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
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 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/
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!
Interview with Author Tana Stone
It is a great pleasure to welcome Tana Stone author of Tribute Brides of the Drexian Warriors series.
Welcome Tana 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!
What does the title of this novel, series or set of stories signify?
I was inspired to call the first book in the Tribute Brides of the Drexian Warriors series TAMED by “The Taming of the Shrew.” The protagonist starts out the book a bit spoiled and her alien warrior tames her temper rather creatively.
What prompted you to write in this genre and who or what inspired you to?
I’m already a successful mystery authors, but I love reading Sci-fi romance, so it wasn’t a jump to want to write it. But, like all writers, I wanted to put my own special twist on the alien abduction trope.
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer and do your characters reflect some of these attributes?
My key to writing success is steadiness (and taking breaks). I also switch things up (alternating writing sci-fi romance and mysteries. I consider myself pretty independent, which I think most of my female protagonists are, as well.
What kind of research did you have to do for the novel, series or set of stories that was different from others?
Since my series is speculative, I watched Star Trek episodes for inspiration. Lots of the ones with holodecks!
What makes you laugh?
Cats in costumes or hats (although I’d never try to put my cats in either)!
What are you a fan of and is this reflected in your writing?
I love the concept of holodecks, so I included lots of that in my fantasy space station. How cool to be able to recreate settings that look and feel completely real, right?
Is there anything else you want to add about the story, series that has not already been mentioned?
If you like hot alien warriors, spunky Earth women, sci-fi action, steamy romance with a happily ever after, and a few laughs, I think you’ll love the Tribute Brides of the Drexian Warriors series. You can find out more about each book in the series through the following links:
TAMED: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V6NTD6W
SEIZED: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V8RYX6Z
EXPOSED: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V2BP35Y
RANSOMED: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V7HG2K2
What is the best way for readers to interact with you?
MY FB page https://www.facebook.com/tanastoneauthor or visit my author Website: http://www.tanastone.com
Interview with Author Kayelle Allen
It is a great pleasure to welcome Kayelle Allen author of Antonello Brothers series.
Welcome Kayelle 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!
What does the title of this novel, series or set of stories signify?
Bro is a prequel to the Antonello Brothers series. The brothers were separated when Senth was born, and until Senth was eighteen, he didn’t know his older brother existed. Khyff had spent his life hating his younger brother, because his mother abandoned Khyff to save Senth, and he never saw her again. When he finds out Senth is alive, he is single-minded in his decision to find out what happened to his mother–and kill Senth. Since this book is a prequel to the two sci fi romances where the boys find their forever loves, you know Senth doesn’t die. But why not? What happened that brought these two together? And who was instrumental in orchestrating it? There are secrets everywhere and that’s the real story behind Bro.
Do the names of the characters in your novel have some sort of significance or importance to you? If so, give a few examples…
Once I have the name of the character, I have their backstory and history. It’s weird. For me, the name ties up everything. I once had an editor suggest I change the name of a character because she felt it didn’t sound “sci fi” enough. I’m sure that works for some people, but not for me. Once I know that character’s name, that’s it. In the case of the editor, what she didn’t know was that the character had already been in three published books. Fat chance of changing it then!
What prompted you to write in this genre and who or what inspired you to?
I’ve been a sci fi fan since I was a child. My parents always had those types of books around and I was an avid reader. We watched things on TV like Twilight Zone and the Outer Limits. I grew up with Star Trek and all the other classic sci fi shows. I watched westerns as a kid too, but that’s not even close to my favorite genre. I also love suspense and Regency romance.
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer and do your characters reflect some of these attributes?
You think there are sane writers? That’s so cute. None exist in the crowd I hang out with. Most of my author friends could buy that poster that says, “Writing is cheaper than therapy.” My characters deal with all sorts of issues. Let’s see… Pietas, my immortal king, won’t lie. Ever. He’s a pathological truth-teller. Luc Saint-Cyr, who’s in every book in the Antonello Brothers series, thinks of himself as a monster, yet he’s one of the kindest people you’d ever meet. That said, if you mess with his adopted son, Senth, he will have no mercy. Senth is half-human and half-feline humanoid Kin, and he’s grown up being bullied. He handles it with humor and by pranking people. He’s a blast to write. I really don’t think any of my characters are what you’d call “normal” people. Real people are far more interesting. Which would you rather read about? A guy who always does the right thing because that’s what’s good to do, or one who does the right thing because deep down, he fears if he doesn’t, he’ll revert to being a monster? A person with layers and issues is always going to offer the best bet for a great story.
