Maria Hammarblad's Blog, page 31
September 7, 2013
Free science fiction: Courage and Retribution
Courage and Retribution is a novella accompanying my novel Kidnapped. It's pretty short, but it's also free!Blurb:
On the outskirts of the ever present Alliance's watchful eye, William Reynolds has served as mayor and preacher for the better part of a decade. Life is good, and he sees no reason to change anything. When a family fleeing the Alliance's oppression comes his way he still doesn't hesitate to hide them.
Reaching out to the people in need proves to be more dangerous than he could ever have anticipated, and once events are set in motion, there is no going back.
Excerpt:
William lived in a world of uneasy dreams. His people were screaming, dying, being burned alive, and he needed to pull free from whatever held him so he could rescue them, but invisible forces kept him back. The dreams faded into merciful darkness.
When he finally returned to reality, he had problems focusing his eyes. The ceiling looked a lot like a beautiful woman, and she rotated above him. He squeezed his eyes shut again, but had time to see a mass of blonde hair and a cute nose.
The fragments of memories and dreams came together. He was a prisoner of the Alliance, and his people, everyone he knew were dead. It was his fault. He didn't understand how, he had been so careful, but he still led the enemy right home. He wanted to return to the darkness, hopefully forever, but the woman wouldn't let him. She held a cool hand against his forehead.
"I think he has a concussion."
A cynical male voice answered, "It happens."
William opened his eyes again and struggled to sit up, even though the room revolved around him. Everything bathed in a light so bright it shot bolts of pain through his skull, but when he squinted and shaded his eyes with his hand, he could make out four bare metal walls and a metal ceiling. The cell didn't even have a visible door. "Where am I? Who are you?"
The man stepped closer and crouched next to him. "You're a guest here at Casa del Travis. If we're lucky, he'll forget about us, or kill us before we reach Central."
The woman said, "You should probably lie down. You're still bleeding. I'm Isabela, and he's Aaren. I think there are more people in other cells. I can hear them through the walls."
Aaren chuckled. "Of course there're more prisoners here. This is a prisoner ship, and it's what they do. So, what'd you do that's so bad they let you live?"
Curious yet? Download it for free!
September 6, 2013
Spotlight: Unchanged by Christy Elkins
Misti Cross is a privileged young woman who feels out of balance in her father’s corporate world. Her mother’s passing only strengthens these emotions and leads to a secret existence of self-harm. Suddenly, everything in her life changes, morphing into a terrible nightmare much worse than anything she’d experienced before.A mutilating disease spreads rapidly across the world, changing most of mankind. Misti longs to find a solution, before it’s too late. Her battle to unearth hope in a dying world drives her into the arms of someone she never expected. She’s forced to see her own shortcomings in return.
Can Misti look beyond the limited view of her own eyes long enough to find love? Will she be able to discover a truth which offers healing, or will she simply see that change is inevitable? There will always be those who resist...
Unchanged the e-book is only 99 cents on Amazon!
About Christy Elkins:
Christy Elkins began writing books for children, but found a love for creating stories for grownups as well. She is an author with Silver Knight Publishing who works hard to bring readers more fun and creative stories. She is also a Christian wife and mother of four.
Visit her web page or follow her on Twitter.
Become a fan of her author page on Facebook.
September 5, 2013
Excerpt from Flashback
Did you check out my novel Flashback? Of all the books I've written, this is my favorite. I'd like to share a brief excerpt!
When they came home, Steve sank down in the sofa without even taking off his jacket. Life outside could sure be exhausting. Anna went into the kitchen, and he rested his head back and closed his eyes. Listening to her hum a song, just a little out of tune as she loaded the coffee maker soothed his nerves.
A hard rattling sound made him open his eyes again. Gunshots, and they were close. Anna still sang, and she would be an easy target.
He ran through the apartment, making sure to stay away from the windows. Peeking around the corner, his beautiful fiancée was oblivious to the danger.
Women.
How did they survive?
He sprung out from his hiding place behind the wall, shoved her down on the floor, and threw himself over her. After all she did for him, protecting her with his own body was the least he could do.
Anna wheezed, clearly trying to draw a breath.
"Sssh, they're coming."
She lay on her back, and the question in her eyes was clear. Have you lost your mind? Of course he had, a long time ago. She should know. When she opened her mouth, he covered it with his hand so she couldn't draw attention to them.
"Don't you hear them? The shots?"
She shook her head and closed her fingers around his wrist, attempting to pull his hand away.
"I think we're safe, but be very quiet."
Anna nodded, and as soon as he removed the hand, she whispered, "Please get off me. I can't breathe."
He obeyed, she endeavored to sit up, and he pulled her back down.
"Don't make yourself a target."
Why did she look so exhausted?
"Sweetheart, there's nothing there."
"But..." He had heard them.
"That noise? Remember the crazy people upstairs? I don't know what they're doing, but it's definitely them."
When they came home, Steve sank down in the sofa without even taking off his jacket. Life outside could sure be exhausting. Anna went into the kitchen, and he rested his head back and closed his eyes. Listening to her hum a song, just a little out of tune as she loaded the coffee maker soothed his nerves. A hard rattling sound made him open his eyes again. Gunshots, and they were close. Anna still sang, and she would be an easy target.
He ran through the apartment, making sure to stay away from the windows. Peeking around the corner, his beautiful fiancée was oblivious to the danger.
Women.
How did they survive?
He sprung out from his hiding place behind the wall, shoved her down on the floor, and threw himself over her. After all she did for him, protecting her with his own body was the least he could do.
Anna wheezed, clearly trying to draw a breath.
"Sssh, they're coming."
