Thursday, December 31, 2009

Jude is interviewed Part 2

And here's part 2. I hope you enjoy!

7) Not everything can be good in even the best year. What has been your greatest disappointment in publishing?

-I don’t imagine my disappointments will be much different from any other author who’s been around for a while. I think the greatest frustration has been waiting for months at a time to hear whether something is accepted, only to find I’ve been ignored or they simply neglected to let me know my work wasn’t needed or wanted. It’s difficult enough to be rejected, but to be left hanging out to dry is very difficult.

8) Do you have any choice in the cover art for your books?

-Some publishing houses are really great about covers. After the book has been accepted, we get a form to fill out asking for as much detail as we can give about the story, and what we’d like to see on the cover. We’re even asked to check out some of the sites where you can purchase pictures to see if we can find something we think fits the best. This is really cool.

Other publishers do all the covers without inquiring what the author would like. Anthologies are often done without any consultation. Big NYC publishing houses are like that too.

9) Have you got a favourite artist for book covers?

-April Martinez is amazing. She works with Total E-Bound and has done several of my covers. I’ve also got to say, Alessia Brio has created some awesome covers for me over the years. She’s with Phaze. I’ve been very lucky to have some of the best, in my opinion, cover artists out there to work with. I’ve heard horror stories about authors being disappointed with covers they really don’t like. That’s only happened once to me.

10) If you found that, for one reason or another, you couldn’t write anymore, what would you like to do instead?

-You mean besides a visit to the loony bin? Not writing. Gulp. You know, this thought terrifies me. It’s a bit like asking you what you’d do if you suddenly couldn’t breathe any more.


Pushing terror aside, can I edit? How about proofread? I could help authors with writers block to come up with ideas!


I suppose there have been times in my life when I didn’t write daily, but I had young children around and there just wasn’t time.


I’m struggling with this one. I love to cook, but then I eat the stuff. LOL


Okay, no writing at all. No editing, getting right away from my lovely keyboard.


Eek!


Ya know, I’ve had trouble with my eyes over the last little while, as some of you know, and have tried to answer this question. I’ve done a few things in my life besides write. I taught for a while, and hated it, but some of what I learned needs to be passed on to the next generation. I could do that. Game management. Hunting ethics. How to skin and cook a muskrat. Outdoor education that didn’t take place in a classroom. How to deal and respect wild animals and their habitat. There’s got to be some ‘class’ or something to see we don’t lose this kind of thing.


That’s about as much of an answer as I can give you.


11) What question comes up most often in author chats?

-Where do my ideas come from? There are others but this one always baffles me. Oh and one more, when did you start writing? Both of these are asked in every chat I’ve been to and when I see them, I cringe. The first is very difficult to explain, if not impossible. Ideas come from everywhere: a look, the curve of a neck/knee/thigh/cheek/ass/pick body part….to a truck driving down a dirt road or any other bit of life happening to you or around you. It’s all fodder for a story. Even a sentence or something from a news article might stir me.


When did I begin writing? I can’t remember not writing, or at least having stories to tell. But, that’s not the answer people seem to want to hear. I think they want me to come up with a moment in time, some big flash of inspiration. Nope, didn’t happen. I’m a writer. Always have been and can’t imagine a time when I won’t tell stories.


12) What do you see on the horizon for 2010. I'm thinking new books / stories and (perhaps more importantly) what are your ambitions for the year - not just professional ones ?

-More books, more series’ and more deadlines, oh yeah! Jenna and I have plans for the Kindred Heart Series and I don’t think either of us is sure how many more books we’ll add, yet. I’m also waffling on re-writing/cleaning up an old trilogy I wrote several years ago called Dealing. I say wrote, but there are only 2 done and I’m not sure they’d sell or even be accepted anywhere.


You know, I really don’t have enormous ambitions. I want to write more. M. Christian and I have become good friends and we’re talking about doing something together. That would be awesome, but it’s something I’m not sure I’m up to. (He’s very good you know) We’ll do it if we both have time, and I’ll do me best. So far, we’ve talked m/m, paranormal, which suits me just fine. LOL


On a more personal level, my hubby and I have been struggling financially since February 2009. We find out the outcome of his layoff in Feb. 2010 and that’s pretty huge for us. I’m praying it goes well, but you just never know. Whatever, we’ll be together and that’s what’s important. I really hope he gets to a place where he can relax a little more and enjoy life, rather than worry so much.


That’s it. Thank you Mog for taking the time to put these questions together. If anyone has more questions they’d like to ask, I’d really love to hear them. Send your questions to: jude.mason AT gmail DOT com (remove the AT and DOT...you know the rest) I can’t promise I’ll answer every last one, but I will definitely do my best.


