Kaye Manro Romance Author

Heart of a Black Hole in Space?

2012-02-08T13:23:00.000-05:00

Scientists call this an "Exotic Galaxy with a Black Hole Heart."

This strange, new found galaxy may help astronomers figure out how black holes and star formation evolved in the early universe, according to a new study.

The spiral galaxy, dubbed Speca, boasts fast-moving jets of particles rushing from its black hole center, a phenomenon more commonly observed in elliptical galaxies. In fact, Speca is just the second spiral known to have such jets.

These jets are spawned by a super massive black hole at the heart of Speca. Researchers hope studying the galaxy will yield insights into black holes, star birth and the interaction between the two.

"This is probably the most exotic galaxy with a black hole ever seen," said the study's principal investigator Ananda Hota, of the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics. She says, "It has the potential to teach us new lessons about how galaxies and clusters of galaxies formed and developed into what we see today."

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I love the concept of a black hole heart. And I can't wait to see what discoveries will come from this phenomenal find. Does it spark any 'what if' ideas or potential stories for anyone? I'd love to hear what you think.

Kaye

Welcome Cynthia Woolf

2012-02-06T01:04:00.002-05:00

I’m pleased to introduce fellow Science Fiction Romance author Cynthia Woolf as guest on my blog today. She’s here to answer a few interview questions and tell us about her Centauri series featuring the exciting third book Centauri Midnight which released in January.

I am reading Centauri Midnight now. I love the way her characters come to life. The story is a fast adventure with plot twists that keep me turning the virtual pages. This book is an exciting read for all SFR fans, and anyone who enjoys an intriguing read.

Was your road to publication fraught with peril or a walk in the park?

Well it definitely wasn’t a walk in the park. I’ve been writing seriously, with the goal of publication since 1990. It’s been a long hard process, that culminated with me publishing my books on my own. So I’d have to say it was fraught with peril.

What inspired your latest book?

Centauri Midnight is the third book in the Centauri Series. I used to dream that I was a princess from Alpha Centauri, that was the basis for Centauri Dawn, book 1 in the series.

Centauri Twilight Book 2 is much darker. Lara is the twin sister of Audra in book 1. Lara has been a sex slave since she was a child. Having escaped, she’s now an outlaw and working to free the rest of the slaves who are now her people.

Centauri Midnight Book 3 is about two people from Book 1. Kitari Dolana and Garrick Marcus. They are chasing the person responsible for the death of her brother and the capture and torture of Anton in the first book. The person who gave Slavarien, the villain, the information that allowed the ambush.

My current is called Centauri Midnight and is the third book in the Centauri Series. It was released on January 9, 2012.

Now I’m working on the second sci-fi series called the Swords of Gregara and the second western, called Tame the Wild Wind.

What is your typical day like?

I don’t know that I have a typical day. I’m lucky enough to be able to write full time. I was laid off in June and am taking advantage of it to write while I look for another job.

How has your experience with self-publishing been?

My experience has been wonderful. I highly recommend it for everyone out there who doesn’t want to be constrained by the “big” traditional publisher. For everyone who wants to write from their heart and not according to the industry rules and constraints, self publishing is the only way to go.

Give us an elevator pitch for your work.

I’m really, really bad at this. Luckily I have a good friend who does this for me. For instance the pitch for Tame A Wild Heart is “She’s a beautiful ranch owner at a time when women aren’t supposed to run ranches. He’s a bounty hunter set to capture her heart.”

Do you have a view in your writing space? What does your space look like?

I don’t have a view. I keep the curtains closed so the neighbors don’t see in and my desk faces the wall opposite the window. I have a bulletin board with pictures from magazines of each of my characters. It helps me keep them straight, so my heroine doesn’t suddenly end up with black hair when she started out as a blonde.

EXCERPT: CENTAURI MIDNIGHT

Kiti was more than ready to leave when she received her orders to report to the Dremel. She was a tensign in the Army, which meant she had to await orders like anyone else. Her personal relationships with Anton and Audra did not change her position in the service.

She left immediately for the space dock station. By air car, it would take thirty minutes to reach the spaceport, then another fifteen to check in before she got to the ship. Her orders gave her two hours to report. There was no time to stop and smell the roses, to use an old Earth saying. Just one of many she’d been required to learn when they went to retrieve Audra just a few months ago.

She meant to be there in plenty of time to be settled in her quarters and on the bridge for the undocking. She’d heard Garrick always took out the ship himself and it could be quite exciting. Having deposited her bag in her quarters, she walked double time to get to the bridge.

Garrick saw Kitari as soon as she came on the bridge. He was acutely aware of her no matter where they were. He’d kept his feelings to himself for years because she and Anton were lovers. But he always felt her, smelled her special scent in the room even if she wasn’t there anymore. He’d kissed her once at a party celebrating the passing moons. He still tasted her sweetness on his lips. Felt her soft curves against the hard planes of his body. He’d been tempted, so very tempted, to take her and make love to her, but she’d still been reeling from the losses of both Joridan’s life and Anton’s companionship. It would’ve been unconscionable for him to take advantage of her in that state of mind.

Anton found his lifemate in Lara. Now they were the King and Queen of Delaz. Busy rebuilding the country after they’d ended the Slavarien family’s reign of terror.

Kiti was meant for Garrick, and his patience was nearly at an end! He had this time, this chance to achieve his goals and we wasn’t about to let it pass. When the opportunity to go after the traitor Lord Tybold presented itself, Garrick volunteered to lead the mission. He’d wanted to get away from Kiti before he embarrassed himself with declarations of love that she wasn’t ready for. Yet his heart leapt when he heard Darius give her permission to join the task force Garrick was leading. She was going to be on the mission with him. He would be working closely with her for the two week trip to Procon. Together they would learn about Procon and if he had his way, they would learn about each other as well.

Kiti was grieving. Her brother and only living family had died in the ambush organized by Lord Tybold. That one bloody battle had taken both of the men in her life, Anton and Joridan. The losses were different in ways it was true, Joridan’s life and Anton’s freedom and eventually his love.

Garrick wouldn’t take advantage of her grief and he’d see to it no one else did either. Though he would make sure she knew he was interested and available. He intended to court her. It was old fashioned, but something she might appreciate.

“Captain Marcus.” Kiti approached and gave a smart salute. “Tensign Dolana reporting for duty.”

“Welcome aboard the Dremel, Tensign. We’re about to leave space dock. Would you like to stay on the bridge?”

“Aye, Captain. I would like that very much.” Garrick was pleased by her enthusiasm. He liked having her close. She watched the nav screen and he watched her. He’d undocked so many times he could do it with his eyes closed.

Garrick took command of the navigation console and manually maneuvered the great ship from the dock. He accelerated at the start, bringing her about, hard starboard and at the last minute released the moorings.

He heard Kiti’s sharp intake of breath and smiled. It was always that way with first timers

“Don’t worry, Tensign,” he assured her. “I’ve done this a few times before.”

“Why would I worry?”

Her bravado pleased him.

BIO

Cynthia Woolf was born in Denver, Colorado and raised in the mountains west of Golden. She spent her early years running wild around the mountain side with her friends.

Their closest neighbor was one quarter of a mile away, so her little brother was her playmate and her best friend. That fierce friendship lasted until his death in 2006.

Cynthia was and is an avid reader. Her mother was a librarian and brought new books home each week. This is where young Cynthia first got the storytelling bug. She wrote her first story at the age of ten. A romance about a little boy she liked at the time.

She worked her way through college and went to work full time straight after graduation and there was little time to write. Then in 1990 she and two friends started a round robin writing a story about pirates. She found that she missed the writing and kept on with other stories. In 1992 she joined Colorado Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America. Unfortunately, the loss of her job demanded the she not renew her memberships and her writing stagnated for many years.

In 2000, she saw an ad in the paper for a writers conference being put on by CRW and decided she'd attend. One of her favorite authors, Catherine Coulter, was the keynote speaker. Cynthia was lucky enough to have a seat at Ms. Coulter's table at the luncheon and after talking with her, decided she needed to get back to her writing. She rejoined both CRW and RWA that day and hasn't looked back.

Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband Jim and the great friends she's made at CRW for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.

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Thank you Cynthia for joining me today and sharing your latest release! And before I forget Cynthia is giving away a copy of Centauri Midnight to one lucky person who leaves a comment!

Kaye

~ A Fantasy Comes To Life ~

2012-02-04T18:23:00.001-05:00

Delving into the character and plot of a successful series:

Merlin a BBC original series is one of my favorite continuing medieval fantasy series. The youthful developing wizard Merlin (Colin Morgan) must protect the young Prince Arthur (Bradley James) keeping him safe from harm as Merlin strengthens his own skills as a wizard. All this in the midst of a kingdom in which the use of magic is banned and considered evil.

Intriguing idea.I do like the way Merlin unfolded in the first few seasons. I truly enjoyed the episodes with underlying conflict that took place between the characters before Arthur became king and Uther Pendragon, his father (Anthony Head) was still alive and the King of Camelot. Of course the interesting secret that Morganna, (Katie McGrath) King Uther's ward kept from everyone was also very intriguing. Not only was the discovery made that she was the king's daughter, but she also possessed the ability to do magic.

The new season finds much change afoot. A more mature Arthur is now king of Camelot and Morganna is the evil sorceress after his throne. After all, it was revealed in the previous season that she had an very evil druid sister who helped Morganna discover her dark magic and convinced her to claim Camelot as her own. But as plot would have it, Arthur, his knights and Merlin won out by end of last season in a final battle against evil filled with action, deceit and conflict.

There is a new character (Nathaniel Parker) this season who adds darkness to the court as Arthur's uncle Agravaine. He supposedly advises him on matters of state. But of course he is in league with Morganna, who is still trying to usurp Arthur and take over Camelot's throne. And her dark magic is growing stronger.

