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

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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.
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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.

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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.

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Feral Beryls....

I was listening to the radio, as I do each morning. when I heard about 2 women bashing another woman up. They were all in their late teens/early twenties and the fight started because one woman declined to give the other two a cigarette. Well, of course, that's worth fighting over isn’t it? Denying someone something they want deserves a smack in the ear. What's that? It doesn't? That's feral and disgusting? Well yes it is. And have you noticed how more and more young women are fighting each other? I have sadly grown accustomed to young men beating each other assuming they were high on stupidity and testosterone but young women? Seriously? When exactly was it that women started to lose their dignity? I mentioned the other day on the blog about a pub in Melbourne, Australia offering women free drinks if they dropped their knickers. I have to wonder about who is raising these feral Beryls who find it acceptable to slug it out with other women to get what they want?

When my father was growing up in the city slums of Sydney in the 1930 - 1950's he ran pretty wild. He was one of 13 kids and he ran numbers, sold sly grog (alcohol) to the American soldiers and would think of nothing about going to the next suburb with his mates and pick a fight. That was the mentally he grew up in. I actually wanted to believe we were better than that – that maybe we learned something over the decades and with all the terrorist attacks about making a vague to effort to refrain from beating each up over trivialities.

No, I'm not saying women have to be pristine, virginal types who wouldn't say shit for a shilling but when did women lose their dignity? Their class? Why are we seeing more incidents of these feral Beryls fighting in the streets over what in essence is bloody nothing? Is it nature or nurture? Has society become a place where females have to act this way or are they growing up in households with parents who haven’t got a clue about what is right and wrong? And yes, a woman should be able to defend herself but slug it out with another woman over nonsensical things? I will say it again, as far as we have come as women there are some that are always going to hold us back. I'm all for equality of the sexes but fighting in the street like demented harpies isn’t equality- it’s pathetic. Where is the dignity in that?

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Okay - on to something interesting. Do you want a good romantic read that you cannot put down because the story grabs at you to read it in one hit? Well, of course you do. Do yourself a favour and check out My Lord Raven from Jan Scarbrough. It’s out now with Resplendence Publishing. – and yes – of course you can click on the cover and buy. Go on…you know you want to…

My Lord Raven

Bran ap Madog, bastard son of a Welsh prince, has devoted his life to serving the English king. At Edward’s behest, he nourishes his reputation for savagery, taking as his badge the raven, a scavenger bird that feeds off rotting spoils. He wants, as his reward for service, the hand of a wealthy wife and the land and power she will bring to his bed.

When her father and twin brother are murdered, Lady Catrin Fitzalan sets out to learn the truth about their deaths. Were they killed by the king’s own champion, the vicious King’s Raven? She will do anything to protect her remaining family, including switching places with her cousin when the king forces the pious girl into marriage with his wicked champion.

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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.

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Back on deck….

Yes – correct - Male Me is out now through Resplendence Publishing. Click on the cover to buy. And a big thanks to those who have already bought it and sent me some great emails about it. I appreciate it more than you will ever know.

Funny…

I woke up feeling like crap and I saw this comment on my blog. It made me laugh. Yes, spammers are nitwit losers. Honestly do they expect anyone to go over to a site just on their words of supposed wisdom? How desperate do they think people are? The comment is below….

I have seen some of the movies.Their life is so interesting, these bbw become more and more attractive, I meet a lot of chubby and sexy women on xxxxx they are really cute and hot, their fans are chatting and dating with these bbw on the site now, It is a real good place to meet your ideal love.
August 5, 2008 12:23 AM

My comment? Too many commas in that sentence and would you want a man that meets women like this? Ideal love? Puh-lease…loser alert.

Trust….

“People who have given us their complete confidence believe that they have a right to ours. The inference is false, a gift confers no rights.”-- Friedrich Nietzsche quotes

I read somewhere recently that someone was upset because another person was not telling them everything about their life. This pissed them off and they considered the other person false and deceptive and a bunch of other stuff I can’t remember. The other person apparently only told them what they needed to know. This upset the first person as they considered it some reciprocal right to know more and when this was denied they got all pissy. I did not find this a particularly unusual situation nor is it hard to work out why one person holds information back. It’s all about trust isn’t it? If you don't trust someone you are hardly going to share information that is important to you. I am sure you will agree trust is paramount in any form of relationship and it you cannot trust the other person then you are hardly going to give all of yourself to them. But that’s logical. I don’t need to tell you that.

