Life with Anny Cook and her nipple flowers…

1. Are we obsessed by sex? Is that why there is a need for erotica?

NO. We're just free to admit we interested now.

2. Sensitive new age men - do they exist or is it just advertising hype?

Heck no, they don't exist. We just have vivid imaginations.

3. What do you look for in a publisher?

Honesty and a good accountant.

4. Do you believe in luck or are we guided by fate?

I believe in a higher power offering us opportunities. Sometimes we actually take the offer.

5. What three things do you never leave home without?

Swiss Army Knife, Sugar Test Kit, and my nipple flowers.

6. I believe in 'do-overs.' What would you change if you could?

I would be a better parent.

From Anny’s Kama Sutra Lovers….

While Hart took his communicator up into a tumbled rock formation to try to reach his mother, Giosetta wandered down to the edge of the pool. Arik joined her there, tossing small stones into the rippling water.
“Is it safe to swim here?” she asked wistfully.
“Sure. Hart and I spent most of our time in the water when we were here before.”
“I didn’t bring a suit,” she observed with a frown.
Arik snorted and then laughed. “You have something we haven’t seen, Setta? I don’t think so.” He began to strip off his clothes. “Hurry up and undress!”
She pulled her blouse over her head, but took her time undressing as she watched him. When he shucked his pants, she saw that he’d omitted his underwear again. His cock bounced into view, lengthening under her intent gaze.
“If you keep staring at me with that hot look in your eyes, we won’t get to the swimming for a while,” he said with a hitch in his voice.
Giosetta shot him a sly smile as she finished undressing. After waiting so long to be with her men, she still found it thrilling when they made their desire for her so clear. It gave her the confidence to tease them by flaunting her body for their pleasure. Standing before Arik naked, she cupped her breasts, pinching the nipples until they tightened into hard points. He lunged closer and gathered her into his arms, settling his lips over hers, exploring the sweet taste of her mouth with his tongue.
“Mmmm.” When he lifted his head, she licked her lips savoring the trace of flavor of Arik.
“Swim or fuck?” he asked roughly.
She arched one brow. “Why not both? I always wanted to try it in a pool or lake.”
Stooping down, he draped her over his shoulder and stalked into the shallow water, wading out until it was waist deep. Smacking her ass a couple of times just for the thrill of it before he lowered her into the water, he set her gently on her feet.
“What is this thing you and Hart have with smacking my butt?” she asked curiously.
Arik shrugged. “I don’t know. We love your soft ass. I think it’s the feel of the tight muscles under the soft skin. I really don’t know. It’s something that I need to do sometimes…kind of like you have to bite sometimes. It always seems to make you hotter and that’s another turn on.”
She wound her arms around his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist. “Yeah, well now that you made me hot I want you to stick that hard cock of yours inside me. I need you, Arik.” She shifted until his cock nudged the slick opening of her pussy. “Fuck me.”
Slipping his hands down under her ass to support her, he thrust his cock into her slippery pussy. “What got you so excited, sweetheart?”
“I was thinking about you and Hart. I want to watch you make love to each other. We haven’t had time to do that. I love watching you kiss and touch each other. I want to watch you fuck each other, too.” As she talked she could feel Arik’s cock swelling and growing harder. She kissed him with growing passion, licking his lips, toying with his tongue. “I love you and Hart so much it makes my heart ache. Every time I think of either one of you, I get wet with anticipation.”
“Yeah? Well every time we think of you, we get hard.” Arik turned at Hart’s gruff confession and smiled at the picture he presented. He was stretched out on one of the flat boulders lining the pool, stark naked, idly stroking his cock while he watched them fuck in the pool.
“Talk to your mother?” Arik inquired.
“Nope. She’s running a clinic. The woman who answered said she would be available at the second hour after prime. I told her I would call back then.” When Hart sprawled back on the boulder, his cock speared up into the air.
“Let’s go fuck him,” Giosetta whispered in Arik’s ear. “I’ll ride his cock and you fuck his ass.”
Arik’s cock throbbed at the thought of fucking Hart with Giosetta. “You’re sure?”
When she nodded, he waded over to the side of the pool where Hart had stockpiled a supply of condoms and lubes. “Fix him up, sweetheart.” Arik settled her on the flat stone and moved away.
“What are you doing?” Hart asked lazily.
Giosetta plucked a condom from the pile and ripped it open. “We’re going to fuck you,” she announced gaily. “I’m going to ride your hard cock and Arik’s going to fuck your ass. Move over a little so we all have room.”
“Hey! Look at this!” Arik stood at the edge of the flat stone at the perfect height to fuck Hart. “There’s a ledge down here. Scoot over here, Hart.”
“You two are crazy,” he teased as he moved so that his ass was on the edge of the flat stone.
“Crazy in love,” Giosetta agreed as she toyed with Hart’s cock, smoothing the condom on and preparing him for her sensual attack. She leaned down and kissed him, brushing her tongue along the inside of his lower lip. “We love you.” Her low murmur touched him and his chest tightened as he fought unexpected tears.

