Jane Cousins's Blog, page 8
March 30, 2017
Q&A - All your burning questions are addressed
Hello gorgeous people, it's Q&A time. My mailbox is officially back to zero, and all is right in the world, for a day or two at least.
Let's get started -
Q - What can you tell us about Book Ten?
A - To Surprise a Seer. This one stars Quinn, one of the original bridesmaids from book one. As the Psychiatrist for the Southern Sanctuary, Quinn has her work cut out for her.
And if her patient load isn't already daunting, she's just had two new patients added to her roster - Gaia and Hadleigh. Neither one is handling being pregnant particularly well.
As a Seer, Quinn is used to dealing with inner demons and ugly truths. Determined to avoid a family curse she has instigated a strict healthy lifestyle, fearing if she ever gives in to temptation she will lose everything.
Matias Yanez, bar-owner and surly, gruff jerk is hiding an awful secret. He has no memory. Every day when he wakes up it's the same, his parents have just been brutally murdered and his sister is missing - except that happened ten years ago.
When these two come together sparks fly. Quinn sees glimpses of an impossible future and Matias thinks he might finally have found the only person in the world to help him solve his parents' murder and find his missing sister.
Did I mention there would be some time-travel, hybrid-jaguar creatures, and a mad, power hungry Aztec Priest making an appearance? No? Well, you'll just have to wait and find out how it all comes together when book ten is published. Which at this stage will be June.
Q - Who will be the leads in future books?
A - Okay, so I've covered book ten. Book eleven - To Fight A Fate - will star Maat Warrior, Marcus and another of the bridesmaids - Riya.
Book twelve will have Darcy stepping up to the plate. And at this stage I've tentatively titled it - To Handle A Hellcat.
Book Thirteen will probably be - To Goad A Goddess - And will have Elijah, head of the Sanctuary enforcers being matched up with a prickly Goddess.
Q - Who else will get their own book?
A - All these ideas running around in my head. And all these great characters to choose from - Fraser and Gigi, the last two Bridesmaids. Flynn and Dash, the remaining single Maat Warriors. Daniel, hot nerd who now hosts the reality Paranormal TV show. And I still haven't told librarian Patricia's story. At this stage I don't know which of these characters will be stepping up to take lead down the road, hopefully... eventually, all of them.
Q - How many books do you have planned for the Southern Sanctuary Series?
A - What is this planning you speak of? I've always been at the mercy of my Muse (otherwise known as the various voices in my head) if the ideas keep coming, I'll keep writing.
Q - What comes first, the idea or the title?
A - The idea, but funnily, if I don't quickly figure out the title, then the story doesn't flow for me. So they often come almost on top of one another.
Q - What's the hardest thing about being a writer?
A - Time is the enemy, there's just never enough time to sit and write, edit, blog, think, plot, plan. I aim to release two books per year, but it's a never ending cycle of write, edit, publish. Though I'm pretty sure all my friends think I sit around reading and watching Bold & the Beautiful.
Q - Have you ever considered writing a holiday themed novel?
A - Yes, plenty of times. But the ideas have never quite clicked for me. Though more and more I think librarian Patricia's story will be a Christmas themed novella. You can read about a 'hot' Australian Christmas and finally find out how/why all the library books have been disappearing and turning up in Lester Cullen's potting shed.
Q - Do you plot your books out in advance?
A - Mhmmm, not really. Generally the meet-cute comes to me and I go from there. As long as I have the two main characters fully fleshed out in my head, along with the Big Bad, then the book usually just flows for me. By the end of each chapter I have a rough idea of what will happen next - repeat until I hit - The End.
Q - Who is your favourite couple?
A - Damn it, this is a hard one. I love them all. Especially when I am writing their actual story. But I suppose I will always have a soft spot for Hadleigh and Vaughn. They are where it all started for me.
Q - With so many characters / creatures to chose from, how do you decide who gets to turn up in each book?
A - I have my faves. Gaia has become a must appear, because she's so much fun to write. Same with the Great-Great Aunts. Honestly, it comes down to who makes the most sense in a scene. Who adds to the scene, the action, but doesn't detract from our main couple.
Q - Will the tricky cats be back?
A - Absolutely, I have some big plans for them in book thirteen - To Goad A Goddess. Not sure if they will be making any guest appearances prior to that.
Q - Everyone threatens dire retribution upon Alma, the match maker, will she ever get her just deserts?
A - Quite possibly. Am thinking Darcy won't take her match up lying down.
Q - What's going to happen when you run out of Maat Warriors?
A - I don't lie awake at nights thinking about this. After Marcus, who I'm writing about right now, there is only Dash and Flynn, but their meld mates have some growing up to do, as do the Flyboys.
I think there are plenty of other lead options available, and more become available every time I expand this world. Like Brodie's boss - her story of how she hooked up with her Demon husband might turn out to be a novella yet. And I did love writing the Valkyries.
It helps when characters like Devon come along, playing a secondary in book two - then demanding her own book in To Shackle A Shrew.
Q - How do you keep juggling all the storyline threads, the characters and the creatures?
A - From day one I sat down and thought about each of the bridesmaids - I fleshed out some more than others but I had some idea of each of their powers. So I started adding layers regarding the secondaries from the very first book. And the more I wrote about the extended family, and creatures, the more I came to understand where everyone fit. Giving more details about everyone as I began to get a glimpse of their possible future.
Like Charisse, I knew I wanted her to be a Siren, which I mentioned in book one, though I had no idea that her story would end up being about her relationship with her rock as much as it was with Nate.
It's not an exact science. I try not make continuity mistakes - but I do know that the High Council Building is described as being on the wrong side of the square in book one. So, I'm not perfect. But I make character notes for everyone - have a family tree, and even have mapped out the towns (that's when I realised my error... oops)
Q - Who are you reading right now, and loving?