Hugs

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

I'm interviewed Part 1 of 2

My good friend and pal Mogger has put together a list of 12 questions he thought you all might find interesting. The responses took some doing and as you all know, I do tend to babble a little, so I'm going to post these in two sections. Part 2 tomorrow. If anyone has questions they'd like answered, please let me know. I can't promise to answer all, too personal and I'll bow out of, but I'll do my best. Send questions to: mason.jude AT gmail DOT com (remove the AT and the DOT... you know the rest)

Okay, here's the first 6. I'd love to hear from you.

1) Looking over the past year, what has been the best moment for you in your writing career?

-This is a really difficult question to answer, so much has happened over the last year and choosing one moment is next to impossible. Writing related though, I’m going to say, meeting my writing partner was about the most amazing. It’s the first time in my life I got to actually sit down and talk non-stop writing with someone who is so like me it’s crazy. Jenna and I have been friends for a few years, but only online and we all know how that can be. People have a tendency to stretch, or shrink, the truth and can get away with it if you never have a face to face. Seeing and talking with Jenna, it became instantly clear that what I saw online was exactly what she’s like in person. A tad nuts, a woman who has deep beliefs in her family and would do anything for them, and one who is a great friend.

2) Have you read anything outside your own genre that has made an impression upon you?

-You know, this took me some thinking time. I suppose you mean erotica or romance as ‘my genre’. But, I don’t see it that simply. Yes, I write stories that include sex, but they also have mystery, science fiction, paranormal elements that take them beyond just the sex. Take out the sex and they’d still be a story, just not as rich or as much fun.


Am I sidestepping the question? Sort of. Honestly, everything I read, no matter what genre, influences me in some way. I’ll be reminded to try to do something or not to do what another author has done. Bits of stories from a book will creep into something I’m writing. That’s something I really have to be careful of. Ideas I can use, but that’s it.

3) Apart from writing, what do you enjoy doing with your spare time ? (ha ha!)

-Evading my in-laws…He he he! Bet that’s not what you were expecting.


Okay, seriously, I love the animals we have around our place. We’re close to the bush here and we have an abundance of wildlife showing up at all hours of the day and night. For years I was very active in the conservation and education of the outdoors and wildlife in the area and it’s been a love of mine for as long as I can remember. Seeing the animals in the yard is pretty amazing. We have deer and raccoons who have been visiting us for years. There are also black bears and cougars here, but I try not to get too close to them. We’ve been given permission to put food out for them in the winter and there’s nothing cooler than to see a big old buck tucking into his dinner not twenty feet from where I’m eating mine.


Not a real answer maybe, I don’t ‘do’ much with the animals, but they are a big part of my days. Stick in gardening when I’m in the mood and cooking at all times, and that pretty much takes care of me. Oh, and family. As much as I moan about them and what they put me through sometimes, I’m not sure what I’d do without them.

4) Regardless of how the book was received, what is your favourite book / short story?

-Dayum, good question! The one I always think of with this question is, Scorpio Tattoo. To me, that story was vivid and the characters talked so freely to me. I’ve read it once or twice since writing it and am surprised I managed it.

5) If you could change one thing that you have written, what would it be?

-Chuckling here. Scorpio Tattoo. I’d have let this one go on much longer. Gone into more detail, drawn the story out and let the characters really show us their lives and deaths. It’s one of those stories I’ll never feel was complete enough, but loved it right from the word go.

6) Who do you see as being your average reader?

-None of my readers are average. You’re all amazing people who have made the time to read me. I think of you as usually female, in your mid-thirties to mid-fifties, with busy lives and in need of a little distraction. You enjoy sex and are eager to escape into a nice naughty story.

Remember, part 2 tomorrow and if you have questions, email me!

Hugs

Friday, December 25, 2009

Thoughts

The Mayonnaise Jar

When things in your life seem, almost too much to handle, when 24 Hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students, if the jar was full.

They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open Areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - family, children, health, Friends, and Favorite passions – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, Your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else --The small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued, there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

So...

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play With your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

'Take care of the golf balls first -- The things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked'.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

Please share this with other "Golf Balls"

I just did......

Hugs

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Santa tracker

Santa Tracker: Keep an eye on where the old elf is.

Poor Santa

Twelve Days of Christmas - Last Day!

Noble Romance Publishing is pleased to present:

The 12 Days of Christmas Sale!

Day Twelve -- December 24, 2009 -- Receive 30% off all Interracial books at Noble Romance Publishing.
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Please note: Sub-genres and themes listed are defined using the links on the left side of the Noble Romance Publishing home page at www.nobleromance.com. Some books may fall within more than one category, so if you miss a day, you may have more than one opportunity to buy the book of your choice.

**Must be a member of Noble Romance Publishing's newsletter mailing list in order to receive your discount. If you are not already a member, sign up now at www.nobleromance.com.

Thank you . . . and Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Twelve Days of Christmas Day Ten

Noble Romance Publishing is pleased to present:

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Day Ten -- December 22, 2009 -- Receive 30% off all Mystery/Suspense books at Noble Romance Publishing.
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Please note: Sub-genres and themes listed are defined using the links on the left side of the Noble Romance Publishing home page at www.nobleromance.com. Some books may fall within more than one category, so if you miss a day, you may have more than one opportunity to buy the book of your choice.

