Tracy St. John's Blog, page 201

Six Sentence Sunday - Clans of Kalquor 7: Alien Refuge (WIP)

            Iris screamed as the speeding shuttle bore down on Thomas, who was only now realizing something was coming at him.  Then there was a lightning flash of white and darkness that swept her child from the travel lane in a blur.  The stream of movement halted at the side of the lane.  It resolved itself into a tall Kalquorian in a white snowsuit with Thomas dangling from one arm while raising a battle-grade percussion blaster with the other.  The alien fired on the shuttle, and the blaster’s shwoop made the air shiver.              The shuttle squalled to a halt, dipping and rocking violently as it did so.  
Coming Spring 2013

November 2012 Update

Clans of Kalquor 6:  Alien Redemption:  We are two weeks away from this release on November 16!  I’m happy dancing.  Proofreading is done and I am busy formatting for Kindle, Nook, Smashwords, and print.  Boy, am I busy.  I hate formatting.  The print book is over 400 pages long, so that’s a lot of work.  At any rate, the end is in sight and I’m every bit as excited as you to see this book come out.
Clan Beginnings:  To Clan and Conquer:  Working on final edits and then it’s off for proofreading.  I am so far ahead of schedule on this that I am happy to tell you it will be out in time for Christmas, specifically December 21 (if the world doesn’t end that day) .  Stuff your stocking with Tranis, Lidon, and Degorsk as they get together for the first time.
Clans of Kalquor 7:  Alien Refuge:  I have begun the first draft of the newest adventure.  Shooting for a spring publication at this time.
Clan Beginnings:  Clan and Conviction:  Outlining the start of Clan Gelan’s journey together.  This story is a bit more difficult than usual since it spans over three years (you’ll remember from Alien Slave that Gelan and Wynhod had a lot of convincing to do with the commitment-shy Krijero).  Don’t worry; I’m figuring it out.
To Protect and Service:  Ravenous Virtue:  I am within days of finally completing the outline for this one.  It is shaping up to be a huge action-adventure with plenty of naughty fun.
Shalia’s Diary:   A stalking Dramok, a hungry Tragoom, and an unexpected hurricane, oh my.  This month’s entries are full of more adventure than Shalia knows what to do with.  Hopefully this will make your Mondays worth getting up for.

First Five Friday - Netherworld III: Once Bitten Twice Dead

Chapter 2
            The Para Patrol arrived, a group of three male and three female witches, along with nearly a dozen cops.  Most of the officers were shifters; werehogs, gators, and rattlesnakes, reflecting the predominant fauna of southeast Georgia.  A couple of the cops were vampires.  The number of people sent in to deal with the still expressionless Eddie would have clued me in to how serious the situation was if I hadn’t already grasped it. 
Available from Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords

