Robyn Bachar's Blog, page 13

NaNoWriMo 2014 Prep: 3 Simple Tips for Slaying your Word Count

National Novel Writing Month is almost upon us! It's my favorite time of the year. I have four published NaNo novels (Blood, Smoke and Mirrors; Bewitched, Blooded and Bewildered; Poison in the Blood; and Sunsinger), and though I haven't won NaNo every year I always make an attempt. I'm still on the fence about whether I'll be working on Harrison's book or the sequel to Bite Me this year. We'll see...

My previous NaNo posts can be found here. I've covered topics from describing my past NaNo experiences to offering tips on plotting and using tropes in your novel, but today I'll be talking about hitting your daily word count. To achieve NaNoWriMo glory you must cross the 50k word finish line by November 30th. The simplest way to ensure this is to set a daily word count goal of 1,667 words. (Aside, Thanksgiving will almost always mess you up, so it's best to plan ahead and bank some extra words before the holiday hits.)

Word Count Slayage Tip 1: NaNoWriMo, meet HabitRPG

I love HabitRPG. It's a simple, free site that allows you to treat your life like a role-playing game. (This is an old pic of my character. Now I'm level 34!) Habit allows you to create your own customized daily tasks, habits, and to do lists. I use it both for writing and everyday tasks. If I write 1k words, I get xp. Do the dishes, get xp. Walk the dog, get xp. You get the idea.

For the gamer-minded author, HabitRPG is a great way to stay motivated to finish your work-in-progress. People often ask me, "What do you win with NaNoWriMo?" Satisfaction! But if you're a NaNoer and a HabitRPGer, then you get satisfaction and experience points. ;)

Word Count Slayage Tip 2: Word War!

If you have a competitive mindset, then word wars are a great way to increase your word count. You set a specific amount of time (like an hour), and the person who writes the most words within that time period wins the war. My BFF Diana and I used to bet sandwiches--the loser would have to pay for the winner's sandwich the next time we went to our favorite coffee shop.

Many authors on Twitter like to do 1k/1hr challenges, where they recruit other writers to join them in trying to write 1,000 words in one hour. Or you could follow @NaNoWordSprints on Twitter for crazy writing prompts and extra motivation.

Word Count Slayage Tip 3: Turn off the Internet

It's easy to fall down the research rabbit hole when working on a new novel. The temptation to stop and look up dates, place names, and other interesting tidbits can turn into hours of distraction. And the Internet will always try to lure you away with promises of adorable cat videos, important FB status updates, and emails that magically appear in your inbox when you're trying to write. If you're easily distracted, then turn your Internet connection off. All the way off. Hell, unplug your modem if you can. Set a timer, apply butt to chair, and write. When you're done you can reward yourself with lolcats. ;)

Before NaNo starts I'll post about writing exercises and story mapping, so please check back for more NaNo tips. Have some favorite tips to share? Please post them in the comments!

Want to win a free signed copy of Poison in the Blood? Enter the Goodreads giveaway!

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Goodreads Book Giveaway Poison in the Blood by Robyn Bachar Giveaway ends October 31, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win

Author Thursday: Interview with Sheryl Nantus

I'm super thrilled to have one of my favorite authors as today's guest--Sheryl Nantus! I love all of her series. (Like super heroes? You should read the Blaze of Glory books. A shapeshifter fan? Try Blood of the Pride. Sci-fi romance? Browncoat? Read Into the Black.)

Sheryl is here to promote her second Tales from the Edge book, which is awesome. Enjoy. :)


1. Congrats on your second Tales from the Edge book! What can readers look forward to in In the Void?

In The Void tells Sean's story and how he ended up as a Mercy man. Everyone may love a Mercy man or a Mercy woman but very few know how he or she arrived there – and Sean's got his own past.

When the Bonnie Belle rescues a ship's survivor he discovers that he still has the capacity for love – but he's got to fight for it. And I'm not just talking about mental battles – pirates want Catherine Rogers dead and they're willing to go to any extent to do it, including destroying the Bonnie Belle and everyone on her.
2. I loved Sean in In the Black, and I’m thrilled that he got his own book. What inspired you to create him?

Sean… ah, Sean. Who doesn't love a sweet Irish fellow? When he started talking to Sam during In the Black I knew he had his own story and his own journey to make. He's based loosely on Pierce Brosnan, an actor I've loved for years – all the way back to Remington Steele! It was easy to imagine him as Sean and easier to write his story with such a handsome fellow demanding my attention…

3. Will there be more Tales from the Edge stories?

Yes, one way or another. The next book will be April's story and then Kendra's – and the events of the first two books will affect everyone and everything as the Tales continue.

