Edward Hoornaert's Blog, page 73
February 6, 2016
Effing Feline avoids work
Fart-Fueled Flying Feline, Effing for short, writes the Weekend Writing Warrior / Sunday Snippet posts on Mr. V’s behalf
I, Effing Feline, woke up after a nap and needed a change. Should I walk down the hall to a different bedroom? Take my toys from their box and scatter them across the living room and dining room floors? Search for somewhere other than the litter box to relieve myself?
No, too much work. Instead, I’m going to change the book I’m snipping snippets from. My servant, Ed Hoornaert, aka Mr Valentine, has a short story collection coming out soon, titled Future Love. (I didn’t ask when — too much work.) Here’s the opening of Devil, Devil, which was previously published in On Spec, a science fiction magazine.
Devil, devil, I used to be a devil. That was my job, my calling, my pride.
Of course, no one thought of me as a devil, but as a Voice. I’m the only one—my secret!—who knows the difference: Devil, not Voice.
Why am I no longer one of the chosen few, the heroic time travelers, the Voices? It’s the oldest story in the world—because of a woman. Adam and Eve … Samson and Delilah …
Me and Laila.
Oh, Laila. My beloved Laila, who doesn’t even know I exist.
Effing Feline again. Nice and short, eh? Using a longer snippet was too much work.
Make sure you read the snippets by other great weekend writing warriors and Sunday Snippets folks.
February 4, 2016
Off the Wall Inspiration
Once a month the Science Fiction Romance Brigade authors showcase snippets from new releases, works in progress, cover reveals or other fun things. Check out all of this month’s participants.
My topic for this month is a wall. Specifically, the office wall behind my desk, and how it inspires me.
I have more art scattered around my office.
It’s pretty unusual for an Arizona author to decorate with Northwest Coast Indian art, but most of these pieces date from when I lived in British Columbia. I’ve written elsewhere about stumbling upon a decayed totem pole while teaching at a one-room school on a remote, upcoast island. My love for indigenous art stems from this period in my life.
Eagle feather, 2 feet high. (Author’s collection)
Not only do I collect native art, I incorporate Northwest Coast cultures into my writing. My Alien Contact series describes how an Indian nation from the future ‘hops’ to our Earth and instantly becomes the most advanced culture on the planet.
<< == >>
Seattle, Washington. The early hours of April 1, next year.
In Alien Contact for Idiots, a duplicate of Vancouver Island appears overnight off the coast of Washington State. The natives used 23rd century technology to move their entire island nation away from environmental collapse to our Earth.
Seattle biologist Ell Harmon makes first alien contact with Tro Eaglesbrood, the island’s leader, and ends up quarantined with him. Of course, they fall in love. (Hey, this is science fiction romance, after all!)
<< == >>
Time: Two years from the next Friday the 13th
Place: A Pacific Northwest island that does not exist…yet
Portrait of the Author as a Young Man (Author’s collection)
In Alien Contact for Kid Sisters Ell’s sister, Marianne, flees murderous rebels and finds a hero to protect her … or is he kidnapping her, instead?
Quinn Lebatarde is a scam artist selling phony Kwadran masks to tourists. Fleeing the police, he stumbles on Marianne. Undecided whether to kidnapper or kiss her, he leads her on a merry chase through Kwadra Island’s abandoned underground cities, pursued by killers.
<< == >>
Salmon spirit. (Given to the author while teaching on Gilford Island)
In Alien Contact for Heroines (available this spring), Tro Eaglesbrood’s brother, Reese, heads a cooperative project with American, Mexican, and Canadian scientists to build this Earth’s first starship. Success will rebuild his shattered reputation; failure is unthinkable. So is falling in love with Dusty Johnson, a heroic American technical writer.
At one point, Reese studies the Salmon Spirit picture at left, by well known Kwakiutl artist Allen James. This is the most blatant example of the inspiration that comes off my wall — but it won’t be the last!
——————————————————————-
Be sure to check out other SFR Brigade participants.
How about you? Do you have any decorations or collections that inspire you? I love to hear from you, so tell me about it in a comment.