And do we ever really know anyone at all? I think not. I once worked with woman who I thought was together, articulate and had her whole life ahead of her. She jumped off a building and killed herself. It was a terrible shock to us all. It was such a waste of a good person. If I had of needed it reinforced to me that people hide things then that did it. You never know what demons are in someone’s life. You can ask but you cannot push it as people have the right to privacy and who they will trust. Could anyone have stopped what happened to her? Really understood her? We’ll never know. Her death stayed with me for a long time. I still think about her.

Trust no one unless you have eaten much salt with him.--Cicero

So, how much do you give of yourself? Me personally? If I totally believe and trust someone then I give 100%. I give everything. But, in the other extreme, if I believe a person to be false or insincere then they only get what I believe I can trust them with and that’s only specifics. But again, that’s logical. Holding stuff back is a defence mechanism. It’s there to protect you from getting hurt by someone you do not like or believe in.

One must be fond of people and trust them if one is not to make a mess of life -- E.M. Forster.

I think it’s unreasonable and erring on the side of childish to expect someone you barely know to tell you everything about their life. If they don’t then I think you need to stop and ask yourself a couple of things – why won’t they tell you and why do you have to know? Can you not accept the person as they are? I believe by accepting someone for what they give you is more likely going to earn their trust than petulantly demanding it. And why the need to demand it? Why must you have it? Look within yourself for that answer. Don’t blame the other person. Some may give trust easily. That’s great. But the world, last time I checked, does not run on one person’s standards alone. If you are not given trust then think about earning it.

“You can't trust any bugger further than you can throw him, and there's nothing you can do about it, so let's have a drink”-- Terry Pratchett quotes

What I read hit home to me that some people want the world to run on their standards and if it doesn’t they stamp their feet and blame that other person for denying them the privilege of full knowledge. How sad.

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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.

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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…

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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.

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

Check this out...

Here 'tis…the cover for Male Me. I have written a blurb - unedited/unapproved as yet - and yesterday's blog has the story about how Male Me came about.

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 have ever had fulfilled. But Templeton McAdam is not the only man new man in her life. His best friend Speed is invited to enjoy Delaware.

Is it wrong to enjoy both men and should she be falling in love with them so fast?

Male Me will be released in August from Resplendence Publishing




Okay, to give you a break from my endlessly rambling posts, author Elaine Lowe has been kind enough to send me details of her latest release - Sea of Pearls. It's been released today at Ellora’s Cave. As always, it's just a click on the cover to snap up your own copy of this hot, sexy romance.

Sea of Pearls by Elaine Lowe - adult excerpt

He was out there, somewhere, circling around her either in wariness or stalking her as though she was his prey. In truth, she was both hunter and hunted. She wasn't sure which role she enjoyed more. The heat that suffused her blood was welcome, raw sensation very different from the apathy that had claimed her for weeks. She knew she was almost ready to look for a new course for her life.

However, at this moment the only thing that interested her was the gentle motion of the water against her skin, the nibbling of the tiny native fish against her toes. Then there was that prickle along the back of her neck and the knowledge that there was a dark shape, circling around her slowly, still keeping its distance. There was the smallest tinge of fear in her—though she could swim, she was not an expert. Deep in her gut, the visceral intensity of that fear made her incredibly excited.

Well, if I've come out here to offer myself like a common tralc, I might as well get on with it. She started by cupping her breasts, rubbing her thumbs over her nipples and simply enjoying the mild wickedness of fondling herself so blatantly in a public place. Down over her ribs and the planes of her stomach, she caressed her own skin in small circles, drawing out the inevitable descent of her fingers toward the center of her pleasure.

As she drew closer to her goal, he grew closer still. He didn't bother to break the surface for air, instead constantly circling, tighter and tighter until she could see his form in the water and feel his eyes upon her. Her feet parted slightly on the gravel lake bottom. One hand returned to her breasts and she scraped a manicured nail over her hardened nipple and the other hand moved over her hip and finally brushed the parted lips of her sex. She closed her eyes against the swirling mist surrounding her and bit her lip, relishing the luxuriant pleasure of stroking her clit as this stranger watched her.

The pleasure moon of Hyvan III offered an endless selection of delights to all the senses and yet this was sharper, sweeter. The water swirled against her legs and she smiled, knowing he was very, very close now. She thrust a finger into the opening of her sex, tensing her muscles against the intrusion and savoring the tightness of her passage. It had been far, far too long.

She drew tighter and tighter circles over her clit, searching for friction that was impossible in the water, hovering on the very edge of fulfillment. Then she felt his touch. Strong hands closed over her ankles. His flesh longed for warmth in the cool water. Victory was hers and it tasted very, very sweet.

But he didn't rise up out of the water, asking to claim his reward for finally breaking the ice between them. No, nothing so straightforward. Instead, his hands drew small teasing circles over the skin of her legs and by the time he'd gotten to her thighs, his lips, teeth and tongue followed.

