On the run...

Romance books had a certain long-standing reputation for heroes who are CEOs, Millionaires, Ranchers, Doctors, or Sheiks. Then a few years back, an entirely new crop of heroes appeared. This new bunch were completely different. Enter the pirates, SEALs, cops, vampire hunters, Rangers, and other assorted tough guys. With this new group writers had to be more savvy and knowledgeable about all sorts of things.

Weaponry, tactics, military ranks, and unarmed combat all gained a foothold in the romance story. That's fine. But where do you go to find out about such things? The fortunate writer has a friend or relative who can answer questions and point out pitfalls in the writing. The less fortunate writer must track down someone to help. Interestingly enough, once the adviser gets past his laughing fit at his expertise going into a romance, most are quite eager to make sure that the writer gets it right.

Then there are the on-the-run scenarios. Those require thought more than anything else. In this day and age of electronic files that are accessible to any decent hacker, any character who uses a credit card while running from the bad guys is just holding up a big target. Yet, I have read exactly that in more than one book. Rental cars, hotel rooms, restaurant tabs, all paid for with a credit card. I don't think so.

There should be a training center where authors can find out how to successfully disappear. Or how to disarm the bad guy. Or how a weapon harness fits. And if the character is female, then all of those things are twice as important because gender does make a difference. Clothing doesn't fit the same way. Women have curves to contend with that men don't have to deal with.

A reader once wrote to me to ask if I had ever worked for the FBI or CIA since my stories sounded like I knew what I was talking about. As far as I'm concerned that's quite a compliment.
Anny

The Amarinda and Anny Contest – coming soon!

What could be better than kicking back with a good book? Winning two books - one from Amarinda Jones – Knock Three Times and one from Anny Cook – Kama Sutra Lovers. Fantastic. You want more? Be the envy of all with two hand made hair piks to adorn your locks. But wait – there’s even more! How about munching on a delicious care pack of Aussie treats? One lucky reader will win all of this. How do you win this fantastic prize? Go to www.annycook.com and www.amarindajones.com and answer an easy question -

If trapped on a deserted island what two things could Anny and Amarinda not live without? The answers can be found on the websites. As soon as you have them email
amarinda_jones@yahoo.com.au with your answers – there will be 4 in all.

The contest starts 18th July and closes midnight 23rd July 2008 (USA EST). The first correct entry drawn at random will win the prize. Good luck.