Four Visions, Four Voices: D. L. Jackson

We're kicking off our series of brief interviews this morning exploring Four Visions, Four Voices with D. L. Jackson, a soon-to-debut new author of SFR.  Science Fiction Romance presents a universe of ideas, possibilities, characters, settings and situations.  Here's a glimpse into the realms created by four SFR writers.

D. L. Jackson is the author of the soon-to-debut Futuristic Romance SLIPPING THE PAST and soon after that LAST FLIGHT OF THE ARK, a SFR, will be released, both to be published by Liquid Silver Books.  She is also a published author of erotica short stories.

How would you classify your SFR? (Space opera, romantic SF, apocalyptic, military SFR, or other.)

That's a hard one. Last Flight of the Ark. SFR--SFE--but only because I wouldn't call it Space Opera--too dark. It could fall into apocalyptic, because of the situation the main characters finds themselves in, but it doesn't go that far in the novel. Could be military--as I draw on my experience in the military and it has some elements of that. I'd call it a mutt.

What makes your story "different' or what unique elements would entertain readers?

Believe it or not, this started as a werewolf novella for a call with another publisher. I never go the traditional route with my stories and the Ark wasn't any different. It deals with a mutation more than the traditional shape-shifter stories and I think you might be surprised at how it plays into the novel. I think the choice Kaleb Titan must make is what makes this different. He has to use biological warfare against his own people to save them. It changes them and condemns them to exile on another world. The enemy is another element that make the story unique and telling you what it is, would be a spoiler. (So I won't share there. LOL :) Also this is erotic science fiction. It's a menage story, the first I've written.

Do you have a favorite line(s) from your novel that you can share?

“What if it isn’t reversible?”

“Then we evolve. We won’t be the first or last species to do it.”

“How can you take that chance, based on a pocket full of assumptions?” She slapped her palms down on the table and leaned in until their noses almost touched. “That’s what you’ve got. Nothing more.”

Anything else you'd like to share about your work?

I have a futuristic romance coming out soon, SLIPPING THE PAST. It mixes science fiction, fantasy, historical elements and has been described as having a "Blade Runner-Matrix-Minority Report" feel by the editor that worked on it. My goal when I wrote both my novels was to give the readers a story unlike anything they've read before and I think SLIPPING THE PAST and LAST FLIGHT OF THE ARK will do that. There are some surprises in both--that's a promise.

Could you give us a sneak peak of the story?

Excerpt from LAST FLIGHT OF THE ARK:

“Will she let me in the cage?”

Jessica shrugged. “She’s not growling. I’d take that catch-pole over there with the loop in the end, in case she changes her mind.”

Kaleb nodded and snagged the pole. One way or another someone had to go in there. If Sheba liked him, it might as well be him. “Open the door when I say and get the trank-gun in case she gets ugly. First sign of aggression put her out.”

Jessica loaded a cartridge into the gun. “Ready?”

Kaleb nodded and Jessica opened the door. He stepped inside and it clanged shut behind him. “Hey, girl.”

With a growl that sounded more like a roar, Sheba launched from the corner. Her paws landed in his chest, knocking him to the floor. Kaleb only had seconds to register her open jaws and large teeth. He threw his forearm over his throat. Sheba latched on, sinking into flesh. A crunch and then sharp pain shot up his arm. Oh, God. Her teeth pierced bone.

“Shoot her!”

The trank popped and was followed by a yelp from Sheba, who released his arm and staggered back. Blood dripped from her muzzle and stained her white fur. She swayed from side to side and dropped to the floor with a snort. Her front paw dug at air as she fought the drug.

“Omigod.” Jessica threw the door open and rushed to his side. “You okay?”

Kaleb glanced at his blood-soaked sleeve. “She likes me, huh?” He cringed as pain radiated from his fingers to his shoulder. Last time he’d trust a smiling female. They were all trouble.

Jessica helped him to sit up and ripped his sleeve open, staring at the bite. Blood pumped from the wound and formed a puddle on the floor. “Can you walk to the med-bay?”

“Does it look like she bit my leg?” Kaleb snarled.

Thanks, D. L., for agreeing to do this interview and for providing a glimpse into your upcoming release.  I'll be looking forward to the release announcement from Liquid Silver Books.