Sheer willpower and the buoyancy of the water were the only things keeping her upright. The slow drag of his tongue over the sensitive skin of the backs of her knees made her moan softly. He circled around her kissing and licking, biting and sucking until she thought she would come the instant he got anywhere near her clit.

Her hands searched blindly until they found his head, her fingers surging into the short crop of fine dark blond hair. He turned his face into her palm and pressed an open-mouthed kiss there, an incredibly intimate and endearing act. Suddenly, this wasn't just some random encounter between strangers. She knew that she wanted to get this man to talk to her, to uncover his secrets behind that gruff exterior.

hmmm...I wouldn't mind getting to know this man myself...

www.amarindajones.com/

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

Male Me...

I was installing updated internet security this morning and I thought to myself what sort of weirdo gets a kick out of creating internet viruses that ruin computers? Yes, it would probably require some degree of technical smarts to do it but have these people got nothing else productive to do in their lives? I suspect not. I often picture them sitting in a room by themselves, eating pizza, surrounded by comic books and thinking up dumb ways to ruin people’s internet time. Yeah, how stereotypical of me to think that way but I just wonder why they don’t put what knowledge they have into doing something that will actually benefit someone else. I mean it’s not like this computer dweeb can run around telling everyone he is the one the created the XYZ virus is it? What a strange little world they live in. But then no stranger than the morons that spray graffiti or throw litter on the ground because they are too pig ignorant to clean up after themselves…and yes, throw litter or cigarette butts when I am in the vicinity and I’ll be telling you to pick them up. I believe in the theory of evolution and I think some people are still having trouble getting to the next stage.






I received a draft version of my cover of Male Me from the Publisher - Resplendence Publishing. No, I can’t show it yet until I get the official oakey doakey but I love it. I never quibble about covers as I figure the artist/publisher are the experts and I tend to give a Cover artist free reign to do as they wish when it comes to my cover. My instructions were to go wild. Male Me is a ménage after all. I did send the draft on to a couple of friends/colleagues to get their opinion because although I was happy with it, I wanted people who would tell me honestly what they thought. They liked it, in fact most wanted to meet the male model on the front - yeah, like I know him. One person wanted to see more of the cover model’s body but that would take it well and truly into the realms of pornography and I'm not about that, nor is the publisher. Besides that's tacky on a romance book - I'm sure you will agree. Anyway as soon as I get final approval to post I will whack it on the blog and the website.

Male Me, like most of my books is based on my life…no, I’ve never done the ménage thing…not that there's anything wrong with that as Seinfeld would have said. However -
when I was working at Promptel(code word for crap phone company) management would send out emails announcing this or that or the other. Most of it was pretty irrelevant or ridiculous stuff like “as of tomorrow everyone will be required to make sure they stand on both feet when accessing the photocopier” or “anyone wearing red socks will be asked to explain why as they are not part of the corporate uniform.” You know the sort of stuff management types send out. It's basically to justify the sender having something to do. The staff of course would then wear red socks and balance on one foot just because they could.

Anyway most of the time the emails came and the staff deleted them. Promptel was and probably still is big on useless information. However, my colleagues and I also used to send emails to each other around the room making comments about the email sender or the emails we received. Comments were usually about how desperately we wanted the sender, that we wanted him to father our children, what he was like last night in bed and how we planned to handcuff the sender and do various lustful things to him that night. Yes, we were terribly busy at work but it gave us a laugh and kept morale high and to my mind Promptel should thank us for writing these emails...but they probably won't.








I used to speculate what would happen if management intercepted our emails - in particular if the manager we were targeting that day got the email and how he would react and what he would do to the staff member. No, it never happened. What would I have done if it had been caught? I would done the standard burst into tears thing and explain I had done it due to stress/drugs/alcohol/hormones. Most managers in my experience don't like dealing with any of that.

So that's how Male Me came about. The heroine is loosely based on me - she certainly gets to have much more fun at work than I ever have. What happens next? You will have to read the novella when it comes out in August.

Thank you to all those people who sent personal emails to me after yesterday’s blog. I’m glad you got what I was saying and I hope you find the peace you seek and understanding you need.

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

The Thursday ramblette...