The original appeal of this series was the youthful interaction between a very young Merlin and the overly confident youthfulness of Prince Arthur. There was also the forbidden and unrequited love between Arthur and Guinevere (Angel Coulby). In the first few seasons she is a servant in the court of Camelot.

Now all this has changed. But are these budding characters ready to assume the very grownup roles that the plot now dictates? That remains to be seen. As I watch the episodes unfold throughout the new season I hope the storyline is strong enough to carry the characters and keep the series alive and as exciting as ever.

You can catch Merlin on the SyFy network on Friday nights, 10 pm est.

Kaye

Welcome Frances Pauli

2012-02-03T01:08:00.005-05:00

Do you like fairies? If so, today you are going to love my guest and her books. I’m so pleased to introduce you to author Frances Pauli. She writes speculative fiction with a touch of romance. And incredible fairies who crave luscious fairy food too! Not only is she sharing her very special books from Mundania Press here, but she has a fabulous giveaway. One lucky commenter on this blog post will win a PDF download from her backlist. But that’s not all. At the end of this post you’ll find out about a grand prize offer you won’t want to miss.

Please join me as I welcome the fantastic Frances Pauli and her wonderful Fairies in February Blog Tour!

AN ADDICTIVE IDEA

Have you ever had a bad craving for something you just couldn’t find? While I was in the early stages of planning A Moth in Darkness, I got this burning desire for a tiny, plum-flavored Japanese candy called “Flower Kiss.” Maybe it was the name. I was writing fairies after all, but the memory of this candy—which you can imagine is very delicious—got lodged in my mind, and I couldn’t shake it.

I’d just moved away from the greater Seattle area, where one could take a drive down to Uwajimaya and purchase the little treats at will. Now I lived in the middle of nowhere, and there was a five hour drive and a decent-sized mountain range in between myself and any relief for my candy lust.

At the same time, I was working out my main character’s addiction to fairy revels. Despondent over the loss of her elvin lover, former agent Elizabeth Larson had chosen a life of self-indulgence in her memories of their past together. It worked for my set up, but the details somehow mingled with my overpowering cravings for that luscious, pale-pink Japanese candy. Fairy food was born from my pining sweet tooth. I have no shame.

I understand that real-life experience works its way into an author’s writing, and rightly so. But jonesing for some very specific candy just might be the worst excuse for a plot element ever. Still, it’s really good candy, and not that easy to find either. Now my fairies have magically morphed into tiny little sweets-pushers. They carry the stuff at all times, circling the Dancers (who are already addicted) and offering their tempting treats to the crowds. Just a tiny bite. Who is brave enough? They bring the “offering” on silver trays, floating over the revel grounds with piles of sugary release. (And a little wine—I have more than one vice.)

Personally, I think it lends a great deal to their character. Instead of whimsical, purposeless pretties, my pixies are tricksters to the deepest degree. They might not have any human sense of “fair” or “justice,” but they have their own version. They refuse to play by our rules, but they most definitely understand intent. They are brimming over with it, in fact. They are up to something. It just happens that nobody except for them has any idea what.

Be sure, however, that they will get it, whatever it is. Persistence, thy name is pixie. And despite their slightly demonic ways, the luring of the innocent, the nurturing of addiction and despair, they have a way about them. They are the embodiment of the Fey in my mind, completely magical, totally beyond our understanding. Not innocent, but without guile just the same. Fairies are what they are, unashamedly and without apology. For that, I think, they will forever be a lovable lot—even when misbehaving.

I made sure they misbehaved as often as possible.

As for my own little indulgence, I recently discovered that I can order Flower Kiss candy on Amazon. Now I have a steady supply and a cookie jar full of the little dainties. If ever you drop by, I’d be happy to offer you a taste…just one tiny bite for the brave.

Books in the series:

A Moth in Darkness

The boundaries between the worlds have fallen. Forced to integrate the creatures of fantasy into real life, humanity struggles against its disillusionment, prejudice and an inevitable feeling of inadequacy.

Once an agent for the embassy that mediates between the worlds, Elizabeth Larson has abandoned her past and slipped into a world of nostalgic addiction to fairy revels, dancing, and the dark lure of her own memories. But when Lockland Sheen, her former partner and lover, goes missing, she is pulled reluctantly back into service. She must venture once more across the borders, into the land that haunts her, facing a string of gruesome murders, the imposing Sidhe rulers and her own addiction in the process.

While the Embassy’s agents attempt to soothe tensions between the races, Liz and her new partner search the fairy realm for Lockland. Fighting the constant temptation of the revels, they piece together the trail of an unknown enemy. But the longer they follow it, the more it appears that the man they came to rescue is more villain than victim. And the more they rely on Elizabeth’s ties to the fairies, the closer she inches toward the madness that lurks behind her fantasies.

Buy A Moth In Darkness Here.

The Fly in Paradise

Something’s rotten in the Fey lands. While Marcus Bramble tracks the lunatic who started it all, Elizabeth and the crew at the Embassy sort through the evidence he left behind. With Lockland back, and the revels behind her, Liz’s world is slowly returning to normal. But on both sides of the borders, shadow creatures spring out of nowhere, and the dark legends surrounding the fey take on a whole new meaning.

Now time is against them. On the mortal side of things, protesters rally to close the borders, politicians descend on the Embassy, and something that shouldn’t exist stalks Elizabeth through the city.

In his world, Marcus faces a madman with answers he doesn’t want to hear. The Fey rulers turn a blind eye on forests teeming with imaginary monsters, and the Sidhe tower stands silent amidst the chaos. Will the race to uncover its secrets solve the mystery of the elves’ past or unleash even more horrors on them all?

Buy The Fly In Paradise Here.

Spiders From Memory

The Seelie court is gone, and the Tower has fallen into darker hands. Now nightmare creatures terrorize the Fey races, and the whole Fey world turns to frost and shadow.

Liz Larson holds the last remnant of the Seelie Sidhe's power. The elves look to her for guidance, but all she has to offer them is the disturbing story of their origin, the final truth that will turn many of them against her. With her dwindling number of allies, Liz needs to reopen the borders, to find the missing Marcus Bramble, and to avoid the sudden, terrifiying attention of the new Fey ruler, the Unseelie Speaker and new master of the Sidhe Tower.

While her friends in Mundanity race to pry open the gates, and Marcus searches for the answer to a puzzle that could save or damn them all, the Unseelie Speaker marches north, bringing his army and his wrath to focus on Elizabeth. What can one, fairy-touched human do in the face of the Unseelie court's full fury? How can she fight when the enemy's anger is only partly blind, when she can see all too clearly the traces of justice behind it?

Buy Spiders from Memory Here.

Bio:

Frances Pauli writes speculative fiction with romantic touches. Her books are published through Mundania Press LLC, Awe-Struck, and Devine Destinies, and her short stories are featured in various anthologies. More information on her worlds and writing can be found on her website and blog, and she offers free online stories, web serials, and podcasts as well.

Thank you so much Kaye for hosting this stop on my tour. I am offering a free PDF of any book from my backlist to one commenter today, and for each stop on the tour that you comment on, you will earn one entry into the final drawing for print copies of all three books. Follow along and enter to win!

Join me this Friday for Fairies in February!

2012-02-01T15:36:00.000-05:00

I've been away tending to other duties for a few weeks. But I'm back today to announce the arrival of the fabulous speculative romance author, Frances Pauli. She'll be guest blogging here this Friday, February 3rd.

It's her Changeling Race Trilogy blog tour and she has promised to discuss cravings and characters and fairies, oh yeah! Stop by on Friday to join me in welcoming her. And let's see what else she has in store.

Kaye

Just to let you know...

2012-01-17T17:41:00.001-05:00

I just accepted a nomination from eCollege Finder's Top Writing Blogs Award. This was a surprise to me and quite an honor too. Wow, I certainly didn't expect it. I am waiting to hear back from the organizer as to my status.

I can't help but think this came about in part because of all of you-- by sharing guest spots and leaving your wonderful comments on this blog. So I thank you!

I'll let you know what happens as soon as I know.

Kaye

Welcome Allie Ritch

2012-01-15T00:11:00.000-05:00

My guest today is SFR author Allie Ritch. In her new series, Alien Sex Ed, she presents a unique perspective on inter-species sexuality. Allie is here to tell us what sparked her interest in writing Science Fiction Romance and about her new novel, Alien Sex 101, which released on January 2nd from Liquid Silver Books. She has a giveaway and also a special gift for all who comment.

Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog today, Kaye. I’m delighted to be here.

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t a science fiction fan. My father has always enjoyed the genre, and introduced me to sci-fi I was a little girl. I didn’t start reading romance until high school, at which point I fell in love (pun intended) with Jane Eyre. Later, I ventured into more popular romance fiction, and when I found out you could mix romance with science fiction or the paranormal, yippee! I’ve been a fan of the hybrid genre ever since.

I’m thrilled to announce that my erotic sci-fi romance novel, Alien Sex 101, is now available from Liquid Silver Books. This is the first book in my Alien Sex Ed series, which is set on the intergalactic travel-hub planet of Trilanta. Just like there’s a mix of cultures and, yes, the occasional clash in any melting-pot city, so Trilanta has a real multicultural environment. But when Trilanta’s inhabitants have a culture clash, it’s a misunderstanding between people from different planets!

I originally came up with the idea for Alien Sex 101 while I was working on my first erotic sci-fi romance, Switching Positions. In Switching Positions, the heroine had a Sex Ed lesson when she was in school. For her, this lesson was also an education about social expectations. As an educated member of the dominant sex on her world, she was expected to settle down with a nice local man and be a good provider. It was only a casual element in that story, but it started me thinking. What would a Sex Ed class on another planet be like?

