Throwing up on Jack's shoes...

From an email sent to me…

“I like this. You had me hooked about the time Nance vomited on Jack's shoes.

Someone somewhere has probably made up a list of all the rules of romance, and if they have, I'm sure, like Jack, you've broken most of them several times over here.”

I did consider going back to the traditional route of publishing through publishers but I’m tired of all the rules and indecisiveness. So fuck it. I continue on as I am. I like me. I have no rules. It works.

Where has all the drama gone?

When I first starting writing, 7 or so years ago, it was a foreign world to me. Ebooks were not highly thought of and the ebook publishers of the time were little demi-gods that you weren’t allowed to question because they wouldn’t give you a contract if you did. I know some authors who were terrified of a certain diva at the main erotic epublisher of the time. I suspect she enjoyed scaring people with her power. Everyone has to have a hobby I guess.

Today, for some reason Mrs Giggles came to mind. Do you remember her? She’s still going. I remember how terrified authors were of getting a book reviewed by Mrs G. She hated two of mine. It didn’t bother me. Reviews are always just opinion and not fact – but oh, how some people were scared of her.  I kinda liked her. She was a force to be reckoned with then. And there was Karen Knows Best. She’s still going too but – dare I say it and I will – she’s mellowed a lot. I can remember HUGE controversies about authors like Carol Lynne who had ebooks ripped to shreds on KKB and the drama behind all that. It never harmed CL and frankly it made her career and good luck to her.

There were other ‘terrifying’ people as well, but most have fallen by the wayside.  I tend to think it’s because ebooks are more acceptable now than then. A plethora – love that word – of people can write ebooks, there are scads and scads of publishers out there and writers don’t have to rely on the tyrannical whimsy of the only established ones - and let’s not forget self publishing. Look at people like Selena Kitt, an author, who kicked arse and made a huge success of it despite what people thought or said.

Does anyone fear reviews any more? I don’t think so. Not from what I read. Are writers scared of trying other publishers? Not that I’ve heard. Do Diva publishers rule? Probably in their own minds. So, where has all the drama gone? I’m sure writer Anny Cook is nodding her head at this. Is it just age mellowing them or more, as I believe, the world has moved on without being scared of them? Or, do we just not scare as easily?    

         

Crazy good...

So, I’ve been writing in between doing other stuff today. I won’t lie it’s been a shit-full year on personal scale and writing has been one of the last things on my mind. But today, as I was writing, I got several reviews come through Smashwords. Lordy, it took me long enough to work out how to get those books properly formatted on Smashwords and then out through ebook distributors. But it was worth it. The sales tell me that. 

But, more importantly – much, much more importantly, are the reader reviewers that come through on Smashwords.  I’ll be honest, I’m always amazed someone reads my books let alone likes them enough to place a review. It’s crazy good to get a review.  It’s also deadset humbling to know someone will spend hard earned cash on your stories.

Thank you  

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/134295

Buck it...

So, there is always drama in romance writing land. Porn versus romance. This writer hates that writer. Help me, but I won’t help you. Crap editors. Horrible covers from cover artists who think all women are stick thin.  And then there are the Publishers.  This comment, about the crapacious and unprofessional Noble Romance Publishing, was on the Karen Knows Best blog and it pretty much sums up the ebook industry and the half arsed publishers in it.   

"I'm throwing up my hands with most publishers at this point."

Yes. Exactly. Probably why self pubbing is so popular. You don’t have to deal with dishonest publishers. There are a lot of them around and it’s not until you actually get screwed over by one that you learn the lesson. But can you go it alone? Of course. Will you? Doubt it. There’s a lot of scared writers out there worried about bucking the system. Buck it I say. The system only changes if you challenge it.   

Never self publish...

...because you'll go to hell...apparently or not...

Congratulations!

Male Me by Amarinda Jones has just hit the Allromance.com Bestseller List!

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-maleme-1151921-340.html

Funny how I still self publish after all the dire warnings of failure.

Yeah...hell beckons.

To stupid to live...

So, I was looking for an image to put on a book cover. Yes, I’m still self-publishing. Yes, it is worthwhile to do otherwise I wouldn’t be doing it. Anyway, I was looking on Fotalia, which had a spak out the other day which had me having a spak out at it but that’s another story, when I came across these images after I put in the search terms of female and assassin. 

 Of course I got all these images of big boobed assassin-like women pouting and stroking guns. Freudian much? But I also got what I call the too stupid to live group. Seriously? Who would use these? Holding a gun to their heads? The blonde 1970’s throwback chick with the bucket on her head looking like she’s constipated? Or the one doing the splits and holding onto a gun? How do you run away fast from the splits? Credibility factor? None.  

Maybe they’re artistic. Maybe I can’t see some deep existential meaning in them. I dunno…  

Old, new, stuff...

The old…

I get the rights back to the ménage romance called Male Me in April. I’m putting it back out there at a way cheaper price because frankly $5.49 is a blood lot to ask ebook readers to pay. I’ll be charging $1.49.  

 

The new…

Deadly Single and Deadly Together are the first two stories in the five part The Outcasts series. What are they about? Romance set in a world where single women are ostracized by law.

Working on…

The sequel to The Vampire’s Bride and The Vampire’s Kiss. It’s The Vampire’s Redemption – Polly and Aran’s story. Thank you to all those readers who keep asking for it. I have finally pulled my finger up and I’m trying to finish it.  