What kind of research did you have to do for the novel, series or set of stories that was different from others?
I subscribe to magazines, which contain more current info than books, including Astronomy, National Geographic, and Discover. I watch a lot of sci fi and futuristic movies. I read fiction books for fun, but also to study the styles of other authors. My biggest research lately has been in the writing field. I discovered a program called Save the Cat! which revolutionized how I plot books. I have a new Antonello Brothers book in progress now, using that system. It’s so much easier to see where the story is going using it. I probably bought more writing craft books this year than I did fiction, and I buy a lot!
What makes you laugh?
Wry and ironic humor. I’m not a fan of sitcoms. Most of the humor is forced. Stories written trying to be funny. To me, laughter comes out of a twist of ironic fate. I love Jackie Chan movies because the funny parts are where he is reacting to being smacked or hitting something too hard, or figuring out how to grab the nearest anything to defend himself. He’s the clown prince of martial arts, and his body language is what tells the story and makes it funny. He doesn’t rely on dirty words to get across what he’s trying to say. It’s not a violent attack — it’s ingenious defense. I think that’s what makes his movies funny. They’re fast-paced studies in irony. I laugh my head off watching them. Same thing with the original Pink Panther movies.
What makes you cry?
Injustice and bigotry. I wish people would leave others alone and let them live their lives. Go do you and leave everybody else alone. You don’t like their lifestyle? Don’t live it.
What are you a fan of and is this reflected in your writing?
I love art and I use it to inspire myself as I write. Visit my website and you’ll find oodles of images of Pietas, portrayed by a Russian cosplayer named Nik Nitsvetov who cosplayed my character for me last year. Nik is currently creating the uniform and weapons for Pietas and later this summer, he’ll portray him again. You can find out when and where to see it by reserving your spot here. https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r4x1j4 Once you sign up, you’ll have an option to join an additional group or only hear about the cosplay.
Is there anything else you want to add about the story, series that has not already been mentioned?
I’m writing A Stolen Heart, which is set when Senth is three years old. It’s why and how he came to be adopted by Luc. The cover shows him as a cute little boy with curly hair and big blue eyes, which have the slashed pupils of a cat. I can’t wait to release this book. I’m about to write the finale.
What is the best way for readers to interact with you?
I answer email and respond to comments on social media. All my contact info is listed on my website. I call it my homeworld, because everything I do originates there. https://kayelleallen.com
You can also find me through the following:
Reader Groups https://kayelleallen.com/reader-groups/
Twitter http://twitter.com/kayelleallen
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/kayelleallen/
Instagram https://instagram.com/kayelleallen/
Facebook http://facebook.com/kayelleallen.author
Amazon Author page http://amazon.com/author/kayelleallen
Where can we find more info about your books?
The Antonello Brothers series is available on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited. The links below will take you to the Amazon for your region of the world.
Bro https://books2read.com/u/bwqyAy
At the Mercy of Her Pleasure https://books2read.com/u/m2o9P1
For Women Only https://books2read.com/u/38go96
Interview With Author Vivien Jackson
It is a great pleasure to welcome Vivien Jackson author of More Than Stardust.
Welcome Vivien 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!
What does the title of this novel, series or set of stories signify?
The series was titled by my publisher, who chose to just go with the title of the first book, Wanted and Wired. It’s … essentially descriptive? I’m self-publishing this third and final book in the series, though, so I got to call all the shots, which was kind of harrowing but also unexpectedly fun. I chose the title More Than Stardust as a reference both to the famous Carl Sagan quote and the classic science fiction book More Than Human, by Theodore Sturgeon. Like the creature in Sturgeon’s novel, my heroine Chloe is post-biological and sort of the next step in humanity.
Do the names of the characters in your novel have some sort of significance or importance to you? If so, give a few examples…
Chloe has no last name because she’s a self-aware nanorobotic artificial intelligence, first of her kind, with no lineage or family. So I chose to omit her dude’s last name as well. He’s just Garrett, no last name, to put them on a level playing field.
What prompted you to write in this genre and who or what inspired you to?
I have read and loved science fiction all my life, but when I started thinking about writing for publication, the romance community was so warm and supportive. They made me want to learn how to write romance, so I educated myself. My books ride the line between science fiction and romance, and as a result they sometimes read wrong for folks who really dig one of those genres and really, uh, don’t the other.
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer and do your characters reflect some of these attributes?
Ha! The phrase “sane as a writer” does not compute. I embrace the insanity.