Turn up the lust to code red and you’ve got Alien Sex 101 and the rest of my Alien Sex Ed series. I let my imagination go wild because that’s what I love best about SFR. It’s a truly liberating genre. This series has just about every skin tone, hair color, eye color, and alien cultural background I could think of. Not to mention some extra appendages. Here’s hoping you will have as much fun reading this book as I did writing it.

Blurb:

When New Earthling Quinn makes love to his Allurian bride on their wedding night, he discovers a few surprises. Like the fact that losing his virginity to an Allurian woman is painful. He and Xindra are able to work things out, but they realize other interracial couples on their planet face similar problems. They start an Alien Sex Ed class, but this isn’t your ordinary anatomy lesson. This class is very hands-on and more than a little steamy. Xindra’s friend, Mera, is the first to benefit when she meets and falls for one of their students, Trett. As an Ibration, Trett doesn’t thrust during sex; his penis vibrates. That’s perfect for an Oquaran like Mera, who’s so sensitive she comes almost instantly and can’t stand a lot of chafing. When Xindra and Quinn notice more than one of their students checking each other out, they have to wonder. Could the romance between Trett and Mera be just the beginning?

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Here’s something extra for you. To celebrate the release of Alien Sex 101, I’m giving away a free copy of my erotic sci-fi romance, Switching Positions, to one lucky commenter on this post. Be sure to include your e-mail and you’ll be entered to win.

As a bonus, I’m giving everyone a free copy of the anthology, Just One Bite, containing my paranormal romance story “To Love Again.” Available from

All Romance eBooks. You an sign up fro a free account with ARe.

Allie's Website/Blog

You can buy Alien Sex 101 HERE

SFR Pitch Tournament Results

2012-01-13T14:44:00.000-05:00

The SFR Brigade Pitch Tournament is now over. It was fun, it was informative and it was oh so cool to be involved!

Knight Medieval placed third in the finals.

Thanks to everyone who voted!

Kaye

The Pitch Finals Continue

2012-01-11T09:43:00.000-05:00

The SFR Brigade Pitch Tournament finals continue now through Thursday Jan 12.

If you haven't already voted in this final round you can still cast your vote for up to three entries that you like best. Both Knight Medieval and Forbidden Destiny made it into the finals.

You can vote Here

Here's the pitch for Knight Medieval

While research Archaeologist Alisa Vonn explores the ruins of Calimere Castle she finds a strange devise foreign to the era. When she examines it a temporal rift opens and transports her back to the 12th century, and straight into the arms of Sir Bryan, Knight of Calimere.

If that wasn’t enough, she meets Wyver, a time tampering wizard who in truth turns out to be a Time Dilatation Scientist from far into the future. He promises Alisa a one way passage back to her own time.

Yet the allure of the past and passion-filled nights spent with Bryan give her pause. If she takes Wyver up on his offer, she may never see her sexy knight again.

Thanks so much to everyone who is taking the time to vote!

Kaye

Welcome Jenna McCormick

2012-01-10T00:02:00.004-05:00

A short while back, fellow SFR writer and Brigade member Jenna McCormick announced that Kensington wanted to contract one of her Science Fiction Romance books. Kensington no less! We at the Brigade were so excited we wanted to rejoice and throw her a release party right then! But we waited. The contract was signed, the book cover art produced (lovely cover) and now the time is here! On January 1, 2012 No Limits released at Kensington Aphrodisia.

Happy release Jenna, and thank you for being my guest today.

Thanks so much to my host and wickedly cool SFR writer Kaye Manro!

How Close is Too Close?

As any SFR writer will tell you, one of the best parts about the subgenre is that anything can happen, as long as it is backed by some scientifically based explanation. Any fantasy you’ve ever had can come true, your hero and heroine can be equipped in whatever way you see fit, can interact on a different level than in a standard romance. That kind of omnipotent power is really a head rush. Imagine, creating a world populated by big strong handsome men whose only wish is to see to your every desire?

Okay, so that’s my fantasy, because I hate asking for things. It would be stellar to have a mind reader, or at least a mood reader who knew when to hold, fold, to walk away or to run. Less arguing, especially when I was exhausted or frustrated or just plum tuckered out of words. From that idea I created Rhys, the empathic warrior monk, and a hero who irritated me like no other hero has ever done before.

Why? I knew exactly what I wanted for Gen, my recalcitrant heroine. A man who knew how to please her, to give her what she needed if she didn’t even recognize the need herself. He was an empath, a man on a mission, part of which includes keeping Gen happy so he can continue to take corporeal form. Sounds terrific, doesn’t it?

Yeah, not so much. It became clear very quickly that a man with that much insight is dangerous to a woman’s thought process. He knows just how to distract or divert her and at the same time he doesn’t need to explain why he’s doing anything. It gives him an incredible amount of power over the woman in his life and Gen, once she figured out what he was about, fought him tooth and nail. I really loved this heroine, she’s fantastically spunky.

Sometimes fantasies need to stay there because the wanting is so much better than the getting. Here’s an example (PG rated) from the book.

Pulling back she stared into his face. His eyelids stayed closed, dark lashes casting shadows under his eyes. A small smile played across those firm masculine lips.

Her breath escaped in a whoosh. “You’re doing it again, aren’t you?”

His eyes open as his brows drew together. “Doing what?”

Her shoulders sagged and she rose up from the couch, needing to put some distance between the two of them. “What it is that you do— pull my strings. Your emotional puppet master tricks.” A cold metal weight took up residence in her gut. She could never trust what she felt around him, because she’d never know if the feelings were genuinely her own. She couldn’t trust him, couldn’t trust herself….

This relationship had toxic written all over it.

“Gen,” Rhys tossed the blanket back and she quickly averted her gaze to the view of the half-frozen lake out the window. Fat dopey flakes fell from the sky and began to blanket the frozen ground. She needed to get rid of him before they were snowed in here together or she’d lose herself in the constant quest for what only he had been able to give her. A sense of her own value.

So tell me, have you ever wanted something, gotten it and then been disappointed by the result? One random commenter will receive a copy of my latest release No Limits. And please, join me on the No Limits Blog Tour for a chance to win a Kindle Fire!

No Limits: Now Available from Kensington Aphrodisia

All Genevieve Luzon wants is to be loved by one man, a seemingly impossible task in New-New York City at the start of the twenty second century. Sure, she can buy sex as easily as order a pizza on a Friday night, but finding a forever kind of love among her self-centered peers is no easy feat for the unemployed off-world vacation coordinator. When an old friend offers her the position of secret shopper to test out the male prostitutes, Gen can’t think of a good reason to refuse. Hell, if she can’t find Mr. Right, she might as well try on a sampler of Mr. Right Nows.

Yet the perks of her new position don’t compare to the strange attraction she has, not for one of the prostitutes, but a candle that seems to warm places of her she never knew existed. When a man appears out of the flame, Gen is sure she's found the one. Rhys is an empath, made a slave by the Illustra Corporation and he’s everything Gen could ever want. Except available. Because Rhys is on a mission. One that might claim his life. He must try to free his people, consequences be damned. Now, Gen must choose between turning her back on the only man she’s ever loved and the monumental task he has set for himself. Should she risk her life fighting a war hidden from polite society against those who wish to control us all?

Is love really worth fighting for?

Buy your copy from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or wherever books are sold.

Visit Jenna on her blog and website.

The Giveaway: You heard right. You can win a copy of No Limits just by commenting on this post. Be sure to answer the question Jenna poses above. Good Luck!

Kaye

The Final Round Pitch Tournament is today!

2012-01-09T13:37:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it but

Forbidden Destiny and Knight Medieval

both made it into the finals of the SFR Brigade Pitch Tournament!! If you'd like, you can go there and cast your vote for up to three entries that you like best.

I'd love your vote! But there are seven finalists and they are all good!

Link here: SFRB to cast your vote for your favorites! You can vote from now through Thursday Jan 12.

Kaye

SFR Pitch Tournament

2012-01-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

Round one of the SFR Brigade Pitch Tournament continues through 6pm PST Sunday, Jan. 9. The top two from each heat will move up to the finals.

I have entered two pitches in the tournament.

Forbidden Destiny (SF Space Opera) is in Heat #1
Knight Medieval (SF Time Travel) is in Heat #2

The contest is presented in poll format. You don't need to sign-in to vote. To be entered in the drawing for a $15 Amazon e-Gift Certificate leave a comment on the SFR Brigade blog telling what pitch appealed to you the most among all the entries. Stop by and cast your vote.

Kaye

Welcome Jessica Subject

2012-01-06T01:28:00.000-05:00

My special guest today is fellow SFR author Jessica Subject. She is sharing a unique glimpse into her character, Jewel Barnaby, from her book, Unknown Futures which released on January 3^rd from the 1 Night Stand line at Decadent Publishing.

A Morning With Jewel Barnaby

5:30 am – Jewel gets up to her alarm clock, uses the bathroom, and then changes into her running clothes. This is the only time of the day she can get outside to go for a jog without the entire town staring at her and murmuring hurtful words.

6:30 am – She arrives home drenched in sweat and in tears. Her neighbour almost hit her as he tried to back out of his driveway. She’s sure he saw her.

6:45 am – Finally calmed down, Jewel heads into the shower, but avoids looking in the mirror. She doesn’t need to be reminded of the scars on her face or the event which led to them.

7:30 am – She’s dressed and has had breakfast. It’s time to call her father and wish him a happy birthday. She wants to have dinner with him, but he declines. His new girlfriend will be there and he doesn’t want his daughter to make a move on the bimbo.

7:32 am – She slams the phone down and races to find the pictures of her mother. If only she were still alive.