http://www.annycook.com/
http://www.annycook.blogspot.com/
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

Peace...

“The more you sweat in peacetime, the less you bleed during war.” --Chinese proverb

Do you think peace is possible? I’m not just talking on a world scale. I am very sceptical that will ever happen anyway. Why? Because there are too many people who think their race, colour, religion and beliefs are better then anyone else’s. I personally don’t care if you are black, white or brindle, who you love or who you worship. You do your thing and I’ll do mine. However cross the line and attack me and mine and I’m not peaceful. But I think most people are like that. When you look at that on a world scale – with so many personalities - then that’s why I am dubious about world peace.

“If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there'd be peace.” –John Lennon

So, what is peace to you? To me, it’s being free to do as you want without interference by nitwits - because let’s face it, if you are allowed to do your own thing you are happy and generally calm. Peace is being able to come home, shut the door and soak in the quiet of your real life. In my eyes, work is not real life. It is a means to an end. Peace is turning off your email to concentrate on what you are writing. Peace is having a laugh with an old friend because you know each other and you have stopped thinking about trying to change the other years ago. Peace is sitting on my back stairs and having lunch – yes how glamorous – and looking at the trees and the garden and seeing lizards scoot across the grass. Peace is about kicking back and reading a good book. Peace is about walking away from those who annoy the crap out of you – I’m still working on that one.

“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it” --unknown

Peace comes through many forms…

Upheaval…Last Man Standing by Janet Davies

In the year 2008, two months after of the birth of the son of the scarred warrior, when evil has been thwarted and much blood is shed, the lands of Carronas and Melotia will unite as one. They will become one nation under one name, with one aim—peace.

After great personal upheaval, the brother warriors will lead the way to prosperity and harmony between all. Their children will carry on their legacy. The scarred warrior will never again doubt his way or question his destiny for there is no way it can be stopped. Pain and hatred will be the catalyst for greatness.

His woman will know no peace and there will be nowhere to hide.

The Prophecy of Llewellyn, Seer and Councilor, the Melotian Chronicles 1912


Reality….Kama Sutra Lovers by Anny Cook

Rubbing his forehead, the Chairman muttered, “I thought we left terrorism behind on Earth.”

“Terrorism is a by-product of humans. As long as we have humans around, there will eventually be terrorism, murder, war, violence, or some other type of mayhem. We’re not a very peaceful species,” Lee pointed out. “If we were, I wouldn’t have a job.”


War….Beltaine Bargain by Cindy Spencer Pape

He sighed. He was exhausted. They’d risen well before dawn to be on their way, Huw, in a rush to show off his new spurs to his family, and Rhodri who just ached to be home and at peace. Without the robbers, they would have been in Wales in a day or two, then home to Llyan in just a couple more. Who knew, now, how long it would be before Rhodri felt the comfort of his own castle walls?


