Mya Lairis's Blog, page 2

Loving Day Blog Hop: Opinions on Interracial Relationships

A staunch supporter of an individual's ability to love whomever they choose, I refuse to dream in one skin, shape or gender. If you have ever read anything of mine (fan fiction included), you should know that skin color is only the first of the thresholds that I will cross in my erotic dreams! Bigotry, xenophobia and racism are all instruments of fear, but even worse, they are a matter of...Well, let me introduce you to today's guests. First we have Freya Daniels, renowned bounty hunter and Alpha wolf and second we have Peter Fitzgerald, a powerful, ice sorcerer. Both are involved in committed interracial relationships.

Mya- Good afternoon to you both. I'd like to thank you for agreeing to this interview regarding interracial love. You both are involved with members of a different race, right?

Freya- (the tall, muscular werewolf has a chocolate complexion, dark brown eyes and thick, dark hair pulled back into a ponytail. She is wearing a tank, sweatpants and combat boots and is five months pregnant. She smirks, adjusting her wife beater tee over her round, brown belly) Are you fucking kidding me?

Peter-(a pale, blonde with ice blue eyes and curly hair, Peter's stare is a cross between bored and severely menacing) Color not race. Micah and I are both sorcerers, what does skin color matter, or hair, or eye color.

Mya- Well, Freya, Why are you looking at me like that? Both of your mates are Caucasian, correct?

Freya- They're pale. Pink in some places, and pinker in others but they are wolves. We're really from the same race, like the Iceman just said. Wolves come in many colors. It's you guys that have to sweat the details. Red, yellow, pink, blue...Who gives a fuck?

Mya- Well. Peter. Your mate is of African descent? I realize that bonds are made regardless of color but did you ever think that fate had thrown you a curve ball?

Peter- Micah is the most gorgeous creature I've ever met but the biggest hurdle wasn't his color at all, accepting how much I craved another man was.

Mya- So I assume you've had curious stare. Ever had to deal with maybe a racist or homophobic remark or two?

Freya- (laughs) From humans, she means.

Peter- Sometimes. But then sometimes I might freeze an ignorant bastard solid. Shit happens.

Mya- O...Kay. So um, we're all adults here. Do you think that color has anything to do with enhancing or stimulating your passions.

Freya and Peter look at one another as if they aren't sure how much to reveal. Both smile.

Freya- I ain't gonna lie. Rayne's got the cutest pink cock and Fenris, well he's got this deep peach thing going...Visually, it can be a rush. Contrasts and all.

Peter- Indeed. I drown in chocolate every chance I get. Chocolate and fire. Vanilla inside of chocolate...

Freya- (Freya leans over and slaps Peter on the shoulder) Church! Just got this cute little chocolate omega. He has a cute, dark, cocoa ass. Bubblebutt. Rayne terrorizes him. But heh, I've gotta Bun on board. (pats belly)

Peter- (scowls at the physical contact but lightens up Freya fingers a protective rune bracelet) Yes. A berserker or a witch no doubt.

Freya- Hey. Cut the prejudiced shit. Witches and sorcerers should get along. (guffaws)

Peter- I need a drink.

Freya- Don't even play. I could slaughter some Hennessey.

Mya- (wincing) Indeed. Boy or girl?

Freya- Cub

Mya- Well. When your cub is born, do you think that color will be an issue for it?

Freya- Just because I'm brown as the day is long and Bun's dads are light and bright?

Mya- Yeah.

Freya- You do know I am a werewolf and my cub will be too. The cub could be dark brown, high yella, brown, blue black or it could be pale. I don't give a rat's ass and a quarter. It will be mine and I will love it regardless.

Mya- Well, Peter have you and Micah given any thoughts to children?

Peter- I would love to see Micah's children. He has even mentioned it. I would hope that they could wield fire or ice. I am not sure that I could deal with a water sorcerer.

Freya- That whole color thing is a human concept. Now, interspecies....that's a whole other topic.

Peter- (snickers.)

Mya- So in closing. What would you say about interracial/multicultural relationships?

Freya- It ain't for me to say shit about other folks, but there ain't nothing wrong with a swirl here and there.

Peter- I say people should mind their business and stop worrying about what others think.

Mya- Or else, right...(laughs nervously)

Peter- (deadpan) Exactly.

Mya- Well, that concludes this interview. I would like to thank you both for agreeing to this little chat.

Freya-Yeah, whatever. You still owe me for saving your ass from those goblins. There are less volatile fiends to play poker with.

Mya- Um... Yeah, of course. (dreading tonight's Texas Hold'em Tournament)

Peter- And I will expect your silence regarding last week's incident.

Mya- No worries, Peter. Not a peep, I swear! (mumbles beneath breath) So not trying to become a frozen slushie...Anyway, Thank you both!

Well, now that that interview is done, I want to inform you that I will be giving away the Serenity Basket during this blog hop (guarded by my precious Cougar). It contains a hot/cold mug, tea, journal, pens, massage oil, candles, a copy of one of my titles and more! In order to win, all you have to do is leave a comment!