8:00 am – Trying not to dwell on her life, she gets to work on the university correspondence courses she’s taking, having just wrote midterm exams yesterday. Even in other cities, people still stare and whisper. She can’t concentrate on her work though and hops on the Yahoo loop for burn victims. She needs to talk to someone. Scrolling through the messages, she finds a recommendation from “Josh” for a dating service. The owner, Madame Evangeline, apparently works magic in finding matches for everyone.

8:15 am – Curious, and unbelievably lonely, Jewel checks out the site. She reads the testimonials, and wonders if she could ever find anyone to see past her scars and love her. With a sliver of hope, she begins to fill out the forms.

12:00 pm – She hits send after filling out the “bazillion-question” questionnaire and making her payment. Now she just has to wait. But will this Madame Evangeline be able to find someone for her, or will her request be denied?

Unknown Futures Blurb:

Attacked as a young adult, Jewel is left scarred and alone. She applies to the 1 Night Stand service, believing no one can see past her appearance to love her. But she doesn’t expect to be sent to a space station where her date could be any number of unusual alien species.

Flavia left everything behind to be one of five humans working for the Space Service space station. Extremely homesick, she is excited to learn she will be a guide to a woman from Earth visiting the station for a couple days. She is immediately drawn to the petite woman, seeing past her scars to her true inner beauty, stirring unforeseen desires.

Unfortunately, Jewel is there for a date which Flavia hasn’t been told about. Can she contain her lust and simply show her a good time? Or will she let her desire lead them into an unknown future?

Available from Decadent Publishing and other ebook retailers.

Buy Links HERE.

Bio:

Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.

Trending The New Year From The Past

2012-01-04T11:54:00.009-05:00

When I signed up for the New Year Blog Hop I wasn't exactly prepared. I just thought it was a fantastic idea created by Carrie Ann Ryan who organized this hop. It is so cool with many fantastic authors participating, and great prizes too. You'll find me under the link Trending The New Year From The Past. Yes, that sounds weird for a link to my blog. I put the title where the blog link should have been! It doesn't matter because here I am!

To talk about a most memorable new year's memory it has to be the January I won a coveted spot in a hard to get into creative writing workshop held by a well known author. I had to submit a short story, and it won me a spot! It was such a thrill. And I thought yeah, I'm there. I've got to be good to be one of the chosen few by this author. The dreams of becoming the next Nora (Roberts) filled my head.

It's funny how aspiring authors have so much to learn about writing and crafting stories, the industry and becoming published.That was several years ago. Since then, I've learned. It's not so easy to get through those doors. It takes work and luck and then more work. Since I've always worked hard on the crafting aspect, the most important thing I learned was how the industry changes constantly.

I believe the most important changing trend today is the advent and rise of digital publishing. And with it, many authors that couldn't find a place are publishing and are here to stay! The trends say it is a great time for authors and for the publishing industry in general.

As for me, well I have several lofty writing/publishing goals for 2012. But unlike the younger me, I now look at this industry with a more realistic eye. Here's hoping we all achieve our goals as we trend into the new year, and that we have learned much from the past.

Happy New Year! Continue on with this fabulous blog hop where many prizes await you if you leave comments on the participants blogs. I'll have a special giveaway on my blog too. Just leave a comment to be in the running here.

Go to Carrie's Blog first, and from there you can access all the blogs in this New Year Blog Hop! The grand prize is a Kindle Fire! Oh and the next prize is an $80 gift certificate! So go out and have fun hopping!

Kaye

A NO KISS?

2012-01-02T18:16:00.005-05:00

A NO KISS Blogfest! Really!!

No Kidding, this is so cool I just had to join in. Truly, I just found out about it, and am a bit late to the party, but I thought it was such an amazing thing to do for the beginning of the new year that I decided to share a No Kiss scene from one of The Quantum Portal stories, Knight Medieval. Actually this could be called an *Almost* kiss!

A No Kiss Scene from:

Knight Medieval

“Tell me how you have come to be in my bedchamber?” His grip tightened around her arms and his eyes narrowed on her. Bryan wanted to kiss her, wanted to ravish her lovely body as he had before.

Alisa twisted from his grasp. “What will you do?” She questioned. “Lock me away in some dark dungeon to keep me here?” She laughed quietly. “I’ve spent much time in dank places exploring beneath these walls. Where I come from, your castle is nothing but a ruin.” She shook her head dragging in air. “Would that I could tell you, Bryan and have you believe me, but the truth is I do not know. One minute I’m here, and the next, I’m back in my own time without you.”

Bryan pulled her close his hands tangling in her golden hair. His mouth sought her long neck as he licked his way to her ear. “Why did you leave me?” He whispered. “Have you returned to torment me?” He nipped her lobe with less than gentle tugs.

She shivered against him as his tongue slid inside the crevice of her ear. “You have no idea... how much ...I missed... how hard... I’ve... tried to... get to you.” She reached out and stroked his face with the tips of her fingers. Leaning her head back, she stared into his eyes, seeming to search inside him, as if she could see his very soul.

Her splendid lips beckoned to him. He lost his own breath as his mouth hovered just inches above hers, their lips so close, almost grazing. He could feel the warmth of her succulent breath so near, so sweet he could taste her.

Yet he must stop this. She bewitched him ever further than before. He grasped onto her shoulders, holding her away from him. Bryan glared at the beauty that was she, her lips still puffed and sweet from their almost rapturous kiss.

Not long ago, she had appeared to him as if in a dream, half-naked and shivering. Yet she was no dream. She claimed to have come from another time and place. A ridiculous tale. One that caused him to think she was in league with Wyver, the bumbling wizard. Or worse.

Then of a sudden without warning, she left him. Disappeared in the mid of night like a runaway harlot. Or a witch. He had searched for her, even engaged the help of a seer. But found her not.

And now she stood before him once again…

~~~~~~~

There you have it! I hope you enjoy my No Kiss scene! You can join in the fun sponsored by Frankie Diane Mallis and check out the other No Kiss posts Here.

Kaye

2012-01-02T02:10:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

And The Winners of A Medieval Yule Are...

2011-12-31T13:49:00.003-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!

A Medieval Yule was such a heartfelt story to write. It began as a gift to my sister, and ended up published for the Holiday season. What a quick ride it was from submission in mid November to publication on December 19. For a bit of fun there was the medieval themed blog posts too. To say it was tough to release a book over the Holidays is an understatement. The medieval themes were so much fun to write only because of the extensive research I did for my upcoming SFR series, The Quantum Portal.

A big *Thank You* to everyone who enjoyed reading/commenting on the medieval themed posts during this December. It has been so much fun!

A Medieval Yule
Burb

A fortnight ago she left him.

Marcus of Windom stood alone in an empty castle without Lady Liana by his side. The frigid winds brought forth by the Yule Season pressed upon him. He pulled the parchment from whence he carried it and read her chilling parting words once again. I can no longer live as your lady-wife… If ever she returned would her sensual warmth be enough to melt the ice she had caused to form around his broken heart?

Excerpt

As he warmed himself by the central fire, Marcus remembered Christmastides past. Castle Windom fairly bustled with kindled fires and crowded activity. The merriment echoed inside the walls and hid in dark rafters along side the pained memories of his Liana.

Marcus downed a tankard of ale and held back the sentiment threatening to pour forth from him. A lonely Twelfth Night neared. Unbidden thoughts of Liana nudged him. Haunted as he was by the sensuous way her lithe body pressed into his naked skin, the touch of her hand slipping down to caress him, her eyes as they darkened when she opened and took him inside her.

But no more…

~~~~~~~

And now the first winner chosen by random.com is:
Sarah Ahiers! Congrats Sarah!
The second winner chosen is: Andrea, of Chicks of Characterization! Congrats Andrea!

Laurie Green won at Jessica Suject's blog when I was a guest on December 26. Congrats Laurie!
Nancy O'Berry won at LASR/WC on December 26. Congrats Nancy!

Congratulations to all the winners! Enjoy the story.

Winners: Email Me if you haven't received your PDF of A Medieval Yule.

Have a wonderful safe and happy New Years Eve!

Kaye

Music & Dance ~ Medieval Heart and Soul

2011-12-28T16:21:00.002-05:00

...From afar people visited, laughing and dancing about as troubadours sang and played their merry tunes. ~A Medieval Yule~

A medieval themed blog should never be without a post on music and dance! As it is today, so it was in the past the heart and soul of the culture.

During the 12th century, celebrating Twelfth Night continued through the New Year until January 5th. Music often rang throughout the festivities, as musicians played their buoyant and cheery songs. Many musical instruments were heard, echoing throughout the castle, including lutes, recorders, horns, trumpets, whistles, bells, and drums.

There were two types of medieval musicians, the Minstrels and the Troubadours. A minstrel was a servant employed as a castle or court musician. The name 'minstrel' means "little servant". Minstrels often created their own ballads but they were also famous for memorizing long poems based on myths and legends.

A troubadour was originally a traveling musician. The early troubadours went from one village to the next and some even journeyed to the Holy Land, accompanying the Crusaders. This allowed the troubadours to spread the latest news. The themes of the songs they sung mainly dealt with chivalry and courtly love. But they also told stories of far away lands and historical events.

Of course no festivities were complete without dancing. The Farandole was one of the many popular dances performed in times of celebrations. It started with a slow rhythmic measure to which the dancers moved around the floor. As the tempo increased the dancers followed with high kicking steps.

I'd like to think the following dance scene from A Knight's Tale is similar to the kind of dancing my hero and heroine, Marcus and Liana would have experienced in A Medieval Yule at a Twelfth Night celebration. I've included it here for your enjoyment. When you watch, can you imagine how much fun it would be to step back into the past and join in the merriment?

This post on Music and Dance concludes the Medieval themed blog posts for now. Be sure to leave a comment here or on any of these themed posts and then stop by on December 31, New Year's Eve, to see who the winners are!

Continue to have a safe and happy Yule season!

