Cynthia Sax's Blog, page 61
March 19, 2023
Muse Food – Creating Interesting Followers
We, writers, often talk about different types of leaders and different leadership skills. We strive to make these often main characters unique and interesting.
But leaders usually need followers. And there are as many types of followers are there are types of leaders.
The follower who follows commands badly is one of my favorite types. (grins)
I asked the Dear Wonderful Hubby to take a photo of an interesting bird.

THIS is the first photo he took. (laughs and shakes my head) He is such an agent of chaos.
He DID take additional photos showing the front of the bird but some people wouldn’t do that. They would feel they had followed instructions with this first photo.
And they HAD followed instructions. They had just followed the instructions badly.
Make your fictional followers as unique as your fictional leaders. And have some fun with their characters!
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Raw Desires
His human female is attempting to kill him.
This cyborg finds that adorable.
Raw, a K model cyborg, is one of the lucky warriors who has located his genetic match. He hears his human female’s voice over the communication lines and immediately processes she is his.
Winning her affections will be a greater challenge. Battle has always been Raw’s focus. The rough-and-tough warrior has no idea how to engage anyone’s tender emotions.
Fortunately, he isn’t alone in the universe. His unmatched male friends help him craft a plan.
All Raw has to do is relay a few unsettlingly sweet words to his female and give her the thoroughly unfunctional wall decoration he has obtained. He projects she will then jump into his big, strong arms and beg him to claim her.
Taytu isn’t jumping anywhere. She has one mission—kill every cyborg in existence.
The huge, handsome male traveling to meet with her is her first target. His rough hands, firm lips, and sparkling, energy-infused eyes won’t save him from her vengeance. She has trained vigorously for this moment, and she won’t fail at her assigned task.
The cyborg will die.
Raw Desires is an enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
Buy Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/raw-desires/id6443413750
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raw-desires-cynthia-sax/1142255510
March 18, 2023
Cynthia Sax Weekly Update – March 19th

I continue to work on the first draft of Strive For Forever, the fourth core story in the Cyborg Unity series (releasing in July).
Yes, it is a slow process. I’ve restarted the story a few times, seeking the best opening spot. I’ve chased a few wrong subplots.
My first drafts are always messy. (grins) But they are SO much fun to write.
And these false starts and wrong turns are ways for me to explore the cyborg world. I feel like I’m going on adventures!
Have a wonderful week, my friends. (big hugs) Spend an extra moment if you can in your comfy bed. Enjoy the changing of the seasons. Watch the wind blow through the branches of a tree. Be present. We only have one glorious life. We don’t know how long it will be. Cherish it. (more hugs)
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/

Raw Desires
His human female is attempting to kill him.
This cyborg finds that adorable.
Raw, a K model cyborg, is one of the lucky warriors who has located his genetic match. He hears his human female’s voice over the communication lines and immediately processes she is his.
Winning her affections will be a greater challenge. Battle has always been Raw’s focus. The rough-and-tough warrior has no idea how to engage anyone’s tender emotions.
Fortunately, he isn’t alone in the universe. His unmatched male friends help him craft a plan.
All Raw has to do is relay a few unsettlingly sweet words to his female and give her the thoroughly unfunctional wall decoration he has obtained. He projects she will then jump into his big, strong arms and beg him to claim her.
Taytu isn’t jumping anywhere. She has one mission—kill every cyborg in existence.
The huge, handsome male traveling to meet with her is her first target. His rough hands, firm lips, and sparkling, energy-infused eyes won’t save him from her vengeance. She has trained vigorously for this moment, and she won’t fail at her assigned task.
The cyborg will die.
Raw Desires is an enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
Buy Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/raw-desires/id6443413750
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raw-desires-cynthia-sax/1142255510
March 17, 2023
Raw Desires And Arrogance
Does Raw, the hero of Raw Desires, truly believe he’s one of the best warriors in the universe?
Yes. He believe that is true.
Because cyborgs were designed to be great warriors. And he operates at spec.
Which means he’s a great warrior.
But his arrogance is feigned because…
He doesn’t believe he’s special in that way. All fully functional cyborgs are great warriors.
And he doesn’t believe he has anything else to offer the universe. Fighting, he believes, is ALL he does well.
Taytu, his heroine, shows him he’s wrong about that. (grins)
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/

