Atta’ girl Doreen…

Brisbane woman, Doreen, 65 took on 4 much younger, male car thieves when they intruded into her home. Click here for more. Doreen beat them – literally. Good for Doreen. I admire her for protecting what’s hers. No, I don’t recommend everyone does it. Would I? Hell yes. You make the mistake of coming into my house unannounced then you get what you deserve. But that’s me. Some people are more confident than others. Doreen certainly is. And it has nothing to do with age. I like that women are still strong and confident as they get older. Too often I read stories where women (and men) in their 60’s and 70’s or even 80’s are considered elderly. That term pisses me off. Why? Who is to judge who is elderly? I know 20 and 30 year olds who carry on like crotchety old hags who whine like they are at death’s door. But then they’re the sort that age badly. What is my point? We have to stop tagging people in certain categories based on perceptions. Just because you get older – you don’t get useless. There will always be the whiny exception but let them be just that. Don’t assume everyone is useless or past it because they have lived life.

I work with a 19 year old woman. I am 44. She often makes the mistake of trying to make me and others feel old. Stupid girl. She pays the price for her cutting remarks. She has learned much since tangling with me. I will not have her or anyone else treating her work mates as less because she has some skewed perception of age. Yeah, you’re right – she knows stuff all at 19. Who does? But I am teaching her not to underestimate any woman at any age as she will get a surprise. She has had a few with me and no doubt more are in store for her. Would I go back to being 19? Hell no. I am what I am and I like me.

Back to these dickheaded thieves. What sort of men are these? Real men do not steal. Real men have class and honor. Imagine being the mother or father of these creatures? How proud would you be? I’m glad Doreen taught ‘em a lesson. Probably the only one they have ever had. Atta’ girl Doreen.

Contest winners for Taking the Fall are – Michelle and Angela - thanks to all that entered. There will be another contest for Anyone but You released 22nd October through Ellora's Cave.

Micah Blue - review

This is a sexy romp that will make you laugh out loud. Micah is so much the classic woman in the fact that we are all afraid to fall in love and believe in the fairy tale. Ned is a wonderful hero determined that at the end of the day he will prevail. When these two come together it is one hot steamy scene after another and Ms. Jones keeps the reader hanging on just to see how it would end.

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/

bookReviews/Micahblue.html

www.amarindajones.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmarindaJonesNewsletter/
Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

errr.....

Knackered - utterly so...you know the feeling...so I will not blither on as per normal. I'll blither tomorrow. Remember there is a contest - scroll down to yesterday's blog with the answers....

The contest....

I am going to give away two copies of the Taking the Fall. As always those who belong to my newsletter – check here – are automatically entered into the normal monthly random prize draw (this month is Tim Tams) but as always feel free to enter. The prize now on the blog – two people win a copy of Taking the Fall.

The question – very, very hard as always – the two men Jontie falls is love with are special. What’s so special about them? As soon as you know email me at Amarinda_jones@yahoo.com.au with the answer. The first two correct answers randomly drawn will win. Entries close at midnight Wednesday 8th October (EST USA). Good luck.
*****************************************************

Halloween Special - this sounds good...check it out

Buy an autographed copy of THE LAST CELTIC WITCH, THE CELTIC WITCH & THE SOCERER and HEART OF A WARLOCK (new!) and receive a witch’s broom pen, candle, CD and loads of other goodies wrapped especially for Halloween.

The Celtic witch series is a historical, paranormal romance with erotic elements. With romance, intrigue, lust, betrayal, it follows the enchanted lives of witches, warlocks, and one sexy sorcerer. (Warning: These books are very HOT)

“As charming and magical as Celtic legend itself, a truly enjoyable read and wonderful debut!”
-Heather Graham, NY Times Bestselling Author.

