I've been musing for the last couple of hours or so and then I thought, why not write my thoughts down so others can enjoy my misery? Blogs can be so handy.
Why are ebook prices so variable? This question was not keeping awake, btw. No, that was a very irritable body part and I got tired of getting up every hour, on the hour and just stayed up. Which gave my brain time to think, once it adjusted.
So why are ebooks priced so variably? I think the publishers'strategy is to keep them in line with their previous model: hardback to paperback. Set aside the debate over the costs producing an ebook vs paper book where the conclusion is that ebooks should be cheaper. If you take a hard look at new releases for popular, well known authors, you will see publishers are pricing ebooks to match the paper ones.
When you get popular enough and sell enough books, your new books are printed in hard back, which have always been more expensive. I don't think they'd sell many if not for discounts. When the book comes out, the ebook price is equivalent, if there even is an ebook. With a HB I get .... well hard backs, lol. A solid, sturdy book that will last for years. With an ebook I get a file.
Okay, but they both contain the same words, right? So therefore they should be priced the same, say some. But when the book goes to PB and I decide to get the ebook, I get ... the same old file. No changes. Nada. Except a lower price for the same file. At least there is a discernable difference in product with paper. It's readily apparent why HBs cost more than PBs. But e? It's the same old file.
You know, I'd almost rather they didn't offer the ebook during the HB stage. Because, for a beloved author, it can be so damn tempting. Just wait for the PB release to offer the ebook. But that would play havoc with the author's numbers. I really dread the day Ilona Andrews goes HB. Nalini Singh did go HB with her last release and yes, I paid the damn inflated e-price. I wish I could say without whining or cyring, but I'd be lying.
I've heard people say (or rather seen them write) that they refuse to pay inflated ebook prices, not for any author. They window shop amongst the lower priced books. This can be good, but what I say is that I have particular authors I love, that I know will deliver the goods and I want their books, the sooner the better. I'm an old fart, damn it! Who knows where I'll be when the PB comes out!
They need to get their shit together and figure out something that's fair to everyone - reader, author and publisher. At this point, it's looking like corporate greed.
Well now, this particular musing took longer than I thought, so I won't go into any other weird thoughts I might have had. In fact, I'm feeling sleepy again, so I guess I'll hunt down Morpheus and see if I can snag him. (that's snag, not shag, although they do say shagging does the trick, at least for males).
Definitely time to retire. Ciao.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
What the Effin' Eff is Going on with Publishing Nowadays?
If you look over to the side <---- thataways, you'll see blogs we read and Courtney Milan is there. Check out her recent blog posts about agents becoming publishers. Then go over to the Bookends blog and read about how they (agents) are becoming publishers without publishing anything.
Then you can check out JA Konrath's blog and read how any author who doesn't self publish is a ninny-head and then watch him not address the fac that he signed a contract with Amazon's new publishing arm and isn't self-publishing anymore.
Oh, while you're at it, check out Facebook. Almost every one of the 200+ authors I see there are self-pubbing, epubbing and still trying to get agents.
If you're a newbie author, or possibly any author, you have to realize that publishing has changed and nobody at all knows what's what anymore.
I've been looking at it all and reading and thinking and I had a few realizations.
** There is no perfect model. Some people will find the standard of agent and New Yawk house is the ideal and they're going to be happy. Some will self-pub. Some will stick to the epubs. They will all disagree about what way is best.
** Most of them won't make money, anyway.
** If you choose to self-pub, you can easily hire an editor moderately cheap and a cover artist moderately cheap. (If you need either, drop me a note here and I can connect you with both. And both are brilliant.) Formatting is relatively easy to do or again you can hire out.
** Promo sucks and that, in my opinion, is where the money can be made by a savvy person.
Seriously, I would happily pay someone to take promo off my hands. Give me an option of flat fees to send my book to reviewers, to arrange blog tours, to do the things for sales that I'm just not going to bother with and you have a client. Actually, you have two because I know Carolyn will pay for that also.
Agents becoming publishers aren't editing books, aren't getting cover art done, they aren't formatting. What are they doing? Nada. But they'll happily take 15% of your sales forever to do it for you.
If agents became marketing sources, or promo Goddesses, they would find a new venue and a lot of happy clients.
Authors are trying to discover the right path for themselves nowadays. Agents need to discover new paths also and those shouldn't involve ripping off clients because they don't know what to do.
Learn how to be useful. And you'll find people happy to pay for it.
And as an aside: if there are author promo services who do the majority of the promo for the author, tell us about it. I'd be fascinated to check them out.
Then you can check out JA Konrath's blog and read how any author who doesn't self publish is a ninny-head and then watch him not address the fac that he signed a contract with Amazon's new publishing arm and isn't self-publishing anymore.
Oh, while you're at it, check out Facebook. Almost every one of the 200+ authors I see there are self-pubbing, epubbing and still trying to get agents.
If you're a newbie author, or possibly any author, you have to realize that publishing has changed and nobody at all knows what's what anymore.
I've been looking at it all and reading and thinking and I had a few realizations.
** There is no perfect model. Some people will find the standard of agent and New Yawk house is the ideal and they're going to be happy. Some will self-pub. Some will stick to the epubs. They will all disagree about what way is best.
** Most of them won't make money, anyway.
** If you choose to self-pub, you can easily hire an editor moderately cheap and a cover artist moderately cheap. (If you need either, drop me a note here and I can connect you with both. And both are brilliant.) Formatting is relatively easy to do or again you can hire out.
** Promo sucks and that, in my opinion, is where the money can be made by a savvy person.
Seriously, I would happily pay someone to take promo off my hands. Give me an option of flat fees to send my book to reviewers, to arrange blog tours, to do the things for sales that I'm just not going to bother with and you have a client. Actually, you have two because I know Carolyn will pay for that also.
Agents becoming publishers aren't editing books, aren't getting cover art done, they aren't formatting. What are they doing? Nada. But they'll happily take 15% of your sales forever to do it for you.
If agents became marketing sources, or promo Goddesses, they would find a new venue and a lot of happy clients.
Authors are trying to discover the right path for themselves nowadays. Agents need to discover new paths also and those shouldn't involve ripping off clients because they don't know what to do.
Learn how to be useful. And you'll find people happy to pay for it.
And as an aside: if there are author promo services who do the majority of the promo for the author, tell us about it. I'd be fascinated to check them out.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
When the Muse Screams at You From a Tree
you really should listen.