Raw Desires
His human female is attempting to kill him.
This cyborg finds that adorable.
Raw, a K model cyborg, is one of the lucky warriors who has located his genetic match. He hears his human female’s voice over the communication lines and immediately processes she is his.
Winning her affections will be a greater challenge. Battle has always been Raw’s focus. The rough-and-tough warrior has no idea how to engage anyone’s tender emotions.
Fortunately, he isn’t alone in the universe. His unmatched male friends help him craft a plan.
All Raw has to do is relay a few unsettlingly sweet words to his female and give her the thoroughly unfunctional wall decoration he has obtained. He projects she will then jump into his big, strong arms and beg him to claim her.
Taytu isn’t jumping anywhere. She has one mission—kill every cyborg in existence.
The huge, handsome male traveling to meet with her is her first target. His rough hands, firm lips, and sparkling, energy-infused eyes won’t save him from her vengeance. She has trained vigorously for this moment, and she won’t fail at her assigned task.
The cyborg will die.
Raw Desires is an enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
Buy Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/raw-desires/id6443413750
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raw-desires-cynthia-sax/1142255510
March 16, 2023
We Are All Lucky
Today is Saint Patrick’s Day, a day I associate with green, all things Irish and…
good luck.
We are all so very lucky, my friends. (big hugs)
We’re experiencing year 4 of a worldwide pandemic and we’re still here! Woot! That’s good luck right there.
We have access to the internet. We have stories to read and I have stories to write. We have each other. (more hugs) Hopefully, we have food to eat and a roof over our heads.
We live on the best planet in the solar system and perhaps in the universe. The air is breathable. Plants are growing all around us. There are fantastical creatures and a nourishing sun.
We are truly lucky.
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/

Raw Desires
His human female is attempting to kill him.
This cyborg finds that adorable.
Raw, a K model cyborg, is one of the lucky warriors who has located his genetic match. He hears his human female’s voice over the communication lines and immediately processes she is his.
Winning her affections will be a greater challenge. Battle has always been Raw’s focus. The rough-and-tough warrior has no idea how to engage anyone’s tender emotions.
Fortunately, he isn’t alone in the universe. His unmatched male friends help him craft a plan.
All Raw has to do is relay a few unsettlingly sweet words to his female and give her the thoroughly unfunctional wall decoration he has obtained. He projects she will then jump into his big, strong arms and beg him to claim her.
Taytu isn’t jumping anywhere. She has one mission—kill every cyborg in existence.
The huge, handsome male traveling to meet with her is her first target. His rough hands, firm lips, and sparkling, energy-infused eyes won’t save him from her vengeance. She has trained vigorously for this moment, and she won’t fail at her assigned task.
The cyborg will die.
Raw Desires is an enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
Buy Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/raw-desires/id6443413750
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raw-desires-cynthia-sax/1142255510
March 9, 2023
Interviewed At Amazing Stories

The always awesome Veronica Scott has interviewed me at Amazing Stories!
Here is a snippet…
***
VS for ASM.: What was the first SFR book you ever read and what did you like about it?
CS:: The first SciFi Romance I ever read was Warrior’s Woman by Johanna Lindsey. I loved her historical romances and had read everything she published. Warrior’s Woman was different but I loved it. The hero was a barbarian in space, which really appealed to me. I loved the intrepid warrior heroine. And her guidance system made me laugh. I was completely captured.
***
You can read the full interview here –
https://amazingstories.com/2023/02/profiles-in-science-fiction-romance-cynthia-sax-and-cyborgs/
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/

Raw Desires
His human female is attempting to kill him.
This cyborg finds that adorable.
Raw, a K model cyborg, is one of the lucky warriors who has located his genetic match. He hears his human female’s voice over the communication lines and immediately processes she is his.
Winning her affections will be a greater challenge. Battle has always been Raw’s focus. The rough-and-tough warrior has no idea how to engage anyone’s tender emotions.
Fortunately, he isn’t alone in the universe. His unmatched male friends help him craft a plan.
All Raw has to do is relay a few unsettlingly sweet words to his female and give her the thoroughly unfunctional wall decoration he has obtained. He projects she will then jump into his big, strong arms and beg him to claim her.
Taytu isn’t jumping anywhere. She has one mission—kill every cyborg in existence.
The huge, handsome male traveling to meet with her is her first target. His rough hands, firm lips, and sparkling, energy-infused eyes won’t save him from her vengeance. She has trained vigorously for this moment, and she won’t fail at her assigned task.
The cyborg will die.
Raw Desires is an enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
Buy Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/raw-desires/id6443413750
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raw-desires-cynthia-sax/1142255510
March 8, 2023
Throwback Thursday – Dark Strength

