What Genre is This Anyway?

As I've probably mentioned before, my current WIP is a sci-fi themed story. However, in the last couple of weeks, I'm thinking maybe it's not necessarily sci-fi, but fantasy.  Here's the thing, I'm not a big fan of sci-fi in general - my knowledge of the genre is sorely lacking. I had several male cousins who were, so I always sort of knew a bit about it, just from listening to them, - Michael in particular, was a huge Trekkie, still is, and can go on and on until your eyes glaze over. I know, it's happened to me many times! LOL But I did love the Star Wars movies, which I always thought of as episodes 1 through 3, but are now really episodes 4 through 6. But that was about the extent of it. I've really not read the genre, romance or other fiction, and certainly didn't watch any of the TV shows or movies that so many of my friends did. As for the shows, I understand there are some really good ones, but I'm afraid I may find another obsession that I simply don't have the time to indulge. So I'm not daring to get involved there. My time is limited enough now as it is.

Anyway, as I was saying before I started rambling, I'm not necessarily sure that Prince of the Universe is true sci-fi. The hero comes from another planet, and inter-galaxy travel is common to him, though not to my Earthling heroine. But here's what's got me wondering – just because it does involve other planets and space travel, does that make it sci-fi? Eventually, Vega will take Merry back to his home planet of Aldarra, but the civilization, while certainly technologically advanced in many ways, also involves magic, and the manipulation of energy and minerals to increase one's power. Plus, Aldarra has a very different climate from ours, and the culture and customs could, in some ways, be described as medieval.

I've heard it said that if your scientific facts are wrong, it's generally not acceptable to those who know and love the sci-fi genre. Is that true? I'm not much with technical or engineering knowledge (as my recent disasters with computers will attest to), so anything as far as warp speed and wormholes and the like will most definitely be "wrong." How far can I push the envelope without someone crying foul? I've got spaceships, and high tech weapons, and races similar to and different from humans, but also magic and other paranormal elements. As I'm world-building, I'm wondering if I'm doing too much. I'm likely to piss off readers of both genres by doing things I'm not supposed to.

So, sci-fi fans, what am I not supposed to do, and what do I have to do to fit the genre? Or can I get away with twisting it all up?

April Showers bring May... showers?

It's May. It's supposed to be sunny and warm now, yet, we've still got more than our fair share of clouds and rain before it finally clears the way for some of those flowers the nursery rhyme talks about.

But I'm very excited about May this year - because with it comes something new and exciting. Started by my friend and fellow author, Shoshanna Evers, I'm participating in the May 50K. Basically, it's the same thing as NANO, but for May. I'm really excited about participating – I tend to do really well when I just sit and write, at least as far as getting a first draft completed. For NANO, I completed a draft at about 53K total, but would have done more if I hadn't gotten such a late start and missed the entire first week of the month. This time, I don't have any huge plans to interfere, and if the first couple of days are any indication, I am off to a decent start.

There are two WIP's that I am focusing on, actually. My medieval, which is complete - as far as a first draft, anyway. I am currently revising that one, and have been adding scenes here and there. But my main project will be the first of my sci-fi themed books, as I may have mentioned before. I did very well on Sunday , adding over another 2K to that ms, another 1K early in the week and I have the entire plot outlined - very basic, no details yet. Literally just a list of events that need to occur. If all goes well, and I have my computer back this week, as they have assured me I will, I'll really be able to get cracking and make some serious headway into that manuscript. I'm having fun discovering the kinds of powers Vega has, and I've even surprised myself with how he interacts with elements native to our planet. Plus, his race does have the ability to use mind-bending control over others. Odd thing is, I've learned it can also be done unintentionally, if the feelings and desires are strong enough. Merry is finding that out, and boy, is she pissed. A confrontation is a-brewing! Lol  For now, I'm calling it Prince of the Universe – a nod to my love of all things Highlander (movies, TV series, etc.)

