Aurora Springer's Blog, page 55

Reflections on My Writing in 2016 #amwriting #SciFi

Reflections on 2016
What did I accomplish in 2016?
Writing ProgressYou can see a complete list of my published stories HERE .

Secret Supers This year, I started a new series starting superheroes on contemporary Earth, the Secret Supers. In my unique twist, the superheroes are bonded with animal companions. Of course, I have added a murder mystery, aliens and genetic engineering as well as romance to the mix. I published three books in the Secret Supers Series: Super Starrella, Starrella Falls and Gargoyle Hunt. The first two stories are set in and around Atalanta, my fictional version of Atlanta, and also a lighter, southern Gotham City. The third story is set in Oxenford, the famed center of academia in Britain.  
Super Starrella, Book 1: Amazon Starrella Falls, Book 2: Amazon Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3: Amazon The first book is 99c and all books are FREE with Kindle Unlimited.

Grand Masters’ GalaxyI renamed my epic SciFi/Fantasy series, Grand Masters’ Galaxy, to allow for expansion from a Trilogy. In August, I released a short prequel, Grand Master’s Cat. The three main books are now available at all retailers. Finally, to close out the year, I am releasing a box set, Grand Master’s Trilogy, containing the three novels: Grand Master’s Pawn, Grand Master’s Game and Grand Master’s Mate.  Short Prequel: Grand Master’s Cat AmazonBook 1: Grand Master’s Pawn Amazon  iBooks  Kobo  B&N Book 2: Grand Master’s Game Amazon  iBooks  Kobo  B&NBook 3: Grand Master’s Mate Amazon  iBooks  Kobo  B&N
Grand Master’s Trilogy Box set of Books 1-3 Amazon iBooks  B&N  Kobo

Romancing the StarsAlso, I joined other authors of the Science Fiction Romance Brigade in 2 ventures. An 8-author Anthology: Romancing the Stars : 8 Short Stories of Galactic Romance & Adventure http://authl.it/B01G2V9AW4?dAmazon  iBooks  B&N99c until December 31st. This anthology will disappear at the end of 2016.
The Portals Project : Your Gateway to Science Fiction Romance The #SFRBrigade community of writers created a series of FREE volumes of Science Fiction Romance beginnings ~ each volume has the beginning chapters of 10 books by 10 different authors! My stories appear in Volumes 3 and 6.  Visit http://www.sfrportals.blogspot.com for the latest releases.

Social Connections:My twitter followers have grown to ~8000. http://www.twitter.com/AuroraSpringer I have exceeded 1250 likes on my Facebook Page I claimed a domain and created a new website: http://AuroraSpringer.com
You can find my books on BookBub and my posts on travel, nature and my stories at Niume.
Sign up for my Newsletter for a FREE eBook and advance notice of my new releases, sneak peeks at my stories, giveaways and discounted books by multiple authors.  

She purred - Snippet for #WeWriWa #Superheroes # Romance

Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors . Here, writers in different genres showcase their stories with 8-10 sentences. Join the fun and read our snippets.
I am posting snippets from my new release, Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3 of Secret Supers.
BlurbDanger is the last thing on Estelle’s mind when she visits the University of Oxenford for a summer course. But, mysterious thefts and shadowy figures spur her into action. With Toby five thousand miles away, Estelle and her winged horse must hunt for the culprits alone. Soon they are embroiled in a mixed bag of aliens and ancient magic. Toby’s unexpected arrival throws her into turmoil and spurs events into a climax. 
After Toby arrives, his first order of business is meeting the clade leader in London. When he returns in the evening, Estelle is eager to hear about his trip. But, this happens:
Cynthia’s gaze clamped onto Toby and she eased away from her escorts. Batting her inch-long fake lashes, she arrowed straight for him and stood temptingly close. In her high heels, her eyes were level with Toby’s. She spoke in a throaty, seductive voice, “You must be new, I didn’t see you at the banquet on Sunday.” “Visiting from California,” Toby drawled, eying her as if he were mesmerized. “I’m Cynthia Mortimer, Doctor of Philosophy. You must attend my seminar tomorrow afternoon.” Her tone as sweet and cloying as molasses, she purred, “I am open to questions after the lecture.” Seething with envy and furious with Toby, Estelle clenched her fists. Her palms itched to scorch her rival with fire.

