SpyDog Snippet from Pets in Space® 4 (Soon to Disappear Forever!)

I was really excited to re-join the Pets in Space® 4 crew after writing for both PISA 1 and 2, but then skipping Pets in Space® 3 to work on some of my own material.

My story, SpyDog, gave me the opportunity to explore the flip-side of the action in my anchor novel, Inherit the Stars. It was both very fun, and extremely mind-boggling, to write a book that happened concurrently with the events in the novel, so a bit like the Star Wars: Rogue One of my series, except a tale where the main characters survive.

This is the third StarDog story in my series, this time starring Maura, a bio-engineered StarDog upgrade called a SpyDog.

Here's a quick peek at a snippet from my story SpyDog [edited slightly for context]:

_______________________________

Sona relaxed the tension in her trigger finger.

So did Rigel.

“You are a Network agent,” she whispered, her eyes going round.

This changed everything.

Whoever she was, whatever she’d seen, she was even more dangerous than he’d first thought. She’d IDed him as an agent? Not good. She was privy to Network passcodes? That left some big, fat, unresolved question marks. Leadership needed to know what she knew—and how she’d come to know it. How extensively had the Network been compromised? This breach could destroy everything they’d worked so hard for.

She wouldn’t die today. He’d just bagged a counter-intel asset. He’d deliver her to Network authorities so they could interrogate her—get to the bottom of how much damage had already been done and take corrective action. Meanwhile, he’d let her think he believed her story.

Always keep your enemies in your laze-sights. That was his motto.

“Right,” he muttered, easing his laze-pistol back to low ready. “You’re Network.”

She, too, lowered her weapon then holstered it.

He scowled when Maura left the confines of his satchel and took a few tentative steps toward the woman, nose twitching.

“Hello, little one,” the Rathskian said, going to one knee. “Can we be friends now?” She reached out to let the StarDog sniff her hand then gave Maura a gentle pat.

Maura responded by quickly scaling the women’s arm. The Rathski stiffened in surprise—and so did Rigel—when Maura wrapped herself around the woman’s shoulders like a furry, golden scarf.

Maura never took to strangers like this. It had to be an act.

The Rathski smiled and stroked the StarDog’s long back.

“Way to draw her in, partner.” Rigel managed not to smirk at his SpyDog’s cleverness. “Disarm and charm her. Let her think we’re falling for her story while we set the trap.”

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But here's an important message about Pets in Space® 4. All the Pets in Space® volumes are only offered for a limited time, and we're now on approach to another *POOF!* point.

Pets in Space® 4 is about to disappear...FOREVER..on February 29th!

So if you haven't grabbed your copy of the most successful Pets in Space® volume EVER, let me recap:

USA TODAY BEST SELLER

#1 on Amazon

#1 on B&N Nook

#1 on Kobo

115 Amazon reviews (to date) and a 4.7 STAR average

13 Stories in 13 Popular SFR Series

13 Award Winning, Bestselling Authors

Over 1,400 Pages (equal to 5 full-length novels!)

$5.99

>>  FIND IT HERE!  <<

So the bottom line is that if you love SciFi Romance at an incredible price--

~ we're talking .46 cents per story! ~

--this volume is not to be missed! At 1,400 pages, this meaty collection has an average story length of about 100 pages!

Though some of these stories may be published as stand alones, with a minimum price of .99 each (and probably more) the total cost would run you at least $12.87 -- provided they're all offered elsewhere and you can track them all down again.

So far all of the reasons listed above, Pets in Space® 4 is one SFR collection readers really don't want to miss. Once it's gone, it's gone for good. Never to return.

Grab your copy before February 29th at your favorite vendor and capture a bit of SFR history!

Happy Reading!

Story Bloopers That Make You Go *Headdesk* -- Part II #amwriting #snippet

Last week, I posted a blooper (Part I) from the original manuscript that's the basis for my upcoming release, StarDog. This week I'm posting Blooper Part II.

If the StarDog title sounds familiar, it's probably because this book had a previous life as part of the acclaimed, but no longer available, Pets in Space 1 collection.

My goal is to soon release StarDog as a standalone book in The Inherited Stars Series. But first, I felt the story needed some special attention -- expanded scenes, re-worked passages, all-new material, and an added epilogue to better resolve the ending and tie it into Inherit the Stars, the novel that takes place six months after StarDog. In addition, it will have even stronger ties to the follow-up book, Courting Disaster, which will also be expanded from the original debut as a novella in the 2017 Pets in Space 2 collection (no longer available) to a novel.

But as I was reworking StarDog, I discovered a couple of....well...minor issues. (Gasp!)