Let's just say that no good deed goes unpunished…

4. Who are your top three favorite authors?

Oh, Lordy… so many….

J.D. Robb and her "In Death" series. I love Eve and Roake SO much… I can say Nora Roberts too, right? I mean, it's her *other* name but… *laughs*

And for number three… hmm… I've got so many authors. I do love the classics and turn back to my well worn copy of "The Jungle Book" every now and then or some Basho haiku… er, I'll take a pass on that one!

5. What are you working on now?

Right now I'm working on the next Tales book. I'm also dabbling in another field I don't usually write in so I'd rather not say… but it's technically still romance!

You can find out more about Sheryl at these links:
Website: http://www.sherylnantus.com Twitter: @SherylNantus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSherylNantus In The Void

Book two of Tales from the Edge

Catherine Rodgers doesn't like Mercy spaceships, or the courtesans who work on them—not after her husband left her for a Mercy woman. But after her luxurious transport ship gets blown up to prevent her from cracking the lid off a corporate scam that's left hundreds dead and a few people very rich, the only vessel around to save her is the Bonnie Belle.

Sean Harrison has worked as one of the Belle's courtesans for years, bringing happiness to countless women along the space lanes. When he's asked to look after Catherine while the Belle brings her to safety, it should be just another job. Somehow it's anything but.

Sean is captivated by Catherine's sense of justice and responsibility. And Catherine finds a softer, more emotionally intelligent man in Sean than she expected. Drawn together in darkness under the threat of death, they find the beginning of something lasting. But with pirates after the Belle and a price on Catherine's head, that beginning might be all they get.

Author Thursday: Interview with Vivi Andrews

My guest today is fellow Samhain author Vivi Andrews. Her new sexy shapeshifter romance Taming the Lion is out now! And look at that gorgeous cover! Is it warm in here?



1. What flavor is your writing? (Contemporary? Spicy? Action? Space odyssey? Ninjas? All of the above?)

I write paranormal in a variety of flavors, but lately I’ve been focusing on my sexy shape-shifter romances at the Lone Pine Pride—a secret community full of lions and tigers and bears… among others.

2. Where do you get your inspiration?

Everywhere. Is that a cop-out answer? I can say that I get my best ideas in the car, in the shower, or right before I fall asleep—essentially anytime I can’t write them down—but they just seem to come flying out of the ether and hit me upside the head. Darned if I know where they come from.
3. What is your favorite thing about writing paranormal romance?

I’ve always loved the idea that there is more in us than what we know, if we just believe in ourselves and let it out (though maybe not an actual lioness, that’s more of a metaphor). ;) My favorite thing is exploring those possibilities. Pushing at the bounds of what we can be – and playing a giant game of What If to see what would happen if the world were as magical as it can be in my mind.

4. What are you reading now or what books do you have in your TBR pile?

Right now I’m reading Larissa Ione’s Lords of Deliverance series about the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. The world she’s built in that series is so incredibly rich and deliciously dangerous and just a little morally grey – which I love. My TBR pile is, unfortunately, so massive and teetering it will probably crush me in a landslide of books someday. So many books, so little time…

5. What are you working on now?

Right now I am hard at work on the fifth book in the Lone Pine Pride series. The second book, Taming the Lion, just released on Tuesday (squeeeee!!!!), but there is no rest for the wicked, so I’m elbows deep in a murky first draft of the book that will someday be the fifth of the series, Tangling with the Tiger. Wish me luck!

You can find out more about Vivi Andrews at these links:
Website: http://www.viviandrews.com/ Twitter: @ViviAndrews Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/viviandrews Taming the Lion

When she’s in heat, there’s no cooling down.

Wilderness guide and cougar-shifter Patricia “Patch” Fontaine has known the dangers of lone-shifter life since she was ten, when her parents mysteriously vanished. All grown up now, she thrives on her hard-won independence.

When rumors of a new rash of shifter abductions crop up, she’s forced to come home to the Lone Pine Pride for protection—right as the man she’s always secretly wanted is about to marry her best friend. And right as she’s going into heat.

Roman Jaeger values his role as Alpha heir apparent, but he isn’t thrilled about his arranged marriage to the Alpha’s daughter—especially when his bride is just as nonplussed as he is—but he’ll do his duty for the pride. Seeing Patch again challenges his noblest intentions. The wildness in her sets him on fire, and he can’t resist the chance for one last fling.

Both know a future together is impossible. But when chemistry and sowing wild oats grows into a need deeper than lust, their bond could threaten the very heart of the pride they both love.

Warning: This book contains a strong sexy Alpha-to-be, an independent cougar-shifter who knows her way around a lion’s heart, secret affairs, arranged marriages, politics, passion, and a pride full of lions and tigers and bears. Oh my.

