Interview with an Author: Leda Palmer
It is with great pleasure that The Adventures of The Everyday Fangirl welcome’s Leda Palmer, author of the Cosmic Lovers series. Leda has stopped by to talk about the most recent release of Book 2, Betrothal Voyage.
Welcome Leda to The Adventures of the Everyday Fangirl and thanks so much for taking the time out your busy schedule to help us get to know about yourself and your latest release in the Cosmic Lovers series!
What does the title of this novel, series or set of stories signify?
Betrothal Voyage is Book 2 in the Cosmic Lovers series. I chose the series name because all the books feature alien romances, and follow a group of friends as they find love while exploring the universe.
What prompted you to write in this genre and who or what inspired you to?
I’ve always wanted to write romance, but writing contemporary romance where everyone is human just felt a little too dull. I figured, why not set the whole thing in space, then be free to imagine whacky adventures and hunky alien men with unique anatomy? That sounded much more fun to me, so that’s why I chose alien romance.
What kind of research did you have to do for the novel, series or set of stories that was different from others?
One thing that’s different about this book from the first book in the series, Bloodlust Voyage, is that the heroine is a HUGE fan of historical romance. I went through a big historical romance phase a few years back, and I ended up rereading a couple of my favs while writing Betrothal Voyage. It was fun to give a nod to another style of writing in my sci-fi romcom.
What makes you laugh?
I’m a sucker for an awkward meet cute. And I love cute critters with lots of personality! You’ll find a snarky dolphin named Bubbly in Betrothal Voyage.
What makes you cry?
Family’s working through their issues always makes me a little teary-eyed. In Betrothal Voyage, Nash and Zenda both have some problems to work through with theirs. It’s so much fun to think up backstories for my characters and watch them grow over the course of the story until they get their happy ending.
Is there anything else you want to add about the story, series that has not already been mentioned?
All of my work is featured in Kindle Unlimited for FREE.
In addition, both stories are on sale for a very limited time, April 11, 2024 to April 16, 2024, so now is the best time to buy!
What is the best way for readers to interact with you?
I’m most active on my author Instagram. You can find me here: www.instagram.com/ledapalmerauthor
What is the best way for readers to to find your releases?
Here’s where you can find my friends to lovers, arranged marriage romcom, Betrothal Voyage. It’s an interconnected standalone, so feel free to read it alone, or if you love enemies to lovers and forced proximity, check out Book 1, Bloodlust Voyage too!
https://www.amazon.com/Betrothal-Voyage-Cosmic-Lovers-2-ebook/dp/B0CZKL5V1R
Thanks so much Leda for the interview and also thank you for sending an ARC of Betrothal Voyage! I cannot wait to read it and share my thoughts on here soon.
Guest Post: From Sidekick to Main Character: Spin-offs, Side-quels, and Sequels
The Adventures of The Everyday Fangirl welcomes back author EG Manetti as a guest blogger to talk about how Sidekicks turn into Main Characters through spin offs, etc.
Take it away EG!
From Sidekick to Main Character: Spin-offs, Side-quels, and Sequels
In Henry V, the character Falstaff was so popular that Shakespeare wrote The Merry Wives of Windsor, bringing Falstaff back to the stage in one of literature’s best-known spin-offs. Since then, the spin-off has evolved into several recognized classifications including sequels and side-quels. The Lord of the Rings is one of the most famous modern sequels; a continuation of the story begun in The Hobbit. Side-quels, where a new storyline runs parallel to an existing storyline, are somewhat less common. Although Anne McCaffrey fans will recognize the Harpers of Pern series as a side-quel to the Dragon Riders of Pern.
Driving all spin-offs are characters and imagined realities so compelling the reader cannot get enough are the source of spin-off creation. In science-fiction romance (SFR) world-building is central to storytelling, and the ability to expand those worlds into spin-offs is almost unlimited. Among some of the successful SFR spin-offs that provide that ‘new and yet familiar’ pleasure are Cara Bristol’s Cyborg Force, Veronica Scott’s Badari Gladiators, and Susan Hayes’ The Drift: Haven Colony. Each author’s version of the far future and humanity’s role in the galaxy is unique and riveting. All deserve their spin-offs.
Cara Bristol’s Cyborg Force series is a classic sequel to her Men of Mettle series. The Men of Mettle are special forces soldiers who volunteered to become cyborgs and fight terrorists throughout the galaxy. In the follow-on Cyborg Force, the heroes are part of the same special forces group, but with an interrelated mission. I love heroic cyborgs and jumped on the sequels as soon as they came out.
In her Badari Gladiators series, Veronica Scott creates side-quels to her popular Badari Warriors. Bred by evil scientists to be super soldiers, the warriors join forces with captured humans to fight free of their captors. The gladiators are Badari warriors separated from their brethren and scattered to distant sectors where their enhanced abilities make them prized fighters in the arena. In the Badari Warrior series, the action revolves around one planet and the ongoing battle for freedom. In the gladiator stories, Ms. Scott gives full rein to her imagination, creating an array of fascinating planets and societies.
