Monday, April 13, 2009

Wolfen Choice: Book #3 in the Untamed Hearts Series



Wolfen Choice


Book #3 in the

Untamed Heart Trilogy
Jude Mason & Jamie Hill
ISBN: 978-1-907010-17-0
Genre: Paranormal Were/ Gay/ Menage a trois
Publisher: Total E-Bound

BUY NOW


Blurb:

Fire takes the life of the wolfen tribal leader, and a new leader must be found before catastrophe befalls the pack. Only Cole, young irresponsible and unattached, has felt the talisman's heat. Is he the chosen one?


Fire devastates the forest, taking the life of the wolf tribe leader and his mate. With the amulet holder dead, a new leader must be chosen. Cole is young, headstrong and enamoured of his carefree ways. He discovered the bodies, and he's the changeling who brings the amulet back to his pack.


Zane has been a convenient sex partner for Cole, who continues to resist the ties of commitment. When the men come across another pack decimated by the fire, including a beautiful female unlike any they've seen before, Cole discovers that there may be more to life than playing the field.


With dissension among the pack and an unwilling Cole who might very well be the chosen amulet holder, will the wolfen tribe find its new leader? Or will confusion, mistrust and greed destroy them all?

Chapter One


Cole sat with his back to the cliff face, naked as the day he was born. The rough stone scratched his back, the rubble under him dug into his bum. He focused on a distant point where flames had licked at the treetops, leaving nothing but blackened fingers reaching into the sky.


The fire had recently passed over the valley, leaving the territory of the wolf tribe a mixture of ashes and partially burnt foliage. If Gar hadn’t been away from home, if the wind had turned the other way, Cole was sure life would have gone on as usual. Many of the small family clans had fought the flames, while some of them fled. But without Gar, the pall of death now loomed over the entire tribe.


His immediate thoughts were of his find, and the meaning behind it. The talisman. The brilliant red stone in the shape of a wolf’s head, set in the centre of the gold filigree, rested in his palm. He wanted to throw it as far as his strength would allow. Instead, he tossed it into the air and snatched it back then lifted it so the sun shone through the gem, sending brilliant shards of colour across the dull, burned soil.


“What’s the matter?” Zane, his friend and companion, leaned down, and reaching out tried to snatch the stone from his grasp.


Cole pulled the amulet close, unwilling to allow it to leave his hand. Cursing under his breath, he wondered why. He’d have given anything if he’d never found the damn thing—never found their tribal leader, Gar, and his mate’s scorched corpses. Charred flesh and bone were all that remained and the smell was something he’d never forget, he was sure of it.


The shock and grief were still hard to bear. The ramifications of what this meant to their tribe, enormous. Cole sighed. No one would ever be able to replace Gar. Yet someone would have to try.


Shaking off his black mood , he dropped the amulet onto the pile of clothing he’d shed and grabbed hold of Zane’s wrist. Pulling the pale-skinned, white haired man around, he draped him across his knees. “Nothing besides the obvious. Oh, and I’m horny.” It seemed inappropriate, but Cole needed something to distract him from the horrible events that had taken place.


Zane’s response was predictable, as was his own comment. “Yeah, so what else is new? Ever since I met you, your cock’s been at no less than half-mast.”


“Nothing wrong with that, or so you’ve been telling me for the past couple of weeks. No one else complains about me being hard all the time.”


Zane wriggled, dragging his thighs and genitals over Cole’s erection. “Like I’m complaining!” He squirmed a little more, and chuckled when Cole groaned.


“Fuck, you know how to get to me.” He slid his hand over Zane’s lower back and then his arse. The man’s squirming took on a more determined thrust, driving his shaft hard into Cole’s thigh.


“I understand how you’re feeling. This whole situation is overwhelming, and you’d rather not think about it for a while longer. But you’re the one who’s driving us both crazy!” Zane drove his hips forward again. “Either spank me or fuck me, please!”


