Jane Cousins's Blog, page 9
September 10, 2016
I'm a Writer - the weird and wacky responses to that simple statement
Who knew that telling people I am a Writer would be on par with declaring I am a Dentist, Proctologist or Politician.
Okay, no one exactly screws up their nose, but everyone always seems to have a strong opinion.
My all time favourite response generally goes something along the lines of; "I could never dream of writing an ENTIRE book."
I know it might be childish but this statement always makes me want to bark out in my best Sergeant-Major voice - Never say never. Drop and give me twenty pages.
"A Writer? Really? Aren't you clever."
Sometimes this is clearly a compliment, sometimes not so much, as they appear genuinely surprised by the fact that I am capable of stringing several sentences together.
"Would I have heard of you?"
I love this one. It's up there with - Oh, I have a cousin in Australia, maybe you know them?
"PNR? (Followed by the slightest sniff of disdain) That's a thing?"
Once upon a time I would have spluttered a defensive response. Pointed out the Twilight phenomena. Listed best selling, award winning authors such as J.D Robb, Charlaine Harris and a host of others. Then probably scurried away deflated, made to feel as if I had just sold my soul for three magic beans.
Now a days I just smile, square my shoulders and look them straight in the eye before launching into a detail summation of each and every one of my books - Hey, they asked.
"Would your work be suitable for my book club?"
If your club enjoys steamy, hot, fun romances and a couple of glasses of chardonnay - then sure.
"Couldn't you write something else?"
...... um, what exactly?
"Romance Writer? You write about sex?"
Yes, all my books are is wall to wall sex scenes. Relentless, hot and heavy, sweaty sex. Which is better than telling them the truth - Yes, I write the occasional sex scene. Generally just after breakfast when I'm sitting in my pyjamas, looking out the window at my garden, grinding my teeth at the number of weeds that have sprouted up, seemingly over night.
And let's not forget the wacky, left field responses.
"Aren't you afraid of plagiarising someone else's work?"
Seriously? Never! It's called an imagination. Use it.
"So do you have to do a lot of research, for the sex scenes?"
Yes. (Tone dripping with sarcasm)
Follow up question. "So would you like to conduct that research with me?"
No.
Maybe I was lulled into a false sense of security because before writing, my occupation was 'I.T Manager' - since no one knows exactly what that entails they generally just nodded and smiled. (Okay, yes, the occasional person would ask me about a problem they were having with their computer).
It took me several years to believe I was a Writer. It seemed awfully presumptuous to declare myself one after publishing only a book or two. But then came a third book and a fourth. (And now I'm into double digits - WooHoo!) The truth could no longer be denied - I was a Writer.
Now I take pride in saying it out loud. I take even more pride in not howling in laughter and rolling around on the ground when someone responds with such pithy statements as - "A Writer, really? Thanks to the Internet, isn't everyone calling themselves a Writer these days?"
Let's find out - Drop and give me twenty pages.
Okay, no one exactly screws up their nose, but everyone always seems to have a strong opinion.
My all time favourite response generally goes something along the lines of; "I could never dream of writing an ENTIRE book."
I know it might be childish but this statement always makes me want to bark out in my best Sergeant-Major voice - Never say never. Drop and give me twenty pages.
"A Writer? Really? Aren't you clever."
Sometimes this is clearly a compliment, sometimes not so much, as they appear genuinely surprised by the fact that I am capable of stringing several sentences together.
"Would I have heard of you?"
I love this one. It's up there with - Oh, I have a cousin in Australia, maybe you know them?
"PNR? (Followed by the slightest sniff of disdain) That's a thing?"
Once upon a time I would have spluttered a defensive response. Pointed out the Twilight phenomena. Listed best selling, award winning authors such as J.D Robb, Charlaine Harris and a host of others. Then probably scurried away deflated, made to feel as if I had just sold my soul for three magic beans.
Now a days I just smile, square my shoulders and look them straight in the eye before launching into a detail summation of each and every one of my books - Hey, they asked.
"Would your work be suitable for my book club?"
If your club enjoys steamy, hot, fun romances and a couple of glasses of chardonnay - then sure.
"Couldn't you write something else?"
...... um, what exactly?
"Romance Writer? You write about sex?"
Yes, all my books are is wall to wall sex scenes. Relentless, hot and heavy, sweaty sex. Which is better than telling them the truth - Yes, I write the occasional sex scene. Generally just after breakfast when I'm sitting in my pyjamas, looking out the window at my garden, grinding my teeth at the number of weeds that have sprouted up, seemingly over night.