You can find out more about the wacky, common and sometimey author, Mya at the following:

Website: www.myaserotica.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyasDen

Let's keep the party going! Check out the lovely IR author Keshia Robertson next!!!

The Loving Day Blog Hop

I will be participating in this fabulous event and giving away a wonderful gift basket. Stay tuned for more information and mark your calanders ;D

Rep Your Squad…I Mean Authors

Having seen great memes detailing how you can help an indie (independent) writers, I just want to put the word out that independents aren’t the only ones needing help. To share a bit of personal information, I for one have a mental breakdown when it comes to thinking of promotions. Seriously, it’s like I catch the flu and can do nothing more than rock back and forth as I lament lost opportunities to reserve blog spots, to arrange reviews and well promo in general, whenever I have a new release. Contests however, I tend to be rabid about. Anyway, many of the memes regarding the best way to help your writer buddies give the following advice:

Click on the “Like” Button on Amazon for the book and the Author (if you purchased it from the juggernaut) Drop a review on GoodReads, Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, etc. once you have finished the book Tag the book (if the website you purchased it from has the option) “Like” or join the author’s Facebook page if they have one Friend the author’s Twitter account and retweet announcements regarding their work

While I’m pretty sure that there are other ways to get the proverbial word out (feel free to list a few in the comments), any sort of recognition by a reader, good or bad is like money…to any author. It’s validation. A true writer (and by no means am I getting on a high horse) is going to write regardless, they can’t help it. It’s addiction. But as a Reader, I know that we can be addicts too and if encouragement can be donated to authors, those who aren’t so good can improve, those who are phenomenal can turn out more and if that brand of manipulation fails…I’m still doing great work for my favorite charity: Writers!!!

I know a lot of folk tell me: “What if I didn’t like the book?” Ever heard the saying ‘Any publicity is good publicity?’ Well it’s true. Seriously, how many times have I seen a book with 53 one-star ratings or 79 bad reviews and been more than just slightly…curious. 50 Shades of Gray…that’s all I’m gonna say on the matter.

So taking my self out of the equation, I find I have to revisit my policy on never reviewing any writers in my genre. I do read some paranormal erotica, some romance, not a lot mind you but I do read a few per year between numerous horror fiction, bio and eco thrillers and hard core space operas. Anyway as I go back through my Goodreads listing of books read, I vow to hunt down and ‘Like’ every author that I’ve read. While I may not write a review for everyone, I certainly vow to try and do so in the future. It’s not like I don’t know all the hard work writers put into a publication, so it’s almost especially douchey for me to expect reviews on my work and not put out myself.

I don’t have to speak much more on all the hard work that authors pour into their keyboards, the hours and the seclusion, I’m pretty sure that readers kinda know but I am making my own stand, my own personal campaign for Rep’ing the Authors, not just the ones you can’t get enough of but even the ones who cause you to wonder if they own a Thesaurus. A lot of my friends know that I am a rabid fan of Neal Asher (seriously, the cops would be eyeing me hard if I ever went to a book signing of his). I buy his books even the ones that I have to get imported from the U.K., liked his FB page, follow his blog, website and shout him out on any and every venue I can. If he were to announce that he was broke and needed donations, I would be among the first to throw money that man’s way, anything so he will crank out another book! In effect, I am sorta like his promo squad…but then readers can do that. They have that power and it doesn’t take much.

The next time you as a reader survey your vast library, stocked bookshelves and piles of coveted works, think about it. A little support goes a long way :D

My Beta Reader Obsession...

Meet Jamie!! He doesn't tolerate by bullshit and neither should my Beta Reader!!!

Early in 2012 I fulfilled one of my goals to do more public outings and to give back to the writing community who I sincerely wish I could spend more time cavorting with. I proposed, planned and was able to give a panel on one of my favorite subjects, Beta Reading. Like some writers can talk for days about world building, plot structures, characterizations, I love to dig into Beta Editing. OCD Alert, I love speaking about the tools, the processes, the degree of attention, the degree of cooperation involved. I have to admit that most of my study has been born out of dreams of the perfect beta reader. As a writer, I have this hmmm…selfish motivation. I wish that I could just crank out tomes and spend less time editing. Have a reader who could not only point out my inconsistencies, spot my errors and help me to stick to the damn plot. It would surely save me time and embarrassment but well…finding beta readers is not always easy and finding good ones is even rarer.

Now, I don’t toot my horn often, but I believe that I’m a pretty good beta reader when it comes to content. Back in the day when I didn’t have a good deal of writing assignments, I did a great deal of Beta reading for other authors and I loved it. Dissecting a text, writing up a summary, offering suggesting, pointing out brilliant bits and highlighting the awkward portions—Oh but it takes me back to my college days, scribbling notes (okay entire paragraphs) in red on the borders of “The Dubliners”...Yeah so, I am wiping the tears of nostalgia from the corners of my eyes as I peer at my writing schedule and how far behind I am.