Grinning, Cole continued his teasing caress, sliding his palm over the firm cheeks of the man’s arse and down his thighs. He nudged them apart and slipped a hand between those sturdy columns of muscle and bone, cupping the warm, round sac. “Spank you? Have you misbehaved? Do you need a spanking?” Cole was intrigued. He’d never spanked anyone before.


“For fuck’s sake, just do me, would you?” Zane snarled, his temper obviously getting the best of him.


Cole loved trying new things and wasn’t about to let him off so easily. He rested his free arm across the man’s back, holding him in place, while continuing to toy with the hefty ball sac and the crack of his arse.


Zane’s writhing grew more desperate when Cole pushed a finger against the tight rosebud nestled between his cheeks. He groaned when the finger popped inside.


“So, fucking or spanking?” Cole twisted his finger around the tight passage. His own cock shifted, pulsing under the weight of his new lover.


“Whatever you want. Fuck, spank, I don’t care,” Zane growled. “Just don’t leave me hanging.”


“And you said I was always horny. What about you and this monster you have dangling between your legs?” Popping his finger free, Cole pushed his hand between them and grabbed Zane’s impressive hard-on.


“Yes,” the man hissed and pumped his hips.


“Yes, you want to fuck, or yes, you want a spanking?” Cole asked, insistent. “Make a choice or you get neither.”


“Fuck then, fuck me,” Zane replied quickly. He raised his arse, perhaps hoping Cole would relent and slip a finger back into his tight hole.


“I think I want to spank you first.” Zane replied quickly. He raised his arse, perhaps hoping Cole would relent and slip a finger back into his tight hole.


“I think I want to spank you, first.” Cole released the hard shaft and laid his palm on the nearest cheek. He waited until he sensed the time was right, then raised his hand, preparing for the first blow.


Peering over his shoulder, Zane must have seen what he was doing, because suddenly, his bum cheeks clenched tight. “Then spank me,” he said with a hint of mischief in his voice.


“Turn around, don’t look.” Cole expected an argument but got none. The beautiful, white-haired man simply turned his face away and put both his hands on the ground. Cole lowered his arm, again stroking the taut, tanned bottom, exploring the crease and the inside of the muscular thighs. The firm, round balls shifted, the sac grew tight and wrinkled under his touch. “I’ve never spanked anyone before, but it excites me to think about it.”


“Just do something.” Zane’s voice was hoarse. He lifted his arse again.


“Spread your feet apart.” Cole pushed against the smooth, inner thighs trapping his hand. A moment later, he had room to explore and tease, but instead he pulled away. The view was spectacular--two lush mounds of skin, divided by the dark cleft between and the soft pucker of a tight anus.


“Cole, you’re driving me crazy.” Zane shifted, pushing his cock forward.


“Yeah, I know. Fun, isn’t it?”


There was a long pause, and several more shiftings of the man’s feet, before he replied in a soft voice, “Yes, you bugger.”


Chuckling, yet feeling hornier than he had in weeks, Cole brought his hand down with as much force as he could from such a short distance. The cheek he struck wobbled deliciously, and the howl that came from Zane was music to his ears. The blow turned into a caress, his hand moving around the buttock, examining the sudden heat.

---

Jamie and I had a blast with this series and can't wait to hear what you all think. Buy now at: Total E-Bound.



Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Spank Me Once...Oh My!


Spank Me Once
Authors: Stormy Glenn, Jude Mason,
Jamie Hill & Martin Delacroix
ISBN: N/A
Genre: m/m, m/f, mild BDSM, contemporary
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing

Release date: April 3.2009







Blurbs:


New Year's Resolutions, by Stormy
Glenn

Jamie is looking for someone to give him a little discipline. Nothing major, just a light spanking will do just fine. When he spots Simon at a New Year’s Eve party, he knows he’s met a man who can make his New Year’s resolutions come true.