And let's not forget the wacky, left field responses.
"Aren't you afraid of plagiarising someone else's work?"
Seriously? Never! It's called an imagination. Use it.
"So do you have to do a lot of research, for the sex scenes?"
Yes. (Tone dripping with sarcasm)
Follow up question. "So would you like to conduct that research with me?"
No.
Maybe I was lulled into a false sense of security because before writing, my occupation was 'I.T Manager' - since no one knows exactly what that entails they generally just nodded and smiled. (Okay, yes, the occasional person would ask me about a problem they were having with their computer).
It took me several years to believe I was a Writer. It seemed awfully presumptuous to declare myself one after publishing only a book or two. But then came a third book and a fourth. (And now I'm into double digits - WooHoo!) The truth could no longer be denied - I was a Writer.
Now I take pride in saying it out loud. I take even more pride in not howling in laughter and rolling around on the ground when someone responds with such pithy statements as - "A Writer, really? Thanks to the Internet, isn't everyone calling themselves a Writer these days?"
Let's find out - Drop and give me twenty pages.
August 26, 2016
Q & A Time
Thanks to everyone for your recent letters, questions, comments and critiques. I love how invested you've all become in the characters and worlds I have created.
Thanks also to everyone who has taken the time to write a review and post it on Goodreads/Amazon - truly appreciate your thoughts and feedback.
So let's get down to the business of answering all those burning questions:
Q - Who features in book nine? And when will it be published?
A - To Vex A Valkyrie features Fen, fireman, and brother to Locke, Hadleigh and Erik. The last singleton of the Valhalla clan living in the Southern Sanctuary.
Fen has watched as one after the other his siblings have fallen victim to the match making machination of Great-Aunt Alma, and he's determined not to be next. So much so, that even though it pains him he has taken a vow of celibacy.
Of course that is the moment a 6 foot Valkyrie falls right into his lap.
Brodie lives for war and the bloodier the battle, the better. Though the new y-generation of Valkyries keep complaining about how she is too blood-thirsty and scary.
Forced to take a holiday in 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.
Brodie of course sets her sights on Fen. And with a deadly supernatural firebug thrown into the mix, it will take Fen and Brodie working together to survive... whilst falling in love along the way.
Publication date? I wish I could narrow it down. But with a bathroom renovation going on at my place and general life hassles - let's just say I expect to release book nine sometime in October or November. Promise to keep you updated.
Q - What is the strangest thing that has sparked your imagination or inspired something in one of your books?
A - I think the invisible sheep were a stroke of pure genius. But I didn't create them. Tom, then seven years old, the son of some friends of mine, had a flock of invisible sheep as imaginary play mates. As soon as he told me about them I knew I had to co-opt them for my world.
Q - Do you plan/plot out a book carefully before you commence writing?
A - Not to any great extent, no. What generally happens is that I'm writing a story and a fantastic meet-cute idea will occur to me regarding a secondary character. Which can be annoying - given I'm writing a novel featuring completely different characters.
And the more I ignore the great idea for the secondary characters - the more plot ideas occur to me.
This proved very annoying - when I was writing To Date A Disaster - featuring Erik & Cara. I was bombarded with all these great ideas on how to make Fen's (Erik's brother) life hellish. The whole idea of a Valkyrie who chases/pursues him just came to me.
Q - What other characters - that we've met - do you have plans to feature in up coming stories?
A - At this stage I am writing Quinn's story. Next up it is slated to be Riya and Marcus (Maat warrior). Then Darcy.
Down the track I have vague plans for Fraser, Gigi, Flynn and Dash.
And a character who has totally come out of left field whilst I am writing book ten to demand his own full length book is Elijah, head of the Enforcers.
I'd always had a novella in mind for him, but this fabulous secondary character has appeared in book ten who will prove a perfect match for him. Promises to be a lot of laughs and frustration on the cards for these two.
Elijah's story is slated to follow Darcy's starring turn.
Q - I'm pretty sure I know who Darcy ends up with, will you confirm his identity?
A - Where would be the fun in that? And you should know, I've been dropping hints since book one. Can't wait to get stuck into Darcy's tale, not too far away now. Think I've mentioned I've already written the prologue and have the whole thing vaguely plotted out. Darcy's a little demanding like that, as you well know.