What kind of research did you have to do for the novel, series or set of stories that was different from others?
Research for the series overall wasn’t even work; it was just reading in areas that I read anyhow—books and articles by futurists and scientists, chiefly. For More Than Stardust, I got to research Antarctica, too, which was something I hadn’t done before and was so much fun I want to go there now.
What makes you laugh?
So many things. My pets, my family, Deadpool, these crazy wrens who’ve built a nest on my porch and freak out every time I open the back door.
What makes you cry?
So many things…
What are you a fan of and is this reflected in your writing?
For oh, maybe twenty years, I have been a devoted, fan-fiction-writing, cosplaying fan in several fandoms – Tolkien, X-Files, Farscape, Terminator, Firefly, Star Wars – and if you look close in all my books, you’ll see lots of in-jokes and references.
Is there anything else you want to add about the story, series that has not already been mentioned?
Ha! I could talk about it all day, but that would be boring. I guess…the first book in the series is the one that gets all the attention, but I think More Than Stardust is my favorite. I love Chloe so much and really tried to give her a worthy story.
What is the best way for readers to interact with you?
I’m just me, no assistant, so when you find me on social media, I’m … me. On Twitter that’s @Vivien_Jackson, and if you hang out on Facebook, I have a private reader group where I post a lot of inside information and excerpts and silliness: Viv’s Vortex of Readers and Space Vodka (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2193046674256564/)
My books can be found through the following links:
More Than Stardust (releases 7/9/19, but pre-orderable now):
More about Vivien
Bio: Vivien Jackson writes fantastical, futuristic, kissing books. Her debut science fiction romance, Wanted and Wired, was selected as an Amazon Best Book of 2017 in the romance category and a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist. It also won an SFR Galaxy Award. A devoted fangirl and inveterate gamer, Viv lives in Austin, Texas. Hang out with her on Twitter @Vivien_Jackson or on the web at VivienJackson.com.
Interview with Author Veronica Scott About CAMRON
The Adventures of The Everyday Fangirl welcomes back author Veronica Scott to talk about her newest release in the Badari Warriors series, CAMRON.
What does the title of this novel, series or set of stories signify? Do the names of the characters in your novel have some sort of significance or importance to you?
I’m pretty basic on my book titles for the current series, the Badari Warriors. Each book has the name of the hero, which in this case is Camron. The Badari were genetically engineered by alien scientists, using bits and pieces of DNA from various species but the dominant set of humanoid DNA gives the Badari a form of ancestral memory (and some other attributes like their own language), so they know they’re men and not merely lab experiments. This frustrates the alien scientists, who use a numerical designation for each man, but the Badari rely on their self-knowledge as a strong core of resistance. This is the eighth generation of the experiment, so Camron is ‘820’ to the aliens and regarded by them as an animal, but nothing can impair his deep seated dignity and sense of self-worth.
If I was giving the novel a more descriptive title, I’d probably call it ‘something something hunted’, because Camron and the human heroine Gemma are turned loose on the planet’s surface with a three hour head start and then the top alien security officer plans to hunt them like big game, as a trophy for his private exhibit on the home world. Of course nothing is fair about this hunt, but once again the aliens underestimate both Camron and the human, as they’ve done to their regret in earlier books with other pairs. There are a number of old movies featuring this hunt trope, which I’ve enjoyed, and I always wanted to write a book featuring this aspect of danger…so now, with CAMRON, I have.
What prompted you to write in this genre and who or what inspired you to?
I love science fiction because literally anything is possible and a story can be set anywhere I want to place it. And of course, there must be romance! When it comes to this specific subgenre of the genetically engineered hero or heroine, I’m inspired by Lora Leigh and her Breeds series, and Laurann Dohner and her New Species series. Christine Feehan’s Ghostwalker series also has major elements of this type of situation. I love all three series, but the authors can only write so fast and I always want more to read, so that was certainly a factor in writing my own variation. Of course being me, I wanted to put my soldiers in the far future, on an alien planet and make it adjacent to my already existing Sectors scifi romance universe. There are a lot of intriguing aspects of the basic situation as I’ve laid out the worldbuilding, which includes hundreds of human colonists kidnapped by the aliens for more experiments; an ancient alien Artificial Intelligence hiding on the planet; the Badari goddess or Great Mother, who adds that mystical or fantastical element I like to use sparingly in my SFR; several strains of Badari…just endless factors that allow me to have fun storytelling and which hopefully the readers enjoy. In the last book, KIERCE, the hero was an actual shifter, due to manipulation of his special DNA by the aliens, versus only having some of the feline, wolflike or reptilian traits as the others do.
