S.J. Pajonas's Blog, page 8

November 2024 Goals and October 2024 Wrap-Up

The month started out rough with Covid, and I'm glad to say I'm much better now. My energy levels are about 90% of what they were before Covid, and I got my appetite back. My brain fog is increased, though. I find that searching for words is so much harder than it used to be. That's a difficult thing for someone who needs words! Lol. Being a podcaster now, too, means that I'm often editing my rambling and long pauses out of the final versions of Brave New Bookshelf. Sigh.

How did October 2024 go?

I was very busy in October. Once I was released from the isolation part of my covid sickness, I got back to work in a slow ramp up. In my personal life, we did Senior Night at school for my oldest daughter and went to my cousin's house for our annual reunion. I did a massive clean out of my younger daughter's room and went to Rhinebeck for the NY Sheep and Wool festival. I finished a knit, and we went to see The Great Gatsby in NYC as a family. Then boom. Suddenly, it was Halloween!

Start the next book in the Amagi Series. Due to catching up on all the other work I had to do, this did not happen again. Sigh.

Get some paperbacks onto KDP Print. I got the cozy mysteries up into print!

Do what I can to promote Pets in Space 9. I did all I could to promote this awesome anthology, and it did really well this month!

Get better. It took the better part of the month, but I'm mostly back in business.

Go away with friends the weekend of the 19th/20th. I had so much fun!

Continue with my FFA, Brave New Bookshelf, and other business work including the new website. All done!

Stick with my workout schedule, Duolingo, reading, knitting, and TV. Did a great job with all of this.

What else happened?

I managed to get a lot of little things done. I found a bunch of stuff me and my partners had written over the last year with AI and salvaged anything good that can be rewritten and expanded on.

We got a new bed at home and it's SILENT. Thank god. I was so sick of our old bed making sounds every time we rolled over.

I voted and I got a jury summons for December.

November 2024 Goals

And now it's time to set some goals for November!

Start the next book in the Amagi Series. Will she or won't she? That's the real question.

Start up the press that I've been working on. I've had this side gig for the last few months, starting an AI-forward press with my two business partners. It's almost ready to go! We still have a few more hoops to jump through, but once that's taken care of it, we'll be golden.

Get some more paperbacks onto KDP Print. Next up, I'm concentrating on the Nogiku Series this month.

Publish a few blog posts. I plan to promote a few back list books by writing about them here on the blog.

Attend Author Nation. I will be in Las Vegas for the Author Nation conference, November 10-15th. There are a lot of people to see, dinners to attend, conference sessions to watch. Plus, some roulette, as always.

Continue with my FFA, Brave New Bookshelf, and other business work including the new website. All still stuff I need to do.

Stick with my workout schedule, Duolingo, reading, knitting, and TV. Same old.

That's it for this month! Have a great November everyone!

The post November 2024 Goals and October 2024 Wrap-Up appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.

Suri’s Sure Thing Is Free Oct 17th Through Oct 19th!

Hey, space opera romance fans! I have a treat for you today. Suri's Sure Thing, the first book in the Kimura Sisters Series, is going FREE on Amazon from October 17th through the 20th!

I had a blast writing Suri's story for the Pets in Space 6. It was my first time being included in the anthology, and it holds a special place in my heart. Suri's journey kicked off a whole new series for me, one I'm excited to continue writing in the coming months and years.

I'm offering Suri's Sure Thing for free for a few reasons. First, I wanted to give back to the readers who have supported me and the Pets in Space anthology over the years. Your enthusiasm for science fiction romance and stories about the human-animal bond is what keeps me writing. Second, I wanted to give new readers a chance to dive into the Kimura Sisters Series. Suri's story is a perfect introduction to this world and the characters that inhabit it.

Suri's Sure Thing is a best-friends-to-lovers story with a sci-fi twist. Suri Kimura, a workaholic spaceship engineer, would rather be in space than deal with her ex-boyfriend. But when he shows up unexpectedly, she's forced to re-evaluate her life and her relationships, especially with Erik, her best friend. With the help of her derpy Golden Retriever companion, Finn, Suri navigates a tricky situation that leads to a heartwarming and romantic happily-ever-after.

