Maria Hammarblad's Blog, page 50
December 13, 2012
Free read by Sue Perkins
Another Desert Breeze Publishing Free Read, just in time for Christmas!
Adri's Story, by Sue Perkins
Young Adult - Fantasy
Adri's frustration with the static town life of Boon is shared by his closest friends. His stepmother aggravates the situation with her unfair demands on his time, and Adri plans to leave as soon as he comes of age. The arrival of the survivors from dragon attacks interfere with his departure.
The outsiders are closely followed by the fire breathing dragons who are intent of burning Boon. All looks grim, but the departure of the dragons opens a new exciting opportunity for Adri and his friends.
To download this book, please follow this link.
My review:
I have a foggy idea of what Young Adult is, but the book cover mentioned Dragons, so I plunged in with great enthusiasm. Loved this book, loved, loved, loved it! Space, fantasy, adventures, and great danger. This is the first book by Sue Perkins I've read, and I will download the entire series to fill my Kindle for Christmas break.
Adri's Story, by Sue Perkins
Young Adult - FantasyAdri's frustration with the static town life of Boon is shared by his closest friends. His stepmother aggravates the situation with her unfair demands on his time, and Adri plans to leave as soon as he comes of age. The arrival of the survivors from dragon attacks interfere with his departure.
The outsiders are closely followed by the fire breathing dragons who are intent of burning Boon. All looks grim, but the departure of the dragons opens a new exciting opportunity for Adri and his friends.
To download this book, please follow this link.
My review:
I have a foggy idea of what Young Adult is, but the book cover mentioned Dragons, so I plunged in with great enthusiasm. Loved this book, loved, loved, loved it! Space, fantasy, adventures, and great danger. This is the first book by Sue Perkins I've read, and I will download the entire series to fill my Kindle for Christmas break.
December 12, 2012
Blitz for Brand New World =)
Today, I'm having a blogging blitz for my scifi romance novella Brand New World. Thanks to Bewitching Book Tours, a number of blogs have kindly given me space to talk about myself and share excerpts.
I want to extend a warm thank you to everyone for inviting me to their blogs! I have been a recurring guest at some of them, and I'm very happy that people lend me room and time.
Promo for Brand New World at AndisbookreviewsInterview at Cloey's Book ReviewsInterview at Books, Books, The Magical FruitPromo at Melissa Stevens' blogPromo at Marked by BooksGuest blog at Roxanne's RealmExcerpt from Brand New World at Fang-tastic BooksSpotlight at The Creatively Green Write at Home MomPromo at All Things Paranormal
If anyone's interesting in reading and reviewing, I'd be happy to send over a pdf copy. Leave me a comment!
Brand New World is the first novella in a series of three that make up my series Embarkment 2577. During 2012, I've made a complete re-write of all the books. I plan to release the re-written second novella - High Gravity - in time for Christmas, and the third one - Adam and Eve - should follow some time in January or February.
If you've read the books before and you're curious about the 2nd editions, I'd be more than happy to send you a pdf or epub.
I want to extend a warm thank you to everyone for inviting me to their blogs! I have been a recurring guest at some of them, and I'm very happy that people lend me room and time.
Promo for Brand New World at AndisbookreviewsInterview at Cloey's Book ReviewsInterview at Books, Books, The Magical FruitPromo at Melissa Stevens' blogPromo at Marked by BooksGuest blog at Roxanne's RealmExcerpt from Brand New World at Fang-tastic BooksSpotlight at The Creatively Green Write at Home MomPromo at All Things ParanormalIf anyone's interesting in reading and reviewing, I'd be happy to send over a pdf copy. Leave me a comment!
Brand New World is the first novella in a series of three that make up my series Embarkment 2577. During 2012, I've made a complete re-write of all the books. I plan to release the re-written second novella - High Gravity - in time for Christmas, and the third one - Adam and Eve - should follow some time in January or February.
If you've read the books before and you're curious about the 2nd editions, I'd be more than happy to send you a pdf or epub.
December 11, 2012
Free read by Patty Froese
Another Desert Breeze Publishing Free Read, just in time for Christmas!