I felt a little better when I realized no readers had apparently caught these missteps, either. In fact, readers might find these gaffes just a bit funny. So I decided to do an authors version of a Blooper Reel. Hopefully, you can laugh along with me.

As I mentioned last week, one of the reasons these bloopers are so ironic is that the story went through multiple passes by me, my betas and my editor--and yet, none of us caught these little treasures. I think that shows they weren't enormous blunders--but my goal is to make a great story even better, so they hadda be fixed.

And with that said, may I present...

Blooper #2

To set it up, here's the story blurb and scene description:

Blurb

Navigator Taro Shall’s captain assigns him an unexpected mission–find a way to eradicate deadly vipers that have infested starship Calypso. He never expects to find the solution to his problem in the hands of Adini, a charming street vendor. But the bio-engineered StarDog he acquires turns out to be a galactic hot potato, and both Taro and Adini are soon fugitives on the run.

Adini Kemm can’t deny her fascination for the honor-bound navigator, though his past and her present seem to null any chance of a shared future. Until her father’s capture as a spy catapults both her and Taro into a desperate bid to save him…and straight into the clutches of a brewing insurrection.  

Scene Set-Up: Adini's father has been taken prisoner as a spy by the Ithian Alliance. Adini believes her one chance to save him may lie with a friend of her father's who she can find on planet Banna, and Taro convinces his captain to take her on as a paying passenger. But when Taro's captain learns the name of the man Adini is seeking, things get complicated.

___________________________

“Who is this man?” the skipper began without preamble. “The one who can help your father?”

Adini straightened in her seat and cast a questioning look at Taro, who nodded for her to answer. “His name is Jaeo Gant.”

Captain Jordan stiffened, thrusting out her chin. “Did you say Jaeo…?”

“Gant,” Dini repeated, rushing to add, “He’s with the Network.”

“Yes.” She spat out the word with clear contempt. “He’s no one I care to cross paths with.”

“He’s a good man, Captain Jordan.”

“No.” The skipper’s jaw muscles flared and her eyes went cold and distant. “He gets people killed.”

“Captain, I have nowhere else to turn. No one else would go head-to-head with the Alliance. He may be my only chance to save my father.”

The captain scuffed the heel of her boot against the deck, as if mentally regrouping. “I said I’d take you to Banna, and I always stand by my obligations. But I’m doing it on one condition. I don’t need this man meddling in my life. So the deal is that you never disclose how you got to Banna. Not a word. Me—my ship—we don’t exist. Do I have your promise?”

“You have it, Captain Jordan.”

The skipper’s gaze cut to Taro, and her eyes flashed like pulsebeams. “Her word had better be good, for both your sakes.”

The bite of unease hit Taro in the sternum. Was this a mistake? His instincts had let him down before, and the last thing he wanted was to draw the wrath of Dava Jordan or jeopardize his gig on Calypso. Being navigator of this exceptional ship meant a lot to him.

***

Adini prayed Jaeo Gant would honor his obligations. Lords knew he owed Carbin Kemm more than a few favors. Just last month, her father had secured a Network shipment brought in by Captain Jagger, a hotshot Carduwan officer who’d run afoul of Ithian intelligence. When Jaeo Gant arrived to procure the booty and smuggle it off-planet, he’d been lavish with his praise to her father.

Her dad had always been steadfastly devoted to the cause. Now Adini would find out if the Network would be equally loyal in return.

 

Calypso’s air jets blasted, bringing the ship to hover just above the well-maintained landing pad. Three ground tugs scuttled over to ferry the ship to her assigned bay, which turned out to be at the extreme outer fringes of the spaceport. Clearly, the captain was attempting to slip her remarkable vessel into a quiet berth, unnoticed.

At least Banna was a safe haven from Ithian interference. No Ithian tactical squad would be storming the hangar to arrest Captain Jordan for the non-authorized launch back on Carduwa.

But that stunt might well catch up with her one day…

With the rear atmospheric drive still winding down, Captain Jordan and Taro appeared in the portal room. Adini’s heart fluttered at the sight of him, looking so handsome and capable in the fresh black uniform. His gaze touched hers briefly before dropping to his deck boots. She regretted the shadow of unease she saw in his deep russet eyes.

Katrina chattered a happy greeting, now returned to her familiar spot, balancing on Adini’s left shoulder.

“Package delivered,” the skipper said. “Time to settle up so we can be on our way.”

Captain Jordan seemed more than eager to depart, and nothing about Taro’s expression said he would do anything other than leave with Calypso. And why shouldn’t he? What they’d shared together had been crazy-impetuous, not binding.
 