Oh Behave by Jude Mason

Cathy James meets a man at the local pool on one of her layovers, Nate Shaw. A couple of things get Cathy's attention about Nate. He does as he's told, and he’s easily excited by being asked to behave. A few months down the road, Nate has a mishap and is in for a spanking. Poor Nate is beside himself after a couple of hours of teasing and torment. Will he be able to stand his punishment? Will Cathy accept him for the weak willed man he is?


One Good Outcome, by Jamie Hill

Steve Cannon’s been naughty. He’s naughty a lot, because a spanking from Mistress Ginger is one of his favorite things in the world.


Someone sends photos taken at the BDSM club to Steve at his office. He and Ginger are forced to track down the bad boy and determine his punishment.


Exactly what Devon Pierce had in mind. He’s naughty, too, and desperate for his handsome boss and Mistress Ginger to notice.


Serving Lisa by Martin Delacroix

Lane's a college student with a secret: he needs discipline from a mature woman. Visiting a website called Cruel Mistress, he finds a listing by a German couple, Lisa and Andreas. They seek a young man who "craves naked discipline" to "service the lady of the house." When Lane responds, his life is quickly transformed in ways he'd never imagined.

The opening of
Oh Behave

Cathy James kept Nate, her boyfriend of six months, waiting for days—actually, it was close to two weeks. She’d asked him to withhold his orgasm until they saw one another again. Of course, he’d been more than willing to comply. She knew he’d be frustrated, yet she also knew he loved the tense, anticipatory feeling of orgasm denial.

While most men found it impossible to keep their hands off their cock, Nate had assured her he could, and he would.

Flight attendants’ schedules often changed. This time was no different and she’d arrived two days early. After entering Nate’s apartment, Cathy kicked off her shoes and headed toward his bedroom after hearing strange noises. She pushed

the door open and gasped.

Stretched out in all his naked glory with a pillow tucked under his head, lubricant glistened on his hands and crotch.

Wooden clothespins dangled from his nipples and with every move they quivered. His cock looked angry, as if he’d extended self-pleasuring for a long period of time. Like the many times she’d tormented him, pushed him to the limits. He

squirmed, thrust his hips upward and groaned as though he was about to send a geyser of spunk into the air. God, the man was magnificent.

She stood in the doorway and watched his lanky, swimmer’s body writhe. The vision reminded her of the day they met. She’d gone to the pool with her friend, Sandra, and been abandoned when Sandra met up with a fella. Cathy had decided to stay at the pool. The tiny string bikini stretched over her abundant curves prov

ed a wise decision that day and she’d basked in the attention of several men.

Nate had been one of those men. Tall and slender, his blond hair fell to his shoulders in thick waves. She’d noticed his wide chest and washboard stomach and wished his baggy swim trunks hadn’t covered everything from bellybutton to knees. When she’d told him he should behave or she’d spank him, he got a dazed look on his

face and thrust his hands over his crotch. Cathy smiled when he snuck off into a corner, but was soon distracted by another man approaching her. She’d forgotten all about Nate until hours later when she walked to her car.

* * *

Available from Noble Romance Publishing on April 3rd, just click the banner and off you go!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

March Newsletter is live

The Wanton Quill

Newsletter #46 March 2009 Edition

I hope you've had a spectacular month. Mine has been busy, which is good, and productive, which is very good. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and I'll tell you all about it.

What you'll find in this issue:

What Jude's been up to:
This has been an incredibly busy time, and I've got some awesome news to share!

Upcoming chats/events:
Find out where and when you can chat with Jude

New Releases and Coming soon:
Check out the information on both Bear Combustion and Wolfen Choice!

Appearance:
I was the guest at Jon Michaelsen’s blog. http://www.jonmichaelsen.net/?p=375

Free Read
Something to warm you on a cold fall evening. Yum

Contest & last month’s Winner
Every month a contest! Find out who won, what she won and why.

