Rachel Rossano's Blog, page 17
March 2, 2013
#SweetSat Sample - Diaspora
Welcome to this week's Sweet Saturday Sample. I apologize for my lack of a submission last week. Life and Duty's book release have been keeping me extremely busy.
Today's excerpt starts where the previous one left off. On the distant Scyilica mining outpost, two diplomatic parties are beginning introductions. The Diasporian people were exiled from Earth many generations before. The Earth diplomats are seeking to open negotiations for goods and access to planets within the Diasporian Empire.
© Kurt | Dreamstime Stock Photos~~~~~
The front man stepped forward with a casual dignity that brought to mind his ancient African ancestors. He offered the formal Diasporian greeting of inner wrist to forehead with a small bow. He towered over all of us. I would guess he and his escort stood at least six four. His shaved head gleamed in the dim overhead lighting except for a web-like scar sprawled across his forehead.
His companion boasted a full head of black hair. The familial resemblance between the two was strong, brothers or at least close cousins.
“About time we finally meet face to face,” Doctor Overan replied. He stepped forward and offered an open hand for shaking. “The name is Doctor Jaynden Overan, but you can call me Jay.”
Panic and anger straightened my spine. The Diaspora considered physical touch between strangers extremely rude. I made that fact expressly clear in my summary of social protocols. Extending a hand to be shaken equated a marriage proposal.
Yet, the Diaspora representative’s response baffled me more. He looked at me. No smile. No frown. It was simply an assessing glance before turning to introduce his companion.
Doctor Overan’s hand remained unshaken.
“This is my brother, Captain Ramend Pierero, first captain of a fleet of thousands. His men escorted your ship through the asteroid belt on the way here.”
“A military man,” the admiral exclaimed.
“No, sir.” Captain Pierero responded with more emphasis than politely acceptable. “I am a free enterpriser. I take orders from no man save the High Emperor Esteemed.” His chin rose and the corner of his mouth twisted slightly.
The first Diaspora man suppressed a smile as well.
~~~~~
My question for those of you who have read Exchange , do you recognize these two?
Do you want more?
February 28, 2013
February 26, 2013
February 21, 2013
February 19, 2013
February 18, 2013
Closing of the Autographed Copy of Duty Offer
Today is the last day to order an autographed copy of Duty: a novel of Rhynan at the discounted price. Click here for details.
February 16, 2013
Sweetest Romance Award!
Duty: a novel of Rhynan just won 1st place in the Sweetest Romance Awards!
*happy dance*
Thank you, ladies!
#SweetSat - Diaspora
Welcome to this week's Sweet Saturday Sample. I am sharing a bit of my current WIP, a science fiction story. I hope you enjoy it. :)
~~~~~
“Enter last, Andersen,” Admiral Kilfrey instructed me for the fifth time since boarding the anti-grav lift.
I managed my best imitation of a naval acknowledgement. I would have given a verbal, but he had already ordered me to silence.
“Your post is purely as consultant.”
He straightened his uniform jacket’s lines and checked the medals once more in the chrome paneled lift doors. Dignity held his age-sloped shoulders square while a quart of hair gloss guaranteed not one iron gray strand on his head budged a millimeter. He grimaced at me in the reflection. “We will ask for your help when we need it.”
How he expected me to consult while remaining silent, I could not determine.
Doctor Overan, the third member and spokesman of our diplomatic party, wore a casual jacket from decades before over a standard military issue tunic. The combination of orange over maroon set my stomach off. “Gives me a distracted air,” he claimed. I found it painful to look at and told him so. It was probably the statement that earned me the gag order.
The lift opened with a swoop and we stepped out into a room full of light. The doors clicked closed behind us before my eyes adjusted to the shine from outside the towering windows and focused on the room.
Our hosts stood with their backs to the glaring white expanse of glass. Two black statues against such a stark background made my eyes water more. I blinked. The admiral blocked the glare with an arm and the professor removed his glasses.
One of the Diaspora pressed his hand to his chest.
“Shutter windows.” His voice carried clearly, warm and deep among all the cold whiteness.The room dimmed.
“Greetings and welcome to Scyilica.”
~~~~~
Did it grab you?
~~~~~
“Enter last, Andersen,” Admiral Kilfrey instructed me for the fifth time since boarding the anti-grav lift.
I managed my best imitation of a naval acknowledgement. I would have given a verbal, but he had already ordered me to silence.
“Your post is purely as consultant.”
He straightened his uniform jacket’s lines and checked the medals once more in the chrome paneled lift doors. Dignity held his age-sloped shoulders square while a quart of hair gloss guaranteed not one iron gray strand on his head budged a millimeter. He grimaced at me in the reflection. “We will ask for your help when we need it.”
How he expected me to consult while remaining silent, I could not determine.
Doctor Overan, the third member and spokesman of our diplomatic party, wore a casual jacket from decades before over a standard military issue tunic. The combination of orange over maroon set my stomach off. “Gives me a distracted air,” he claimed. I found it painful to look at and told him so. It was probably the statement that earned me the gag order.