I absolutely LOVE Balvan.
The HUGE green giant of a gatekeeper at the Refuge is complicated…as many beings are. He loves to crush the skulls of his enemies under his big boot heels. But he also loves to rescue and care for small wounded creatures. He is so very gentle with them.
As he is gentle with Elyce, his wounded yet small human female. They are wonderful together!
Dark Strength
The Bigger They Are, The Harder They Fall.
Balvan, the Refuge’s Gatekeeper, is huge, green, and has a reputation for crushing skulls. He’s a modified humanoid, genetically designed to be the ultimate warrior. One of a kind and considered monstrous by many, he never expects to find his mate, the one female meant for him.
Elyce, snatched from her home half a solar cycle ago, has finally escaped her brutal captors. She arrives at the Refuge barely alive. Only a blood transfusion from the largest male she has ever seen will save her life. But it will also bind her to him forever. Staring up, up, up at him, she wonders why she wants to be free. His gentle touch revives yearnings she thought dead. His lips set her skin ablaze. His massive muscles make her feel safe.
That feeling could be an illusion. Elyce’s captors want their slave back and they won’t stop until they have her. To give his mate her freedom, Balvan might be forced to give up everything he has – his role as the Gatekeeper, Elyce’s love, and his life.
Dark Strength is a STANDALONE Alien SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes violent universe.
Buy Now:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Strength-Refuge-Book-3-ebook/dp/B078SYYWH5/
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Strength-Refuge-Book-3-ebook/dp/B078SYYWH5/
Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/Dark-Strength-Refuge-Book-3-ebook/dp/B078SYYWH5/
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/dark-strength/id1332249866
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-strength-cynthia-sax/1127772582
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/dark-strength
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/775942
March 7, 2023
The Ground Cracking All Around Us

Many buddies believed the crackled skin on the heroes on the Rebel Cyborg covers were inspired by zombie movies or dried river beds or simply dried skin.
Those were all factors. Definitely.
But it was also inspired by the soil after winter-frozen land thaws. The ground develops cracks.
I was reminded of that when I trekked around the back yard yesterday. (grins)
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/

Raw Desires
His human female is attempting to kill him.
This cyborg finds that adorable.
Raw, a K model cyborg, is one of the lucky warriors who has located his genetic match. He hears his human female’s voice over the communication lines and immediately processes she is his.
Winning her affections will be a greater challenge. Battle has always been Raw’s focus. The rough-and-tough warrior has no idea how to engage anyone’s tender emotions.
Fortunately, he isn’t alone in the universe. His unmatched male friends help him craft a plan.
All Raw has to do is relay a few unsettlingly sweet words to his female and give her the thoroughly unfunctional wall decoration he has obtained. He projects she will then jump into his big, strong arms and beg him to claim her.
Taytu isn’t jumping anywhere. She has one mission—kill every cyborg in existence.
The huge, handsome male traveling to meet with her is her first target. His rough hands, firm lips, and sparkling, energy-infused eyes won’t save him from her vengeance. She has trained vigorously for this moment, and she won’t fail at her assigned task.
The cyborg will die.
Raw Desires is an enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
Buy Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/raw-desires/id6443413750
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raw-desires-cynthia-sax/1142255510
March 6, 2023
Raw Desires And The State Of The Humanoid Alliance
In Under Strain, story 2 in the Rebel Cyborgs series, the cyborgs discovered a countdown ‘clock’ on a Humanoid Alliance space station.
The countdown had roughly four solar cycles left on it. The guess was that would be the date the Humanoid Alliance struck back, waging war against the cyborgs and other resistance.
Is that timing still applicable?
I don’t believe it was applicable before the events in Raw Desires.
The cyborgs have commandeered their space stations. That would mess up the Humanoid Alliance’s plans.
After the events in Raw Desires, the Humanoid Alliance’s situation has worsened.
Their leadership is in complete disarray. Numerous commanders are battling for the top role. Some of the forerunners are dying. Their various headquarters are being attacked.
The Humanoid Alliance’s violent return will be delayed.
But it WILL happen. Eventually.
The cyborgs have to prepare for that.
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/