Q - What's the best/worst thing about being a writer?
A - The best? Easy. Writing. I love bringing these characters to life. I love how often they end up surprising even me with the situations they get themselves in to.
The worst? The isolation. Writing is a solitary occupation. Sometimes it feels like you are in a vacuum, and that no one out there is reading your work, liking it or responding to it.
Q - Which of your books is your favourite?
A - I get asked this a lot. Is there a prize if I get the answer right? Kidding. I love all my books. And go through the same journey with each of them. I fall in love with my characters. They make me laugh, surprising even me with the stuff that comes out of their mouths.
Above all I want my characters to find a place to belong. A community that will accept them no matter how different or unique they are. And I want them to find a HEA with a meld mate who is obviously their best friend and perfect match.
Q - You've mentioned previously starting a new series, any update on that?
A - I have two sci-fi series battling it out in my head. I really like both ideas - but they are completely different.
At this stage I can't imagine changing my focus from the Southern Sanctuary series until I have written Darcy's tale. For some reason that book has always been some kind of milestone in my head.
Watch this space for more news in regards to new series.
Once again. Thanks to everyone for your letters, comments and feedback. Hopefully your burning question was covered by the above. If not, contact me via my Goodreads mailbox, or ask me a question on my Author Page.
Until my next blog... Happy Reading.
Thanks also to everyone who has taken the time to write a review and post it on Goodreads/Amazon - truly appreciate your thoughts and feedback.
So let's get down to the business of answering all those burning questions:
Q - Who features in book nine? And when will it be published?
A - To Vex A Valkyrie features Fen, fireman, and brother to Locke, Hadleigh and Erik. The last singleton of the Valhalla clan living in the Southern Sanctuary.
Fen has watched as one after the other his siblings have fallen victim to the match making machination of Great-Aunt Alma, and he's determined not to be next. So much so, that even though it pains him he has taken a vow of celibacy.
Of course that is the moment a 6 foot Valkyrie falls right into his lap.
Brodie lives for war and the bloodier the battle, the better. Though the new y-generation of Valkyries keep complaining about how she is too blood-thirsty and scary.
Forced to take a holiday in 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.
Brodie of course sets her sights on Fen. And with a deadly supernatural firebug thrown into the mix, it will take Fen and Brodie working together to survive... whilst falling in love along the way.
Publication date? I wish I could narrow it down. But with a bathroom renovation going on at my place and general life hassles - let's just say I expect to release book nine sometime in October or November. Promise to keep you updated.
Q - What is the strangest thing that has sparked your imagination or inspired something in one of your books?
A - I think the invisible sheep were a stroke of pure genius. But I didn't create them. Tom, then seven years old, the son of some friends of mine, had a flock of invisible sheep as imaginary play mates. As soon as he told me about them I knew I had to co-opt them for my world.
Q - Do you plan/plot out a book carefully before you commence writing?
A - Not to any great extent, no. What generally happens is that I'm writing a story and a fantastic meet-cute idea will occur to me regarding a secondary character. Which can be annoying - given I'm writing a novel featuring completely different characters.
And the more I ignore the great idea for the secondary characters - the more plot ideas occur to me.
This proved very annoying - when I was writing To Date A Disaster - featuring Erik & Cara. I was bombarded with all these great ideas on how to make Fen's (Erik's brother) life hellish. The whole idea of a Valkyrie who chases/pursues him just came to me.
Q - What other characters - that we've met - do you have plans to feature in up coming stories?
A - At this stage I am writing Quinn's story. Next up it is slated to be Riya and Marcus (Maat warrior). Then Darcy.
Down the track I have vague plans for Fraser, Gigi, Flynn and Dash.
And a character who has totally come out of left field whilst I am writing book ten to demand his own full length book is Elijah, head of the Enforcers.
I'd always had a novella in mind for him, but this fabulous secondary character has appeared in book ten who will prove a perfect match for him. Promises to be a lot of laughs and frustration on the cards for these two.
Elijah's story is slated to follow Darcy's starring turn.
Q - I'm pretty sure I know who Darcy ends up with, will you confirm his identity?
A - Where would be the fun in that? And you should know, I've been dropping hints since book one. Can't wait to get stuck into Darcy's tale, not too far away now. Think I've mentioned I've already written the prologue and have the whole thing vaguely plotted out. Darcy's a little demanding like that, as you well know.
Q - What's the best/worst thing about being a writer?