A - Have just recently discovered the brilliant Amanda Bouchet, can't wait for book 3 in her series. Loving Wen Spencer. And I can't go past Gini Koch, Shelly Laurenston or Darynda Jones. Oh, and let's not forget Ilona Andrews, Jennifer Estep, Nalini Singh, Anne Bishop or Seanan Maguire. And I could just keep listing fabulous authors, but you get the general idea.
Q - Do you ever DNF a book?
A - Yes, unfortunately. As I mentioned, my time is precious. I just don't have it to spare on anything that doesn't blow me away.
Q - What constitutes a five star read for you?
A - Fully fleshed, fantastic leads. A world that sweeps me up (with no info dumps). A story that goes light on the cliches. I like my heroines kick ass. My heroes can be Alpa but they have to have flaws/humanity/humour.
Q - What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
A - First, research good authors. Understand what it is about their style & approach that keep the readers coming back for more. And then find your own style.
And most importantly - write. Daily. Understand what it takes to stick to a schedule, plan, deliver a beginning, middle and end. And then when you have finished, write some more.
Well, I hope that answers all the burning questions for the time being. If not, just drop me a note or an email via the Goodreads site and I will do my best to answer in a timely fashion.
To everyone who has read my books and contacted me, just to say hi, or to comment or critique my work - thank you.
To all those who have written a review on Goodreads and taken the time to also stop by Amazon and add it there - Thank you... and a sloppy kiss or two.
Happy Reading!
Let's get started -
Q - What can you tell us about Book Ten?
A - To Surprise a Seer. This one stars Quinn, one of the original bridesmaids from book one. As the Psychiatrist for the Southern Sanctuary, Quinn has her work cut out for her.
And if her patient load isn't already daunting, she's just had two new patients added to her roster - Gaia and Hadleigh. Neither one is handling being pregnant particularly well.
As a Seer, Quinn is used to dealing with inner demons and ugly truths. Determined to avoid a family curse she has instigated a strict healthy lifestyle, fearing if she ever gives in to temptation she will lose everything.
Matias Yanez, bar-owner and surly, gruff jerk is hiding an awful secret. He has no memory. Every day when he wakes up it's the same, his parents have just been brutally murdered and his sister is missing - except that happened ten years ago.
When these two come together sparks fly. Quinn sees glimpses of an impossible future and Matias thinks he might finally have found the only person in the world to help him solve his parents' murder and find his missing sister.
Did I mention there would be some time-travel, hybrid-jaguar creatures, and a mad, power hungry Aztec Priest making an appearance? No? Well, you'll just have to wait and find out how it all comes together when book ten is published. Which at this stage will be June.
Q - Who will be the leads in future books?
A - Okay, so I've covered book ten. Book eleven - To Fight A Fate - will star Maat Warrior, Marcus and another of the bridesmaids - Riya.
Book twelve will have Darcy stepping up to the plate. And at this stage I've tentatively titled it - To Handle A Hellcat.
Book Thirteen will probably be - To Goad A Goddess - And will have Elijah, head of the Sanctuary enforcers being matched up with a prickly Goddess.
Q - Who else will get their own book?
A - All these ideas running around in my head. And all these great characters to choose from - Fraser and Gigi, the last two Bridesmaids. Flynn and Dash, the remaining single Maat Warriors. Daniel, hot nerd who now hosts the reality Paranormal TV show. And I still haven't told librarian Patricia's story. At this stage I don't know which of these characters will be stepping up to take lead down the road, hopefully... eventually, all of them.
Q - How many books do you have planned for the Southern Sanctuary Series?
A - What is this planning you speak of? I've always been at the mercy of my Muse (otherwise known as the various voices in my head) if the ideas keep coming, I'll keep writing.
Q - What comes first, the idea or the title?
A - The idea, but funnily, if I don't quickly figure out the title, then the story doesn't flow for me. So they often come almost on top of one another.
Q - What's the hardest thing about being a writer?
A - Time is the enemy, there's just never enough time to sit and write, edit, blog, think, plot, plan. I aim to release two books per year, but it's a never ending cycle of write, edit, publish. Though I'm pretty sure all my friends think I sit around reading and watching Bold & the Beautiful.
Q - Have you ever considered writing a holiday themed novel?
A - Yes, plenty of times. But the ideas have never quite clicked for me. Though more and more I think librarian Patricia's story will be a Christmas themed novella. You can read about a 'hot' Australian Christmas and finally find out how/why all the library books have been disappearing and turning up in Lester Cullen's potting shed.
Q - Do you plot your books out in advance?
A - Mhmmm, not really. Generally the meet-cute comes to me and I go from there. As long as I have the two main characters fully fleshed out in my head, along with the Big Bad, then the book usually just flows for me. By the end of each chapter I have a rough idea of what will happen next - repeat until I hit - The End.
Q - Who is your favourite couple?
A - Damn it, this is a hard one. I love them all. Especially when I am writing their actual story. But I suppose I will always have a soft spot for Hadleigh and Vaughn. They are where it all started for me.
Q - With so many characters / creatures to chose from, how do you decide who gets to turn up in each book?
A - I have my faves. Gaia has become a must appear, because she's so much fun to write. Same with the Great-Great Aunts. Honestly, it comes down to who makes the most sense in a scene. Who adds to the scene, the action, but doesn't detract from our main couple.
Q - Will the tricky cats be back?
A - Absolutely, I have some big plans for them in book thirteen - To Goad A Goddess. Not sure if they will be making any guest appearances prior to that.
Q - Everyone threatens dire retribution upon Alma, the match maker, will she ever get her just deserts?
A - Quite possibly. Am thinking Darcy won't take her match up lying down.
Q - What's going to happen when you run out of Maat Warriors?
A - I don't lie awake at nights thinking about this. After Marcus, who I'm writing about right now, there is only Dash and Flynn, but their meld mates have some growing up to do, as do the Flyboys.