Soul….Tempting Tess by Regina Carlysle

Everything she’d done for the past twenty-five years had been careful. Precise. She’d been everything to everyone. Nurturer, lover, supermom. Now it was just her and at forty-five it was time to ponder the great question of her personal universe.

What more was left?

Renting this rustic cabin in the mountains of Ruidoso, New Mexico, was a starting point for what Tess Garrity considered the beginning of her new life. She leaned against the window frame and stared out at nature laid out in all its glory.

Understanding …My Last Dark Day by Barbara Huffert

“Just wanted to prove that I am more than capable of keeping you coming hard for as long as it takes you add someone to your life who understands like we do and knows how to take care of you.” He cupped my cheek gently. “Got it?” I nodded, fighting back my tears. “Aw honey.” He kissed me lightly. “No reason to cry. Not anymore. You’re ours now and all you have to do is remember to come here to us, okay?”

“I will,” I promised without hesitation, stating the truth as it would be for many no-longer-dark days to come.

Yes – by all means click on the covers to buy these bloody good reads.

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?

The Tuesday Rant…

I just heard on the radio that after 25 years after sexual harassment was ‘officially’ outlawed in the work place that women still report being harassed. Am I surprised? Nope. I hear it all the time. And who needs their arse kicked over this? Sure the men who do the harassing do but as they have their brains in their pants that would just cause them brain damage. No – it’s the women who put up with it. I don't care how much you want to get to the top in the work place, putting up with that crap from some Neanderthal of a man is just plain stupid. If you want to sell your soul and your dignity to have a brass plate on an office door with your name on it then you have to consider what your soul is worth. If it’s putting up with unwanted groping or ridiculous sexual innuendo then I suggest your soul needs some work.

On this topic – I ripped the head off yet another man for calling a woman a ‘big girl’ due to her size. Do men honestly believe calling a woman a ‘big girl’ is acceptable? But then think about it – calling a man a ‘big boy’ has a cheekiness, a comraderie about it. Yet ‘big girl’ to me sounds like some patronizing load of twaddle from an insincere and juvenile man who thinks that’s a politically correct way to describe a woman. Bull shit. Is looking a man in the groin and calling him 'small balled' an acceptable PC thing to call someone? I think not – but then women have more sense. Wanna’ piss me off? Call another woman a big girl in my presence and watch out.

Another thing that had me shaking my head this morning – it has taken years to extradite this pretend doctor from the US to Australia to face charges regarding the deaths of his patients. So, after spending mega tax payer bucks, they finally get him here to Brisbane yesterday. The victims and their support groups are relieved but hey – not for long because some dumb arsed judge gives the ‘doctor’ bail. Oh yeah…you can see he’s going to stick around can’t you? He skipped once because he could not face up to what he did so how is a second time any different? Yeah – real smarts there.

Speaking of judges, a convicted paedophile goes back to court today. This habitual predator’s last trial was quashed as some dipstick of a judge felt he could not be ‘tried fairly’ as people think he is lower than pond scum. Well, that’s just wrong – we don’t think – we know and I believe some judges need to find their qualifications other than in a cereal box.

Australian Big Brother finished forever (supposedly) last night. Thank god. It has become a painful franchise. I will admit I watched the first Big Brother years ago as it was new and fresh. Now it’s become painful and dumb. Reality TV – who’s frigging reality or is it reality as we are being told it should be? Do we really care what a bunch of whiny twenty somethings believe the world should be and how hard done by they are when they don’t get alcohol, their douff-douff music and junk food in the house? Care factor? Negative 12.

There is something else I would love to say but only common courtesy makes me hold my tongue. As my grandma Elsie would have said…"Oh what I would like to say…” However I will say that this same courtesy did not apply to the person that said some childish, school yard taunts about another. If reverting to school yard bullying is the best you’ve got I suggest you learned stuff all at school and weeping and wailing to me that no one ‘understands’ your ‘sense of humour’ will get you nowhere.