A - The best? Easy. Writing. I love bringing these characters to life. I love how often they end up surprising even me with the situations they get themselves in to.
The worst? The isolation. Writing is a solitary occupation. Sometimes it feels like you are in a vacuum, and that no one out there is reading your work, liking it or responding to it.
Q - Which of your books is your favourite?
A - I get asked this a lot. Is there a prize if I get the answer right? Kidding. I love all my books. And go through the same journey with each of them. I fall in love with my characters. They make me laugh, surprising even me with the stuff that comes out of their mouths.
Above all I want my characters to find a place to belong. A community that will accept them no matter how different or unique they are. And I want them to find a HEA with a meld mate who is obviously their best friend and perfect match.
Q - You've mentioned previously starting a new series, any update on that?
A - I have two sci-fi series battling it out in my head. I really like both ideas - but they are completely different.
At this stage I can't imagine changing my focus from the Southern Sanctuary series until I have written Darcy's tale. For some reason that book has always been some kind of milestone in my head.
Watch this space for more news in regards to new series.
Once again. Thanks to everyone for your letters, comments and feedback. Hopefully your burning question was covered by the above. If not, contact me via my Goodreads mailbox, or ask me a question on my Author Page.
Until my next blog... Happy Reading.
August 17, 2016
Questions in now, for next Q&A fest.
Refreshed from holiday and ready to tackle the world... or at the very least my mailbox. I'm gearing up for another Q&A blog.
So send me in those questions either via my Goodreads mailbox, reply to this blog or you can leave a comment on my author page.
Topic wise? I'm not picky.
Do you have a burning question about a character or a plot point? Dying to find out what's in store for your favourite character?
Or maybe there's a question about the magical world of the Southern Sanctuary you've been wondering about?
Perhaps you're a By The Numbers fan and want to know more about that series?
As for personal questions about yours truly? Well, you can ask them, can't guarantee I will answer them. Please leave me some mystique.
Anyway - you have a about a week to ten days to get your questions in. So don't be shy.
BTW - My Bangkok holiday was a blast. Wonderful (warm) city. I am officially footsore but have loads of new clothes and sparkly things to call my own. The cocktails were plentiful. The Thai food spicy.
My favourite moment? It's a toss up between a wild tuk-tuk race through the traffic to Chinatown or the fireworks on the river just as we passed by on boat.
Okay, time for me to get back to the business of finishing up the first draft of book 10. So much fun.
So send me in those questions either via my Goodreads mailbox, reply to this blog or you can leave a comment on my author page.
Topic wise? I'm not picky.
Do you have a burning question about a character or a plot point? Dying to find out what's in store for your favourite character?
Or maybe there's a question about the magical world of the Southern Sanctuary you've been wondering about?
Perhaps you're a By The Numbers fan and want to know more about that series?
As for personal questions about yours truly? Well, you can ask them, can't guarantee I will answer them. Please leave me some mystique.
Anyway - you have a about a week to ten days to get your questions in. So don't be shy.
BTW - My Bangkok holiday was a blast. Wonderful (warm) city. I am officially footsore but have loads of new clothes and sparkly things to call my own. The cocktails were plentiful. The Thai food spicy.
My favourite moment? It's a toss up between a wild tuk-tuk race through the traffic to Chinatown or the fireworks on the river just as we passed by on boat.
Okay, time for me to get back to the business of finishing up the first draft of book 10. So much fun.
August 3, 2016
Brrr, time for a mid-year break
It's officially icy in Melbourne currently. And I've had enough of the winter chill. Time to ditch the winter woolies and head to warmer climes... where cocktails roam free.
Three longtime gal pals and I are off to Bangkok for a week of shopping, shopping and, oh yes, shopping. No doubt to be interspersed with a lot of eating, drinking and mindless chatter that no one, but us, will find funny.
I promise to come back refreshed and ready to power through and complete writing the final draft of book ten. Once that is done I have a several other projects clamouring for my attention.
One among them is to edit and publish book nine - To Vex A Valkyrie.
Of course another of the projects is getting my one and only bathroom completely renovated. So am expecting chaos and mayhem in my life in the very near future that will severely interfere with my ability to even postulate a publication date for book 9 as yet. Sorry.
Hope everyone out there is having a great year. Can't believe it is August already. Just remember to treat yourself occasionally... you deserve it.
Here's raising a fruity cocktail in your direction come next week - Cheers.