Wait for Me, by Patty Froese
Historical 20th Century
Eunice is considered an old maid at the age of 26, but more than fate has kept her single. She's in love with one of her father's employees, a common laborer. Not only is Freddy beneath her socially, but he's half-black, something unforgiveable in her father's eyes.
As WWII echoes like thunder in the distance, the pressures pushing them apart seem overwhelming. Is love enough to conquer society and family prejudice?
To download this book, please follow this link.
My review:
When I downloaded Wait for Me, I thought, "No way even Patty Froese will make me care for people in... what is this... seven pages of text." I was wrong. After reading maybe ten sentences, I was both hooked and very happy not to be living in America in this period of time. Froese paints a strong portrait of two people desperate and in love. It's well worth reading, and the ending will make you want to know more.
Wait for Me, by Patty Froese
Historical 20th CenturyEunice is considered an old maid at the age of 26, but more than fate has kept her single. She's in love with one of her father's employees, a common laborer. Not only is Freddy beneath her socially, but he's half-black, something unforgiveable in her father's eyes.
As WWII echoes like thunder in the distance, the pressures pushing them apart seem overwhelming. Is love enough to conquer society and family prejudice?
To download this book, please follow this link.
My review:
When I downloaded Wait for Me, I thought, "No way even Patty Froese will make me care for people in... what is this... seven pages of text." I was wrong. After reading maybe ten sentences, I was both hooked and very happy not to be living in America in this period of time. Froese paints a strong portrait of two people desperate and in love. It's well worth reading, and the ending will make you want to know more.
December 10, 2012
Dogs and squirrels
If you know me at all, you probably know I'm a big mush when it comes to animals. Seriously, I cry if they just look sad on TV. That's of course why there are so many dogs in this house. We used to have one, and now they're four. One is technically a foster, but considering Mikey can't sleep without her it's safe to assume we have four dogs. LOL.
Our little house is a bit strange. It has a big yard surrounded by a six feet privacy fence, but it doesn't have a back door. Two sides of the fence has neighbouring yards, but the third has a strip of no-man's-land before the next house. (It's for the electric company so they can care for the wires.) No one cares for the strip, and it's a mess,a little piece of jungle in the city. Wildlife loves it, and we've suspected for a while that some larger animal lives there. I think it's a fox, Mikey thinks it's a coyote. Either way, I'm not too worried about it.
Anyway, there are also many squirrels in the neighbourhood. They like the yard too. Besides the dogs, it's a fairly safe place. They run on top of the fence and tease the doggies. The boys don't care all that much, but the squirrels drive the girls bonkers. I bet in their imagination, the squirrels look like this:
The other day, the dogs were much too interested in something under the orange tree. I told them to step back, and miraculously they obeyed. They all sat down and watched. To my horror, it was a half eaten squirrel. It was so gross and I felt so bad for it - only the back legs and tail remained. Eeeewww!!! It wasn't there earlier in the morning, I knew my dogs didn't do it, and it was a mystery. I took a shovel and hauled the poor remains over the fence. Maybe not my best idea ever, but I didn't know what to do. If I buried it, someone would just dig it up again. Then, one of the dogs discovered a big hole under the fence. Big enough for her to get through.
I hollered, "Stop it, get back here!" and again, miraculously, everyone obeyed and left the hole alone so I could fill it. My dogs must be better trained than I think they are, LOL. Later in the day, Mikey got some big stones and put along the edge, so whatever lives on the other side won't be able to dig through so easily. My theory was that something came under the fence, caught the squirrel, ate it, and left. =( At the moment I was a bit worried about said something still being out there when I come with the dogs - my Bonnie is a warrior princess and I don't want her to get into a fight with a wild animal.
This morning when we went outside, I scanned the yard for squirrels like I always do, didn't immediately see one, and took the leash off the first dog. I always let Bonnie go first. She took a few steps into the yard, and I saw something move in the orange tree. Damn!
I said, "Bonnie, stop." To my surprise, she obeyed, and stood there watching the little squirrel make its way across the yard toward the fence. It didn't run, which was probably a good thing. If something has the right size and moves with the right speed dogs will chase it. They can't help themselves, they will chase it. Squirrel moseyed across the yard, and I said, "Good girl Bonnie, you're a good girl, stay there. Just stay there."