She lay on her back, and the question in her eyes was clear. Have you lost your mind? Of course he had, a long time ago. She should know. When she opened her mouth, he covered it with his hand so she couldn't draw attention to them.
"Don't you hear them? The shots?"
She shook her head and closed her fingers around his wrist, attempting to pull his hand away.
"I think we're safe, but be very quiet."
Anna nodded, and as soon as he removed the hand, she whispered, "Please get off me. I can't breathe."
He obeyed, she endeavored to sit up, and he pulled her back down.
"Don't make yourself a target."
Why did she look so exhausted?
"Sweetheart, there's nothing there."
"But..." He had heard them.
"That noise? Remember the crazy people upstairs? I don't know what they're doing, but it's definitely them."
September 4, 2013
Of all the countries, why did I write about Russia?
Parts of my novel Undercover take place in Russia, and reviewers sometimes comment that the conflict between east and west feels dated. Maybe it is, from the point of view of people younger than me. The world moved on, but I didn't.
I haven't been to Russia, at least not yet. When I grew up, the cold war raged and Sweden rested in the shade of the Soviet Union, with Finland as a small buffer between us. News on TV showed women wrapped in layers of dark clothing, queuing for hours for a loaf of bread. There were surely other sides of life in the Soviet Union as well, but these were the only images that reached me.
In 1981, we had a Soviet submarine allegedly making a navigation error. It was a navigation error alright; they went too close to the shore and were stuck. We were overwhelmed. The nation stared at images of a gigantic foreign object - nuclear sub - that spent time sneaking around spying on us.
A couple of years later, when I was 13, the innovation of cable TV reached my city. All of a sudden, our TV set filled with images from other countries. There was one channel from the Soviet Union, in Russian, and everything on it seemed brown. It wasn't black and white, and it wasn't quite color; it was brown and white, like watching through a sepia filter.
As you can imagine, I grew up with a fascination bordering on fear. I wanted to write stories about Russia and Russian spies when I was a teenager, but mom said no. She claimed it was too dangerous. It probably wasn't, but her imagination was as wild as mine, and in her mind the threat was real.
By the time I finally got around to writing my spy story, the world had changed. The Soviet Union is no more, and even if the country isn't exactly the west, it's nothing like in the 1970's.
I haven't been to Russia, at least not yet. When I grew up, the cold war raged and Sweden rested in the shade of the Soviet Union, with Finland as a small buffer between us. News on TV showed women wrapped in layers of dark clothing, queuing for hours for a loaf of bread. There were surely other sides of life in the Soviet Union as well, but these were the only images that reached me.
In 1981, we had a Soviet submarine allegedly making a navigation error. It was a navigation error alright; they went too close to the shore and were stuck. We were overwhelmed. The nation stared at images of a gigantic foreign object - nuclear sub - that spent time sneaking around spying on us.A couple of years later, when I was 13, the innovation of cable TV reached my city. All of a sudden, our TV set filled with images from other countries. There was one channel from the Soviet Union, in Russian, and everything on it seemed brown. It wasn't black and white, and it wasn't quite color; it was brown and white, like watching through a sepia filter.
As you can imagine, I grew up with a fascination bordering on fear. I wanted to write stories about Russia and Russian spies when I was a teenager, but mom said no. She claimed it was too dangerous. It probably wasn't, but her imagination was as wild as mine, and in her mind the threat was real.
By the time I finally got around to writing my spy story, the world had changed. The Soviet Union is no more, and even if the country isn't exactly the west, it's nothing like in the 1970's.
September 3, 2013
Coming soon: Shadow of a Man
In a few weeks time it's my turn to release a novella in Desert Breeze Publishing's Borealis series. Mine is called Shadow of a Man and will be available October 11. I don't have the cover just yet, but I would like to share an excerpt!
************
Theresa pulled her feet up under her. The room probably wasn't cold, but she still had to suppress shivers. "I wish we weren't going to Borealis.""Trust me, you're not the only one."Interesting. Captain Geo rarely answered when she spoke, even if he was right next to her. Sometimes she forgot what his voice sounded like.Why is he standing guard inside the room anyway? He's usually on the other side of the door. Oh well, maybe he needs company too. She turned to meet his eyes and lifted an eyebrow. "Did something happen to you there?"He stood right beside the door with his feet apart and his hands tucked behind his back, looking authoritative and unafraid. "Something happens to everyone who sets foot there. You too. Am I correct?"This time all willpower in the world couldn't suppress the shudder. How could she be so fearful of a place she'd never seen? Telling herself Borealis was built and inhabited by humans didn't help one bit. She still considered it one of the lower levels of Tartarus where souls were tortured until the end of times."You know. You helped get him out."He nodded, but didn't have time to answer; his radio crackled to life. She couldn't quite make out the mumbling voice on the other side, but it didn't matter. It wasn't for her. It was never for her."Ma'am."Geo's voice right next to her made her jump. His chiseled face was almost within kissing distance. How could he be so quiet and still move so quickly?"I need your assistance."The mere words made her feel fatigued. "Oh no. What did he do?""He's setting fires on the cargo deck, ma'am. Fire will deplete our air supply.""Setting fire to what?""To Sovannary, ma'am."
************Current books in the Borealis series:
Borealis, A Space Anthology
Book One
In orbit over a deserted outpost at the edge of conquered space sits an aging space station under the control of the Trans Planetary Protectorate. The Borealis is slowly falling apart as the Protectorate funnels its massive resources into the border wars and keeping the outlaying systems in line, as insurrections break out.
Inamorata Crossing by PI Barrington
As an Enforcement Officer of the TPP, it's Khai Zafara's job to transport Teyrnan Sajan, a rebel leader and 'prisoner of war' to the Borealis to serve out his sentence in the prison levels. Khai holds a deep-set hatred for the Rebellion, believing they were responsible for her father's murder – which she witnessed as a young girl.