In the holiday spirit, I'm offering a very short, sweet story about the Secret Supers. You can read my micro story – Super Christmas at https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/p/micro-story.htmlOr download to your eReader in mobi or ePub format at https://www.instafreebie.com/book/21236

Secret Supers, Book 3, Gargoyle Hunt - 99c until Dec 20th US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDT6Y7Y/ International: http://authl.it/B01MDT6Y7Y/?d

Book 1, Super Starrella 99cUS: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C7WC8R6/International: http://authl.it/B01C7WC8R6?d

Book 2, Starrella Falls US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HT1W8AW/International: http://authl.it/B01HT1W8AW?d

Dec 10-31st Help an Author in Difficulty – Christmas Promotion of SciFi & Fantasy eBooks – Benefits go to authors with health or financial difficulties. pattyjansen.com/promo  
As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments. Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers.

Holidays in Space - SFR Brigade Showcase #SciFiRom #Giveaway

Welcome to the SFR Brigade Holiday Showcase! Please remember to check out the posts from the other participants at http://sfrcontests.blogspot.com/p/sfr-brigade-presents.html
This month, I’m celebrating release of the third book in my new Secret Supers Series. Spunky supergirl, snarky flying horse and hunky alien hero tackle mysterious crooks.
I was inspired by our SFR Brigade members, Veronica, Pippa and Melisse, to write a very short holiday story about the characters in this series. In future, I may expand to a novella as a side story in the series. You can read my micro story – Super Christmas at https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/p/micro-story.html
Or download to your eReader in mobi or ePub format at https://www.instafreebie.com/book/21236(no need to Signup)
The Secret Supers Series follows the adventures of Estelle Wright after she is transformed into a superhero in her freshman year at college. In the first book, Super Starrella , a weird serial killer is terrorizing the streets of Atalanta (Atlanta where I live!). Estelle must solve the murder mystery and discover her fellow supers, while pursuing her biology major and a couple of romantic entanglements. She scours the city at night, while overtly obeying her mom’s strict curfew. The flying mare, Rockette, is her loyal, but sometimes flighty (in the cat’s words) companion.
The romantic interest is Toby Ryan, a hot biker with a cat tattoo on his bulging biceps. Estelle gradually uncovers Toby’s secret life during her first semester at college in the first book. She learns more about the opposing alien factions, Farleons and Zarnoths, in the second book.
In Starrella Falls , Toby and Estelle have separate adventures initially, but they work best as a team and tackle a succession of villains through the final chapter. One of my favorite scenes occurs in an alligator-infested swamp. We also hear from Growler, Toby’s black jaguar. 
The backlash from alien allegiances heightens the mystery in book 3, Gargoyle Hunt . This story is set in Oxenford (my fictitious version of Oxford), UK, with scenes in some of my favorite places like Avebury with the Neolithic megaliths next to a village. While investigating gargoyle thieves, Toby and Estelle work through the complications in their relationship.
Secret Supers  Read about this series HERE http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/p/superhero-wip.html Super Starrella, Book 1: Amazon 99cStarrella Falls, Book 2: Amazon Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3: Amazon99c until Dec 20th
How to claim a FREE eBook: 1.    Sign up for my Newsletter at http://eepurl.com/baol9z 2.    Comment about my micro story and I’ll select a winner at random.


Help an author struggling with health or financial issues by buying a full price ebook - http://pattyjansen.com/promo/help-an-author-for-christmas-promo/

In the Spirit of the Season Buy #SciFi & #Fantasy eBooks #Charity

This December, more than 50 Authors of Science Fiction & Fantasy Novels have donated to benefit their disadvantaged colleagues.  
Help an author struggling with health or financial issues by buying a full price ebook at >$2.99 
http://pattyjansen.com/promo/help-an-author-for-christmas-promo/
Four Packages have been Funded Already!