I really am having a blast with this story, yet, at the same time, I am also having a blast reworking Marissa and Ian's story, so he doesn't come off as such a cold-hearted brute. He never really was, but it's time to make his conflicting emotions more clear. The poor man's gonna be run through the wringer before I get done with him. Nothing like bringing an arrogant alpha male to his knees, though, he'll never totally lose his arrogance and need to control. Does any man, really, fictional or otherwise? Besides, to me, that edge is what I love most about my heroes. They may be laid low by their soul mate, willing to do whatever it takes to keep and protect her, but they'll never give up the part of them that makes them, IMO, so hot. The confidence of a man who knows what he wants, how to get it, knows how damn good he is at it, and won't take no for an answer, just leaves me weak in the knees.

So stay tuned as the month progresses – you'll get some glimpses into my upcoming work, as well as get to see some serious moments of insanity. First example, I've begun sketching out the next book in Prince's world – nuts, I know! This will be about Vega's brother Reygar, who is possibly even more arrogant and controlling than his brother. He won't admit why, but what sends him off on his own private mission is an appealing Earth woman. I know it's because he can't resist her, despite her initial terror on meeting him and general shyness. Plus, she's a real klutz, and has managed to drop a heavy box on his foot, smack her head into his, and knock him down the stairs. Even after all the battles he's fought, poor Reygar has more bruises now.

Late Winners Announcement

So last week we wrapped up the Noble Authors Blog Tour. We also have our grand prize winner of the Eden Fantasy $100 gift voucher.  To recap, here are the winners of copies of Healing the Mage:

From Bianca Sommerland's Blog: Mara

From Mindy MacKay's Blog: TraceyD

And the grand prize winner of the Eden Fantasy $100 gift voucher is: Mara J Brandon! Congratulations, Mara – you had a great week!

And congratulations to all the winners on the tour and a huge, heartfelt thanks for everyone who participated. It truly was a successful and fun event, and I so enjoyed meeting readers and other authors along the way. I look forward to doing this again.

I'm behind on getting emails and the like to everyone, so be patient with me as I catch up. I'm still missing my computer, and stuck doing everything on my work laptop, which has been starting to subtly protest my overwork of it. In fact, as I type this, I have a backup going on this hard drive to ensure if this one dies, at least I won't lose all of my files.

Have a great week everyone!

For our final day - Bianca Sommerland

For our final day of the tour, I'm delighted to welcome Bianca Sommerland. Her latest release, Deadly Captive is a really intense read.

You can get Deadly Captive here:  https://www.nobleromance.com/ItemDisplay.aspx?i=269

Bianca Sommerland was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. When not reading neurotically or writing as though the fate of the world rests on her keyboard, she is either watching hockey or teaching her daughters the beauty of a classic, steel pony while reminiscing about her days in Auto Body Mechanics.

Her time is balanced with utmost care between normal family life, and the internal paranormal realm where her characters reside. For the most part, she succeeds. You can find her at http://imnoangelauthorsblog.wordpress.com/

Okay, Bianca, I'm turning it over to you!

Magic and the Great ‘What if?’

When I’m writing, the question at the forefront of my mind is ‘What if?’ What if the prince is the bad guy? What if the heroine likes the ‘hero’s’ best friend…or whole <insert sport> team? What if the fate of the universe rest on the balance of the ultimate orgasm?

Okay, I’ve never tried that one, but you get where I’m going. Sorta.

Anyway, when you’re writing contemporary, your mind has to stick with logical ‘what ifs’. Your human male cannot have the tongue of a snake unless he is Gene Simmons (not but enough for my tastes, but I do have wet dreams about that tongue. Um…yeah, you don’t wanna know). He cannot hump you while simultaneously undressing you both. And condoms are a good idea unless the couple have exchanged shackles.

Add a dash of magic and the possibilities…*evil grin* there are things a character can survive with a spoonful of enchanted sugar that would leave lesser men hamburger meat. In Deadly Captive, the only reason there’s any kind of Happily Ever After (I’m quite liberal with that term, so don’t get your hopes up) is because I tore him apart and used the paranormal elements in the story to…ah, must spoil the ending. All I will tell you is the heroine is not left alone.

So the hero doesn’t die?

Now, I didn’t say that, did I?

Real life fiction is fun to read because part of you let your mind be fooled—let’s your mind believe that the events could happen. Probably won’t. But could. Fantasy, paranormal, Sci fi—these are all ways to escape. You don’t believe it could happen in your world, because you’re not in your world, you’re in another. And it’s either a real nice, or real scary place to be.