The other dogs were going crazy on their leashes, of course, but Bonnie stayed and the squirrel reached the fence securely. When I let the gang lose they there was crazy patrolling and fence sniffing. Must have been frustrating to see another animal move on their turf and not be allowed to go get it.
I didn't think any more about it until I saw the little squirrel peek up behind the fence, looking between me and the orange tree. She didn't leave; she just kept looking at the orange tree. That's never happened before. I took a closer look at the tree, and it holds a little nest carefully padded with dog hair. Crap!
My new theory is that papa squirrel was killed when working on the nest. Mama squirrel is still working on it, probably pregnant and all alone. I don't know if they usually have babies at this time a year, but this is Florida where nature is always in full spin. I mean, this year the orange tree bloomed in April and November... If this is correct, how do I keep them safe? If this poor squirrel girl has babies in my yard, they're my responsibility and I'll have to find a way to make both the dogs and the monster on the other side of the fence leave her and her little ones alone. This will be a challenge. Maybe I can persuade Mikey to build a doggie fence around the tree, something the squirrels can get through but not the dogs... Maybe they'll understand. They're all such good dogs, but it's hard to overcome the instinct to chase stuff.
Our little house is a bit strange. It has a big yard surrounded by a six feet privacy fence, but it doesn't have a back door. Two sides of the fence has neighbouring yards, but the third has a strip of no-man's-land before the next house. (It's for the electric company so they can care for the wires.) No one cares for the strip, and it's a mess,a little piece of jungle in the city. Wildlife loves it, and we've suspected for a while that some larger animal lives there. I think it's a fox, Mikey thinks it's a coyote. Either way, I'm not too worried about it.
Anyway, there are also many squirrels in the neighbourhood. They like the yard too. Besides the dogs, it's a fairly safe place. They run on top of the fence and tease the doggies. The boys don't care all that much, but the squirrels drive the girls bonkers. I bet in their imagination, the squirrels look like this:
The other day, the dogs were much too interested in something under the orange tree. I told them to step back, and miraculously they obeyed. They all sat down and watched. To my horror, it was a half eaten squirrel. It was so gross and I felt so bad for it - only the back legs and tail remained. Eeeewww!!! It wasn't there earlier in the morning, I knew my dogs didn't do it, and it was a mystery. I took a shovel and hauled the poor remains over the fence. Maybe not my best idea ever, but I didn't know what to do. If I buried it, someone would just dig it up again. Then, one of the dogs discovered a big hole under the fence. Big enough for her to get through.
I hollered, "Stop it, get back here!" and again, miraculously, everyone obeyed and left the hole alone so I could fill it. My dogs must be better trained than I think they are, LOL. Later in the day, Mikey got some big stones and put along the edge, so whatever lives on the other side won't be able to dig through so easily. My theory was that something came under the fence, caught the squirrel, ate it, and left. =( At the moment I was a bit worried about said something still being out there when I come with the dogs - my Bonnie is a warrior princess and I don't want her to get into a fight with a wild animal.
This morning when we went outside, I scanned the yard for squirrels like I always do, didn't immediately see one, and took the leash off the first dog. I always let Bonnie go first. She took a few steps into the yard, and I saw something move in the orange tree. Damn!
I said, "Bonnie, stop." To my surprise, she obeyed, and stood there watching the little squirrel make its way across the yard toward the fence. It didn't run, which was probably a good thing. If something has the right size and moves with the right speed dogs will chase it. They can't help themselves, they will chase it. Squirrel moseyed across the yard, and I said, "Good girl Bonnie, you're a good girl, stay there. Just stay there."
The other dogs were going crazy on their leashes, of course, but Bonnie stayed and the squirrel reached the fence securely. When I let the gang lose they there was crazy patrolling and fence sniffing. Must have been frustrating to see another animal move on their turf and not be allowed to go get it.
I didn't think any more about it until I saw the little squirrel peek up behind the fence, looking between me and the orange tree. She didn't leave; she just kept looking at the orange tree. That's never happened before. I took a closer look at the tree, and it holds a little nest carefully padded with dog hair. Crap!