“Twenty thousand replas, Captain.” Adini transferred the data from her wristchip to the captain’s receiver.

“Pleasure doing business, Miss Kemm,” the skipper replied. “Good luck to you.” Captain Jordan nodded toward the airlock.

“Captain,” Taro interjected. “I’m going with her. I want to be sure she finds this Gant fellow.”

Adini sucked in a silent breath. This she hadn’t expected.

The captain quirked an eyebrow and studied him a full tempa before she looked away and answered, “That’s your call to make, Nav.”

“I’ll be back as soon as I know she’s in good hands.”

Adini eased out her breath when Captain Jordan gave her wave of dismissal. She glanced at Taro, but he’d already turned back toward the airlock.

 

What Went Wrong?

Again, this blunder was subtle but it's clearly there on the page. Captain Jordan makes it painfully clear she wants nothing to do with the man Adini is seeking for help in rescuing her father--she doesn't want her name or her ship so much as mentioned.

"Me--my ship--we don't exist."

Captain Jordan is not happy Taro wants to escort Adini to find the man, but she allows him to go.

And that's where the problem lies.

Why?

Because: "Adini’s heart fluttered at the sight of him, looking so handsome and capable in the fresh black uniform."

Another forehead-smacker.

How invisible is Captain Jordan and her ship going to be if Taro escorts Adini to him wearing his Calypso navigator's uniform?

Whoopsie!

The scene required some editing to have Taro change back into his street clothes, so he wouldn't be identified as belonging to the crew of a captain who obviously knows Jaeo Gant and wants to ensure the man knows nothing about her involvement. Taro showing up in his uniform clearly didn't work.

And here I pause to laugh at myself for not catching that in the original story.

I hope to have more snippets or bloopers soon, but in the meantime, you can catch up on these two previously posted scenes from the coming book if you haven't yet read them:

All New Scene: Nebula Encounter  A newly written scene

Meet the Hero: Star Navigator Taro Shall  Introduction to the hero and his background


Have a great week!

Courting Disaster #CoverReveal #Excerpt #Freebies #PetsInSpace

Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2 releases in just THREE DAYS!

Though that may not be news to you (if the authors have done a good job of getting the word out), I do have some fun and totally NEW things to share with you today about my story in the collection--Courting Disaster: Pets in Space 2.

First of all, the novella has a brand new cover! This won't be used for the Pets in Space 2 version, but for the future release of the story as a standalone after the Pets in Space collection has run its course. (The collection will only be on sale until the end of April 2018...and then it's gone forever.)

When that happens, the story will evolve. It will also drop it's "StarDog 2" subtitle and simply become Courting Disaster. Current plans are to expand it into a full-blown novel before it begins its solo flight at future date.

But I don't want to keep you in suspense, so first up, here's the shiny new art for Courting Disaster.

My cover artist is the amazing Danielle Fine and I absolutely love what she did here! Most of the story elements are captured, from Jagger's "greaseskins" (ragged civilian uniform), helmet and visor, to the uhh...let's be gracious and call it the "classic" exterior of starship Sheeban, to Ketsia's elegant black suit and the intuitive little StarDog curled up in her lap.

I also love how well it ties in with it's companion story, StarDog. (Cover shown below with other PISA2 bounty--keep reading.) I share a short excerpt from the story below.

More About the Pet in Courting Disaster

The pet in my story is a StarDog, the same bio-engineered little mischief-maker as the critter in my original story of the same name, StarDog.

This StarDog's name is Luna and here's a photo of her inspiration (and the real Luna in my life--who is currently curled up under my desk). In the story, the name "Luna" has a distinct connection to some of the history of the Inherited Stars Universe that also involves her genetic-sibling StarDog and predecessor, Katrina. (Some readers may remember Katrina from the first Pets in Space story.)

But Luna isn't a miniature longhaired dachshund like my Luna, she's an unique critter bio-engineered from dog-cat-weasel-mongoose DNA, created to serve as specialized mascots (and other more covert duties) on starships.

This is artist Nyssa Juneau's conceptual art of Luna the StarDog. She did a wonderful job of capturing the fictional version in pen and ink, as well as incorporating the real Luna's expression and markings.

But Luna is more than just a pet. More than just a mascot. She's got skills. And she demonstrates them in the story.

About My Story

For those of you who've read Inherit the Stars, Captain Navene Jagger returns in Courting Disaster, still living with past regrets.

He has survived lost love by transforming himself into a military space monk with his professional career his only true passion.

The ever-charming Ketsia Tayah, also returning from the novel, is now older, wiser and determined to overcome her own heart-breaking history. As luck would have it, her past is intertwined in some very painful ways with Jagger’s.