I mentioned on yesterday's blog about my new contract with Resplendence Press for Taking the Fall. It's ménage. I mentioned the heroine was indulging in the guilty pleasure of making love with two men. A writing acquaintance asked me why I considered it a 'guilty pleasure.' Well, I always write books from the everyday woman's of point view. What I mean by that is if something extraordinary happened to you or I, how would we react? What would we feel or think? We aren’t super heroes or Buffy the Vampire slayer. What would we do? What would be a real response? I wrote the character of Jontie Rhodes, in Taking the Fall, as someone who has not only one amazing man, but 2, come into her life. Should she be loving two let alone having sex with both? Is it right? Should she feel guilt as good girls are not brought up to act like that…well, I wasn't. And no, while I never generally feel guilty at anything I choose to
do, I guess you would wonder if you could or should have two men at once. Though if one cooked and the other cleaned I guess that would answer the question. Anyway this got us talking about what is a guilty pleasure? What do you enjoy doing but maybe you have a 'should I be doing this’ moment over? As I said, there’s not a lot I feel guilt over. Pleasure to me is relaxation, a reward, something that makes your life easier or nicer. I don’t beat myself up over things like worrying about if I should or shouldn’t do something. But that's me. So, what’s your guilty pleasure? We won’t tell anyone.

Guilty pleasures I found on the internet (the tame ones)
- shoes
- trashy books
- soap operas
- clothes
- junk food
- sex toys
- sleep
- money
- alcohol

So, I have been working on the new website. It should be all very easy and it is and if I could just sit down and do it in one hit it would be done. But damn it, life gets in the way doesn’t it? Then you forget what the hell you were doing or think crap why did I do that was I on drugs? Anyway, it's red…the website that is. I used one of their templates and smacked the devil woman cartoon on. And you know what? If you read the instructions they give you that makes it easier. Who knew? I initially ignored them because I believe I know everything. When I managed to delete the whole thing in error I contemplated the fact that, maybe I did not know everything - and what is this check list down the side that says how to build your website? So I read it. Amazing, Grace where instructions can take you. The web hosts are very good. They always answer my questions asap. The always add “email at any time Amarinda” - okay, I will and have. I know when it's up and running someone will say is that it after all the hoo ha? Why yes and what of it? Maybe I’ll give them the death stare as well…haven’t used that in a week.

I went to the ladies loos late in the afternoon basically to waste time at work as it takes time to walk there and back and it you work it right you can drag it out to 10 minutes or more especially if you stop to gossip. The best gossip is to be found near the hand basins – have you noticed that? Nah, you're probably too good to waste time or gossip. Anyway why am I telling you this? I wandered into the ladies loos and there was a man there. I said “You’re not a woman.” See? I’m terribly astute. He agreed he was biologically challenged when it came to female hormones. He was actually the cleaner replenishing stock. I got into a long chat with him. Why? People fascinate me and cleaners know everything that is going on in a building. Have you found that? I have. When I was working at Promptel I knew things before anyone else did as the cleaners - two sisters…er…Susan and Sally…would come by my desk or flag me down in the car park and tell me amazing stuff. I believe cleaners are actually part CIA and part gossip columnist. Sometimes I used what they told my advantage, and more than once it save my flabby arse. Other times it gave me to chance to look composed and in control when everyone else was shocked. After chatting for 10 minutes with the cleaner, yes still in the restroom, he asked why I wasn’t shocked to find a man in the ladies loos. It takes a lot to shock me. Apparently some women arc up at a male a female territory. I figure if he did not clean then we would be arcing up over that so what does it matter?

Just came back from buying hydraulic equipment with safety suspension. There was a sale on them. What? Bras of course. Those things that stop the over endowed from having their boobs swinging free and knocking someone out. Actually what would be the liability on that? Hmmm... I believe author Regina Carlysle knows a lawyer. If you are reading this Miss Texas please ask him about assault with a deadly boob and what prison sentence you would get. I think it’s good to know just in case you let the girls out on their own. Anyway the words 30% off – the bras – not the boobs – jeez - that would be a dream come true - beckoned me. I have been properly fitted for a bra. It’s a good thing to do. Anyway I always buy this certain type that I know fit me perfectly. But they no longer make them in colours. How annoying. They were all flesh colored. I like colour. I wandered along the other racks of simply beautiful bras and I thought I should buy some of these – and then it hit me. What hell does it matter what colour a bra is? I mean really? I know I have to wear one. I put a bra on everyday without thinking so how will colour make a difference? It won’t. As for me, I have not met a man yet who is interested in the colour of your bra. It’s what’s inside that counts to him. My god - that’s sound s like a moral and I hadn’t planned to go do that path but there you go….spooky. So I have some new bras and maybe I am a better person for this deep philosophical moment…or not…maybe I’m just rambling as I do.

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

Meanderings of a shambolic mind...

