The wonderful thing about writing science fiction heroines is that they can truly be whatever I want them to be. They don’t even need to be human. They take charge and operate beyond petty gender discriminations, wielding the power of true freedom... unless, of course, I blast an alien grenade into their sophisticated advanced society. That’s always fun to do. After all, without conflict, there would be no story.
But not all futuristic
societies are advanced. Sometimes civilization goes backward, my heroine is
whisked into a parallel universe (SNATCHED), alien intervention or human
warfare destroys dreams of freedom. Then my heroines must restore balance to
their world.
Sometimes they are hard core
military by choice, like Tia in Anaz-voohri or Zania in Snatched. Sometimes I
like to throw them into the fray against their will and watch them flounder and
cope, as I imagine the worst possible situations to defeat them. Of course,
among all these great qualities of strength and courage, they also have flaws
and weaknesses. They usually perform well under pressure... until I find their
breaking point. Even then, I still want to be them.
I love my kick-butt heroines.
Whether they wield a sword, like in the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK SERIES, a
blaster, or a bazooka, like in the ANCIENT ENEMY series, they confront their
fears with courage, and after much suffering, they usually save the day... or
the man they love, like in ALIEN LOCKDOWN.
Fiction reveals the writer’s
soul. We usually write about what we know. Like my futuristic heroines, I’m a
meditator, a fighter, a former gymnast, a skydiver, and a Martial Arts black
belt (Aikido). I love Japanese swords and learned how to use them. I believe
that even in future warfare, there will be a place for sharp blades. If an EMP
(electromagnetic pulse) or a solar flare renders all electronics useless, say
goodbye to your fancy weaponry. My heroines can still rely on a length of good
steel.
No sniggering, erotica
readers. The blade is meant to slay whatever soldier, tiger, or alien demon
wants to ruin the day. Of course, there are sizzling love scenes in my books as
well. My heroines do deserve their rewards. But I prefer to avoid dubious
metaphors.
You can find all my titles in
eBooks mostly everywhere in most formats. I also have a few available in print.
Some are out of print and only available used. More print books are coming out
soon. Find my titles on:
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance
with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Here are a few titles to
consider:
KICKING
BOTS - Ancient Enemy Book Three
CLICK TO BUY |
Dr.
Melissa Campbell, head researcher at the San Francisco Center for Disease
Control, asks an eminent colleague for help to protect her precious vaccine,
one that could end the deadly alien plague. She didn't expect to get a crazy
renegade like Bennett Sevastian for a bodyguard. She hates military types, and
this genetically enhanced super-soldier is pure testosterone, hot-headed,
quick-tempered, impulsive, impatient, and downright impossible. But these are
dangerous times with riots in the streets, and rumors of alien invasion. In a
breathless race against time, experience the decisive battle for humankind, one
that will decide whether Earth belongs to humanity, or to a powerful alien
race...
“As
always, Ms. Schartz's dialogue is believable and authentic and her characters
hero-worthy. I loved Melissa's smarts, compassion, and daring... a veritable
thrill-ride, with some twists and turns... exciting, suspense… an unpredictable
path that so engrossed me, I found it hard to put the book down. Great ending
to a great series!” 4.5 lips - Two Lips Reviews
"Begins with a
bang and keeps the fireworks coming. As much as Melissa and Bennett try to
fight their feelings for each other, it is too strong for them to deny..."
Sensual Reads - 4.5 stars - Sultry
"... Bennett.
Sexy, balls to the walls Bennett. Ladies man, his own military militia and a
devilish sense of humor. A sensational and fantastical alternate universe,
painted and laid out for me with every wondrous word. I really enjoyed every
lie and betrayal, every scary new path on their journey to get to the truth and
save the world as they know it."
Book Junkie - 4 stars
Book Junkie - 4 stars
"I
really enjoyed this book. Even though I hadn't read the previous two... I have
always been interested in the mysterious disappearance of the Anasazi and this
story nicely filled in the blanks... exceptionally well written. I am
definitely going to have to find the previous books and check them out as
well." - The Romance Studio - 5 hearts - rated very sensual.