Here’s a short excerpt from Deadly Captive to give you an idea of what I mean:

With a slow nod, Cyrus lifted his hand and curved his fingers inwards. "Come here, Lydia."

His eyes were beautiful, the blue of a cloudless summer sky. My fear dwindled. It was ridiculous to be afraid, really. He wouldn't hurt me; he would give me everything I'd ever wanted. I climbed over Joe, craving Cyrus' touch so bad my skin crawled with desire. I would go mad if he didn't take me. I would die.

Joe wrapped his arms around my waist and jerked me back. "Start with me, Cyrus. Have your fun with me."

"And make her first time easy, Joe?" Cyrus smiled, and my heart melted. He had lovely, luscious lips. "In return for what? Your cooperation?"

"No! Please—" I pitched forward. Joe hauled me up and dropped me on the mattress. I bit my tongue and swore as blood filled my mouth. Pain shattered the urge to rush into the arms of the man who'd used my suffering as entertainment.

 Fun, right? Imagine all the things someone could do to you with some kind of otherworldly power at their disposal. All the things they could make you do…

Thanks so much for having me, Gianna! Enjoy the last days of the tour, lovely people!

Thanks for coming by, Bianca. The lure of different worlds, with characters who have all sorts of ways to manipulate situations and people using powers beyond our own frail humanity is hard to resist. I'm sure many of us agree with that!

Okay folks, don't forget to comment to be eligible to win - including that $100 voucher to Eden Fantasy!

Click here for the next blog on the tour:

And don't forget to check out the Red Roses & Shattered Glass Anthology. 

You can get it here:  http://www.nobleromance.com/ItemDisplay.aspx?i=260

Noble Authors Blog Tour - Please Welcome Justine Elyot!

I am thrilled to host today's guest - Justine Elyot. If you've stopped by the tour previously, you probably know that Justine and I know each other from other parts of the online world, so this feels like a reunion of sorts.  Thanks for coming by Justine – I'm delighted to have you here today. Our two worlds crossing is a really cool thing – I'm loving this, and so glad we've had such a great year with Noble so far! I'll turn it over to you and let you scare us silly now! :) 

 

"I'd like to start by saying hi to Gianna and her readers and thanks for the opportunity to be here. It's funny, but Gianna and I knew each other from 'another place' long before we both became Noble authors, and I couldn't be more thrilled to share a publisher with her!"

Introducing myself, I should mention that I'm Justine Elyot, a UK-based writer of erotica and erotic romance. My first novel, On Demand, was the last title to be published by iconic British label Black Lace and, while their withdrawal from the market was disappointing, I took some comfort from reaching the number one spot in the erotica chart at Amazon UK. I've written for a plethora of publishers and editors including Cleis Press, Xcite Books, Total E-Bound and Carina Press. My Noble book is called The Choirmaster and it's romantic BDSM. Check out the gorgeous cover:

The theme on Gianna's blog tour stop is magic and mysticism. I have to admit, I don't know much about either - my tastes tend more to the contemporary/historical than fantasy/paranormal - but I have spent a lot of time in one of the most haunted villages in England, so I thought I might tell you a little bit about that.

One summer when my mother was five years old, she was playing in the cornfields at the back of her house when she noticed the figure of a man rising up from the golden ears of wheat. This wasn't such an amazing sight in itself, but the fact that he was shirtless and his chest was green attracted her attention, as did the coronet of leaves in his hair. She raced off to tell her sisters, but by the time they came back, the man was gone.

Years later, she was reminded of her experience when she came across a picture of the man in a book about mythology. The caption identified him as Robin Goodfellow - a spirit whose appearance portended a good harvest. And, as it happened, they had a very good harvest in 1952.

The village where my mother grew up, in a fertile vale in the middle of England, famous for its lush fruit and vegetables, has more than its fair share of ghosts. A spectral horse and carriage are said to thunder over the crossroads just outside the village, while the manor house has its own 'white lady'.