If you love science fiction, romance, and stories about animals, then you'll adore Suri's Sure Thing. And the best part? It's free! So grab your copy today and start the Kimura Sisters Series! I'm looking forward to writing more books in this series, and I hope you'll be along for the ride.

P.S. If you enjoy Suri's Sure Thing, be sure to check out the rest of the Kimura Sisters Series and my other books as well. I've got plenty of stories to keep you entertained. ;)

Get Suri's Sure Thing now!

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The Pets in Space 9 Playlist

Every year, the authors who participate in the Pets in Space anthology put together a playlist of music that inspires the stories inside! I love this practice, as it’s always a lot of fun to see what the author has chosen.

For the Pets in Space playlist, I have chosen the song Delicate by Taylor Swift. I’m a new Swiftie, and I’ve come to really love her lyricism and poetry over the last year. The lyrics of Delicate perfectly capture the vulnerability and fragility underlying Winta and Daichi's blossoming connection.

From the very beginning, Winta is haunted by her fear of rumors and gossip jeopardizing her reputation — “This ain't for the best, my reputation's never been worse.” Her past experiences with shallow men using her or wanting her to fit a certain mold have left her incredibly guarded when it comes to opening her heart again.

Yet Daichi seems to intuitively understand and accept Winta's true self from the moment they meet, flaws and all. The line “So you must like me for me” speaks to his ability to look past her defensive walls and appreciate the passionate, nurturing woman she is at her core. No matter how the town gossips buzz about their closeness, Daichi's warmth and empathy slowly but surely melt Winta's reservations.

His steadfast patience and adoration allow her to finally embrace the “delicate” intimacy awakening between them without fear of rejection. In many ways, Daichi is the living embodiment of the song's central message — liking and cherishing someone for their authentic self, even when the world seems determined to tear them apart.

View the whole playlist

The post The Pets in Space 9 Playlist appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.

Pets in Space 9 Is Now Available!

The wait is over! Pets in Space 9, featuring my novella Winta's Perfect Pair, is officially available now! I'm so excited for this anthology to finally be out in the world and for readers to dive into all of the amazing stories within its pages.

For those unfamiliar with Pets in Space®️, it's a fantastic anthology series blending science fiction adventure and heartwarming romance. Each year, a group of talented authors contribute original stories set in the vast expanse of space, with a focus on the special bonds between humans and their animal companions.

I'm truly honored to have Winta's Perfect Pair included in Pets in Space 9. Sharing Winta and Daichi's story with new readers while supporting Hero-Dogs.org is a privilege. This incredible organization provides service dogs to disabled U.S. veterans and first responders. A portion of the proceeds from Pets in Space 9 will be donated to their vital work.

In Winta's Perfect Pair, readers will meet the mischievous fox, Itsuko, whose antics play a key role in bringing Winta and Daichi together. This story adds a unique twist to the theme of human-animal bonds and fits perfectly within the Pets in Space 9 collection.

Whether you're a fan of the Kimura Sisters series or new to sci-fi romance, Pets in Space 9 is a must-read! Grab your copy today and embark on an interstellar adventure filled with romance, courage, and the power of the human-animal bond.

Blast off with Pets in Space 9, a thrilling anthology that blends heart-pounding sci-fi with swoon-worthy romance! 

Dive into 10 never-before-published tales from award-winning and USA TODAY bestselling authors R.J. Blain, Honey Phillips, Carol Van Natta, Kenzie Kelly, S. J. Pajonas, Demelza Carlton, Leslie Chase, Greta van der Rol, E.G. Manetti, and Evelyn Lederman. Each novella features extraordinary pets — from a telepathic feline on a distant planet to a brave dog in a futuristic city — standing by their heroes through love, danger, and epic quests.

Immerse yourself in worlds where love knows no bounds and pets steal the spotlight. With stories full of action, mystery, and romance, this anthology has something for everyone.  You'll cheer for the intrepid heroes and heroines who fight to save their friends and find their happily-ever-afters. Plus, every purchase supports Hero Dogs, a charity that provides trained service dogs to veterans and first responders. Explore a galaxy of romance and adventure in Pets in Space 9 — don’t miss out!

More Information and Links to All Stores

The post Pets in Space 9 Is Now Available! appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.