“I found it refreshing, exciting, breathtaking, and a light read which I really enjoyed. Buy, borrow, check out a copy, cozy up on a couch, or in bed, and enjoy it. You’re in for a treat!!” 5 STARS *****
-Sagekatt, Pagan Pages Magazine

For more links to ebooks and Lyn Armstrong's latest novels, click here or go to www.myspace.com/readlynarmstrong or www.LynArmstrong.com

The Last Celtic Witch $12.99 + p/hThe Celtic Witch & the Sorcerer $12.99 + p/hHeart of a Warlock $12.99 + p/h Two books of your choice + free goodies $25.98 + p/hThree complete Celtic series books + free goodies $38.97 + p/h To purchase, use email: lynettearmstrong@hotmail.com via paypal or email Lyn on the same address.

www.amarindajones.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmarindaJonesNewsletter/

Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

Taking the Fall....

Taking the Fall is released today at Resplendence Publishing. Let the pigeons loose!
What’s it about? Ménage romance with heaven and hell…

The blurb…

Jontie Rhodes holds the fate of the future in her hands. The only problem is she doesn't know it. When she attends a friend’s wedding she has one thought in mind. She needs a man. It has been so long since anyone has touched her in passion.

Two men want Jontie. An angel and a demon both know she has a decision to make that can affect the lives of many. They each have a plan to subtly watch her and influence her to suit their own purposes. However what starts out as manipulation soon turns into love.

Jontie is caught between heaven and hell and she is enjoying every hot, sexy moment of it.

The Excerpt…

At the Kline-Pakowski wedding, two men stood watching the one woman. Their eyes were fixed on the curvaceous, slightly tipsy brunette who danced and laughed with the other guests.
“You cannot have her,” the dark man said as he came to stand beside the other whose gaze never left the lady in question.
“What is it you want, angel?” The tall man with the ash blond ponytail spared him a glance, not surprised to see him.
“She is not for you, James.” The angel’s tone was most adamant. “You are a demon. She is too pure for you.”
“It is not for you to tell me anything, Saint Gilbert of the anally righteous. We both know I am beyond your limited powers. If I want her, I will have her.”
Gilbert’s hands curled into fists. “You cannot always take what you want.”
“And yet you are here for the same reason.” James assessed him with cynical amusement. “You plan to manipulate her as well. You are no better than me, angel.”
“I do not have to justify myself to you, hell hound.”
James threw back his head and laughed. “Is that the best you can do? I have been called much worse.” His eyes locked again on the woman. “She is fascinating isn’t she?”
“Yes, most beautiful.” Gilbert swallowed hard, trying to focus on maintaining control.
James reached out and snagged a glass of white wine from a waiter passing by. “And she does not have a clue of her destiny.”
“I cannot allow you to use that against her.”
“Must you angels always assume those from hell are after something?”
“Historical evidence proves that your brethren only want what is best for themselves.”
“As do you holier-than-thou types.” James downed the contents of his glass in two long swallows. “You cannot tell me that who she is does not interest you, Saint Gilbert.” He reached over and grabbed two more glasses, offering one to the angel at his side.
Gilbert declined his offer. “She is the reason I am here.”
“You knew I was coming for her.”
“Yes.” That was a fact, and they both knew it. They were enemies who would do whatever they had to in order to get their own way.
“So do we allow her to save him or not?” James downed his second glass.

The follow on book to this – The Fall Girl - Tosh’s story - is due out in January.

Okay – yes – you are right. I am going to give away a copy of the book. Am I predicable or what? Okay then – I’ll give away two instead. As always those who belong to my newsletter – check here – are automatically entered into the normal monthly random prize draw (this month is Tim Tams) but as always feel free to enter. The prize now on the blog – two people win a copy of Taking the Fall.

The question – very, very hard as always – the two men Jontie falls is love with are special. What’s so special about them? As soon as you know email me at Amarinda_jones@yahoo.com.au with the answer. The first two correct answers randomly drawn will win. Entries close at midnight Wednesday 8th October (EST USA). Good luck.