As children, our absolute favourite story was of the local ghost, or 'spot loggin', a man who was allegedly hanged, or murdered (nobody seems to really know which). Great Uncle Fred reported being chased by the ghostly figure as he bicycled past the church one foggy night, and we could never resist the temptation to go to the old well, near the tithe barn, and walk around it three times anticlockwise and three times clockwise before uttering the magic words that would call up the spot loggin.

The problem was, we didn't know what the magic words were. My aunty Mary claimed to know them, but she wouldn't tell us.

So he stayed in the well and we eventually grew out of our fascination.

When I visit the village now, the thing that haunts me the most is the distant view of Long Lartin maximum security prison, where the terrorists are held. I wonder if any of their ghosts will ever drift across to join the spot loggin.

Now that I've spooked you, I must ask you to hurry along to say boo! to Indigo Skye who is gracing my own blog with her presence - http://justineelyot.wordpress.com/

Enjoy!"

Yeah, you certainly spooked me! But I love that village picture. I'm a bit of an Anglophile and long to visit England again someday. That pic just makes me more anxious! I'm a sucker for an old stone church, they call to me almost as much as the castles!

Thanks again for coming by Justine. The Choirmaster is a super hot read, I sucked it all down in just about one sitting, I couldn't put it down. And I agree with you 100% - that cover is gorgeous!

Here's where you can pick up a copy of The Choirmaster:  http://www.nobleromance.com/ItemDisplay.aspx?i=224

And don't forget, Justine also has a story in the Red Roses & Shattered Glass anthology.

You can get your hot little hands on it here: http://www.nobleromance.com/ItemDisplay.aspx?i=260

Don't forget to leave comments and be eligible to win some super prizes. Make sure to stop by Justine's blog as well and talk to Indigo Skye, the next stop on the tour. Clickety-click on the button below:

Happy Easter

Another week gone by, and Easter is here. Passover is about over – hope my friends who celebrate had an enjoyable one. It feels like it was Christmas just yesterday, the months are flying by at breakneck speed.

This was the third week of the Noble Authors Blog Tour. For those of you who have been following the tour, thank you for your support and excitement over this super fun event. I've had a wonderful time hosting and guesting and meeting new readers and fellow writers. Thank you to JS Wayne and Indigo Skye for being here at my blog this week, and thanks also to Justine Elyot and Cherie De Sues for hosting me. There's still another week of the tour left, so don't forget to stop be again and visit with next week's guests.

Here is a recap of the winners this week of a copy of Healing the Mage:

From Justine Elyot's Blog: Anne

From Cherie De Sues' Blog: Dawn

And the winner of the $20 All Romance Gift Certificate is Tracey D.

Congratulations ladies!

In other news, my computer has a defective motherboard. And they want more to fix it than it cost me to begin with two years ago! However, in looking back, I realize that this board has been slowly dying for some time, since right around Christmas (wow, that came up twice in one post!). Anyway, the sluggishness, hanging up for seconds or minutes at a time, failure to recognize USB connected devices, all this has been going on for months. I would shut down programs, log off other users, run virus scans, and restart the machine, and it would be fine for a couple of weeks. Then it would start again, and I would go through the whole process again, and it would be fine again. The last incident resulted in the machine not powering up again.

The way I see it, this is covered under the two year extended service plan, since the failure began in December. So now I am in the middle of wrangling to get them to pay for this repair. I just want my computer back – I cannot get into a solid writing groove using my work laptop, and it's killing me. Especially since I am fired up to work on my medieval. Tuesday's critique group was very productive for me, and I have some major re-arranging to do. I'm going to attempt to hook up a real keyboard to the laptop and see if that helps, but I don't have my lovely 20" screen to view, since my PC is an all-in-one. I'm going to have to increase my view to 150% to be able to see my words properly. Especially since my eyes are rapidly getting worse – the OTC magnifiers are getting to the point they don't work much anymore.

Update – since I did not document any symptoms prior to the failure and contract expiration, it won't be covered.  I am supposed to get a hefty discount on the service, I'm still waiting for that. Some employee consideration, eh?