So recently, my go-to beta reader asked me, “Do you think that I’m a good beta reader?” Thinking back to all of the times she has ripped into me about bad choreography, character inconsistencies, lack of action and sometimes the atrocious grammatical and punctual errors that I make, I have to say “Hells yeah!” Not to veer off topic but I often have people ask me how did you get published and I tell them that the most important commodity to have is a thick skin. (Not as thick as Jamie’s but thick).

Everyone likes cheerleaders, sure, but I don’t covet my babies, I send them out into the world to fend for themselves, so I would rather someone tell me that my kids are wearing mismatched socks and are lacking deodorant before they reach the door. Anyone who can’t take criticism and is afraid of the color red, has a hard road before them in writing. Submissions, Editors, Publishers can be (okay, mostly are) more keen on tearing your work apart than any Beta Reader. So my goal is to shoot for the least amount of embarrassment when I send off a new submission.

Let me tell you, the fact that my Beta reader is opinionated and picky helps immensely. Every writer’s needs are different, but I expressed to her that plot and choreography errors were my greatest concerns, that I wanted first impressions and opinions and she gives me that in spades. Do I need help with mechanics? Sure I do. [I am currently seeking a grammar and punctuation Nazi as a second Beta] but the fact that every story is a piece of clay which needs to be molded, hewn to the closest perfection before being taken to the kiln is undeniable.

I know several writers who have gotten discouraged over criticism and rejections, but I will always embrace it. I KNOW that there are flaws that I can’t see. I also know that I am often too close to see said flaws and so I love, adore and will do everything I can to encourage more readers to become Beta readers!

So from time to time, I will be posting Beta Reading topics and tools as I wait anxiously for my next opportunity to do a panel…which is also a New Year’s resolution.

Author Interview: Trista Ann Michaels

A while ago, I started a project called The Author’s Bar. Being one of the most unorganized and clueless kinds of writers, I created the page to help others like me. You see, I rarely knew when events were going on, if there was a book festival down the street from me or a workshop within fifty miles. I wouldn't find out about it until way after the fact. And I kicked myself for it. Vowing to try to tackle my lack of staying in the know, I set out to actively collect all of the information I could on events, services, types and opportunities that I could find.

In my research, I heard about a convention called “Romfest,” not to be confused with Romcon. While scanning over the page, I noticed the name of the founder of the event, Trista Ann Michaels. Now there is a special place in my heart for events created by authors and the fact that I had read a few of Trista’s titles only amplified the enthusiasm.

I looked through the pictures of their 2012 event and was blown away by the success of Romfest’s first year and simply had to know more. You see, I’m sure there are authors who would love to throw their own event, but what Trista has achieved and what I’m sure she will achieve with the next event is phenomenal. I couldn't imagine all of the hard work, time and effort that had gone into such an event. So, I wrote to Trista with all my curiosity and graciously, she accepted the offer for an interview which I will now share:

Give a brief description of the Romfest event? Romfest is a conference for everyone. We have both reader and author events, food (wow do we have a lot of food..lol) parties, a band, raffle baskets, workshops, a book signing. It’s a four day weekend of learning, making friends, eating, drinking, dancing, and just having fun.

When and how did you know you were ready to sponsor your own event? When I kept coming home from other conferences and telling my husband, “This is what I would've done.” LoL. My husband encouraged me to have my own and even went so far as to call my best friend and get her to talk me into it. Once she was on board, it didn't take much convincing after that.

Had you had any experience in event planning prior to the first Romfest?Some. I had helped Sharon (my co-coordinator for Romfest) plan several other events in the past, but this would be the first event where it was my name on the contract line. Talk about scary..lol

How long was Romfest in the planning stages?Probably about 18 months.

Have you done massive writers’ conventions in the past? Do you currently attend large conventions? I’ve done RT several times and still love to go when I can.

Did you have help planning your first event?Yes. I had several friends’ help, and some authors I know also offered some suggestions.

What if any difficulties did you have starting Romfest? Lack of a history for the conference. I had to put up a much bigger deposit with the hotel since it was our first year. Also getting the word out about the conference. That’s tough when you’re starting from scratch and not on a lot of loops.

What if any difficulties do you have during the event considering you are the spearhead of Romfest?We didn't have any difficulties this year…knock on wood… My only concern for me was by the end of the day my energy was fading fast, so more volunteers and helpers will definitely be on the list for 2013.

How many years has Romfest existed? 2013 will be its second year.

What was the hardest part about planning Romfest?Working out the schedule and making sure the authors had enough time for their workshops. Usually more authors want to do workshops than you have space for and I really hate telling someone no, so we seriously had to work a little magic with that schedule…lol.

What effect has Romfest had on promoting your work?It’s all about exposure and getting your name out there in this industry and I think having a successful conference helps with that. Plus, being the host gets you in front of the readers and I always love meeting readers.