Kaye

Twice The Medieval Cheer

2011-12-26T03:27:00.022-05:00

The day after Christmas-- this is a fantastic time to be visiting Jessica Subject on her blog for Light Up The Holidays! I am honored to be involved. Many fantastic SFR authors are participating during the entire month of December.

Today is my day! So join me in celebrating the Holidays with my hero, Marcus. He has a few things to say that weren't in the book. By commenting on this blog post you could win a PDF download of A Medieval Yule.

Go Here to read my post and to leave a comment!

~~~~~~~

The second blog for the day is the Stuff Your Stocking With Books Blogfest at LASR/WC

I'll be here too! So stop on over for a look-see into Medieval life and still another chance to win a PDF Download of A Medieval Yule.

Here's the link: BLOGFEST

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my blog and commented on the Medieval themes I've been posting over the Holidays. Due to the popularity of these blog posts I am extending the contest through December 30th. I will announce the winner(s) on New Year’s Eve. Between now and then, there will be more medieval themed posts and additional chances to win!

A Medieval Yule buy link is Here

Wassailing Glory

2011-12-23T17:47:00.016-05:00

In Christmastides past, Castle Windom fairly bustled with kindled fires and crowded activity. Holly wreaths, ivy and mistletoe strung about in all the chambers, the great hall decked out in candle shine and wassailing glory. Wines and meats imported from foreign lands abounded. From afar people visited, laughing and dancing about as troubadours sang and played their merry tunes. ~ A Medieval Yule ~

The above passage from my story, A Medeival Yule mentions 'Wassailing Glory.' In the 12th century, celebrating with a good Wassail was a time honored tradition. Like many lasting customs, Wassailing is associated with an ancient legend that goes like this-- A beautiful Saxon princess named Rowena offered a Prince named Vortigen a bowl of wine while toasting him with, “Waes hael,” which is an Anglo-Saxon phrase meaning “good health.”

In Medieval times you would have said “Waes hael,” (not Waaassup!) to greet or say goodbye to somebody; it literally meant, “be in good health.” By the 12th century, “Waes hael” had become the salutation one offered as a toast, to which the standard reply was, “drinc hael”, “drink to your good health.” Eventually, the word came to be associated with the alcoholic beverage used for toasting, especially the spiced ale or mulled cider that was drunk on Christmas Eve and Twelfth Night.

If you are having a traditional holiday party and want to incorporate this custom, here is the old way to share wassail. While everyone is gathered, shout "Wassail!" before sipping from a large, festively decorated cup. Then pass the cup to your neighbor. That person replies "Drinkhail," to you and takes a sip. He shouts "Wassail!" to the next person, and passes the cup along, giving a kiss to the recipient who says, "Drinkhail!"The will continue until everyone is well "Wassailed" or okay shall we say well lit?

As promised here is a recipe that you might like to use for your own Wassailing toast:

Fireside Yuletide Wassail

This can be cooked in a dutch oven sitting on the hearth with the fire blazing.

4 cups brown ale

1 cup dry white wine

3 oz brown sugar

4 apples cloves

peel of ½ lemon

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

¼ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp ground ginger

Wash the apples and peel them just around middle and stud with a few cloves. Place the apples, brown sugar, and 4 tbsp of the brown ale into a 3-quart or larger dutch oven. Cover and bake in the oven at 350° F for 25 minutes or place in an open fireplace and simmer until the apples are tender. Remove the apples to a plate and add the remaining ale or wine to the dutch oven. Stir in the lemon peel, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger and let simmer for a few more minutes. Put the apples back in the wassail and serve warm.

There you have it! Enjoy your Wassailing toast!

Leave a comment on any of the Medieval themed posts to be in the running to win a PDF download of A Medieval Yule.

The Red Rose Publishing page link is Here

Have a wonderful Yuletide Season!

Kaye

Feasting -- Medieval Style

2011-12-21T10:31:00.009-05:00

This is the time of year our minds turn to family and friends, and celebrating the holidays with feasting and merriment. And so it was in the Middle Ages. In The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer speaks of Yuletide feasts fit for a king and his entire court.

What did they eat to celebrate the Yule season in Chaucer's Medieval England? The traditional dinner that comes to mind today was unknown. And there wasn't one particular "traditional" menu to celebrate the season—there was just more of everything.

According to Chaucer, a feast would be served in courses, beginning with bread and cheese, along with a soup or broth. The next course would likely be vegetables and a lean meat dish with sauces. The feast would progress from there to heavier and more savory dishes, in decreasing portions, ending with dainties and desserts like plum pudding and mincemeat pie.

Whatever was served at Yuletide feasts, a nice, warm drink was definitely a necessary part of the festivities. In winter there was nothing as warming as a mulled, spiced wine.

Originally, mulling was a term for warming the spiced wine heated in the fire. The spices were cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, white pepper, cloves, nutmeg, caraway, spikenard, which has sedative effect. After boiling the wine and spices, the mixture was left to sit overnight to settle and steep. Then it was strained through cheesecloth. Once it had aged properly, it could be served as a sop for bread, or it could be mulled for a hot treat.

In A Medieval Yule, heroine Lady Liana naturally notices the mulled wine near the hearth as she traverses about the chamber, “…And a bracing nip of warm mulled wine before sleep still, I see?” Her smile grew as she gave the contents of the pitcher a light flick with her small finger, and then brought it to her mouth to taste the dark liquid.

However you celebrate the Yule season, keep in mind that many of our traditions originated in our medieval past.

Have you ever had mulled spiced wine or ale? Would you like to try it? In the next Medieval themed post I will feature a traditional recipe for mulled wine.

Leave a comment on any of the Medieval themed posts to be in the running to win a PDF download of A Medieval Yule.

The Red Rose Publishing page link is Here

Have a wonderful Yuletide Season!

Kaye

Related Post: Foods Ye Olde Medieval Way

A MEDIEVAL YULE Released Today!

2011-12-19T17:48:00.010-05:00

A Twelfth Night Tale for the Twelve Days of Christmas

So this is it! Release day for A Medieval Yule. This is part of the Twelve Days of Christmas releases from Red Rose Publishing. I am excited about this short little tale. It is emotionally charged with a touch of sad. But not to worry. Things do work out for the best by story's end. Since I shared the blurb on Sunday, December 11 (Post: Lovely New Book Cover) I will now share the excerpt. I hope you enjoy this little tale as much as I liked writing it.

A MEDIEVAL YULE

Excerpt

Marcus downed a tankard of ale and held back the sentiment threatening to pour forth from him. A lonely Twelfth Night neared. Unbidden thoughts of Liana nudged him. Haunted as he was by the sensuous way her lithe body pressed into his naked skin, the touch of her hand slipping down to caress him, her eyes as they darkened when she opened and took him inside her.

But no more…

~~~~~~~~~

If you would like to purchase this story

Go Here

To celebrate this release, I'll be giving away a PDF download of A Medieval Yule. To be in the running, just leave a comment on any of my medieval themed posts from now through December 23. And tell of a special tradition you celebrate this time of year.

Thank you so much for hanging out with me in 2011! I wish everyone a wonderful Twelfth Night and Yuletide Season.

Kaye

The Winners Are...

2011-12-18T23:57:00.006-05:00

Congratulations to the two winners of
The Stuff Your Stockings Blog Hop!!

And they are

Julie W

and

Stacey

I'll email each of you very soon

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my blog for this fun hop!

Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-16T23:30:00.004-05:00

I'm participating in the Stuff Your Stockings Christmas Blog Hop Contest. Two winners will receive their choice of A Medieval Yule or Forbidden Love which are up for grabs on my blog. All you have to do is comment between now and midnight December 18th to be eligible. Click here to find the complete list of other participating blogs and see what great gifts are offered.

Release Date

2011-12-14T00:48:00.002-05:00

THE RELEASE DATE FOR

A MEDIEVAL YULE

IS MONDAY

DECEMBER 19, 2011

LOVELY NEW BOOK COVER

2011-12-11T10:51:00.006-05:00

A Twelfth Night Tale

A MEDIEVAL YULE

Blurb

A fortnight ago she left him.