October 2024 Goals and September 2024 Wrap-Up

This is really late, and I apologize. But I got home from our trip to Japan, and I immediately got sick with Covid and a sinus and ear infection. Today is the first day where I can sit in a chair and use my computer. So this post will be brief.

How did September 2024 go?

September is a blur now. Prior to us leaving the US on the 14th, I worked really hard to get a ton done. I prescheduled blog posts. I prescheduled Brave New Bookshelf podcasts. I worked 14 hours a day every day to get things done. It was a lot and I was really stressed, but I got it all done. My parents showed up and we got on a plane to Japan.

Start the next book in the Amagi Series. I did not start the next book. I decided to re-read the previous books in the series first.

Get some paperbacks onto KDP Print. Still did not get these on there. I planned on getting some done when I returned home, but I got sick instead.

Do what I can to promote Pets in Space 9. I posted a lot to the blog and to social media!

Go to Japan! We did it! We spent 12 days in Japan and we traveled and walked and ate A LOT. I was completely exhausted every single day. This is probably why I got sick almost immediately upon returning.

Continue with my FFA, Brave New Bookshelf, and other business work including the new website. I did as much as I could before I left.

Stick with my workout schedule, Duolingo, reading, knitting, and TV. Same old.

What else happened?

Obviously, JAPAN!

We flew into Tokyo (Narita) on the 15th of September. We went to Sumo wrestling on Monday the 16th. Then we spent the next few days tooling around Tokyo. We traveled to Osaka on the 18th and celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary on the 19th.

We then traveled to Fukuoka on Saturday the 21st! We spent some time in this city not really doing too much. It was raining and the streets were really congested with traffic. On Monday the 23rd, we flew back to Tokyo and stayed there until we flew home on the 27th.

I will have a more detailed post about the whole trip sometime in the future when I'm feeling better, but I will say it was the trip of a lifetime! I love traveling with my husband and we had a great time together.

October 2024 Goals

And now it's time to set some goals for October!

Start the next book in the Amagi Series. Okay, this will happen this month.

Get some paperbacks onto KDP Print. I need to get the cozy books up there at the least.

Do what I can to promote Pets in Space 9. There are more blog posts coming for Pets in Space 9 and an upcoming sale as well!

Get better. I hope to be totally back in business sometime next week. I'm still testing positive for covid and I need to lie down a few times per day. I hope to get past that soon.

Go away with friends the weekend of the 19th/20th. The annual knitting trip is coming up! I'm looking forward to seeing my friends then.

Continue with my FFA, Brave New Bookshelf, and other business work including the new website. All still stuff I need to do.

Stick with my workout schedule, Duolingo, reading, knitting, and TV. Same old.

That's it for this month! Have a great October everyone!

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From Skeptic to Believer: Winta’s Journey of Personal Growth

In Winta's Perfect Pair, Winta Kimura embarks on a transformative journey that takes her from skepticism and burnout to embracing love and connection in unexpected ways. Her character arc is not just about finding her perfect pair but also about healing from past wounds and learning to trust in relationships again. Oh, heart break. You are so fun to write and hard to deny.

Burned by Love: Winta's Initial Skepticism

At the beginning of the story, Winta is weary of romantic relationships, having been burned by past experiences and the relentless scrutiny of town gossips. She's seen as “easy to manipulate” by men who only want a quick fling or someone to fulfill their own needs. This sentiment is painfully clear when she reflects, “I celebrate everyone else’s romances and go home alone. That’s just the way it is.” She’s had enough, and so, her heart isn’t open when the story begins. Her skepticism is a defense mechanism, protecting her from further heartbreak.

It just so happens this is one of my favorite romance tropes to write! The heroine is done with love and she’s not interested in whatever new love may come her way… until the right man shows up.

Winta's reluctance to engage in new relationships stems from this fear of repeating past mistakes. Don’t we all hate it when we make the same mistakes over and over again? I know I do. So I’m not surprised Winta is stuck in the same rut. She doubts that true love is possible for her, seeing it as something reserved for others but not herself. This mindset sets the stage for her journey toward self-discovery and acceptance.

Finding Strength in Family Ties

Throughout the novel, Winta's family plays a crucial role in supporting her through these challenges. They know her best, after all, and they’re more equipped than even her friends to help her through this. Her siblings, parents, and extended family provide a foundation of unconditional love that helps her navigate the complexities of life. Their presence reminds Winta that she is never truly alone, even when romance seems elusive.