What kind of research did you have to do for the novel, series or set of stories that was different from others?
I tend to research things as they come up in the course of a story. I’m more into the action, adventure and romance than setting forth a lot of “could be future science” discussion. They have blasters, they use blasters, no one ever explains how they work. (I deliberately use the term blasters because it’s a retro scifi term and I always wanted blasters in my books!) It helps that my alien scientists have their own science and technology and I feel no compunction whatsoever to explain any of it. Believe it or not, I’ve researched things ranging from strip poker variations to bad reactions to blood transfusions to facts about tigers for this series.
What makes you laugh?
I’m not a big laugher. I’m more of a chuckle here and there. For me probably it’s a clever turn of phrase, light sarcasm or a humorous moment unexpectedly. At one point in CAMRON, the heroine Gemma tells him, “I feel like a naked elf having a spa day…” and I’ve had readers tell me they enjoy her sense of humor throughout the book.
Some of Sandra Boynton’s comics make me smile. Robin Williams was a once in a lifetime funny man. Georgette Heyer’s Regency novel “Cotillion” makes me laugh out loud in places. In classic scifi, Eric Frank Russell and Christopher Anvil could bring on the grins and chuckles at times. My toddler grandson can always make me laugh with the way he looks at the world and processes things!
What makes you cry?
There’s a really emotional scene in the third Badari book, TIMTUR, where someone dies during the night (not the hero or heroine!) and I cried buckets of tears while I was writing it. Really took me by surprise because I’ve never cried before or since over my own writing. Death or a long term parting is a trigger for me in a book or a movie I’m reading or consuming, probably because I’m a widow. That’s one reason I stick firmly to romance because there’s always an HEA. SPOILER: When the Master Harper Robinton died in Anne McCaffrey’s excellent Dragonriders of Pern series, I cried my eyes out. She wrote it well, there was no other outcome possible for him at that point…but I HATED it anyway. I’ll never be writing a scene like that for any of my major characters. Nope. Not happening.
Is there anything else you want to add about the story, series that has not already been mentioned?
This is the eighth book in the Badari Warriors world (and the seventh book in the numbered series) and each novel has a satisfying Happy for Now ending for the hero and heroine, not a cliffhanger. Some overarching issues do remain unresolved in each book since this is an ongoing series but romance always wins the day in my novels!
BADARI WARRIORS Timeline:
AYDARR
MATEER
TIMTUR
JADRIAN
DARIK
GABE
KIERCE
CAMRON
And Books 1-3 are available as a boxed setHere is the blurb for CAMRON: Dr. Gemma Madarian is far from her home in the human Sectors, kidnapped along with hundreds of other humans to be used for horrifying experiments conducted on a remote planet by alien scientists.
She and another prisoner, Camron of the Badari, are the only survivors of a deadly crash landing. She’s paired up with the genetically engineered soldier by their mutual enemies and sent fleeing through rough country, hunted for pleasure by an enemy officer and his ferocious trackers.
The enemy wants a triumphant kill. Gemma and Camron want to survive.
Camron never dreamt of having a mate but Gemma shatters his preconceptions and makes him desperate to do everything in his power to save her life and claim her for his.
There’s no help or refuge to be had in the desert where they’re fleeing for their lives.
Or is there?
Will Camron and Gemma live to fight another day and explore the growing attraction between them, or will ancient secrets and bitter rivalries end their bid for freedom?
What is the best way for readers to interact with you?
I’m on Facebook and Twitter almost all the time! Too much, no doubt…
You can also stay up to date on all my releases by signing up for my Newsletter or visiting my Blog.
Thanks for having me as your guest!
Thanks Veronica for the interview!
About Veronica Scott
USA Today Best Selling Author, as well as the “SciFi Encounters” columnist for the USA Today Happy Ever After blog, 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 recently was honored to read the part of Star Trek Crew Member in the audiobook production of Harlan Ellison’s “The City On the Edge of Forever.”
You can learn more about Veronica Scott by checking out her Blog, her Amazon Author Page, and by following her on Twitter or Facebook.
Interview with Author AK Shelley
It is a great pleasure to welcome AK Shelley author Star Knight Errant: Thrust.
Welcome AK 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 new story better!
What prompted you to write in this genre and who or what inspired you to?
This story was the cumulation of several separate threads in my life. For years, I’d wanted to write a romance to fulfil my membership requirements for Romance Writers of America, but I had few inspirational ideas that fit the form of a traditional romance, especially when it came to an HEA (happily ever after).