How did you advertise your event? Did you start with your mailing list and work outward? I put it out on Facebook first, then begged and pleaded with the authors I knew to spread the word…

Did you call on other authors to help with the event? Oh, yes. And the ones we asked were more than happy to help.

How do you decide on the programming and events for Romfest?Other than the meals and the Dr. Bass workshop, we let the authors decide. They offered up suggestions for reader events, workshops, games. Once we put the word out we were looking for authors to do an event, the ideas came in pretty quick. As the schedule began to take shape, we realized that 2012 ended up being a romantic suspense themed event and it looks as though 2013 will be a cowboy themed event. It’s weird how that seemed to work out.

Do you have a conductor/moderator or staff to assist you during the event?My friend, Sharon helps me out a lot with the preparation work. When we get to the conference, there are several authors who chip in, as well as a few readers. For right now though, it’s mostly just me and Sharon.

What if any items, gifts or memorabilia do the attendees receive?In 2012 everyone got a travel coffee mug that had Romfest 2012 printed on it, a registration bag full of books and goodies from the attending authors, and there were several events in which prizes and baskets were given away. The truth or dare game on Saturday night was truly a blast. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time, plus we gave away a lot of books that night.

Do you set registration by a reader to author ratio?Last year we were about half author/ half reader. A 70% reader/30% author split would be ideal. Since we’re new, we just need word to spread in order to get more readers in so for now we’re not setting a specific ratio.

Is there a percentage of programming and events dedicated to readers and authors? I think for the most part we’re reader oriented with a few workshops for authors and aspiring authors. Something for everyone is a good mix.

Was it hard to get guests of honor and speakers for the event?Not as hard as I thought it would be. For 2012 we had Sherrilyn Kenyon and Mary Janice Davidson. For 2013 we have Jacquelyn Frank. So far we've been lucky to have such great names and all of them got back with us very quickly. Now I just need to find a breakfast speaker…

How did you decide on the cost of your event? The food. We figured out our food budget, and then added a little to cover advertising, registration bags, printing and all the other little things that add up that you don’t think about until you’re hit with them.

How do you see Romfest growing in the future? What do you see it becoming?I would like to see it grow much bigger. Although Sharon tells me if it becomes as big as RT, she’ll kill me…lol. I’m not sure I could handle one that big, either, but I definitely would like to say that I give RT a run for its money.

If you could give advice to other writers thinking about creating their own event what would it be? It’s not as hard as you think, but definitely watch your expenses because they can get away from you if you’re not careful. Have one person in charge of the money and always keep your eye on the bottom line. There’s a lot of little things that add up when planning a major event like this so come up with a figure, then add 15%. Just to be safe.

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Check Out Trista Ann Michaels' Latest Release!!

Trista Ann Michaels is an award winning author that resides deep in the hills of East TN. A frequent sufferer of nightmares, it’s often from the ashes of those bad dreams that her stories will unfold. As the wife of an airline pilot and the mother of three, Trista is often struggling to balance writing with family and just like family, her characters are always in her thoughts, screaming for attention. One of these days she’ll get around to gagging them…but not today…

Trista Ann Michaels' Website: http://tristaannmichaels.blogspot.com/

Romfest Event site: http://www.romfest.com/

Author Interview: Yvette Hines

Neurosis aside or beside, I was trolling the internet one day and stumbled onto an announcement for a different kind of event- a single author convention. A multi-published, successful fiction author by the name of Yvette Hines was having her own personal convention. It was to be a one day event in celebration of her upcoming release, “Pleasuring the Queen.” Floored, I had never heard of such a thing and I was intrigued. Sure, I knew about release parties and showcases but a convention with a book discussion and other fun events with the actual author? Nope, I had never heard of it. But I couldn’t help but admit that there were a couple of authors and artists whom I would sell unborn children for the opportunity to attend such an event for. So, I was intrigued and wanted to know more.

“A Day with Yvette Hines” promised not only intimate author reader discussions, but meals, giveaways, games and prizes. And as I read over the description, I think what caught me most was the personal connection she could make to and with her readers. Now I have been to massive conventions and I have stood in line, sat in the front row, got a book signed, and maybe even hung out for a few minutes with an author…but sitting around with the author, dissecting a book and reviewing one author’s catalog, were nothing I had ever done. I fell in love with the idea and was so thrilled by the event that I wanted to attend myself! While I was not able to, Yvette was as gracious as she was innovative, having extended an invitation for authors to submit swag for her guest bags!

A few months later, I was on Facebook and Yvette had put up pictures from the event. Still fascinated with the possibilities for such a venue, I decided to interview Ms. Yvette Hines after the competition of her event, not solely because it is something that I would love to do in the future but because it might be something other authors are interested in as well: _____________________________________________

Can you give a brief description of your event: My event consisted of people who are readers of mine. That part was very important to me. Because in discussing my past and current book I wanted people who have truly been following my growth as a writer. It was kept small so I would be able to chat and meet each one of them.