The lift opened with a swoop and we stepped out into a room full of light. The doors clicked closed behind us before my eyes adjusted to the shine from outside the towering windows and focused on the room.
Our hosts stood with their backs to the glaring white expanse of glass. Two black statues against such a stark background made my eyes water more. I blinked. The admiral blocked the glare with an arm and the professor removed his glasses.
One of the Diaspora pressed his hand to his chest.
“Shutter windows.” His voice carried clearly, warm and deep among all the cold whiteness.The room dimmed.
“Greetings and welcome to Scyilica.”
~~~~~
Did it grab you?
Duty Blog Tour - A Giveaway!
Tifferz Book Reviews is graciously hosting a review and giveaway of three e-copies of Duty: a novel of Rhynan! Come and enter for a chance to win!
February 14, 2013
A Complex Man
When I began writing Duty: a novel of Rhynan, my heroine was half formed, the plot inspiration vague, but one thing was clear from the moment he spoke the first line of the book, my hero was Lord Irvaine. He gave me no name, only a title. He refused to tell me his past. Brielle had to piece that together herself. From the moment he took off his helmet to answer Brielle's accusation in the first pages of the book, he held my complete fascination.
I think part of writing a good romance is to really enjoy the characters. I admire Irvaine, want him to have a happy ending, and enjoy every moment of the journey between the first words and the last. So, I am delighted to share more about him with those of you who haven't met him yet.
Tomas Dyrease, Earl of Irvaine
What does he look like?
He is a big, weathered looking man with almost black hair graying at the temples and unusually dark and intense eyes. Used to keeping alive by the strength of his sword arm and the speed of his reactions, he keeps himself in peak physical condition. His body is covered in scars from his years as a soldier. He controls his facial expressions so that many cannot guess what he is thinking.
How old is he?
Twenty-nine, he is middle aged by the standards of his culture and projected life span.
In three words, what kind of personality does he have?
Direct, intelligent, humble
What is his favorite season or type of weather?
He prefers fall and spring when marching or riding in full military gear in the wide open is possible without sweating oneself into dehydration or weathering freezing wind.
What are his favorite clothes?
A comfortable tunic held down by his favorite belt and sword, leggings, sturdy and worn boots. He is a simple man with simple needs.
Is he musical?
Although he loves to listen to music, he doesn’t play an instrument. However he does enjoy singing and has a pleasantly full baritone.
Does he have any annoying habits? Any habits at all?
He tends to only communicate what is necessary and nothing more. His standard operation is to treat everyone as another soldier. Though, he tries to break that habit.
What do other characters think about him?
Lord Dentin warns, “He is always the dutiful man, sometimes to a fault.” Brielle describes him as “kind, generous, loyal, honorable“ and points out that he demands of his men no more than he gives. His mother says he is “a great man for the important decisions, but he forgets to share all the extra bits.” Sir Jorndar refers to him as “Tomas the mongrel.” Antano points out, “Irvaine knows the wisdom of not feeding his regrets.”
What do you think? Is this a man you would like to get to know?
Duty: a novel of Rhynanby Rachel RossanoAvailable on Amazon
“Look in my face, Lady Solarius, and see the truth. I take no joy from this task. But I am a loyal soldier. I do as my master bids.”Brielle took longer to warm to him, but I was hooked.
I think part of writing a good romance is to really enjoy the characters. I admire Irvaine, want him to have a happy ending, and enjoy every moment of the journey between the first words and the last. So, I am delighted to share more about him with those of you who haven't met him yet.
Tomas Dyrease, Earl of Irvaine
What does he look like?
He is a big, weathered looking man with almost black hair graying at the temples and unusually dark and intense eyes. Used to keeping alive by the strength of his sword arm and the speed of his reactions, he keeps himself in peak physical condition. His body is covered in scars from his years as a soldier. He controls his facial expressions so that many cannot guess what he is thinking.
How old is he?
Twenty-nine, he is middle aged by the standards of his culture and projected life span.
In three words, what kind of personality does he have?
Direct, intelligent, humble
What is his favorite season or type of weather?
He prefers fall and spring when marching or riding in full military gear in the wide open is possible without sweating oneself into dehydration or weathering freezing wind.
What are his favorite clothes?
A comfortable tunic held down by his favorite belt and sword, leggings, sturdy and worn boots. He is a simple man with simple needs.
Is he musical?
Although he loves to listen to music, he doesn’t play an instrument. However he does enjoy singing and has a pleasantly full baritone.
Does he have any annoying habits? Any habits at all?
He tends to only communicate what is necessary and nothing more. His standard operation is to treat everyone as another soldier. Though, he tries to break that habit.
What do other characters think about him?
Lord Dentin warns, “He is always the dutiful man, sometimes to a fault.” Brielle describes him as “kind, generous, loyal, honorable“ and points out that he demands of his men no more than he gives. His mother says he is “a great man for the important decisions, but he forgets to share all the extra bits.” Sir Jorndar refers to him as “Tomas the mongrel.” Antano points out, “Irvaine knows the wisdom of not feeding his regrets.”
What do you think? Is this a man you would like to get to know?
Duty: a novel of Rhynanby Rachel RossanoAvailable on Amazon
