my old life.
In the meantime I will remain in the UK, spending recovery time and Xmas with my family before travelling home to Australia.

As for my writing. I think you will understand when I say I am done for this year. But fear not. I've had a lot of spare time to think over the past few months and next year promises to be a lot of fun. Stephanie (Brodie's Valkeryie boss) has been featuring in my thoughts.
I'll keep you posted on any new developments.

Happy Reading gorgeous people. Be kind to yourself, you deserve it.
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Published on November 08, 2018 08:13 Tags: funny, pnr, southern-sanctuary

July 17, 2018

To Handle A Hellcat (Southern Sanctuary book 12) RELEASED

To Handle A Hellcat (Southern Sanctuary, #12) by Jane Cousins
Now Available - amazon.com/dp/B07FLKWMDS

Darcy Montgomery, Spider Mage and sociopath with well intentioned homicidal tendencies, has a lot on her plate. As Special Liaison it is her job to protect and defend the inhabitants of the Southern Sanctuary, by any means necessary. Juggling multiple crises is her forte, but this hellish week is proving more challenging than most.
There’s something up with Hadleigh and Gaia’s babies. An Incubus is missing. A posse of Priestesses have just arrived in search of their Love God. And most annoying of all, she is saddled with Apprentice Enforcer, Declan Benavidez, babe magnet extraordinaire. Who appears determined to prove that Darcy isn’t as immune to his charms as she thinks she is.

Declan Benavidez has an annoying Pagan Love God living in his head. But he’s never let that fact get in the way of going after what he wants. Pursuing his goal of becoming a Southern Sanctuary Enforcer. And loving ornery Darcy Montgomery.
And finally it looks like all his dreams might come true. He just needs to avoid a posse of determined Priestesses. Oust the Love God from his head. Find that missing Incubus, passing his final test to become an Enforcer. And win Darcy’s heart. All without her killing him when she discovers that he was the one who magically marked her, claiming her.
His mission is greenlit, it’s time - To Handle a Hellcat.
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Published on July 17, 2018 21:10 Tags: funny, pnr, romantic-comedy, southern-sanctuary

July 13, 2018

Pre-order - To Handle A Hellcat (Southern Sanctuary, book 12) NOW!

To Handle A Hellcat (Southern Sanctuary, #12) by Jane Cousins
To Handle A Hellcat (Southern Sanctuary, book 12)
amazon.com/dp/B07FLKWMDS

Darcy Montgomery, Spider Mage and sociopath with well intentioned homicidal tendencies, has a lot on her plate. As Special Liaison it is her job to protect and defend the inhabitants of the Southern Sanctuary, by any means necessary. Juggling multiple crises is her forte, but this hellish week is proving more challenging than most.
There’s something up with Hadleigh and Gaia’s babies. An Incubus is missing. A posse of Priestesses have just arrived in search of their Love God. And most annoying of all, she is saddled with Apprentice Enforcer, Declan Benavidez, babe magnet extraordinaire. Who appears determined to prove that Darcy isn’t as immune to his charms as she thinks she is.

Declan Benavidez has an annoying Pagan Love God living in his head. But he’s never let that fact get in the way of going after what he wants. Pursuing his goal of becoming a Southern Sanctuary Enforcer. And loving ornery Darcy Montgomery.
And finally it looks like all his dreams might come true. He just needs to avoid a posse of determined Priestesses. Oust the Love God from his head. Find that missing Incubus, passing his final test to become an Enforcer. And win Darcy’s heart. All without her killing him when she discovers that he was the one who magically marked her, claiming her.
His mission is greenlit, it’s time - To Handle a Hellcat.
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Published on July 13, 2018 23:02 Tags: funny, pnr, romantic-comedy, southern-sanctuary

May 14, 2018

Southern Sanctuary out in paperback - Woo-Hoo!

And we are rolling. Cue the helicopter and the swelling notes of some inspiring familiar song. Picture me twirling around on some Swiss Mountainside - okay, so I'm probably a little bit tipsy... and you really don't want me to break into song, do you?

Forget all that - just know that the Southern Sanctuary Series is now available in paperback. Yes. Finally. Books one through to eleven.


May they fill your bookcases with fun, laughter and love.


Happy Reading.
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Published on May 14, 2018 14:59 Tags: funny, pnr, romantic-comedy, southern-sanctuary