In this story, her brother Ean’s protective nature and sister Suri’s empathetic insights offer guidance and reassurance. During one heartfelt moment with Suri, Winta is upset about the fact that she hasn’t found her animal pair yet. She confesses, “I’m trying so hard to be patient… But some days… Maybe there’s something wrong with me.” Suri’s response underscores the importance of family support: “Any animal would be blessed beyond measure to be paired with you.”

But this isn’t just about finding Winta’s animal pair. No, Suri knows Winta’s past, and she understands what’s at stake here. This is also about finding her soulmate. Suri’s words give Winta some confidence in herself to move forward in both finding an animal pair and starting a relationship with Daichi.

A Leap of Faith

Daichi Kaga enters Winta's life as a breath of fresh air — patient, understanding, and unwavering in his belief in their connection. Despite her initial hesitations, he remains steadfastly supportive without pushing too hard or demanding more than she's ready to give. This is a rare, rare find in a partner! And at first, Winta is skeptical, and who could blame her?

Her relationship with Daichi develops slowly yet intensely. And though they have a few setbacks, each shared moment brings them closer together until Winta can no longer deny what she feels. The turning point comes when Daichi tells her: “The only thing I want is you… I’ve thought of nothing else for days.” His sincerity melts away years’ worth of doubt and fear within her heart.

Through Daichi’s love and patience — and bolstered by her family’s support — Winta learns that vulnerability does not equate weakness but rather strength found within authenticity. She takes the leap of faith… and wins.

In Winta's Perfect Pair, we see Winta change from doubting love to believing in it. This change affects all her relationships, both with family and with Daichi. By the end, Winta not only believes in herself but also in the people who care about her.

Blast off with Pets in Space 9, a thrilling anthology that blends heart-pounding sci-fi with swoon-worthy romance! 

Dive into 10 never-before-published tales from award-winning and USA TODAY bestselling authors R.J. Blain, Honey Phillips, Carol Van Natta, Kenzie Kelly, S. J. Pajonas, Demelza Carlton, Leslie Chase, Greta van der Rol, E.G. Manetti, and Evelyn Lederman. Each novella features extraordinary pets — from a telepathic feline on a distant planet to a brave dog in a futuristic city — standing by their heroes through love, danger, and epic quests.

Immerse yourself in worlds where love knows no bounds and pets steal the spotlight. With stories full of action, mystery, and romance, this anthology has something for everyone.  You'll cheer for the intrepid heroes and heroines who fight to save their friends and find their happily-ever-afters. Plus, every purchase supports Hero Dogs, a charity that provides trained service dogs to veterans and first responders. Explore a galaxy of romance and adventure in Pets in Space 9 — don’t miss out!

More Information and Links to All Stores

The post From Skeptic to Believer: Winta’s Journey of Personal Growth appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.

The Great Menagerie Book Club: Inspiration for a Unique Matchmaking Institution

In Winta's Perfect Pair, the Great Menagerie Book Club serves as a central hub for both readers and those seeking their perfect animal pair. What could be better than animals and books together! I introduced this Book Club in Ean’s Rare Gift, an exclusive novella for my newsletter subscribers, because I knew this was the place I wanted Winta to work in her story. This unique setting combines the charm of a library with the excitement of a pairing club, creating an inviting space where people can explore both literary worlds and potential companionship.

A Haven for Readers and Animal Lovers Alike

The concept of pairing clubs on Orihimé was born from my desire to create spaces where individuals could connect with a wide variety of animals — not just cats and dogs. I figured there had to be places where this connection could be facilitated and so pairing clubs came into being when I wrote Myra’s Big Mistake. The Great Menagerie Book Club takes this idea a step further by integrating a library into its design, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in books while they search for their ideal animal companion.

A Community Hub with Heart

As someone who spent countless hours in libraries as a child, I wanted to capture that sense of wonder and discovery within the pages of my story. For Winta, the club is more than just a place to find her pair; it's a sanctuary where she can indulge her love of reading and lose herself in romantic tales. It's no surprise that she feels at home there, given her history as an avid reader:

“Growing up here, I always loved this place… There are still some days I can’t believe I work here.”