WIP Wednesday - Clans of Kalquor 6: Alien Redemption

Just a little over two weeks away!  Almost there, folks.  So what happens when Erybet and Sletran learn their Imdiko has a secret love?
            He rehearsed what he would say to his clanmates the entire way home.  It was with nervous hopefulness that he entered their quarters and went in search of the other two.  He found them sitting on the balcony on weatherproof seating, silently watching the sun set over the ocean.  Both wore gloomier looks than usual.  Conyod hoped his news would lift their spirits a little.            The men looked at him as he came out on the balcony, murmuring greetings.  Conyod went to the low wall of the balcony, but was too excited to appreciate the way the setting sun tinged the green-hued sea with amber highlights.  He faced his clanmates.            He searched their eyes, as he always did these days, for a glimmer of warmth as they gazed at him.  It was that bare touch of affection that kept him from completely giving up on the altered pair and running away.  He found it.  They still cared for him; they were simply too lost in their misery to display much of it these days.            Erybet even managed a ghost of a smile.  “My Imdiko is home from work before dark for a change.  This is a special occasion.”            Conyod clasped his hands behind his back to conceal their slight tremor.  Undoubtedly, Sletran had already detected his nervousness, but Erybet might not have.  Since it was his Dramok who had to be handled carefully in the matter, Conyod didn’t want to give Erybet any reason to refuse considering Rachel.  He worried his leader would do so out of spite because of the hard time Conyod had given him over the other Mataras.  The old Erybet wouldn’t have, but now…            He smiled back at Erybet.  “Actually, it is a special occasion.  Do you remember Rachel?  My patient you met last night, the one who had just begun to speak?”            Erybet eyed him carefully.  Okay, Conyod’s words had come out a little too fast, a bit too high-pitched to convey the casualness he’d planned on.  But Erybet didn’t comment on that.  Instead he answered, “Such a beautiful girl.  Who could forget a face like hers?”            Sletran added, “She was the brave one who opposed her government.  Did she speak more today?”  He too was managing a hint of a smile, his gaze warming on the Imdiko.            “Much more.  Govi is ecstatic over her progress.”  Conyod swallowed.  His next words came out in a rush.  “So much so that she is to be released soon from the hospital and will be going into the lottery system.  She wishes our clan to present its case for her first.”            The eyes on him widened.  His clanmates exchanged a look with each other, their expressions becoming careful.            It was the Nobek who quietly asked, “You’re her primary therapist, aren’t you?  Will considering her for clanship be allowed?”            “Maybe.  Govi is looking into the matter and will give me an answer tomorrow.”  Conyod caught Erybet’s gaze and held it.  To hell with pretense.  His Dramok would have deduced already how important this was to Conyod.  “I beg you to consider it.”            Erybet leaned forward in his seat, his stare never leaving Conyod’s face.  “You’ve had no interest in previous Mataras.”            Conyod couldn’t continue to match that intense gaze.  Erybet had a look that made him feel like he could read every thought in the Imdiko’s head.  He dropped his eyes.  “I have a confession to make, my Dramok.  I didn’t want any of the others.  I only wanted Ray-Ray.”            There was a long beat of silence.  Conyod could feel those eyes boring into him.  Under the weight of that gaze, something inside his heart shrank.  Erybet was going to say no.            Sletran spoke, giving Conyod a small reprieve from the other man’s scrutiny.  “Are you in love with her, Conyod?”            Conyod looked at his Nobek.  As always, Sletran regarded him with gentle strength, a look the fierce warrior reserved for him alone.  It gave Conyod the resolve he needed to answer, “Yes.  With all my heart.  She says she loves me too.”            Erybet said, “There are two other men in this clan, men she will have to want as well as you.”            The Imdiko dared to look at his clan leader.  The look Erybet gave him, one that was almost as caring as Sletran’s, allowed Conyod to take a breath.            He said, “I know, Erybet.  She’s intelligent, though.  She’ll see what good clanmates you’d be to her.”  He hoped.  “If you only get to know her, you will want her as much as I do.  She’s smart and caring and courageous and perfect…”            Conyod had to pause to take a breath from the recitation of all that made Rachel wonderful.  In that moment of silence, Sletran laughed.  It was the first time Conyod had heard him do so since he’d returned home from the war.             “Conyod, you’ll be writing poetry next.” Sletran shook his head, but his smile was indulgent.  For a moment he was so much like the Nobek Conyod had known, the Nobek he’d been overjoyed to clan with.            Maybe Erybet was right.  Maybe having a Matara will be enough to snap Sletran out of his trauma.  Crazier things have happened, right?
Releasing November 16

When Children Help You Write

As I picked up the notes I'd begun making for the second Clan Beginnings story, I discovered my six year old had added onto them. This could be serious trouble for Kalquor.

Shalia's Diary Post

We have a Kalquorian sighting.  http://shaliasdiary.blogspot.com/

Six Sentence Sunday - Unholy Union

            “The blessing was eventful, to say the least,” Thomas said.  “There was a barn loft that had apparently been used for Satanic worship.”            James’ bushy eyebrows raised.  “Did something happen?”            “I was nearly bitten by a snake.”            James bookmarked the page he was reading and closed the book, signifying his interest had been piqued. 
Available from Amazon Kindle, Amazon UK, Nook, Kobo, and Smashwords,