When and how did you know you were ready to sponsor your own author event?

When I was getting repeated emails from readers wanting to meet me at different events, but just was not interested in spending a lot of money for a BIG conference. So, I decided to put feelers out there. My aim was 20. If 20 readers wanted to spend the day with me then I would do it. When I got that in the first week, it was no turning back.

Have you done mass writer’s conventions in the past?

Yes. I do about four of them every year for different genres.

Did you have help planning your event?

I have a promotions manager.

What was the hardest part about planning your event?

Not buying out the store. The readers had me so excited I wanted to do everything and give them everything. I just felt so honored.

How did you advertise your event? Did you start with your mailing list and work outward?

I went to my reader group first and saw how many signed up. Then created a webpage and posted the link on FB for people who wanted to attend to contact me. That’s it.

Did you plan the event around a new release?

Yes. A significant release. Shocking my own self I was inspired to write an erotic I/R Sci-fi. So, I wanted to get feedback before my release. What better way than from readers who got an advanced copy?

How did you decide on the schedule of events?

I took into consideration having fun with the readers. Things they’d asked me about in the past and then ways I could give back to them. Fun, gifts/prizes and getting to know the author (me).

What if any difficulties did you have planning the event?

Registration. Because I allowed people to be on the list first. I did a lot of chasing people down for registration…that was exhausting. I closed out other readers because I’d reached my number of attendees by the list, which wasn’t fair. Next time I will just go straight to registration.

What if any difficulties did you have during the event?

None. It went smooth as butter.

Did you have a conductor/moderator or staff to assist you during the event?

Two, my promotions manager and another author who was in the area and gave of her time incognito.

Did you solicit or receive promotional items from other authors?

Tons. My theory is that we (authors) are all in this together. We share a lot of the same readers. This is not a competition and the readers benefit by getting info on other authors so why not give it to them?

What if any items, gifts or memorabilia did the attendees receive?

Things they can use. That is what I will tell other authors. When you are the host author give them a something they can use; that doesn't always mean stuff with your name or website on it.

Did you provide for meals and refreshments?

Breakfast refreshments, (fruit, juice and pastries) and a full lunch.

What sort of panels, entertainment or activities did you have?

No panels. Readers don’t want authors to sit at a table for questions and answers. So, I had one hour devoted to local authors and we played games with them that would help readers get to know them.

How did you decide on the cost of your event?

I stuck to what they got; book, t-shirt, food. That was it on what I charged them for. I was not in this to make money so anything above that cost (swag and gifts) I paid out of my own pocket. I also kept it to a time that gave some people the option of driving in and driving out and not having to pay hotel cost if they could manage it.

Are you planning to make your event an annual affair?

Oh, noooo. LOL. It is a lot of work. I would never be able to write if I did this every year. However, it will be done every other year. Next one, 2014.

If you could give advice to other writers what would it be?

Think of the readers. This is not you stepping in being a “Big Shot Author”, but be relatable. With FB, readers can connect pretty close with you...so give them that connection when they come to your event. Some of them travel across country to meet you for a few hours, don’t slight them.

Bio: Amazon Best Selling Author. I'm simply Yvette Hines, some people call me SASSE or SASSE Yvette. I'm an erotica author that loves pleasurable hours between the sheets; whether it is a blended tale of interracial lovers, the clandestine bite and wicked passion of paranormal mates, out of this world soul-mates or the sting of a commanding whip against tender flesh. Even better, make my day and toss in two gorgeously, decadent men who only want to pleasure their woman. I write Short and Sexy, Sensual Erotica (SASSE) for ALL women.

Yvette’s Website: http://yvettehines.com

Check Out Yvette's New Release!

Afro Dreamers and Race-Specific Cons

I have always been a child of dreams, both fantasy and science fiction, of wondrous and sometimes frightening tales. I can easily recall my younger days, stretched out on the floor and enjoying Creature Features about killer frogs, tales of Sinbad and of course my favorite Godzilla. Never mind that I was a tomboy of the greatest level, I was never content with existing in the real world. I wanted giant fire-breathing creatures, magic powers and magnificent environments. My imagination was feed further by tomes of Greek and Roman mythology, Clash of the Titans and Star Wars. I can even recall my uncle taking me to see “Return of the Jedi,” like it was yesterday.

In middle school, I might have been called a nerd, but to be honest, I wasn’t conscious enough to really care. Why? Because I discovered comic books and Advanced Dungeons and Dragons! Now again there were some looks and some whispers. Family members and school mates alike would often wonder if I was ‘worshiping the devil.’ I mean AD&D is still used as a way to explain deviancy. At the time I couldn’t voice how I was so far beyond concepts of fearing monsters. Devils were the least of the monsters in both the materials that I read and created! Yes, I was drawing my own comics, painting and writing at the time.