Three longtime gal pals and I are off to Bangkok for a week of shopping, shopping and, oh yes, shopping. No doubt to be interspersed with a lot of eating, drinking and mindless chatter that no one, but us, will find funny.
I promise to come back refreshed and ready to power through and complete writing the final draft of book ten. Once that is done I have a several other projects clamouring for my attention.
One among them is to edit and publish book nine - To Vex A Valkyrie.
Of course another of the projects is getting my one and only bathroom completely renovated. So am expecting chaos and mayhem in my life in the very near future that will severely interfere with my ability to even postulate a publication date for book 9 as yet. Sorry.
Hope everyone out there is having a great year. Can't believe it is August already. Just remember to treat yourself occasionally... you deserve it.
Here's raising a fruity cocktail in your direction come next week - Cheers.
July 22, 2016
Tough vs too manipulative plotting decisions
I don't get out the sock puppets or anything and act out scenes as I write them - but I do get to know and cherish all my characters, not just the leads but all the secondary characters.
I know what they would find amusing. The way they would talk and dress. Their fears. Their hopes.
And I can only imagine that this happens to other authors - so how do they make the tough decisions?
How do they resolve the love triangle? Are they swayed by the fans? Or has the author known from day one who the ultimate choice will be?
I've read series where book after book the sexual tension creeps higher and higher. And if the author is very good and presented me with three likeable and relatable characters - and two equally hot potential hooks ups - then I have probably changed who I wish to end up together several times.
But a tease can only go on for so long. Though the resolution of a love triangle can make or break some series.
For some readers, if their preferred match-up doesn't occur then they are done. Or worse, the series then loses all its momentum, and all the readers become dissatisfied.
For me, I'm generally not fussed how a love triangle is resolved, unless the author chose the cop out resolution method. Whereby they killed off one of the suitors. Grrr.
Which brings us to another 'tough' plotting decision. Killing off characters.
There are some characters who from the moment you read about them scream plot device. You know, the young just out of the academy ensign with the crush. Or the loyal non-magical partner who insists upon going up against the monsters.
For me the most shocking - as in hard to read but wow, totally blew my mind - deaths, are the vital characters. The ones you read about and think... no, this must be a mistake. The hero/heroine will find a way to bring them back - but they don't.
And then there are the 'easy/too manipulative' plotting devices authors should avoid.
- Equating tears to making a heroine sympathetic.
- Thinking alpha male equates to stoic and mono-syllabic
- Bitchy women. Come on, make the female characters more multi-dimensional than that.
- Mating is being attracted to each other on a basic level. It does not necessarily mean love. So please work a little harder to make me believe in a couple when 'mating' is involved.
- Resolving a bad guy situation in a sentence or a paragraph following a lot of hype (sometimes across several books - yes, I'm thinking about you, Maria Snyder).
- Including a new/rookie character and then proceeding to dump a load of information on them in huge chunks, all but drowning the reader in facts and details.
- Making it so that every male character inexplicably falls in love with the heroine, no matter how bitchy, merely pretty or a train-wreck she is.
- A perfect hero... so boring.
- A whiney, ill-informed, TSTL heroine... so annoying
- Insta-love.
Okay, now I'm starting to rant.
But you know what I'm on about. The best books, your favourites... the worlds are effortlessly and easily imagined. The characters are flawed but fabulous. Relatable, funny, sympathetic, noble, petty, sexy, grumpy.
And the plots have twists and turns, unexpected dips and new takes on old standards. The journey to the HEA is fraught with laughs, obstacles, bad guys, inner demons, highs and lows. And no matter how good the read, as you flick the final page... you're a little bit sad that the ride is over so soon.
I know what they would find amusing. The way they would talk and dress. Their fears. Their hopes.
And I can only imagine that this happens to other authors - so how do they make the tough decisions?
How do they resolve the love triangle? Are they swayed by the fans? Or has the author known from day one who the ultimate choice will be?
I've read series where book after book the sexual tension creeps higher and higher. And if the author is very good and presented me with three likeable and relatable characters - and two equally hot potential hooks ups - then I have probably changed who I wish to end up together several times.
But a tease can only go on for so long. Though the resolution of a love triangle can make or break some series.
For some readers, if their preferred match-up doesn't occur then they are done. Or worse, the series then loses all its momentum, and all the readers become dissatisfied.