Yesterday morning I let the cats out on the balcony and was sitting in peace, drinking my coffee when suddenly the silence was disturbed by a very loud crow out on the tree right next to my deck.
By Gawd, that bird had a lot to say and was not going to be put off. I went out and stood there, the bird giving me a piece of its mind and then some. And I had an epiphany.
Years ago I started a story about a man named Crow (not a shifter story, just to clarify) and I got to a place where the big old shoot-out was going to occur (that's a metaphor because there are no guns) and I stopped. Just like that.
So I said to that noisy crow, "Okay then." I pulled up that old file and started writing and the crow went away and my house is quiet again.
Moral of the story: keep the deck door closed.
Yesterday morning I let the cats out on the balcony and was sitting in peace, drinking my coffee when suddenly the silence was disturbed by a very loud crow out on the tree right next to my deck.
By Gawd, that bird had a lot to say and was not going to be put off. I went out and stood there, the bird giving me a piece of its mind and then some. And I had an epiphany.
Years ago I started a story about a man named Crow (not a shifter story, just to clarify) and I got to a place where the big old shoot-out was going to occur (that's a metaphor because there are no guns) and I stopped. Just like that.
So I said to that noisy crow, "Okay then." I pulled up that old file and started writing and the crow went away and my house is quiet again.
Moral of the story: keep the deck door closed.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Publishing Companies Cash In
Dear Lori,
I got all excited when I heard many authors were e-pubing their backlists. But then, I am an Old Fart, and it doesn't take much to excite me these days. Still, I had visions of collecting old, beloved stories on my computer and immersing myself in my past. Because I think the books we read do indicate, to a certain degree, just where we were in our lives at that point in time.
Enough of being philisophical!
What I really wanted to tell you is that I got one hell of a shock when I went shopping and I'm not over it yet! Shock is not a good thing for an Old Fart, as you well know.
So, first I looked up Barbara Michaels, because I used to love her books. They're sort of gothic, but they do have romance. No graphic sex and sometimes the hero isn't even there much (thinking of Witch here), but they just make you feel good and that yes, there might be hope for the human race if there's people like this in the world.
Barbara Michael's backlist is selling for $6.99 to 7.99. Well, hell! I still have my old PB copies, falling apart though they are and I guess they're what I'll be reading unless I get lucky around Christmas, lol.
After that little eye opener, I sort of squinched my eyes when I checked out Barbara's alter ego, Elizabeth Peters. OMG!! They're making a mint off the Amelia Peabody series! Peter's backlist runs from $6.89 to $9.99! Ouch!
Okay, won't be collecting her for my Kindle.
I decided to try SF/F. Gotta be better, right? Wrong. Barbara Hambly's backlist starts at $6.99. Starts! I saw one there for $12.99! 0.o
By now, I was sorta getting the idea and a depressing idea it was. La Nora? $5.38 to 11.99. Roberta Gellis, the Roselynde series? $8.69 to 9.58. Oh and as an aside, they're published by Ellora's Cave. Somehow that just struck me as funny, lol. Georgette Heyer? $7.99 - 9.99. Laura Kinsale? Anywhere up to $9.49, with her most recent, Lessons in French being the cheapest at $5.59.
Wtf???
The one thing all these books had in common, is that they were put out by publishing companies, not the author herself. Does that tell us something? Hmmm??
I have no idea what these author's contractual rights are, but I have a hunch the ebook royalties have not grown with the ebook market. How depressing is that? I hope I'm wrong. Maybe the laydeez just didn't want to self publish and cut a new contract with a publishing house. I hope that's the case.
So, what you have to do, Lori, is get famous for something and then put out your backlist through a publishing company. Make sure you get two digit royalty percentages though, because why should the company have all the profit. Right?
All kidding aside, I know there's a whole new generation out there that haven't discovered these books. For them the stories will be new and exciting and maybe worth the outrageous prices being put on them.
But as an old and faithful follower of these authors, I feel ripped off. Sorry, but I do. And I don't like it at all.
I got all excited when I heard many authors were e-pubing their backlists. But then, I am an Old Fart, and it doesn't take much to excite me these days. Still, I had visions of collecting old, beloved stories on my computer and immersing myself in my past. Because I think the books we read do indicate, to a certain degree, just where we were in our lives at that point in time.
Enough of being philisophical!
What I really wanted to tell you is that I got one hell of a shock when I went shopping and I'm not over it yet! Shock is not a good thing for an Old Fart, as you well know.
So, first I looked up Barbara Michaels, because I used to love her books. They're sort of gothic, but they do have romance. No graphic sex and sometimes the hero isn't even there much (thinking of Witch here), but they just make you feel good and that yes, there might be hope for the human race if there's people like this in the world.
Barbara Michael's backlist is selling for $6.99 to 7.99. Well, hell! I still have my old PB copies, falling apart though they are and I guess they're what I'll be reading unless I get lucky around Christmas, lol.
After that little eye opener, I sort of squinched my eyes when I checked out Barbara's alter ego, Elizabeth Peters. OMG!! They're making a mint off the Amelia Peabody series! Peter's backlist runs from $6.89 to $9.99! Ouch!
Okay, won't be collecting her for my Kindle.
I decided to try SF/F. Gotta be better, right? Wrong. Barbara Hambly's backlist starts at $6.99. Starts! I saw one there for $12.99! 0.o
By now, I was sorta getting the idea and a depressing idea it was. La Nora? $5.38 to 11.99. Roberta Gellis, the Roselynde series? $8.69 to 9.58. Oh and as an aside, they're published by Ellora's Cave. Somehow that just struck me as funny, lol. Georgette Heyer? $7.99 - 9.99. Laura Kinsale? Anywhere up to $9.49, with her most recent, Lessons in French being the cheapest at $5.59.
Wtf???
The one thing all these books had in common, is that they were put out by publishing companies, not the author herself. Does that tell us something? Hmmm??
I have no idea what these author's contractual rights are, but I have a hunch the ebook royalties have not grown with the ebook market. How depressing is that? I hope I'm wrong. Maybe the laydeez just didn't want to self publish and cut a new contract with a publishing house. I hope that's the case.
So, what you have to do, Lori, is get famous for something and then put out your backlist through a publishing company. Make sure you get two digit royalty percentages though, because why should the company have all the profit. Right?