Beyond its role as a pairing club and library, the Great Menagerie Book Club serves as a vital community hub for Yamato's residents. It’s where people come together to share stories, forge connections, and support one another on their journeys toward finding their perfect pairs. This communal aspect mirrors real-world libraries' function as gathering places where diverse individuals unite through shared interests.

For Winta, working at the club allows her to fulfill her lifelong dream while also giving back to the community that has supported her since childhood. Her big brother Ean often brought her there when she was younger — a tradition that cemented her bond with both books and animals alike:

“Ean would bring me to the Book Club, and I would read every romance book I could get my hands on.”

Yes, Winta is a romance reader, much like myself!

This deep connection fuels Winta's passion for preserving what makes the club special even amidst challenges posed by PairTech's technological advancements.

A Love Letter to Libraries

In many ways, creating the Great Menagerie Book Club was my love letter to libraries everywhere — the magical places that nurture curiosity and imagination in young minds like mine once was (and still is!). By weaving this element into Winta's story alongside themes of love and companionship, I hoped to celebrate both literary exploration and meaningful relationships — two passions close to my heart.

Through Winta's Perfect Pair, readers can experience firsthand how spaces like these inspire growth not only within characters but also within ourselves, reminding us all why such havens hold enduring value across time.

Whether you're seeking your own perfect match or simply looking for your next great read… there's always something waiting just around each corner at places like our beloved fictional book club!

In crafting this post about what inspired me most when developing such integral parts of the world-building process throughout Winta’s Perfect Pair, I hope readers gain insight into why these elements resonate so deeply — not only within fictional realms but also within real-life communities where stories truly come alive every day!

Blast off with Pets in Space 9, a thrilling anthology that blends heart-pounding sci-fi with swoon-worthy romance! 

Dive into 10 never-before-published tales from award-winning and USA TODAY bestselling authors R.J. Blain, Honey Phillips, Carol Van Natta, Kenzie Kelly, S. J. Pajonas, Demelza Carlton, Leslie Chase, Greta van der Rol, E.G. Manetti, and Evelyn Lederman. Each novella features extraordinary pets — from a telepathic feline on a distant planet to a brave dog in a futuristic city — standing by their heroes through love, danger, and epic quests.

Immerse yourself in worlds where love knows no bounds and pets steal the spotlight. With stories full of action, mystery, and romance, this anthology has something for everyone.  You'll cheer for the intrepid heroes and heroines who fight to save their friends and find their happily-ever-afters. Plus, every purchase supports Hero Dogs, a charity that provides trained service dogs to veterans and first responders. Explore a galaxy of romance and adventure in Pets in Space 9 — don’t miss out!

More Information and Links to All Stores

The post The Great Menagerie Book Club: Inspiration for a Unique Matchmaking Institution appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.

The Astrology of Winta’s Perfect Pair

As a writer, I absolutely love folding astrological influences into my character development and storylines. Winta's Perfect Pair was an especially fun book to play with in that regard, as the protagonists at the heart of the tale — Winta and Daichi — have such a harmonious yet complex astrological dynamic that really shaped their emotional journeys.

Winta's Earth and Water Influences

At her core, Winta is a hard-working, detail-oriented Virgo sun who has dedicated her entire life and purpose to the Book Club. Her industrious Capricorn rising amplifies that ambitious, persevering side of her nature even further.

I work until our muscles are screaming, until every inch of us is soaked through to the bone and shivering with cold. Until the very last book has been ferried away, safe from the encroaching floodwaters.

Yet Winta's nurturing, sensitive Cancer moon imbues her with powerful emotional depths and a fierce protectiveness, especially over the Book Club which she sees as an extension of herself. Anytime the club's future is threatened, her Cancer moon kicks into high gear:

Rage and despair war within me as I survey the wreckage and ruin all around me. The back half of the club is destroyed, a gaping maw of splintered debris and shredded memories gaping back at me in silent accusation.

It's this complex blend of grounded industriousness, fierce ambition, and profound emotional sensitivity that makes Winta such a richly layered, compelling heroine to follow.