I just came back from having my hair done. I went for intense red and vivid purple foils(streaks). Why? Why not? Not much to tell you. I am being very goodly at the moment and not eating crap or drinking plonk – as much as I want to – because I can’t. Well I can but I would be very pukeable afterwards. But all will be right in my world when they suck my gallbladder out through my belly button on October 24th. I know – I thought the surgeon was taking the piss – er, pulling my leg (American translation) too. But I saw the pictures and that’s what they do. I have asked them while they’re there to feel free to suck and tuck. I have also made a sacred wow. Come October 31st I will go back to my evil ways. I can hardly wait. Being good sucks.

www.amarindajones.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmarindaJonesNewsletter/
Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

Rate me...

So, I got an email this morning about Male Me doing okay and being rated in a top ten somewhere. That's nice. I appreciate the support from readers and it’s always good to hear you don’t suck completely at something. However, I’m not big on ratings in anything be it writing or life. Why? Because I have never believe in rating people on a scale of one to ten. To me, it’s wrong. It’s the old apples and oranges thing. You can’t compare people, personalties and you never, ever know what brought somewhere to where they are in their life and how can you measure one person’s struggle against another? You can’t.

The only time I cared about ratings was when I desperately wanted out of Promptel, code word for crap phone company, and I wanted a redundancy (retrenchment package). They rated you on a scale a how good an employee you were. The worse you were the more likely you would be to be retrenched. Yes, correct, I went out of my way to be an utter pain in the arse. I even convinced my manager, let’s call him Charlie, to make me sound terrible. I pointed out to him that it actually worked in his favour if I sucked as an employee. How? Because he wanted a redundancy too and if it looked like he could not control his staff then the more likely he was to go as well. Oh yeah – we got out. See where teamwork can get you?

So thank you to everyone who bought Male Me. That you did means more to me than a number on a scale of one to ten.

Survival….changing subjects as I do….we have a couple of magpies swooping people near work. They have nests in nearby trees and they are instinctively protecting their young. I have to admire this pair of maggies as I work in a heavily industrial area with trucks rocketing past, people wearing fluoro safety outfits and continuous motion all around and yet this pair continue to dive bomb people, cars and trucks. They never stop. To me that’s true survival at any cost.

And don’t forget – today September 19th is International Talk like a Pirate day…shiver me timbers.


Taking the Fall – released October 10th at Resplendence Publishing

Jontie Rhodes holds the fate of the future in her hands. The only problem is she doesn't know it. When she attends a friend’s wedding she has one thought in mind. She needs a man. It has been so long since anyone has touched her in passion.

Two men want Jontie. An angel and a demon both know she has a decision to make that can affect the lives of many. They each have a plan to subtly watch her and influence her to suit their own purposes. However what starts out as manipulation soon turns into love.

Jontie is caught between heaven and hell and she is enjoying every hot, sexy moment of it.

“What is it you want, angel?” The tall man with the ash blond pony tail looked at him, not surprised to see him.
“She is not for you, James.” The angel’s tone was most adamant. “You are a demon. She is too pure for you.”
“It is not for you to tell me anything, Saint Gilbert of the anally righteous. We both know I am beyond your limited powers. If I want her, I will have her.”
Gilbert’s hands curled into fists. “You cannot always take what you want.”
“And yet you are here for the same reason as me.” James assessed him with cynical amusement. “You plan to manipulate her as well. You are no better than me, angel.”
“I do not have to justify myself to you, hellhound.”
James threw back his head and laughed. “Is that the best you can do? I have been called much worse.” His eyes locked once more on the woman. “She is fascinating isn’t she?”
“Yes, most beautiful.” Gilbert swallowed hard, trying to focus on keeping control.
James reached out and snagged a glass of white wine from a waiter passing by. “And she does not have a clue of her destiny.”
“I cannot allow you to use that against her.”
“Must you angels always assume those from hell are after something?”
“Historical evidence proves that your brethren only want what is best for them.”
“As do you holier-than-thou types.” James downed his glass in two long swallows. “You cannot tell me that who she is does not interest you, Saint Gilbert.” He reached over and grabbed two more glasses, offering one to the angel at his side.
Gilbert declined his offer. “She is why I am here.”
“You knew I was coming for her.”
“Yes.” That was a fact and they both knew it. They were enemies who would do whatever they had to in order to get their own way.

www.amarindajones.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmarindaJonesNewsletter/
Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

Micah Blue

Micah Blue is released today at Ellora’s Cave. Click on the cover to buy.