Read an excerpt at http://www.viviandrews.com/tamingthelion.html

Available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Author Thursday: Interview with Shannyn Schroeder

Today's guest is author Shannyn Schroeder. The first book in her Hot and Nerdy trilogy releases September 29th, and that may be the best series name ever. Love it. :) Shannyn read an excerpt from Her Best Shot at the August Lady Jane's Salon--Naperville, and it was awesome. I'm excited to have her here today.

1. What flavor is your writing? (Contemporary? Spicy? Action? Space odyssey? Ninjas? All of the above?)

I write contemporary romance on the spicy side.

2. Where do you get your inspiration?

I get inspiration from everywhere. I watch TV (way too much), I read, and I watch people. Sometimes, it’s a small thing that will be a springboard for a character and then I let my imagination take over.
3. What was your favorite part about writing the Hot and Nerdy books?

This is a tough one to answer. I think the research was probably the most fun for me. I have a math geek who learns how to play pool. The guy teaching her is a gypsy. I have a gamer/hacker girl who meets up with an old boyfriend at a Comic Con. I have a science nerd who makes her own perfume who meets a teacher on plane.

I have exactly zero experience with all of the above (except for the teacher). I had to research everything and it was a ton of fun. No, I don’t play pool or video games, and I still can’t make my own perfume, but I learned a lot of stuff about each of those things.

4. What are you reading now, or what books do you have in your TBR pile?

So, so, so many things in my TBR pile. I suffer from the dreaded disease one-click syndrome. I continuously purchase far too many books for my Kindle than I will actually ever be able to read. Right now I’m just starting Shannon Stacey’s Taken With You (Kowalskis #8). I’m a book behind on this series, but it’s easily one of my favorite series.

5. What are you working on now?

At the moment, I’m under deadline drafting the last of the O’Leary books, my contemporary romance series. This is Maggie’s story. She’s the youngest of the O’Learys and hers is a friends-to-lovers story.

You can find out more about Shannyn at these links:
Website: http://www.shannynschroeder.com Twitter: @SSchroeder_Facebook
Her Best Shot

With college graduation looming, three childhood friends vow to make spring break their last blast of pure fun. But at least one of them didn’t count on such incredible heat…

Layla Sharpe is definitely more math ninja than bikini babe, and her future has been calculated with razor precision. Convinced to let loose over spring break, Layla is finally ready to party—until her car breaks down halfway to her destination, leaving her stranded in Georgia with a mouthwateringly hot pool shark. She knows more than enough about angles to learn the game, but this week she wants him to appreciate her curves…

Phin Marks has never met a girl like Layla. She’s more Star Wars geek than seductress, and when he offers her a place to stay while her car is in the shop, he’s counting on the attraction between them to set the nights ablaze, no strings attached. But every moment he spends with Layla makes it harder to let her go. Can he persuade her to gamble in the most dangerous way possible…on forever?

Morningstar: Cy'ren Rising Book 2 VBT and Giveaway

The second Cy'ren Rising book, Morningstar, is out now! I'm celebrating with a virtual book tour, and I'll be giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner at the end of the tour.

The first book in the series, Nightfall, is currently available as a free read at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, All Romance eBooks, Kobo, Samhain Publishing, and the iTunes store. Morningstar is available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Samhain Publishing, and the iTunes store. Here's the Morningstar blurb:

The second son.

Lieutenant Commander Jace Harrow is the second son of House Morningstar—the spare, not the heir. Armored with an arrogant mask, Jace keeps the world at arm’s length to protect those around him from becoming targets for his bloodthirsty brother.

The broken sword.

Lieutenant Bryn Viera was a shadow sword and a decorated officer, dedicated to protecting her people. But for the past five years she has lived as a slave and has the scars to prove it. Bryn vowed to escape or die trying—until she met Sabine.

The slave.

Born into slavery, Sabine never expected to fall in love. Her feelings for Bryn sparked her desire for a new life, but now Sabine is in phase, consumed by the need to mate with a male. Her dream of freedom with Bryn is on the brink of destruction, for to deny the phase means death.

Thrown together by the unforgiving demands of the phase, they must unite to save Cyprena’s people from a deadly new bioweapon—or be destroyed by the scars of their pasts.