For me, I'm generally not fussed how a love triangle is resolved, unless the author chose the cop out resolution method. Whereby they killed off one of the suitors. Grrr.
Which brings us to another 'tough' plotting decision. Killing off characters.
There are some characters who from the moment you read about them scream plot device. You know, the young just out of the academy ensign with the crush. Or the loyal non-magical partner who insists upon going up against the monsters.
For me the most shocking - as in hard to read but wow, totally blew my mind - deaths, are the vital characters. The ones you read about and think... no, this must be a mistake. The hero/heroine will find a way to bring them back - but they don't.
And then there are the 'easy/too manipulative' plotting devices authors should avoid.
- Equating tears to making a heroine sympathetic.
- Thinking alpha male equates to stoic and mono-syllabic
- Bitchy women. Come on, make the female characters more multi-dimensional than that.
- Mating is being attracted to each other on a basic level. It does not necessarily mean love. So please work a little harder to make me believe in a couple when 'mating' is involved.
- Resolving a bad guy situation in a sentence or a paragraph following a lot of hype (sometimes across several books - yes, I'm thinking about you, Maria Snyder).
- Including a new/rookie character and then proceeding to dump a load of information on them in huge chunks, all but drowning the reader in facts and details.
- Making it so that every male character inexplicably falls in love with the heroine, no matter how bitchy, merely pretty or a train-wreck she is.
- A perfect hero... so boring.
- A whiney, ill-informed, TSTL heroine... so annoying
- Insta-love.
Okay, now I'm starting to rant.
But you know what I'm on about. The best books, your favourites... the worlds are effortlessly and easily imagined. The characters are flawed but fabulous. Relatable, funny, sympathetic, noble, petty, sexy, grumpy.
And the plots have twists and turns, unexpected dips and new takes on old standards. The journey to the HEA is fraught with laughs, obstacles, bad guys, inner demons, highs and lows. And no matter how good the read, as you flick the final page... you're a little bit sad that the ride is over so soon.
July 1, 2016
Teasers - Book 10 Southern Sanctuary
I've shared lots of details in regards to book 9 - To Vex A Valkyrie, in these blogs. But what about book 10?
At this stage book 10 is tentatively titled - To Surprise A Seer.
Have completed the first five chapters - and have no idea where this plot is headed - but that's half the fun for me as a writer.
The leads are Quinn (bridesmaid from book 1) who uses her unique memory accessing powers in her work as a psychiatrist. And Matias, part owner of the Five Alarm Bar, surly man of mystery.
What can you expect from book 10?
Answers as to what happened when Quinn went up to the bar to order drinks on the day of Eli's birthday - back in book 5 To Bedevil A Beauty.
Expect lots of Gaia and Hadleigh. Neither is coping well with their pregnancy. And it's up to Quinn to get them centred and calm.
We'll also be spending more time with Elijah, head of the enforcers. Find out more about Fraser (Eli's older sister) and yes... Darcy will be making an appearance... or two.
Can't tell you much about the bad guys yet, am still developing them.
Okay, back to work. Muse don't fail me now.
At this stage book 10 is tentatively titled - To Surprise A Seer.
Have completed the first five chapters - and have no idea where this plot is headed - but that's half the fun for me as a writer.
The leads are Quinn (bridesmaid from book 1) who uses her unique memory accessing powers in her work as a psychiatrist. And Matias, part owner of the Five Alarm Bar, surly man of mystery.
What can you expect from book 10?
Answers as to what happened when Quinn went up to the bar to order drinks on the day of Eli's birthday - back in book 5 To Bedevil A Beauty.
Expect lots of Gaia and Hadleigh. Neither is coping well with their pregnancy. And it's up to Quinn to get them centred and calm.
We'll also be spending more time with Elijah, head of the enforcers. Find out more about Fraser (Eli's older sister) and yes... Darcy will be making an appearance... or two.
Can't tell you much about the bad guys yet, am still developing them.
Okay, back to work. Muse don't fail me now.
June 11, 2016
Something about a man in a kilt
Winter has descended with a shriek of wind, hail and rain in Melbourne.
Last night to celebrate the chilly new season, I lit the fire, poured myself a glass of champagne and settled in to watch a new series I had been hearing great things about - Outlander.
Well, consider me a convert. I am more than willing to worship at the muddy boots of one bare-chested kilt wearing Jamie Fraser.
Loving this show - and just wanted to share my latest obsession and convert you all... honestly, if you haven't already indulged, do so at once.