Scarlet dress - Snippet from Gargoyle Hunt for #WeWriWa #Superheroes

Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors . Writers in different genres showcase their stories with 8-10 sentences. Join the fun and read our snippets.
I am posting snippets from my new release, Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3 of Secret Supers.
BlurbDanger is the last thing on Estelle’s mind when she visits the University of Oxenford for a summer course. But, mysterious thefts and shadowy figures spur her into action. With Toby five thousand miles away, Estelle and her winged horse must hunt for the culprits alone. Soon they are embroiled in a mixed bag of aliens and ancient magic. Toby’s unexpected arrival throws her into turmoil and spurs events into a climax. 
This week, I’m switching to a scene later in the book. After the gargoyles’ robbery hits the headline news, Toby arrives unexpectedly on a mission for his Farleon Elders. His first order of business is meeting the clade leader in London. When he returns in the evening, Estelle is eager to hear about his trip. But, this happens: (Please excuse irregular punctuation to fit.)
Toby was standing under the arched stone entrance holding a brown paper bag. He smiled and walked toward her, looking hunky despite the wary expression in his shadowed eyes. Estelle longed to hug him; questions burst from her, “Toby, are you okay? What happened in London?”  “Hi babe, sorry I’m late.” He waved the paper bag, wafting the salty smell of greasy fries to her nostrils, “Picked up a steak pie and chips.” He glanced over her shoulder, straightened and stared. Estelle turned to see what had caught his interest. In a short scarlet dress and matching red shoes with stiletto heels, Cynthia Mortimer sailed toward them. A mismatched pair of men accompanied her: a tall, distinguished-looking man with iron gray hair and a charcoal gray suit clasped her left elbow, and a sallow-complexioned man with slick black hair, a head shorter than her, walked at Cynthia’s right side.
Secret Supers, Book 3, Gargoyle Hunt - 99c until Dec 20th US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDT6Y7Y/ International: http://authl.it/B01MDT6Y7Y/?d
Book 1, Super Starrella 99cUS: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C7WC8R6/International: http://authl.it/B01C7WC8R6?d
Book 2, Starrella Falls US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HT1W8AW/International: http://authl.it/B01HT1W8AW?d
Dec 12-18th Fantasy 99 CENT BOOK PROMOTION - HOSTED BY JASON RICE The prizes are a Kindle Fire HD and another winner will get a chance to name a character in Jason’s next book. http://jasonpaulricebooks.com/fantasy-book-deals/
Dec 10-31st Help an Author in Difficulty – Christmas Promotion of SciFi & Fantasy eBooks – Benefits go to authors with health or financial difficulties. pattyjansen.com/promo
As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers. 

New Release - Gargoyle Hunt #Superheroes #SciFi #Romance

Today, I’m celebrating the release of Gargoyle Hunt , Book 3 of Secret Supers!
BlurbDanger is the last thing on Estelle’s mind when she visits the University of Oxenford for a summer course. But, mysterious thefts and shadowy figures spur her into action. With Toby five thousand miles away, Estelle and her winged horse must hunt for the culprits alone. Soon they are embroiled in a mixed bag of aliens and ancient magic. Toby’s unexpected arrival throws her into turmoil and spurs events into a climax. Under pressure to succeed, Toby is trapped in a web of deceit. The two supers must catch the crooks in less than a week to salvage his reputation.  
Blog Posts
Read about the Secret Supers Series - HERE: 
You can read the scene of Estelle/Starrella’s first encounter with a gargoyle - HERE:
Find another Excerpt - HERE: 
Download the first two chapters in your choice of format - HERE:

Secret Supers Series
Super Starrella, Book 1, 99cStarrella Falls, Book 2 Gargoyle Hunt , Book 3, will be 99c through December 20th

Media links:Blog: http://AuroraSpringer.blogspot.com/Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Aurora-Springer... https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aurora-Springer/885945434752937Twitter: http://twitter.com/AuroraSpringerGoogle+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/101087717415198221200/posts