All kidding aside, I know there's a whole new generation out there that haven't discovered these books. For them the stories will be new and exciting and maybe worth the outrageous prices being put on them.
But as an old and faithful follower of these authors, I feel ripped off. Sorry, but I do. And I don't like it at all.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Someone is Better Than You
There was a book review over at Dear Author today on a Lori Foster book. Lori Foster is a many published romance author who is the reason I got published. Seriously. I read a book she wrote and it was so goddamned awful that I threw it across the room and said "I can write better than this."
That doesn't happen a lot. Occasionally though there are books I've read that I thought "Hey, she's not better than me." And then I read Loretta Chase and feel like the speck of poop on the bottom of her dainty slipper which I am. (I love you Loretta Chase and I am not worthy. I am not worthy.)
Comparison sucks. If I compared myself to everything I read then a lot of the pleasure of why I write might be compromised. It doesn't matter if Carolyn is a better writer than I or if I do better dialogue or if Cheryl has better plots...
We all write to tell the stories we want to tell. And there's an audience for all of it.
Lori Foster wrote a book that was so bad I challenged myself to write better. Lori Foster has also written books that are beyond my capabilities. It doesn't matter. Because in the long run, there's an audience for her and an audience for me and it all washes out in the end.
(Okay, I will admit that I read about 4 or 5 Lori Foster books trying to find one I liked and never could. She's my least favorite romance writer. And her idea of erotica works for a 15 year old boy, not for me. Mea culpa. Sue me. I just can't stand the woman. But she's got a lot more readers than I could ever dream of so she's doing something right. Oh well.)
That doesn't happen a lot. Occasionally though there are books I've read that I thought "Hey, she's not better than me." And then I read Loretta Chase and feel like the speck of poop on the bottom of her dainty slipper which I am. (I love you Loretta Chase and I am not worthy. I am not worthy.)
Comparison sucks. If I compared myself to everything I read then a lot of the pleasure of why I write might be compromised. It doesn't matter if Carolyn is a better writer than I or if I do better dialogue or if Cheryl has better plots...
We all write to tell the stories we want to tell. And there's an audience for all of it.
Lori Foster wrote a book that was so bad I challenged myself to write better. Lori Foster has also written books that are beyond my capabilities. It doesn't matter. Because in the long run, there's an audience for her and an audience for me and it all washes out in the end.
(Okay, I will admit that I read about 4 or 5 Lori Foster books trying to find one I liked and never could. She's my least favorite romance writer. And her idea of erotica works for a 15 year old boy, not for me. Mea culpa. Sue me. I just can't stand the woman. But she's got a lot more readers than I could ever dream of so she's doing something right. Oh well.)
Saturday, July 16, 2011
A Reply to Lori's Big List of No
*grin*
Actually, I think the redheads appeared in books to protest all the damn blondes that were hogging the heroes. It was never really an organized rebellion, but it took off anyway.
Seriously, you've only got 3 choices. Blonde, brunette or redhead. Most folks are somewhere in between those choices but it doesn't matter because ....
Excessive description is out. What's a writer to do? Go with the less used color until it's the most used color and then start back at the beginning. Makes sense, if you think about it.
I gave some of those opinions a fair shake. I did! Well, I tried to. As an example: long, lustrous hair. OMG, it even had alliteration! But I was strong. First I took out long. So I was left with mediocre shiny hair. Meh. Then I tried taking out lustrous. I was then left with long, colorless hair that didn't shine.
Decisions, decisions ...
Now she's bald, or might as well be, because hair is no longer in the equation. We need a bald heroine. It would keep the hero from getting hair balls. :-)
Seriously though, you're right. We can't please everybody. We can't even please the same people consistently. We can only do what we feel is right, in our hearts, in our guts, in our toenails. And then let our editor smack us around, lol.
Actually, I think the redheads appeared in books to protest all the damn blondes that were hogging the heroes. It was never really an organized rebellion, but it took off anyway.
Seriously, you've only got 3 choices. Blonde, brunette or redhead. Most folks are somewhere in between those choices but it doesn't matter because ....
Excessive description is out. What's a writer to do? Go with the less used color until it's the most used color and then start back at the beginning. Makes sense, if you think about it.
I gave some of those opinions a fair shake. I did! Well, I tried to. As an example: long, lustrous hair. OMG, it even had alliteration! But I was strong. First I took out long. So I was left with mediocre shiny hair. Meh. Then I tried taking out lustrous. I was then left with long, colorless hair that didn't shine.
Decisions, decisions ...
Now she's bald, or might as well be, because hair is no longer in the equation. We need a bald heroine. It would keep the hero from getting hair balls. :-)
Seriously though, you're right. We can't please everybody. We can't even please the same people consistently. We can only do what we feel is right, in our hearts, in our guts, in our toenails. And then let our editor smack us around, lol.
Friday, July 15, 2011
The Big List of No
Dear Carolyn,
Well if we listen to what the bloggers, book reviewers and all the readers on Amazon say the list of no-no's for writers include the following:
No prologues.
No epilogues.
No first person.
No multiple points of view.
No description.
No red-heads.
No head hopping.
No historicals that aren't completely historically accurate.
No originality.
I'm exhausted. It's ridiculous and a complete waste to try and write for what people want and I realize quite seriously, that one can't. As everybody jumps on the YA bandwagon, or the pteridactyls in outer space band wagon or whatever bandwagon is going to come along, I'm going to write for me.
I realized that this morning as I sat and read The Bodice Rippers for the maybe, one millionth time and laughed still. I thought how it makes me laugh and always makes me laugh. And it was a wonderful story full of redheads, historical inaccuracy and idiocy.And so damned funny with all its one liners that it kicks my ass every time I read it.
I can't write for the bloggers or the readers on amazon who hate redheads or the editor on Twitter who dislikes first person. I can only write for myself. And I assume there's others readers out there like me who will like what I'm doing.
Plus all my stories have redheads in them. Wonder why...
Well if we listen to what the bloggers, book reviewers and all the readers on Amazon say the list of no-no's for writers include the following:
No prologues.
No epilogues.
No first person.
No multiple points of view.
No description.
No red-heads.
No head hopping.
No historicals that aren't completely historically accurate.
No originality.
I'm exhausted. It's ridiculous and a complete waste to try and write for what people want and I realize quite seriously, that one can't. As everybody jumps on the YA bandwagon, or the pteridactyls in outer space band wagon or whatever bandwagon is going to come along, I'm going to write for me.