A demon has been waiting one hundred and twenty years for the next chosen one who commands the power of the sapphire. He will stop at nothing to make that woman his own. He needs her power to survive.

Ever since a fortune teller gave Micah Blue a lump of blue rock the drought in her sex life came to a screaming halt. Dark, erotic dreams of a stranger haunt her nights and a tattooed builder drives her wild with lust during the day. Both men are wicked. One wants to enslave her and one just wants to love her.

Ned Langford, builder and part-time garbage collector isn’t about to the let the love of his life be taken from him. He will do whatever it costs to thwart a demon and keep Micah at his side.

Contest – for my newsletter readers feel free to enter but as you know there is always the random contest on the newsletter you are automatically entered into each month anyway. Want to join the newsletter? Click here. So, to be in the draw to be one of two – yes two people randomly chosen to win a copy of Micah Blue just answer this question. It’s very hard. Got your thinking caps on? What precious stone is featured in Micah Blue? Yes, difficult huh? Send you answer to amarinda_jones@yahoo.com.au. Entries close midnight (EST USA) Thursday 4h September 2008. The first 2 randomly drawn names will win.

I have a thing about demons at the moment…demons and tattoos. Tattoos are pretty obvious. While I would not get one myself, I think they look great on men. Demons – well I kinda like the whole anti-hero thing – not that the demon in Micah Blue is friendly. But in upcoming books – Penned Again and Taking the Fall the demons are the anti-hero. There’s the edginess about someone deemed bad but in reality is not. Like any one with life experience I certainly have my share of demons but I have not met one yet. Do they exist? I reckon they do. I like to think they hang out with the vamps and werewolves and look at humans and wonder what the hell we’re doing.

On my morning ramble….

…… I came across a penis on a letterbox. Yes, I was surprised because it’s not something you see everyday. I work in an industrial area. The letter boxes are sturdy bloody things used to trucks running into them. Anyway, there it was - a penis. Not something I expected to see. It wasn’t there on yesterday’s walk. I am sure I would have remembered that. Oh yes, should mention it was spray painted on – quite lifelike and impressive. So, my question to you is why? Why do people persist in drawing body parts on things as graffiti? Not like we can be shocked any more is it? What do you think the spray painter gets out of painting a penis on a letter box? Is it art? Is it a statement of the times? Is it a case of the penis representing man’s inhumanity to man in the societal, economic world of cruel reality for the working class? Or does this person know dick about anything? Thoughts?

I had a review the other day from a person who did not like Knock Three Times – which I respect – and today I got this…it’s all swings and roundabouts in the writing business. At least you’re never bored…thanks Indy and thanks Joyfully Reviewed.

Truth is truth and the biggest truth of all is that I’m horribly addicted to the work of Amarinda Jones. Knock Three Times is just another addition to a project of works that make you smile and keep you chuckling all while sending the body into overdrive. I’m not sure how Ms. Jones comes up with her delightfully wicked heroines but again she’s hit the jackpot. A heroine who is a little self-conscious, with a few curves and a sex pot in the bedroom who’s not shy at all about taking the pleasure offered. Montie is the kind of woman you either love or ignore, quirky with a touch of innocence she’s still a woman to be reckoned with.
Partnering her with a kind, caring devastatingly handsome and understanding man whose sex drive surpasses her own makes for a match made in romance heaven. This story gave me a phenomenal couple, back breaking sex, a cute plot and plenty of smile inducing situations. All this and more makes it easy to Joyfully Recommend Knock Three Times for the month of September.

http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/RRs/Sep08RR/KnockThreeTimes.AJ.html

www.amarindajones.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmarindaJonesNewsletter/
Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

Identify me….