Susan Hayes’ The Drift: Haven Colony is a spin-off of her The Drift: Astek Station series. As part of the Astek Station series, a group of cyborgs were rescued from captivity and relocated to Haven Colony. While the Astek Station series continues, Haven Colony answers the question; what became of the cyborgs? Where the Astek Station novels are a mosaic of life on a space station, the Haven Colony books show the evolution of the colony making the spin-off unique.
Scheduled for publication in late September 2023, CHRYS: Thornscore, Volume 1 tells the story of one of those popular secondary characters.
Chrys
A hero of the battle for the Thirteenth System, Chrys was part of a small group that waged a stealth war against unspeakable evil for years. Battle weary, the enemy defeated, all he wants is to return to his interrupted career as a technologist and engineer at one of the Thirteen Systems’ mighty cartels. Instead, a mysterious bequest from the Master Scholar who trained him, calls Chrys home to distant Genji. Unable to delay critical technology development, he takes his engineering partner with him. It is not the first time he has worked side by side with Verity on a stellar transport, but as the voyage unfolds, he discovers a lovely woman in the place of his battle comrade.
Verity
Verity has harbored a hidden crush on Chrys for years. As much as she wants him to view her as a desirable woman, it is clear he considers her only a friend, battle comrade, and business associate. Assigned to assist him in developing technology critical to the colonization of the Thirteenth System, she is thrilled when it means traveling with him to Genji.
At the outer edge of the galaxy, on a backwater planet, Chrys discovers a legacy that will alter hisfuture while Verity fights for her dreams.
*** Excerpt ***
Chrys shifted his weight, feinting right. His grinning opponent kicked into the opening. Chrys grasped the flying calf with his left hand, and slammed his right into the smug warrior’s shoulder, tossing him on his ass.
With a sharp whistle, the training master called a halt. “Well done, Chrys.”
Leaping to his feet, Rigel frowned. “That was a brawler’s tactic, not one of a warrior.
Expression stern, the training master asked, “Unusual move. Where did you learn it?”
Chrys maintained his neutral expression. “From the free-traders. They employ a version of free-boxing.”
Rigel’s derisive laugh was echoed by several others. “Free-traders are no better than common brawlers.” He glanced at the training master. “I should cry foul.”
The master shook his head. “This is an expert class. Any move that does not risk maiming or use teeth is permitted.” He glanced toward Chrys. “It is the mark of an able combatant to mix martial disciplines for the greatest advantage.”
His laughter fading, Rigel made a show of gathering water and a towel before exiting.
As seigneur Marco’s protégé, Rigel equaled Chrys’ cartel rank. Rigel was also a warrior and distant kin to Monsignor Lucius, where Chrys was but a commoner. Rigel expected Chrys’ deference. The warrior had no idea what to do with Chrys’ bland courtesy. For truth, Chrys had yearned to lesson more than one smug warrior over the years, but this was the first opportunity since he achieved protégé status and could act on his impulse.
A soft laugh accompanied a hand settling on his bicep. Sky blue eyes filled with mischief gazed up at him. “You enjoyed that far too much.”
Verity. Average height, with her black curls and lustrous complexion, her doll-like appearance had caused more than one to underestimate her sharp mind and combat fierceness. The Iron Hammer engineering associate had been Chrys’ friend and ally since his fourth season as a Blooded Dagger apprentice. She is one of the few who can see through his carefully controlled expressions. “He insists on underestimating commoners. He did naught to aid Blythe, treating her as no more than a servitor.”
Verity’s expression dimmed. Along with all those of Thornscore, she mourned the death of a woman who died defending Lilian. “She was a mere apprentice, but she had two years of service with Seigneur Marco and Bright Star when Rigel joined the cartel. He had naught to offer and was too proud to learn aught from her. Could you strike harder the next time?”
“It would give me great pleasure.” Grabbing water and a towel, he inclined his head toward the door. “Another class will be coming.
Pre-order Links: https://egmanetti.com/thornscore/
The Twelve System Chronicles-Where duty and passion collide
EG Manetti has always enjoyed a vivid imagination and occasional scribbling. In 2010 she was struck by the inspiration for The Twelve Systems Chronicles. The draft of a single novel soon became three, and then more. In 2012, after several hundred thousand words, The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1 was published, followed by six other volumes. A former information technology project manager, EG writes as often as possible, cooks exceptionally and gardens adequately. She resides in Florida with her beloved (and often confounded) husband and their severely OCD Jack Russell Terrier.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/egmanetti/
Twitter now known as X: https://twitter.com/egmanetti
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egmanetti/
Interview with an Author: Clarissa Lake
It is with great pleasure that The Adventures of The Everyday Fangirl relaunches with a new author interview! This time with Clarissa Lake, author of the Cyborg Ranger series, which is a spinoff of the Cyborg Awakening series. Clarissa has stopped by to talk about the most recent release, Shadow Cyborg Ranger, which is the last book in series.