Marcus of Windom stood alone in an empty castle without Lady Liana by his side. The frigid winds brought forth by the Yule Season pressed upon him. He pulled the parchment from whence he carried it and read her chilling parting words once again. I can no longer live as your lady-wife… If ever she returned would her sensual warmth be enough to melt the ice she had caused to form around his broken heart?

~~~~~~

About this little tale...

The publication of A Medieval Yule was a surprise, as I hadn't planned to submit it. This short is set in the 12th century, and is from the hero's point of view. It was originally created as a gift for family.

When I began research on all things medieval history for my SFR/Time Travel books, The Quantum Portal Series, I also wrote this one. Unlike the series, this isn't SFR. It is purely a historical romance. A few parts have made it onto my websites in the past. But it has now been revised and updated for publication.

The cover artist is the talented Nika Dixon. I think this cover is beyond gorgeous! This book is part of the Red Rose Publishing 12 Days of Christmas stories. RRP is offering a Kindle Fire as a giveaway for one lucky buyer.

Release date -- Monday December 19, 2011!

Kaye

Blood Red Moon Eclipse

2011-12-10T09:30:00.006-05:00

A total lunar eclipse like the one on December 10 is a rare event. If you can see this in your area, it is one not to be missed. If you can't get a good view, then catch this unusual total lunar eclipse event Live at: events.SLOOCH.com

According to Space.com

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting the moon completely in shadow. The eclipse will start at around 7:45 a.m. EST (4:45 a.m. PST, 1245 GMT), when the shadow of the moon inches across the lunar disk.

The celestial show will be visible from parts of North America, with those in the western portions of Canada and the United States particularly well placed for the event. People in Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and central and eastern Asia should also be able to catch sight of the reddened moon.

"For people in the western United States, the eclipse is deepest just before local dawn," NASA scientists said in a statement. "Face west to see the red moon sinking into the horizon as the sun rises behind your back. It's a rare way to begin your day."

By 9:05 a.m. EST (6:05 a.m. PST, 1405 GMT), the moon will be fully engulfed in a glow that could range from light orange blood red. (Video: Return of the Blood Red Moon)

Skywatchers in the central time zone may get only a short glimpse, as the moon will set while it is only partially eclipsed, before the total stage begins, Alan MacRobert, senior editor of the magazine Sky & Telescope said in a statement. Unfortunately, people farther east will also miss out on the opportunity due to the setting moon and rising sun.

Photo by David Paleino

NEW BLOG DESIGN

2011-12-08T17:14:00.001-05:00

This isn't your mama's blog anymore! So I decided to try a Science Fiction type design that is found in the blogger templates. I've seen similar blogs like this before, and though I love it, I hesitated because my old blog matched my website--needs new design too, maybe! This one is more spacious and I think easier to read even with the dark colors. The stationary backdrop can be changed even to something from my own files. I'm still tweaking it so be aware of that if changes happen. But I'm happy for now. What do you think?

And for my next post, I'll share something new and exciting for me -- Stay tuned!

Kaye

Geeks On Call

2011-12-07T13:39:00.004-05:00

Speaking of the Geek Girl or Guy in all of us... Here's something to check out:

Entangled Publishing announced a call for submissions for their new geek collection anthology. (We touched on this subject in the Geek Girls Tell All post comments on December 4th.) The submission deadline is April 15, so If you are interested in writing a story with a geek as your hero/heroine -- anything from a computer programmer to a starship engineer -- the time limit is close so don't hesitate to check this out Here. Kudos to Entangled Publishing for this submission call!

And here is yet another Geek Girl post. This one by Heidi Ruby Miller. Check it out. It features several SFR Geek Girl authors we know!

NASA Confirms Alien Planet in Habitable Zone

2011-12-06T11:33:00.003-05:00

How Exciting!

Kepler-22b -- planet known to comfortably circle in the habitable zone of a sun-like star!

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — NASA's planet-hunting Kepler spacecraft telescope has confirmed the discovery of its first alien world in its host star's habitable zone, the just-right range of distances that could allow liquid water to exist. It has also found more than 1,000 new exoplanet candidates, researchers announced December 5th.

The new finds bring the Kepler space telescope's total haul to 2,326 potential planets in its first 16 months of operation. These discoveries quadruple the current tally of worlds known to exist beyond our solar system, which recently topped 700.

The potentially habitable alien world, a first for Kepler named Kepler-22b, orbits a star very like our own sun. The discovery brings scientists one step closer to finding a planet like our own — one which could conceivably harbor life.

~~~~

This is such exciting news! What do you think? Do you believe intelligent life exists on other worlds? How about aliens who are much the same as we are?

Kaye

GEEK GIRLS TELL ALL

2011-12-04T02:51:00.027-05:00

A few weeks ago, SFR author, Heather Massey of The Galaxy Express and I got into a few interesting email conversations about Geek Girls. We realized that many SFR readers are in fact Geek Girls too. We talked about exploring this somewhat obscure geeky world, bring it out, talk about what a Geek Girl truly is and maybe isn’t. Today, Heather will focus on Geek Girls too. Be sure to hop on over and see what TGE has to say. Also take another hop to SFR author, Melisse Aires blog. She has a fantastic Geek Girl post up today.

I’d like to share a little about how I knew I was a… Geek Girl? Me? Yeah, I am.

I actually discovered my own Geek Girl self while in college. Needless to say, I was a bit different-- president of the archaeology club even though my major wasn't archaeology? Yeah. Editor of the school paper (okay my major was journalism). Aside from loving any new technological or scientific discoveries, I loved, and I mean loved hanging with the geeky physics majors and intellectuals. Nope, I wasn’t even a math girl then.

Those guys (girls too) had their own little sacred geekdom and I was thrilled to eventually be invited in. We would spend hours talking ideas and theories, quantum mechanics being a very popular subject then. Even though I did a lot of listening I could at times add to their conversations with smart ideas. Impressive for a non-physics girl like me. And great stuff for my future SF/R work as an author.

Many were guys, but a few geek smart girls were allowed to enter the sacred geekdom. Of course it does go without saying that I loved science fiction, and that aspect in me appealed to them a lot. I could talk movies, books and games with them endlessly. Most of us have now gone separate ways. But I’ll never forget those days and how much influence the geekdom had on my life. As time passed I enjoyed spending more time reading or watching science fiction than I did anything else.

That Geek Girl emerged full bloom. Now it’s kind of an honor to admit that yes, I am truly a living breathing Geek Girl! A bit later, I’ll reveal my all time long term secret Geek Guy crush, but first I’d like to introduce you to few more real life Geek Girls I know…

Geek Girls talking...

A.R. Norris, author of Revelations of Tomorrow published by Desert Breeze Publishing talks about the geek girl in her.

She says,

"A geek girl gets more excited about the latest science breakthroughs than she does the newest season's fashions. She doesn't set boundaries on herself, needing to prove she's "techno" enough to hang out with the IT squad or "girlie" enough to hang with her non-techie female friends. She's comfortable in both worlds but, like any geek, if she's deep in a "geek" moment, you'll find her in dingy sweats and a stained shirt with her hair in a haphazard ponytail."

T.K. Toppin author of The Lancaster Rule trilogy published by Champagne Books has this to say about being a geek girl,

“As a geek girl I know random bits of information that in a practical sense I'll never to use. However, you never know when you're going to need to know how to recalibrate a ray gun, right? Or evade those pesky aliens that like to prod you with tubes and wires. My interest in why, how, and what if consumes a large portion of my mind when I’m not letting my imagination run wild. My geek creed ranges from rebooting smart phones without taking the batteries out to knowing the difference between a space ship and a generation ship. (Don't let me start on my fascination with SF and F movies, books, and video games!)

Rae Lori, author of many books including Cimmerian City available on Amazon kindle, and the upcoming science fiction romance Intergalactic has this to say,

“Smart is sexy, and confidence is the icing on top. I think these traits are what make a geek girl. She knows what she wants and what she likes. She's not afraid to show her inner goddess when an obscure reference pops up somewhere. Nor is she afraid to step outside the mainstream to pave her own way--Geek Girls are a force all their own.”

And finally, my friend and fellow author Linda Banche who enjoys science fiction and publishes romance with The Wild Rose Press. Her science fiction romance, Lady of the Stars was a finalist in the 2010 Epic awards. Here’s what she says,