SNATCHED
CLICK TO BUY |
Snatched
from a post‑apocalyptic battlefield by galactic traders, Zania is sold to a
clandestine ring of fighting Amazons on a planet lush with green jungles and
teeming with deadly felines. She resents the gorgeous and overzealous Viking
champion, Svend, who saves her life but too easily accepts slavery. Adulated by
a woman who claims to know her, hated by the jealous Amazon queen who fancies
Svend, Zania seeks escape...
But
Svend knows the price of rebellion, and on this seemingly peaceful planet,
ruled and defended by machines, nothing is what it seems, not even Zania
herself... Among the rumbles of a volcano threatening to explode, an
insurrection is brewing, and no one is safe...
"...plot twists
too numerous to list... Alternate Earths... Zania and Svend fight for their
lives... spurned lovers... volcano... Can they find happiness when their world
is coming apart?" - Candy - Sensual Reads - Sultry - 4.5 stars
"Brimming with action from the
first page... ripe with hidden agendas, evil villains, toothy tigers, brave
heroes, and cowardly sneaks. Oh! And do not forget, exploding volcanoes. A
well-scripted adventure... thrills and chills on each new page... a diverse
array of characters endowed with personality and pizzazz. Pick it up and
prepare to be swept away in an escapade of intense science fiction
excitement." - Laurie, Coffee Time Romance - 4 cups
"I loved this
book... a great Sci-Fi Romance... action packed... mysteries and surprises
everywhere... keep you wanting to continue reading to find out what happens...
Even if you do not read much Sci-Fi romance, I would recommend this story...
filled with characters you love and hate... will leave you satisfied in the end."
- Felicia Wright - Paranormal romance Reviews
ALIEN
LOCKDOWN:
The year is 3033, and deep in
the bowels of the underground galactic prison, something has gone terribly
wrong. Rhonda Alendresis never wanted this prison job. When the civilians
vanish and an earthquake damages the nuclear reactor, she must go down to repair
it with Captain Perfect himself, Cole Riggeur, who always plays by the rules
and never trusted a woman in his life. But deep in the underground
penitentiary, the most wicked convicts in the Galaxy are loose, and a
treacherous shape-shifter plans his revenge. Disconnected from the Garrison,
against impossible odds, Cole and Rhonda now face their greatest challenge...
trusting each other in order to survive.
REVIEWS:
"The action
reminded me of an INDIANA JONES movie and the romance was equally
intense." --Paranormal
Romance Reviews
"...the fantastic anticipation only a ticking bomb can generate, I was enthralled from page one" --Lynn Lowe - Ecataromance
"...suspenseful, gripping saga of survival, betrayal, and hope...the resourcefulness and courage that occurs when a person refuses to admit defeat and die." --Dena - Fallen Angel Reviews - 5 angels
"...the fantastic anticipation only a ticking bomb can generate, I was enthralled from page one" --Lynn Lowe - Ecataromance
"...suspenseful, gripping saga of survival, betrayal, and hope...the resourcefulness and courage that occurs when a person refuses to admit defeat and die." --Dena - Fallen Angel Reviews - 5 angels
10 comments:
Welcome Vijaya! We are pleased you could join us today.
I noticed you meditate and I sometimes do but mostly don't. I'm starting a 21 day meditation practice through the Chopra Center next month. How does the practice of meditation support your writing?
Your books sound fascinating! Great post!
Thanks for the kind comments, Judith and Diana.
Meditation is a great way to clear the mind for creativity. When I meditate before I write, the ideas flow much better.
Vijaya, your books souond great, as do y our heroines.
You go, Vijaya. Have a great weekend.
Woo! Those really are some kick-butt heriones!
Hi Vijaya,
Nice to see you here. Great blog. You have so many fabulous books.
Best of luck with all your endeavours.
Cheers
Margaret
Yes, I agree with you. I much prefer strong heroines to the weaklings that used to be the norm in romance novels!
Morgan Mandel
http://www.facebook.com/morgansbooks
I always think of Sigourney Weaver in the ALIEN series and Linda Hamilton in TERMINATOR 2. Very kick-ass.
Thanks so much for bringing us into your world Vijaya! It is such fun to see characters that struggle with overcoming the odds of a destroyed world.
In my last post I asked the readers to consider the idea of creating empathy while reading or writing a post-apocalyptic universe. How can someone, who has lost everything, still be strong enough, brave enough, to believe in love? I am curious what process you use to get in touch with these soft emotions, while mainting your character's very strong outer core?
Thanks,
Deanne
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