Welcome Clarissa to The Adventures of the Everyday Fangirl and thanks so much for taking the time out your busy schedule to help us get to know about your latest release in the Cyborg Rangers series!
What does the title of this novel, series or set of stories signify?
The title Shadow Cyborg Ranger is basically a what you see is what you get. The protagonist or hero of the story is Shadow Hawk, a cyborg and a law enforcement ranger in post-apocalyptic Montana. There are six books in the series, and each Cyborg Ranger is assigned to the territory west of the Mississippi to tame and run off the gangs and overlords who have taken over some of the cities.
Do the names of the characters in your novel have some sort of significance or importance to you? If so, give a few examples…
Cyborgs are made from genetically modified human embryos but are not given names when they are awakened at maturity. They have number designations, and they eventually choose their own names. Most of the cyborgs choose names that allude to strength or danger. They have names like Blaze Savage, Darken Wolf, Stalker Night, Max Steele, Falcon Rader, and the latest Shadow Hawk.
What prompted you to write in this genre, and who or what inspired you to?
I’ve been an avid reader of Sci-fi romance for a long time. I stumbled onto Cynthia Sax’s “Releasing Rage” Book 1 in her Cyborg Sizzle Series. After that, I read every cyborg book I could get. I just adored cyborgs. From all the cyborg books I read, I gleaned what I call cyborg lore, encompassing cyborg characteristics, limitations, strengths, personality traits, etc. You can also call them cyborg tropes. I picked and chose the ones that I wanted to use for the cyborgs that I created.
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer, and do your characters reflect some of these attributes?
Actually, writing keeps me sane. Through my characters, I translate my life’s obstacles, frustrations, disappointments, sorrows, and triumphs into the characters and the stories I write. Whatever my characters face and how I impart their reactions is comparing them to my responses to specific events in my life. Sometimes, I just embellish.
What kind of research did you have to do for the novel, series or set of stories that was different from others?
Some of my research included watching Walker Texas Ranger and old westerns. As I said before, I read numerous cyborg series. I also researched in Vitro fertilization to figure out the process for creating cyborgs.
What are you a fan of and is this reflected in your writing?
I am a big fan of Star Trek – all of them. In addition to my cyborg series, I’ve written three different series that include space opera elements. I am also a fan of Robert Heinlein’s works, and I’ve read quite a few of them. I’m sure some of his ideas are reflected in my work indirectly.
Is there anything else you want to add about the story, series that has not already been mentioned?
I should add that all of my Sci-fi romance books have at least a couple of very steamy bedroom scenes. Most of them are classified as erotic romance. The premise is that the hero and heroine are intensely attracted to each other. They bond through their sexual relationship and fall in love amid Sci-fi action adventure.
What is the best way for readers to interact with you?
Through my Facebook group: Everything Cyborg and Sci-fi Romance or e-mail, cmyers_author@rochester.rr.com. You can also visit my Website: http://christinemyers.authors.zone/, which is linked to my Clarissa Lake website: http://clarissalake.authors.zone/ links to all of my books can be found on those sites as well.
More about the Author, Clarissa Lake…
Clarissa Lake aka Christine Myers has been a science fiction fan since seeing the original “Day the Earth Stood Still” at age eight. Her favorite subgenre is science fiction romance with interstellar space travel and a bit of space opera. Among the most influential in her work are the Lazarus Long novels by Robert Heinlein, including “Time Enough for Love” and Marta Randall’s “Journey.” She loves Star Trek, Firefly, Farscape, and Veteran Cosmic Rockers, the Moody Blues.
She grew up watching Star Trek and reading Marvel Comics. She attended science fiction and fantasy conventions, meeting many well-known science fiction authors and attending their readings and discussion panels. They included sci-fi greats Anne McCaffery, CJ Cherry, George RR Martin, Ben Bova, Timothy Zahn, Frederik Pohl, and Orson Scot Card.
After years of fruitless efforts to get her books published traditionally, she discovered Kindle Direct Publishing and became an Indie author-publisher. While she loves sci-fi, she always thought there should be more romance, so she started writing it hot and steamy.
Thank you again Clarissa for the interview! Check out these other Books by Clarissa Lake.
THE ALEDAN SERIES, under Christine Myers
PSION MATES Prequel
The Aledan PSION
OLTARIN
SURVIVING ZEVUS MAR
PSION FACTOR
PSION’S CHILDREN
CALAN
CYBORG AWAKENING SERIES under both Christine Myers and Clarissa Lake.
CYBORG AWAKENINGS Prequel
VYKEN DARK
JOLT SOMBER
TALIA’S CYBORG
AXEL REX
CYBORG RANGER SERIES
BLAZE
DARKEN
STALKER
MAX
FALCON
SHADOW
A CYBORG FOR CHRISTMAS SERIES
A CYBORG FOR CHRISTMAS Book 1
BREKAR’S CHRISTMAS Book 2
DREAM ALIEN
ALIEN COUNTRY
ALIEN ALLIANCES
HER ALIEN CAPTAIN
HER ALIEN TRADER
FARSEEK MERCENARY SERIES
COMMANDER’S MATE
LIEUTENANTS MATE
SAHVIN’S MATE
ARGEN’S MATE
FAIGON’S MATE
FARSEEK WARRIORS
KRAGYN
NARZEK
RORAN
INTERSTELLAR MATCHMAKING
KORJH’S BRIDE
RADER’S BRIDE
JOVEN’S BRIDE
SZEQART PRISON PLANET SERIES
SOLIV FOUR
CORAZ
The end of Twitter?