I think there are plenty of other lead options available, and more become available every time I expand this world. Like Brodie's boss - her story of how she hooked up with her Demon husband might turn out to be a novella yet. And I did love writing the Valkyries.
It helps when characters like Devon come along, playing a secondary in book two - then demanding her own book in To Shackle A Shrew.
Q - How do you keep juggling all the storyline threads, the characters and the creatures?
A - From day one I sat down and thought about each of the bridesmaids - I fleshed out some more than others but I had some idea of each of their powers. So I started adding layers regarding the secondaries from the very first book. And the more I wrote about the extended family, and creatures, the more I came to understand where everyone fit. Giving more details about everyone as I began to get a glimpse of their possible future.
Like Charisse, I knew I wanted her to be a Siren, which I mentioned in book one, though I had no idea that her story would end up being about her relationship with her rock as much as it was with Nate.
It's not an exact science. I try not make continuity mistakes - but I do know that the High Council Building is described as being on the wrong side of the square in book one. So, I'm not perfect. But I make character notes for everyone - have a family tree, and even have mapped out the towns (that's when I realised my error... oops)
Q - Who are you reading right now, and loving?
A - Have just recently discovered the brilliant Amanda Bouchet, can't wait for book 3 in her series. Loving Wen Spencer. And I can't go past Gini Koch, Shelly Laurenston or Darynda Jones. Oh, and let's not forget Ilona Andrews, Jennifer Estep, Nalini Singh, Anne Bishop or Seanan Maguire. And I could just keep listing fabulous authors, but you get the general idea.
Q - Do you ever DNF a book?
A - Yes, unfortunately. As I mentioned, my time is precious. I just don't have it to spare on anything that doesn't blow me away.
Q - What constitutes a five star read for you?
A - Fully fleshed, fantastic leads. A world that sweeps me up (with no info dumps). A story that goes light on the cliches. I like my heroines kick ass. My heroes can be Alpa but they have to have flaws/humanity/humour.
Q - What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
A - First, research good authors. Understand what it is about their style & approach that keep the readers coming back for more. And then find your own style.
And most importantly - write. Daily. Understand what it takes to stick to a schedule, plan, deliver a beginning, middle and end. And then when you have finished, write some more.
Well, I hope that answers all the burning questions for the time being. If not, just drop me a note or an email via the Goodreads site and I will do my best to answer in a timely fashion.
To everyone who has read my books and contacted me, just to say hi, or to comment or critique my work - thank you.
To all those who have written a review on Goodreads and taken the time to also stop by Amazon and add it there - Thank you... and a sloppy kiss or two.
Happy Reading!
March 25, 2017
Questions in now for next Q&A fest.
It's a perfect storm - I can't think of a blog post topic, and my mailbox is making annoying little whimpering sounds because it is quite literally bursting at the seams.
Time for me to wade through the back log of emails and answer all those questions you have about the Southern Sanctuary, my writing process and me personally.
And for those of you who haven't yet sent in your questions, feel free to do so. You can reply to this post. Send me an email via the Goodreads site. Or, you can go to my author page and leave your questions in the comment section.
Look for all the answers later next week - in my next blog.
In the meantime - Happy Reading!
Time for me to wade through the back log of emails and answer all those questions you have about the Southern Sanctuary, my writing process and me personally.
And for those of you who haven't yet sent in your questions, feel free to do so. You can reply to this post. Send me an email via the Goodreads site. Or, you can go to my author page and leave your questions in the comment section.
Look for all the answers later next week - in my next blog.
In the meantime - Happy Reading!
March 15, 2017
Like a side order of humour with your PNR?
Then you need to check out this blog -http://www.romancerehab.com/blog/top-...
Couldn't be more chuffed (and slightly gobsmacked ) that I made it onto the list. For those not in the know, 'chuffed' - means incredibly pleased.
Couldn't be more chuffed (and slightly gobsmacked ) that I made it onto the list. For those not in the know, 'chuffed' - means incredibly pleased.
March 7, 2017
Coming down from that Five Star High.
You know that moment. It's the final chapter and you are suddenly hit by a quandary. You know if you finish these last few pages then it will all be over - the glorious endorphin high of a five star read will evaporate.
But you can't not go forward. These characters have made you laugh. Had you biting your nails with tension. Caused you to shed a tear, or in some rare but wonderful cases, wept buckets.
You've fanned yourself through the sex scenes and sighed over the sheer rightness of this match up. They've fought through so much, they deserve each other. They deserve their HEA.
So here you are at the final chapter. And you know you can't stop. You don't want to stop... but once those two little words appear - The End. This ride is coming to a crashing halt.
And you know what's waiting for you on the other side of those two little words.
The dishes haven't been washed yet. No one had emptied the clothes hamper. There's a thousand chores to be performed. The kids want to be entertained. The man and dog in your life expect to be fed.
Yes, you will be back in the real world.
Where gravity will seem to return with a thud. You'll feel heavier. Not dis-satisfied as such, but resigned. The escape, the wonderful world through which you have just travelled - Fighting the bad guys. Swapping snappy dialogue with an arrogant man who looks damn hot in a kilt. And even better out of it. Winning the war. Thwarting your enemy. Always knowing what to say and when to say it. And getting your HEA (which of course will involve no household chores, daily grind employment or a family clamouring to be fed) - All of that is about to dissipate like fairy dust.
And it is the rare treat when you can glare at your man, tell him to feed himself, the kids and the dog (not necessarily in that order) and dive into book 2 of the series. Or a waiting guaranteed 'untried' new book - that may or may not be the five star fix you need.
Face it. I have. I'm a five star junkie. Strung out on kick ass, sassy heroines. Hot, Alpha heroes who have a sweet side and a sense of humour. I crave witty dialogue. Worthy evil villains. A layered world where I feel instantly that I belong. I love the journey, the unravelling wonderment of getting to know this couple, learning to like and love them. Root for them. Cry for them. Sigh over them. Damn it, I want that HEA... but at the same time I don't.
