ALIENS AND WITCHES WORLD by Sylvia McDaniel

With over thirty books under my belt, I struggle to find plots that are new and different. There are only twenty plots in the world and I’ve probably written every one of them. As an author you have to start looking outside the box for ways to keep the writing fresh and interesting to not only your readers, but yourself.

A close friend of mine, S. E. Smith, who writes science fiction and is very successful, was asked by Amazon to invite other authors to write in her world. I don’t have a science fiction following, but she asked me if I would be interested and I jumped at the opportunity. I’ve always wanted to write about funny witches and then I threw in an alien in her crazy Magic, New Mexico.

Yes, this western historical/contemporary author was stepping out of her well worn box and writing about stuff she has very little knowledge of. Space…that final frontier. My husband had to describe to me how there is no wind in space. I’d never thought about it before, but I needed my poor little witch to have motion sickness. She’s a broom riding witch who gets nauseous.

What came out is a book that I absolutely love. I agreed to write this short novella in January and then in February, my life sort of fell apart. My loving, funny, 84 year old father became ill and I spent a lot of time with him and my mother until he eventually passed away.

SYLVIA McDANIEL

This book, which is supposed to be humorous, was written in the hospital, while I sat with my father. If it had been typed on paper, there would have been places stained by teardrops. In the end, it’s become one of my favorite stories simply because I know the emotional place I was at while writing this story. And yes, it did come out funny—not sad. But the story also reflects the importance of family, no matter what planet you’re from.

Am I going to write more witches and aliens? You bet I am and I’m clearing my author calendar to start a new one in October. Hopefully, I will have two new stories written by the end of the year. But if you love sassy, funny stories, then you’ll enjoy Touch of Decadence.

Website: www.SylviaMcDaniel.com

BEGINNING STORY by Young Adult Author Roslyn McFarland

Most reputable writing education material will tell you not to open your story with a dream. It's overdone, cliché, etc. And they're right.

My story, however, is all about a dream. Several, in fact.

More specifically, it starts with a recurring dream. At the tender age of 8, I experienced the same dynamic vision almost every night for a year, at which point it seemingly went away. Only it didn't, re-emerging once a year, even into adulthood.

A little back story.

SEE NO SEA

I have always been an avid reader with a love of creating stories. Somewhere along the line I convinced my self I couldn't possibly write the type of literature I felt the most awed and inspired by (Shakespeare, Tolkien, etc.). Writing anything not work related disappeared from my life.

Flash forward about fifteen years. Disabled by an illness, and no closer to a diagnosis than I had been five years before. My mystery illness was killing me. I lived a waking nightmare, desperately needing an outlet to break through the spiraling depression taking hold of me.

 

HEAR NO SEA

Then my dream came back. Three nights in a row.

I felt compelled to write it down.

With nothing better to do, I decided to tweak the dream a bit, transforming an eight year old me, to a teen not-really-me-at-all. Scene after scene emerged, scattered all over the place, until I wrote them down and put them in order. Eventually playing connect the dots, I finished the first draft of my first novel approximately six months later.

Despite my painful, symptomatic body, I don't recall ever feeling quite so giddy over an accomplishment. Even the birth of my kids, which my body pretty much took care of without a lot of direction from me. No, I still feel birthing a novel is by far one of the most mentally and emotionally involved processes one can undertake.

 

SOLDIER BOY

Then the editing began, but I'll leave the telling of that two-and-half-year grueling learning process for another time. Halfway through it, however, I did finally receive a diagnosis of Lyme disease, followed swiftly by treatment, giving me back much of my mobility.

The point is, it took a nightmare situation to bring me back to my dream. That of being a writer.

LIGHT THE WAY

The original story idea expanded, not quite finished in my first book, "See No Sea", becoming a mental trilogy.  Since then, I have also started a Short story collection ("Soldier Boy"), and a Science fiction series ("Light the Way"). Book two of my original series ("Hear No Sea") comes out next month. All my stories are Young Adult, Coming of Age Romances, clean language and simple light fun.

I didn't need to be the next Shakespeare or Tolkien. I only needed to be true to me.

 

DOODLE DUCK

I've also helped my nine-year-old daughter (now ten) get her first story published ("Doodle Duck").

The point?

It's never too late, or too early, to start writing. Don't get in your own way.

ROSLYN MCFARLAND

Oh, and that recurring dream? I haven't had it since. ~ Roslyn McFarland

https://www.facebook.com/Roslyn.McFarland.author/

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:

AMAZON  -  Barnes & Noble – Smashwords – All Romance eBooks

 

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

SF Author Cathryn Cade: Why You Should Try a Sci-Fi Romance

Confession time—I've never been a 'science fiction' fan. 

Of books, that is. 