Warning: Contains an arrogant officer with a weakness for having his hair pulled, an insatiable empath, and a badass warrior woman who form a male-female-female threesome sizzling enough to melt your shields.Here are the tour stops:
September 22: Carly's Book ReviewsSeptember 23: Danita MinnisSeptember 23: Books to Light Your FireSeptember 24: RhiReadingSeptember 25: Musings of a WriterSeptember 26: Wickedly Wanton TalesSeptember 29: Happily Ever AfterSeptember 30: Words of Wisdom from The Scarf PrincessSeptember 30: Ye Olde InkwellOctober 1: Dena Garson - Real... Hot... RomanceOctober 2: A Book Addict's DelightOctober 3: Mia DowningOctober 6: Booklover SueOctober 7: SBM Book ObsessionOctober 8: Behind Closed DoorsOctober 9: Long and Short ReviewsOctober 10: My Odd Little WorldAnd here are a few early review quotes:

"I completely love this series. The action is exciting, the sabotage and political conspiracies are intense, and the romance is hot. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series." --Vanessa, The Jeep Diva, 4-star review

"I can't gush enough about how each character drew me in. I felt something for their individual plight, and the author did a superb job making me care with every flip of the page. The space battles had my nerves on end, and I actually worried a few times that something truly horrific was around the corner for the trio." --Tricia Skinner, Geeks in High School blog, 4.5-star review

"This series was my first outing in this genre. I first found “Nightfall” and I was hooked. ... Morningstar focus on Jace Harrow- the swarthy Lieutenant Commander. He did come off as stoic and a bit arrogant at first- but that was just the surface; underneath he is a maelstrom of passions. As well as being a very erotic tale, the back story is enough to satisfy any sci-fi geek girl." --Robyn Koshel, Elder Park Book Reviews, 4-star review

Author Thursday: Guest Post by Yolanda Sfetsos

Today I'm excited to welcome back Yolanda Sfetsos as an Author Thursday guest. She's talking about two of my favorite things--sci-fi romance and Guardians of the Galaxy. Enjoy. :)

Hello, it's great to be here. I’d like to thank Robyn for helping me celebrate the release of Recast, Volume 1. This is actually the first print edition for my SFR series, and includes the first two books.

Today, I’d like to chat about that new Sci-Fi movie that everyone is talking about. ;)

A few weeks ago, we went to see Guardians of the Galaxy . It was a movie I’d been looking forward to watching since the first teaser trailer was released. It seemed like a fun flick, and the characters were fascinating. I was so intrigued that I actually started reading a few of the comic books, and liked what I read. Only problem is, it made me anticipate the release of the movie even more.

Well, I’m happy to report that after watching an advanced screening, the movie turned out to be even better than I thought it would be. It was amazing. And I’m not just talking about the visuals. I’m talking about the story, the wit, the characterization, the fun and adventure—everything about it was brilliant.

I couldn’t get it out of my head for days. Even now, every time I think about the movie or listen to the soundtrack, I can’t wait to see it again. And we intend to go as soon as the crowds thin out a bit…

Anyway, watching such an exciting movie led me back to my own writing and reading. I realized that the reason why this movie affected me so much is because it included everything that I enjoy in Sci-Fi. It was gritty, took place in exotic locations, there were plenty of scoundrels and assassins, overlords, and an object of power. Even more importantly, it featured a bunch of lost souls who at first seem selfish and greedy but show a lot of heart and spirit when it really counts. And that’s something I’ve tried to inject into my own SFR series.

Just like in Guardians, the stakes in my Recast world are high. The danger levels are also dangerously dark, but no matter what’s going on, there’s always enough snarky banter to go around. Or some shared passion between the characters. I think it’s possible to tell a fun story even when dealing with serious issues. I love to see a good balance of both.

And that’s why I love writing the Recast series so much. This is my chance to tell the story of a bunch of people, creatures and aliens living in my very own fictional galaxy. They all have their own hopes and fears, dreams and secrets, enough chemistry to raise the heat levels, and enjoy a little fun along the way.

What about you? How do you like your Sci-Fi? And, have you seen Guardians of the Galaxy yet?

Thanks for reading,

Yolanda

You can find out more about Yolanda at these links:
Website: http://www.yolandasfetsos.com/ Twitter: @yolandasfetsos Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/yolandasfetsos When betrayal, revenge, secrets and lust collide, there can only be chaos.

WITHER
Recast, Book 1

Wrangling is in Colt’s blood, but the woman he loved wasn’t easily tied down. Now a mysterious client has him wrangling someone who may not be human. Colt doesn’t care as long as he gets paid.

Colt could solve or multiply Brynn’s problems. She doesn’t expect him to understand why she left, but she needs his help. Colt looks as good as she remembers, and even after years, their mutual lust is alive.

Desire strips away secrets. A secret that could be their death sentence…

CLASH
Recast, Book 2

Half-Recast Ace Abu is determined to get to Fray and destroy the Clash Arena. When he finds a barstool in Grit, he’s ready for a few beers, but the sexy singer on stage only makes him burn hotter.

Ely’Shea longs for freedom. When the boss is away she indulges her passions. That night she catches a glimpse of an alluring cowboy.