Website updates:
You betcha. New stuff and here's the url: http://www.my-haven2001.com/

Custom Erotica Fantasies
For something a little unusual for that special someone in your life , check us out.

http://www.my-haven2001.com/Gifs%20and%20pics/CEFBannerR.JPG


To read a slightly condensed version online, go here:
http://www.my-haven2001.com/Newsletter/March2009.htm

If you'd like to join Jude's Yahoo Chat/Newsletter group, the url is:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Jude_Masons_Newsletter/

To have your name added to my mailing list, please email me at:

Jude.Mason@yahoo.ca


Take care and have an amazing day!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Bear Combustion... is here at last!

Now available from Total E-Bound Publishing:


BEAR COMBUSTION
Book 2 in the Untamed Heart Trilogy

Jude Mason & Jamie Hill
ISBN:
978-1-906811-97-6

Publisher: http://www.total-e-bound.com/

Cover art by April Martinez

Contents: Paranormal/ Shapeshifter/ Ménage/ MMM





Fire rages, not only through the forest to threaten the lives of his clan, but in the hearts of Tarek, the leader as well as Inuka, his fiery lover and Raven, the stoic companion who secretly adores him. Can the flames of their love survive?

The amulet around his neck glows with fiery heat. Darkly handsome Tarek would just as soon ignore the warning and resume frolicking with his seductive companion, Inuka. But as the leader of the bear changeling clan, responsibility rests on his shoulders. Suddenly, the warmth of the talisman is overwhelming, and its meaning becomes clear.

Wildfire races through the forest threatening everyone, and everything, in its path. The bears must retreat to their winter caves for safety. The journey is long and time proves short. As flames dance from the treetops, sparks explode and embers shower the fleeing clan.

Not all are as strong and able-bodied as Tarek and his muscular mate Inuka. Seeing the clan members to safety is Tarek's primary concern. When their escape doesn't go as planned, the burden of his obligation may be too much for one man-or one bruin- to bear.

Becky from Dark Angel Reviews gives Bear Combustion a Recommended Read and says: WOW! Bear Combustion, the second book in the Untamed Heart Series, by Jude Mason and Jamie Hill, tops the scales. The opening scene is a scorcher....Turn on the fan and pick up a copy!

BUY NOW!

And now, a never-before-seen steamy excerpt from Bear Combustion:


Tarek jerked his arm away. "No! Leave me alone! I don't want to be the responsible one anymore. I don't want everyone to need me." He strode off through the grove of trees. He just wanted to escape and be free of the weight he'd carried for so long.

"Oh, no you don't." Inuka jogged after him. "It's not that easy, Tarek. You just don't get to quit."

"Leave me!" he snarled, fighting the tears that threatened. His demeanour wasn't very leader-like, but he couldn't help his feelings. Suddenly everything seemed too overwhelming.

"So this is how you react to crisis? By feeling sorry for yourself?" Inuka called.

He froze then whirled around. "I don't feel sorry for myself! I'm sorry I fucked everything up so badly! I made a mistake, Inuka. Can't you get that through your thick skull?"

Inuka poked him in the chest. "Which mistake? Bringing us here or fucking me? Raven blames you for both."

"I can't handle this right now." Tarek looked to the sky and roared. "I don't know what to do or how to please everyone."

With both hands, Inuka grasped his forearms. His face was as red as Tarek had ever seen it and his tone was harsh. "No one expects you to please everyone. But you do not get to quit. Pick yourself up, dust off your loincloth and move on. Life goes on, Tarek. Everyone back in that cave is looking to you for proof of that. We're waiting for you to tell us what to do next. Don't let us down now."

"Bastard!" Tarek rumbled.

"You know it!" Inuka growled right back at him, his expression set with determination.

Tarek grabbed him and pressed their lips together. Frustration turned to hunger as Inuka moaned and opened his mouth to Tarek's tongue. His erection sprang to life harder than he ever remembered it being.

Inuka groped at his shoulders and chest then lowered his hands and tugged off Tarek's loincloth. He jerked his own away and pressed their groins together.