I was talking to another Aussie author about whether readers read books set in Australia. My answer - yes. All my books except one are set in my home town of Brisbane. I do some terrible things to Brizzie yet the Tourism bureau hasn’t arced up yet. Arced up = angry. Anyway, I follow the advice of ‘write what you know.’ I am not saying everyone has to do it. And, I am not sure if anyone really has first hand experience with vamps and werewolves – but I would love to know. I just personally believe there has to be a common thread within a book that is based purely on author experience. I also believe anyone can write a book if they have the determination to do it. No published writer I know, myself included, is any more special than anyone else out there.

Australia – I love it. I have travelled around the world. It was one of the best experiences of my life working and travelling. But in saying that, I do not believe I could not easily successfully write a book set in another country with a non Aussie characters. I am Australian. I speak Aussie. You and I both know you cannot be something you are not. Sure, Maid For Death was set in London. I worked for several years in the UK doing the usual stuff young travellers do – pub work, waitressing and doing the chambermaid gig. The character in Maid is an Aussie working in a hotel. I have had experience of that so I believe I can justify writing that. I think it would be bloody hard to step into the shoes of another nationality and try to write.

Yes, we are all human being but the thing is we are all so culturally diverse. That’s a good thing.
How boring would it be if we all spoke and thought alike? From my own personal experience Aussies think differently to other countries. No, we are no better or worse than anyone else but we have a different manner and attitude. I’m not sure anyone non Aussie could effectively write that. You know when you look at Crocodile Dundee – excellent movie – number one that is – the rest were not – many of the characters in that are true blue Aussie you could meet any day walking down the street or at work. However it’s also, as you know, exaggerated to catch the imagination of people not familiar with Australia – Aussies can see that – others may not.

So…where was I? Oh yes, I believe books that you read show the author's life experience. I am not an American but I have American friends. There are subtle nuances of behaviour and speech that I could never copy and come across as a genuine American. You would know it was false and I believe readers would know that.

And yes, I do believe books on Australia sell. Why? Could be the fact that we are a fantastic country with amazing people. Or the fact that people like to read of countries foreign to them. Who knows? What do you think?

Got a couple of contracts…always nice to know people don’t think you suck completely. One is the follow on from Tantalizing Tilly called Rowdy. What’s it about? Basically a woman is haunted by the words of a curse. The other book is The Fall Girl…it’s the follow on from Taking the Fall…and it’s to do with things out of your control and how you deal with them. Don’t we all know about that?

Here's a sneak peak at Taking the Fall - ménage that comes out on October 3 or 6…hmm…one of those dates and I’ll find it - through Resplendence Publishing….

“Um… h-hi.” Smooth Jontie.
“Hi yourself,” he responded with a grin.
“Are you a friend of the bride or groom?” The weather was her next topic of conversation if that failed. I suck at this.
“Neither. I’m a gatecrasher.” He looked pleased by something. “You?”
“Er─a friend of the bride.” God he smells good. Jontie wondered if his skin would taste as delicious. “She’s too good for him.”
“Generally most women are so much better than the groom.” He stated it matter of fact. “How long do you think the marriage will last?”
“Two and a half months.”
“Exactly?” He smiled widely at her prediction.
I hope our kids have his smile. Jontie mentally slapped herself. Get a grip. “Yeah, they’ll get over the married person sex thing, and the first bills from this virginal extravaganza will come in, and it will all fall to pieces.” Three of her friends recently married, and two of those were on the rocks already.
He nodded his head as he looked around the room. “There is a lot of white.”
“The bride felt she was entitled.”
“Was she?”
“Oh, hell no. She is about as virginal as I am a natural blonde.” Jontie liked the way he laughed. It was smooth and rich, and it reminded her of the taste of warm, gooey chocolate on her tongue. It also had the ability to make her relax slightly in the presence of raw male beauty. “So did you gatecrash for the free food? The fake calypso band? The doves that crapped on the bridal party when they were released?”
“Oh yeah, that was fun to watch.” He grinned, his eyes never leaving hers. “However, I came for you.” He picked up her hand and enfolded it in his own.

www.amarindajones.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmarindaJonesNewsletter/
Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

Male Me….