Of course a story that drags on too long can just as easily kill that five star love.
To all the authors out there who are my five star enablers, I can't thank you enough. Once you have a reading habit, you can never shake it. And I am so grateful for that. There is nothing like losing myself in a five star read... even if I do dread in the back of mind those two inevitable little words. The End.
I both love and hate them.
I'm ignoring the dishes. The dirty clothes can wait. The man knows how to call for a pizza. I've just picked up a very promising book that looks like it might prove to be my next five star favourite. Because when it comes to that reading high, I don't want to ever come down.
But you can't not go forward. These characters have made you laugh. Had you biting your nails with tension. Caused you to shed a tear, or in some rare but wonderful cases, wept buckets.
You've fanned yourself through the sex scenes and sighed over the sheer rightness of this match up. They've fought through so much, they deserve each other. They deserve their HEA.
So here you are at the final chapter. And you know you can't stop. You don't want to stop... but once those two little words appear - The End. This ride is coming to a crashing halt.
And you know what's waiting for you on the other side of those two little words.
The dishes haven't been washed yet. No one had emptied the clothes hamper. There's a thousand chores to be performed. The kids want to be entertained. The man and dog in your life expect to be fed.
Yes, you will be back in the real world.
Where gravity will seem to return with a thud. You'll feel heavier. Not dis-satisfied as such, but resigned. The escape, the wonderful world through which you have just travelled - Fighting the bad guys. Swapping snappy dialogue with an arrogant man who looks damn hot in a kilt. And even better out of it. Winning the war. Thwarting your enemy. Always knowing what to say and when to say it. And getting your HEA (which of course will involve no household chores, daily grind employment or a family clamouring to be fed) - All of that is about to dissipate like fairy dust.
And it is the rare treat when you can glare at your man, tell him to feed himself, the kids and the dog (not necessarily in that order) and dive into book 2 of the series. Or a waiting guaranteed 'untried' new book - that may or may not be the five star fix you need.
Face it. I have. I'm a five star junkie. Strung out on kick ass, sassy heroines. Hot, Alpha heroes who have a sweet side and a sense of humour. I crave witty dialogue. Worthy evil villains. A layered world where I feel instantly that I belong. I love the journey, the unravelling wonderment of getting to know this couple, learning to like and love them. Root for them. Cry for them. Sigh over them. Damn it, I want that HEA... but at the same time I don't.
Of course a story that drags on too long can just as easily kill that five star love.
To all the authors out there who are my five star enablers, I can't thank you enough. Once you have a reading habit, you can never shake it. And I am so grateful for that. There is nothing like losing myself in a five star read... even if I do dread in the back of mind those two inevitable little words. The End.
I both love and hate them.
I'm ignoring the dishes. The dirty clothes can wait. The man knows how to call for a pizza. I've just picked up a very promising book that looks like it might prove to be my next five star favourite. Because when it comes to that reading high, I don't want to ever come down.
February 19, 2017
DNF - and I don't care.... or do I?
I've always been a voracious reader. And there was a time when I read anything and everything. I devoured it all, the good, the weird, the wonderful and even the bad.
Looking back at my youthful reading days I do not recall ever pushing the ejector button on a book and jettisoning it out the airlock into official DNF territory. No, I slogged through incomprehensible Russian Opera's, sci-fi books that pushed the boundary of logic and sometimes commonsense. I ground my teeth and persevered as arrogant males swept feisty virgin after feisty virgin off her dancing shoes and true love finally won the day. Politics, thrillers, chillers, horror, romance, sci-fi, and every other genre was treated as a mission to be completed. And by heck, I did.
But that was then... and this is now. And my DNF pile of books is in real danger of toppling over and crushing the very life out of me. My kindle is so full of DNF e-books that it makes little growling noises as I pass by and seriously looks like it might take a chunk out of one of my ankles. Thankfully it's so bloated that it's not as fast as it used to be.
So what has changed?
Me? Totally. I don't have the patience I once had. My time is a lot more precious these days and if I'm not reading something I love, or have the potential to love, then I could be doing a hundred other more worthwhile things... that next season of Outlander isn't going to watch itself now, is it.
The Industry? Yes. Definitely. The sheer volume of books out there, and finding those five star needles amongst the stacks and stacks of regular needles takes a full time research grant and team of ten to sort through reviews, read the Look Inside, and do a full background check on the author.
I've developed a little warning system when it comes to potential DNF candidates. Things to look out for in the book blurb and the reviews that set my inner robot clamouring - Danger, Danger, Will Robinson.
Now, I'm not saying there aren't exceptions to these rules, just that they are few and far between.
- Virgin female leads. Unless she's wicked smart and kick ass, count me out.
- Kick ass female leads must be counted on to be consistently kick ass. No crying. No claiming to be kick ass but never delivering.
- Male leads can be arrogant alphas, but they have to have other layers to them. And they need to value and respect the women in their lives.
-Spanking... and not the good kind. I'm talking as a means of controlling the female lead. Where she's not doing what she's told, or giving up the information she has and the Male Lead, instead of holding a discussion, resorts to spanking her. This of course leads to the female lead rubbing her sore bottom, resenting the Alpha for a few chapters before inevitably falling into bed with him... no thank you.
- Stilted dialogue.
- Never ending information dumps.
- Over using the Thesaurus. Quit with all the descriptives and get on with the story already.
- Being all about the plot at the expense of the characters.
- Being all about the characters at the expense of the plot
- Stereotypes... boring, bland and just plain lazy.
- Cliffhanger endings, all the time, every time, with not enough parts of the story resolved in each instalment to at least give me some partial closure.
- Female leads who moan, whine and resent the male lead, have sex with him anyway, and then go on to blame him for that too. Grrr, woman, own your choices and step up.
