Carol Van Natta's Blog, page 28
February 4, 2016
Pico’s Crush: SFR Showcase
Welcome to the Science Fiction Romance Brigade Showcase, where authors share snippets from new work, works in progress, cover reveals, character interviews, and so forth. See the other fun posts here.
Today, I’m sharing a short excerpt from my new release, Pico’s Crush, Book 3 in my Central Galactic Concordance space opera romance series.
Ex-military sniper and current personal security specialist Jerzi Adams is using his vacation time to visit Pico, his 19-year-old daughter, at the prestigious Optimal Polytechnic university, which happens to be on the paradise planet of Nila Marbela. The last person he expects to run into is an old friend from his military career.
……..
“Professor De Luna! Come meet my dad.”
Jerzi turned to see the famous professor of materials science who had inspired Pico to declare a study focus for her certificate. The woman was a little taller than mid-height, conservatively dressed in a long-sleeved, high-necked, dark jacket with half-tails, and her dark hair was scraped back away from her striking face. If she wore makeup on her light brown skin, it was subtle. She seemed familiar, somehow.
“Professor Andreina De Luna, this is my dad…”
“Commander Crush,” she said with a lopsided smile. “It’s a small galaxy.”
It was the use of his old unit nickname and her soft Spanish accent that finally sparked his memory. “Subcaptain Lightning. It certainly is.” Delight bloomed in him, and he grinned and held out a fist to her, thumb up. She bumped his knuckles twice with a fist of her own, once straight up and once turned sideways.
Pico looked back and forth at them, owl-eyed. “You know each other?”
Andra nodded. “Five years together as gunnin in the CGC Ground Division, Command’s Forward Intelligence Unit Zulu Six Echo.” She winked at him. “Your father was the best sniper we ever had.”
Jerzi felt himself redden, as if he was suddenly twelve years old. He ducked his head to hide it. “Thanks.”
He looked at her more closely, trying to reconcile the brash, volatile, very unconventional officer he’d known in the military with the sedate, contained woman in front of him. She was the picture of a dedicated academic, though her straight pants didn’t quite hide her muscular legs, and he suspected her shoes were more practical than they looked.
She’d apparently been thinking along the same lines. “You sure clean up good, Adams. Nice suit. Must have given the designer fits with all those extra muscles.” She winked at Pico, who smirked back.
He had no idea why women were interested in what he wore, but no way in hell was he getting into a discussion about clothes. “Materials science, huh? That’s what they’re calling boom-down these days?”
Andra’s eyebrow twitched. “Claro que sí. Of course. Sounds more dignified in the college brochure.”
“What’s boom-down?” asked Pico.
“Munitions. Explosions,” said Jerzi.
……..
Buy Pico’s Crush from: Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Google Play | iTunes | Amazon.UK | All Romance
••☆••☆••☆••☆••
Blurb: Whoever wrote the guidebook description of the planet of Nila Marbela must have a very different meaning for the word “paradise.” When ex-military sniper and current personal security specialist Jerzi Adams visits his daughter Pico’s quiet college, he doesn’t expect emergency evacuations and rogue robots. Nor does he expect to renew a friendship with former squadmate, Andra DeLuna. Explosions, sabotage, and assaults used to be her routine, but she gave it up for a professorship at a prestigious university.
When the hunt for a cunning serial killer leads Jerzi’s old friends Luka and Mairwen (Overload Flux) to town, trouble in paradise is the least of anyone’s worries when the body count starts to rise. Either the world of academia has gone from merely cutthroat to downright deadly, or more sinister forces in conflict, with the campus as a battleground. It’s going to take an improvised miracle or two for everyone to make it out alive.
Pico’s Crush is space opera, adventure, and romance that give new meaning to the old curse, “may you live in interesting times.”
Get your copy today and come along for the next wild ride in the Central Galactic Concordance series.
– – – – – – – – – –
Pico’s Crush is a complete story. It can be enjoyed without having read the series, but your experience will be enhanced if you’ve read the previous books.