Teyrnan Sajan was on Borealis they day Khai's father was murdered. He thought he was the only person left alive who knew the truth. Once Teyrnan realizes who Khai is, he begins a slow process of helping her separate reality from the false memories the TPP drilled into her head.
Teyrnan is a convincing man, and Khai begins to see the truth behind TPP lies. At first, she convinces herself that it's the draw she feels toward him that's clouding her judgment… but as memories break through, she has to accept the truth. And she has to make a choice: Deliver Teyrnan to Borealis so he can serve out his punishment -- and probably die -- in prison. Or, turn her back on the TPP and everything she thinks she's known to join him and the Rebellion and right the wrongs done by her father's murder
Kiss Me, Kate by J. Morgan
K'Tyln Dar is a pampered prince who wants to finally become the man his planet needs so he goes in search of the baddest bounty hunter in the known universe -- The Professor.
Richelle is called The Professor because she knows every possible way to kill a man. Most people -- like K'tyln -- have no idea that the most ruthless killer in the known universe is a woman. And she likes to keep it that way. Richelle has neither the time nor patience for a puff-shirt, golden boy politician like K'tyln Dar.
When he brazenly demands to meet The Professor and reveals his desire to 'learn to be a warrior', her first thought is to put him in his pompous place. But, as he takes his licks -- and bruises -- and contusions -- she sees a glimpse of the man he not only wants to be, but the man he is deep down inside.
Forgive Us Our Debts by Gail R. Delaney
Sarina Laroux is taken hostage and held as a prisoner on the Borealis, considered a traitor to the TPP after they took her father's throne and laid waste to Andromeda Prime -- her home. Theron Kess is sent by her family to rescue her, a job he would never refuse because he owes her family more than they even know.
Theron almost gives up hope in getting her out when he can't locate her amongst the other Uudon-dosed prisoners. When he finally finds her, he is thankful he always prepares for the worst, because her situation is the stuff of nightmares.
Add to that the fact that the Rebellion picks this time to attack the station. Not only does he have guards and Sarina herself to deal with, but gunfire and an aging station ready to shudder apart with the next pulse cannon blast. He has to earn Serina's trust -- something that doesn't come easy on the Borealis -- if he has any hope of getting her out alive. By the time all is said and done, they both come out different people... and for the better.
Borealis, A Space Anthology
Book Two
Shadows and Light by Stephanie Burkhart
Although used as a controlled -- and controlling -- substance in the Borealis prisons, Uudon is a powerfully addictive drug. Abuse runts rampant, and the violence that has been directly linked to Uudon use is staggering. Nowhere is this more true than on Borealis, where the poor and forgotten will do nearly anything for this drug that will take away the sharp edge of their pain and supposedly make life a little easier to live... until they need their next fix. If they can't get it, their hazed world turns into hell... and depending on their degree of addition -- death may follow.
Over the years, the Rebellion has successfully infiltrated every level of the TPP and has slowly been chipping away at their power from their very foundations. Elijah Kess has been aboard Borealis for nearly half a cycle, working as a lieutenant on the Enforcer squad, and gathering information.
So, when he starts suspecting someone is poking around about the Uudon trade on the ship, he has no idea that person has been sent by the Rebellion and his own family. Elijah and Persephone are both strong willed people, and both think they know the best way to handle things... as they trip over each other at every turn, they have to decide to either work together -- or shoot each other -- whichever comes first.
Liberty's Flight by Esther Mitchell
Libby ended up on the Borealis after her attempt to escape her brutal and domineering husband was thwarted by a freighter captain with ice-blue eyes and a dangerous energy. Desperate to find something better for her young daughter, Nala, she thought she was doing the right thing. Now, she's stuck in hell.
She works as a bar wench in one of the many bars on the station, but if she can't find another way to live, she may have to give in to the demands of Jake "Skins" Ruby and join his working girls. When Sam, the mysterious freighter captain from her past, rescues her from a bar brawl and offers to help rescue her daughter from her ex-husband's plots to use the girl to his own ends, Libby finds the 'something better' she always wanted. Purpose. Now, the three of them just need to get off the Borealis alive.
Bleu Lies by Shea McMaster
Commander Kal Raines began questioning the wisdom and guidance of the TPP when they exiled him to the Borealis. But, he's loyal if nothing else. Since then, he's questioned every choice he's made in the name of the TPP. Summer Merriweather has worked for the Rebellion under many names and in many situations, and now she's on Borealis. When Summer crosses his path, she brings even more choices into question and Kal sees his loyalties have been thrown to the feet of swine. When he realizes he has the chance to help in the ultimate overthrow of the TPP he stands and the precipice and must either step back or jump. Step back, and let the Rebellion die. Jump, and join Summer in an ongoing, stealthy battle to strengthen the rebellion and perhaps someday overthrow the TPP.
Borealis, That Syncing Feeling
On the other side of a space anomaly, Rover Pilot Nureen Keala came face-to-face with her childhood hero. Problem: Creed died fifty years ago in a devastating space battle. Telepathically linked with a shapeshifting creature named Tessur, Nureen had to get her scout craft repaired and get off the Borealis, but she wasn't sure who she could trust. Certainly not this Tedrin Creed look-alike, and maybe not even Tessur. Forget the TPP.
Tedrin Creed had been stuck on the Borealis five years, after falling through the space anomaly during a massive battle. He doubted Nureen's claim to be a Rover -- the uniform and technology were totally wrong. Problem: she sure reminded him of his best friend, "Killer" Keala. Bigger problem: the anomaly was closing, time was running out, and he had to convince someone he didn't quite trust to escape with him now -- or never.