- Grim, dark, never ending hopelessness. The world, the characters, the story. I need a glimmer of hope, a thread of humour, something to keep me trudging onwards through utter bleakness to what I can only hope is a HEA.
- And the biggest DNF flashing red warning sign? The lack of sheer joy, and flow in the written word. If the author doesn't love their world, their characters. If they haven't invested... then why the hell do they think I, as a reader, would want to?
So, I've just started this new book. It has the potential to go either way, the male lead is annoyingly superior, and the female lead says she's all sorts of capable but hasn't done anything to prove it as yet.
So this could be a DNF in the making, on the other hand, if I'm not reading I should probably start cleaning out the spare room. Maybe do something about that large pile of DNF books taking up too much space... nah, I'd rather just keep reading.
Looking back at my youthful reading days I do not recall ever pushing the ejector button on a book and jettisoning it out the airlock into official DNF territory. No, I slogged through incomprehensible Russian Opera's, sci-fi books that pushed the boundary of logic and sometimes commonsense. I ground my teeth and persevered as arrogant males swept feisty virgin after feisty virgin off her dancing shoes and true love finally won the day. Politics, thrillers, chillers, horror, romance, sci-fi, and every other genre was treated as a mission to be completed. And by heck, I did.
But that was then... and this is now. And my DNF pile of books is in real danger of toppling over and crushing the very life out of me. My kindle is so full of DNF e-books that it makes little growling noises as I pass by and seriously looks like it might take a chunk out of one of my ankles. Thankfully it's so bloated that it's not as fast as it used to be.
So what has changed?
Me? Totally. I don't have the patience I once had. My time is a lot more precious these days and if I'm not reading something I love, or have the potential to love, then I could be doing a hundred other more worthwhile things... that next season of Outlander isn't going to watch itself now, is it.
The Industry? Yes. Definitely. The sheer volume of books out there, and finding those five star needles amongst the stacks and stacks of regular needles takes a full time research grant and team of ten to sort through reviews, read the Look Inside, and do a full background check on the author.
I've developed a little warning system when it comes to potential DNF candidates. Things to look out for in the book blurb and the reviews that set my inner robot clamouring - Danger, Danger, Will Robinson.
Now, I'm not saying there aren't exceptions to these rules, just that they are few and far between.
- Virgin female leads. Unless she's wicked smart and kick ass, count me out.
- Kick ass female leads must be counted on to be consistently kick ass. No crying. No claiming to be kick ass but never delivering.
- Male leads can be arrogant alphas, but they have to have other layers to them. And they need to value and respect the women in their lives.
-Spanking... and not the good kind. I'm talking as a means of controlling the female lead. Where she's not doing what she's told, or giving up the information she has and the Male Lead, instead of holding a discussion, resorts to spanking her. This of course leads to the female lead rubbing her sore bottom, resenting the Alpha for a few chapters before inevitably falling into bed with him... no thank you.
- Stilted dialogue.
- Never ending information dumps.
- Over using the Thesaurus. Quit with all the descriptives and get on with the story already.
- Being all about the plot at the expense of the characters.
- Being all about the characters at the expense of the plot
- Stereotypes... boring, bland and just plain lazy.
- Cliffhanger endings, all the time, every time, with not enough parts of the story resolved in each instalment to at least give me some partial closure.
- Female leads who moan, whine and resent the male lead, have sex with him anyway, and then go on to blame him for that too. Grrr, woman, own your choices and step up.
- Grim, dark, never ending hopelessness. The world, the characters, the story. I need a glimmer of hope, a thread of humour, something to keep me trudging onwards through utter bleakness to what I can only hope is a HEA.
- And the biggest DNF flashing red warning sign? The lack of sheer joy, and flow in the written word. If the author doesn't love their world, their characters. If they haven't invested... then why the hell do they think I, as a reader, would want to?
So, I've just started this new book. It has the potential to go either way, the male lead is annoyingly superior, and the female lead says she's all sorts of capable but hasn't done anything to prove it as yet.
So this could be a DNF in the making, on the other hand, if I'm not reading I should probably start cleaning out the spare room. Maybe do something about that large pile of DNF books taking up too much space... nah, I'd rather just keep reading.
January 28, 2017
Happy belated Australia Day.
For all those in the know, the 26th January was Australia Day. So last Thursday we had a glorious public holiday in Oz... and I'm still coming down from my vegemite hangover.
Yes, yes, you'd think I would know after all these years not to slather it on my toast in the morning, but to scrape it so that it barely makes contact with the bread.
So what else does Australia Day mean, besides celebrating with vegemite on toast for breakfast? Well, since it is summer time, it generally means getting together with friends for a barbecue at the beach or the park.
It means staying at home and watching the Australian Open tennis on TV.
It means being thankful that we live in such a wonderful country... and okay, maybe it is a little far from the rest of the world. But I've been watching the news lately and am starting to believe that this might actually be a really good thing.
Australia Day means appreciating everyone in your life. Your work colleagues, your neighbours, your friends and families. Realising that thanks to immigration, Australia is a melting pot of cultures.
Which means we have Greek festivals. Thumping Chinese New Year parties. Fantastic take-away options from every country in the world. We have diversity and yes... we still have a few problems.
And Australia Day helps to remind us that there is no such thing as the quintessential Australian. As the vast majority of our population settled here from other countries.
Bringing new languages to our shores. An array of skin tones. And culinary delights that we have adopted and changed with our own unique take on them.
But more often than not, we find we have things in common. We all smile. We can all cry. We all want our children to be healthy and happy. We want our family to be safe. We are, as they say... all in this together.
So yes, I think it's a damn fine idea that once a year we take a day off to remind ourselves of that fact.
Australians travel a lot. You'll find us everywhere. We have this insane curiosity to visit new places, meet new people and try new things. Perhaps because it makes us appreciate what we have back home in Oz all the more. Or perhaps it's because we are all a little bit mad... all that sunshine.