Unable to resist temptation, they’re consumed by passion…but once the fuses are set, their deepest secrets could blow any chance of forever to hell.

Product Warnings: Contains shapeshifters, space cowboys, female sheriffs, singers, double lives, and so many secrets it can only end in total madness.

Wife. Mother. Writer. Bibliophile. Dreamer. Animal lover. Intrigued by the supernatural. Horror freak. Zombie enthusiast. Movie & music fan. Slave to her muse.

Yolanda lives in Sydney, Australia with her awesome husband, lovely daughter, and cheeky cat.

The Quest Episode 1-6 Recap: A Traitor in Saenctum

"After tonight we're half of what we started with." --Paladin Patrick

Yup. Time flies when you're saving the kingdom.

When we last left our heroes, they were hiding from the spy orb! Sir Ansgar warns that the person (warlock) controlling it must be very close. Crio arrives to hide with the group, then they split, some with Ansgar and some with Crio, to find who is controlling the orb. The Grand Vizier spots the culprit! And he is tackled. But the minion is holding a fire orb! Everyone panics.

Sir Ansgar disarms the orb. Whew! The hooded figure is...someone Ansgar knows, but isn't telling us about yet. Turns out that there are seven missing detonators. The paladins search their rooms for the missing orbs--seven orbs and seven paladins. Hmm...but they don't find anything.

Sunrise! The guards found three fire orbs overnight, but four are still missing. It's challenge time, which involves falconry! Magic falconry! Finally, a cool, unique challenge! The paladins use magic masks to see through the eyes of the falcon to aid in the search for the missing orbs.

Andrew books it to the battle dome with Lina hot on his heels. Shondo heads to the moat, followed by Patrick and Leticia. Bonnie sees the doors the siege challenge took place at and heads there. Adria is patient and waits for the last location. Lina finds the battle dome orb. Then Bonnie gets one, w00t! Though it's one that Leticia overlooked, much to her chagrin. Adria misses the orb, and she was the only one at that location. Shondo finds one, also w00t! Patrick tears apart the obstacle Adria had been standing on earlier and he finds the orb she missed. Andrew, Leticia, Adria are in the bottom. Lina earns her second mark.

The group heads to the dungeon to interrogate the traitor, who looks just like Grima Wormtongue.

Dark magic. Not even once.
Sir Ansgar is pissed! The prisoner threatens that the darkness is coming for the paladins. Patrick loots his pack and finds maps. The paladins return to their common room to put the map pieces together like a puzzle. They realize that it's incomplete, and is possibly part of two different maps.

"Awoo, I'm a lone wolf, baby." --Paladin Shondo

The paladins arrive at the Fates to find that the Fates have completed the map, and in a Raiders of the Ark challenge they have to align swords to form a beam of light to reveal the spot Verlox is going to attack.

Andrew is convinced he's going home. Earlier he revealed that he has ADHD, and he's concerned that the hero can't be someone who isn't focused. During the course of the challenge Andrew overcomes his fear, takes his time, and wins! Though I like Leticia and Adria more, I was proud of his accomplishment.

It's a damn tough choice between Adria and Leticia. They're both strong competitors, and it's a close vote, but Leticia gets 3 to Adria's 2. I was sad to see Adria go, but I think Leticia will continue to do well.

Back at the castle, the peasants are peasanting and the guards are guarding. Sir Ansgar brings drinks to the paladins and hangs out. They ask him about his love life. He had a wife once, who was pregnant and died in childbirth. The rugged commander with an angsty emotional past appeals to my inner romance novelist like WHOA DAMN!

Yes, Sir Ansgar. Please tell me more about your broken heart.
Leticia asks how he knows the traitor (who is named Herra, apparently). Ansgar and Herra were soldiers together and saved each other's lives on the battlefield. Sir Ansgar hasn't seen him in years. The paladins toast to Ansgar. Then there is an explosion! Fire! Verlox is there! Sh!t just got real!

Next time, they flee into the forest, and there is camp!

Robyn's Random Thoughts
OMG you guys, I am so excited for camp! Camp is the time for adventurers to hang out and share backstories, so I'm hoping we get more of Sir Ansgar's angst and perhaps some quality Grand Vizier time. Maybe another Bonnie the Bard ballad.Two non-strength-related challenges! YES. So good. More please!What the heck is Herra suffering from that Wormtongueified him? I assume he didn't always look that way. Unless he's a half-orc. Did he poison the queen? He didn't directly confess, and hinted that there are more conspirators in the castle.Related, other than being "the darkness", what is up with Verlox? Why does he want to take over? What is he offering to make people join Team Evil? One of my author pet peeves is villains who are evil just for the hell of it. A good villain has a compelling motivation. So what's his?