I realized that this morning as I sat and read The Bodice Rippers for the maybe, one millionth time and laughed still. I thought how it makes me laugh and always makes me laugh. And it was a wonderful story full of redheads, historical inaccuracy and idiocy.And so damned funny with all its one liners that it kicks my ass every time I read it.
I can't write for the bloggers or the readers on amazon who hate redheads or the editor on Twitter who dislikes first person. I can only write for myself. And I assume there's others readers out there like me who will like what I'm doing.
Plus all my stories have redheads in them. Wonder why...
Thursday, July 14, 2011
I think I got Twitter-fucked
Carolyn,
it was miserable. Awful. A version of Hell but without any hot demons offering us iced tea.
There I was avoiding writing by being on Twitter. And there she was. You know... an editor. Not just an editor but an editor from one of the two houses where we sent our latest piece of shit for consideration.
So what did this editor do? Well, she commented about a submission she was reading and she complained about it. She didn't like it. And what she said in complaint meant it might have been ours.
Oh, it might not have been ours. But I think it might have. And so I replied to her and asked but she didn't answer. And I thought how awful. If it was our submission, I sure don't want to hear how lousy it is on Twitter.
Anyway, I was proud of us for writing it. I still think it's a good story. But I'm kind of depressed to have seen that and I'm hoping it wasn't us.
I just feel like maybe there might have been a nicer way to get the feedback, if it was us.
Maybe editors should be more careful on social media?
it was miserable. Awful. A version of Hell but without any hot demons offering us iced tea.
There I was avoiding writing by being on Twitter. And there she was. You know... an editor. Not just an editor but an editor from one of the two houses where we sent our latest piece of shit for consideration.
So what did this editor do? Well, she commented about a submission she was reading and she complained about it. She didn't like it. And what she said in complaint meant it might have been ours.
Oh, it might not have been ours. But I think it might have. And so I replied to her and asked but she didn't answer. And I thought how awful. If it was our submission, I sure don't want to hear how lousy it is on Twitter.
Anyway, I was proud of us for writing it. I still think it's a good story. But I'm kind of depressed to have seen that and I'm hoping it wasn't us.
I just feel like maybe there might have been a nicer way to get the feedback, if it was us.
Maybe editors should be more careful on social media?
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Pornography Ain't Pretty
Carolyn dear,
my libido woke back up. I was rather surprised that it came back since menopause has played havoc with me and desire has been rather at a yawn. So imagine my surprise when my nether regions awoke and said heya long time, no see.
So being without masculine attention and not that interested in finding masculine attention, I thought I would treat myself to a dirty movie and whatever follows after that.
What followed was amazing. The movie I got was Not the Brady Bunch. I figured that might be kind of fun since I watched the show way back when and a porno version might be kind of fun.
It wasn't fun.
It's been a long time since I saw a dirty movie and I was surprised at how unpleasant it was. Watching these women gag on male meat had me gagging in sympathy. I think I can state that watching a porn blow job would turn a woman from ever putting choizo in her mouth again.
And what's with all the spitting? Let me state that if a man EVER spit on my va-jay-jay during oral pleasure he would be finding his balls in the bathroom and his dick in the living room. Good God, do men find this hot?
I am trying to wash this from my mind by reading Eloisa James and then Georgette Heyer. Please God remind me that romance does not have spit or gagging in it.
my libido woke back up. I was rather surprised that it came back since menopause has played havoc with me and desire has been rather at a yawn. So imagine my surprise when my nether regions awoke and said heya long time, no see.
So being without masculine attention and not that interested in finding masculine attention, I thought I would treat myself to a dirty movie and whatever follows after that.
What followed was amazing. The movie I got was Not the Brady Bunch. I figured that might be kind of fun since I watched the show way back when and a porno version might be kind of fun.
It wasn't fun.
It's been a long time since I saw a dirty movie and I was surprised at how unpleasant it was. Watching these women gag on male meat had me gagging in sympathy. I think I can state that watching a porn blow job would turn a woman from ever putting choizo in her mouth again.
And what's with all the spitting? Let me state that if a man EVER spit on my va-jay-jay during oral pleasure he would be finding his balls in the bathroom and his dick in the living room. Good God, do men find this hot?
I am trying to wash this from my mind by reading Eloisa James and then Georgette Heyer. Please God remind me that romance does not have spit or gagging in it.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Quick Apology
A quick apology to Jan Gordon whose book Black Silk we had blogged about earlier. There was a piracy situation with the book and we had questioned how it had happened.
Ms. Gordon replied to our post but she got caught in the spam filter and I didn't discover that until this morning.
Ms. Gordon, our apologies for that. We hope you didn't think we were blocking you. And we certainly hope that whoever pirated your book burns in a special place in Hell for those who steal other's hard work (and we know writing is hard.)
By the way I downloaded the book from Smashwords and am looking forward to reading it.
Ms. Gordon replied to our post but she got caught in the spam filter and I didn't discover that until this morning.
Ms. Gordon, our apologies for that. We hope you didn't think we were blocking you. And we certainly hope that whoever pirated your book burns in a special place in Hell for those who steal other's hard work (and we know writing is hard.)
By the way I downloaded the book from Smashwords and am looking forward to reading it.
Kellan's Dragons by Antonia Tiranth
This is not a review. I just better state that up front because I don't really know how to review books and also because Antonia is my editor at Lyrical Press.
Antonia is a tough editor and I've had two books with her and feel like she's made me a better writer. A good editor will do that to you. Or for you. But I found myself wondering if she was as constant in her writing as she was in improving mine.
Kellan's Dragons was the answer and the answer was a resounding yes. I will state however that I have one major complaint with the book and that is that it's too short. It reads like part of a series but where's the rest?
However, I liked the set-up because Kellan has a gift and she has psi powers and has been recruited into working with a dragon. (It makes perfect sense in the book.)
Okay this is one of the reasons I don't review is because I hate giving synopsis' of stories. Let's just say the world building was matter of fact and easy to read, the characters were enjoyable and the action moved along at a good pace.
So, I won't tell you to buy this book although it's a good read. I will say to buy my and Carolyn's books because our editor is a good writer. Makes sense, yes?