Glancing around, Tarek spotted a flat rock formation a few yards beyond the edge of the grove they'd come to. Clasping one hand on Inuka's arse to hold him close, he walked him backwards, kissing and clutching all the way.

When Inuka's back touched the stone, he moaned and nipped at Tarek's tongue. With the firmness only a lover could possess, he cupped Tarek's cock and balls, stroking him until Tarek gritted his teeth with pleasure.

Brushing his thumb over the head of Inuka's rock-hard shaft, Tarek gathered a drop of pre-cum and smoothed it across the head of his own crown. Covering Inuka's hand with his, he forced a thrusting motion to encourage his cock to provide more lubrication.

A sticky ribbon was his reward. Tarek raised one of Inuka's legs and held it up by the knee. Staring into his lover's eyes, the lust he saw there took his breath and made his hand shake as he nudged the head of his cock to the dark, puckered anus. Tarek already knew this man well. The hole ached to be filled as badly as he desired to fill it.

"Yes!" Inuka groaned.

Excitement flowed through Tarek and he forced himself to proceed slowly. Inuka hadn't been stretched properly, but if he could show restraint there'd be no problem. Maintaining eye contact, he pressed his cock forward then eased it back. Several more thrusts and Inuka's outer ring gave way, accepting his cock fully.

He drove deep, pressing them back against the rock.

"That's it," Inuka murmured. "Damn, yeah. Fill me up. Do it. I need it, Tarek."

His thrusts increased in speed and passion. Inuka's stream of mutterings caused Tarek's balls to draw up, an intense orgasm threatening. His Dark Warrior had quickly learned how much he loved to hear him talk during sex. Tarek finally broke eye contact so he could press his head into Inuka's shoulder and let the man murmur into his ear.

"Fuck me, Tarek. Damn, I love this. I love you."

Looking down, Tarek watched his cock slide in and out of the tight channel. He pressed up on Inuka's raised leg and groaned, release imminent.

"Come on, my love. Give it to me. I crave it," Inuka gasped.

With the lustful words racing around in his mind, Tarek lost the last vestige of control, his climax overtaking him. Shuddering, he fought to remain upright. Glorious sensations washed through his body as he pumped himself into Inuka. When he could move, he pulled back enough to palm the leaking cock stabbing his belly. Stroking up and down firmly, it took just moments for his mate to erupt, spraying them both with streams of warm cum.

Inuka panted, fighting for air.

Tarek lowered the raised leg carefully, reluctantly easing his cock from the clutching hole where he envisioned spending a lifetime. He backed off so Inuka could breathe. "Fuck," he muttered.

"My thoughts exactly."

He turned his back to the rocks and leaned against them, Inuka at his side. Something caught his attention, and from the corner of his eye he spotted Raven watching them from the safety of the underbrush. The man appeared freshly bathed and was naked, his cock standing firm. He stroked himself and for a moment his eyes met Tarek's.


©2009 Jamie Hill and Jude Mason

BUY NOW!

---

*Jude Mason - Come, explore with me…if you dare*

Website: http://www.my-haven2001.com
Newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Jude_Masons_Newsletter/
Custom Erotica Fantasies:
http://customeroticafantasies.blogspot.com/
To join my mailing list, email me: jude.mason AT yahoo.ca

*Jamie Hill - Erotic fiction that's "Simply Irresistible"

Visit my website: www.jamiehill.biz

Newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Jamie_Hill_Newsletter/




Sunday, February 22, 2009

I'm the guest blogger!!

Hey everyone!

I was asked a couple of months ago if I'd like to be a guest on Jon Michaelsen's blog. He said any topic and any length... the silly man. LOL So, if you'd like to have a read at my babble, I'd love you to comment on it. Check it out here:

http://www.jonmichaelsen.net/

The post will stay there indefinitely, but next Sunday someone else will have their post up front and center. So, get your butts over there. LOL

Sunday, February 01, 2009

Grand Re-Opening & Contest - Oh, Get a Grip

On Sunday, February 1st, five of my author friends and I are taking over the "Oh Get A Grip" blog, previously run by Brynn Paulin, Anny Cook, James Goodman, Dakota Rebel and Cindy Spencer Pape. We plan to keep the same format, one intriguing topic per week with each author offering his or her take, plus a guest on Saturdays.