Borealis, Black Dragon
A dandy is cheating in a gambling den of the Borealis space station, and Lieutenant Zara Frankel intends to catch him in the act. She always gets her man, but this one could prove more than she can handle.
Captain Czerno Drake, code name Black Dragon, intends to break his innocent uncle from the most secure penitentiary in the galaxy, on the Borealis space station. He will stop at nothing to succeed, even enrolling the help of the lovely straight arrow TPP enforcer. When Zara realizes that she’s been used by a shrewd but seductive rebel, however, her reaction surprises everyone, most of all herself.
Borealis IX, Akira's Choice
When bounty hunter Akira Karyudo accepted her assignment, something didn't add up. Why would the TPP want a kidnapped orphan dead or alive? She will get to the truth once she finds the boy, and the no good SOB who snatched him from a psychiatric hospital. With her cheetah, Freckles, a genetically enhanced feline retriever, Akira sets out to flush them out of the bowels of the BOREALIS space station. But when she finds her fugitives, the kidnapper is not what she expects.
Markku, a decorated rebel soldier, stole his nephew from the authorities, who performed painful experiments on the boy. Stuck on Borealis, he protects the child, but how can he shield him from the horribly dangerous conditions in the lawless sublevels of the decrepit space station? Akira faces the worst moral dilemma of her career. Law or justice, duty or love. She can't have it both ways.
Akira faces the worst moral dilemma of her career. Law or justice, duty or love. She can't have it both ways.
************
Theresa pulled her feet up under her. The room probably wasn't cold, but she still had to suppress shivers. "I wish we weren't going to Borealis.""Trust me, you're not the only one."Interesting. Captain Geo rarely answered when she spoke, even if he was right next to her. Sometimes she forgot what his voice sounded like.Why is he standing guard inside the room anyway? He's usually on the other side of the door. Oh well, maybe he needs company too. She turned to meet his eyes and lifted an eyebrow. "Did something happen to you there?"He stood right beside the door with his feet apart and his hands tucked behind his back, looking authoritative and unafraid. "Something happens to everyone who sets foot there. You too. Am I correct?"This time all willpower in the world couldn't suppress the shudder. How could she be so fearful of a place she'd never seen? Telling herself Borealis was built and inhabited by humans didn't help one bit. She still considered it one of the lower levels of Tartarus where souls were tortured until the end of times."You know. You helped get him out."He nodded, but didn't have time to answer; his radio crackled to life. She couldn't quite make out the mumbling voice on the other side, but it didn't matter. It wasn't for her. It was never for her."Ma'am."Geo's voice right next to her made her jump. His chiseled face was almost within kissing distance. How could he be so quiet and still move so quickly?"I need your assistance."The mere words made her feel fatigued. "Oh no. What did he do?""He's setting fires on the cargo deck, ma'am. Fire will deplete our air supply.""Setting fire to what?""To Sovannary, ma'am."
************Current books in the Borealis series:
Borealis, A Space Anthology
Book One
In orbit over a deserted outpost at the edge of conquered space sits an aging space station under the control of the Trans Planetary Protectorate. The Borealis is slowly falling apart as the Protectorate funnels its massive resources into the border wars and keeping the outlaying systems in line, as insurrections break out.
Inamorata Crossing by PI Barrington
As an Enforcement Officer of the TPP, it's Khai Zafara's job to transport Teyrnan Sajan, a rebel leader and 'prisoner of war' to the Borealis to serve out his sentence in the prison levels. Khai holds a deep-set hatred for the Rebellion, believing they were responsible for her father's murder – which she witnessed as a young girl.
Teyrnan Sajan was on Borealis they day Khai's father was murdered. He thought he was the only person left alive who knew the truth. Once Teyrnan realizes who Khai is, he begins a slow process of helping her separate reality from the false memories the TPP drilled into her head.
Teyrnan is a convincing man, and Khai begins to see the truth behind TPP lies. At first, she convinces herself that it's the draw she feels toward him that's clouding her judgment… but as memories break through, she has to accept the truth. And she has to make a choice: Deliver Teyrnan to Borealis so he can serve out his punishment -- and probably die -- in prison. Or, turn her back on the TPP and everything she thinks she's known to join him and the Rebellion and right the wrongs done by her father's murder
Kiss Me, Kate by J. Morgan
K'Tyln Dar is a pampered prince who wants to finally become the man his planet needs so he goes in search of the baddest bounty hunter in the known universe -- The Professor.
Richelle is called The Professor because she knows every possible way to kill a man. Most people -- like K'tyln -- have no idea that the most ruthless killer in the known universe is a woman. And she likes to keep it that way. Richelle has neither the time nor patience for a puff-shirt, golden boy politician like K'tyln Dar.
When he brazenly demands to meet The Professor and reveals his desire to 'learn to be a warrior', her first thought is to put him in his pompous place. But, as he takes his licks -- and bruises -- and contusions -- she sees a glimpse of the man he not only wants to be, but the man he is deep down inside.
Forgive Us Our Debts by Gail R. Delaney
Sarina Laroux is taken hostage and held as a prisoner on the Borealis, considered a traitor to the TPP after they took her father's throne and laid waste to Andromeda Prime -- her home. Theron Kess is sent by her family to rescue her, a job he would never refuse because he owes her family more than they even know.
Theron almost gives up hope in getting her out when he can't locate her amongst the other Uudon-dosed prisoners. When he finally finds her, he is thankful he always prepares for the worst, because her situation is the stuff of nightmares.