Once you've gone kilt... I doubt you'll ever want to go back.
Last night to celebrate the chilly new season, I lit the fire, poured myself a glass of champagne and settled in to watch a new series I had been hearing great things about - Outlander.
Well, consider me a convert. I am more than willing to worship at the muddy boots of one bare-chested kilt wearing Jamie Fraser.
Loving this show - and just wanted to share my latest obsession and convert you all... honestly, if you haven't already indulged, do so at once.
Once you've gone kilt... I doubt you'll ever want to go back.
May 30, 2016
To Thrill A Thief (Southern Sanctuary Book 8) RELEASED
Thanks to her magic, Eli Stevens is quite literally forgettable girl. Ten seconds out of her presence and no one remembers who she is. Which makes her an awesome master thief, but lousy girlfriend material. Resigned to a long lonely life, Eli focuses all her energy on her job as Retrieval Expert for her eccentric, magical family, who have a tendency to misplace dangerous be-spelled objects.
Drafted to snatch five rubies containing the God Apep’s chaos magic, Eli finds herself partnered up with Rafe, elite warrior of Maat, and logistics genius. The man is the epitome of walking temptation, but Eli has been burnt too often in the past to believe this time will be any different. Rafe might be a gorgeous semi-immortal being but she’s forgettable girl. It’s time to lock up her heart for good and throw away the key, before she gets it shattered into a million pieces.
For Rafe, falling in love with gorgeous thief, Eli, was easy… remembering her was the hard part. Now he just has to convince Eli to fight for them. To trust that in working together they will find a way to overcome her magic. It will take all of his skill and charm to steal Eli’s heart and thrill a thief.
Drafted to snatch five rubies containing the God Apep’s chaos magic, Eli finds herself partnered up with Rafe, elite warrior of Maat, and logistics genius. The man is the epitome of walking temptation, but Eli has been burnt too often in the past to believe this time will be any different. Rafe might be a gorgeous semi-immortal being but she’s forgettable girl. It’s time to lock up her heart for good and throw away the key, before she gets it shattered into a million pieces.
For Rafe, falling in love with gorgeous thief, Eli, was easy… remembering her was the hard part. Now he just has to convince Eli to fight for them. To trust that in working together they will find a way to overcome her magic. It will take all of his skill and charm to steal Eli’s heart and thrill a thief.
May 16, 2016
Excitement building - book 8 coming soon.
Just a quick update on book 8 of the Southern Sanctuary Series - To Thrill A Thief.
My wonderful cover artist, Fiona Jayde, has commenced work on bringing gorgeous Maat warrior, Rafe, into glossy front cover reality - yeah.
My editing hat is on - so tight it's giving me horrendous hat hair - and everything is progressing splendidly. Still eyeing an end of May publication date.
As always I will tweet, blog and generally dance up a storm of celebration following publication to let you all know when it will be available.
In the meantime... happy reading.
My wonderful cover artist, Fiona Jayde, has commenced work on bringing gorgeous Maat warrior, Rafe, into glossy front cover reality - yeah.
My editing hat is on - so tight it's giving me horrendous hat hair - and everything is progressing splendidly. Still eyeing an end of May publication date.
As always I will tweet, blog and generally dance up a storm of celebration following publication to let you all know when it will be available.
In the meantime... happy reading.
April 21, 2016
Updating you on everything going on in my world
There was much rejoicing and a fair bit of frolicking occurring in my household yesterday as I completed the first draft of book 9 - To Vex A Valkyrie.
All hail, the creative muse of inspiration.
So what happens next?
Well, like a ninja, my cat like reflexes and laser sharp focus will shift to editing the proof paperbacks that have recently arrived from my publisher for my By The Numbers series - yes, you read that right. I'm very soon going to be able to quite literally throw MY books at people.
So watch out, you'd better stay on my good side.
Come May 1st, my focus will shift again... dizzy, just thinking it - To commencing the edit/re-write of book 8: To Thrill A Thief, with the intention of publishing late May.
Have also had a quick clean out of my always overflowing inbox - and am grabbing this chance to get a few of your questions off my plate.
Q: Can you share anything more about book 8 in the Southern Sanctuary Series?
A: Hmmm, it's been a while since I wrote it. But if memory serves you're in for a bit of a change of pace. Sure, there is action and humour. But I remember when I was writing this one how sad it was.