So, if you'd like to find out a little more about what crosses the minds of Lisabet Sarai, Jamie Hill, Kim Dare, C. Sanchez-Garcia, Helen E.H. Madden and Jude Mason, visit us here:


http://ohgetagrip.blogspot.com/

To lure you in, we're having a Grand Re-Opening contest. The prize is a $30 Amazon gift certificate. All you have to do to enter is stop by and leave a comment any time during the week. We'll randomly select one winner, whom we'll announce on Sunday the 8th on the blog. (So be sure not to post anonymously!)

Come join the fun!

Hugs
Jude


- - -

*Jude Mason - Come, explore with me…if you dare*

Monday, January 19, 2009

Coming Together: At Last

Coming Together At Last, Volume 1 & 2
ISBN
: 978-1-60659-093-5
Edited by Alessia Brio

Authors: Steve F. Young, Aliyah Burke, Ralph Greco, Tex Randall, Jude Mason, Sacchi Green, Chloe Waits, Jolie, du Pré, Jae Knight, Allison Wonderland, Selena Kitt, J. M. Jeffries, Andrea Dale, Robert Buckley and Bridget Midway

A collection of interracial erotic fiction
All benefits go to Amnesty International

Buy Now



And for a taste of the story I've got in the anthology,
please check out: Island of Fantasies


Make Your Wildest Dreams Come True!

This document entitles you exclusive entrance into

the Arcadia Island Masquerade Ball.

Join us at Plantation House on Arcadia Island

and explore your wildest fantasies.

Your all-inclusive, all-expenses paid trip

begins the first weekend of the coming month.

Madame Dione de Celeste, Proprietress

Plantation House, Arcadia Island

She'd made up her mind to attend as soon as she had the fake card in her hand.

And that's how she managed to be there, dressed in her finest white silk gown, waiting her turn to walk the gangplank off the boat. Around her, a dozen or so equally resplendent men and woman milled around. There had been very little conversation on the way over, it seemed even the wealthy liked to keep their quirks and kinks to themselves. Only when they'd drawn into the bay had conversation erupted.

A tall, beautifully pale woman said in a breathy voice, "It's lovely isn't it? Twice here and I'll never get over how incredible the island is."

A deeply tanned young man, dressed in a black silk suit, that must have cost a month's wage for Syne, replied, "Yeah, it's pretty amazing. When you think that everything had to be shipped in, you realize just how rich this guy is."

The island was breathtaking. The long, white sandy beach rose from the crystal blue waters of the bay. Lush tropical ferns carpeted the area a few dozen yards from the shoreline, and tall trees she had no name for, loomed high overhead further inland. Some looked like willows and others were some kind of palm, but she couldn't tell what kind, and really didn't care. A well-swept wooden walkway led up the beach and into the trees.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, my name is Ares, and I'll be your guide," came the voice of an incredibly tall, incredibly well built black man, dressed in a flaming red sarong slung low on his hips and nothing else. He stood at the end of the gangplank, off to one side in the white sand. "Please, come ashore. It's a short walk to the plantation house, where rooms and refreshments await you all. Please present your invitations as you pass me."

Syne stood back, allowing the other partygoers to push past her. When she was left standing alone, she took a deep breath and walked across the gangplank, praying David's work would pass muster. Standing in front of the black man, she was astounded at just how big he was. At five-feet seven inches herself, he towered over her by at least a foot. His midnight-black skin shone. He looked as if he'd oiled himself. Hairless, his chest and arms rippled with muscles and his six-pack would be the envy of any man she'd ever known.

"Thank you, Milady." His voice was as soft as melted butter, and as smooth. Taking her invitation, he glanced at it and smiled, then slipped it into a fold of his sarong. Nodding, he checked the gangplank before asking, "Is there anyone else?"