I'm leaning to a mix of the two.
So here's wishing you a belated Australia Day, it's not too late to join in the celebrations. Just remember, when it comes to the vegemite - scrape, don't slather. Words to live by.
Yes, yes, you'd think I would know after all these years not to slather it on my toast in the morning, but to scrape it so that it barely makes contact with the bread.
So what else does Australia Day mean, besides celebrating with vegemite on toast for breakfast? Well, since it is summer time, it generally means getting together with friends for a barbecue at the beach or the park.
It means staying at home and watching the Australian Open tennis on TV.
It means being thankful that we live in such a wonderful country... and okay, maybe it is a little far from the rest of the world. But I've been watching the news lately and am starting to believe that this might actually be a really good thing.
Australia Day means appreciating everyone in your life. Your work colleagues, your neighbours, your friends and families. Realising that thanks to immigration, Australia is a melting pot of cultures.
Which means we have Greek festivals. Thumping Chinese New Year parties. Fantastic take-away options from every country in the world. We have diversity and yes... we still have a few problems.
And Australia Day helps to remind us that there is no such thing as the quintessential Australian. As the vast majority of our population settled here from other countries.
Bringing new languages to our shores. An array of skin tones. And culinary delights that we have adopted and changed with our own unique take on them.
But more often than not, we find we have things in common. We all smile. We can all cry. We all want our children to be healthy and happy. We want our family to be safe. We are, as they say... all in this together.
So yes, I think it's a damn fine idea that once a year we take a day off to remind ourselves of that fact.
Australians travel a lot. You'll find us everywhere. We have this insane curiosity to visit new places, meet new people and try new things. Perhaps because it makes us appreciate what we have back home in Oz all the more. Or perhaps it's because we are all a little bit mad... all that sunshine.
I'm leaning to a mix of the two.
So here's wishing you a belated Australia Day, it's not too late to join in the celebrations. Just remember, when it comes to the vegemite - scrape, don't slather. Words to live by.
January 1, 2017
Happy New Year all - a glimpse of what's coming
New Year kisses for everyone. Am sitting here in my pjs, eating breakfast, and contemplating the reality that will be 2017.
I have a reasonably good idea of what the year will bring - mainly because I have book ten - To Surprise A Seer - finished, at least in draft form.
It's time for Quinn, one of the bridesmaid's from book one to step up.
To say this gal loves a schedule would be putting it mildly. Discipline, order, and a strict, healthy lifestyle help to keep her balanced... and fingers crossed, will prevent her deepest, darkest fear from becoming a reality.
Unfortunately for Quinn, there are big changes coming. As a psychiatrist she has new patients added to her roster. Neither of her cousins - Gaia or Hadleigh - are dealing with their pregnancies well.
And then there's Latin Hottie, Matias Yanez, who threatens to set fire to Quinn's carefully ordered world. He's arrogant, gruff, and the jerk never seems to be able to remember her name.
As a Seer, Quinn sees the present and the past, but when she and Matias touch, she catches glimpses of the future. An impossible one.
Working together to track down Matias's long-lost sister and bring to justice those that killed his parents - Quinn and Matias will be facing off against hybrid-Jaguar creatures and travelling through time to fix past mistakes.
Falling in love has never been scarier, Quinn will be risking everything if she follows her heart and lets Matias into her life.
Then later in the year - book eleven - To Fight A Fate. Yet another of the bridesmaids from book one will be taking centre stage. Riya, Fate Weaver and talented seamstress, will be hooking up with Maat Warrior, Marcus.
This one is in the development stages right now. Lots of ideas are bubbling out of the swamp of imagination, otherwise known as my head.
The first few chapters are written - but where this story will end up is anyone's guess. Promise to keep you updated over the coming months on my progress.
In the meantime, if you have any questions - feel free to drop me an email via the Goodreads site. Or, you can just ask your question on my author page.
Thank you to everyone for reading my books in 2016. And for taking the time to let me know what you thought. Plus, a special shout out to everyone who wrote a review - can't tell you how much I love reading them. We all need a little encouragement occasionally, and you guys really help keep me motivated to continue writing. Thanks.
I have a reasonably good idea of what the year will bring - mainly because I have book ten - To Surprise A Seer - finished, at least in draft form.
It's time for Quinn, one of the bridesmaid's from book one to step up.
To say this gal loves a schedule would be putting it mildly. Discipline, order, and a strict, healthy lifestyle help to keep her balanced... and fingers crossed, will prevent her deepest, darkest fear from becoming a reality.
Unfortunately for Quinn, there are big changes coming. As a psychiatrist she has new patients added to her roster. Neither of her cousins - Gaia or Hadleigh - are dealing with their pregnancies well.
And then there's Latin Hottie, Matias Yanez, who threatens to set fire to Quinn's carefully ordered world. He's arrogant, gruff, and the jerk never seems to be able to remember her name.
As a Seer, Quinn sees the present and the past, but when she and Matias touch, she catches glimpses of the future. An impossible one.
Working together to track down Matias's long-lost sister and bring to justice those that killed his parents - Quinn and Matias will be facing off against hybrid-Jaguar creatures and travelling through time to fix past mistakes.
Falling in love has never been scarier, Quinn will be risking everything if she follows her heart and lets Matias into her life.
Then later in the year - book eleven - To Fight A Fate. Yet another of the bridesmaids from book one will be taking centre stage. Riya, Fate Weaver and talented seamstress, will be hooking up with Maat Warrior, Marcus.
This one is in the development stages right now. Lots of ideas are bubbling out of the swamp of imagination, otherwise known as my head.
The first few chapters are written - but where this story will end up is anyone's guess. Promise to keep you updated over the coming months on my progress.
In the meantime, if you have any questions - feel free to drop me an email via the Goodreads site. Or, you can just ask your question on my author page.