Daichi's Earth and Fire Influences

In contrast, Daichi leads with a grounded, sensual Taurus energy that aligns with his love of the culinary arts and appreciation for life's finer pleasures. His upbeat, adventurous Sagittarius rising gives him an open-minded, philosophical outer persona that allows him to embrace new experiences like supporting Winta's quest:

“Well, it just so happens that I took the day off from the restaurant anyway,” he remarks lightly, rolling up the sleeves of his henley to reveal toned forearms. “Figured I might as well put the free time to good use helping out however I can around here.”

Yet it's Daichi's Pisces moon, brimming with empathy, imagination, and intuitive wisdom, that forges his profound soul-resonance with Winta. No matter how guarded she tries to be, his Pisces moon simply won't be denied:

Daichi regards me with those warm, gentle eyes, clearly concerned by my sudden vulnerability. I can practically see the question forming behind his gaze – just what burden have I been carrying around to provoke such raw emotion?

Daichi's unique astrological blend of sensual grounding, philosophical openness, and emotional intuition makes him the ideal partner to complement Winta's nature.

Winta and Daichi's Astrological Tensions

On the surface, Winta's double earth sign influences (Virgo and Capricorn) could easily clash with Daichi's more mutable, water-heavy makeup (Taurus and Pisces). Her rigidity and stubbornness often put her at odds with his emotional fluidity and open-mindedness, particularly when it comes to Winta's initial resistance to PairTech's technological innovations.

However, Daichi's Sagittarius rising helps counterbalance Winta's fixed earth sign tendencies, keeping her grounded yet open to new possibilities instead of staying too rigid in her thinking.

Are They Compatible?

Ultimately, the harmonious trines between Winta's Virgo sun and Daichi's Taurus sun, as well as Winta's Cancer moon and Daichi's Pisces moon, indicate a nurturing, emotionally resonant bond. Their earth sign influences create a stable, grounded appreciation for life's simpler pleasures and each other's work ethics. But it's their shared water energy that forges the profound, intuitive understanding of one another's deepest emotional needs.

Daichi's hand finds mine where it's fisted in my lap, his calloused fingers gently prying my grip loose to lace our fingers together. He's right, as usual. I can't let my nerves and insecurities sabotage this opportunity before it's even had a chance to unfold.

No matter their differences or external conflicts, Winta and Daichi's astrological synergy illustrates a harmonious, inspiring relationship where they ultimately nurture growth in each other. It's this resonant, fated connection that makes their love story so uplifting and emotionally compelling to experience, and such fun to write!

Blast off with Pets in Space 9, a thrilling anthology that blends heart-pounding sci-fi with swoon-worthy romance! 

Dive into 10 never-before-published tales from award-winning and USA TODAY bestselling authors R.J. Blain, Honey Phillips, Carol Van Natta, Kenzie Kelly, S. J. Pajonas, Demelza Carlton, Leslie Chase, Greta van der Rol, E.G. Manetti, and Evelyn Lederman. Each novella features extraordinary pets — from a telepathic feline on a distant planet to a brave dog in a futuristic city — standing by their heroes through love, danger, and epic quests.

Immerse yourself in worlds where love knows no bounds and pets steal the spotlight. With stories full of action, mystery, and romance, this anthology has something for everyone.  You'll cheer for the intrepid heroes and heroines who fight to save their friends and find their happily-ever-afters. Plus, every purchase supports Hero Dogs, a charity that provides trained service dogs to veterans and first responders. Explore a galaxy of romance and adventure in Pets in Space 9 — don’t miss out!

More Information and Links to All Stores

The post The Astrology of Winta’s Perfect Pair appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.

Meet Itsuko, the Mischievous Fox of Winta’s Perfect Pair

In the latest installment of the beloved Kimura Sisters series, Winta's Perfect Pair, one of the most delightfully chaotic scene-stealers is none other than Itsuko – the sly, mischievous little fox who seems to have a knack for upending Winta's life at every turn. But don't let her impish antics and pint-sized stature fool you! This furry troublemaker plays a pivotal role in Winta's unforgettable journey. I loved bringing her to the page! She was such a joy to write and have fun with.