“Geek Girl! An intelligent woman who has expertise in a technical field usually dominated by men, like science, math or engineering. A Geek Girl has a brain and isn't afraid to show people she has one. I've been a geophysicist and a software engineer, so I'm a geek girl. And my software engineer husband is a geek guy. Geek power!”

~~~~

As promised I will now reveal my all time secret Geek Guy crush. I suppose it isn't any wonder that Stargate SG1 plays a significant role in my geek status development, and to this day my heartthrob crush is...

Daniel Jackson, that sexy geeky scientist on

Stargate SG1 played by Michael Shanks. For over ten years this geeky guy has been my secret crush! Wow, there I said it! (big surprise-- not!)

Okay now it's your turn.

Are you a Geek Girl or are you not? Think about it. Your answer may surprise you.

Kaye
(Geek-Girl poster and comics by Sam Johnson used with permission. Check out Sam's Geek-Girl site. His Blog also mentions this post and links back.Thanks Sam!)

Speculative Fiction Challenge

2011-11-30T13:27:00.003-05:00

After reading about the Speculative Fiction Challenge on a blog posted by fellow SFR author, T.K Topin I decided to follow the link and check out this reading challenge. Mainly because its focuses is on some of the type of books I will read anyway during 2012.

If you’d like to participate you just need to post and share your reviews on your blog.

Timeline: 01 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2012. You can sign up from now until 31 Nov 2012.

Just pick your level and declare it in a post. I chose the Excited level.

Here are the levels:

Nosey: 3 novels

Excited: 6 novels

Content: 12 novels

Nirvana: 24 novels

Obsessed: 48 novels

There will be a monthly link up for you to share your reviews.

Any book format (ebook, print, audio)

The genres:

Science Fiction: hard/soft SF, cyberpunk, time travel, alternative history, space opera
Fantasy Fiction: dark fantasy, urban fantasy, magic realism, quest, mythical fantasy, steampunk
Horror Fiction: paranormal, gothic literature, splatterpunk
Supernatural Fiction
Superhero Fiction
Utopian and Dystopian Fiction
Apocalyptic and Post-Apocalyptic Fiction

If this tickles your speculative fiction fancy, you can sign up Here

Kaye

Curiosity -- Up Up And Away!

2011-11-27T11:55:00.006-05:00

They did it! They launched Curiosity, the best NASA rover yet on its mission to Mars on November 26. I watched this launch and held my breath in awe. As always...

From NASA -- launched its newest, largest and most sophisticated rover yet to Mars on November 26, marking an important step toward the ambitious goal of one day landing humans on the surface of the Red Planet.

The Mars Science Laboratory, or Curiosity rover, lifted off early on Friday from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. After an 8 1/2-month journey, the rover is expected to arrive at the Red Planet in August 2012. Once on the surface, Curiosity will investigate whether the planet is or ever was habitable.

The rover, equipped with 10 different instruments, which allow it to dig, drill, and shoot a laser into rocks and examine the chemical makeup of Martian soil and dust. The mission will help scientists understand the environment and atmosphere of Mars, which will be essential for planning a manned mission to the planet.

"The goal is to send humans to Mars and return them back again safely — in order to return them back safely, we really need to know about the surface properties," Doug Ming, a co-investigator for the Mars Science Laboratory, said in a news briefing Wednesday (Nov. 23) from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

Artist's concept of a future Mars mission shows astronauts near a lander on the Red Planet

***

What do you think about future missions that will take humans to Mars?

See my previous post on this Mars Mission ~ Here ~

Kaye

Into The Blue -- The Appeal of SF/R Book Covers

2011-11-25T14:50:00.013-05:00

I simply adore this book cover with its stunning blue hues.

This is the cover for

Refugees On Urloon by Melisse Aires,

releasing from Lyrical Press on April 9 (cover art by Renne Rocco)

I'll admit I have a love affair with the color blue. And blue hues on books covers absolutely appeal to me. Maybe it's that sense of aesthetics it envokes. Maybe it's that I like to write about aliens and other worlds. Anything to do with space. But space is filled with a myriad of beautiful colors and hues. As well, there are many beautiful book covers with no blue at all.

But let's take a closer look at a few more stunning SF/R blue hued book covers.

The Eternal Knot, the final in the The Lancaster Rule trilogy, by T.K Toppin, releasing in January 2012 from Champagne Books new SFF imprint, Burst Books. (cover art by Amanda Kelsey) I love all the Lancaster book covers. This latest one is also beautiful. Note the woman's intense eyes. Fantastic.

Blue Galaxy by Diane Dooley which recently released from Carina Press. (cover art by Frauke Spanuth)

Here is A Million Suns
by Beth Revis. This YA/SF hard cover will release from Penguin's Razorbill imprint in January. This is an impressive cover!

This is just a sampling from the many stunning Blue Book Covers to be found in SF and SFR.

So my questions for you are:

What do you find appealing about a book cover? Are you into the blues or are other book cover colors just as appealing? What type of book covers cause you to want to buy the book?

Kaye

2011-11-24T13:50:00.000-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Here's to everyone having a

wonderful day!

Eat plenty of food and be sure

to be thankful

for the good things in your life

Have a fulfilling & fabulous day!

Kaye

Can't Get Enough ISS

2011-11-21T14:05:00.004-05:00

If Space is the final frontier, then orbiting Earth aboard the ISS is just the beginning. Earth from Space: Amazing Photos by Astronaut Ron Garan...

For all who've ever yearned to look out the window of the International Space Station (ISS) and see the magnificent Earth pass by beneath, Michael König created this time-lapse sequence of photographs. Ron Garan and the crew of expeditions 28 and 29 took the photos on board the ISS from this past August to October.

König says the photos of Earth from 217 miles (350 kilometers) up — a typical orbital altitude for the ISS — were captured at a rate of 25 pictures per second. Very little color adjustment or other digital editing was done to the images before they were stitched together.

"In my opinion, the original footage already has an almost surreal and aesthetically visual nature," König explained at Vimeo, the site where he uploaded the video. However, he sped up the footage. "This is way faster than real time."

This is an impossibly impressive video. You can check it out here: Viemo

Let me know what you think...

Kaye

What is a Geek Girl?

2011-11-18T11:49:00.002-05:00

Are you a Geek Girl and don't know it? Or maybe you do know. On December 4th, several Geek Girls will give their answers on The Galaxy Express. I'll also have my own Geek Girl post right here. Don't miss this-- you may be surprised to find out you're a Geek Girl too.

from Geek-Girl comics by Sam Johnson

Curiosity and The Red Planet

2011-11-12T13:44:00.005-05:00

Mars at the boundary between dark and day with an area including Gale Crater as it catches morning light

Are we ready for a new Mars mission?

NASA's most advanced mobile robotic laboratory, which will examine one of the most intriguing areas on Mars, is in final preparations for a launch from Florida's Space Coast on Nov. 25. The Mars Science Laboratory mission will carry Curiosity, a rover with more scientific capability than any ever sent to another planet.

Scheduled to land on the Red Planet in August 2012, the one-ton rover will examine Gale Crater during a nearly two-year prime mission. Curiosity will land near the base of a layered mountain 3 miles (5 kilometers) high inside the crater. The rover will investigate whether environmental conditions ever have been favorable for development of microbial life and preserved evidence of those conditions.
------
This is such a exciting event for us and for seekers of SF and R for sure. The future holds many possibilities to explore Mars.

What do you think about the idea of sending manned explorers to Mars in the not to distant future? Sounds very exciting to me!

Kaye

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

2011-11-08T12:41:00.002-05:00

Asteroids. Near Misses...

This is very exciting and a little freaky too.

How close is too close? Here is what NASA scientists have to say about the Asteroid 2005 YU55 that will fly very close to Earth -- slightly closer than our moon's orbit. And it all happens today November 8th.

From NASA: Scientists will be tracking asteroid 2005 YU55 with antennas of the agency's Deep Space Network at Goldstone, Calif., as the space rock safely flies past Earth slightly closer than the moon's orbit on Nov. 8. Scientists are treating the flyby of the 1,300-foot-wide (400-meter) asteroid as a science target of opportunity allowing instruments on "spacecraft Earth" to scan it during the close pass.

Arecibo radar observations of asteroid 2005 YU55 made in 2010 show it to be approximately spherical in shape. It is slowly spinning, with a rotation period of about 18 hours. The asteroid's surface is darker than charcoal at optical wavelengths.

NASA detects, tracks and characterizes asteroids and comets passing close to Earth using both ground- and space-based telescopes. The Near-Earth Object Observations Program, commonly called "Spaceguard," discovers these objects, characterizes a subset of them, and plots their orbits to determine if any could be potentially hazardous to our planet.

If you'd like more information about asteroids and near-Earth objects go Here

If you're interested in the Deep Space Network go Here

So, how close do you feel is too close?

Kaye

Changes Again

2011-11-06T09:21:00.010-05:00

New Note on blog Changes: Okay as suggested, I lightened up the background color and changed the links color too. Better maybe... I'll keep on tweaking. Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

As you can see,
I've changed the background color on my blog to integrate more with my SFR Website. I'm also thinking about working on the blog layout but I'll do that another time.
For now, what do you think of the color-- too dark, too light-- Any ideas or suggestions to share? Can you read it okay?

Kaye

Space Station View...

2011-11-04T18:40:00.000-04:00

I love the idea of being 'out there' looking down on Earth

This is a night time view of the United States' Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains cities taken by the Expedition 29 crew from the International Space Station

Welcome Melisse Aires and Starlander's Myth!

2011-11-02T09:46:00.002-04:00

My special guest today is fellow SFR author, Melisse Aires, She's here to talk about her unique book, The Starlander Frontier: STARLANDER'S MYTH a Sci-Fi/Steampunk Romance. This book released on November 1st from Whiskey Creek Torrid. From all the buzz I hear about this first offering in the series it is a fantastic book, and I can't wait to read it. So link on over and check it out.
Don't you just love that cover?

I now give you Melisse Aires!

Thanks for having me blog today, Kaye!

I thought I would show some of the pictures used while plotting The Starlander Frontier: STARLANDER'S MYTH. This is the first of a series (a trilogy), Starlander Frontier, set in a frontier/western universe. I like the writing software Scrivener which has a virtual cork board where I store the pictures

I have a visual memory and imagination so I always have a graphics file for each story. The pictures inspire me, plus they help me keep some descriptions straight; My pictures of people do tend to be celebrities because you can see them move and hear them speak, while models are too one dimensional. I only use the physical characteristics, not the character or the individual. I actually thought Prince Harry was Prince William until I googled!

Here's the Blurb:

Asteroid miner Jack Starlander stumbles upon the illegal sale of a woman and child with unusual abilities. In the ensuing shoot out, two important men die. Jack, Sophie and her daughter and Jack's close; neighbors are forced to flee to safety. Their journey takes them into deadly danger. Sophie is a creature from myth and she recognizes the mythic thread in Starlander's family myth. Perhaps his family myth can save them.

Some pics from my file:

My heroine, Sophie.

(pic is 'Melanie' Days of Our Lives)

Jack Starlander, asteroid miner.

A gryphon.

My Hero Jack--a big, rangy red head. (pic is Prince Harry)

Deadly gas cloud.

Sophie has a small daughter with ringlets, Flora. (pic is Shirley Temple in The Little Princess)

Neighbor ladies have an illegal life form child--one of the neighbors is my heroine in the next Starlander Frontier book.

You can read an excerpt here and purchase here.

I will be having a Scavenger Hunt on my blog to celebrate my birthday on November 15. Be sure to stop by to celebrate with me!

~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your unique process in plotting The Starlander Frontier, Melisse! I'm looking forward to reading more from this series.

Kaye

FROM HYPERSPACE TO HALLOWEEN

2011-10-30T18:21:00.000-04:00