* * *

I hope you enjoyed your sneak peek. Coming Together: At Last is available for purchase HERE.


Hugs

Jude

Friday, January 09, 2009

BDSM review for Vertical Tease

Vertical Tease By: Jude Mason
Author: Jude Mason
Publisher: Phaze www.phaze.com
ISBN-13:978-1-59426-662-1

BDSM Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5

Like many of us Carl has had a hard time communicating his needs to his wife. That doesn't stop him from making the decision to find a way to assuage the desperate hunger for being dominated. Surfing the net he finds Jasmine. After several months of phone conversations she's finally ready for the next step. Without hesitation he agrees. The night meets all of his expectations with a few surprises thrown in. Lets just hope his wife understands his needs.

I really enjoyed Carl's story. His desire for fulfillment despite the boundaries of marriage, made his character come to life. I was able to say, been there, done that. Trust is such a difficult thing to place in the hands of the ones we love so dearly. What would hurt more to us though, is their rejection. His need comes through easily as Jude writes his character. Although, I still think it's just plain evil to not let a man cum.

If I were a man, I would have wanted Jasmine as the woman to introduce me to the torments of BDSM. As it were, I'll stick with wishing I were as cruel and loving as she is. She gave me chills as I read her part and had me riveted to my computer screen wondering what terrible things she was about to do next. Loved her.

As for a word about Jude Mason. She has so many stories behind her. Each one exciting and unique. She's always had a wonderful grasp on her characters and no matter what story I pick up of hers the only way I would know it was her writing is that her characters are always stunning and they always have their own voice. As many authors I've read and as many stories of each author that I've read, the hardest thing that seems for others to do is to keep their own selves from showing through the story. Jude, allows her characters, not her muse to lead her through. She has my utmost respect as an author and I hope one day I can do my characters as much justice as she does.

Review written by: Miranda Heart

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

E-Piracy: What it is and how it hurts us all

Through a group of authors and publishers which has just recently formed, it’s become incredibly clear that there are an enormous number of people who don’t really understand what an e-book is, or the laws concerning their distribution. E-piracy is rampant and it’s a rare author who hasn’t had at least one of his or her books stolen and given, or sold, without permission.

I believe most people simply don’t realize that e-books are different from the print books they own. Those are perfectly legal to trade or gift to someone else. When we think of piracy online, most people immediately think of music. How many artists have lost enormous amounts of money because of people down loading their tunes? Hundreds? Thousands? That’s a lot of music and a hell of a lot of money being taken from the struggling musicians.

I’ve heard readers say they didn’t realize they weren’t allowed to pass their legal bought e-books on. To be honest, I believe some of these people. The internet and our e-publishing industry are really pretty new, so the rules and regulations are still being made, in some cases. There are still millions of people who are blissfully unaware of e-books and the variety of e-readers available now. Education is paramount so our industry doesn’t falter before it even gets its feet under itself.

In the front of ever legal copy of an e-book sold, there’s a warning that states: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher.

Applications should be addressed, in writing, to the publisher. Unauthorized or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

This was loosely based on the text used by Total E-Bound Publication and it’s in the front of every one of their e-books sold. The trouble is, it’s where readers skim by so they can get to the good stuff. How many of us pick up a pocket book and read the first few pages? You know, the bits about who published it and when, the ISBN, that sort of thing. The print is usually small, the message foreign and unexciting. That’s not why they bought the book. They want the story!