Antonia is a tough editor and I've had two books with her and feel like she's made me a better writer. A good editor will do that to you. Or for you. But I found myself wondering if she was as constant in her writing as she was in improving mine.
Kellan's Dragons was the answer and the answer was a resounding yes. I will state however that I have one major complaint with the book and that is that it's too short. It reads like part of a series but where's the rest?
However, I liked the set-up because Kellan has a gift and she has psi powers and has been recruited into working with a dragon. (It makes perfect sense in the book.)
Okay this is one of the reasons I don't review is because I hate giving synopsis' of stories. Let's just say the world building was matter of fact and easy to read, the characters were enjoyable and the action moved along at a good pace.
So, I won't tell you to buy this book although it's a good read. I will say to buy my and Carolyn's books because our editor is a good writer. Makes sense, yes?
Friday, July 8, 2011
Contest Winners
Congrats Ashley!!
You win the $25. Amazon gift card and a copy of The Seduction of Lady Bea by C. L. McCullough.
Our second place winner chosen by Random Comment Integration Chooser (aka Mollie) is Jan. (Sorry Dilly I was hoping for the Galaxies too.) Uh Jan what's your email?
Woo-hoo ladies. Much fun ahead.
You win the $25. Amazon gift card and a copy of The Seduction of Lady Bea by C. L. McCullough.
Our second place winner chosen by Random Comment Integration Chooser (aka Mollie) is Jan. (Sorry Dilly I was hoping for the Galaxies too.) Uh Jan what's your email?
Woo-hoo ladies. Much fun ahead.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
A Best Ever Book
Lori: Silk is for Seduction by Loretta Chase
Let me start off by saying that Carolyn forced me by gunpoint to read Lord of Scoundrels about two years ago and my life changed. That was, in my estimation, one of the best books I've ever read in my lifetime. And that isn't hyperbole. Lord of Scoundrels is that good.
Ms. Chase consistantly writes books that are brilliant (and one or two that are better than meh but not great). This latest book, Silk is for Seduction, is almost as good as Lord of Scoundrels.Yes, it's that good.
I refuse to give spoilers but this much I can tell you: the heroine is a brilliant dressmaker and a complete con artist. She has two younger sisters and a 6 year old daughter who all have great talents and are all as conniving and deceitful as the heroine.
The hero is vaguely promised to another woman and the heroine skirts the edges of being both the heroine and the villain. This book is brilliant because the reader loves all the characters so much that you root that they all win and yet there's no possible way that can happen.
The writing is brilliant. The humor is perfect and I laughed out loud a few times.
This book is brilliant and I can't praise it enough.
Carolyn:
I wish I could remember booktitles. Even this one, which I absolutely loved - I can't keep the title in my head.
I think this is her best story yet. I have no opinion on whether it's her best writing because I usually like everything she writes. Some of her plots have had more action, that's true, but this book just about beats them all as far as character development.
To wit: a heroine who is working class only because she withdrew from her con artist family. She knows her strengths and weakness and her consuming desire is to build a successful modiste shop, so her daughter and sisters will be secure.
She recognized her lustful feelings for the hero, but she's far more interested in his future Duchess, because if she can dress his wife, her career will be made. All else is subordinated to this goal. She considers herself practical, hardheaded and goal oriented. She doesn't care what others think of her.
Doesn't this sound like the heroes in most books?
The hero wants her, of course. But he finds all his advances rebuffed and the conversation turned to his future Duchess.
What could have been a catastrophy is turned into a HEA by the strength and common sense of that potential future Duchess, Clara.
I liked all the characters. From the very beginning I liked them all. And I think all the characters do win, Lori. They learn and grow and they take control of their lives and they all win. Look to see more books about these folks. Only problem is, Ms Chase is a slow writer and I'm an Old Fart. Still, I hope to be able to read them all. *grin*
In contrast, it took me forever to get into Last Night's Scandal (had to go look that title up, lol) and I never really bought into the story. Why was there a conflict? Lisle wanted to dig in Egypt, Olivia wanted to travel - why not do it together? Why was it so impossible to admit to their feelings for each other? Why would doing that destroy the way they both wanted to live?
Maybe I need to read it again, must have missed something.
This book, Silk is for Seduction, I can recommend without reservation. Beautifully written, strong story, believable characters.
It's different and yet it's still Loretta Chase. Someone ought to bronze that woman.
Lori:
I want to add a postscript.
I think you summed up the best parts of the book. The Heroine really acted like a classic Hero. She was ruthless yet honest and ultimately fell in love against her better judgement.
The Hero was classic and yet the alpha traits were shared between H/h. Even Clara who was more feminine than the modistes wasn't a classic heroine.
This book pushed every boundary, it was a complete and utter surprise and definately going to be my best read of 2011.
Let me start off by saying that Carolyn forced me by gunpoint to read Lord of Scoundrels about two years ago and my life changed. That was, in my estimation, one of the best books I've ever read in my lifetime. And that isn't hyperbole. Lord of Scoundrels is that good.
Ms. Chase consistantly writes books that are brilliant (and one or two that are better than meh but not great). This latest book, Silk is for Seduction, is almost as good as Lord of Scoundrels.Yes, it's that good.
I refuse to give spoilers but this much I can tell you: the heroine is a brilliant dressmaker and a complete con artist. She has two younger sisters and a 6 year old daughter who all have great talents and are all as conniving and deceitful as the heroine.
The hero is vaguely promised to another woman and the heroine skirts the edges of being both the heroine and the villain. This book is brilliant because the reader loves all the characters so much that you root that they all win and yet there's no possible way that can happen.
The writing is brilliant. The humor is perfect and I laughed out loud a few times.
This book is brilliant and I can't praise it enough.
Carolyn:
I wish I could remember booktitles. Even this one, which I absolutely loved - I can't keep the title in my head.
I think this is her best story yet. I have no opinion on whether it's her best writing because I usually like everything she writes. Some of her plots have had more action, that's true, but this book just about beats them all as far as character development.
To wit: a heroine who is working class only because she withdrew from her con artist family. She knows her strengths and weakness and her consuming desire is to build a successful modiste shop, so her daughter and sisters will be secure.
She recognized her lustful feelings for the hero, but she's far more interested in his future Duchess, because if she can dress his wife, her career will be made. All else is subordinated to this goal. She considers herself practical, hardheaded and goal oriented. She doesn't care what others think of her.
Doesn't this sound like the heroes in most books?