I grew up watching Star Trek and Space Family Robinson re-runs on TV. And I loved the original Star Wars movies. But what do they all have in common? They're not hard core sci-fi. They're all space opera—a lighter mix of action adventure, romance and human relationships set against the background of exotic galactic locales.

As an adult, I fell in love with Jayne Ann Krentz's fabulous Lost Colony romances, featuring space travelers trapped on a planet which enhanced their traces of ESP, and gifted them with additional paranormal abilities. She had discovered a way to write romance against the backdrop of light sci-fi.

So when I wanted to write a shape shifter romance in 2007, I turned to space opera as the perfect venue for my story of action, danger and sexy romance. Tyger, Tyger, Burning Bryght takes place aboard Orion, a space cruiser and transport ship in a galaxy far in the future. 

The sexual mores of the planet Bryght are a bit different than ours—they're governed by male and female mating moons. The hero's needs are exquisitely basic—mate or go insane. And since he's Orion's navigator, and the only one who can steer the huge ship safely through the asteroid belt around Bryght, the heroine's goal is basic, too. Save him, save the ship, save herself.

Neither of them bargain on the most powerful force in the universe—love. What begins as a sexual encounter quickly becomes a powerful love story. The hero doesn't actually say, 'Baby, this is bigger than the both of us,' but he realizes it. (Dang, maybe I should've borrowed that line).

I was lucky enough to find a publisher, Samhain Publishing, who saw the demand for stories like Tyger. Recently Romantic Times writers Faygie Levy and Elissa Petruzzi noted that 'it's among the independent presses where the genre is thriving, with books by authors like … Cathryn Cade.' Although they have broadened their genre base considerably, moving into the mainstream as one of the major epublishers, Samhain is still accepting sci fi romance submissions.

Readers loved Tyger, too, and to my delight, The Orion Series was born. And along the way, I discovered more space opera. What space opera fan hasn't seen Firefly? Or the new Star Trek movie, with all the great insider jokes? Or one of the best comedies ever, Galaxy Quest?

I love romance, in all its guises. Romantic suspense, Steampunk, Gaslamp, romantic comedy, erotic romance and paranormal.

If you do, too, pick up a sci fi romance today. You'll be surprised and delighted by what you find inside. Gadgets, exotic beings and locales, and heart-thumping adventure.

And maybe you'll decide it's the perfect venue for that romance you've always wanted to write.

Stop by my website for a pair of Free Reads, novellas set on the planet Frontiera. While you're there, read excerpts from Tyger and the other books in The Orion Series. 

Happy Reading,

Cathryn

... red hot romance!
http://www.cathryncade.com
http://cathryncadesblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/cathryncade.author

http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/cathryn-cade

Romantic Science Fiction

by Tam Linsey

Genres have been on my mind lately. Not just genres, but subgenres. Do I write "science fantasy" or "science fiction"? "apocalyptic" or "dystopic"? "science fiction romance" (SFR) or "romantic science fiction" (RSF)?

This last pair is what I want to talk about today, because I didn't know there was a difference until recently. Why do I care? Because I've had several agents who represent science fiction request my manuscript, only to pass on representation because there was "too much science" in my story.

Too much science?

How can science fiction readers not want the science explained? In my opinion, just setting characters onto another world and throwing in a space ship or two doesn't make something science fiction. There must be verisimilitude – credibility that such a world could exist. That is where the science part of science fiction becomes important.

I was baffled by the rejections.

So I did what any good scientist would do; I researched and developed a theory about why these agents didn't like the science.

Why are readers these days okay with novels not explaining how things work? This is where the distinction between SFR and RSF becomes important. Although these agents claim to represent science fiction, they are big names in the romance industry. As romance readers, they want the story – be it paranormal, contemporary, historical, or science fiction – to be about a relationship first and foremost. Any speculative, otherworldly, or scientific elements of the story must be less important to the plot than the romance. In fact, the story they want could not exist without the romance. The science is taken for granted. Science Fiction has become part of our culture. Other writers have already done all the speculation for us. Who hasn't seen an episode of Star Trek, or a movie with aliens or space ships? The proof is already out there. Why prove it again?

Most romance readers don't care about the science. They just want a really good story about a relationship.

They want Science Fiction Romance.

I like romance. Love is what binds characters together, and binds readers to my characters. But love doesn't dominate the story in science fiction. My manuscript, Botanicaust, has a love interest relationship, but the plot could proceed without the romance. In fact, it wouldn't be too hard to rewrite the novel and remove the romance altogether.

But take out the science, and Botanicaust falls apart.

I write Romantic Science Fiction.

See the difference? It is all a matter of where the emphasis lies. The rejections are because I've been targeting the wrong readers.

Do you like to know how the world works in the book you are reading? Or do you prefer to take for granted that things are the way the author says they are?

© Tam Linsey, 2011. All rights reserved.