I am saddened to see that Twitter is dying and that I will have to find a new place to interact with my online friends.
Therefore, I am putting my Twitter banner here for prosperity.
An Interview with Sci-Fi Romance Author Cara Bristol
The Adventures of The Everyday Fangirl welcomes again author Cara Bristol, this time to talk about her newest sci-fi romance novel, Blown Away.
Welcome again Cara to The Adventures of the Everyday Fangirl and thanks so much for taking the time out your busy schedule to help us get to know about your newest book, Blown Away.
What does the title of this novel, series or set of stories signify?
Blown Away (Cyborg Force 1) is a cyborg romance series set on a sandy, windblown planet. The title alludes to the conditions on the planet, but also to being “blown away” by unexpected events. All the heroes of the series are cyborgs who belong to a military unit called C-Force, but the series is named Cyborg Force because no one would know what C-Force is unless they read the book.
Do the names of the characters in your novel have some sort of significance or importance to you? If so, give a few examples…
As I mentioned, Blown Away is set on a windy planet. Just for fun, all the heroines will have names alluding to wind. Breeze in Blown Away (Cyborg Force 1), Gayle in Gale Force (Cyborg Force 2) and Tempest in the untitled Cyborg Force 3.
What prompted you to write in this genre and who or what inspired you to?
I write science fiction romance because of the creativity it allows me. All things are possible. With respect to the Cyborg Force series, I wanted to write about cyborgs again (Six of my eight sci-fi romance series are alien romances). I love military heroes, and a cyborg romance combines the best of both worlds: military heroes and sci-fi romance.
Over the holidays, I read a few “snowbound” romances and decided I wanted to write a forced proximity romance. I’d written about snowy planets before (the Alien Mate series), so I wanted to do something different. That led to the creation of Sajave, the windswept planet subject to fierce sandstorms. The hero and heroine hunker down in an isolated cabin during a violent sandstorm.
What kind of research did you have to do for the novel, series or set of stories that was different from others?
Although the hero of Blown Away is a cyborg, aliens factor into the story as well. I had to research the answer to the questions, how do you know when something is alive and what is intelligence? What makes a living entity intelligent?
What are you a fan of and is this reflected in your writing?
The romance tropes that I like as a reader are ones that I write about: enemies to lovers, redemption, wounded hero, military, second chance romance, forced proximity, arranged marriage, fated mates, and many others.
Is there anything else you want to add about the story, series that has not already been mentioned?
Cyborg Force is a later-in-life (mid-life) series with characters in their 40s. I think Romancelandia needs more mature characters. Most romance readers are not twentysomething anymore. I want to give them characters they can relate to.
And then I’d like to mention that Blown Away is the first book of this brand new series. Book two, Gale Force, is tentatively scheduled for late June/early July, and the third book will come out in the fall. If readers like cyborgs, I have a seven-book Men of Mettle cyborg romance series that’s complete.
What is the best way for readers to interact with you?
On Facebook and through my author newsletter. They can friend me on Facebook and join my private Facebook fan group. Readers can get a free book when they subscribe to my author newsletter.
- Get the newsletter and a free book: https://BookHip.com/GRKXKHF
- Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/cara.bristol.3/
- Facebook profile page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063796386441
- Bristol’s Book Babes Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1761424733891183/
- My website: https://carabristol.com/
About Blown Away
Trapped in a sandstorm on an alien planet, they’ll battle passion and danger…
Breeze O’Day
Windswept, sandblasted Sajave isn’t every astrogeologist’s dream assignment, but it’s been my safe zone from a dangerous past, and now I’m about to announce a game-changing discovery. But on the way to finalize my research, my hovercraft gets caught in a violent sandstorm and crashes. Unfortunately, my rescuer is Tack Grayson, an ill-mannered, bad-tempered mammoth of a man who’s made it perfectly clear saving me is a huge imposition. Well, no worries. I’ll soon be on my way to finish my top secret project, and our paths need never cross again.
Tack Grayson
If I had wanted company, I wouldn’t be living in a cabin hundreds of miles from nowhere. But I’m a cyborg with C-Force and rescuing people is what I do, even if they are idiots who should know better than to venture out in a sandstorm. Now I’m stuck with Breeze O’Day until this storm blows over.
But as I learn more about Breeze and her research, I begin to worry our association won’t end anytime soon. She’s in danger. Serious danger, and she’s going to need my help.