Gone! Snippet from Gargoyle Hunt for #WeWriWa #Superheroes

Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors . Here, writers in different genres showcase their stories with 8-10 sentences. Join the fun and read our snippets.
I am posting snippets from Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3 of Secret Supers.
BlurbDanger is the last thing on Estelle’s mind when she visits the University of Oxenford for a summer course. But, mysterious thefts and shadowy figures spur her into action. With Toby five thousand miles away, Estelle and her winged horse must hunt for the culprits alone. Soon they are embroiled in a mixed bag of aliens and ancient magic. Toby’s unexpected arrival throws her into turmoil and spurs events into a climax. 
By popular demand, I’m continuing from a scene with a gargoyle in action. Super Starrella and her flying horse, Rockette, are fighting a live gargoyle. I have omitted a couple of lines to fit.  You can read last week’s snippet here: http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2016/11/crooked-hand-snippet-from-gargoyle-hunt.html
Rockette leaped free. Wings flapping, she circled at a cautious distance from the distorted figure. Its round eyes followed the flying horse and it raised a knobby fist, ready to strike. Moonlight shone through a gap in the clouds, lighting the grotesque head. The creature melted into nothing. “Gone!” Starrella gasped aloud. “Where the heck did it go?” The flat roof of the tower was empty. The mare swished her tail in a ghostly white fountain. “Don’t care if I never see that ugly man again!”
This ends the scene. You can read the first two chapters, including this scene, by downloading the sample at https://www.instafreebie.com/free/09Suw   

The book is on pre-order for release on December, 6th. Secret Supers, Book 3, Gargoyle Hunt - 99c Pre-order US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDT6Y7Y/ International: http://authl.it/B01MDT6Y7Y/?d

Book 1, Super Starrella FREE Dec 2-4thUS: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C7WC8R6/International: http://authl.it/B01C7WC8R6?d

Book 2, Starrella Falls US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HT1W8AW/International: http://authl.it/B01HT1W8AW?d
Supersaturate your eReaders with more than 100 FREE SciFi & Fantasy eBooks at http://pattyjansen.com/promo


As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers. 

Enter the Grand Masters’ Galaxy + Super Cyber Monday #Deals #Giveaway

Enter the Grand Masters’ Galaxy 
Sip tea with in the White Mother’s cottage on Avalon, as Tingu instructs empath Violet on her dangerous task to discover the secrets of the Grand Masters. 

Teleport to strange planets as Violet travels on missions for her Grand Master, gaining new strengths and allies for her secret task. 
Pity the Griffin Grand Master savoring vintage wine in his isolated castle on a remote planet. He is alone and untouchable, deadly to all, except for the extraordinary orange cat, Rascal.
Soar over the fiery planet of Sythos with the Black Dragon, Ythris. He seeks a trophy to claim beautiful Silver Istrelle.
Cower before mad Morrigu with her ruby eyes blasting red death.
Mythic Themes in Grand Masters' GalaxyThe galaxy is ruled in secret by the Council of Twelve Grand Masters. They are a powerful, contentious and deadly group of entities. Some have counterparts in mythology, like Pashtari Hanuman with the face and serenity of a Buddha. Others have a mixture of origins, like the Red Queen Morrigu, an amalgam of Celtic and Hindu myth, with her ruby eyes, four arms and strawberry blonde braids. Several have no obvious mythical precedent. Radjuserresembles an octopus and exudes orange slime. The planetoid, Amarylla Threeleaf, communicates by rustling her leaves and emitting scents. 
Find all this and more when you explore the Grand Masters’ Galaxy !
Teleport through the galaxy in this thrilling SciFi adventure Short Prequel: Grand Master’s Cat AmazonBook 1: Grand Master’s Pawn Amazon  iBooks  Kobo  B&N Book 2: Grand Master’s Game Amazon  iBooks  Kobo  B&NBook 3: Grand Master’s Mate Amazon Read about this series HERE