Itsuko's Sassy Personality

From the moment she first goes streaking through the Great Menagerie Book Club, sending the resident animals into a frenzy, it's clear Itsuko is a force to be reckoned with. This little vixen has more swagger and bravado packed into her tiny frame than most dogs twice her size! She's bold, she's unflappable, and she definitely has a wicked sense of humor when it comes to riling up her favorite human, Winta.

“Hey, you little troublemaker!” I call out in an equal mix of exasperation and amusement. “What are you doing back here again?”

Itsuko pauses, fixing me with one of those inscrutable vulpine stares. For just a moment, I could almost swear there's a distinctly impish glint in her beady black eyes.

Then, just as suddenly, she's off again – loping back toward the front doors with her bottle-brush tail swishing sassily behind her.

Yet for all her mischievous antics, there's an unmistakable sense of deeper wisdom and emotional intelligence shining through Itsuko's dark, soulful gaze. She may be a prankster at heart, but this little fox is also incredibly intuitive about the heartstrings she's so deftly tugging on. She certainly knows how to matchmake, and that’s exactly what she does.

Itsuko's Role in Winta and Daichi's Fated Connection

Which brings us to Itsuko's pivotal role in first bringing the story's protagonists, Winta and Daichi, together in the first place. From leading Winta on a merry chase through town that ends up at Daichi's noodle shop, to her seemingly supernatural ability to sense the attraction slowly awakening between the pair, Itsuko acts as a sort of chaotic cupid throughout the entire narrative.

Her antics and playful interventions are what continually throw the stubborn, reserved Winta and the steadfast, patient Daichi into one another's orbits time and again. Almost as if the little fox recognizes their fated kinship before even they can see it clearly.

Itsuko lets out a smug little trill, basking in her successful mischief. I can't quite keep my lips from twitching into a reluctant smile as I meet Daichi's warm hazel gaze.

“I guess I probably shouldn't be surprised at this point, huh?” My voice comes out lighter, more relaxed than I'd intended. “Itsuko does seem to have made a habit of roping me into her schemes lately.”

Sure, Itsuko’s pint-sized and her antics might look like pure chaos. But every little disruption she causes pushes Winta and Daichi closer together. It's kinda like she's this mischievous little matchmaker, right? You can't help but love how she shakes things up and makes destiny happen!

Itsuko's Kinship with Winta and Daichi

By the end of Winta's Perfect Pair, it becomes clear that Itsuko's mischievous spirit has carved out a special place in both her human counterparts' hearts. Her bond with Daichi is an obvious given, seeing as she's his pair. But the little fox's friendship with Winta runs just as profound, if not more so.

Itsuko was the first to spot those little sparks flying between Winta and Daichi. Ever had a friend who just knew something before you did? That’s Itsuko. She wasn't about to let them keep missing their chance, fumbling around like two clueless lovebirds. And you can bet she'll be the one to keep that wild, unconditional love blazing as they all head into their future together, forming their own little family.

So while Itsuko may be a tiny, unassuming scene-stealer, her pivotal role in Winta's Perfect Pair can hardly be overstated. This little fox is the living embodiment of fated bonds, the physical manifestation of the magic that the Book Club's teachings have been espousing all along.

Mischievous, madcap, but undeniably magical through and through.

Blast off with Pets in Space 9, a thrilling anthology that blends heart-pounding sci-fi with swoon-worthy romance! 

Dive into 10 never-before-published tales from award-winning and USA TODAY bestselling authors R.J. Blain, Honey Phillips, Carol Van Natta, Kenzie Kelly, S. J. Pajonas, Demelza Carlton, Leslie Chase, Greta van der Rol, E.G. Manetti, and Evelyn Lederman. Each novella features extraordinary pets — from a telepathic feline on a distant planet to a brave dog in a futuristic city — standing by their heroes through love, danger, and epic quests.

Immerse yourself in worlds where love knows no bounds and pets steal the spotlight. With stories full of action, mystery, and romance, this anthology has something for everyone.  You'll cheer for the intrepid heroes and heroines who fight to save their friends and find their happily-ever-afters. Plus, every purchase supports Hero Dogs, a charity that provides trained service dogs to veterans and first responders. Explore a galaxy of romance and adventure in Pets in Space 9 — don’t miss out!

More Information and Links to All Stores

The post Meet Itsuko, the Mischievous Fox of Winta’s Perfect Pair appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.