Raw Desires
His human female is attempting to kill him.
This cyborg finds that adorable.
Raw, a K model cyborg, is one of the lucky warriors who has located his genetic match. He hears his human female’s voice over the communication lines and immediately processes she is his.
Winning her affections will be a greater challenge. Battle has always been Raw’s focus. The rough-and-tough warrior has no idea how to engage anyone’s tender emotions.
Fortunately, he isn’t alone in the universe. His unmatched male friends help him craft a plan.
All Raw has to do is relay a few unsettlingly sweet words to his female and give her the thoroughly unfunctional wall decoration he has obtained. He projects she will then jump into his big, strong arms and beg him to claim her.
Taytu isn’t jumping anywhere. She has one mission—kill every cyborg in existence.
The huge, handsome male traveling to meet with her is her first target. His rough hands, firm lips, and sparkling, energy-infused eyes won’t save him from her vengeance. She has trained vigorously for this moment, and she won’t fail at her assigned task.
The cyborg will die.
Raw Desires is an enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
Buy Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/raw-desires/id6443413750
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raw-desires-cynthia-sax/1142255510
March 5, 2023
Muse Food – First Impressions
One of the (many) scenes I love to write is when a local population first encounters a visitor from another planet. Their reaction says SO much about their culture and their history.
If they host off planet visitors quite often, for example, they might be super casual about it. They might not note the visitor’s arrival.
If they have never encountered anyone hostile, they might be extremely friendly, rushing to happily greet the being. Sort of like how this adorable donkey rushed to greet me.

If they HAVE encountered hostile beings, they might hide or they might attack the newcomer. Sort of like how our militaries have been blowing up the unknown objects in our skies.
The arrival scene conveys SO much. It is often very important to our stories.
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/

Raw Desires
His human female is attempting to kill him.
This cyborg finds that adorable.
Raw, a K model cyborg, is one of the lucky warriors who has located his genetic match. He hears his human female’s voice over the communication lines and immediately processes she is his.
Winning her affections will be a greater challenge. Battle has always been Raw’s focus. The rough-and-tough warrior has no idea how to engage anyone’s tender emotions.
Fortunately, he isn’t alone in the universe. His unmatched male friends help him craft a plan.
All Raw has to do is relay a few unsettlingly sweet words to his female and give her the thoroughly unfunctional wall decoration he has obtained. He projects she will then jump into his big, strong arms and beg him to claim her.
Taytu isn’t jumping anywhere. She has one mission—kill every cyborg in existence.
The huge, handsome male traveling to meet with her is her first target. His rough hands, firm lips, and sparkling, energy-infused eyes won’t save him from her vengeance. She has trained vigorously for this moment, and she won’t fail at her assigned task.
The cyborg will die.
Raw Desires is an enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
Buy Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/raw-desires/id6443413750
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raw-desires-cynthia-sax/1142255510
March 4, 2023
Cynthia Sax Weekly Update – March 5th

I spent the week with the Dear Wonderful Hubby, watching movies, puttering around the yard, having the laughs. It was GLORIOUS. And so very relaxing.
I’m energized for a week of writing. (grins) I’m still working on the first draft of Strive For Forever, the fourth story in the Cyborg Unity series (releasing in July).
Have a wonderful week, my friends. (tackle hugs) Smell the flowers. Bake cookies. Admire the covers of all the romance novels you’ve collected on your eReader. Enjoy the little moments in this awesome life.!
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/

Raw Desires
His human female is attempting to kill him.
This cyborg finds that adorable.
Raw, a K model cyborg, is one of the lucky warriors who has located his genetic match. He hears his human female’s voice over the communication lines and immediately processes she is his.
Winning her affections will be a greater challenge. Battle has always been Raw’s focus. The rough-and-tough warrior has no idea how to engage anyone’s tender emotions.
Fortunately, he isn’t alone in the universe. His unmatched male friends help him craft a plan.
All Raw has to do is relay a few unsettlingly sweet words to his female and give her the thoroughly unfunctional wall decoration he has obtained. He projects she will then jump into his big, strong arms and beg him to claim her.
Taytu isn’t jumping anywhere. She has one mission—kill every cyborg in existence.
The huge, handsome male traveling to meet with her is her first target. His rough hands, firm lips, and sparkling, energy-infused eyes won’t save him from her vengeance. She has trained vigorously for this moment, and she won’t fail at her assigned task.
The cyborg will die.
Raw Desires is an enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
Buy Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0BFG8W5JM
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/raw-desires/id6443413750
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raw-desires-cynthia-sax/1142255510