My new theory is that papa squirrel was killed when working on the nest. Mama squirrel is still working on it, probably pregnant and all alone. I don't know if they usually have babies at this time a year, but this is Florida where nature is always in full spin. I mean, this year the orange tree bloomed in April and November... If this is correct, how do I keep them safe? If this poor squirrel girl has babies in my yard, they're my responsibility and I'll have to find a way to make both the dogs and the monster on the other side of the fence leave her and her little ones alone. This will be a challenge. Maybe I can persuade Mikey to build a doggie fence around the tree, something the squirrels can get through but not the dogs... Maybe they'll understand. They're all such good dogs, but it's hard to overcome the instinct to chase stuff.
December 7, 2012
Free read by Gloria Clover
The next free read from Desert Breeze Publishing this Christmas:
Children of the King: Burned, by Gloria Clover
Science Fiction - Fantasy
Keril, the high lord's first-in-command, has been waiting months for the perfect time to tell Electra, the princess of Celosia's personal bodyguard, how much he loves her. But when the castle is attacked with fire weapons, his time runs out. Duty demands he protect the princess, but his heart tugs him in another direction.
Burned is a short companion piece to the novel, The Fire Starter. Discover what happens to Keril and Electra while Celosia blazes with fire weapons and new passions.
To download this book, please follow this link.
My review:
This is the first book by Gloria Clover I've read, and let me start out by saying, this is a very talented writer. The story and the characters engulfed me. I sat on the edge of my seat waiting to see if Electra would die, if Keril would win her heart, if Michael would be likely to pop up, if Amaryllis would come save them... The book also caught me off guard, probably because I was so mentally into it. I was completely unprepared for it taking a Christian turn, and when the heroine went off to talk to God, in person, I was so confused I had to read that one portion several times to sort out what really happened. To be fair, this is a cultural thing: I'm not used to meeting religion in this fashion.
If you are into Christian literature, this is an amazing scifi-fantasy. It is well written, the characters are blazing with life, and the story line is intriguing. People who enjoy the Christian aspect will be blown away.
I love fantasy and have read a lot of it. I will keep my eyes open for books by Clover that are just a tad more secular. If I find them, they will be right up there on the top shelf next to Terry Brooks, Tolkien, and Piers Anthony.
Children of the King: Burned, by Gloria Clover
Science Fiction - Fantasy Keril, the high lord's first-in-command, has been waiting months for the perfect time to tell Electra, the princess of Celosia's personal bodyguard, how much he loves her. But when the castle is attacked with fire weapons, his time runs out. Duty demands he protect the princess, but his heart tugs him in another direction.
Burned is a short companion piece to the novel, The Fire Starter. Discover what happens to Keril and Electra while Celosia blazes with fire weapons and new passions.
To download this book, please follow this link.
My review:
This is the first book by Gloria Clover I've read, and let me start out by saying, this is a very talented writer. The story and the characters engulfed me. I sat on the edge of my seat waiting to see if Electra would die, if Keril would win her heart, if Michael would be likely to pop up, if Amaryllis would come save them... The book also caught me off guard, probably because I was so mentally into it. I was completely unprepared for it taking a Christian turn, and when the heroine went off to talk to God, in person, I was so confused I had to read that one portion several times to sort out what really happened. To be fair, this is a cultural thing: I'm not used to meeting religion in this fashion.
If you are into Christian literature, this is an amazing scifi-fantasy. It is well written, the characters are blazing with life, and the story line is intriguing. People who enjoy the Christian aspect will be blown away.
I love fantasy and have read a lot of it. I will keep my eyes open for books by Clover that are just a tad more secular. If I find them, they will be right up there on the top shelf next to Terry Brooks, Tolkien, and Piers Anthony.
December 5, 2012
Free read from Jillian Chantal
My amazing publisher has arranged for Christmas presents for everyone in the shape of free reads. I want to introduce them all here on my blog. First out is:
The Gambler's Inheritance: Christmas on St. Charles Avenue by Jillian Chantal
Historical 20th century novella.