‘Love a good rant….got hormones? Use 'em. Tuesday Rant over…

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 aprize 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…

The Amarinda and Anny Contest – ends tomorrow….

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?

Pardon me while I pontificate for a moment….

“Erotica is using a feather, pornography is using the whole chicken.”-- Isabel Allende quotes

I was on a particular publisher’s website – no, not one I write for – and I was reading a couple of book blurbs as you do. Anyway one of them stopped me in my tracks. You know how a blurb is supposed to hook a reader in to buy a book? This one repelled me. Why? Well it was supposed to be romance book but that only thing I got out of it was pure-in-your-face-porn disguised as romance. Yeah, I know – erotic novels can come close to the line of is this porn or not but this did not even have the have to waver on the line. The blurb screamed this is a porn novel.

So what does that say about erotic romance writers – myself included? Are we so wanting to thrill, excite and shock the reader that we forget the story and head straight for the sex ? Is sex
a part of the story of two lovers? Do we write porn and wrap it up under the heading of ‘romance’ to makes it acceptable? It’s a tricky thing to do when writing these books. You set out to write a love story with sex and in the end it could turn out to be a sex story with a possible wedding at the end to make it love. How do I know my books err on the side of erotica? I absolutely believe a good and experienced editor knows the difference between erotic romance and porn. A good editor will tell you when you are crossing a line. A reader will also tell you. They aren’t about to be fooled when they have put their money down for one thing and get another.

And yeah, maybe there is a formula to writing erotic romance. I don’t know. I’m not sure if I am even a natural writer. I believe I am more a natural rambler and an observer of human nature who types really badly and send stuff off to my editor who thumps her head on the desk in despair because I maybe should have a formula instead of rambling. And I have often joked with writers I know – “Oh no! My characters do not have sex until page 8!” Again, as far as I know, and please correct me if I am wrong, there is no template for writing erotic romance. Yeah – sure – it’s a no-brainer that at some stage you will have characters having sex hence the erotic tag. But as I said on a previous blog I tend to write the book first and slot the sex in later – lots of writers do that. It has to be the story first and then the sex later – that’s what, to me, differentiates an erotic romance to porn. I also write non-erotic romances. I write these the same way but the sex is subdued as the audience is not interested in that – and that’s fair enough. It’s about knowing your market. What if your market expects erotic romance and gets porn? Are you catering to your customer if that happens?

Now, don’t get me wrong…there are many good writers who specially write porn to cater to a specific audience who want to read that. There is nothing wrong with that. We all have our different tastes and values and really, paraphrasing Lady Astor, as long as no one frightens the horses I don’t care what you do – hurt no one – do what you like is my theory. I just will not wander back onto that particular publisher’s site looking at erotic romance novels. It just surprised me the direction their books were going in and of course as that direction does not appeal to me I won’t be by again. I will be very interested to see how that particular book sells. I am positive it will appeal to a wide audience. I congratulate the author on the contact and wish them huge sales. I just have to wonder whether putting it in the ‘romance’ section is appropriate. And, as always go ahead and give an opinion - good, bad or an indifferent opinion – on my thoughts or what you think. What do you think is the difference between porn and erotica? Does it all come down to chicken parts as Isabel indicates?

“For a woman there is nothing more erotic than being understood.” Molly Haskell

The Amarinda and Anny Contest

What could be better than kicking back with a good book? Winning twobooks - 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
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmarindaJonesNewsletter/
Go ahead: Live with abandon. Be outrageous at any age. What are you saving your best self for?

Day 5 - 2 whole of freedom....

Let the pigeons loose! Knock Three Times has been released at Ellora’s Cave.

In a case of mistaken identity, Montgomery French thinks security expert Ballantyne Teague is the local bad boy. He turns her boring life upside down and she likes it.

