Saturday, October 20, 2012

Kick-butt Heroines of Romantic Sci-Fi - by Vijaya Schartz


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
"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

10 comments:

Judith Ashley said...

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?

Diana McCollum said...

Your books sound fascinating! Great post!

Vijaya Schartz said...

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.

Shirley Martin said...

Vijaya, your books souond great, as do y our heroines.

Caroline Clemmons said...

You go, Vijaya. Have a great weekend.

Ann Herrick said...

Woo! Those really are some kick-butt heriones!

Margaret Tanner said...

Hi Vijaya,
Nice to see you here. Great blog. You have so many fabulous books.
Best of luck with all your endeavours.
Cheers

Margaret

Morgan Mandel said...

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

Roxy Boroughs said...

I always think of Sigourney Weaver in the ALIEN series and Linda Hamilton in TERMINATOR 2. Very kick-ass.

deanne said...

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