What we have to get through to those readers, those wonderful fans and buyers, is that e-books are very much the same as the books they buy in their favorite brick and mortar bookstore in only some respects. The authors work as hard, they spend weeks, months, sometimes years, creating that story you’re dying to get your hands on. They’ve spent nearly as long waiting to hear from publishing houses and then going through the myriad of edits and possibly re-writes to polish their babies. The difference comes when it’s actually published. One, you can pick up and walk out of the store with. That one costs more, takes up space in your home, kills a tree or two for you to hold in your hands and is transferable. The other, the e-book, is much easier to access. All you have to do is get on your computer, go to the website of the publisher, or Fictionwise, Amazon, or wherever your publisher has chosen to sell your books, and then you pay your little bit, then download a file to your computer. Some download to readers, some to laptops, but it’s not a book you can actually hold in your hands. The good things are, they cost much less, they’re incredibly easy to get your hands on and fast, and there’s no trees cut to create the book. The downside is, you may not transfer that file without permission. It’s against the law to do so. You may not upload it to eBay. You may not give it to a friend.

When you purchase that file, it’s like you’ve purchased a program such as Windows XP. That program is non-transferable, right? You have code numbers to prove it’s your copy, right? Well, e-books don’t have the code, yet, but they are still a program you’ve bought for yourself and which is illegal to give to someone else.

Pirate sites may say they’re not doing any harm. They may tell you that you’re only allowed to download for personal use. They may tell you all kinds of pretty things, but, did they tell you that to download a copy of some author’s books is illegal? That if caught, you could wind up in court? Did they tell you that publishers strive to have their sites shut down, because the pirate is taking money not only from them, but from the authors?

That author, who you might think is making money hand over fist is most likely working a day job in order to pay for his or her writing career. There are very few Stephan King’s out there. Most authors make just enough to pay a bill or two and that’s it. Some authors, if they’re incredibly lucky, have a spouse who helps support them so they can write.

So please, if you’re tempted to download from one of those pirate sites, think about it. An e-book costs you what, $5 on average. That’s not a huge amount of money. Yet, to an author, it’s a much treasured sale. Many books cost a great deal less, some as little as a dollar. That really isn’t a lot and out of that dollar, the author will see less than half. Royalties aren’t huge. Again, I beg you; think about what that thoughtless download means to your favorite author. He or she loses money, each and every time someone downloads their books for free. That could mean that author won’t be able to keep writing. It could mean a publishing house isn’t making enough to carry on, and they go under.

If you’re brave enough, go one step further and pass the word along. Tell others that e-piracy is hurting authors. It’s taking their hard earned money right out of their hands. It could very well be killing a dream.

And here’s a little something more for you to think about.

FBI Anti-Piracy Warning:
The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Want to report an e-pirate? Here's the email address and thank you for your help:

reportebooktheft@gmail.com


Monday, December 15, 2008

December's Newsletter, available now!

The Wanton Quill
Newsletter #43 December 2008 Edition

I hope you've had a spectacular month. Mine has been busy, which is good, and productive, which is very good. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and I'll tell you all about it.

What you'll find in this issue:

What Jude's been up to:
The wildlife, my friends, and yes that'd be two separate things, along with writing

Upcoming chats/events:
Find out when and where you can catch me to chat

Coming soon:
Naughty Nooners Anthology and Coming Together: At Last both to be released in January 2009

Reviews:
Shifting Desires: Sherylyn Lexxi of Night Owl Romance gave the book a 5/5 and a Reviewers top Pick

Free Read:
Part two of Clamp for your reading pleasure

Contests:
2 winners from last month's as well as the first one for 2009

Website updates:
You betcha. New free stuff and here's the url: http://www.my-haven2001.com/

To read a slightly condensed version online, go here:

http://www.my-haven2001.com/Newsletter/December2008.htm

If you'd like to join Jude's Yahoo Chat/Newsletter group, the url is:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Jude_Masons_Newsletter/

To have your name added to my mailing list, please email me at: Jude.Mason AT yahoo.ca

Take care and have an amazing day!


Hugs

Jude


-- *Jude Mason - Come, explore with me...if you dare!*

Website: http://www.my-haven2001.com
Newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Jude_Masons_Newsletter/
Custom Erotica Fantasies http://customeroticafantasies.blogspot.com/
To sign up for my mailing list, email me: jude.mason @ yahoo.ca (no spaces)