The summer blog hop and other weighty matters

It's nearly time for the Science Fiction Romance Brigade's annual summer blog hop. It starts on 11^th July and goes through until 15^th July. This year, the theme is 'Other Worlds'. Twenty-five SFRB authors are eager to tell you all about the worlds they've created in their books – and you'll be able to enter the Rafflecopter competition for the major prizes of 3 $50 gift cards at a choice of vendors, and ebook bundles.

Many authors will have their own giveaways on their blog sites, so please do visit as many as you can for more chances to win prizes. Yes, of course I'm in the hop. One of the great pleasures of writing space opera is to create your very own worlds for your characters to inhabit. I've shared some of mine on the blog. One lucky winner will receive all three of my Dryden Universe stories in one of epub, mobi, or pdf. Swing on by and put in your entry.

On reviews

I'm quite bemused at how many times I've seen words like "I really tried to like this book" in 'reviews' on vendor sites, and then the reviewer goes on to tell the world why they couldn't. Every time I see something like this I raise an eyebrow. Really? You 'tried to like' a book? Nuh-uh. Not this old broad. If the plot hasn't managed to grab me after maybe a chapter or two (I don't mind slow starts), I move on. Life's way too short to spend my time trying to like something. I do the same with food. Let me tell you, instant macaroni cheese (in a packet, add some milk and water) is disgusting. I hope next door's chooks like it.

On Writing

No progress on the WIP, I'm afraid. But I have created a print copy of my three Dryden Universe stories, because some people prefer paper. Here's the details.

Three exciting stories from the Dryden Universe

A Matter of Trust
Pursued by her father's agents Princess Amira races across the galaxy in a desperate search for a safe haven. Amid simmering tensions at the edge of the Empire, she renews her acquaintance with Imperial Admiral Ul-Mellor. But what will he do when faced with a choice – Amira or his hard-won commission?
The Demon's Eye
Escaping from a civil war, Krystina Merkos hitches a ride on an Imperial warship. But it's not all plain sailing. The captain wants to seduce her, her old flame Ben is trying to keep his distance – and pirates want to sell her to the murderous sect waging war on her father. When pirates attack the frigate, Krys must make a difficult choice.
Eye of the Mother
Somebody's murdering Yrmaks and Humans, and leaving a mysterious calling card. Somebody wants interspecies war. Imperial agent Tian Axmar hires tramp freighter captain Brent Walker and his ship to help her investigate, delving into Yrmak customs and beliefs to understand what's going on. It's an increasingly dangerous game, with more than just lives at stake. Before it's over Brent and Tian will be faced with choices which will change both of them forever.

Look for it at the usual outlets soon.

Other

And… here's a picture of a pelican landing, just because I can. I share a lot of pics on Twitter, so if that floats your boat, follow @Gretavdr. I usually follow back. Unless you're an egg or try to sell me followers.