– – – – – – – – – –
The Central Galactic Concordance series:
-•-• Overload Flux (Book 1)
-•-• Minder Rising (Book 2)
-•-• Zero Flux (Novella 2.5) – sequel to Overload Flux
-•-• Pico’s Crush (Book 3)
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January 28, 2016
Carol Van Natta in USA Today
Just in time for the release of my latest book, I was lucky enough to be interviewed by author Veronica Scott in the “Happily Ever After” column in USA Today. See it here.
We talked about my first book, Overload Flux, and how it came about, details about the big damn story arc that it’s part of, and what’s next in the series. Veronica also writes science fiction romance — check out The Wreck of the Nebula Dream.
Author Carol Van Natta Profiled in USA Today
If I had a publicist, that would be the headline of the press release that we’d send out to other media. Actually, my publicist would likely refuse to send it out, because it’s not really news, and it’d old hat to best-selling authors and those with publicity machines. Publicity is often called “earned media,” to distinguish it from “paid media,” a.k.a. advertising. To me, though, it’s a little milestone: My books, and possibly my charming self, are interesting enough to cover in a national newspaper. Sometimes, it’s the little victories that feel nicest.
To celebrate a few of my fifteen minutes of fame, Overload Flux is on sale this weekend for only $0.99 (and the equivalent price elsewhere). If you’ve been procrastinating in buying a copy, now’s your chances. If you’ve already read it, you could pass this along to friends and family to get them in on a great deal.
And in case you’re wondering, I’ll have a brand new book out in the Central Galactic Concordance series in the next few days. Pico’s Crush features new characters and a new story, but also has cameo appearances by characters from the previous books, including Luka Foxe and Mairwen Morganthur from Overload Flux, and Lièrén Sòng from Minder Rising.
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January 21, 2016
New Release: Pico’s Crush (CGC Book 3)
New Release: Pico’s Crush (Central Galactic Concordance Book 3)A paradise planet, a quiet university, renewed friendships, explosions, a hunt for a killer—wait, what?
Buy Pico’s Crush today and come along on the next wild ride.
Whoever wrote the guidebook description of the planet of Nila Marbela must have a very different meaning for the word “paradise.” When ex-military sniper and current personal security specialist Jerzi Adams visits his daughter Pico’s quiet college, he doesn’t expect emergency evacuations and rogue robots. Nor does he expect to renew a friendship with former squadmate, Andra DeLuna. Explosions, sabotage, and assaults used to be her routine, but she gave it up for a professorship at a prestigious university.
When the hunt for a cunning serial killer leads Jerzi’s old friends Luka and Mairwen (Overload Flux) to town, trouble in paradise is the least of anyone’s worries when the body count starts to rise. Either the world of academia has gone from merely cutthroat to downright deadly, or more sinister forces in conflict, with the campus as a battleground. It’s going to take an improvised miracle or two for everyone to make it out alive.
Pico’s Crush is space opera, adventure, and romance that give new meaning to the old curse, “may you live in interesting times.”
Get your copy today and come along for the next wild ride in the Central Galactic Concordance series.
Amazon Kindle | Nook | Kobo | Google Play | iBooks | All Romance Ebooks | Amazon.co.UK
– – – – – – – – – –
Pico’s Crush is a complete story. It can be enjoyed without having read the series, but your experience will be enhanced if you’ve read the previous books.
– – – – – – – – – –
Publisher: Chavanch Press, LLC
Publication Date: 28 January 2016
ASIN:
Cover Art: Streetlight Graphics
Copy Editor: Shelley Holloway (Holloway House)
Length: Novel (86,700 words)
Series: Central Galactic Concordance 3
Note from the Author on the New Release of Pico’s Crush
Amiable Jerzi Adams, from Overload Flux, takes center stage in this book, as does his daughter. For those of you looking forward to the future in this series, the number of “people with secrets” is growing, and more “interesting times” are just around the corner.