New Orleans, Christmas Eve, 1947:
Brothers, Dirk and Beaumont McSwain are both about to become fathers. Dirk's wife has had a number of miscarriages and at thirty-six years old, is afraid this is her last chance for a healthy baby. Bo's wife is pregnant for the first time. Both are due to give birth soon.
The brothers arrange a surprise ride for their women in Papa Noel's sleigh which is actually a horse drawn carriage with fake reindeer. The evening starts out merry and bright but before the night is over, they will need a Christmas miracle.
To download this book, please follow this link.
My review:
When I saw the name of this book, the words "Gambler's Inheritance" made me imagine men smoking cigars, playing poker, and drinking whiskey. Maybe one of them cheated and was shot... Boy was I wrong! It's sexy, cute, and romantic. I even had a laugh out loud moment when Bo punches his brother to make him shut up.
If I had any complaints, it would be that some things in the end of the book seemed a bit too easy. On the other hand, I probably wouldn't want to know any more gruesome details anyway. Curious yet? Well, read it! It's free!
The Gambler's Inheritance: Christmas on St. Charles Avenue by Jillian Chantal
Historical 20th century novella.New Orleans, Christmas Eve, 1947:
Brothers, Dirk and Beaumont McSwain are both about to become fathers. Dirk's wife has had a number of miscarriages and at thirty-six years old, is afraid this is her last chance for a healthy baby. Bo's wife is pregnant for the first time. Both are due to give birth soon.
The brothers arrange a surprise ride for their women in Papa Noel's sleigh which is actually a horse drawn carriage with fake reindeer. The evening starts out merry and bright but before the night is over, they will need a Christmas miracle.
To download this book, please follow this link.
My review:
When I saw the name of this book, the words "Gambler's Inheritance" made me imagine men smoking cigars, playing poker, and drinking whiskey. Maybe one of them cheated and was shot... Boy was I wrong! It's sexy, cute, and romantic. I even had a laugh out loud moment when Bo punches his brother to make him shut up.
If I had any complaints, it would be that some things in the end of the book seemed a bit too easy. On the other hand, I probably wouldn't want to know any more gruesome details anyway. Curious yet? Well, read it! It's free!
December 3, 2012
Contest time at NightOwl Reviews, with great prizes.
A few times every year, the website NightOwl Reviews has web scavenger hunts. The idea is to visit a number of websites, gathering snippets of information to be able to answer the questionnaire. Some page visits are mandatory, and others voluntary, depending on how many chances of winning you want.It's easy, it's fun, and the prizes are great, one can win gift cards, books, and gadgets for hundreds of dollars. I'd play if I wasn't a sponsor!
If you have any interest in books or shopping from Amazon, I think you should enter. The chances of winning should be pretty good. Click here, and play!
December 1, 2012
Free, Free, Free! Christmas presents to everyone from my publisher! =D
Starting today, Courage and Retribution is available free along with a number of other novellas from Desert Breeze authors. It is a prequel to my novel Kidnapped, and I hope you will enjoy it.William Reynolds agrees to hide a family of refugees, fleeing from the oppressive and all knowing Alliance. He's not worried; he's finally standing up for a good cause, and what's the worst thing that could happen?
Many other free books are already available - like works of Gail R. Delaney, Stephanie Burkhart, and J. Morgan, to mention a few. Along with mine comes several new freebees, just in time for Christmas, and there should be something for everyone.
Take a look, all these goodies are just waiting for someone to curl up with them in a cozy spot:
Children of the King: Burned by Gloria Clover
The island of Celosia is under attack. Keril is responsible for the safety of the high lord's daughter, but when he mistakes her personal bodyguard for the princess herself, he finds he's protecting the wrong woman. Or is he?
The Gambler's Inheritance: Christmas on St. Charles Avenue by Jillian Chantal
In 1947, on Christmas Eve, two brothers decide to treat their pregnant wives to a sleigh ride in New Orleans. So what if there's no snow or reindeer? Papa Noel can still deliver the spirit of the holiday.
Adri's Story by Sue Perkins
Adri's plan to leave Boon is halted when survivors appear with the news the other settle-ments have been destroyed. Their arrival is closely followed by the fire breathing dragons who line up to attack.