About Cara Bristol
USA Today Bestselling Author Cara Bristol has published more than fifty romances. Writing with humor and heart, she loves introducing new readers to science fiction romance, and likes to say she writes sci-fi for readers who don’t like sci-fi. When she’s not writing (ha ha ha – she’s almost always writing) she enjoys traveling to exotic destinations and chillaxin’ with her favorite TV shows. Cara lives in Missouri with her husband.
An Interview with Sci-Fi Romance Author Mara Jaye
The Adventures of The Everyday Fangirl welcomes author Mara Jaye to talk about her newest sci-fi romance novel, Amber’s Discover.
Welcome Mara to The Adventures of the Everyday Fangirl and thanks so much for taking the time out your busy schedule to help us get to know about your newest book, Amber’s Discovery.
What does the title of this novel, series or set of stories signify?
The title, Amber’s Discovery, is important because Amber discovers three aliens in a field near her house. Then, she learns the two sexy government agents on her doorstep and investigating the aliens are literally from out of her world.
Do the names of the characters in your novel have some sort of significance or importance to you? If so, give a few examples…
I love naming my characters. The heroines’ names just come to me like I’m remembering a friend. My alien heroes get strong alpha names. I wanted the alien names to seem familiar but be different. I have fun naming secondary characters, too and try to go with what the aliens would be comfortable pronouncing. As in, an amphibian woman easily says her name, Rrrip, like any frog would. Kot’s name is a short bark befitting a canine humanoid. Then, there’s Fizz, the reptilian man.
What prompted you to write in this genre and who or what inspired you to?
I’d been interested in writing romantic science fiction since the early 2010’s but after reading Ice Planet Barbarian, I knew it was time to let my own alien stories shine.
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer and do your characters reflect some of these attributes?
Part of remaining sane is remembering not everything needs to be or can be done at once. I’m not a patient person and the entire process can seem to take forever. I like writing about alien men who can think faster because of tech and just mentally send commands to their devices and spaceships. If I didn’t have to say, “Hey, Google,” so often, it’d be cool.
Oh gosh, I’m not my characters and they are not me but we do have a lot of similarities. I tend to joke around or talk too much when I’m nervous and I know Amber does that. She’s also one to need alone time when angry but we can be sure she’ll come back and forgive everyone. Then, I tend to be like the heroes sometimes in that I want to help everyone, even if it’s not the best idea.
What kind of research did you have to do for the novel, series or set of stories that was different from others?
Well, I always think a book will be easy because it’s set in the here and now, but then you have physics which messes everything up, lol. I absolutely love science and keep up with the earth and biological sciences. It helps with creating new worlds and inventing new problems to shove my characters into. Today for a current book, Nicole’s Prisoner, I needed to look up if we still used hydrocarbons for making water bottles because manufacturing processes change all the time. I’ve also had to research if life can evolve on a planet without seasons, it can’t, and what sunsets look like in other atmospheres.
What makes you laugh?
So many things as long as it’s not mean or cruel. I don’t laugh when a person falls but will when they struggle in pulling a door meant to be pushed. I’ll also laugh when I pull the push door.
What makes you cry?
I’m not a crier, but, my husband and I were in a store when I saw an employee working, shopping for delivered and/or pick up groceries. Seeing them reminded me of the early days of the pandemic and how brave all of the people still working in the stores and hospitals were. I grew a little teary eyed at how many people are still here and how many people aren’t any more. We’ve lost friends and family members. It’s tragic.
What are you a fan of and is this reflected in your writing?
Okay, I try not to gush because when I do, other writers I fangirl are all, “Ew, go away.” Hurts a gal’s feelings, you know? But, I absolutely love Ruby Dixon’s work. I was asked to be in a shifter anthology under another pen name and was eh about shifters. I thought I’d at least try to read a shifter love story, found Ruby’s Dragons series and there you go. Loved the dragons. I’ve read every one of her books, devoured them, really. I shamelessly say I wish we were best friends. How is this fangirl devotion reflected in my writing, though? Due more to Star Trek’s Alien of the Week but like Ruby, I tend to not invent new aliens unless I have to. I don’t want to keep track of dozens of aliens’ culture, world, and appearance. The romance is the focus, after all. I also thought about giving my guys a bright or primary school color but wanted them to be my aliens and original.
Is there anything else you want to add about the story, series that has not already been mentioned?
Let’s see, between this name and my other pen name, I’ve written at least thirty-five books but Amber’s Discovery is my first menage. I was really nervous writing it, wanting to be true to the characters and their relationship dynamics. Writing the trio was interesting, fun, and a challenge that I’ll probably do again.
What is the best way for readers to interact with you?
www.facebook.com/authormarajaye or https://www.facebook.com/groups/501213978241683/ are both great places. One is my page and the other is my Kinky Aliens group. I have a website, www.marajaye.com and my Amazon page is at https://www.amazon.com/Mara-Jaye/e/B07LB6CV3F
There’s also my newsletter at https://marajaye.com/newsletter-signup/
About Mara Jaye
Mara has been a card-carrying member of several science fiction fan clubs for most of her life. From old school Star Trek and Twilight Zone to today’s latest and greatest, Mara has been fascinated by the rest of the universe.