When their paths collide on a dangerous mission in the heart of the dark nebula known as the Bradley Rift, it feels like a match made in purgatory. They are soon forced to pose as mates and rely on each other for survival. But the feisty little StarDog who's along for the ride may be the root of a whole ship-load of trouble.

Courting Disaster is a tale of two lost souls finding redemption and a possible future together...if they can survive the present.

Excerpt
From Courting Disaster: StarDog2 (edited for space)

Ketsia took in the trim lines of the man’s uniform. Captain Navene Jagger cut quite the dashing figure in those threadbare coveralls. He looked every inch the outstanding officer she believed him to be. But she didn’t understand how she’d triggered such a negative reaction in the man that he’d stalked off the flight deck to escape her company.

Was it the fact she’d followed him? Or her childish admission that she remembered him from Spirit?

Hades, she’d obsessed over him. Watched him, and watched for him. Like some sad little orphan puppy pining for a glimpse of her hero.

Now the man seemed to resent who and what she was—or who she’d been—on some very deep level…but why?

And why summon her to the flight deck now? Unless he was looking for another fight.

“Have you ever seen the Rift?” he asked, without turning her way.

She pulled up short. “The Bradley Rift? You can see it?”

“At this distance, yes. It’s quite impressive. You might want to take a look.” He gestured to the monitor in front of the co-pilot console. “You won’t have this view once we’ve entered the region.”

She approached him with care in her step and in her tone. “Why is that?”

“The dust and gas clouds are only visible from a distance through Banshee’s filters. Once we’re inside the nebula, the particles will be too thinly disbursed to detect on the monitor even though they’ll obscure our scanners.”

Ketsia lifted off her helmet and peered at the screen before her, mesmerized by the images emerging from the swirling blue-green-red-violet chaos. “I see monsters.”

He managed an off-kilter smile. “Most people do.”

The man should smile more often. It was a nice look for him. Much nicer than the hard frown and harsh words she’d spent two days avoiding.

About Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2

The creative minds of today’s leading SFR authors have joined forces to bring readers 12 amazing, never before released original Science Fiction Romance stories all in one place – Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2! Join New York Times, USA TODAY, and Award-winning authors as they share stories and help out Hero-Dogs.org, a charity that supports our veterans!

Pre-order your copy now from any of these vendors 

and get it Tuesday!

This collection also includes new stories in many different established science fiction romance series such as the Stars Series, Sectors, and Dragonlords of Valdier. You can read more about how they are connected on this prior blog.

And Here There Be Treasures

And lastly, me buckos, I have some treats for all who've clung to the jib with me this far.

Pirates are a real threat in the Bradley Rift. But there's worst kinds lurking in the depths o' the dark nebula. If you want to earn your salt as a pirate, I've got some freebie bootie for you, right here. Just look at all these sparkly gems!



The clock be ticking! If ye don't want to miss the boat, enter NOW!

Contest to win a FREE PRINT COPY of Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2 SIGNED by all the captains...er, authors -- but you gotta hurry! This contest ends in hours! So...last call!
[EDITED TO ADD: THE PRINT COPY GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED.]

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Click here to make off with your free copy!

FREE COPY of StarDog -- my original Pets in Space story -- via Instafreebie. Arrrr, matie. It makes a great refresher, it does, for your journey to Courting Disaster: StarDog2. Arrrrr.

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Click here for your free ticket aboard!

FREE FIRST CHAPTER SAMPLER of all the Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2 stories. Want a taste of the best storytellin' this or any other galaxy has to offer, landlubber? Feist your eyes.

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These peaked beasts need a touch o' color. Try yer hand, bucko.

FREE Pets in Space Coloring Book in downloadable PDF. Arrr, you be right, it's also a contest. But here be the difference -- everybody wins!

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*peeks into her treasure trove* And what other loot might I glimpse that be lurking in the depths of this rusty old hull? Well, shiver me timbers, if it isn't another print copy of the collection (though unsigned, sadly). [EDITED TO ADD: SORRY, THIS PRINT COPY GIVEAWAY CLOSED AS OF MIDNIGHT 10/07/17.] If you be clever enough to have traveled the blog this far with me, it's yours for the taking provided you be the first to comment below and answer this riddle (arrr, nay, it's not a riddle at all, is it?): What nature of phenomenon is Bradley Rift? You may find yer clue in the prose above, mind you. I be lookin' for a pair o' words here as the key to the treasure.

I'll be back on Tuesday, October 10th, with our big release announcement. See you then. Arrrrrr!

The Dread Pirate