Not to give a life story or anything, but suffice to say that even though I am a grown woman, I still keep a tight leash on the novels I write and the artwork that I create. Even my nieces and nephews have the same narrow-mindedness of the adults: You still read comics? You write about werewolves? I don’t watch things about wizards because I’m not a nerd. Yes, I have heard these and more. Perhaps one of the most disturbing comments I ever heard was, Oh, you into that white people’s shit. Yeah, that was pretty ignorant. No one owns dreams, certainly not mine.

The debate as to whether African American (a term that dies a little ever year) Speculative Literature should be offset was one I used to go back and forth on. If I were to take on the idea that stories should transcend color, then I would have to say there is no reason to highlight or partition. But the truth of matter to me is that race relations are still an issue and old beliefs are still relevant even today. Why should I go to a Black Sci-Fi Convention as opposed to a Sci Fi Convention? Why would such even be necessary?

Well, it basically comes down to support.

Why are sports and performing arts so highly lauded in the Black Community? Why don’t more African American children aim to become scientists or even special effects artists? I’m not saying that anything is wrong with wanting to be the next Kobe, Kanye or even Beyonce, but can we not dream harder and fuller. Why can’t we cultivate more scientists, more film directors, novelists and engineers, is what I wonder… ( I like to use the comparison of tri-corders in Star Trek to our modern day smart phones, and refer to the Jetsons for modern inventions that were envisioned by sci fi but that is a whole other conversation). Fields that not only take us out of the box and into the future! I am supposing that somewhere someone has written an African American space opera. I know that African Americans have made great strides in science and in medicine, but an event or a venue which would bring them all together, would be awe-inspiring to not only the youth but also to the elders. By no means should art and science be separate, but a little highlighting in the form of culture is more like…recruitment. Science, fantasy, and technology (which is gaining in popularity btw) wouldn’t have to be closeted or even discretionary topics if we actively promoted that yes, Latinos write horror, yes African Americas write fantasy and that yes, Asians write romantic comedies.

I know that for a lot of my family, friends and associates their focus is on the past and the present, they can’t be bothered with imagining what might be, or how different it could be. Later for space, dragons, and fairytales; the mortgage is due, gotta get the car out of the shop and your cousin just got locked up…is what some will still say. Have you been to church lately is one of my favorites... I’m not saying forget morals, or social constructs, as some have accused me, but don’t ever allow life to be so rigid and rule defined. That and I’m personally sure that God likes sci fi every time I watch the Discovery Channel. Please explain the Nautilus.

Altogether, I believe that the more support and encouragement we show to dreamers the bigger their dreams will become and one day we can all dream together.

For those curious about African American Sci Fi/Horror/Mystery and Speculative Works, check these links out:

Black Sci-Fi

Black SciFi Characters Who Aren't Turned Into Cannon Fodder

Top Ten African American Characters In Sci Fi

Black Science Fiction Society

Onyxcon-African American SciFi Convention

African American Horror Author Listing

African American Science Fiction Listing

Dark Dreams: A Collection of Horror and Suspense by Black Writers

Fan Fiction: Not A Dirty Little Secret At All

I will never forget the day when I discovered fan fiction. I say this as if it was crack cocaine and I should be standing in front of a group of survivors as I relate my story, but it’s true. I was a freshman in college at the time, and the first ‘Lord of the Rings’ film had been released. My best friend invited me to peer onto her laptop and low and behold, there was fic upon it. Now I don’t recall exactly what the story was about or who wrote it, but OMG did I fall hard for the premise.

You mean that the movie doesn’t have to end and that I can have back story, side story, future story and hundreds of versions of each. I’m going to halt the revelation there for a moment, because unlike some fan ficcers, I jumped right straight into hardcore slash. Assuming that some mildly tiptoe there way to hard stuff, I can tell you that it wasn’t long before my hard drive was bursting with files and files of fan fiction.

Mind you that I had been writing fiction since elementary school, but all it took was one short story done upon a dare, to start the fire in me. You see up until the point when I wrote my first LOTR (abbreviations abound) slash fiction, there was something so vital that I was missing and that the fan fiction community gave to me…Feedback!

With the exception of maybe two creative writing classes, which proved dull but mechanically constructive, my training in the literature consisted of studying the narratives of my favorite authors (a million and one styles) and a copy of the Chicago Manual of Style. I could write stories for miles, but with no critical and craving eye upon them, it was more of leisure time activity—nowhere near the obsession that it is today.

Yes in the world of fan fiction, not only did I get immediate comments and encouragement, but I also was turned on to the idea of the BETA reader. More on that later. Within the obsessive sugary arms of fandom, I not only cranked out LOTR fic, but HP, X-Men, Gladiator and Underworld to name a few. Initially, I started off co-writing with my friend Kia, then as the need to produce more set in, I started working independently. I wrote short stories, novellas and later novels. I posted them on LiveJournal and various fandom-centered websites and waited joyously for the comments to flow in.