Having found success as a writer in another genre, Mara decided to tell the stories about the sexy space aliens living in her imagination. Come along with her for an escape into a universe with intelligent, strong, and always sexy men from other worlds.
An Interview with Veronica Scott about Star Cruise Songbird
The Adventures of The Everyday Fangirl welcomes back author Veronica Scott to talk about one of her older sci-fi romances, Star Cruise Songbird.
Welcome again Veronica to The Adventures of the Everyday Fangirl and thanks so much for taking the time out your busy schedule to help us get to know about Star Cruise Songbird.
What does the title of this novel, series or set of stories signify?
So far I’ve written seven stories in the STAR CRUISE series, most of which occur on the interstellar luxury liner Nebula Zephyr. (One is a prequel before the characters go to work on the ship.) It’s along the lines of the love boat of the stars as a new couple takes front and center each time but the crew is always there. STAR CRUISE SONGBIRD, which is a novella, was the fourth book in the series and was originally written for the second Pets in Space® anthology.
Grant Barton, the hero of this book is a former Special Forces soldier and has an alien warbird from his home planet, which also served with him in the military. This character combination represented a nod from me to Andre Norton’s famous Beastmaster (the novel not the movie), who was always one of my favorites among her heroes, and his eagle.
Karissa Dawnstar, the heroine, is an interstellar rock star, worn out with touring and being compelled by her manager and an airtight contract to perform other promo activities. The manager controls every aspect of her life. She’s fed up and wants to walk away from it all. She’s traveling aboard the Nebula Zephyr to return to her home planet and perform at a huge concert but along the way she has to do a performance on the ship and film a music ‘trideo’. Grant is assigned as her bodyguard and of course…the inevitable happens and they fall in love but there are many obstacles to the Happy Ever After.
What prompted you to write in this genre and who or what inspired you to?
Speaking to the rockstar romance element of this story, I love the genre with a wild passion, in books and in movies and I always thought I’d like to write one, but I primarily write scifi romance. So I decided to write my rockstarstory and place it into my own futuristic world. I had so much fun doing the research, watching a number of documentaries and concert films, and reading accounts of life on the road. Karissa has her own story of course but she’s going through many of the classic rockstar tropes. Success isn’t always what a person expects it to be. And it’s very challenging for Grant to step out of his world into hers.
As far as scifi romance itself, I grew up devouring science fiction of all types and wanting to tell my own stories with a lot more romance involved. Andre Norton was a particular favorite of mine as a Young Adult reader (but of course there was no romance in her books). I’m drawn to the infinite possibilities inherent in scifi and the fact that as an author I’m not at all constrained by the realities of life on Earth. But there must be romance or I’m not interested in writing it.
A recent fun development is that I’ve joined the social media platform Tiktok and I’ve been making video book trailers to showcase my backlist (fifty books and counting!) to a new world of avid readers. The trailer I did for STAR CRUISE SONGBIRD really garnered a lot of attention, lucky for me. Here’s the link if your readers would like to view it for themselves (you don’t have to be a member of Tiktok to watch it): https://www.tiktok.com/@veronicascottauthor/video/6990679582340861190
Of course recently scifi romance has received a great deal of public attention as a result of readers on Tiktok discovering and championing Ruby Dixon’s Ice Planet Barbarian series, which has been amazing fun to watch. The whole phenomenon certainly encouraged me to give Tiktok a try and I’m enjoying it immensely.
What is the best way for readers to interact with you? I’m pretty active on social media, especially twitter and Tiktok, but also Facebook. I also maintain a blog and there is a ‘contact me’ e mail there. Thanks for having me as your guest and giving me the chance to talk about one of my favorite books!
Veronica Scott grew up in a house with a library as its heart. Dad loved science fiction, Mom loved ancient history and Veronica thought there needed to be more romance in everything. When she ran out of books to read, she started writing her own stories.
Seven time winner of the SFR Galaxy Award, as well as a National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award, Veronica is also the proud recipient of a NASA Exceptional Service Medal relating to her former day job, not her romances!
She read the part of Star Trek Crew Member in the official audiobook production of Harlan Ellison’s “The City On the Edge of Forever.”
Newsletter Signup: https://us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=2a337b96e2ee1ee1250004b9d&id=7462393c9e
Blog: https://veronicascott.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vscotttheauthor
Tiktok: veronicascottauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Veronica-Scott/177217415659637
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veronica_scott_author/
Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Veronica-Scott/e/B006CUCJ92
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/veronica-scott
Interview with an author: Ken MacGregor
It is my pleasure to welcome Ken MacGregor, Co-Author of the HEADCASE series and Editor of the Anthology STITCHED LIPs
Welcome Ken to The Adventures of the Everyday Fangirl and thanks so much for taking the time out your busy schedule to help us get to know more about you and your works better!
What does the title of this novel, series or set of stories signify?
Well, I have several, so we’ll go with the most recent: STITCHED LIPS: An Anthology of Horror from Silenced Voices. This is my second curated anthology, and I theme is “silence.” I only accepted stories from people who are traditionally underrepresented: women, People of Color, LGBTQ+, etc.