The hero wants her, of course. But he finds all his advances rebuffed and the conversation turned to his future Duchess.
What could have been a catastrophy is turned into a HEA by the strength and common sense of that potential future Duchess, Clara.
I liked all the characters. From the very beginning I liked them all. And I think all the characters do win, Lori. They learn and grow and they take control of their lives and they all win. Look to see more books about these folks. Only problem is, Ms Chase is a slow writer and I'm an Old Fart. Still, I hope to be able to read them all. *grin*
In contrast, it took me forever to get into Last Night's Scandal (had to go look that title up, lol) and I never really bought into the story. Why was there a conflict? Lisle wanted to dig in Egypt, Olivia wanted to travel - why not do it together? Why was it so impossible to admit to their feelings for each other? Why would doing that destroy the way they both wanted to live?
Maybe I need to read it again, must have missed something.
This book, Silk is for Seduction, I can recommend without reservation. Beautifully written, strong story, believable characters.
It's different and yet it's still Loretta Chase. Someone ought to bronze that woman.
Lori:
I want to add a postscript.
I think you summed up the best parts of the book. The Heroine really acted like a classic Hero. She was ruthless yet honest and ultimately fell in love against her better judgement.
The Hero was classic and yet the alpha traits were shared between H/h. Even Clara who was more feminine than the modistes wasn't a classic heroine.
This book pushed every boundary, it was a complete and utter surprise and definately going to be my best read of 2011.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Interview With C.L. McCullough
Interview by the Short Fart with the author of The Seduction of Lady Bea, C L McCullough, better known as the Older Fart
SF: Congrats on your first book release, The Seduction of Lady Bea. It's a contemporary romance featuring a buttoned down heroine and a free-wheeling, sexy Spaniard. Can you tell us more about the story?
OF: Actually, it's a conglomeration of many of the things I like - history, old houses, beautiful voices and sexy Spaniards. I tried to show how beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As my hero got to know Lady Bea, he discovered the beauty within which spilled over into physical beauty. She went from being nondescript in his mind, to beautiful. Best of all, he didn't hesitate to tell her.
It's also a story about trust. The hero's reputation has been shredded. He refuses to talk about it. Bea must learn to trust the man she's getting to know, despite his past.
SF: Well, that's just fascinating. While you were penning this opus how often did you clean? j/k Actually, who was the inspiraton for this sexy male?
OF: Oh, I don't mind answering -I cleaned just as often as I usually do. ;-)
You know damn well who was the inspiration - Carlos MarÃn of Il Divo. I think there'll always be a bit of him in any of my heroes, no matter how they look or what they do for a living.
SF: No kidding. Well, he inspires me too. (These questions are being typed before the answers are provided so this is totally tongue in cheek.)
Next question... Do you find any specific writer/writers that inspire you?
OF: I love the way Nora Roberts pulls you into her characters. There's only been one or two heroines I've found unlikable and even then by the end of the book I'd learned to tolerate them. Unfortunately she head hops a lot. Doesn't bother me, nor any of her other readers apparently, but head hopping is a big no no. It was almost the first thing mentioned in critiques when I submitted a First Page to DA (Dear Author). Well, that and the tester bed. *rolls eyes* One should not emmulate La Nora in the head hopping department.
Lately the paranormal or urban fantasy, or whatever it's called, has really caught my interest. Authors like Ilona Andrews, Meljean Brooks, Patricia Briggs - they reassure me you can have a great story and great characters without having sex every other page. I'd rather the emotions than the actual act. I tend to get flowery with it, lol. Not quite purple prose because no body parts are involved, but you for sure know 'he's the one'. ;-)
SF: You have more books being released. Can you tell readers what's coming?
OF: Be glad to. The Trials and Tribulations of a West Coast Southern Belle is being released August 15. Hey - I have back to back releases!
The third book hasn't even gotten into edits yes. It's called Song of Life.
I've submitted a book that's a mishmash of genres - fantasy, romance, paranormal? I have a hard time classifying it. It's called Mariposa and involves dragons. *grin*
And, of course, there's the one we're working on, Letters from Greece. By God, this time we're finishing it!
SF: I love the world building you do in your fantasy/sci-fi works. How did that work with a contemporary romance?
OF: I had to bite my tongue and clasp my hands together real hard to keep out 'otherworldly' stuff. And still it managed to sneak in at the end of Song. I think the other two are 'clean', lol.
SF: Do you want to take this chance and say something wonderful about me?
OF: Shore do. Sounds maudlin, but you inspire me. There would be no TL if not for you. No Bea. No nothing. We work so well together, even if it's just a piece of shit like Bodice. I wish I could write with your humor and poetry.
SF: Well, now I'm blushing. Thank you dear. Okay, then let's talk about Bea. I love the secondary characters, especially the opera company and Bea's father. How do you do such a fun and fascinating cast of characters?
OF: I love eccentrics. The Earl threatened to take over the whole book. I loved writing him. I hope I made him believable.
SF: One of the things I love about your writing is the heroes are wonderful betas with alpha instincts. Do you think of your heroes as alpha or beta types?
OF: I love me some beta heroes. But deep within every beta is the heart of an alpha. Just depends what triggers it. Usually it's the heroine, he's a lion in her defence. It doesn't have to be physically either.
Everyone likes a small serving of alpha hard headedness, but who could live with one in real life? Jealous of anything male that looks sideways at his bondmate, dominant to the extreme. Great to read about though. :-)
I write men I could live with for the rest of my life. Easy going but will stand up for his beliefs. Masculine but not afraid to show his tender side. Willing to listen and be a true partner. Willing to compromise.
SF: Bea throws up a lot of walls in her burgeoning relationship with Carlos. In one of your future books, Song of Life, the heroine also has a similar reluctance in getting involved with the hero. But your heroes are so freaking hot I have to wonder what's wrong with these women.
So what's wrong with these women?
OF: They have to grow into themselves, find their confidence. With Sunny it was her age. With Bea it was the son of a bitch in her past who shattered her trust. Even TL had to change her perceptions and believe she could be loved for herself.
You know, the usual stuff most women go through.
The Seduction of Lady Bea by C.L. McCullough is available at Lyrical Press and Amazon.com.
SF: Congrats on your first book release, The Seduction of Lady Bea. It's a contemporary romance featuring a buttoned down heroine and a free-wheeling, sexy Spaniard. Can you tell us more about the story?