The Quest Episode 1-5 Recap: Under Siege

"Christian hasn't shown the traits to be the one true hero. The one true hero should no matter what show honesty and loyalty." --Paladin Andrew

We open the episode with a red shirt warning that there is an ogre at the drawbridge!

No, not that ogre.
Panic ensues. Sir Ansgar orders the paladins to grab a scorpion, disassemble it and bring it to the top of the wall. I am immediately excited like OMG A SCORPION YES! Because I love me some siege weapons, and I'm nostalgic for Dark Age of Camelot, where my character stormed many a keep. While the paladins fumble about trying to reassemble the scorpion, Sir Ansgar runs off to melee the ogre like a proper tank. Ansgar shouts repeatedly for the paladins to shoot the ogre, but the paladins panic and are made of fail. Thankfully Sir Ansgar owns the ogre and is victorious. Shondo is impressed, because Shondo is awesome.

Post-ogre-ownage, the Grand Vizier enters. He is not impressed and is fabulous in his disappointment. The club can't even handle him right now.
The paladins face a semi-capture-the-flag challenge. First teams build up their defenses, and then they storm the other team's door. Again, this evokes DAoC nostalgia. The DAoC end-game revolved around taking enemy keeps (and ideally stealing their magical relics). My characters hauled many components for battering rams.

Team Lina is comprised of Shondo, Andrew and Leticia, and Team Christian has Bonnie, Adria and Patrick. Christian did not pick Andrew, hurting Andrew's feelings (bromance in jeopardy!), but also raising suspicion as to Christian's motives. I immediately suspect that Christian chose his team in order to get one of his teammates picked off, explaining why he didn't pick his buddy--to keep Andrew safe. But then it's BATTERING RAM TIME!

"Our first swing was the biggest fail in the history of the world." --Paladin Shondo

It's okay, Shondo. Unless you're a geek like me, you probably aren't familiar with siege weapon operation.

Team Lina captured the flag! And then Christian admitted (to the camera) that he picked his team to fail.

The Doctor sees what you did there.
Afterward, it's sparring time again in the courtyard. (In a cut-scene there were random wolfhounds in the background, and I was filled with giant puppy squee.) Christian is predictably smarmy and explains why his team failed with random excuses. He's all, "I take full responsibility." Uh huh. The other paladins are dubious.

The Fates' challenge is a little weird, involving the bottom four being locked inside individual iron cages, then having to heft the cage and maneuver it through an obstacle course. Oh joy, another strength-based challenge. The men immediately take off, and no one is surprised. (Enough with the strength challenges already! Ugh.)

Patrick wins immunity. No one at all is surprised, but he is injured along the way. Bonnie attempts to tough it out to the end of the challenge (because Bonnie is awesome) but she is hurt. Nooooooooooo! After they free her Patrick hulk smashes the cage she was in. I kinda want to hug him.

Christian continues to be smarmy. I yell expletives at the TV. But then, CHRISTIAN IS GONE! There was much rejoicing. Christian is shocked. I do a happy dance.


Back at the castle, it's trade skill time again (they are going to be awesome at wood crafting by the end of this). Sir Ansgar teases Patrick about his war wound. Patrick supports Bonnie's awesomeness despite her injury, and Ansgar singles out Bonnie to see if she can hold a sword, which she can.

Sir Ansgar he teaches the paladins the finer points of fletching, and we learn that Bonnie wrote him a song! She offers to sing it for him, and Sir Ansgar gathers the troops so Bonnie can sing. Dude, it's totally a drinking song. SO GOOD!

But then stuff is on fire! Everyone hides, and discover that a spy orb is loose in the castle. (They're fighting a World of Warcraft warlock. I always liked that spell. It was fun to case when you're bored in a dungeon.)

Robyn's Random Thoughts
There were back-to-back episodes aired last week, and I'm going to post my recap of the second one tomorrow. It's good stuff. (The episode, not my recap. Well, maybe both.)No, really. No more strength challenges. Frodo couldn't have passed them, and that would've sucked for Middle Earth. The bulk of your muscles shouldn't define whether or not you can save the kingdom in a fantasy setting.So glad that Christian was voted off. This isn't Survivor. Back-stabbing and manipulation might win there, but they shouldn't win in Everealm.

Author Thursday: Interview with Greta van der Rol

I'm pleased to have Greta van der Rol as my guest today. Like last week's guest, Greta is a member of the SFR Brigade and is included in the Nebula Nights boxed set. (I have my copy! It's only $0.99, people!) Greta is an Australian author who posts gorgeous photos of the lorikeets in her backyard on Facebook, which I am completely envious of. The most interesting birds we get around here are the occasional blue jay.