**Must be a member of Noble Romance Publishing's newsletter mailing list in order to receive your discount. If you are not already a member, sign up now at www.nobleromance.com.

Thank you . . . and Happy Holidays!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Noble Romance: The 12 Days of Christmas Sale!

Day Nine -- December 21, 2009 -- Receive 30% off all Ménage books at Noble Romance Publishing.

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Day Ten -- December 22, 2009 -- Receive 30% off all Mystery/Suspense books at Noble Romance Publishing.

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Please note: Sub-genres and themes listed are defined using the links on the left side of the Noble Romance Publishing home page at www.nobleromance.com. Some books may fall within more than one category, so if you miss a day, you may have more than one opportunity to buy the book of your choice.

**Must be a member of Noble Romance Publishing's newsletter mailing list in order to receive your discount. If you are not already a member, sign up now at www.nobleromance.com

Remember, the Total E-Bound Christmas Cracker Contest is still on!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Free Read from Noble Romance and ME!

Sparkles Christmas Contest

A naughty, nasty, fun fetish free read from Jude Mason and Noble Romance Publishing. Santa and his lusty, lucky elves hold a contest.

Some of you may remember Sparkle from Sparkles Lusty Christmas, and yes, it's that same cheeky woman. This time around, she's invited her cousin Tinsel to help her over the holiday rush. Will Sparkle win the chance to ride on Santa's sleigh Christmas Eve?

A little warning. Sparkle is into a fetish that may not be to everyone's liking. She adores to have her breasts tormented, in kind of a rough manner.

If the fetish doesn't appeal to you,please check out the other free reads at Noble. Jenna Byrnes has a naughty little tale called A Vegas New Year, an excellent tale of m/m fun and sex in the sin city.

There's also, A Tale of Nox, from H. C. Brown, another sexy m/m read I'm sure you'll enjoy.

Hugs

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Merry Christmas... *G*

Phaze Santa Discount

Don't forget!

Now through New Year's Day, January 1st, 2010, when you shop directly from Phaze Books at www.Phaze.com you can get 20% off your total order including ebook and print titles! Enter discount code: SANTA at checkout to enjoy the savings!

Phaze Books
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Exceptional Erotic Fiction

Twelve Days of Christmas Day Five

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**Use promo code BCMXFP

Please note: Sub-genres and themes listed are defined using the links on the left side of the Noble Romance Publishing home page at www.nobleromance.com. Some books may fall within more than one category, so if you miss a day, you may have more than one opportunity to buy the book of your choice.

**Must be a member of Noble Romance Publishing's newsletter mailing list in order to receive your discount. If you are not already a member, sign up now at www.nobleromance.com.

Thank you . . . and Happy Holidays!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Twelve Days of Christmas Day Four

Noble Romance Publishing is pleased to present:

The 12 Days of Christmas

Day Four -- December 16, 2009 -- Receive 30% off all Historical books at Noble Romance Publishing.
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Please note: Sub-genres and themes listed are defined using the links on the left side of the Noble Romance Publishing home page at www.nobleromance.com. Some books may fall within more than one category, so if you miss a day, you may have more than one opportunity to buy the book of your choice.

**Must be a member of Noble Romance Publishing's newsletter mailing list in order to receive your discount. If you are not already a member, sign up now at www.nobleromance.com.

Thank you . . . and Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Twelve Days of Christmas Day Three

Noble Romance Publishing is pleased to present:

The 12 Days of Christmas Sale!

Day Three -- December 15, 2009 -- Receive 30% off all Contemporary books at Noble Romance Publishing.
**Use promo code HHKLGG

Please note: Sub-genres and themes listed are defined using the links on the left side of the Noble Romance Publishing home page at www.nobleromance.com. Some books may fall within more than one category, so if you miss a day, you may have more than one opportunity to buy the book of your choice.

**Must be a member of Noble Romance Publishing's newsletter mailing list in order to receive your discount. If you are not already a member, sign up now at www.nobleromance.com.

Thank you . . . and Happy Holidays!

Monday, December 14, 2009

This old gal is a hoot!






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Sunday, December 13, 2009

Noble Romance Publishing is pleased to present:

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Day Eleven -- December 23, 2009 -- Receive 30% off all Shape-shifter books at Noble Romance Publishing.
**Use promo code KNMWJL

Day Twelve -- December 24, 2009 -- Receive 30% off all Interracial books at Noble Romance Publishing.
**Use promo code JZPPHT

Please note: Sub-genres and themes listed are defined using the links on the left side of the Noble Romance Publishing home page at www.nobleromance.com. Some books may fall within more than one category, so if you miss a day, you may have more than one opportunity to buy the book of your choice.

**Must be a member of Noble Romance Publishing's newsletter mailing list in order to receive your discount. If you are not already a member, sign up now at www.nobleromance.com.

Thank you . . . and Happy Holidays!