The Role of Technology vs. Tradition in Winta’s Perfect Pair

In Winta's Perfect Pair, the tension between technology and tradition plays a central role, mirroring a debate that's very present in our real-world creative communities today. As someone who advocates for the use of AI in the writing process, I wanted to explore these themes through Winta's journey. Let's look at how this conflict is portrayed in the book and what it means for both Winta and her story.

The Clash Between Technology and Tradition

In the world of Orihimé, PairTech represents technological advancement with its cutting-edge genetic analysis and computer algorithms designed to facilitate perfect human-animal pairings. This approach contrasts sharply with the Great Menagerie Book Club's traditional, intuition-driven methods. Initially, Winta views PairTech with skepticism, reflecting common concerns about technology lacking soul or creativity — a sentiment I've encountered frequently as a pro-AI advocate in the writing community.

So when I sat down to write this book, I decided it would be a good theme to bring forward. I often struggle with the dichotomy of tradition vs technology. I’ve been in the technology sector since 1997, building websites, and trying new tech whenever it became available. I still remember waiting in line for my first iPhone! (Wow, do I feel old…) And if you read a lot of my books, you’ll see that I always try to include themes about forward-thinking and being open to new ideas.

Winta's initial resistance is rooted in her belief that true connections require a personal touch. She fears that reducing pairing to data points might strip away its emotional depth. This is highlighted when she says, “Call me old-fashioned, but there’s something — I don’t know — cheapened about boiling down such a sacred connection to data points in a computer.” Her journey reflects my own path towards embracing AI as a tool that enhances creativity rather than diminishes it.

Bridging Two Worlds: Finding Harmony

As the story progresses, Winta begins to see the potential benefits of integrating technology with traditional methods. Her visit to PairTech’s Izumo branch serves as an eye-opener, revealing a warm and nurturing environment that values emotional intuition alongside scientific analysis.

It challenges her preconceived notions and prompts her to reconsider her stance: “You really do seem to value the deeper parts of building these connections,” she admits after observing PairTech’s approach firsthand. She’s beginning to see the potential!

This shift mirrors my own experience in learning how AI can be used as a creative tool rather than a replacement for human ingenuity. Just like Winta discovers that technology can enhance and support traditional methods without overshadowing them, I've found that AI helps me generate ideas and streamline processes while allowing me to focus on what truly matters — storytelling and connection with readers.

Embracing Technology as an Ally

By the end of Winta's Perfect Pair, Winta learns that technology doesn't have to be at odds with tradition; instead, they can complement each other beautifully.

In my advocacy work within the writing community, I've seen firsthand how AI can empower authors by freeing up mental space for creativity and innovation. Like Winta’s realization that “the two ideas don’t have to cancel each other out,” I believe embracing technology alongside traditional methods opens up exciting new possibilities for writers everywhere.

In Winta's Perfect Pair, we see how blending tradition with technology creates something greater than either could achieve alone — a message that's close to my heart as an advocate for using AI in creative pursuits. Through Winta's journey from skeptic to believer, I hope readers find inspiration to explore new tools while honoring time-tested practices — a balance that enriches both storytelling and life itself.

Blast off with Pets in Space 9, a thrilling anthology that blends heart-pounding sci-fi with swoon-worthy romance! 

Dive into 10 never-before-published tales from award-winning and USA TODAY bestselling authors R.J. Blain, Honey Phillips, Carol Van Natta, Kenzie Kelly, S. J. Pajonas, Demelza Carlton, Leslie Chase, Greta van der Rol, E.G. Manetti, and Evelyn Lederman. Each novella features extraordinary pets — from a telepathic feline on a distant planet to a brave dog in a futuristic city — standing by their heroes through love, danger, and epic quests.

Immerse yourself in worlds where love knows no bounds and pets steal the spotlight. With stories full of action, mystery, and romance, this anthology has something for everyone.  You'll cheer for the intrepid heroes and heroines who fight to save their friends and find their happily-ever-afters. Plus, every purchase supports Hero Dogs, a charity that provides trained service dogs to veterans and first responders. Explore a galaxy of romance and adventure in Pets in Space 9 — don’t miss out!

More Information and Links to All Stores

The post The Role of Technology vs. Tradition in Winta’s Perfect Pair appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.