I am off doing some stuff for a couple of days. Back Thursday…maybe Wednesday. But before I wander off, Male Me is released Tuesday 5th August through Resplendence Publishing. What is it about? Its ménage romance and it based vaguely on a period in my own life. Which vague parts? Hmmm...well, have a read of it and make up your own mind and I’ll tell you if you are right or not. As always, you can click on the cover to buy.

I must thank my RP editor for her work on Male Me. It was her first exposure to my typos and Amarinda-isms and she handled it very well. But then I have been very lucky with my two editors. They are made of tough, unbreakable stuff. I have this theory though - they both edit completely differently. I believe there is a plot between them to drive me mad by making me uncertain of what style I should be writing in at any given moment. They have denied all knowledge of a plot. Sure, sure…

Male Me – the blurb…

After Delaware Brooks sends a silly email about what she would like the new boss to do to her, she is called into the boss's office. The punishment? Every hot, sexual craving she has ever had, fulfilled. But Templeton McAdam is not the only new man in her life. His best friend, Speed is invited to enjoy Delaware much to her surprise and excitement. Two men. One woman. Their only desire is to please her.

Intense pleasure is one thing, but is it wrong to enjoy both men? What would a good girl do? And should she be falling in love with them so fast? But sudden love is not the only problem Delaware has. Someone is watching her every move and planning on teaching her a lesson.

The excerpt – be warned - adult

Two men wanted her. It was the ultimate female fantasy. Delaware would have been lying to herself if she did not admit that turned her on. She was wet with need just thinking about it. But how could she? It was against every rule in the good girl handbook. Not that she knew where her copy was, but she was sure it was written there in black and white.
“I’m not that desperate.” Horny, she was sure, was different than desperate.
Speed moved in even closer, so their hips and thighs connected.
“So why are you here, princess?” His voice was low and deadly sexy.
Good question. What was the answer again? Who could think clearly with all this body heat surrounding her? Delaware knew the shiver that shot through her body could be felt by both of them.
“To show you I’m not scared of you.” She was trembling but it wasn’t in fright.
“Liar.” Under the table, Templeton’s hands moved up her thigh, his eyes never leaving hers while he sought what he was after.
“I am not.” Delaware jumped when she felt his hand push up the fabric of her skirt.
“I think you’re here because the idea of two men fucking you turns you on.” Templeton did not skip a beat in what he was doing. In fact, he made it look all perfectly normal.
“Stop that.” Delaware slapped at the hand that was now rapidly making its way into her knickers. She turned to look at Speed. He watched on in amusement.
“What?” Templeton’s hand slid under the lace barrier.
“Oh─that.” When his finger found her clit she bolted upright in shock. “Oh no, not here.” Before she could resist, Speed pulled her into his arms and kissed her with a passion that stunned her. His lips and tongue tasted so good against hers, and the pressure on her clit made her kiss him back feverishly. She felt like she was on fire.

www.amarindajones.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmarindaJonesNewsletter/
Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

Back it up...

Do not speak of rhinoceros if there is no tree nearby...Zulu proverb...

'Absolutely convinced when I woke up it was Thursday… what a bummer it’s only Wednesday…never mind…

I got the cover for Taking the Fall today. Its ménage romance ready to be released from Resplendence Publishing early October. As always, I believe the cover gods have smiled on me. What's it about? Well, in lieu of the blurb - I am still fiddling around with - it's about an angel and a demon who seek to manipulate a mortal to fall in line with what they want. Problem is they weren't planning on falling for her. Now, I just have to get that into a blurb - along with finish the follow up story…really, aren’t we all too busy to be at work?