It’s hard to fit writing into real life. Thankfully, there’s work time for that.

Start message…

Yes, yes, yes, every writer writes a unique story that isn’t like any else’s and of course no writer would dream of cashing in on a trend – and yes absolutely anyone who gives an opinion against your genre has to be wrong or misguided or unable to understand the angst ridden moments you've had writing about whatever you’re writing about because you are very deep and meaningful. Just like me…sorta…kinda…blah, blah, blah.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Anyone can write. Look at self publishing – and no, don’t roll your eyes. Some people are kicking arse when it comes to doing it by themselves and I say kudos to them. I wonder about the mindset of writers who cling to established epub sites, disrespecting others for what they do, yet at the same time being too scared that if they’re cut off from XYZ publishing they’re doomed. You’re only doomed if you allow yourself to be.

So in essence, as I recently wrote on another blog, opinions are like arses. They’re prevalent, they’re everywhere and those who own them will still function regardless what anyone else thinks.

Opinions = arses.

End message.

This self publishing gig...

…reminds me of when I was an army brat and I was the new kid at school and I always knew no one and nothing much but I managed to work it out through sheer persistence because there was no alternative. Those who are self publishing or who have set up sites like Scarlet Harlot Publishing – a constant work in progress – know exactly what I mean. It’s about breaking through barriers and hard work but damn when a reader take a punt on you and buys your books? Priceless. Thank you.

Co-opt me in…

Interesting idea popping up on the author circuit. Co-op publishing. Yes, it’s probably always been out there but of late I’m seeing it more and more and being asked to join in on it. What is it about? Essentially a bunch of writers pool resources – that is talents be they editing, cover art, formatting etc - and publish on an already established site where advertising and audience appeal is a done deal. The beauty of this is the royalties are higher, there are less Diva publishers who think a writer should kiss the hem of their skirt and you have a say in what and how you’re publishing your work. Sure, a lot of authors will still publish with established e-publishers in the traditional way. Some will do both trad and co-op. Some, like me will do trad, co-op and self pubbing. Choice for a writer is important. Control is paramount. Freedom? Priceless.

Gut instinct....

A hell of a lot of people read this post…thank you for that…

http://amarindajones.blogspot.com/2011/05/liar-liar-pants-on-fire.html

…but only one person commented. That’s ok. I don’t expect comments. Few people do to controversial subjects and I get that many choose not to put their name to things for fear of whatever.

One thing Spookie said stuck in my mind for a while…

Spookie said…

No, it's not rocket science. I received an email tonight with an excuse why royalties will be late . . . again. I think somebody needs to educate these people of the value of backup personnel and redundant systems.

There is no excuse for late royalty payments. NONE. NONE.

Word of advise to the many authors who have/are contemplating becoming publishers. PAY YOUR AUTHORS. ON TIME. EVERY MONTH.
21 May 2011 1:19 PM

Fair comment. Brave comment. Only one thing I would disagree on. Pay every month? Not realistic. Why? Two reasons. Only e-book publishing companies who have a solid customer base – and there’s not many of them left now – can afford to pay every month. If you have a business when the money comes direct to you and not through a third party then monthly is achievable because there is no middle man. However, most book sales for e-pubs are handled by third parties. E-pubs have to rely on them to get the money. However, in saying that, a genuine, honest e-pub who is waiting on funds from a third party can and should be able to supply to you in writing a count of how many books you have sold and for what period. If they can’t then ask why not.

As for – “I think somebody needs to educate these people of the value of backup personnel and redundant systems” – snake oil sellers don’t care if anyone else is happy and trying to educate greedy people is like trying to nail jelly to a wall.

Authors beware – read, research, ask questions of other authors and then make a judgement based on gut instinct. And remember, self publishing is absolutely possible so be brave and rely on yourself.

I suck...

A while ago I had a publisher basically infer I suck. I do suck…I enjoy it…but I digress…this nong wanted to try and crush me. I’m uncrushable…I think it’s cause I’m big boned…or maybe ‘cause I’m a bitch. Anyway, due partly to this nong, I decided to take a few different avenues and broaden my horizons as a writer. It’s working very nicely thank you. Thanks nong-head.

Amarinda Jones
Penn Halligan
www.amarindajones.com
www.amarindajones.blogspot.com
Be daring...read an Amarinda book

Last Man Standing by Amarinda Jones in Romance

Last Man Standing by Amarinda Jones in Romance

Yes, correct I'm completely out of control with self publishing. I got over my vistaprint addiction and now this is my drug baby....

Amarinda Jones
Penn Halligan
www.amarindajones.com
www.amarindajones.blogspot.com
Be daring...read an Amarinda book

Who Knew by Amarinda Jones in Romance

Who Knew by Amarinda Jones in Romance

By way of an experiment, when I couldn’t sleep last night, I ventured into Lulu self publishing territory. Why? Because I could and because Pallavi Agarwal inspired me to do so when she put her book Slow Burn on Lulu. What will be the result into self-pubbing? Not sure but it’s the first step into having my own publishing site and what the hell – life is a risk so why not take a chance on all things unknown?

Amarinda Jones
Penn Halligan
www.amarindajones.com
www.amarindajones.blogspot.com
Be daring...read an Amarinda book