Archive for April, 2010
The Black Dagger Brotherhood is my current favorite series. Lover Mine, released in hardback last Tuesday. So, am I happily reading the long anticipated installment? Nope. And I’m seriously cranky.
The problem isn’t price–$9.99 is a good deal. The problem isn’t availability–there are brick and mortar stores within walking distance and the online book suppliers are real efficient. The problem is format. NAL (New American Library) Publishing did not make Lover Mine available for pre-order in the Kindle format. NAL isn’t the only publisher making this choice–just the latest to irritate me.
There’s even a release date and pre-order option for the paperback version. But, nothing for constant Kindle reader. Really not feeling the love here….
I assume (dangerous, I know) their reasoning runs along the lines of Kindle sales could cut into their hardback numbers. This may be a legitimate concern. But, they’re missing the bigger picture. Which is–no Kindle availability means no sale. 
If I have to wait to get the title I want, why buy it at all? I can wait for free in library’s queue.
What I think needs to happen is for the gold standard of book success to recalibrate. The New York Times Best Seller rankings are based on brick and mortar sales. Ebooks are outselling print. Time to change the best selling criteria. If the NY Times doesn’t want to change their calculations or expand their lists–someone else will.
Now the question is; will I love the story enough to buy my very own copy (someday when the publisher comes to their collectives senses and makes it available as a Kindle title)? Maybe….
What do you all think? Am I the only disappointed Kindle fan?
Posted by Evanne @ 4:00 am |
On a rainy Sunday evening, I decided to tackle a little drywall repair project in the sewing/laundry room. Actually there are three drywall disasters in close proximity. Two from a nervous dog who soothed herself with eating things like walls and one aftermath of the solar panel removal. The holes where the pipe used to run were the most unsightly, so I started there.
I’ve watched a pro replace a good sized section of drywall. The end result was undetectable. But even if I could duplicate his technique, the gaping holes were half an inch from a corner. I haven’t seen corner repair. The local hardware store supplied a drywall patch and I gathered the recommended tools and materials, including a ladder.
A quick dust of cobwebs and the site was prepped. Following well written instructions, I applied the patch. A few hours later, it had dried. Already, the damaged spot looked better. Joint compound turned out to look a lot like Spackle, who knew. A nice pass or two with a putty spreader and the patch disappeared.
The next night, after a light sanding of the patch and cleanup, I trotted off to get the pale pink paint. When I pried off the lid I found a solid instead of a liquid. One of the bedrooms is painted in the same shade, so I looked for that can. No luck. It’s possible I used the sewing room paint for the bedroom. Matching existing paint has proved trickier than I would’ve thought. I have a can of unlabeled white base plus some drops of something vaguely pinkish that was still liquid.
Sadly, the mystery paint didn’t match the wall’s delicate pink. The night grew late and I decided to add a few drops of rose to a small can of white. The shade is close, but the tone a teeny bit too peachy. The pipe holes are gone, a definite improvement. Now, the sewing/laundry room needs painting. This is how my household repairs go, morphing into endless projects.
Share the love, how are your chores doing?
Posted by Evanne @ 6:29 am |
This writing business is a lot harder than it looks. 
One of the common threads of the less than stellar reviews of my stories is that they should be longer–a slower unfolding of the romantic relationships and more exploration of the special worlds and characters. Pretty much more of everything….
Personally, I love fast paced thrillers. Although, when there’s no transitions between action scenes it gets jarring.
The trick is getting the excitement racing through my mind’s eye on the page without jolting the patient reader completely out of the story.
Posted by Evanne @ 6:18 am |
Wicked Business is damned with faint praise over at Just Erotic Romance Reviews
Bland sex 
On a happier note, Demons and Dragons Book One–Ranin Seven is now available from Fictionwise.
Did I mention the Wicked Anthology is available for pre-order? The anthology includes: Wicked Business; Wicked Games; and Pirate Rules. All contemporary erotica with just a hint of suspense.
Posted by Evanne @ 6:19 am |
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Posted by Evanne @ 4:00 am |
Six more books I’ve read at least twice
1) Jane Eyre
2) Vanity Fair
3) A Christmas Carol
4) War and Peace
5) Anna Karenina
6) All of Rex Stout
Share the love, which books are so good that once is not enough for you?
Posted by Evanne @ 4:00 am |
Lately, I’ve been re-reading old favorites with a few new to me stories/authors tossed into the mix. I may tire of my old friends and branch out to try someone new one of these days, but the rereading is comfortable in a special way. For me, it’s very similar to talking to an old friend, there’s an ease and predisposition of caring that comes with history. New potential friends, require a lot more effort and have a high disappointment rate. Same goes for the new to me authors.
Once in awhile, I’m so enchanted by the first title I read, that I buy as much of the new find’s backlist as I can glom on to–this hasn’t happened for a long time. Too frequently, that first riveting tale turned out to be a creation of their golden hour never again recaptured, or even, sadly approached.
Even less frequently, I find an author who not only beguiles me with the first story I happen across, but who continues to improve and delight title after title. The Kindle expands my willingness to experiment by offering sample chapters. Strangely, after reading the requested sample, I don’t buy the book. There are too many titles I’m eager to read (or reread in my case) to spend money on a story that’s easy to close.
What keeps me clicking next page way too late? Suspense, mystery, doubt, connection, and simply beautiful writing–usually any one item on that list will work. Authors who manage to combine two or more of these virtues win another fan girl.
Share the love, tell me about your favorite authors.
Posted by Evanne @ 6:32 am |
The Wicked Anthology is releasing in print. 
The collection includes, Wicked Business, Wicked Games, and Pirate Rules. It’s available for pre-order at New Concepts Publishing
So go click and get your kinky sexy on 
Posted by Evanne @ 8:08 am |
A perfect day for me is one where I don’t have to go places other than the yard or walking the dog. Typically, I trot off for fun or duty several times a week. I usually have a great time. So why don’t I like to go?
It took me forever to figure out the problem. All interruptions to my nerdy routine disturb my connection with the special story world. Imagine dropping a pebble in a reflecting pond, the ripples spoil the image. The more pebbles, the longer it takes to recapture the picture. Real life messes up the fantasy. That’s the problem…
Posted by Evanne @ 6:51 am |
When both Hunter and Tru bond with Amber their mating triangle threatens everything they hold dear.
Determined to help rescue the princess, Cassandra agrees to act as the dragons’ sex slave, but can she guard her heart from the dominant males?
Camille, a plump, sweet-natured breeder, is caught in New Eden’s endless war with Baldor. Her mates, Jaxon and Aegis, need cunning and courage to rescue her. They need a miracle to capture her heart.
Werewolf-whisper Daniel is the only one who can heal Scarlet’s broken werewolf connection. If he succeeds then the pack’s needs will eclipse his claim on her heart. But if he fails, they'll both die.
A lonely woman finds passion with a dominant much younger lover, when she tries to leave she learns her new master plays for keeps.
One dangerous warrior woman plus two rogue demon males equals a love to threaten an empire.
Getting paid to watch Eduardo is Desiree’s dream assignment, but when he reaches out to her, crossing the line, everything changes.
Deep in her secret heart, she lusts for a sexy pirate who’d be her master and commander in the bedroom. But, this man may be too dangerous
She finds paradise in the arms of twin brothers, but their law demands she chose one warrior to mate and one to die.
One woman, two men, three wounded hearts--though already mated their love is still forbidden.