Let me tell you that when you already have the meat available (i.e. World, Characters, Basic Plot) that composing a tale with a few diversions is a damn good exercise for a wannabe writer. I liken it to one having a coloring book. The outline is already in place, it all in how you color in the lines. You can also use any color crayons you want. The basics are recognizable however you can be as creative as you want.

No more did I have to wait for the next episode, daydream about whatifs, for nearly every show I loved and several movies, I could either search for it online or get to typing. Afterwards, I would have the story beta-read and published online for other addicts. Ahh…memories…I spent quite awhile in world of fandom, (I spend a lot of time in other worlds, Warcraft for example) but eventually my muse got fed up and demanded its own sandbox. Secretly, I began writing *gasp* Orginal Fic. I don’t know whether I’ve mentioned this before but unlike the fanfic, writing original works about characters not known by millions didn’t get quite as much attention. And I was not ready to give that up. The fandom community is a dragon, fierce, strong, protective of its gold and dangerous when ticked off. I loved being a part of the politics, participating in the contests, chatting with other fan fic writers and oh the dishing we did on the actors, writers and storylines of the films and television shows we wrote about.

It was not easy to leave such intensity behind, to kick the habit per se, and oddly enough I was at a convention [Con.txt] when the wake-up call really came. You see there were professional writers at the convention who also (some secretly) wrote fan fic. There were real editors there as well. There were attorneys, housewives, teachers…but I’m straying. It was while bouncing an idea of mine off of another writer that I got the encouragement to submit my original fic to a publishing house and so began that chapter of my life.

Now, even though I have published over seven titles, I still revere and miss the world of fan fiction. Why I imposed my personal ban on writing fan fiction had nothing to do with any failings or politics involved in the community. There are some truly outstanding writers and epic manuscripts coming out of the Fan Fic community…in the end it just came down to me wanted to develop my own source material, but I make no bones about my love and adoration for fan fic writers.

Do I miss it? Hell yeah. Do I read it still…BannerXStark (Please, send me reccs)

Prometheus aka I'm Gonna Pretend... (Warning: Spoilers)

Before, I eveeeeen get started, let me say that I really do hope that anyone who reads this, disagrees with me and tells me why. I don't get paid for movie reviews and I certainly don't study the fine art of movie making. The level of disappointment and sadness that filled me as I left the theater might be wholly irrational. I mean, I have read pretty much all of the trade paperbacks for Aliens, Predator, AVP and own all of the movies. I am a fan of the franchise and that's why I hate that I hated the latest installment.

As I sit here watching James Cameron's turn in the series, "Aliens," I can't help wishing that HE had done the so called prequel. It is important to know that I was warned that Prometheus was not to be taken in the same vein as any of the other Alien films and so I blame part of my mood on by stubborn ignorance.

Let me just set up this shoddy review by stating the premise which is that two scientists embark on an epic journey with corporate backing fro the nefarious Weyland-Yutani corp. to find those who may have created humanity, our Gods, or makers per se. Yes there a lot of references to religion in the film and each one is more ironic than the next. Now, outside of the naivete of seemingly every character in the film except for Vicker's, the suit in charge of the expedition, everyone seems just a little too arrogant for me. They are so fixed on asking their Gods questions but not once does anyone ever question if they are evolved or intelligent enough to ask them questions.

I'm not even gonna talk about the lack of character development and the fact that no, I really didn't give a damn about who died and didn't in the film, but even the action sequences felt flat and dull. Who...Who builds a space ship with no projectile weapons? After the engines, that would be the second thing I designed for a space ship. Let me tell you if the Engineers/Space Jockeys/our makers were looking for a gauge for intelligence, we would have failed that test. Another one, did no one have a test tube? Why weren't extensive tests done on the black goo by someone other than just the robot? Oh yeah, so again with the intelligence test: If an Earth scientist who studies rocks, gets lost in a cave when he was the one responsible for bringing the mapping equipment in the first place then no...humans aren't winning brownie points. Also, if you just gave birth to Cthullu, wouldn't you want everyone to know about it, instead of chumming up with them? Yeah, not smart.

Hmm, being of the mind of someone who might want to observe God and contemplate, rather than think I'm equal enough to "ask" him a question, that may be why I really didn't like the movie. I mean who doesn't know that creation is both a beautiful and violent process? Anyone who watches the Discovery channel should get that nature is chaotic. So nooooone thought that out makers might be? Hmmm.