The Central Galactic Concordance series is now:
Overload Flux (Central Galactic Concordance 1)
Minder Rising (Central Galactic Concordance 2)
Zero Flux (Central Galactic Concordance 2.5) – Novella
Pico’s Crush (Central Galactic Concordance 3)
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January 15, 2016
Lovely Review of Overload Flux
This is my week for nice reviews. Elizabeth Munro over at West Coast Book Reviews had lovely things to say about Overload Flux, Book 1 in my science fiction romance series.
I loved the finesse with which Van Natta handles Mairwen and Luka’s individual back-stories. Their motivations and challenges are there, clear and sufficient, without overwhelming. There’s just enough to explain and engage with Mairwen and Luka without dumping too much emphasis on previous events. It’s handled in such a quiet way that every time there’s a little more the plot moves forward, not the other way.
I also really enjoyed the subtle humour I found ever present. As little as a few words…
Read the rest on her website.
Authors love reviews, as I explained in my recent post.
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January 13, 2016
Nice Review of Minder Rising (And Why Authors Love Reviews)
Engraved: All Things Writing, by Eleanore Trupkiewicz, has a nice review of Minder Rising, the second book in my science fiction series. Authors love reviews because it means our book was memorable enough to write about.
Nice Review of Minder Rising
First, here’s the link to Eleanore’s blog post:
Book Review: “Minder Rising” (Carol Van Natta)
When you’re given a second lease on life, whether you asked for another chance or not and whether you wanted it or not, what will it take for you to step back and really consider the possibilities?
If you’ve ever found yourself in that situation…
Eleanore is an author, poet, and reviewer, and also a freelance editor and proofreader. I am unreasonably cheered that she, like me, has problems keeping houseplants alive.
Why Authors Love Reviews
I know you’ve seen the requests, from polite to outright begging, in the back of books that say “Please take a few moments to post a review of this book…”. Here’s why we authors do that.
A review is more than just proof that someone read our book, it’s proof that the book was memorable or moving enough to cause someone to want to write about the experience. Amazon makes it easy-peasey with their Kindle software, because they love it when people are interacting with them (you might buy another book while you’re there). The other ebook retailers do the same.
Not all reviews are wonderful, like Eleanore’s, but that’s okay. Not all books are for all readers, and I get that. Equally importantly, at least to new-ish independent authors like me, reviews posted to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc., are recommendations by strangers to other strangers as to why they might like my book. As a reader, I’ve bought books for myself based on reviews, so I hope hope reader reviews of my books do the same.
If you like an author, the best gift ever, beyond buying their books, is telling friends and strangers by writing a review.
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December 29, 2015
Happy New Year!
Just a quick note to wish you and yours a happy new year full of good news, good luck, and good books. Oh, and flying cars would be nice, too.
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December 25, 2015
Book Sale for eReaders
Psssst! Yeah, you, with the shiny new e-reader or tablet that you got as a gift, or rewarded yourself with because you deserve it. Wanna do something nice for it? Add some science fiction romance books on sale to keep it company. It’s lonely when you aren’t around to pet it and love it up. Overload Flux, Minder Rising, and Zero Flux, the first three books in the Central Galactic Concordance series, are on sale for only $0.99 each (that’s 75% off, and they didn’t even fall off the back of the truck).
Overload Flux (Book 1): Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play
Minder Rising (Book 2): Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play
Zero Flux (Book 2.5 – Novella): Kindle | Nook | Kobo | Google Play | iBooks
If you already have your copies, they’d make a nice device-warming gift for friends or family who got a new e-reader for Christmas, Hannukah, Festivus, Flying Spaghetti Monster Day, or any other occasion you celebrate.
Book Sale for eReaders25 – 28 December 2015
Stock up today and save!
Overload FluxCentral Galactic Concordance #1
Someone is stealing the vaccine for a galaxy-wide pandemic. Forensic investigator Luka Foxe and security specialist Mairwen Morganthur fight corrupt pharma corporations, murderous mercenaries, sabotage, and deadly space battles, and must trust each other with dark secrets if they hope to survive.