OF: Actually, it's a conglomeration of many of the things I like - history, old houses, beautiful voices and sexy Spaniards. I tried to show how beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As my hero got to know Lady Bea, he discovered the beauty within which spilled over into physical beauty. She went from being nondescript in his mind, to beautiful. Best of all, he didn't hesitate to tell her.
It's also a story about trust. The hero's reputation has been shredded. He refuses to talk about it. Bea must learn to trust the man she's getting to know, despite his past.
SF: Well, that's just fascinating. While you were penning this opus how often did you clean? j/k Actually, who was the inspiraton for this sexy male?
OF: Oh, I don't mind answering -I cleaned just as often as I usually do. ;-)
You know damn well who was the inspiration - Carlos MarÃn of Il Divo. I think there'll always be a bit of him in any of my heroes, no matter how they look or what they do for a living.
SF: No kidding. Well, he inspires me too. (These questions are being typed before the answers are provided so this is totally tongue in cheek.)
Next question... Do you find any specific writer/writers that inspire you?
OF: I love the way Nora Roberts pulls you into her characters. There's only been one or two heroines I've found unlikable and even then by the end of the book I'd learned to tolerate them. Unfortunately she head hops a lot. Doesn't bother me, nor any of her other readers apparently, but head hopping is a big no no. It was almost the first thing mentioned in critiques when I submitted a First Page to DA (Dear Author). Well, that and the tester bed. *rolls eyes* One should not emmulate La Nora in the head hopping department.
Lately the paranormal or urban fantasy, or whatever it's called, has really caught my interest. Authors like Ilona Andrews, Meljean Brooks, Patricia Briggs - they reassure me you can have a great story and great characters without having sex every other page. I'd rather the emotions than the actual act. I tend to get flowery with it, lol. Not quite purple prose because no body parts are involved, but you for sure know 'he's the one'. ;-)
SF: You have more books being released. Can you tell readers what's coming?
OF: Be glad to. The Trials and Tribulations of a West Coast Southern Belle is being released August 15. Hey - I have back to back releases!
The third book hasn't even gotten into edits yes. It's called Song of Life.
I've submitted a book that's a mishmash of genres - fantasy, romance, paranormal? I have a hard time classifying it. It's called Mariposa and involves dragons. *grin*
And, of course, there's the one we're working on, Letters from Greece. By God, this time we're finishing it!
SF: I love the world building you do in your fantasy/sci-fi works. How did that work with a contemporary romance?
OF: I had to bite my tongue and clasp my hands together real hard to keep out 'otherworldly' stuff. And still it managed to sneak in at the end of Song. I think the other two are 'clean', lol.
SF: Do you want to take this chance and say something wonderful about me?
OF: Shore do. Sounds maudlin, but you inspire me. There would be no TL if not for you. No Bea. No nothing. We work so well together, even if it's just a piece of shit like Bodice. I wish I could write with your humor and poetry.
SF: Well, now I'm blushing. Thank you dear. Okay, then let's talk about Bea. I love the secondary characters, especially the opera company and Bea's father. How do you do such a fun and fascinating cast of characters?
OF: I love eccentrics. The Earl threatened to take over the whole book. I loved writing him. I hope I made him believable.
SF: One of the things I love about your writing is the heroes are wonderful betas with alpha instincts. Do you think of your heroes as alpha or beta types?
OF: I love me some beta heroes. But deep within every beta is the heart of an alpha. Just depends what triggers it. Usually it's the heroine, he's a lion in her defence. It doesn't have to be physically either.
Everyone likes a small serving of alpha hard headedness, but who could live with one in real life? Jealous of anything male that looks sideways at his bondmate, dominant to the extreme. Great to read about though. :-)
I write men I could live with for the rest of my life. Easy going but will stand up for his beliefs. Masculine but not afraid to show his tender side. Willing to listen and be a true partner. Willing to compromise.
SF: Bea throws up a lot of walls in her burgeoning relationship with Carlos. In one of your future books, Song of Life, the heroine also has a similar reluctance in getting involved with the hero. But your heroes are so freaking hot I have to wonder what's wrong with these women.
So what's wrong with these women?
OF: They have to grow into themselves, find their confidence. With Sunny it was her age. With Bea it was the son of a bitch in her past who shattered her trust. Even TL had to change her perceptions and believe she could be loved for herself.
You know, the usual stuff most women go through.
The Seduction of Lady Bea by C.L. McCullough is available at Lyrical Press and Amazon.com.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Lady Bea Release Party With Giveaway
We've waited so long, we got extra wrinkles on our brows and butts from waiting. But it's finally happened and it's here:
Finally. On Amazon. At Lyrical Press. Or in your inbox with a $25. Amazon gift card.
Oh yeah, you're hearing me right. To celebrate the release of my BFF's first ever release I'm offering an Amazon gift card and a copy of The Seduction of Lady Bea to a random commenter.
What do you have to do? Read the excerpt that's one click away (up there at the top, has the book title, yeah, that's the one) and tell us what little nickname Carlos uses for Bea. (Hint: it isn't Lady StinkyPants.)
What? You want more? For real?
Okay...
then a second commenter will win a $15. Amazon gift card and a copy of the same book.
So go read the excerpt. Then post your answer. Contest will close on July 7th midnight Lori time and winners will be announced on Friday, July 8th.
***Void where prohibited by Facebook. Bribes are always accepted. Anybody who mentions Justin Beiber in their post is automatically disqualified.)
Finally. On Amazon. At Lyrical Press. Or in your inbox with a $25. Amazon gift card.
Oh yeah, you're hearing me right. To celebrate the release of my BFF's first ever release I'm offering an Amazon gift card and a copy of The Seduction of Lady Bea to a random commenter.
What do you have to do? Read the excerpt that's one click away (up there at the top, has the book title, yeah, that's the one) and tell us what little nickname Carlos uses for Bea. (Hint: it isn't Lady StinkyPants.)
What? You want more? For real?
Okay...
then a second commenter will win a $15. Amazon gift card and a copy of the same book.
So go read the excerpt. Then post your answer. Contest will close on July 7th midnight Lori time and winners will be announced on Friday, July 8th.
***Void where prohibited by Facebook. Bribes are always accepted. Anybody who mentions Justin Beiber in their post is automatically disqualified.)
Saturday, July 2, 2011
What the ....