OH-MY-GOD…I thought I’d got out but they were trying to drag me back in…Promptel (code word for useless wanker bastard phone company) - I got home last night to find a bill from them. Interesting – I am no longer with these nitwits. It was for full service charges for one month in arrears and one in front. I rang and explained I was no longer with them for any telephony whatsoever. Yes we know. Okay then – why are you charging me? Because the services have not been officially cancelled. Huh? Now I worked at this company for 13 and a half god-awful-throwing-everything-onto-the mortgage-is-there-overtime-tonight-years. I speak fluent Promptel but even that did not make sense in my handy dandy ‘how-to-talk-out-of-your-arse Promptel dictionary.’ Clearly there is a newer version. They went on to explain

that while I had no active service with them I still have to pay a monthly fee because their records showed it had not been ‘officially’ cancelled. I asked to speak to a Team leader – he gave me the same bullshit line and basically blamed it all on the competitor I changed over to. That’s a big no no in Telecommunications in OZ. I reminded him of that. He started to sweat when he realized I wasn’t some dumb bunny customer. He stammered that I would still have to pay for something they knew I did not have and was not using. Riiiightt. I asked his full name and other details. I said I wanted a complaint number – I named their complaints data base – and I wanted it now. He said it would take 10 minutes to type in and he would call me back. I said fine - while you’re doing that I will type my own online complaint to the Ombudsman. Yes, I could hear the sweat dripping off his brow because I know Promptel hates things to be escalated to a 3rd party who can kick their pudgy arses. I put my online complaint in. Ten minutes passed. No phone call. I called him. I’m no shrinking violet. He said – after some thought, and it has nothing at all to do with you going to the Ombudsman, but we will cease all charges and backdate your bill. Funny about that…it all comes down to who has the bigger balls doesn’t it? But it begs the question – what happens to people who cannot stand up for themselves?

How nice…I got a contract on Taking the Fall with Resplendence Publishing. What’s it about? Its ménage and no I haven’t written the blurb yet – bad Amarinda – but it’s basically about an angel and a demon who want the same mortal woman. She thinks she is bloody lucky and is enjoying the guilty pleasure of both men until she realizes what they really want….

I watched an interview with Kathleen Turner this morning while I was doing the pukeable exercise thing. It made me mad that this woman has been treated as she has. Why does society constantly devalue women as they get older? Here is a smart attractive woman, with a hell of a voice, who was being treated like crap because she is aging and illness had taken its toll on her. For fuck sake why do we not give people a break? Why is the outer shell the most important thing? Who amongst us is perfect? Yeah she was beautiful as a young woman. I don’t know about you but I think she is just as attractive now. It made me glad that I was never perceived as beautiful in my youth as it appears to be a damned hard thing to live with because people expect you to remain chocolate box pretty forever. People are people and not less so because they are or are no longer deemed ‘attractive’ in some pillock’s eyes. Hollywood has a lot to answer for.

Two tribes are going to war tonight - the maroons and the blues – the cane toads and the cockroaches. What am I talking about? It’s State of Origin – rugby league – Queensland versus New South Wales and its war. Yes, I am about as sporting as a gold fish but the thing is people get so caught up and tribal about it that it becomes fascinating to watch the face painting, the breast beating and the boastful taunts. It’s like living in some weird tribal society where you are separated by colours. Being a Queensland I support the Cane toads even though the only thing I like or understand about Rugby league are the muscular upper thighs and the butts of the players when they bend over for a scrum. But hey, that’s a hormonal response and I can’t help that can I?

I drew a line in the sand today at work. I'm big on doing that. If I don’t want to do something I don’t. And by not wanting to do something I mean something that I will not enjoy or I know will make me feel uncomfortable and wishing the hell I never did what I did. So I drew yet another line today and upset people accordingly. Line drawers do that. Have you found that? You’re probably too smart and rational to draw lines. I explained that I would not be doing something because I did not want to do it. The inevitable question was asked Why not? I don't want to. Everyone else is doing it. I'm not everyone else. It will look odd if you don’t. Odd works for me. This will be awkward. Only if you allow it to be so. What will I say? Any bloody thing you like. Don’t you care what people think? Nope. If it's within my power and I don’t have to or want to do something then I don’t. How many times have you thought 'crap why did I allow myself to be talked into XYZ?’ Do yourself a favour. The next time your gut instinct tells you that you don’t want to do something then don’t. It very liberating.

I have finally gotten around to getting a domain name - www.amarindajones.com. No don’t rush there because unless I have an amazing rush of energy tonight - ain’t gonna happen - you will find a blank page. When I first started this writing lark I thought I'll probably just write a book or two…hmmm…it's turned out to be a tad more than that. So I will endeavor to become all technical and build a website. How hard can it be? Okay…scratch that…that's a famous last words statement if I ever heard one.

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