** 2015 SFR Galaxy Award Winner **
“Wow! After I read this book I had to rethink my entire rating system. I had given five stars to some really good books but that left me with nowhere to go higher for really awesome books like this one. It’s packed full of action and adventure. The suspense and romance build at a perfect pace.” KalicoKat, Goodreads
Minder RisingCentral Galactic Concordance #2
The Citizen Protection Service tests everyone and takes the strongest. Injured telepathic agent Lièrén Sòng befriends a woman and her son, even though he’ll soon go back to his covert unit. Imara Sesay, road crew chief and part-time bartender, asks Lièrén to teach her son how to control his growing telepathic talents. Can Lièrén stay alive long enough to save Imara and her prodigy son?
“Excellent book. Some of the best plot development I’ve seen in a VERY long time. I couldn’t put the book down.” Laurie A. Olson, Amazon
Zero FluxCentral Galactic Concordance #2.5 (Short Novella)
Luka and Mairwen (Overload Flux) take on a very cold case, a secret lab, and the find of a lifetime—any one of them would be worth killing for. When forensic investigator Luka Foxe left his troubled past far behind, he never expected to be back home investigating a violent crime scene frozen in an ice cave. An unexpected icefall reveals more secrets, and even with security specialist Mairwen Morganthur on his side, they might not survive death by unnatural causes.
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December 8, 2015
A Podcast About Self-Publishing
Interested in self-publishing? Tune in to the recent NCW Podcast to hear three shy (cough) and unopinionated (cough) women talk about going the self-publishing route and the choices available. Hosted by Rich Keller of Northern Colorado Writers, the podcast is available from Podomatic, and on iTunes and Google Play.
The guests were NCW Director Kerrie Flanagan, an independent publisher, author JC Lynne, and author Carol Van Natta (that’s me!). We discussed the differences between the traditional publishing route and independent publishing, and if you choose the latter, the reasons to go ebook only or ebook and paper, the differences between services, and marketing strategies.
Why You Should Listen to Our Podcast About Self-Publishing
Why should you listen to us? Well, we’re fun and lively, but we’re also four people who may be a little farther down the self-publishing road than you are, and we hope you’ll soon be on the journey with us. Nota bene: If you passed us a long time ago, you should be listening to The Writing Podcast or the the Self-Publishing Roundtable.
We could have talked for at least another hour about lessons learned, and things we’d like to try, and the future of the industry. We’ve each had family, friends, and even strangers on the bus ask us about how to go about self-publishing. Kerrie has a consulting business and a publishing company, Hot Chocolate Press, and Rich, the host, has a publishing company, Wooden Pants Publishing, and production services (Back Pocket Design) for independent authors. Author J.C. Lynne writes science thrillers, and I, in case you hadn’t noticed, write science fiction romance. We’ve each successfully published several books of our own and helped others start the path.
If you come to the Northern Colorado Writers Conference next spring, you might get to hear us in person, because we’re working on a presentation session—think of it as a live podcast—on the topic of self-publishing.
I’m in the process of writing a series of posts on the self-publishing process, so if you’re interested you could check back here from time to time, or subscribe to my blog.
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November 18, 2015
NCW Podcast Guest Appearance
The Northern Colorado Writers group, of which I’m a member, produces a regular podcast, the NCW Podcast. Richard Keller, of Wooden Pants Publishing, is the host, and had me in recently to talk about independent publishing, science fiction romance, and my books.
It’s been posted to PodOmatic as NCW Podcast #38: Independent Publishing Part I with Award-Winning SciFi Author Carol Van Natta. It’s also available on iTunes and Google Play.
Since I’m not actually visible, I’m not sure “appearance” is the correct word, but I’m going with it anyway. This photo is of me outdoors in the sun, as opposed to sitting in a dark studio wearing headphones and talking into a mic. Rich and I started out with good intentions, to discuss my books and science fiction, but we mostly ended up talking about independent publishing, and some of the choices I’ve made as far as my books. Oh, and the importance of a production and marketing plan. There is no one, right, or best way to market books these days, because we’re in a paradigm shift as far as the publishing industry goes. And for that matter, as far as marketing goes. All we independent authors can do is try new things and stay nimble, so we can connect with readers who want to find our books.