I’m a huge fan of speculative genres—science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal stories. I’ve been writing fantasy for years under a different pen name (Angela Shelley) and had always intended to write scifi one day. Then with the climate of the past couple years, in which science is not held in high regard by many people, it just seemed an important thing to elevate. It’s where I wanted to put my energy.
And, this particular story came to me in a dream, of all things. I dreamt the first scene almost exactly as it’s written—with the blue, axe-wielding Devants, non-responsive AI, the superhero, and all. When I woke, I had a bit of a eureka moment. Finally, the romance I could write!
So I wrote it for all of my friends at RWA who’d encouraged me over the years—Louisa Bacio, Kathleen Harrington, Dax Varley, Tara Lain, and many, many others (too many to list). And then I entered the story in two contests, mostly because I’d also promised these people I’d enter something as soon as I could (last year, they expanded rules for many unpublished writers’ contests to include those who’ve published but not in that particular genre—prior to that change I was over-qualified to enter). When the story won both contests, I was amazed. As a result of those contests, I sold the story to an editor at The Wild Rose Press. I’m very grateful people enjoy this crazy dream story as much as I do.
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer and do your characters reflect some of these attributes?
Remaining sane as a writer—that phrase makes me laugh! Like writers, as opposed to any other profession, have a particular challenge to remain sane. I have heard talk of a high number of writers fighting depression or anxiety. However, these problems are prevalent in our society overall, and I don’t believe writers have any special affinity toward these particular difficulties. I have noticed some writers tend to have especially big egos, though. Many tend to reify themselves as author, or best-selling author, or award-winning author. Then when they don’t find the success or accolades they believe are deserving of that label, they become upset. They forget that are not the label. So being aware of the pitfalls of ego is helpful for a sanity-check.
The key for success in any career, I think, is to hold the primary reason that convinced you to enter the field like a flame in your heart. The highest motivations are those centered around helping others, and they will give you energy to complete your task even when you don’t succeed. Of course, if your reason for writing is primarily selfish—to become famous or wealthy—then that won’t be much help when you encounter obstacles, which we all do, from time to time.
And then, beyond that, it can help to remember everything in this life is impermanent. Everything about this life comes together and falls apart. Life is just like that. Writing isn’t outside of that. You can’t cling to it. You need to come to a space where you are at peace with what you do and who you are. Sometimes that will include writing. Sometimes not.
Writing can be a powerful tool for spiritual development. But like all tools, it is neutral in nature. You need to wield it in a positive direction for it to have a positive result.
What kind of research did you have to do for the novel, series or set of stories that was different from others?
In my previous stories, mostly fantasy, I researched mythological creatures, climate change, and magical systems. So they were completely different from this one. Here, my research has been about what we know of Mars, the solar system, and the Andromeda Galaxy. Speed of light, space travel, stuff like that. And since I’ve been a fan of scifi for a long time—I’ve even done a little science journalism, much of what I write stands on the information I’ve gathered in the past. There is also a bit of a magical element hidden in the romance, and that research was based on some non-western traditions of spiritual development and healing through intimacy.
What else do you want to share about Star Knight Errant?
I am happy to share this teaser trailer and blurb for Star Knight Errant!
When newly-divorced Martian Air Science Engineer Cass Hedley takes a dare to use her new Home Artificial Intelligence system for a night of fun, there’s only one man she can imagine spending time with: her school-girl crush, the legendary comic book hero Star Knight Errant. She imagines strong hands, hard abs, and bubble baths, but her black market AI has another idea: an illegal fight club that will only end in the companion’s—or her own—death.
When Evander Mór transports to an unknown desert planet, he’s not surprised. Transport clones disappear often enough to not cause alarm. Back home on Exeter, his origin will see his cloning data didn’t arrive at Station Alpha and he’ll send another. Meanwhile, he’ll figure out what backwater he’s found himself on and enjoy the company of this gorgeous, sassy scientist. And apparently destroy a house AI bent on murder. But when things get hotter than a supernova between him and Cass, he discovers he’s only got 18 hours to stop the AI, convince her he’s more than fiction, and find a way to cross the gulf between galaxies to bring her home with him.
Star Knight Errant: Thrust, is expected August 26, 2019 through The Wild Rose Press.
What is the best way for readers to interact with you?
Readers can interact and find out more about me and my stores through the following ways…
https://twitter.com/AKShelley_
https://www.facebook.com/AKAShelley
https://www.instagram.com/akaskelley/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/883424453
EverydayFangirl.com 