More Content, New Story (Free Read!)

Happy Monday! 

Yep -- surprise! -- I'm blogging on Mondays again.  :)

The authors at Spacefreighters Lounge have jointly decided to bring more content to the blog for 2022, so beginning this week, we'll each have a designated week day to post. Posts might include story snippets, rewinds/throwbacks, science fiction/romance reviews, industry news, author news, release announcements, cover reveals, works in progress, serialized stories and a wide variety of content. 

This uptick in blog activity provides an opportunity, because our posts will be much more frequent now, to post an unpublished story in serialized format. So that's what I'll do, beginning next Monday. I may also provide story insights at the end of each episode or a bit of regular author news. 

Unlike "The Recruit," (you can read it here) which was a short story written specifically as extra content for a work in progress, "Draxis," this new story will be a complete book that has not been published. It is part of my Inherited Stars series, though that comes with a major caveat (see #4. below).

Six Hints About This Book 

1. It takes place underwater (mainly).

2. It's science fiction romance but not about mermaids or high-tech subs! 

3. It's about two characters from alien cultures discovering that maybe they aren't so alien after all. 

4. It's part of my series, but 50,000 years in the future. 

5. The story has had a round of edits by a professional editor.

6. The title is The Shell and The Star

So Why Post it Online?

Although I could publish this book without much work, serializing and posting the story here allows me some creative license to include related graphics or author commentary. For me, that's a really fun concept! It also provides a way to interact directly with readers as the story unfolds, either through feedback or comments. 

Because we're now posting more frequently, readers will have fresh content every seven days. I'll try to keep each segment at a reasonable length, but still keep the story moving forward. 

What Happens Once the Entire Book is Posted?

I may make changes to the story based on feedback or comments, and offer readers who follow the story a complete free book via Instafreebie/Prolific Works (or other similar venue). 

As I post segments, certain parts of the story may be edited so it's suitable for a wide audience, but being a Science Fiction Romance this equates to a PG-14 rating.

Want to get a feel for The Shell and The Star?  Here's a teaser from Chapter One...

“I’m having an eco-bubble readied for the next trade shuttle flight," Jinn's father said. "You will leave tomorrow for the seas below.” 

“Tomorrow?” 

Her father’s determined eyes fixed on her, his expression permitting no argument. “Daughter, you’ve had no suitors on Talstar. You will honor the bid of this Perling.” 

“But Father…I know nothing of their realm.” 

“You will learn.” He turned his head away and pulled in a deep draw of recycled air before slowly releasing it. “You will learn…what I could not teach you.” 

Jinn bowed her head. Talstar was all she’d ever known. Why must she leave her refuge for the oceans of Veros to meet an alien sea-dweller who would only reject her on sight? At least here she had family, a mother who soothed and a father who sheltered. Here she knew contentment. Not the happiness she craved, no. But safety. Security. A safe place to hide from the disdain and pity of others. 

“You grow quiet. I thought you would be eager to meet the one who has bid for your hand.” 

“Not like this. Not a bid from a male I’ve met, but an alien suitor who knows nothing about me. Or my flaws.” 

Her father reached out to take a handhold near the port-vu in her compartment and gazed down at the blue world below. “Always you assume the worst.”

___________________________________

See you next Monday. Have a great week.