Covers can be funny beasts. How so, you ask with wonder in your voice…okay, maybe you didn't but go along with me. Covers can turn a perfectly rational and reasonable author (not me, I'm neither) into either a screaming, foot stamping hellcat (guilty) or a crying wreck. Why? Well because what the author wants and what author gets is sometimes two different things. I have said many times on the blog I am flexible with covers and I am yet to be disappointed. I think its because I don’t have a hard and fast way the cover must be and I am open to interpretation - go wild and naked is usually what I put as a cover suggestion. Some authors are very fixed in what they want and they can be quite vocal in their dislike of a cover - and there is nothing wrong with that. It's their book, they have put blood, sweat, tears and many chocolate stains on the keyboard writing it. They should have a good cover. But what is a good cover to an author is not necessarily a good cover for the publisher so it can become a clash of the titans and only one is going to win. Guess who? Yes, the publisher and the author has to pull up her big girl panties and move on...as you do when things give you the irrits.

Other author’s comments on your covers can be interesting. I have had some that run the gamut from the vague 'oh isn’t that pretty' to 'well, your books always sell so your name is the most important thing people will look at' to 'well, it's okay for one of your books' to – and this is my all time favourite - 'that cover model's back has been featured on another cover and you should demand it be changed.' Hmm…yes, possibly it has but then I don’t analyze men's backs and turning a cover down because his back - gasp, shock -has been seen before is insane to me and not a justifiable reason to chuck a hissy fit. Who the heck would take that seriously? Yes, I think everyone should have high expectations but reality has a way of biting when you least expect it so why make life any harder for yourself over a man's back? Back off from the back I say or maybe don’t look back? A back by any name is still a back...

So multiple back or not….hmmm…there could be a story in that... yes I do believe covers are initially important but in my less than humble opinion, they are not the be all and end all. Sure they attract the eye but to keep the reader there and ready to buy is the blurb. We all know readers will only read genres they are interested in. That's not rocket science. If they turn the hot cover over or click on it and read that it's ménage and they wanted sweet romance or sci-fi romance, they are not going to buy it no matter how sexy the cover is. Alternatively, I have been utterly fascinated by some bloody strange/ugly/deceptively plain covers and been attracted to buy. I'm certain I'm not alone in that. So, I really don’t believe there is any hard and fast rule what cover will sell a book. And, to blame the cover for poor sales is, to me, a cop out.

So opinions? Anyone have back issues or pissed off with their cover? Come tell Auntie Amarinda.


I will be conducting contests in a different way and that will be on the newsletter. Anyone who joins will automatically go into a random draw for one person to win a prize any month I have a book release. At this stage that's every month – but November – up until January. So, if you are sick of answering questions or sending in emails to win stuff then join the Amarinda newsletter and you will automatically go into a monthly random draw for one winner each month to win random stuff - and stuff is always good don't you think? First random draw starts August with the release of Male Me. So good luck.To join…

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmarindaJonesNewsletter/

But for now…it's the last day of The Amarinda and Anny Contest.... thank you everyone for your entries so far

What could be better than kicking back with a good book? Winning two books - one from Amarinda Jones – Knock Three Times and one from Anny Cook – Kama Sutra Lovers. Fantastic. You want more? Be the envy of all with two hand made hair piks to adorn your locks. But wait – there’s even more! How about munching on a delicious care pack of Aussie treats? One lucky reader will win all of this.

How do you win this fantastic prize? Go to www.annycook.com and www.amarindajones.com and answer an easy question -If trapped on a deserted island what two things could Anny and Amarinda not live without? The answers can be found on the websites. As soon as you have them email amarinda_jones@yahoo.com.au with your answers – there will be 4 in all.

The contest starts 18th July and closes midnight 23rd July 2008 (USA EST). The first correct entry drawn at random will win the prize. Good luck.

www.amarindajones.com
Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?