Do the names of the characters in your novel have some sort of significance or importance to you? If so, give a few examples…
Okay, so I’ll change tack and talk about the one novel I have out there, cowritten with my friend Kerry Lipp: HEADCASE. The title character, Johnny Headcase, is an aging bounty hunter who tends to wade into trouble with both fists and a large gun. Generally speaking, however, I tend to use names that seem to fit the characters while trying not to be too overt. In one story, I have a German piano teacher who turns out to be quite sinister: his name is Klaus Engel. Engel is German for angel; he’s the fallen kind. Subtle? Maybe not. Too obvious? I don’t think so.
What prompted you to write in this genre and who or what inspired you to?
I have always loved “what if?” stories! I cut my teeth on Piers Anthony as a kid, graduation to more serious writers in my teens. I adored the world-building of Roger Zelazny; the hugely creepy yet relatable Stephen King, and the antihero Thomas Covenant in the Stephen R. Donaldson series. Later, I discovered Clive Barker, along with a massive pile of astounding authors, and I’m still discovering more all the time. I continue to love to read, to immerse myself in someone’s world. One of the main reasons I write is to tell the stories no one else has, the ones I want to read that haven’t been written.
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer and do your characters reflect some of these attributes?
This is an interesting question. It sort of implies that all writers are barely containing their madness. That we’re all teetering on the brink. I don’t know. Maybe there’s some truth to that. I doubt it’s just writers though. I think that human beings are often pushed beyond what they believe they can handle, and yet, somehow, we manage to keep going, most of us. Tragically, some do not. I have been pushed very close to my limits, and not that long ago. In 2018, my wife of 17 years died suddenly, leaving me and my two children to flounder in grief and misery for a long, long time. I stayed drunk for a while. I stayed angry for about 18 months. I’m still (in 2021) a badly wounded animal, but I function well enough. To answer the second part of your question, that depth of emotion worms its way into my fiction. My characters are broken, devastated, lost. I feel kind of bad for them sometimes.
What makes you laugh?
Like most people, kittens, cute babies, prat falls… but, really, what gets me going is the very clever: where wit shines. I have a deep appreciation for a sharp mind.
What makes you cry?
These days, seeing anyone grieving will trigger that. Or just thinking about my dead wife. Hell, for a while there, just being awake was enough.
Is there anything else you want to add about the story, series that has not already been mentioned?
We’ll go back to the first question for this. STITCHED LIPS is not only an anthology of stories by underrepresented authors. Those authors are wonderful! There are multiple Stoker winners in there. The talent is staggering. Also, the proceeds (50% until I’ve paid back my investment; 100% after) go to the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization which works hard to fight discrimination and to promote equality for all.
What is the best way for readers to interact with you?
I’m between websites (I have a new domain but am still working on building it. Not my wheelhouse), so probably Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KenMacGregorAuthor
About Ken MacGregor
Ken writes stuff. Sometimes, he edits stuff too.
He has two story collections: AN ABERRANT MIND, and SEX, GORE & MILLIPEDES, a young adult novella: DEVIL’S BANE (YA winner of the 23rd annual Critters Readers Poll), a co-written (with Kerry Lipp) novel: HEADCASE (available in serialized form), and is a member of the Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers (GLAHW). He is a somewhat regular contributor to HorrorTree with his column Brain Babies. He has also written TV commercials, sketch comedy, a music video, some mediocre poetry, and a zombie movie. Ken is the Managing Editor of Collections and Anthologies for LVP Publications. He’s curated two anthologies: BURNT FUR for Blood Bound Books, and STITCHED LIPS for Dragon Roost Press..
When not writing, Ken drives the bookmobile for his local library. He lives with his kids, two cats, and the ashes of his wife.
Ken is currently between websites. He can be found via social media on the following platforms:
Twitter: @kenmacgregor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KenMacGregorAuthor?ref=hl
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/macgregorken/
Rebels Remembered: My Articles
#RebelsRemembered is a day to remember one of my favorite animated series Star Wars Rebels. In celebration, I am collecting all of the posts that I created for multiple sites about this awesome series. Sit back, relax and take a trip back in time to read these articles about the series, characters, music and connections I made throughout the series run and beyond.
List of articles on Star Wars Rebels by Patty Hammond
The Bendu: The One In the Middle
Imperial Super Commandos Review
Almost There: Star Wars Rebels Season 4 Begins
The Last Jedi and Star Wars Rebels Connections
The Ghost Crew Returns to Lothal
Ahsoka’s Design Changes Through The Years
Star Wars Celebration Cosplay Roundup
Star Wars Rebels: The Odd Couple
The Character Development of Ahsoka Tano
Kevin Kiner’s Soundtrack To Star Wars Rebels Is The Oxygen To The Show
Thoughts on Star Wars Rebels Season 4 Poster
Foods in Star Wars with significance
Star Wars Rebels Season 2 World Premiere
Star Wars Rebels Screening in Metro Detroit
Interview with Author K.M. Fawcett
It is a great pleasure to welcome K.M. Fawcett author of The Survival Race series.