1. What flavor is your writing? (Contemporary? Historical? Spicy? Action? Space odyssey? Ninjas? All of the above?)

Most of my books are action-packed space operas, but I've written two paranormal romances (Black Tiger and White Tiger) and a historical fiction novel which was actually the first of my books published.
2. What inspired your Ptorix Empire stories?

I suppose there were a number of factors. I was a Star Wars tragic, as well as a reader of anything in the hard SF line. Star Wars was great – as long as you ignored the science. I thought I'd like to write something a bit like that, with better science and some real aliens that were not humanoids. I put a lot of thought into my alien Ptorix, and the reasons why they would be in conflict with humans.

The actual plot of the Iron Admiral: Conspiracy is loosely based on a real event. In 1939 Hitler's secret service contrived an attack by Polish soldiers on a radio station in Germany. Hitler used that apparent transgression as his excuse to invade Poland. So in IA:C, the story starts with a stand-off between the Ptorix and humans, over an incident where Ptorix miners have been slaughtered. Admiral Saahren is sacked in an attempt to placate the Ptorix. And read on from there :)

3. What is your favorite thing about writing sci-fi romance?

There's so much scope. You can come up with deep space plots with action on an airless asteroid, or you can investigate different social systems which have developed on different human planets. You can come up with alien societies, or consider the impact of machine intelligence. And through all of that, there will still be romance. Because that's how humans work, isn't it? Love and sex and all that stuff is everywhere, all the time.

4. What are you reading now or what books do you have in your TBR pile?

I've just finished reading a few books where the heroine is a high-functioning autistic person. She's a very smart lady with very few social skills. Because of her social limitations, she has become an expert in body language and non-verbal communication. The books are written in first person and the description of this woman's methods of coping and understanding the world are fascinating. I have one more of those to read.

I'll be reading Corinne Kilgore's Ghost in the Machine very soon.

5. What are you working on now?

I'm working on the next installment of Morgan's Misfits, which is a spin-off from my Morgan Selwood stories. The first book was Kuralon Rescue. These books look at the limitations of Manesai society and the impact this highly structured, male-dominated society has on women. Each book stars a group of four women – but has that dollop of romance, all the same. It's not going as fast as I'd like. But I'll get there.

You can find out more about Greta at these links:
Website: http://gretavanderrol.net/ Twitter: @GretavdR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Greta.J.vanderrol Freighter Captain Jess Sondijk has her life under control until the Confederacy’s Admiral Hudson boards her ship in a search for contraband. Sondijk and Hudson have their own set of questions.

For Jess, it’s a matter of her husband’s perhaps not so accidental death. For Hudson, it's that somebody's trading with the alien Ptorix – and offering them a large enough prize to induce them to part with their beloved starhearts, the jewels they call the windows of the soul.

While Jess’ interests are more personal — abducted friends and family — Hudson’s are broader — the end of his career at best and interspecies war at worst — in a deadly game of political intrigue, murder, and greed.

Which will win, following hearts' desires or chasing starhearts, with the stakes higher than either is willing to pay?

This book contains sex scenes and strong language.

Greta van der Rol loves writing action-packed adventures with a side salad of romance. Most of her work is space opera, but she has written paranormal and historical fiction.

She lives not far from the coast in Queensland, Australia and enjoys photography and cooking when she isn't bent over the computer. She has a degree in history and a background in building information systems, both of which go a long way toward helping her in her writing endeavours.

The Quest Episode 1-4 Recap: Battle Dome

"You saved the queen--my queen. And I thank you for that. The kingdom thanks you for that." --Sir Ansgar

And yet, nobody seems to be investigating who poisoned the queen. Someone call CSI.

Anyway, we open with the paladins earning xp for their trade skills again, and then an alarm goes up! Everyone grabs weapons and hops awkwardly into ill-fitting armor. Thankfully this was just a drill--and the paladins all failed! Sneaky, Sir Ansgar. Though really, if the enemy can breach your defenses that fast, Everealm is seriously screwed.
The three previous challenge winners are called up to pick teams for the upcoming challenge, dividing the paladins into groups of Andrew, Patrick and Lina; Shondo, Christian and Jasmine; and Bonnie, Adria and Leticia.

The new day dawns with sparring in the courtyard. This is one of my favorite scenes in a hero's journey. Here the Grand Vizier looks on from above and is not amused, but Crio looks happy. Sir Ansgar is full of angst, piss and vinegar. The paladins get to watch Sir Ansgar's men duel, and they are hardcore. (It makes me want to buy a ticket to Medieval Times SO BAD. Love it.)