February 3, 2016
Top Ten Settings I’d like to see in books
Top Ten Tuesdays are hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. The blog hop features lists related to all things bookish–characters, authors, titles, and favorites. They’re an excellent way to find new interesting books on a variety of topics, and to connect with bloggers who love the books you do.
This week’s top ten is about settings I’d like to see in books, either in the past or the future.
Historical settings I’d like to see
Regency-era — but somewhere other than England.
The Pacific Northwest coast
Western Canada
Future settings I’d like to see
Most of these aren’t settings per se, but situations or scenarios. Science fiction and fantasy are very, very top heavy in glamour jobs and people. There’s a subgroup of stories that focus on criminals.
But we need we lead characters who are middle class. One presumes that ordinary people of the future would be very different from us — but in what ways?
We also need occupations other than space pilots, soldiers (almost always officers), royalty, scientists, and rulers. A few thoughts:
Garbage collectors — because I’ll bet somebody comes up with better ways to dispose of garbage than landfills. What is one such system and what could go wrong with it? Or what if a small alien escapes and makes its home in the garbage?
Real estate salesmen — because there must be unique challenges selling property on raw colony planets. Predatory creatures. Travel. Alien buyers. Trees that grow overnight in the middle of a house.
Tugboat pilots — because incoming spaceships traveling at even a fraction of lightspeed could hit a planet or space station with the force of multiple hydrogen bombs. Authorities would mitigate the danger the same way they do in modern seaports, by having fleets of tugboats responsible for guiding spaceships to safety. (Actually, I’m planning on using this one in the next book I write.)
Grocery delivery people — because the types of food, houses, and methods of travel could be utterly different in the future. What problems could such a youngster encounter? What if they’re delivering some sort of live food to an alien, and the food escapes?
What about you? What settings would you like to see?
And check out other bloggers’ top tens.
January 30, 2016
Effing Feline purrs
Fart-Fueled Flying Feline, Effing for short, writes the Weekend Writing Warrior / Sunday Snippet posts on Mr. V’s behalf
I, Effing Feline, must make this quick. My life is busy; I have more chores than just writing these posts for my servant, Edward Hoornaert, aka Mr Valentine. When Mr V has a migraine, I must curl up on his lap and heal him with the magical power of my purrs. And tonight he has a migraine.
Without further ado, then, here’s another selection from Mr V’s latest WIP, Alien Contact for Heroines. I’ve been skipping around in this manuscript like a kitten chasing yarn. So what the heck — here’s a passage showing the reaction of our heroine, Dusty, to her first encounter with the hero, Reese. Although strangers, they have just worked together to heroically dispose of a bomb, and then they celebrated with a wild embrace.
Dusty sighed and hugged her elbows. Who was she kidding? She had to see this guy again. Soon. If the rest of the man were even a fraction as incredible as his courage and his lovemaking…
“Reese,” she whispered. Then again, slowly and sensuously: “Reese.”
Dusty ambled down the secret passage, trailing her fingertips along the wall. What a day. What a terrifying, wonderful day.
Effing Feline again. Shh, everyone. Migraine, remember? I’m off now to perform my other delightful duty.
Make sure you read the snippets by other great weekend writing warriors and Sunday Snippets folks.
Other science fiction romances in the same series:
When American Indians from the future of an alternate Earth move their entire island nation to our Earth, Seattle biologist Ell Harmon makes the first alien contact and yearns to help the newcomers settle peacefully. But can she hold to that dream during their long quarantine together when she learns that Prince Tro Eaglesbrood has seduced her heart solely for the good of his kingdom?
Marianne Harmon is sick and tired of being just the kid sister of the famous queen of Kwadra Island. Although she daydreams about being a warrior, when rebels bomb the royal ball she’s shunted to one of the many tunnels that honeycomb Kwadra, where she awaits a captain of the valiant Royal Guardians.