Ballantyne has every intention of confessing the truth to Montie when the time is right. He has two objectives. The first is to make Montie fall hopelessly in love with him. The second is to catch the real burglar Montie thinks he is.

But Ballantyne is not the only one caught up in Montie’s life. Her ex-boyfriend has a secret that will shock her and a real bad boy lusts after her.

To buy click on the cover – and yes today you can enter the fantastic Amarinda and Anny Contest….

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.

So, I only have 6 possible pages on my website that the answer can be on so it’s a doddle to find. What's in the Aussie care package? Three different packets of Tim Tams and Aussie chocolate bars - a Cherry Ripe, a Violet Crumble Bar and a Picnic - perfect food for book reading…and everyone know that calories do not count if you win the goodies…trust me, it’s all to do with karma. Anything you win cannot make you fat.

52 things you would love to say out loud at work

Have you been sent this at work? I always enjoy it when it lands in my work email. My favourites out of the 52….

- I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way.

- Who lit the fuse on your tampon?
- The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist
- It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off.
- Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.

- And your cry-baby whiny-arsed opinion would be?
- Chaos, panic, and disorder. My work here is done.
- My, aren't you a black hole of need.

Beware the shopper stalker…

I needed a new handbag. I mentioned several weeks ago on the blog I was looking for one. It didn't have to be expensive but there had to be many compartments to carry all my crap in. A MacGyver handbag of you like. Anyway, I saw the perfect one today marked down to half price. The only problem was it was in the hands of another customer in the store. Bugger. Anyway I casually stalked the woman waiting for her to let go of it. She knew what I was doing and while she obviously could not make up her mind about it, she wasn’t about to let me have it. She handed it to her husband to hold on to so she could look at other bags. Ha! Amateur mistake! A man does not understand the complexities of shopping like a woman does so naturally any bright shiny object will divert his attention and make him put it down without thinking. Naturally I swooped in and got it. The woman was totally pissed off at her husband and he got a bollicking from her and I got the perfect handbag. Moral of the story - go shopping with a man and you lose.

A colleague, sitting near me, threw back her head and moaned in absolute pleasure. Uh huh…I casually looked over to see what was making her so very happy. She was sitting there with her eyes closed and a smile on her yes. O-kay…She opened them slowly and asked “do you like chocolate?” Does a chicken have lips? She told me to go to the café next door and order the hot chocolate with a shot or caramel in it. "It’s like a liquid Mars bar. Better than an orgasm mate.” Hmmm… better huh? I wandered over and asked to have what she was having and OMG! It was the most amazing drink! There was no way a man could compete with this drink unless he was dipped in caramel…hmmm…there's an idea...What makes you throw back your head and groan…food I mean…unless you want to be spill all on the blog…

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?

Day 2 - the work week continues....

“We are born at the rise of the curtain and we die with its fall, and every night in the presence of our patrons we write our new creation, and every night it is blotted out forever; and of what use is it to say to audience or to critic, "Ah, but you should have seen me last Tuesday?"-- Jules Renard

A miracle happened this morning. The phone and computers in the office would not work. It was a beautiful thing. Apparently some bugger cut a major cable in Queensland…a bit of an oops moment that caused major chaos. Anyway, despite my proactive suggestion to be have everyone sent home, management declined. Party poopers. Anyway we basically did nothing for 5 hours but sat and gossiped. I consider it networking. I learned lots of stuff. The most interesting thing was where the nearest brothel was. No, I'm not looking to take up extra employment - I know,
you probably could see me as Madam Lash - but sorry to disappoint. What interested me was the fact that I wanted to do some research on working girls and knowing the nearest place where ladies of pleasure ply their wares was about a block from work was excellent. I plan to introduce myself and see if I can chat with the receptionist. I mentioned this to one of my work colleagues who was horrified. “But it's a whorehouse!” I said the only thing that horrified me was there did not appear to be adequate parking around there
when I go to visit and ask questions…most annoying that.