Add to that the fact that the Rebellion picks this time to attack the station. Not only does he have guards and Sarina herself to deal with, but gunfire and an aging station ready to shudder apart with the next pulse cannon blast. He has to earn Serina's trust -- something that doesn't come easy on the Borealis -- if he has any hope of getting her out alive. By the time all is said and done, they both come out different people... and for the better.
Borealis, A Space Anthology
Book Two
Shadows and Light by Stephanie Burkhart Although used as a controlled -- and controlling -- substance in the Borealis prisons, Uudon is a powerfully addictive drug. Abuse runts rampant, and the violence that has been directly linked to Uudon use is staggering. Nowhere is this more true than on Borealis, where the poor and forgotten will do nearly anything for this drug that will take away the sharp edge of their pain and supposedly make life a little easier to live... until they need their next fix. If they can't get it, their hazed world turns into hell... and depending on their degree of addition -- death may follow.
Over the years, the Rebellion has successfully infiltrated every level of the TPP and has slowly been chipping away at their power from their very foundations. Elijah Kess has been aboard Borealis for nearly half a cycle, working as a lieutenant on the Enforcer squad, and gathering information.
So, when he starts suspecting someone is poking around about the Uudon trade on the ship, he has no idea that person has been sent by the Rebellion and his own family. Elijah and Persephone are both strong willed people, and both think they know the best way to handle things... as they trip over each other at every turn, they have to decide to either work together -- or shoot each other -- whichever comes first.
Liberty's Flight by Esther Mitchell
Libby ended up on the Borealis after her attempt to escape her brutal and domineering husband was thwarted by a freighter captain with ice-blue eyes and a dangerous energy. Desperate to find something better for her young daughter, Nala, she thought she was doing the right thing. Now, she's stuck in hell.
She works as a bar wench in one of the many bars on the station, but if she can't find another way to live, she may have to give in to the demands of Jake "Skins" Ruby and join his working girls. When Sam, the mysterious freighter captain from her past, rescues her from a bar brawl and offers to help rescue her daughter from her ex-husband's plots to use the girl to his own ends, Libby finds the 'something better' she always wanted. Purpose. Now, the three of them just need to get off the Borealis alive.
Bleu Lies by Shea McMaster
Commander Kal Raines began questioning the wisdom and guidance of the TPP when they exiled him to the Borealis. But, he's loyal if nothing else. Since then, he's questioned every choice he's made in the name of the TPP. Summer Merriweather has worked for the Rebellion under many names and in many situations, and now she's on Borealis. When Summer crosses his path, she brings even more choices into question and Kal sees his loyalties have been thrown to the feet of swine. When he realizes he has the chance to help in the ultimate overthrow of the TPP he stands and the precipice and must either step back or jump. Step back, and let the Rebellion die. Jump, and join Summer in an ongoing, stealthy battle to strengthen the rebellion and perhaps someday overthrow the TPP.
Borealis, That Syncing Feeling
On the other side of a space anomaly, Rover Pilot Nureen Keala came face-to-face with her childhood hero. Problem: Creed died fifty years ago in a devastating space battle. Telepathically linked with a shapeshifting creature named Tessur, Nureen had to get her scout craft repaired and get off the Borealis, but she wasn't sure who she could trust. Certainly not this Tedrin Creed look-alike, and maybe not even Tessur. Forget the TPP. Tedrin Creed had been stuck on the Borealis five years, after falling through the space anomaly during a massive battle. He doubted Nureen's claim to be a Rover -- the uniform and technology were totally wrong. Problem: she sure reminded him of his best friend, "Killer" Keala. Bigger problem: the anomaly was closing, time was running out, and he had to convince someone he didn't quite trust to escape with him now -- or never.
Borealis, Black Dragon
A dandy is cheating in a gambling den of the Borealis space station, and Lieutenant Zara Frankel intends to catch him in the act. She always gets her man, but this one could prove more than she can handle. Captain Czerno Drake, code name Black Dragon, intends to break his innocent uncle from the most secure penitentiary in the galaxy, on the Borealis space station. He will stop at nothing to succeed, even enrolling the help of the lovely straight arrow TPP enforcer. When Zara realizes that she’s been used by a shrewd but seductive rebel, however, her reaction surprises everyone, most of all herself.
Borealis IX, Akira's Choice
When bounty hunter Akira Karyudo accepted her assignment, something didn't add up. Why would the TPP want a kidnapped orphan dead or alive? She will get to the truth once she finds the boy, and the no good SOB who snatched him from a psychiatric hospital. With her cheetah, Freckles, a genetically enhanced feline retriever, Akira sets out to flush them out of the bowels of the BOREALIS space station. But when she finds her fugitives, the kidnapper is not what she expects. Markku, a decorated rebel soldier, stole his nephew from the authorities, who performed painful experiments on the boy. Stuck on Borealis, he protects the child, but how can he shield him from the horribly dangerous conditions in the lawless sublevels of the decrepit space station? Akira faces the worst moral dilemma of her career. Law or justice, duty or love. She can't have it both ways.
Akira faces the worst moral dilemma of her career. Law or justice, duty or love. She can't have it both ways.
September 2, 2013
Weirdness of words
I learned English in school. At least back in my time Swedish schools started early, and I could say my first English sentences when I was nine. I was really bad at it.
Neither of my parents knew a language besides Swedish, and I struggled with learning. My mom put a patch on my jacket with a flower and the text, "Have a nice day." We knew what it meant, but if you had heard her spell the words out I think you would have bet against me becoming fluent enough to be a writer. "Hauvhe a neicee dauy."
This small version of me was good at everything else in school, and worried about her inability to learn a foreign language.