Quinn Lebatarde, a scam artist fleeing the police, dons the uniform of a Royal Guardian killed by a tunnel collapse. When Marianne mistakes him for her bodyguard, Quinn can’t decide whether to save the feisty maiden, fall in love with her—or kidnap her. With bloodthirsty rebels pursuing them and a treasure map in his pocket, what will he choose?
January 29, 2016
Top Ten Goals for 2016 — update
Top Ten Tuesdays are hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. The blog hop features lists related to all things bookish–characters, authors, titles, and favorites. They’re an excellent way to find new interesting books on a variety of topics, and to connect with bloggers who love the books you do.
This week’s top ten is a freebie, meaning I get to choose my own topic. I choose to follow up on a previous Top Ten. At the beginning of January I posted some of my new year resolutions. I prefer to think of them as goals, though, and in the spirit of accountability, here’s an update.
How’m I doing?
Not too bad, though resolutions are a marathon rather than a sprint.
Replenish my TBR pile — DONE, for now.
I started out by getting several books from the library — by Catherine Asaro and Philip K Dick; also a biography and music analysis about my current favorite composer, Joseph Haydn.
I had again signed up to judge the Rita Award contest for Romance Writers of America, and they sent me nine books. Most of them I would never have picked up on my own, so this is a chance to discover some new authors. In a week and a half I’ve read four of the nine, and I’ve started a fifth.
.
Get back in the habit of going to the gym — ONGOING.
Am I in the habit? No. Have I restarted my membership at a Parks District gym? Yes. And I’ve even worked out.
.
Submit my latest and greatest to traditional publishers — DONE
I’ve sent Newborn, my latest science fiction romance, off to three publishers. I’m pretty excited about the book. I think it’s maybe my best, but then I’m really not the best judge; authors are too close to their own work. (Read chapter one of Newborn.)
.
Be more sociable on social media — ONGOING
I’ve followed a few more bloggers and am making an effort to comment on their posts. I’ve dipped my toe in the water.
.
Restart my Bookstores I Love feature — OOPS
I’ve done nothing. Nothing!
Um, how about Antigone Books, one of the best independent stores here in Tucson? Yeah, I’ll highlight Antigone soon. I promise.
.
Take a trip to Europe — STILL DREAMING
De Pijp, Amsterdam
My daughter in law flew off to Amsterdam last week with her cat; she already had an apartment lined up in De Pijp (The Pipe) neighborhood. My son will follow in a couple of months. (Don’t ask me why they’re doing it this way; I wouldn’t want to be separated from Judi for so long.)
.
Do more book marketing — I’M TRYING
This one wasn’t on my original post, but it’s really important. So far so good. Question is, can I keep it up?
How about you? How are your resolutions/goals proceeding?
Be sure to check out other bloggers’ posts.
January 23, 2016
Effing Feline sees weird clocks
Fart-Fueled Flying Feline, Effing for short, writes the Weekend Writing Warrior posts on Mr. V’s behalf
I, Effing Feline, have elected to select for your delectation another selection from the latest WIP, Alien Contact for Heroines, by my servant, Edward Hoornaert, aka Mr Valentine.
This snippet comes shortly after the last one. Dusty and Reese were kidnapped onto a trawler, but they overpowered the villains and took over the boat. After a long, violent day, they spend the night in a secluded cove. Dusty fears that their night of peace is only a respite before the struggle resumes.
Dawn’s glow caressed Reese’s stubbled cheeks, his biceps, his abs. Dusty longed to caress him in turn, but no. Best let him sleep.
The Persistence of Memory, by Salvador Dali. Image via Wikipedia
Certain places from the past lingered in her dreams. She visited them often, and though they changed in the way of dreams, like familiar clocks melting over unknown rocks, she always recognized them and treasured them. The house on Cecelia Street, so much tinier in reality than in her memory; Abuelo Ramirez’s workshop, filled with tools she shouldn’t touch and the perfume of fresh-cut wood; Grandma Johnson’s cottage on a placid California lake.
Nothing bad ever happened in her dream places. If she had her way, this hidden cove would join those dream havens.
An hour later, Reese stirred, stretched, and gave her a lopsided grin.