And what's to be horrified anyway? Working girls have been around forever. I see no shame in what they do, They are supplying a service. I don’t see why these ladies should be considered any less because they work in a brothel. First up - sex happens. Second - people need to make money. If these ladies chose to make a living working where they do and they are not being held by force then who am I to judge?
Speaking of work…someone said to me 'we wish our lives away'. Yeah, I know it's not an unusual expression when it comes to wishing the working week gone. But I look at it in this way - we actually are wishing for more and better and work ain’t it. No one, as they say, on their death bed will wish they spent more time at work. Let's face it we work to get what we want for the life we want. It's a necessary evil. I don’t consider work real life anyway. It's something we do to have a real life

My question today…

1. Who is author Anika Hamilton?
I am an overly-dramatic and creative woman who loves writing. My stories cross several genres and themes, involving a mix of all kinds of loving and always with a happy ending. I have releases from Total-E-Bound Publishing and Siren-BookStrand.

2. What star sign are you? Name one fabulous characteristic of this sign.
I’m a Leo, and my fabulous characteristic is my broadmindedness.

3. Do you think your heroine is like you and if so why?
Yes. The heroine, Sandra Tucker in Dessert Box, is willing to try something totally new, even if it meant putting all her trust in her mate.

4. Do you get writer’s block? What do you do to break it?
Yes, I do. I move away from writing and read a book. Usually I’m just feeling overwhelmed and my brain needs to relax. It seems to work for now.

5. Do you subtly write friends and family’s characteristics into a book?
Yes, although it is not always subtle.

6. Do you think you should write what you know or go beyond your comfort zone?
I think if you are brave enough you should go beyond your comfort zone. It might not always work but it will most likely be fun. I try to write outside mine all the time, hoping to push against those invisible boundaries.

7. If you weren’t writing books what would you be doing?
I don’t know, maybe going to school to study something new.

8. Do you believe in soul mates or is it just hype?
I do believe in soul mates, and that there is someone for everyone, although we don’t always find them.

9. One wish for the world?
I wish everyone would strive for understanding of the differences in other people and cultures.
**************************
The Amarinda and Anny Contest…not long to wait now…

What could be better than kicking back with a good book? Winning twobooks - 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?

The world according to Sheila….

I was talking to this fairly well known e-book writer and acquaintance today. I mentioned that I had almost finished the follow on book from Tantalizing Tilly. I just had to go back and write some sex scenes. You have to be in the mood, don’t you? Anyway this writer – let’s call her Sheila, for the sake of her anonymity - said to me – it would be easy to write my books as they are all the same. Hmm, I see – bitchy remark or someone on drugs? Please explain Sheila. According to Sheila all book writers of her acquaintance write the same book over and over and slap another title on it. See why I’m calling her ‘Sheila’ now? According to Sheila – romance writers all write the same characters and thoughts and do not deviate from that. We also write sex by the numbers. Jeez, we’re bad buggers aren’t we?

My thoughts? I think Sheila is partly correct. Why? Because each author writes from experience. My books are going to have a common feel to them. I’m not going to write a heroine as being weak. She will be strong and mouthy and flawed. And yeah I’ll try to put in snappy dialogue because I like snappy dialogue. And yes, all the romance books I have read since I was a kid have a standard premise – the hero and heroine meet – there is chemistry – they fall in love – something drives them apart but they get back together in the end because they love each other. Problem with that? None that I can see. It’s a time and memoriam thing be it erotica or sweet romance. But then people buy romance knowing that. It’s the escape they want, Sheila – knowing at least one thing is going to plan or remains normal in maybe a tense period in their lives. Is that a bad thing? No, it isn’t.