This gorgeous thief who is essentially alone because no one remembers her after she has left the room (except for her eccentric family of course). So the path to true love in book 8 hits a few snags because she has more than a few hang-ups thanks to her weird gift. Hampered of course by an H who keeps forgetting who she is.
Q: I loved To Date A Disaster, but now I really want head librarian Patricia and the British guy who keeps stealing her books to get together, is that going to happen?
A: Oh, I hope so. But maybe as a novella. It would be nice to get to the bottom of how and why the library books keep turning up at Cullen's potting shed.
I'm toying with the idea of writing three novellas to get a few couples over the line. Elijah, head of the enforcers is another likely candidate for a short story.
Q: Haven't seen much of Darcy lately, what's happening with her?
A: Darcy makes an appearance in Book 8: To Thrill A Thief. Along with rest of the still single bridesmaids from book 1. So look out for clues on what's going to happen to each of them.
Further on Darcy. I'm semi-confirming (hey, blame the creative muse if anything changes) that she will be the lead in book 12.
Q: Am starting to feel sorry for Gaia and her quest to get pregnant, will that happen soon?
A: Absolutely, but Gaia won't be the only one, so get ready for her competitive instincts to kick into over-drive.
Q: What's next for the Southern Sanctuary series?
A: So demanding. Well, I've filled you in on books 8 & 9. I have two couples jockeying for position in my head in regards to book 10 & 11... painful and weird. The answer to whose story I tell in book 10, will hopefully be cleared up by the time I publish To Thrill A Thief.
Let's hope for my sanity that is the case.
Okay. So that's all the latest on me. If you have any burning questions feel free to ask me on my Goodreads author page, or send me an email via the site.
Also if there are any topics you would like me to cover in one of my blogs let me know, am always on the look out for inspiration.
Happy reading.
All hail, the creative muse of inspiration.
So what happens next?
Well, like a ninja, my cat like reflexes and laser sharp focus will shift to editing the proof paperbacks that have recently arrived from my publisher for my By The Numbers series - yes, you read that right. I'm very soon going to be able to quite literally throw MY books at people.
So watch out, you'd better stay on my good side.
Come May 1st, my focus will shift again... dizzy, just thinking it - To commencing the edit/re-write of book 8: To Thrill A Thief, with the intention of publishing late May.
Have also had a quick clean out of my always overflowing inbox - and am grabbing this chance to get a few of your questions off my plate.
Q: Can you share anything more about book 8 in the Southern Sanctuary Series?
A: Hmmm, it's been a while since I wrote it. But if memory serves you're in for a bit of a change of pace. Sure, there is action and humour. But I remember when I was writing this one how sad it was.
This gorgeous thief who is essentially alone because no one remembers her after she has left the room (except for her eccentric family of course). So the path to true love in book 8 hits a few snags because she has more than a few hang-ups thanks to her weird gift. Hampered of course by an H who keeps forgetting who she is.
Q: I loved To Date A Disaster, but now I really want head librarian Patricia and the British guy who keeps stealing her books to get together, is that going to happen?
A: Oh, I hope so. But maybe as a novella. It would be nice to get to the bottom of how and why the library books keep turning up at Cullen's potting shed.
I'm toying with the idea of writing three novellas to get a few couples over the line. Elijah, head of the enforcers is another likely candidate for a short story.
Q: Haven't seen much of Darcy lately, what's happening with her?
A: Darcy makes an appearance in Book 8: To Thrill A Thief. Along with rest of the still single bridesmaids from book 1. So look out for clues on what's going to happen to each of them.
Further on Darcy. I'm semi-confirming (hey, blame the creative muse if anything changes) that she will be the lead in book 12.
Q: Am starting to feel sorry for Gaia and her quest to get pregnant, will that happen soon?
A: Absolutely, but Gaia won't be the only one, so get ready for her competitive instincts to kick into over-drive.
Q: What's next for the Southern Sanctuary series?
A: So demanding. Well, I've filled you in on books 8 & 9. I have two couples jockeying for position in my head in regards to book 10 & 11... painful and weird. The answer to whose story I tell in book 10, will hopefully be cleared up by the time I publish To Thrill A Thief.
Let's hope for my sanity that is the case.
Okay. So that's all the latest on me. If you have any burning questions feel free to ask me on my Goodreads author page, or send me an email via the site.
Also if there are any topics you would like me to cover in one of my blogs let me know, am always on the look out for inspiration.
Happy reading.