“Promise me,” Dusty urged before saying anything else, “that you’ll bring me back to this place when”—she meant if but wouldn’t say it—”we get out of these troubles.”
Effing Feline again. Like Dusty, I have a safe dream place. It’s the rumpled blankie where I lay as a newborn kitten, curled against my mommy’s soft, sweet fur. Where is your dream haven?
Make sure you read the snippets by other great weekend writing warriors.
Other science fiction romances in the same series:
When American Indians from the future of an alternate Earth move their entire island nation to our Earth, Seattle biologist Ell Harmon makes the first alien contact and yearns to help the newcomers settle peacefully. But can she hold to that dream during their long quarantine together when she learns that Prince Tro Eaglesbrood has seduced her heart solely for the good of his kingdom?
Marianne Harmon is sick and tired of being just the kid sister of the famous queen of Kwadra Island. Although she daydreams about being a warrior, when rebels bomb the royal ball she’s shunted to one of the many tunnels that honeycomb Kwadra, where she awaits a captain of the valiant Royal Guardians.
Quinn Lebatarde, a scam artist fleeing the police, dons the uniform of a Royal Guardian killed by a tunnel collapse. When Marianne mistakes him for her bodyguard, Quinn can’t decide whether to save the feisty maiden, fall in love with her—or kidnap her. With bloodthirsty rebels pursuing them and a treasure map in his pocket, what will he choose?
January 22, 2016
Get Fuzzy by Darby Conley, January 22, 2016 Via @GoComics
A comic for all my friends who read or write paranormal romance. Personally, I love this one.
Source: Get Fuzzy by Darby Conley, January 22, 2016 Via @GoComics
January 21, 2016
A joke, a review, and a promotion
A reviewAlien Contact for Kid Sisters got a nice review on Scifi and Scary. I was impressed that Lilyn probed beneath the surface action to highlight character development. If your books fit her preferred genres, this is a good new site to seek a review.
Fleeing rebels, the queen’s sister finds a hero to save her. Or is he kidnapping her?
A promotion
The Trial of Tompa Lee is being featured on Saturday January 23rd 2016 at www.ebooksoda.com. Check it out for free and bargain ebook deals!
The Trial of Tompa Lee is a superbly written, well-paced Science Fiction — Amazon 5-star review
Wonderfully built world — Amazon 5-star review
This is a must read – I was so drawn in that I couldn’t stop reading this story — Amazon 5-star review
A joke
Well, it’s actually more of a photo with a funny caption. And there are two of them, not one.
January 16, 2016
Effing Feline takes over the universe
Fart-Fueled Flying Feline, Effing for short, writes the Weekend Writing Warrior posts on Mr. V’s behalf
I, Effing Feline, am the most literary cat in the universe. Last week I thought I ruled the literary galaxy, but I’ve expanded my dominion to the whole universe.
A little romance, anyone? I’m presenting another selection from the latest WIP, Alien Contact for Heroines, by my pet human, Edward Hoornaert, aka Mr Valentine. This selection comes a few chapters after the last one. Dusty and Reese were kidnapped onto a trawler, but they overpowered the villains and took over the boat. Here we see them at the end of a long, terrifying day.
They anchored the ship and then stood arm in arm at the railing to admire their love nest for the night. The bay was surrounded by steep but not high hills. A rocky beach, gleaming a dull white, stretched for thirty meters off to the left.
“See that?” Reese said, pointing to the beach. “The white means there was probably one of my ancestors’ settlements here, hundreds of years ago. They ate so many clams and left the shells on the beach that you can tell where the villages were just by the color.”
When Dusty leaned against his arm, her touch stirred him despite bone-deep tiredness. He was hungry and in desperate need of a shower. Beyond that, his soul was weary from danger, worry about being a fugitive, and anxiety about Dusty’s safety. Yet for one blessed moment, with this woman pressing against his side, he felt content.
Effing Feline again. Mr V knows about the white beaches because during his first teaching job at a one-room school on the northwest coast, archaeologists came and dug up the clamshell beach by the school.