Bah! Humbug by Jackie Leigh Allen
Could Santa Claus be the man who's been right under your nose all year?
Wait for Me by Patty Froese
She's an heiress with family obligation. He's a common laborer who has stolen her heart. Can love overcome prejudice?
Uncovering the Secret by Michelle Sutton
Bojan keeps a secret from his wife that might destroy her trust in him before their extended honeymoon in Europe even begins.
November 29, 2012
December is (almost) here!
Every year, I look forward to December. There's something magical about the holiday season. I love all the lights and giving presents, and for a few days each year everyone becomes nice. People gain a politeness many don't carry the rest of the year, and life slows down into the pace it should have.
Sweden has long, cold, and dark winters, and we love the holidays. It's a reason to light candles and put up lights. If you drive through the country, most windows will have electric candlesticks like the one on the photo. We call it "adventsljusstake." Some people also put up stars. We don't usually decorate the houses with lights like people do here, just the windows and maybe a tree in the yard.
It's quite beautiful, especially in the countryside. Imagine driving through a snowy landscape where the only lights come from your own car. Then, you pass a few houses, and they're all lit up like this.
Besides these lights, we wait with the heavy decorating until the days right before Christmas - most people take the tree in and decorate in on December 23rd. We celebrate Christmas eve, and the traditions are very different from the US. I'm sure I'll elaborate on that in some blog in a couple of weeks, when the mood strikes me.
:-)
This year, I'm excited for December for more reasons. My Kidnapped prequel - Courage and Retribution - will be available free from the Desert Breeze Publishing website. I'm participating in Nightowl Reviews winter web hunt, I have a promotion blitz scheduled for Brand New World for December 12th, and come January, lovely Roxanne Rhoads from Bewitching Book Tours will be my publicist. Exciting times!
Here is a short sneak-peek of Courage and Retribution, telling the story of William become one of the most wanted men in the galaxy.
The wooden staircase creaked under William's feet. He squinted into the basement's complete darkness, remembered the flashlight in his hand, and made his way to a bare light bulb hanging from the ceiling. Its light didn't reach all the way into the corners of the room, and it sent strange shadows crawling over the walls.
He kept his head bent; he was too tall to stand straight in the confined space. "It's not elegant, but should be safe enough for now."
Three dirty faces turned toward him with faith shining from their eyes, and he swallowed hard. What if he couldn't live up to their trust? No, he couldn't afford to think like that. He started down this road. There was no going back.
A female hand clutched his. It was small and cold and made him want to protect her. "Thank you. I don't know what we'd do without you."
He cupped his hands around hers. "I have to go. The congregation will be here soon. You just stay put down here, okay?"
Taking a glance around the bare room, he exhaled through his teeth. There had to be a better place to hide the family than this dank cellar, but he couldn't think of anything. "I'm sorry it's not nicer."
The woman made a dismissive gesture. "We're alive."
She was right. Their insurrection might have been a minor one, but they were still refugees from the Alliance. Having the biggest war machine of the galaxy on their heels, feeling safe even for a moment must be a luxury. "I'll bring you some food as soon as I can."
Sweden has long, cold, and dark winters, and we love the holidays. It's a reason to light candles and put up lights. If you drive through the country, most windows will have electric candlesticks like the one on the photo. We call it "adventsljusstake." Some people also put up stars. We don't usually decorate the houses with lights like people do here, just the windows and maybe a tree in the yard.It's quite beautiful, especially in the countryside. Imagine driving through a snowy landscape where the only lights come from your own car. Then, you pass a few houses, and they're all lit up like this.
Besides these lights, we wait with the heavy decorating until the days right before Christmas - most people take the tree in and decorate in on December 23rd. We celebrate Christmas eve, and the traditions are very different from the US. I'm sure I'll elaborate on that in some blog in a couple of weeks, when the mood strikes me.:-)
This year, I'm excited for December for more reasons. My Kidnapped prequel - Courage and Retribution - will be available free from the Desert Breeze Publishing website. I'm participating in Nightowl Reviews winter web hunt, I have a promotion blitz scheduled for Brand New World for December 12th, and come January, lovely Roxanne Rhoads from Bewitching Book Tours will be my publicist. Exciting times!