Sex by numbers…yeah – sure – there is a very good chance that if you read one of my books the characters will be having sex somewhere strange – an elevator, outside in a park, in a photo booth etc. If you read an Anny Cook book then one or more of the characters will be body pierced somewhere interesting. Why? Because that’s like a trademark of our writing. You pick up a book knowing that there is a good possibility that the author will write in a certain way. Isn’t that why you buy the book in the first place? You like the author’s voice? Is that a problem? I don’t think so, Sheila.

No, I’m not mad at Sheila. It’s just one opinion among many. She’s entitled to it. I expect she knows she can tell me stuff like this as I won’t get my knickers in a knot over it. I did discuss it with some other writers though to gauge their opinion. Generally, they did not care. Why? To be a writer you must have a thick skin to survive. I must point out Sheila does not consider her books are all the same. Interesting huh? Whatever works for you Sheila. What do you think? Is the romance book world according to Sheila correct? Or does Sheila need to get off her high horse? Or do we all just have a laugh on move on?

On to all things winnable….

The Amarinda and Anny Contest

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 andwww.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?

Blither, hither, thither and yon…

To join my newsletter click here. To not join the newsletter then read on…

Yes, how remiss of me for not putting a scanned pic of the luscious fireman I mentioned on yesterday’s blog. To make up for it I have put one of him and another I like out of the calendar. Actually they’re all good pictures and I only bought the calendar for philanthropic reasons. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I believe if you click on the picture you can see these men much clearer. Was I right about Ian, the fire-fighter, or what?

Speaking of fire…do you burn bridges? Nah, you’re probably all too rational and reasonable to do this. But a friend and I were talking about bridge burning and the reason behind it. It was right after talking about stiletto heels and how they are really for the benefit of men and not for women…but that’s another discussion for another time…anyway, back to bridges - I am very good at burning them…I cross ‘em and napalm ‘em and move on. I tend to think the main reason behind burning bridges is self preservation

- that some people need to leave your life to allow you to breathe freely. Did you ever see the movie The Bridges of Madison County? I watched it years ago and thought it was dumb when she would not get out of the car and leave the crap life she had to go off with the man she loved. Of course now, older, wiser, crankier, I can see why she didn’t. Every so often do you wonder what if I had of done this instead of that? If I had of stayed instead of left…said yes instead of no…but then I guess you do what you do because instinct and self preservation tells to you to scarper, to be free, to be careful, to burn that bridge. My friend thinks it’s all to do with fear – he’s probably right. Sometimes fear and self preservation are the same thing. What do you think?

Whoa…bit frigging meaningful huh? On to other more pleasant things. I chatted to a couple of cyber friends on the phone today – Barbara Huffert and Anny Cook – fascinating women. I am eventually getting around to ringing everyone I like and email on a daily basis but it takes time and we all lack that don’t we? Remember when you were a kid and it took forever to get to school holidays or Christmas? Anyway, I digress as usual – it was nice talking to these two writers as opposed to emailing because you learn things about them you never could in email. Added to that we all sound different on the phone. Have you found sometimes when you speak to someone in flesh, instead of email, that you really don’t have anything in common at all and it’s really hard to string a conversation along? I can talk under water with a mouthful of marbles but what if the person cannot do the same? I can only babble on for so long before it becomes painful. Do you know people who are fascinating on email but tedious in person? We’re all tedious to someone. However - the two writers I spoke to today do not have that problem – we spoke for hours. I believe we could have quite a gabfest if we ever meet in person…one day.

That’s if for me today…I did the house frau thing and cleaned. How boring is cleaning? But in saying that I don’t think I could ever have someone clean my house. Firstly, because I am quite capable of doing it and it costs money. Secondly, I don’t like people poking around in my stuff. I am a very private person. Oh sure, I rabbit on about this and that on the blog but that’s generalities not specifics. No one ever tells everyone everything do they? We have to retain some mystery don’t we? I also happen to know, having worked as a hotel cleaner, in one of my many jobs overseas, cleaners are nosy…at least I was. Or maybe it’s a case people shouldn’t leave such interesting things out in plain view. I can tell you some wild people hang out in hotel rooms with some verrrry interesting stuff.