I'm hoping this week starts out well – much like today. Sunny (for now) and warm and all kinds of fun. It finally, actually feels like Spring today. Though they are calling for the chance of rain later on – what a surprise. My little guy has been up, much earlier than usual for a Sunday, of course, anxiously awaiting his older sister to join him so he can hunt for Easter eggs. He's hopping around more than any rabbit! Lol I need to tell him to conserve his energy, it's going to be a long and hectic day!

I am just grateful I don't have to attend this month's trade show – everyone's leaving today for Florida for the week. I'm more than content to avoid airplanes and airports for the next few months. It'll be October before I fly again – to Orlando. Though I will admit, several nights with a hotel room (and bed) all to myself is a luxury I do savor! I will get to enjoy that little delight again at the end of June, when I attend the RWA National conference in NYC. But I'm driving in, since I live so close, no planes this time around. I'm very much looking forward to that – it's been a while since I attended National, and I always have so much fun. This year will be extra special, since I now have two titles and the anthology to promote. I hope to get to meet face-to-face some of my fellow authors whom I've gotten to know online. And that bed all to myself! lol

One last reminder – the Noble Authors Blog Tour picks up again this week, on WEDNESDAY. So be sure to stop by, we have more prizes and fun. And the grand prize, a voucher to Eden Fantasy, is up for grabs. So be sure to comment so you can be eligible to win!

Happy Easter and I'll see you on the tour this week!

Noble Authors Blog Tour - Indigo Skye

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Indigo Skye to my blog.  Indigo is a writer and photographer living in the American Southwest. Her first novel, Her Captive Muse, was released by Noble Romance Publishers in January. Her work has been widely published online. Last fall, her short story “True Confession” was published in the anthology Uniform Behavior. A full list of her published works is available on her blog, Indigo Skye: Ink and Art- http://indigoskyeinkandart.blogspot.com.

Here's the blurb for Her Captive Muse. It sounds terrific – right up my alley, and on my TBR list!

When Brendan Delaney answered an ad for an artist's model, he was looking for an easy way to earn some extra cash. But Morgan Roan wanted more than just a model. Soon, Brendan finds himself caught in a web of deception and desire, lust and betrayal—her captive muse. What price pleasure?

And in keeping with the magical theme for my portion of the tour, here's a tasty snippet from Indigo's book:

Chapter Three

The Magician's Folly

"You don't believe me, do you?" Morgan asked. She toked hard on the joint and passed it back to him.

"No. I don't." His voice sounded flat. No one had ever called him beautiful before. She's just shining me on.

"I'll show you. I'll prove it." She looked excited. An attractive flush of color bloomed on her pale cheeks. She rummaged through a huge, roll-top desk in the corner, muttering to herself. "Where the hell did I—oh, there it is." She pulled out a small sketchpad and a box of oil pastels and brought them back to her chair near the hearth.

Brendan groaned. "Not this shit again. I'm off duty."

"This is different. You don't have to pose. I can work from memory." The artist began to sketch without looking at him. Her talented fingers worked fast.

He squirmed in the chair as Morgan studied his face. A perfectionist—trying to get it just right. Brendan watched her as she sketched. He drank his Scotch and smoked the last of the roach. He stood to toss the butt into the fire.

"There. Done." She ripped the page from her sketchpad and handed it over.

Brendan examined the drawing. He didn't recognize himself at first. It's not me—or is it? She's drawn me just as I am, and yet . . . .

Something about the sketch made him look twice. The way she portrayed his compact, wiry strength lent beauty and nobility to his features. He looked like a young man with a bright future ahead, rather than an aging fuckup with a past. He glanced up at her. Did she mean for him to keep the drawing? He'd been kicked out of his apartment—he didn't even have a wall to hang it on. He tried to hand the drawing back, but Morgan waved it away.

"It's yours. Keep it."

"This is how you see me?" His hands shook as he studied the picture.

"It's one of the ways I see you," she said. "It's the way I see you right now—in this light—after a few glasses of wine. The next time I look, I might see someone else entirely."

Brendan couldn't stop looking at the sketch. Instead of a tumbler of Scotch, she'd drawn him with a crystal ball in his left hand. She'd scrawled a title below her signature: "The Magician's Folly."

"A magician? I wish." He laughed.