Going primal, defending oneself and humanity against creations of the Gods is a better summation for the franchise that deeming ourselves evolved enough to have tea with the Gods and it is certainly what separates the Alien franchise from Prometheus, for me. You see, in every other Alien film (the horror and the action ones) humanity has to cut out the bullshit, unit despite difference and go HOSTILE. Ripley wouldn't give a damn about asking the Engineers why they made us! She strap on a hand cannon and put concussion grenades in her belt pouches ans she would give them the business! Oh she didn't need stimulants to do it. (Don't even get me started on how a chick can be drugged, wake up from said drugs, fight off scientist who want to put her in cryo, escape to a medical pod, have a c-section to have Cthullu Jr. and then do a triathlon to ask the Engineers questions)

Ohhh this movie hurt my feeling. Even the main character, whose name I keep forgetting didn't even have the presence or common sense of Newt. If you asked me who I wanted to be in charge it would be the kid, because even she knows when to get the hell out of Dodge! Instead, the main character persists in her mission to interview beings who may have created us, but who wouldn't hesitate to annihilate us...did I mention she made friends with the android who seemed to hold humanity in contempt, the same android that wanted her to give birth to an Old One? For real? ForfuckingReal?

Okay so this movie is waaay too smart and deep for me, maybe? Maybe my hope of seeing a good SyFy Action Horror was misplaced. Sure Ridley Scott is a great director of epic films, but damn, this film was hardly in the same caliber of Gladiator, Blade Runner or even Kingdom of Heaven.

Was it a beautiful film? Yes, it is. Does it tie in a little bit with the franchise? I suppose. Should you see it if you love the Aliens franchise? Ugggh...No. Thankfully I own the Quadrilogy. Today will be spent wiping that film out of my mind with "Aliens" and the first "Predator" with Arnie.

Balticon Report 2012: The Perfect Geek Gathering

I always figured that if I had children then surely they would be geeks, and not just because of my massive B-movie monster film collection, my Godzilla action figures, sci-fi tomes or even the themes of my part-time job of providing content for The Den, but because my kid would see Mom geeking out all the time and would want to participate. As in, “Mom, can I try World of Warcraft? You’ve been playing all day,” or “Look Mom, I painted your model of King Ghidorah?” Alas, this year at Balticon, a Sci Fi/Fantasy and More convention, with so many friends bringing their Geeklings in training and so many older and even elderly Grand Geeks, it dawned on me how well developed Balticon is. There is something for ever sort of geek: Anime, Film, Music, Literature, Crafting, Gaming, Science and even a Children’s Programming. Even the guys at Endlight Entertainment were back with their Ninjas Versus Series. With such a broad range of fields, I’m sure that it would be a wonderful learning and socializing opportunity for children, elder’s and even nongeeks alike!

Taking place in Hunt Valley, MD up in Baltimore, Baltimore nowhere near as crowded as it should be. You won’t often find yourself suffering from claustrophobia, however seating in some of the small panel rooms can get a bit tight but only because the rooms themselves aren’t that big. It’s located close to a wonderful shopping center where food, toiletries, liquor and even a movie theater are readily available. A side trip to the Baltimore Harbor and Aquarium are easily possible. And last but certainly not least, you never know who you may be rubbing elbows with and what they may be able to teach.

This year, I attended quite a few panels on Writing and Reading specifically. Many were good and gave me several recommendations of titles and works to purchase or research, such as “The Sandkings” a short story by George R.R. Martin (who I shall see at Capclave I vow) and “Germline” by T.C. McCarthy who was generous enough to pass out free copies of his books to panel attendees. The panel on “How military Technology is Catching Up with Military SF Tech,” blew me away as I wished it was both longer and I found myself yearning to ask more than a million questions, while jotting down names such as Myke Cole, Bill Fawcett and Charles Edward Gannon. The panel on “Sex in Traditional Fantasy,” was highly insightful in distinguishing the line between the erotica that I write, the more developed fantasy that I want to write and the how both are viewed. Interestingly enough, Ms. Barbara Friend ish was there, of Mercury Retrograde Press who I had met before at a talk hosted by the Library of Congress. Listening to experts and writers is always a joy of mine as I jot down notes and search for ways to improve.

However, of all the events I attended, it was one based on the writing craft that stole the show for me this year, not because I never attend craft courses because I do, but this one resonated with me because truly it was worth the entire admission and stay at Balticon. Taught by the charismatic author Maria V. Snyder, whom I had never even heard of, the class “Poisons and Purple Cows” not only blew me away but encouraged me to buy two copies of her book “Poison Study,” and have them signed! Did I mention that I had never heard of her before and that I usually research things before purchasing? Mrs. Snyder is a mentor with the Masters in Creative Literature Program at Seton Hill (the college I attended before UMD) and getting not one but two free courses in writing was worth the registration fee for Balticon and then some!

Attending panels and talks, book launches and parties at Balticon is one thing, however there was another aspect of convention going that left me jazzed as well: Social Networking! While taking a break between panels, I met the daughter of the owner of Night Shade Industries. Bonding over drink and cigarettes I got several recommendations and ideas during the short span of time that we talked. She hooked me up with not only her kool-as-hell mom, Rose who I shall commission to make this: But they also hooked me up with a superb recommendation (and sampling) of mead, called Bunratty Mead, available for import at a select store in Annapolis.

While there were tons of fun, interesting tidbits and people that I met, unfortunately my addled brain can't recall it all. Will I be at Balticon next year. Surely. Will I see you there? Let me know.