Science Fiction Romance may be a niche subgenre, but there's a universe of possibility with plots, characters and situations. During the week long SFR Holiday Blitz celebration, Spacefreighters Lounge will feature Four Visions, Four Voices--brief chats with writers and authors about what makes their SFR projects ( and two soon-to-debut novels) unique.
(In aphabetical order)
Sharon Lynn Fisher (will be posted on Friday)
On: Ghost Planet
2009 Golden Heart finalist SFR (paranormal category)
Donna S. Frelick (Wednesday)
On: Unchained Memory
Published author of Star Trek fanfic; Unpublished in SFR
Laurie Green (Thursday)
On: P2PC
Unpublished; Award winning SFR writer
D. L. Jackson (Tuesday)
On: Last Flight of the Ark
Soon to debut SLIPPING THE PAST and LAST FLIGHT OF THE ARK with Liquid Silver Books; Published author of erotica short stories
We hope you enjoy the series.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
How to be a More Active SFR Fan
Love Science Fiction Romance? Want to do more as a fan, reader or writer to promote the subgenre and get the word out? History in the publishing industry has shown that fan-based communities can make a difference in genre (and subgenre) popularity and marketability.
Here are seven easy ways to help give the SFR community a larger voice.
1. Join the discussions on a Science Fiction Romance Community.
Amazon Science Fiction Romance Community
The more active the SFR Community, the more people will hear about our favorite reads. There are a lot of readers (and even industry professionals) out there who still aren't aware that, yes, Virginia, Science Fiction Romance does exist!
2. Tag your favorite SFR novels as SFR.
Find your favorite novels on Amazon, etc. Scroll down to the "tags" section and click the box for science fiction romance and any other appropriate descriptions. In fact, you can use all three of most used tags: SFR, Science Fiction Romance, and Sci-Fi Romance. Be sure to also check "paranormal romance" which is the umbrella category for SFR and a very active community on Amazon. You can even create your own tags. How does this help? It moves the novel up to a more prominent position in site searches. Read more here.
3. Write reviews on your favorite SFRs and rate them accordingly. If you find a fantastic story among the stars, be sure to tell the world about it!
4. Found a SFR you really love? Tell ten people about why you thought it was such a stellar story. Word of mouth is still one of the most effective book promotion methods out there.
5. Join the Skiffy Rommer set at "SFR Central" (The Galaxy Express blog) for SFR-related news, links, discussion and all the latest buzz from peers and fellow enthusiasts.
6. Post the SFR link list established during the current SFR Holiday Blitz on your blog to promote other web sites in the Skiffy Rommer universe so your readers can make the jump to lightspeed to catch the latest buzz.
7. Comment on SFR-oriented blogs and posts. Show the world (not to mention agents, editors and publishing houses) that the Skiffy Rommers are a dedicated and enthusiastic market.
Here are seven easy ways to help give the SFR community a larger voice.
1. Join the discussions on a Science Fiction Romance Community.
Amazon Science Fiction Romance Community
The more active the SFR Community, the more people will hear about our favorite reads. There are a lot of readers (and even industry professionals) out there who still aren't aware that, yes, Virginia, Science Fiction Romance does exist!
2. Tag your favorite SFR novels as SFR.
Find your favorite novels on Amazon, etc. Scroll down to the "tags" section and click the box for science fiction romance and any other appropriate descriptions. In fact, you can use all three of most used tags: SFR, Science Fiction Romance, and Sci-Fi Romance. Be sure to also check "paranormal romance" which is the umbrella category for SFR and a very active community on Amazon. You can even create your own tags. How does this help? It moves the novel up to a more prominent position in site searches. Read more here.
3. Write reviews on your favorite SFRs and rate them accordingly. If you find a fantastic story among the stars, be sure to tell the world about it!
4. Found a SFR you really love? Tell ten people about why you thought it was such a stellar story. Word of mouth is still one of the most effective book promotion methods out there.
5. Join the Skiffy Rommer set at "SFR Central" (The Galaxy Express blog) for SFR-related news, links, discussion and all the latest buzz from peers and fellow enthusiasts.
6. Post the SFR link list established during the current SFR Holiday Blitz on your blog to promote other web sites in the Skiffy Rommer universe so your readers can make the jump to lightspeed to catch the latest buzz.
7. Comment on SFR-oriented blogs and posts. Show the world (not to mention agents, editors and publishing houses) that the Skiffy Rommers are a dedicated and enthusiastic market.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Details on our Featured Books
These are the fabulous books Spacefreighters Lounge is offering as part of the SFR Holiday Blitz!
Our Featured E-Book:
LUCY IN THE SKY by Barbara Elsborg
Ellora's Cave
Released in October 2009
"When you find a spaceship in your backyard, what do you do? Choose from three:
Phone the police.
Scream.
Go yell at the alien for wrecking your garden."
This novel has it all--a steamy hero, a funny heroine and an amazing, sexy romp among the stars. LUCY IN THE SKY is a Science Fiction Romance Erotica e-book and is available to adults over 18 only. Want more details?
Our Featured Print Book:
BEYOND THE RAIN by Jess Granger
Berkley Trade
Released in August 2009
"In a universe torn apart by civil war, a warrior and a slave must fight for their lives and a love that may destroy them both." Jess Granger's amazing characters and cultures--not too mention the oh so adorable Vicca--make this SFR a standout. Learn more. (Print books are only available to US citizens due to prohibitive shipping costs.)
Our Special Bonus:
THE OUTBACK STARS by Sandra McDonald
Tor Science Fiction
Released February 2008
THE OUTBACK STARS is one of Spacefreighters Lounge's top picks for Science Fiction Romance. We'll award this wonderful SFR adventure/suspense if our SFR Holiday Blitz announcement receives more than 50 comments OR if this blog reaches 15,000 hits during the SFR Holiday Blitz.
"Love. Duty. Really big spaceships." Set in a future where Australian has taken the lead in space exploration, this military SFR features characters and a love story you will never forget and a lot of twists and surprises along the way. Check it out here.
(Print books are only available to US citizens due to prohibitive shipping costs.)
Our Featured E-Book:
LUCY IN THE SKY by Barbara Elsborg
Ellora's Cave
Released in October 2009
"When you find a spaceship in your backyard, what do you do? Choose from three:
Phone the police.
Scream.
Go yell at the alien for wrecking your garden."
This novel has it all--a steamy hero, a funny heroine and an amazing, sexy romp among the stars. LUCY IN THE SKY is a Science Fiction Romance Erotica e-book and is available to adults over 18 only. Want more details?
Our Featured Print Book:
BEYOND THE RAIN by Jess Granger
Berkley Trade
Released in August 2009
"In a universe torn apart by civil war, a warrior and a slave must fight for their lives and a love that may destroy them both." Jess Granger's amazing characters and cultures--not too mention the oh so adorable Vicca--make this SFR a standout. Learn more. (Print books are only available to US citizens due to prohibitive shipping costs.)
Our Special Bonus:
THE OUTBACK STARS by Sandra McDonald
Tor Science Fiction
Released February 2008
THE OUTBACK STARS is one of Spacefreighters Lounge's top picks for Science Fiction Romance. We'll award this wonderful SFR adventure/suspense if our SFR Holiday Blitz announcement receives more than 50 comments OR if this blog reaches 15,000 hits during the SFR Holiday Blitz.
"Love. Duty. Really big spaceships." Set in a future where Australian has taken the lead in space exploration, this military SFR features characters and a love story you will never forget and a lot of twists and surprises along the way. Check it out here.
(Print books are only available to US citizens due to prohibitive shipping costs.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)