Where are the books I want to read?
Speaking as a reader, I have as much trouble finding about new books, or new-to-me books, as everyone else. All-purpose search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo, are too generic. The search features in online bookstores are better, but only Amazon does a tolerable job. Barnes and Noble’s search feature, for example, insists that both Frankenstein and On Walden Pond are “science fiction romance.” I can sort of understand about Frankenstein — Mary Shelley invented science fiction with that book — but Walden Pond? Really? Even Amazon has its issues, with the top 100 lists in the science fiction romance categories regularly littered with paranormal and “Kidnapped by My Tentacled Billionaire Stepbrother for Breeding” stories.
FWIW, I’ve found a lot of my favorite authors on Facebook, where I can “Like” their pages and gently stalk them. You could do the same to me, if you’d like (hah!): http://www.facebook.com/CarolVanNattaAuthor. Most authors have newsletters these days, and I try to sign up for those, too, since you never know what Facebook will condescend to show you on any given day.
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November 11, 2015
Sibling of the World Award (Honorable Mention)
Author and artist Leticia Toraci nominated me to participate in the “Sibling of the World Award,” in which you answer questions posed by the previous blogger. My answers are below. I’m supposed to tag others to play, so if you’re an author (or aspiring author) reading this and are so inclined, please answer Leticia’s questions, which are much better than any I could come up with.
1.What have you been up to in your writing life?
Writing and publishing my science fiction romance Central Galactic Concordance series. There will probably be nine books in all, which should keep me off the streets and out of the karaoke bars in the next few years.
2. Which theme has surfaced in your story? Has it surfaced naturally or you wanted to talk about it since the beginning of your project?
Each book has a theme that resonates with the characters, but it isn’t always readily apparent to me when I’m writing the book.
3. How do you find time to write?
As with all things in life, it’s a trade-off. I’ve mostly given up watching TV and have cut back on volunteer gigs. I’d like to give up work, but I’m entirely too fond of eating regularly and sleeping indoors. I also take my laptop with me whenever possible, so I can write while waiting for the car to be fixed, at a coffee shop, or doctor’s reception area. Luckily, the Mad Scientist I live with is also the cook, meaning I don’t starve.
4. Did you always wanted to write a book since your childhood or was this an idea that you had later in life?
I’ve been a writer forever, but it didn’t occur to me that I could write a book until my mid-twenties. Not that I did that, of course, but that’s when the idea was planted.
5. With what did you have difficulty with in your first draft? How did you overcome it?
Pacing. I tend to take it too easy on my characters, and give them time to process and think about things. In Overload Flux, I rewrote the first four chapters, and in Minder Rising, I added the prologue. In my current work in progress, I revamped the first three chapters, realizing I was falling into the same trap. Maybe in the next book, I remember to do this in the outline before I start writing.
6. Do you have other ways to express yourself artistically or is writing your sole passion?
I’m a professional actor and singer, an amateur graphic designer, and a dilettante in whatever craft catches my eye, such as sewing, fused glass, oil/acrylic painting, paper making, fabric dyeing, and jewelry making. I’m a godawful dancer.
7. In which social media are you more active?
Facebook, and sometimes Pinterest. Twitter completely flummoxes me.
8. Do you sometimes need a break from social media and/or writing?
Not usually, except I could spend hours on Facebook when I *should* be writing.
9. What are your favorite authors?
I’m fickle, I’m afraid, and this changes from week to week because I read fast and voraciously. This week, Anna Hackett, Athena Grayson, Veronica Scott, Eve Langlais, and S.E. Smith.
10. Which books influenced your writing?
Probably dozens, but I’ll mention both Lindsay Buroker’s Emperor’s Edge series and Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series, because they showed me how I could structure my current series.
If you have a minute, check out stories by Leticia.
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