"You're more powerful than you know, Brendan." Her indigo eyes stared straight into his soul. He shifted in his chair and tore his gaze away to look down at his hands.

"I should get going. I'm late." He stood up and got a head rush. Too hot. Shit. I think I'm gonna puke. His head spun and his stomach roiled. God, I need a fix. Could he shoot up in the bathroom? He wanted to get off—but he couldn't nod out here. Gotta stay sober enough to drive over to Chad's and score some more skank. A river of sweat ran down between his shoulder blades. I have to get out of here. Can't let Morgan see me like this. He struggled to navigate the stuffy room on unsteady feet.

"Wait—you shouldn't be driving. You've had a lot to drink." Morgan put a hand on his arm.

"I'm fine. I'll be all righ'." Brendan said, slurring his words a little.

"No, you won't." She touched his face and framed it in her fingers. "I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you. You can sleep here. There's plenty of room."

Brendan hesitated at the doorway. "You don't mind if I crash here? I don't want to put you out." He didn't want to seem too eager—but he was almighty sick of couch-surfing and sleeping on park benches.

"Of course I don't mind. Stay."

The thought of sleeping in a real bed tempted him, but he tried one last time to refuse her hospitality. "No. It's too much trouble. You got better things to do than babysit a drunk."

"It's no trouble at all." She waved away his polite words as if she were like a cloud of mosquitoes. "Don't be ridiculous."

"I should go." He turned to leave and stumbled over his own feet.

"You can't drive—you're wasted. You're staying here tonight."

He knew it was useless to argue. Morgan was a woman who'd grown accustomed to getting what she wanted. Brendan guessed the challenge of the hunt was half the pleasure of any conquest for a woman like her. He resolved to play hard to get.

"Since you're staying, would you like another drink?"

He shook his head. "Could I just have a glass of water? Please? I got cotton mouth." He felt woozy from all the booze, and Morgan's skunky pot.

"Strong stuff?" She smiled and laid a cool hand on his arm.

"Dy-no-mite."

"Lie down." She led him to a loveseat beneath an open window. "I'll be right back with some water."

The cold air felt good on his face and revived him a little. Brendan took off his leather jacket and dug through the pockets until he found the last little bit of his smack in its bindle. Could he shoot up? No time. Shit. He tipped a pile onto the coffee table and snorted it. The glitter-gold aura of poppy-bliss embraced him. Smack, for fast, fast relief. Brendan laughed under his breath. He bundled up his jacket, folding it into a pillow of sorts. The first warm wave of his buzz washed over him like a benediction.

Morgan returned with a glass of water. She sat beside him and stroked his hair back from his face. Her fingers felt like cool water against his fevered skin. She fussed over him, replacing his lumpy jacket with a soft pillow. He sipped the cool water with a grateful sigh and turned his head to catch the breeze. He could smell wood smoke and darkness. The north wind foretold winter's coming chill.

"Thank you—feels good." He closed his eyes. He was almost asleep when Morgan leaned over and kissed him goodnight.

"My room's at the end of the hall if you need anything." She nibbled on his earlobe, then pulled away. He reached for her, but she ignored him. She stood and crossed to the door. "Sweet dreams." Her pale form dissolved into the darkness, leaving Brendan to wonder if he'd imagined the whole thing.

I cannot wait to read this, I've got chills, in a good way, and am salivating to see what comes next. Thanks for that taste, Indigo!

You can find Indigo on the web here:

 Blog: http://indigoskyeinkandart.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/indigoinkandart

Email: indigoskyeinkandart@gmail.com

And here's where you can get your hands on Her Captive Muse- https://www.nobleromance.com/ItemDisplay.aspx?i=235

Here's a link to Uniform Behavior-

http://www.amazon.com/Uniform-Behaviour-ebook/dp/B004DI7PQM/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1299693197&sr=8-6

In addition, the Red Roses & Shattered Glass Anthology features a fantasic story by Indigo. 

You can get your copy here:  https://www.nobleromance.com/ItemDisplay.aspx?i=260

Remember, we're giving away some great prizes, so leave a comment for Indigo, or a question, or anything else!

You can meet up with Bianca Sommerland over at JS Wayne's blog. Click the button to continue along the tour route!