Speaking of interesting…Kama Sutra Lovers – a ménage romance – is released from Ellora’s Cave on July 18th….here’s a sneak peak direct from author Anny Cook.

“Think about it Arik. If your uncle takes over the company, there are real issues for the government. He’s made no secret about his feelings about our government contracts or about the conservation of resources. If he had his way, Elyria would be headed well down the same path of destruction as Earth.”
Arik nodded with resignation. “The cops. Thank you for thinking of it.”
“Don’t worry about that. What else is on your list?” Hart asked intently, as Matilda appeared with a large cart of refreshments.
“What list?” she inquired curiously.
“Giosetta just pointed out that our tri-marriage has placed us in greater jeopardy than we realized. We’re trying to compile a list of changes we need to make to ensure our security.”
“Change the locks.”
“I have that covered. The locksmith should be here in the next hour.” Hart pushed his communicator across the table. “There’s his info.”
She took the communicator to the house com, plugged it in and transferred the information. After unplugging it, she returned the com to Hart and started serving a hearty afternoon tea complete with chocolate scones and strawberries. “Have you considered hiring a professional driver and security team?”
Hart nodded. “Working on it. An official from EGS will be here at second hour sub-prime.”
“The locksmith! Lester has connections to at least two of the locksmithing companies,” Giosetta exclaimed. “I completely forgot about that.”
“Les has his fingers in a lot of pies,” Arik observed dryly. “We’re going to have to be very careful about who we deal with.”
“The locksmith is safe.” Hart smiled slyly. “He’s a distant cousin of mine. On Earth he was burglar.” His dark eyes were twinkling. “He retired when his number was picked in the lottery. Now he’s a full-time head chef at Mackanally’s Chinese Buffet.”
“Henry?” Arik stared at Hart, not quite sure whether to believe him or not. “Henry Anderson was a burglar?” He tried to envision the six-foot-three broad shouldered Henry sneaking into houses.
“One of the best.” Hart chuckled. “Henry was never caught. The cop who spent so much time trying to catch him was picked in the lottery, too. They play cards every Friday night.”
Giosetta giggled. “I bet that makes for some interesting conversations.”
“Yeah.” Hart sighed. “Back to work. What else do we need to add to the list?”
“Do you know a security company that’s not affiliated with Lester?” Arik tapped keys on his tablet filling in a lengthening list as he thought of new items to add.“Lee Chong’s group. Security Solutions. He despises your uncle. I’ll call him.” Hart took his communicator over to the window to make his call while Giosetta and Arik worked on the list. While he waited for the connection to Lee, Hart watched a man sidle through the bushes that lined the wall. A sturdy pack on his back and the strange item he dragged behind him captured Hart’s curiosity. When Lee came online, Hart described the man and his behavior. Seconds later, he was dragging Giosetta and Arik through the kitchen where he collected Matilda, and then urged them down to the underground tunnel system.

“Hurry. Move!”
“Hart, what the hell is wrong?” Arik’s irritable questions were cut off by the thunderous boom that shook the house. “What the fuck was that?”
“Rocket launcher,” Hart replied tersely. “Guy in the garden.”
A second explosion, followed by the odor of smoke had Arik cursing under his breath as he herded Matilda and Giosetta toward the far corner. “Come on Hart! Into the tunnel!”
Hart was yelling into his communicator while he rushed behind them, dodging falling debris. “Get the fire department!”
They tumbled into the tunnel and Hart slammed the heavy fire door behind them. “Son of a bitch! Good thing most of my clothes and belongings are still down at the carriage house. He didn’t get my shoes.”
“What makes you think the carriage house is still standing?” Giosetta asked wryly.
“Oh, no. If he burned up my shoes, then it’s war!”

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