Thank you to everyone for reading my books in 2016. And for taking the time to let me know what you thought. Plus, a special shout out to everyone who wrote a review - can't tell you how much I love reading them. We all need a little encouragement occasionally, and you guys really help keep me motivated to continue writing. Thanks.
November 18, 2016
To Vex A Valkyrie (Southern Sanctuary - Book 9) Released today!
To Vex A Valkyrie (Southern Sanctuary - Book 9)
Brodie Buchanan lives for war, the bloodier, the better. But lately, even her fellow Valkyrie have become concerned with how single-minded and blood thirsty she has become. Forced to take a holiday at the Southern Sanctuary, Brodie's boss has warned her not to return until she is completely chilled. Or in other words, bang a guy, they are the best stress relievers out there.
There’s nothing more dangerous than saying no to a Valkyrie. Doubly so when they are demanding you have sex with them. Unfortunately for Fen Valhalla, fireman, and air mage, there is only one option available to him if he wants to escape the dreaded machinations of the Southern Sanctuary match maker, celibacy. As much as it pains him, the only way for Fen to remain single, is to swear off women completely. Problem is, he failed to factor in one very determined six-foot Valkyrie when he took his vow of abstinence.
With a magical arsonist wreaking havoc in the Sanctuary, it will take Brodie and Fen working together, to hunt down and stop the firebug menace before anyone is killed. There is only one small problem, the more time Brodie spends with the vexing man, the more she finds herself wanting not just merely sex from Fen… she wants it all. Damn, so all she has to do now is convince Fen that love is not a dirty four-letter word. Or, she could just kill him… decisions, decisions.
Brodie Buchanan lives for war, the bloodier, the better. But lately, even her fellow Valkyrie have become concerned with how single-minded and blood thirsty she has become. Forced to take a holiday at the Southern Sanctuary, Brodie's boss has warned her not to return until she is completely chilled. Or in other words, bang a guy, they are the best stress relievers out there.
There’s nothing more dangerous than saying no to a Valkyrie. Doubly so when they are demanding you have sex with them. Unfortunately for Fen Valhalla, fireman, and air mage, there is only one option available to him if he wants to escape the dreaded machinations of the Southern Sanctuary match maker, celibacy. As much as it pains him, the only way for Fen to remain single, is to swear off women completely. Problem is, he failed to factor in one very determined six-foot Valkyrie when he took his vow of abstinence.
With a magical arsonist wreaking havoc in the Sanctuary, it will take Brodie and Fen working together, to hunt down and stop the firebug menace before anyone is killed. There is only one small problem, the more time Brodie spends with the vexing man, the more she finds herself wanting not just merely sex from Fen… she wants it all. Damn, so all she has to do now is convince Fen that love is not a dirty four-letter word. Or, she could just kill him… decisions, decisions.
October 23, 2016
Time for the 'sex' talk....
I don't claim to be a sexpert - but I am a writer, and the mechanics are pretty basic; insert toggle A into slot B, and shake it all about.
Except, if I wrote a sex scene like that I would totally ruin the mood for the reader.
But there are only a finite number of ways to write a sex scene... unless you are Laurell. K. Hamilton and then not only do you invent positions, but you throw a literal army into the sex scene to spice up the action. And then you just throw out the idea of even having a story and just keep all the characters bonking their brains out until you hit page 500.... the end.
But my genre is romance (PNR and Humour/Mystery romance to be precise). So invariably that involves a meet cute, where hopefully sparks fly. Tension is added, bad guys abound, our H & h swap witty dialogue and the sexual tension grows.
Now the pay off in a romance is the HEA. But it is critical these days to have at least one big sex scene - to seal the deal - so to speak I guess.
Gone are the days of the metaphorical - between the pages - hook-up of waves crashing on beaches or fireworks lighting up the sky.
Now, readers expect a hot, steamy, sweaty, worthy of the characters - sex scene. And I, am expected to deliver it.
First, you start with research. I'm not talking about hitting the red light district for the sake of my art. I'm talking about learning how to write a good sex scene.
And there is no better place to start than with Erotica.
Over the years I have been subjected to the good, the bad, and the unintentionally hilarious.
More than anything, this research taught me about how 'not to write a sex scene.' Yes, you read that right.
I'm a reader, as much as I am a writer. So any time I found myself skimming, or rolling my eyes. I had to slow down, focus and work out why I was reacting the way I was.
First off. Any sex noises, the oooh, ahhs and sundry of other sounds needed to be kept to a minimum.
Secondly, You can't go the clinical route. Even if your sex scene stars a naughty nurse and a handsome doctor. No one wants to read about the labia. Or be taught the latin medical terminology for all our pink bits.
Thirdly, watch the descriptives. The word engorged should be used minimally.
I often put off writing my sex scenes. Insert sex scene here - oh my, this looks like a good place to stop for the day.
Which I suppose is the reason why I often find myself at 7am the following morning, dressed in my PJ's, eating my porridge and writing the much needed, critical sex scene.
And for all that dread, by the second line my fingers are racing across the keyboard and the scene comes as naturally as you please... generally with a bit of humour and witty dialogue thrown in to keep it fresh and unique.
After all, technically - it is still insert toggle A into slot B and shake it all about.
Happy Reading!
Except, if I wrote a sex scene like that I would totally ruin the mood for the reader.
But there are only a finite number of ways to write a sex scene... unless you are Laurell. K. Hamilton and then not only do you invent positions, but you throw a literal army into the sex scene to spice up the action. And then you just throw out the idea of even having a story and just keep all the characters bonking their brains out until you hit page 500.... the end.
But my genre is romance (PNR and Humour/Mystery romance to be precise). So invariably that involves a meet cute, where hopefully sparks fly. Tension is added, bad guys abound, our H & h swap witty dialogue and the sexual tension grows.