Separating Fantasy from Real Life

Here we go again.  Fifty Shades of Grey.  People have lost their minds over it.  And while I’m all for you pushing your boundaries in the bedroom by taking a few cues from popular fiction, it is time for a word of caution. 
I’ve never felt the need to ask my readers to proceed carefully when it comes to sex.  After all, I deal in sci-fi and the paranormal, realms that are definitely not of this world.  I don’t have to tell any of you to choose your alien clan, vampire, or werewolf with care.  You can easily separate fantasy from reality with my work.  However, with the world of kink hitting the mainstream bestseller list and people pushing their limits in the bedroom as a result, I am worried about those of you not yet in committed, trusting relationships.  That you are out there searching for your Doms and Masters with perhaps only fiction to guide your journey concerns me.
Fiction moves at a lightning pace.  It has to in order to get all the story in.  In erotica, people fall into bed rather quickly.  In BDSM erotica, the paddles and ropes come out fast.  This is fantasy, folks.  This is not real life.  You do not go to your local munch or club, find the  Dom of your dreams, and let the whip fly.  No, no, no, no.
Real life BDSM takes a lot of trust.  After all, the sub is putting her/himself at another’s mercy.  And while you may be titillated with romantic ideas of kneeling at someone’s feet, the truth is, BDSM has its share of predators ... just like in the vanilla world.  Not only should you proceed into the kinky relationship as you would a vanilla, you must be more careful because of the pretenders out there.
Get to know that other person who makes naughty thoughts tumble in your head.  Have dinner.  Date.  Hold hands and walk on the beach.  Do all these things before you put out your wrists for those cuffs.  Most of you don’t fall into bed for regular sex the first thing, do you?  BDSM is no different.  And if someone professing to be a Dom says it is normal to get right to the funny business, run.  Run very fast and lock your doors.  That isn’t a Dom.  That is someone looking out for only his own pleasure, which could end very badly for you.
A real Dom or Master knows he must earn your trust.  He’s not going to be after you right away to put your ass under his paddle.  A real Dom gets to know you well, all your quirks, limits, and insecurities ... the better to discipline you with later, my dears.  He is going to take his time with you.  He is going to become very important to you, a real partner in your sexual journey rather than just someone giving you orders.  Real Masters aren’t going to rush you into anything you’re not ready for.  They don’t take advantage of your burning curiosity and the desire to find your own Mr. Grey.
In short, use sense when finding your perfect Dom.  Remember the vanilla Mr. Right you were after before you realized those secret bondage fantasies weren’t so crazy after all?  That’s how you proceed as you look for that special, strong, kinky man.  Date him, have long conversations with him, get used to having his arms around you and making you feel safe.  Meet his friends, know his dreams and hopes and worries, spend lots of time together.  Then, and only then, do you put yourself in his caring but exacting hands.
Be careful out there, sweethearts.  Please.

First Five Friday - Netherworld II: Blood Potion No. 9

Chapter 6
            I brought myself under control with a lot of effort.  When I had a handle on my upset, I saw that Tristan had sat down on the leather couch in the periodicals section of the room.  I moved to stand close to him.              He watched me with a look I couldn’t quite read.  I didn’t dare speak first. 
Available from Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Smashwords

WIP Wednesday - Meet Clan Ospar from Clans of Kalquor 7: Alien Refuge

I have begun the first draft for this one, so I thought I’d trot out the new clan for your inspection.  This batch of men are strong, mature, and assured of themselves ... exactly what a Matara in distress needs when overwhelmed by adversity.

Dramok Ospar



Ospar is  the Kalquorian governor of the Earther colony of Haven, which is located within the Empire.  He can be a bit overbearing, but his heart is in the right place.  He has to do a balancing act that entails keeping the Earthers safe as they get their feet under them, without stepping on any toes.  As you might imagine, things rarely run smoothly on the colony where the Earthers appreciate Kalquorian aid but want to do things their way and on their own.
Nobek Jol

Nobek Jol is head of Haven security and Ospar’s main bodyguard.  He does step on toes, especially when a child and his mother’s welfare are involved.  He might be a bit overprotective, but he’s a Nobek.  What did you expect?  Generous to a fault, Jol is a man dedicated to keeping the people under his watch safe.  
Imdiko Rivek

Imdiko Rivek is a temple priest, devoted to the principles of the Book of Life.  Clearheaded and kindhearted, he sees adversity as an invitation to better himself.  Challenges are to be met head-on rather than avoided, and every situation is present to teach the worthy something new.  Rivek is also a badass martial arts expert.  Yep, an Imdiko that will hand you your butt if you force him to. 
Matara Iris and son Thomas

Iris Jenson has endured hardships in many forms:  she is the single parent of an amazing but challenged special-needs child.  She has endured abuse at the hands of her husband who was presumably killed in Armageddon.  She copes with threats from the newly formed group, the E.I.K. (Earthers for Independence from Kalquor).  Iris barely scrapes together a living for herself and her son on Haven Colony.  Yet she lives with quiet dignity, asking for nothing and giving everything she has to make a decent home for her child.
Thomas Jenson is six-years old and autistic.  Hyper-sensitive to his environment, his frequent outbursts and impulsive behavior make him difficult for many to understand.   Yet those who see past the surface behavior find an incredibly intelligent, creative child with unlimited potential and an endless ability to love.