Welcome K.M. to The Adventures of the Everyday Fangirl and thanks so much for taking the time out your busy schedule to help us get to know more about you and your stories better!
Thank you, Patty, for having me on EverydayFangirl!
What does the title of your science fiction romance series, The Survival Race, signify?
The Survival Race is a bloodsport where the last man alive wins! On a planet where humans are pets, alien rulers gamble upon human gladiators to see who will survive bitter arctic conditions, wild beasts, and death matches! But death on Hyborea isn’t necessarily final. The medically and technically advance aliens can “reawaken” humans—If the body meets the right conditions, and if they so choose.
Where did you get the idea for this series?
The idea came from watching the rescue of mistreated horses on an episode of Animal Cops. It broke my heart to see those beautiful animals neglected and starved so thin their rib cages showed. How would their owners like being penned up and abused like that? This got me thinking. What if humans were pets, and someone—aliens perhaps—bred us and gambled upon us for sport? I have no idea what happened in the rest of the episode. I was busy cogitating an alien abduction story with a broken alpha gladiator forced to kill for entertainment, and his newly arrived, fiery mate who refuses to breed warriors for the Survival Race. Captive is the first book in the series and begins on Earth when the a rookie cop is abducted during a forest fire and wakes up caged with a naked alpha gladiator claiming to be her mate!
Do the names of the characters in your novel have some sort of significance or importance to you? If so, give a few examples…
I try to give my characters names that signify who they are. Since this is a human pet story, I wanted to give my alpha male hero a name that sounded like it could be a dog’s name. I didn’t want anything too obvious like Rex, Buddy, or Fido. Lol. I settled on Max. I don’t remember where Addy’s name came from, but in the story Max calls her “woman” (usually with “hell” preceeding it) in an effort to keep her at a distance. Using her name would show he cares, and he’s too broken to care—except deep down he does. Read this exceprt to see what I mean…
He moved closer but still didn’t touch her. “Are you okay?”
Addy’s forehead slid back and forth on the smooth floor as she shook her head no. “What’s happening to me?”
“It’s the Hyboreans. Are you hurt? Can you see?” She must have given him an odd look because he explained, “Too much voltage can blind you. Or worse. Hell woman, for your own safety, don’t piss off the Hyboreans.”
What are you a fan of and is this reflected in your writing?
I am a fan of fish-out-of-water stories and underdog stories. My all time favorite book is Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander. Claire is a 20th century English woman hurled back in time to 18th century Scotland. You can’t get any more fish-out-of-water than that! I like to write about characters who are out of their element because it’s fun to dicover a new world through their eyes, and to see how clever they can be while reaching their ultimate goals.
Is there anything else you want to add about the story, series that has not already been mentioned?
Captive (book 1) and Fearless (book 2) are both enemies-to-lovers stories with sexy alpha heroes and strong, fish-out-of-water heroines. They are stand-alone stories that are part of the series in which each couple gets their HEA. There are no cliff hangers!
Captive features a slow burn relationship as the hero and heroine must learn to trust each other as they escape captivity.
Fearless features a warlord and shaman in a steamier relationship that involves a little…ahem…sexual healing. 😉 Both first chapters are available to read for free on my website!
Renegade (book 3) has a different twist in that the heroine is the gladiator and the hero is a gentleman scientist. It’s available for pre-order now for a July 31st release.
What is the best way for readers to interact with you?
Thank you again for having me here, Patty! Happy reading everyone and stay safe out there!Amazon link for Renegade (Survival Race #3) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089T682XP/I’m most active on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/km.fawcett
I’m also on twitter https://twitter.com/KMFawcett
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6456914.K_M_Fawcett
And Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/k-m-fawcett
How can readers find more about The Survival Race series?
The Survival Race series are available through the following links:
Universal book link for CAPTIVE (Survival Race #1) https://books2read.com/Survival-Race-Captive
Universal book link for FEARLESS (Survival Race #2) https://books2read.com/SurvivalRace-Fearless
Amazon link for Renegade (Survival Race #3) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089T682XP/
K.M. Fawcett is the author of the thrilling science fiction romance series, The Survival Race. She writes stories featuring underdogs and fish-out-of-water characters who find their place in the universe. She believes in happy endings and true love conquering all.
She and her husband—who wants the world to know he’s the inspiration for all her heroes, albeit toned down for believability—own Tenchi Dojo in NJ, where they teach traditional Okinawan karate and kobudo (weapons). K.M. incorporates two decades of martial arts experience into her stories to create strong, kick-ass characters who aren’t afraid to fight for the life and love they deserve.
Wielding the world as her office, K.M. exhausts many hours writing in parked cars, on airplanes, at a local coffee shop, outdoors, and in her home library with two mischievous cats vying for attention.
Hang out with her on social media and subscribe to her newsletter at www.kmfawcett.com for book info, sneak peeks, and self-defense articles!
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