Now the pay off in a romance is the HEA. But it is critical these days to have at least one big sex scene - to seal the deal - so to speak I guess.
Gone are the days of the metaphorical - between the pages - hook-up of waves crashing on beaches or fireworks lighting up the sky.
Now, readers expect a hot, steamy, sweaty, worthy of the characters - sex scene. And I, am expected to deliver it.
First, you start with research. I'm not talking about hitting the red light district for the sake of my art. I'm talking about learning how to write a good sex scene.
And there is no better place to start than with Erotica.
Over the years I have been subjected to the good, the bad, and the unintentionally hilarious.
More than anything, this research taught me about how 'not to write a sex scene.' Yes, you read that right.
I'm a reader, as much as I am a writer. So any time I found myself skimming, or rolling my eyes. I had to slow down, focus and work out why I was reacting the way I was.
First off. Any sex noises, the oooh, ahhs and sundry of other sounds needed to be kept to a minimum.
Secondly, You can't go the clinical route. Even if your sex scene stars a naughty nurse and a handsome doctor. No one wants to read about the labia. Or be taught the latin medical terminology for all our pink bits.
Thirdly, watch the descriptives. The word engorged should be used minimally.
I often put off writing my sex scenes. Insert sex scene here - oh my, this looks like a good place to stop for the day.
Which I suppose is the reason why I often find myself at 7am the following morning, dressed in my PJ's, eating my porridge and writing the much needed, critical sex scene.
And for all that dread, by the second line my fingers are racing across the keyboard and the scene comes as naturally as you please... generally with a bit of humour and witty dialogue thrown in to keep it fresh and unique.
After all, technically - it is still insert toggle A into slot B and shake it all about.
Happy Reading!
September 22, 2016
Writing a book - the love and hate cycle
Starting a novel is easy. The idea is fresh and I have generally been inspired by a meet-cute that is easy to deliver upon.
Those first few chapters are a dream to write. We meet our H & h, witty dialogue ensues and we start the set up.
Easy as pie, loving this story, these characters and this book... so far.
Then things tend to grind a bit , as the story / plot finds it feet. I'm assailed with ideas on several directions in which to take the characters but go with my gut.
At the half way point things start to go a bit wobbly. Is this funny? Is this making any sense? Are the characters being consistent? This is crap isn't it?
Take the time to do a re-read. My fears are laid to rest. It is funny. It does flow. These characters are really good together, seriously, what was my problem?
Thanks to the re-read I know where to head next. The back third of novel though still requires a bit of a push - the end is in sight but still so far away. With 2-4 chapters to go, the elation sets in. But then so does the doubt.
Have I taken care of every thread? Has the peaks and troughs of this relationship been realistic and true to who the characters are? (I know they are made up people in a made up world - but after months writing them I wish good things for them and a HEA worthy of them)
Am I resolving the bad guy situation appropriately? Doing them justice? You can't introduce a bad guy and then resolve them/and all the problems they created in a paragraph - I loathe when that happens.
The last two chapters are in sight. Should I include an epilogue? Is there anything more left to say? I am so over this book, I can't even be bothered re-reading it. Just put it away for 3-4 months and cross your fingers when it comes time to edit/re-write that it is not as bad as you think it is.
Four months later - re-read time. Oh, thank God, this isn't half as bad as I thought it was going to be.
Two weeks later - if this is so good, why is it taking so much time and effort to re-write/edit?
No it's good.
No one is going to want to buy this crap. I can just see all the one and two star comments now.
Hit publish button. I love this book, these characters. They are the best, so funny, so cool. I hope everyone loves them as much as I do.
After eleven books I have this cycle down pretty much pat. Have no idea if this is how other authors experience the writing process. But thought, since I am currently 2 chapters away from completing the draft of Book 10 - To Surprise A Seer - that you might appreciate a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes - pure madness obviously.
Thanks for always coming on the roller coaster ride with me.
Those first few chapters are a dream to write. We meet our H & h, witty dialogue ensues and we start the set up.
Easy as pie, loving this story, these characters and this book... so far.
Then things tend to grind a bit , as the story / plot finds it feet. I'm assailed with ideas on several directions in which to take the characters but go with my gut.
At the half way point things start to go a bit wobbly. Is this funny? Is this making any sense? Are the characters being consistent? This is crap isn't it?
Take the time to do a re-read. My fears are laid to rest. It is funny. It does flow. These characters are really good together, seriously, what was my problem?
Thanks to the re-read I know where to head next. The back third of novel though still requires a bit of a push - the end is in sight but still so far away. With 2-4 chapters to go, the elation sets in. But then so does the doubt.
Have I taken care of every thread? Has the peaks and troughs of this relationship been realistic and true to who the characters are? (I know they are made up people in a made up world - but after months writing them I wish good things for them and a HEA worthy of them)
Am I resolving the bad guy situation appropriately? Doing them justice? You can't introduce a bad guy and then resolve them/and all the problems they created in a paragraph - I loathe when that happens.
The last two chapters are in sight. Should I include an epilogue? Is there anything more left to say? I am so over this book, I can't even be bothered re-reading it. Just put it away for 3-4 months and cross your fingers when it comes time to edit/re-write that it is not as bad as you think it is.
Four months later - re-read time. Oh, thank God, this isn't half as bad as I thought it was going to be.
Two weeks later - if this is so good, why is it taking so much time and effort to re-write/edit?
No it's good.
No one is going to want to buy this crap. I can just see all the one and two star comments now.
Hit publish button. I love this book, these characters. They are the best, so funny, so cool. I hope everyone loves them as much as I do.
After eleven books I have this cycle down pretty much pat. Have no idea if this is how other authors experience the writing process. But thought, since I am currently 2 chapters away from completing the draft of Book 10 - To Surprise A Seer - that you might appreciate a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes - pure madness obviously.
Thanks for always coming on the roller coaster ride with me.