My struggle continued until I was thirteen and we got cable TV. All of a sudden my world filled with super-cool TV shows in English without subtitles. I wanted to watch. I wanted to understand, and the more I watched, the more I got the hang of the sound of the language. That semester my grade skyrocketed from the equivalent of a D- to an A+ Turns out I have an ear for language. My brain is unwilling to learn through sheer grammar and studying, but I can easily hear if something sounds right or not.
Compared to kids who grew up in English speaking countries I was still pretty bad, but compared to my peers I was a star.
As an adult I was fortunate enough to write, travel, and work with people in other countries, and my English got a fair amount of use. Today, after having lived here in the US for five years and published ten books in English I claim to be pretty good at it. People who talk to me hear that I have an accent, but they usually can't place it, and it's a good conversation starter.
There are, however, some words that still seem weird to me. I know what they mean, but that in no way stops my mind from making strange associations.
Incarcerate is one of them. In my mind it sounds like "set fire to." I hear it all the time on the news, I know that it means to imprison someone, but every time I hear it I get a mental image of someone pouring gasoline over someone else.
If you look up gritty it means courageous, brave, determined... Lots of good things. In my mind it means that someone poured gravel into a piece of machinery and made it come to a screeching stop. I hate the word. If you say that your novel is gritty I will never read it.
You think this is bad? Wait for it...
A few people in one of my Triberr tribes use the word snog a lot. It means to kiss and caress someone in an amorous way. In my mind it's too closely related to snot. Disgusting!
One writer has a recurring feature on her blog called "Sunday Snog." Every week my hand hovers over the "approve" button, and then my brain decides that it would be immoral to re-tweet something that so closely resembles mucus. I'm sorry! I know I'm wrong but I can't help it!
Do you have hang-ups on words? If so, what are they?
Neither of my parents knew a language besides Swedish, and I struggled with learning. My mom put a patch on my jacket with a flower and the text, "Have a nice day." We knew what it meant, but if you had heard her spell the words out I think you would have bet against me becoming fluent enough to be a writer. "Hauvhe a neicee dauy."
This small version of me was good at everything else in school, and worried about her inability to learn a foreign language.
My struggle continued until I was thirteen and we got cable TV. All of a sudden my world filled with super-cool TV shows in English without subtitles. I wanted to watch. I wanted to understand, and the more I watched, the more I got the hang of the sound of the language. That semester my grade skyrocketed from the equivalent of a D- to an A+ Turns out I have an ear for language. My brain is unwilling to learn through sheer grammar and studying, but I can easily hear if something sounds right or not.
Compared to kids who grew up in English speaking countries I was still pretty bad, but compared to my peers I was a star.
As an adult I was fortunate enough to write, travel, and work with people in other countries, and my English got a fair amount of use. Today, after having lived here in the US for five years and published ten books in English I claim to be pretty good at it. People who talk to me hear that I have an accent, but they usually can't place it, and it's a good conversation starter.
There are, however, some words that still seem weird to me. I know what they mean, but that in no way stops my mind from making strange associations.Incarcerate is one of them. In my mind it sounds like "set fire to." I hear it all the time on the news, I know that it means to imprison someone, but every time I hear it I get a mental image of someone pouring gasoline over someone else.
If you look up gritty it means courageous, brave, determined... Lots of good things. In my mind it means that someone poured gravel into a piece of machinery and made it come to a screeching stop. I hate the word. If you say that your novel is gritty I will never read it.
You think this is bad? Wait for it...
A few people in one of my Triberr tribes use the word snog a lot. It means to kiss and caress someone in an amorous way. In my mind it's too closely related to snot. Disgusting!
One writer has a recurring feature on her blog called "Sunday Snog." Every week my hand hovers over the "approve" button, and then my brain decides that it would be immoral to re-tweet something that so closely resembles mucus. I'm sorry! I know I'm wrong but I can't help it!
Do you have hang-ups on words? If so, what are they?
September 1, 2013
The Terrible Taglines
In my opinion, writing a book is relatively easy. Writing a blurb is harder. Writing a one sentence tagline is almost impossible. I bet that sounds strange; writing a little should reasonably take less effort than writing a lot, right? Wrong...
A couple of years ago I took a class in screenwriting at Stage College of Florida. We spent ample time on studying taglines for movies, and even though I spent weeks working on one for my script I was never happy with it. I can write a great award-winning screenplay, but I can't write one good sentence describing it. Forehead-slapping moment!
Right now I don't need one; I need six. My publisher has decided to update taglines, keywords, and blurbs for all books. I wouldn't mind if it started with new books and worked through the backlist as time permits, but it is a requirement for all books. I know it's for my own good, but that doesn't make it any easier. I wish they'd just ask me to write six new books instead, LOL!
The blurbs are also a problem. The new requirements state a maximum of 150 words. Most of mine are just over; 155, 160, 170... My attitude is getting the better of me here. if the blurb says exactly what I want it to, what's the big deal if it's one sentence too long? Unfortunately, statistics shows that I'm wrong. Readers are attracted to shorter blurbs, and more likely to read the blurb/buy the book if it's under 150 words.
I figured I might do better with a notebook and pen than with the computer, but the white pages are mocking me. Real life offers many distractions, like a group of birds in the neighbor's tree. Why are they so many? What are they talking about? Are they happy? Still, I need to get this done and the birds aren't likely to help. I'd better turn off the laptop, go indoors, and start working!
A couple of years ago I took a class in screenwriting at Stage College of Florida. We spent ample time on studying taglines for movies, and even though I spent weeks working on one for my script I was never happy with it. I can write a great award-winning screenplay, but I can't write one good sentence describing it. Forehead-slapping moment!Right now I don't need one; I need six. My publisher has decided to update taglines, keywords, and blurbs for all books. I wouldn't mind if it started with new books and worked through the backlist as time permits, but it is a requirement for all books. I know it's for my own good, but that doesn't make it any easier. I wish they'd just ask me to write six new books instead, LOL!