P.S. (That stands for Paws Script) Lording it over the universe is NOT megalomania if one is as masterful as I am.
P.P.S. Make sure you read the snippets by other great weekend writing warriors.
Other science fiction romances in the same series:
When American Indians from the future of an alternate Earth move their entire island nation to our Earth, Seattle biologist Ell Harmon makes the first alien contact and yearns to help the newcomers settle peacefully. But can she hold to that dream during their long quarantine together when she learns that Prince Tro Eaglesbrood has seduced her heart solely for the good of his kingdom?
Marianne Harmon is sick and tired of being just the kid sister of the famous queen of Kwadra Island. Although she daydreams about being a warrior, when rebels bomb the royal ball she’s shunted to one of the many tunnels that honeycomb Kwadra, where she awaits a captain of the valiant Royal Guardians.
Quinn Lebatarde, a scam artist fleeing the police, dons the uniform of a Royal Guardian killed by a tunnel collapse. When Marianne mistakes him for her bodyguard, Quinn can’t decide whether to save the feisty maiden, fall in love with her—or kidnap her. With bloodthirsty rebels pursuing them and a treasure map in his pocket, what will he choose?
January 12, 2016
Paranormal Love Wednesday
Hi! Mr Valentine (aka Edward Hoornaert) is joining a new blog hop this week — paranormal love Wednesday. Writers whose work is, shall we say, out of the ordinary, share up to four paragraphs, either published or unpublished.
My most recent release, Alien Contact for Kid Sisters, stars a Native American who is literally out of this world — he hails from an alternate Earth. So that’s beyond the normal, right? Here’s the opening:
“Fifty, fifty-five, sixty,” the white-haired tourist said. “There you go, chief, paid in full.”
Chief? Quinn Lebatarde’s lips tightened at the insult, but almost immediately, he grinned. The tourist’s clothes shouted money to burn, as did his Rolex watch and expensive digital SLR camera. And so Quinn pocketed the money but held onto the cheap, plaster replica of an ancient Kwadran woodcarving the man and his wife were buying.
Time for some fun. Hordes of tourists crowded the streets, celebrating the birth of the heir to Kwadra’s throne. Business was great. Only three more ‘carvings,’ a mask, and some miniature totem poles remained on his rickety street-side table. And now the prospect of conning this man made Quinn’s day even brighter.
“All original,” he said to the couple in the thick accent and broken English dumb tourists expected. If you spoke too well, they didn’t believe you were from an alternate Earth. “Historic. Maybe I sell too cheap.” Instead of giving them their mythological monster from Kwadra’s distant past, Quinn clutched it to his chest. Not very hard, though. The trashy fakes broke under the least pressure. “Too cheap, ahha. Thirty dollah more.”
After just a few paragraphs, you already know that Quinn is a con man. So how does he get involved with the sister of a queen? Excellent question!
Another excellent questions is “Who else is on paranormal love Wednesday?” Click to find out.
=======================================
Fleeing bloodthirsty rebels, the queen’s sister finds a hero to save her
… or is he kidnapping her, instead?
Marianne Harmon is sick and tired of being just the kid sister of the famous queen of Kwadra Island. Although she daydreams about being a warrior, when rebels bomb the royal ball she’s shunted to one of the many tunnels that honeycomb Kwadra, where she awaits a captain of the valiant Royal Guardians.
Quinn Lebatarde, a scam artist fleeing the police, dons the uniform of a Royal Guardian killed by a tunnel collapse. When Marianne mistakes him for her bodyguard, Quinn can’t decide whether to save the feisty maiden, fall in love with her—or kidnap her. With police, princes, and bloodthirsty rebels pursuing them and a treasure map in his pocket, what future will he choose?
A worthy follow-up to Alien Contact for Idiots, the latest release from Edward Hoornaert soars as a grand adventure of science fiction romance in the spirit of Romancing the Stone.
Find Alien Contact for Kid Sisters at:
Amazon
Amazon Canada
Amazon UK
Amazon Australia
Smashwords
Kobo Books
Barnes and Noble
and worldwide in trade paperback