Andrew and Christian's bromance continues, and Lina calls them out on it. Andrew continues to stupidly trust Christian. Sir Ansgar tells the girl team to stop being so nice, and Ansgar calls Crio out for not being courageous, which is totally horse manure (and also bullying). Not cool, Sir Ansgar. Don't shame the seer for not being a combat wonk.

Sir Ansgar reveals the twist to the challenge--the teammates will be fighting each other!

Remember how I was all happy that they were working together in a non-Lord-of-the-Flies way? Yeah...
Lina is screwed because she's up against the bromance. Patrick yells that he's going to crush Jasmine. Leticia is confident that she's going to crush Adria and Bonnie. Sigh. Really it's just downhill from there.

The paladins enter the battle dome, which contains a weird peace sign of doom over a hay pit--the goal is to knock your opponent off the narrow beam and into the hay. Apparently none of the paladins have ever heard of shield bash. Epic fail. SHIELD BASH, PEOPLE! Come on! This is sword-and-board 101. Especially since you're whacking at each other with blunted swords. Your shield is a way more effective weapon.

Then Christian yelled to Leticia that she doesn't need a sword after she dropped hers, and finally Leticia figured out the shield bash and took Bonnie down. And she was snarky about it. That snark faded pretty fast once she had to face off against Shondo and Patrick in the final round.

In a moment that would make Xena proud, Leticia wins! w00t! You go, girl!


After the fight Shondo was adorably upset, which I want to hug him for (we're at 3 on the Shondo hugs count). No sulking, just good-natured defeat. He continues to seem like a guy who would be fun to have a beer with.

The paladins trudged to the fate's challenge in the rain, adding insult to injury. Ominous background thunder is ominous. Jasmine, Adria and Lina are in jeopardy of elimination. Tiny catapults fling skulls at the paladins, who are supposed to splat them with a sword, like Gallagher with skulls instead of melons. Or Fruit Ninja with skeletons. It looked ridiculously fun. Jasmine hit 5 skulls. Adria hit 7 skulls. Lina hit 5.

Jasmine and Lina are up for the vote. Tough choice--they're both strong competitors.

Shondo: "Anybody that can run at me with a sword and half my size, man...if the word balls has anything that can come to play in this conversation..."

Adria: "Ovaries. ... She womaned up."

Personally, I'd vote for Jasmine to stay because she seemed slightly stronger. But no, they picked Lina. It makes me sad that Jasmine is leaving, because she was awesome. But I think Lina will do well. She's tough.

The next day is bright and sunshiney. Crio puts the paladins to work on their trade skills again. The Queen rides up, all healthy and recovered from being poisoned. (FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, WHY ARE YOU HIPPIES LETTING YOUR QUEEN WHO WAS JUST POISONED RIDE AROUND WITH ONLY ONE BODYGUARD?! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE!)

Then a random NPC runs in and yells about an ogre breaking through the outer walls!


Next time, there will be siege weapons! Sneaking! Crying! Drama! Sweet.

I love this show. Obviously, because I'm taking the time to recap it. ;) It's such a cool concept and has so much potential for awesome. I'm eager to see where it goes next, but here are some of my thoughts on what's happened so far.
The Hero's Journey: I don't like Christian, but he has potential for growth. His early defeats and oily demeanor could make him a candidate for the classic hero's quest--he'll learn from the error of his ways and rise above his early selfishness to become wiser and courageous. I don't put a lot of stock in this theory, but it would be cool.There is no I in Team: As a gamer, I'm dubious about the idea of there being only one hero responsible for saving the kingdom. In a fantasy RPG you need to build not just a good character but a good party--a fighter, a rogue, and a magic-user being the most basic group. Your success in adventuring hinges on teamwork. It's not just Gandalf, Frodo, or Aragorn who saves Middle Earth. They each have a role in defeating Team Evil together. I wish that dynamic could be reflected in The Quest. Every reality competition does the "there can be only one" thing. It'd be refreshing to see something different.The Magic Kingdom: This is a fantasy setting. Where's the magic? I'm tired of obstacle course challenges. Everybody does those. Everealm has plenty of soldiers to save it. If they needed to out-source for a savior, then the paladins need to possess something unique. I want to see them challenged in new, different ways. There are so many opportunities for taking the usual reality tropes and giving them a fantasy twist. Like, everyone does a letters from home/visit from the family episode. Wouldn't it be cool if Team Evil abducted the paladins' families and the contestants had to save them? (And wouldn't that be something fun to hold over your loved one's head? "You can't borrow the car tonight." "Oh yeah, dad? Remember that time you didn't save me from the dragon?") Or if Team Evil approaches the paladins and promises them real-world goodies in exchange for treachery? ("If you slip the poison into the queen's goblet, you win a new car!")