Special Deals
Nov 28-30th Super deal on Grand Masters' Galaxy with Pawn & Game at 99c and MateFREE! SFR CrossPromo FREE & 99c eBooks at www.smschmitz.com/promo

Nov 25-29th Black Friday Book Boyfriend – FREE eBooks in Romance, including Captured by the Hawk – Fun & Fast-paced Space Operettaat http://www.melissasnark.com/bookboyfriend-instafreebie/

Nov 25-Dec 10th (Pawn)Holiday Special - Buy a Paperback as a Christmas Gift and gain the eBook FREE - rozmarshall.co.uk/sale  
>100 Books in all genres
Enjoy Reading Your Books

Crooked hand - Snippet from Gargoyle Hunt for #WeWriWa #Gifts

Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors . Here, writers in different genres showcase their stories with 8-10 sentences. Join the fun and read our snippets.
I am posting snippets from Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3 of Secret Supers.
BlurbDanger is the last thing on Estelle’s mind when she visits the University of Oxenford for a summer course. But, mysterious thefts and shadowy figures spur her into action. With Toby five thousand miles away, Estelle and her winged horse must hunt for the culprits alone. Soon they are embroiled in a mixed bag of aliens and ancient magic. Toby’s unexpected arrival throws her into turmoil and spurs events into a climax. 
By popular demand, I’m continuing from a scene with a gargoyle in action. Super Starrella and her flying horse, Rockette, have encountered a live gargoyle.  You can read last week’s snippet here: http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2016/11/grotesque-parody-of-man-snippet-from.html
Rockette snorted and dodged. A crooked hand clamped onto her rear hoof and dragged her down to the roof. She beat her wings, bucked and reared in midair, struggling to dislodge its grip. Determined to hang on, Starrella clung to the mane and clamped her knees into the mare’s flanks. She twisted her head from side to side, seeking a clear shot at her target. Kicking desperately, the mare’s steel clad hooves clinked against the stone torso, shoving the gargoyle against the parapet.  Seizing her chance, Starrella opened her fist and flung fire balls at the awful creature. Its mouth gaped impossibly wide, tongue protruding like a snake. It staggered backward, releasing the mare’s leg.

The book is on pre-order for release on December, 6th. Secret Supers, Book 3, Gargoyle Hunt - 99c Pre-order US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDT6Y7Y/ International: http://authl.it/B01MDT6Y7Y/?d

Book 1, Super Starrella (99c)US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C7WC8R6/International: http://authl.it/B01C7WC8R6?d

Book 2, Starrella Falls US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HT1W8AW/International: http://authl.it/B01HT1W8AW?d
Print books make excellent gifts. Combine these two offers:
Buy the paperback and claim the matching ebook free! >100 Books in Multiple Genres - rozmarshall.co.uk/sale

Amazon special offer: $10 off books from November 25-27th only! CLICK HERE

As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers. 

Black Friday Book Specials #Gifts & #Giveaway

Do you Love Romance? 
Check into these FREE eBooks - Black Friday Book Boyfriends (25-29th): http://www.melissasnark.com/bookboyfriend-instafreebie/

Books Make Great GiftsCombine Two Super Deals

 >100 Printbooks in Multiple Genres (Nov 25 - Dec 10th) - rozmarshall.co.uk/sale


Amazon special offer: $10 off books from November 25-27th only. Click HERE

Aurora's Specials:Read the first Book in each Series for only 99c.
The Lady is Blue, Book 1 of Atrapako on Eden:  Intrepid scientist solves puzzle of scaly aliens  Amazon Only 99c or Free with Kindle Unlimited
Grand Master’s Pawn, Book 1 of Grand Masters' Galaxy: Teleport through the galaxy in this thrilling SciFi Adventure   Amazon   iBooks   Kobo   B&N  99c everywhere
Super Starrella, Book 1 of Secret Supers: Spunky supergirl, snarky flying horse and hunky hero tackle alien killers.  Amazon Only 99c or Free with Kindle Unlimited