Here is a short sneak-peek of Courage and Retribution, telling the story of William become one of the most wanted men in the galaxy.
The wooden staircase creaked under William's feet. He squinted into the basement's complete darkness, remembered the flashlight in his hand, and made his way to a bare light bulb hanging from the ceiling. Its light didn't reach all the way into the corners of the room, and it sent strange shadows crawling over the walls.
He kept his head bent; he was too tall to stand straight in the confined space. "It's not elegant, but should be safe enough for now."
Three dirty faces turned toward him with faith shining from their eyes, and he swallowed hard. What if he couldn't live up to their trust? No, he couldn't afford to think like that. He started down this road. There was no going back.
A female hand clutched his. It was small and cold and made him want to protect her. "Thank you. I don't know what we'd do without you."
He cupped his hands around hers. "I have to go. The congregation will be here soon. You just stay put down here, okay?"
Taking a glance around the bare room, he exhaled through his teeth. There had to be a better place to hide the family than this dank cellar, but he couldn't think of anything. "I'm sorry it's not nicer."
The woman made a dismissive gesture. "We're alive."
She was right. Their insurrection might have been a minor one, but they were still refugees from the Alliance. Having the biggest war machine of the galaxy on their heels, feeling safe even for a moment must be a luxury. "I'll bring you some food as soon as I can."
November 25, 2012
High Gravity
I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend/holiday. Mine was really nice. I never accomplish as much as I think I will, but I got some things ticked off my list and had some downtime. Good thing: to-dos are piling up as we get closer to the holidays, school finals, hubby's birthday, and a number of other deadlines.
My neighbours have started playing Christmas music, they have the stereo outside and play "Little drummer boy" loud enough for me to hear in the living room. With a month left to go, this is bound to drive me crazy before it's over. If you see headlines about writer gone crazy, smashing neighbours radio with large samurai sword, it's probably me. LOL.
Anyway, I've been working on my re-write of the Embarkment novellas. Here's the new beginning (draft) of High Gravity.
----------------------
“Wow. This is a big empty room.” One of my big talents: stating the obvious.
Adam gave a slight shrug. “The place comes with the job. I never needed it for anything.”
I lived in a set of guest quarters, and it was nice, but impersonal. The furniture, lamps, and decorations might not be mine, but they still existed, and reminded me of an upscale hotel. Looking around in my android boyfriend’s quarters, the rooms were huge, and contained one large desk filled with tools and gadgets.
“Why…?” I closed my mouth around the question. Normal human logic wouldn’t apply.
He smirked. “You wanted to see it, here it is.”
“It’s awesome. Let’s go home.”
No wonder we always stayed at my place. He crossed his arms over his chest and glanced into my eyes. “I have to go to work. You know that.”
Damn. His sense of duty was admirable, but couldn’t it slip just a little, just once?
Adam tilted his head to the side. “You’re disappointed.”
“No… Well, maybe a little. I thought there would be more of you here.”
He put a hand on my back and pushed me out of the living room, back into what would have been a study in a normal person’s world. “There is something of me here. There’s the desk, and my chair, and your broken iPod I’ve been trying to fix.”
I couldn’t even recognize the fragmented pieces. The poor thing must have been hit by a bullet. What a shame. It would have contained all sorts of entertainment and memories.
“C’mon, I’ll walk you home.”
My rooms were almost right under his, just a couple of floors down. Going there would normally be completely uneventful, but after an alien species called the Logg stealing the ship and my involuntary part in getting it back, people I didn’t know stopped and stared wherever I went. I hated all this whispering behind my back.
Some of the junior officers treated me with the same awe they normally reserved for the senior staff, and it freaked me out. It was traumatic enough to arrive dead from another time, I didn’t need any additional attention.
We didn’t meet anyone on Adam’s floor and the lift was empty. Close to my door, two young men pushed a broken cleaning robot down the corridor. They stopped and stared.
“Look, it’s them. Told you she lives here.”
“She’s shorter than I expected.”