Carolyn:
One of my more obsessive habits is to check out the freebies on Amazon every so often. Sometimes I actually find something I'd like to try and download it.
Tonight, I checked out a book called Black Silk by Jan Gordon and found myself in the midst of a kerfluffle.
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Silk-ebook/dp/B00579ETNI/ref=zg_bstf_154606011_17
Various friends and fans had posted reviews stating that this book was pirated, that it had originally been offered for $2.99, been taken down when the author contacted Amazon and then it reappeared as a freebie.
The author stated: "If you want to read this story please download Black Silk from one of the legitimate sources: Feedbooks, Smashwords, B&N, Sony, Apple, Diesel, or Kobo."
I was horrified, because Lori has several books free on Smashwords and what if the same thing happened to her? Then I started thinking and some questions arose.
First of all, why would a pirate put up a pirated book with the original author's name still on it? That seems sort of dumb.
Second of all, does anyone know how these free books get there? Lori wanted to put her stories on Amazon as freebies and the program wouldn't let her. When she called Amazon, she was told that Direct Publishing wasn't eligible for the free book program, or whatever you want to call it. So, how did this book, which has no publisher listed, but does list Amazon Services as distributor get on the freebie board?
The author posted it free everywhere BUT Amazon, which makes sense if it's directly published (like what happened to Lori), but then damn! There it is anyway. Strange ...
All these people, posting reviews to urge people to get the book at an author approved site, gave a 5 star rating to a pirated version. O.o
So I have to ask myself - is this all legitimate or merely a publicity ploy?
I don't think I want to read the book anymore, lol.
Lori:
Carolyn and I have The Bodice Rippers up on Amazon through KDP, Kindle Direct Publishing. When I asked how to place a free book on Amazon as a writer I was told by two different Amazon representatives, that authors cannot.
Let me say that again: authors cannot place their books on Amazon as free books.
So what bullshit is this woman pulling?
One of my more obsessive habits is to check out the freebies on Amazon every so often. Sometimes I actually find something I'd like to try and download it.
Tonight, I checked out a book called Black Silk by Jan Gordon and found myself in the midst of a kerfluffle.
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Silk-ebook/dp/B00579ETNI/ref=zg_bstf_154606011_17
Various friends and fans had posted reviews stating that this book was pirated, that it had originally been offered for $2.99, been taken down when the author contacted Amazon and then it reappeared as a freebie.
The author stated: "If you want to read this story please download Black Silk from one of the legitimate sources: Feedbooks, Smashwords, B&N, Sony, Apple, Diesel, or Kobo."
I was horrified, because Lori has several books free on Smashwords and what if the same thing happened to her? Then I started thinking and some questions arose.
First of all, why would a pirate put up a pirated book with the original author's name still on it? That seems sort of dumb.
Second of all, does anyone know how these free books get there? Lori wanted to put her stories on Amazon as freebies and the program wouldn't let her. When she called Amazon, she was told that Direct Publishing wasn't eligible for the free book program, or whatever you want to call it. So, how did this book, which has no publisher listed, but does list Amazon Services as distributor get on the freebie board?
The author posted it free everywhere BUT Amazon, which makes sense if it's directly published (like what happened to Lori), but then damn! There it is anyway. Strange ...
All these people, posting reviews to urge people to get the book at an author approved site, gave a 5 star rating to a pirated version. O.o
So I have to ask myself - is this all legitimate or merely a publicity ploy?
I don't think I want to read the book anymore, lol.
Lori:
Carolyn and I have The Bodice Rippers up on Amazon through KDP, Kindle Direct Publishing. When I asked how to place a free book on Amazon as a writer I was told by two different Amazon representatives, that authors cannot.
Let me say that again: authors cannot place their books on Amazon as free books.
So what bullshit is this woman pulling?
Friday, July 1, 2011
The Series vs The Single
I'm reading the Bridgerton books by Julia Quinn for the first time and they're brilliant. Well, wait... let me restate this. I have read the first three and the second was 100% my favorite, the first was excellent and the third was okay. Today I'm going to start Romancing Mr. Bridgerton which is rumored to be the best.
The thing about series romances is that they can't all have the same story line. The Duke and I was the first and a good read. Good enough that I wanted to read them all. Then came The Viscount Who Loved Me and I was in heaven. It had my favorite trope of all time: two brilliant characters who hate each other, snipe constantly and fall in love.
The third book, An Offer From a Gentleman was a complete and total Cinderella story which was fine but not a trope I adore. The heroine was in such dire straights because of her illegitmate birth that no matter how smart or strong she was, she was always weak because her choices sucked.
So the books are a real see-saw of enjoyment for me. The writing is excellent but the things that make me love a story are definately back and forth. The strong heroine I adore was in books one and two but not three. I have a feeling that book 4 will have another heroine I love.
The heroes are all excellent and the Bridgerton family is one I like. I think that in this case the family adds to the pleasure as does the chapters beginning with comments from a scandal sheet but a part of me wishes for single title romances so I can pick and choose my heroines more carefully.
(Yes, I read and I'm heroine-centric. A great hero means shit to me if the woman isn't one I root for.)
I'm going to start the fourth book next. And after that... well, I don't know. There's a new Loretta Chase series starting. Do I dare?
The thing about series romances is that they can't all have the same story line. The Duke and I was the first and a good read. Good enough that I wanted to read them all. Then came The Viscount Who Loved Me and I was in heaven. It had my favorite trope of all time: two brilliant characters who hate each other, snipe constantly and fall in love.
The third book, An Offer From a Gentleman was a complete and total Cinderella story which was fine but not a trope I adore. The heroine was in such dire straights because of her illegitmate birth that no matter how smart or strong she was, she was always weak because her choices sucked.
So the books are a real see-saw of enjoyment for me. The writing is excellent but the things that make me love a story are definately back and forth. The strong heroine I adore was in books one and two but not three. I have a feeling that book 4 will have another heroine I love.
The heroes are all excellent and the Bridgerton family is one I like. I think that in this case the family adds to the pleasure as does the chapters beginning with comments from a scandal sheet but a part of me wishes for single title romances so I can pick and choose my heroines more carefully.
(Yes, I read and I'm heroine-centric. A great hero means shit to me if the woman isn't one I root for.)
I'm going to start the fourth book next. And after that... well, I don't know. There's a new Loretta Chase series starting. Do I dare?
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