The blurbs are also a problem. The new requirements state a maximum of 150 words. Most of mine are just over; 155, 160, 170... My attitude is getting the better of me here. if the blurb says exactly what I want it to, what's the big deal if it's one sentence too long? Unfortunately, statistics shows that I'm wrong. Readers are attracted to shorter blurbs, and more likely to read the blurb/buy the book if it's under 150 words.
I figured I might do better with a notebook and pen than with the computer, but the white pages are mocking me. Real life offers many distractions, like a group of birds in the neighbor's tree. Why are they so many? What are they talking about? Are they happy? Still, I need to get this done and the birds aren't likely to help. I'd better turn off the laptop, go indoors, and start working!
August 31, 2013
Excellent debut: Copperback by Tarah R. Hamilton
I used to read several books every day. A really thick one might have lasted me two days, but I went through regular size novels like other people eat potato chips.
Somewhere along the way this changed. My interest in reading didn't vanish overnight, but the quality of the books that came my way plunged. I must have started hundreds of books and given up after a few pages.
It's my own fault; being a relatively unknown writer I want to read other relatively unknown writers and give them good reviews. Unfortunately, a lot of the books should have been on a date with a professional editor before they were released to the public. (It's difficult to self-edit and "real" editors are expensive. I know.)
Every now and then an exception to the rule pops up. You know; one of those books it's a pleasure to read. Well written in active voice with believable characters living out an interesting storyline, no head hopping, no bouncing between first and third person, no unpredictable changes between past and present time... A good book!
I downloaded the sample of Copperback and enjoyed myself so much I bought the full download from Amazon and read most of the book in one night. I would have finished it if it hadn't been an early morning workday.
Check out the blurb:
When do you learn to let go of your fears and misconceptions and trust what your heart is telling you? That real love can come in any form, even if he’s not human.
Two warring alien races are stranded on Earth due to the sudden destruction of their home planets. The Vesper, willing to help the human race to resolve most global crises, is accepted into society while the Sayner, refusing to cooperate at every turn, is enslaved.
Ten years later, Emily O’Neil yearns to find a way out of her small town life, continuing an existence of solitude since the passing of her mother years before. Her opportunity comes in an unusual way — a Sayner slave named Job who is on the brink of death and forced into her care. As their forbidden friendship develops, Emily finds that sometimes, fate has a way of making us see what we long for most — love.
Here is my review:
How would humanity react if large groups of aliens appeared among us? And, what if there were two groups of them - one seemingly cooperative and friendly and the other more… Well, more like us?
In Copperback we don't waste any time in siding with one faction and slamming the other into slavery. People are all too willing to buy into the idea of the Sayner as useful but dangerous animals, and the Vesper as near divine.
Emily O'Neil accepts the stories presented in media, and when she meets Job, a living and breathing Sayner, she's terrified of him. Life is rarely completely black or white, and when Emily is forced to spend time with Job she realizes there's more to him than she could ever have expected.
Copperback is an excellent book. It is well written and populated by characters that come across as real people. Their anguish, fears, hopes, and dreams seem real. The author kept taking turns I didn't expect; every time I thought some major obstacle would appear in the heroine's way nothing happened, and every time I expected smooth sailing, disaster waited around the corner. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and if you're looking for a light and pleasant read this might be exactly what you seek.
Somewhere along the way this changed. My interest in reading didn't vanish overnight, but the quality of the books that came my way plunged. I must have started hundreds of books and given up after a few pages.
It's my own fault; being a relatively unknown writer I want to read other relatively unknown writers and give them good reviews. Unfortunately, a lot of the books should have been on a date with a professional editor before they were released to the public. (It's difficult to self-edit and "real" editors are expensive. I know.)
Every now and then an exception to the rule pops up. You know; one of those books it's a pleasure to read. Well written in active voice with believable characters living out an interesting storyline, no head hopping, no bouncing between first and third person, no unpredictable changes between past and present time... A good book!
I downloaded the sample of Copperback and enjoyed myself so much I bought the full download from Amazon and read most of the book in one night. I would have finished it if it hadn't been an early morning workday.
Check out the blurb:
When do you learn to let go of your fears and misconceptions and trust what your heart is telling you? That real love can come in any form, even if he’s not human. Two warring alien races are stranded on Earth due to the sudden destruction of their home planets. The Vesper, willing to help the human race to resolve most global crises, is accepted into society while the Sayner, refusing to cooperate at every turn, is enslaved.
Ten years later, Emily O’Neil yearns to find a way out of her small town life, continuing an existence of solitude since the passing of her mother years before. Her opportunity comes in an unusual way — a Sayner slave named Job who is on the brink of death and forced into her care. As their forbidden friendship develops, Emily finds that sometimes, fate has a way of making us see what we long for most — love.
Here is my review:
How would humanity react if large groups of aliens appeared among us? And, what if there were two groups of them - one seemingly cooperative and friendly and the other more… Well, more like us?
In Copperback we don't waste any time in siding with one faction and slamming the other into slavery. People are all too willing to buy into the idea of the Sayner as useful but dangerous animals, and the Vesper as near divine.
Emily O'Neil accepts the stories presented in media, and when she meets Job, a living and breathing Sayner, she's terrified of him. Life is rarely completely black or white, and when Emily is forced to spend time with Job she realizes there's more to him than she could ever have expected.
Copperback is an excellent book. It is well written and populated by characters that come across as real people. Their anguish, fears, hopes, and dreams seem real. The author kept taking turns I didn't expect; every time I thought some major obstacle would appear in the heroine's way nothing happened, and every time I expected smooth sailing, disaster waited around the corner. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and if you're looking for a light and pleasant read this might be exactly what you seek.