Adam rolled his eyes and walked over to them. “Is there a problem?”
“No, sir.”
“Then, move along, will you.”
I shuffled over to my door. “Will this never end?”
Adam ran a hand over my back. “Sure. As soon as something more interesting happens.”
The young men were out of sight, and for all practical purposes, we were alone. I pressed my palms against his chest and gave him my best bedroom look. “Are you sure you can’t come in?”
“Not unless you’re comfortable with Laura adjusting the starboard radiation shield.”
The annoyingly perky nineteen year old ensign was probably quite able to do it, but he had a point. When it came to matters like keeping cosmic radiation from frying my brain, I’d be more comfortable with Adam handling it.
He winked. “I’ll hurry back.”
The ship rocked. I stood on the tip of my toes, wanting to steal a kiss, and was completely unprepared for the floor under me moving. My face was about to come in close contact with the carpet when Adam caught me.
My neighbours have started playing Christmas music, they have the stereo outside and play "Little drummer boy" loud enough for me to hear in the living room. With a month left to go, this is bound to drive me crazy before it's over. If you see headlines about writer gone crazy, smashing neighbours radio with large samurai sword, it's probably me. LOL.
Anyway, I've been working on my re-write of the Embarkment novellas. Here's the new beginning (draft) of High Gravity.
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“Wow. This is a big empty room.” One of my big talents: stating the obvious.
Adam gave a slight shrug. “The place comes with the job. I never needed it for anything.”
I lived in a set of guest quarters, and it was nice, but impersonal. The furniture, lamps, and decorations might not be mine, but they still existed, and reminded me of an upscale hotel. Looking around in my android boyfriend’s quarters, the rooms were huge, and contained one large desk filled with tools and gadgets.
“Why…?” I closed my mouth around the question. Normal human logic wouldn’t apply.
He smirked. “You wanted to see it, here it is.”
“It’s awesome. Let’s go home.”
No wonder we always stayed at my place. He crossed his arms over his chest and glanced into my eyes. “I have to go to work. You know that.”
Damn. His sense of duty was admirable, but couldn’t it slip just a little, just once?
Adam tilted his head to the side. “You’re disappointed.”
“No… Well, maybe a little. I thought there would be more of you here.”
He put a hand on my back and pushed me out of the living room, back into what would have been a study in a normal person’s world. “There is something of me here. There’s the desk, and my chair, and your broken iPod I’ve been trying to fix.”
I couldn’t even recognize the fragmented pieces. The poor thing must have been hit by a bullet. What a shame. It would have contained all sorts of entertainment and memories.
“C’mon, I’ll walk you home.”
My rooms were almost right under his, just a couple of floors down. Going there would normally be completely uneventful, but after an alien species called the Logg stealing the ship and my involuntary part in getting it back, people I didn’t know stopped and stared wherever I went. I hated all this whispering behind my back.
Some of the junior officers treated me with the same awe they normally reserved for the senior staff, and it freaked me out. It was traumatic enough to arrive dead from another time, I didn’t need any additional attention.
We didn’t meet anyone on Adam’s floor and the lift was empty. Close to my door, two young men pushed a broken cleaning robot down the corridor. They stopped and stared.
“Look, it’s them. Told you she lives here.”
“She’s shorter than I expected.”
Adam rolled his eyes and walked over to them. “Is there a problem?”
“No, sir.”
“Then, move along, will you.”
I shuffled over to my door. “Will this never end?”
Adam ran a hand over my back. “Sure. As soon as something more interesting happens.”
The young men were out of sight, and for all practical purposes, we were alone. I pressed my palms against his chest and gave him my best bedroom look. “Are you sure you can’t come in?”
“Not unless you’re comfortable with Laura adjusting the starboard radiation shield.”
The annoyingly perky nineteen year old ensign was probably quite able to do it, but he had a point. When it came to matters like keeping cosmic radiation from frying my brain, I’d be more comfortable with Adam handling it.
He winked. “I’ll hurry back.”
The ship rocked. I stood on the tip of my toes, wanting to steal a kiss, and was completely unprepared for the floor under me moving. My face was about to come in close contact with the carpet when Adam caught me.