August 30, 2013
Spotlight: Copperback by Tarah R. Hamilton
Blurb: When do you learn to let go of your fears and misconceptions and trust what your heart is telling you? That real love can come in any form, even if he’s not human.
Two warring alien races are stranded on Earth due to the sudden destruction of their home planets. The Vesper, willing to help the human race to resolve most global crises, is accepted into society while the Sayner, refusing to cooperate at every turn, is enslaved.
Ten years later, Emily O’Neil yearns to find a way out of her small town life, continuing an existence of solitude since the passing of her mother years before. Her opportunity comes in an unusual way — a Sayner slave named Job who is on the brink of death and forced into her care. As their forbidden friendship develops, Emily finds that sometimes, fate has a way of making us see what we long for most — love.
About the author:
Tarah R. Hamilton grew up in Kent, Ohio. She spent her childhood summers in the small town of Big Run, Pennsylvania, in which she based her first novel. She has two children and resides in Alliance, Ohio.
She is in currently in the process of writing her second book in the "Copperback" trilogy. She is an avid photographer and artist when she is not writing. For more information please visit her site: http://www.facebook.com/copperbackbook
Klick here to see the book on Amazon!
August 29, 2013
Signing up for an author festival... or two...
The truth is sometimes hard to face: I need to get off my bum, go outside, and talk to people. It would be fantastic if I could live my life hiding behind a computer screen, but it doesn't really work like that. Don't get me wrong, I don't have a fear of public speaking or anything, I'm just lazy!
To shake myself out of lazy, I've decided to sign up for the Sarasota book fair. This event will take place October 5th at the Art Center in Sarasota. If you're in the area, come see me!
Signing up wasn't bad - I didn't even have to leave my chair - and I'm pondering signing up for a couple of more events.
There's a large book fair in St Petersburg October 26 called Festival of Reading. I attempted to be accepted as a featured author, but that ship sailed long ago. I'm not good enough at planning to wrap my head around a late October event requiring submissions early spring.
There's still time to buy a vendor package, but the booths are kind of expensive, and I need to see what might remain of my next paycheck before deciding. It's tempting, though. It's a big event within minutes from home, and it's only one day. If they still have spaces left in a week or so I'll probably sign up.
For the past couple of years I've wanted to do the Miami Book Fair. That idea makes my inner procrastinator dig her nails into the floor and scream, "Noooo!"
On the pro-side, it's a huge event. The website boasts "hundreds of thousands of visitors." I could get a one-day writer's booth for $300. It's a lot of money, but would also give a lot of exposure.
On the con-side, it's in Miami. According to MapQuest it would take me almost five hours to drive there. After that I'd need to set up my booth, have a full day of fair and drive five hours back. Or get a hotel. It wouldn't be bad if I could persuade hubby to come with me, but the chance of that is about as big as me waking up on Mars tomorrow morning. He'd say, "Have fun, hurry back."
I think Miami will have to wait until next year. I have promised myself to stop procrastinating and visit many large conferences next year, so I'll put Miami on the list.
Now, there's quite a big step from deciding to do something to actually doing it.
I started a to-do list earlier today with stuff I will need for all these conferences I want to attend. Tablecloth, a table runner with my name, or maybe a banner with my books and my name, swag, books...
Should I have a giveaway?
Should I get that thingymabob that allows people to accept credit cards through the cell phone?
I'll need change if I am to sell books. How many books will I need to bring? I'll need new business cards, and new postcards to sign for the books that are still only available as e-books...
There's a large number of questions to be pondered. Help me out: what kind of swag do you wish writers would give out?
To shake myself out of lazy, I've decided to sign up for the Sarasota book fair. This event will take place October 5th at the Art Center in Sarasota. If you're in the area, come see me!Signing up wasn't bad - I didn't even have to leave my chair - and I'm pondering signing up for a couple of more events.
There's a large book fair in St Petersburg October 26 called Festival of Reading. I attempted to be accepted as a featured author, but that ship sailed long ago. I'm not good enough at planning to wrap my head around a late October event requiring submissions early spring.
There's still time to buy a vendor package, but the booths are kind of expensive, and I need to see what might remain of my next paycheck before deciding. It's tempting, though. It's a big event within minutes from home, and it's only one day. If they still have spaces left in a week or so I'll probably sign up.
For the past couple of years I've wanted to do the Miami Book Fair. That idea makes my inner procrastinator dig her nails into the floor and scream, "Noooo!"
On the pro-side, it's a huge event. The website boasts "hundreds of thousands of visitors." I could get a one-day writer's booth for $300. It's a lot of money, but would also give a lot of exposure.
On the con-side, it's in Miami. According to MapQuest it would take me almost five hours to drive there. After that I'd need to set up my booth, have a full day of fair and drive five hours back. Or get a hotel. It wouldn't be bad if I could persuade hubby to come with me, but the chance of that is about as big as me waking up on Mars tomorrow morning. He'd say, "Have fun, hurry back."
I think Miami will have to wait until next year. I have promised myself to stop procrastinating and visit many large conferences next year, so I'll put Miami on the list.
Now, there's quite a big step from deciding to do something to actually doing it.I started a to-do list earlier today with stuff I will need for all these conferences I want to attend. Tablecloth, a table runner with my name, or maybe a banner with my books and my name, swag, books...
Should I have a giveaway?
Should I get that thingymabob that allows people to accept credit cards through the cell phone?
I'll need change if I am to sell books. How many books will I need to bring? I'll need new business cards, and new postcards to sign for the books that are still only available as e-books...
There's a large number of questions to be pondered. Help me out: what kind of swag do you wish writers would give out?