Shifting gears, moving out of hyperspace and on to another space... Halloween!

It is a fun and even spooky time of year for many. So in light of that I have to ask-- can you write a Halloween SFR story? Of course you can! There are many authors who mix SF and paranormal, ghosts, ghouls, and so on. There are spooky things happening in stories in the fall.

So how about you? Do you have a story that you'd like to share? If you would I invite you to leave a LINK (buy link or freebie) to Your Story in the comment section of my blog. Share the Halloween fun with others, be it SFR, Paranormal or otherwise!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL!

Love in the Afterglow of Hyperspace

2011-10-26T17:37:00.003-04:00

Fellow SFR author Jessica Subject has a blog post titled, Science Fiction Romance: How do you "do" aliens? She talks about the different humanoids we authors create as our alien characters, among other things. She also shares several enticing passages from her books that highlight her ideas. Her post made me think about other aspects we as SF/R authors need to explore.

Everyone who knows me knows I write way out imaginative alien characters bar none. But really, writing Sci Fi and Sci Fi Romance is so much more than creating way out characters.

It is my belief the world building of an alien culture/character is the most important thing you can do. You really have to do your studying for this. For me it takes a tremendous amount of research.

Sure, it's still fiction, but if I can't lace my stories with plausible scientific theories it just won't work for me. Now that's not to say I drone on and on about quantum physics. No way, that would bore even me. But alien cultures can be very complex and difficult to execute. I do have to know what I'm trying to relate to a reader. Yet I also give myself lots of flexibility while creating imaginative possible worlds and realities.

Take that awesome theory of traveling faster than light speed--one of my favorites by the way.

Think about this— from my understanding, in Star Trek, the characters travel at warp speed. (Warp 1,2 3 4, etc.) Technically the speed of light is approximately 186,282 miles per second. According to Star Trek, calculating warp speed goes by the warp-cubed method. (X^3) X to the third power. So warp-1 would be speed of light. Warp-2 would be 8 times the speed of light and so on.

Fast yes, but did they ever even leave the Milky Way Galaxy? Remember when Voyager got lost in the Delta quadrant— still in our own galaxy. According to the Trek idea, our own galaxy is teaming with intelligent life. Thousands upon thousands of planets with advanced cultures. Science fiction, yes. But based on theories and technology we are verging on now. Still that's a lot of fodder for a writer's imagination!

Okay- moving on to FTL hyperspace and event horizons. Though traveling at FTL (faster than light) varies, speeds could actually reach billions of miles per second. Now we can travel to distant-- Galaxies. Find more life—as much as we know now about quantum physics—there are thousands of galaxies with billions of stars, millions of planets and possible advanced life and cultures. Kind of boggles the mind doesn’t it?

Take the ancient starship in Stargate Universe (SGU) It is traveling at FTL. Faster than light speed – like millions of times faster or else they couldn’t be jumping past all those galaxies. Whoa!

So in reality, we mere earthlings will have to master and amass so much technology and knowledge before we can even explore our own galaxy, much less others. Well hey, that’s why I love Science Fiction. It lets me live outside the normal realm of present day knowledge and reality as we know it. And I can create imagined worlds, aliens and cultures that could possibly exist somewhere out there.

And those sexy encounters between alien characters from totally different evolutionary backgrounds? I love exploring how they would interact and relate to each other. Here's a line from my SFR story, An Alien Presence:

'...In his star travels, he adored meeting humanoid females. Sensual, hot mammalian women heated his cooled blood to a fevered pitch...'

So what is your take? Do you like to watch read or write SF/R? If so, what level of technology do you like to see? Do you like aliens that are super sexy and very different from us?

Kaye

Virgin Galactic

2011-10-18T11:40:00.001-04:00

Is Space Travel Closer Than We Think?

Las Cruces, N.M. officially joined the list of major space centers Monday when a newly completed terminal and hangar facility was turned over to British billionaire Richard Branson and his commercial space tourism venture, Virgin Galactic.

The company aims to launch paying customers beyond Earth’s confines from the new $209-million futuristic-looking facility, named Spaceport America.

“Today is another history-making day for Virgin Galactic,” Branson said at the event.

Virgin Galactic said it has taken about 455 reservations for the ride. The price per flight for a would-be space tourist is $200,000.

Instead of launching people directly into space with a rocket, Virgin Galactic plans to do the following: A rocket plane with six passengers will be attached to the wings of a White Knight mother ship, flown to 50,000 feet and released. The rocket plane's engine then will ignite and propel the passengers into suborbit.

The spaceship is designed to climb to the edge of space, about 60 miles above the Earth's surface. At that suborbital altitude, people experience weightlessness and see the curvature of the Earth.

Virgin Galactic’s sleek carrier aircraft and spaceships are made by the Spaceship Co. in Mojave, where the planes are currently undergoing test flights. Branson hopes to make its first passenger flight as next year.

Branson named one of the ground terminals the Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space.

The gateway will house preparation facilities for company’s passengers, which it calls astronauts. There is also a mission control center and an area for friends and family.

What are your ideas on Virgin Galactic and space flight? Do you think we are actually on cusp of traveling to deep space? Exploring the Galaxy, even mastering the technology of faster than light speed? (More info and ideas on FTL in a later post)

But for now, what do you think?

Kaye

A Galaxy Far Far Away

2011-10-14T16:54:00.001-04:00

There are intriguing things happening in the world of Science Fiction these days. According to some statistics Sci-Fi is cutting a deep embedded edge through mainstream. Not only with books but with movies, TV shows and games as well.

So is the techie genre of Science Fiction Romance the next big thing to make that cut? Like the writers of magic, vampires and werewolves took the world by storm, are the authors of SFR the next ones to take that giant mainstream flight?

In an article which appears at The Galaxy Express
SFR author and reviewer, Heather Massey poses this question:
If SF Is Mainstream, Where is Sci-Fi Romance?

It is certainly well worth pondering for those readers who love their romance with a generous HEA. But also for those who love their techie Sci-Fi as well. There are many authors of SFR who are bridging the gap with their Sci-Fi romances readers are loving it.

But is it mainstream yet? The next big leap? Well that remains to be seen. Head on over to The Galaxy Express and check out Heather's article. Let her know what you think. And let me know too!

Kaye

Jump Back In

2011-10-11T11:43:00.001-04:00

Connections

Time to come back to Earth, make new friends and get acquainted with old friends once again.

I'm going to hang out around here for a while and see what happens...

I'm not promoting a new release just yet or anything like that. I'm just making contact and jumping back in. Assessing where I am going from here and finding out where everyone else is heading too.

So stop by and chat a bit about what you are doing, writing, promoting ~ or just plain say hello...

I'll be here and I'll make an effort to come by your place too.

Kaye

WRITERS OF THE FUTURE ~ A GREAT CONTEST!

2011-05-20T11:56:00.004-04:00

From time to time I've talked about the WOTF contest. I think it is one of the best around for new and aspiring SF/F authors, including those who write SFR. There are those of us who won't be eligible for this contest because we have too many published works already. But for others, this is a fantastic opportunity!

Here are the rules.

WRITERS OF THE FUTURE: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW AND AMATEUR WRITERS OF SHORT STORIES OR NOVELETTES OF SCIENCE FICTION OR FANTASY...

No entry fee is required, and all rights in the story remain the property of the author. All types of science fiction, (includes SFR) fantasy and dark fantasy are welcome. By submitting to the Contest, the entrant agrees to abide by all Contest rules. All entries must be original works, in English. Excessive violence or sex, determined by the judges, will result in disqualification.

To be eligible, entries must be works of prose, up to 17,000 words in length. We regret we cannot consider poetry, or works intended for children. The Contest is open only to those who have not professionally published a novel or short novel, or more than one novelette, or more than three short stories, in any medium. Professional publication is deemed to be payment, and at least 5,000 copies, or 5,000 hits.

Entries submitted hardcopy must be in black ink on white paper, printed only on the front paper, double spaced, with numbered pages. Each entry must have a cover page with the title of the work, the author's legal name, a pen name if applicable, address, telephone number, email address and an approximate word count. Every subsequent page must carry the title and a page number, but the author's name must be deleted to facilitate fair, anonymous judging.

Entries submitted electronically must be double-spaced and must include the title and page number on each page, but not the author's name. Electronic submissions will separately include the author's legal name, pen name if applicable, address, telephone number, email address and approximate word count. Manuscripts will be returned after judging only if the author has provided return postage on a self addressed envelope. We accept only entries for which no delivery signature is required by us to receive them.

There shall be three cash prizes in each quarter: a First Prize of $1,000, a Second Prize of $750, and a Third Prize of $500, in U.S. dollars or the recipient's locally equivalent amount. In addition, at the end of the year the four First Place winners will have their entries rejudged, and a Grand Prize winner shall be determined and receive an additional $5,000. All winners also receive trophies.

The Contest has four quarters, beginning on October 1, January 1, April 1 and July 1. The year will end on September 30. To be eligible for judging in its quarter, an entry must be postmarked or received electronically no later than midnight on the last day of the quarter. Late entries will be included in the following quarter and the Contest Administration will so notify the entrant.

Each entrant may submit only one manuscript per quarter. Winners are ineligible to make further entries in the contest All entries for each quarter are final. No revisions are accepted. Entries will be judged by professional authors. The decisions of the judges are entirely their own, and are final. Winners in each quarter will be individually notified of the results by phone, mail or email. This Contest is void where prohibited by law.

Send Your Entry By Mail To:
Writers of the Future Contest
PO Box 1630
Los Angeles, CA 90078

To submit electronically: Go Here

Good luck to all who choose to enter!

Kaye

Home

2011-05-16T10:11:00.001-04:00

I'm on my way back and I'll be here this summer catching up with all I have missed, sharing stuff and entertaining some fantastic guests!

Looking forward to spending time with everyone once again!

Catch you real soon...

Kaye

Step Back In...

2011-04-22T10:23:00.003-04:00

Ever heard of back stepping? (That's actually an almost ready story) But It's not that I've been tripping into parallel time spaces, though sometimes it does seem like that even to me! Nothing that glamorous. Just a lot of work away from home and many hours spent on not doing what I love best...

Since we will soon be heading into May, and I'll finally be here, there are some very interesting future posts coming! I also have a few wonderful guests bloggers stopping by.

So stay tuned...

Kaye

Stunning Harsh Ice Blue Planet

2011-04-03T14:27:00.004-04:00

While I am still thinking about Antarctica the coldest place found on our Earth, and Kat Holmes story Frozen... (see the March 30 post) I thought it would be a good idea to share a bit of information on the research about an entire ice-covered planet from one of my stories. (This one is co-written with another SF author-- more on that later)

I started working on the idea for the “Ice Blue” Planet featured in this SF story a while back. I wanted to make it as scientifically plausible and realistic as possible, since a big part of the story's action takes place on its surface.

This SF planet is stunningly beautiful when seen from space. It is cast with perpetual blue shades that has the look of predawn light. It has a dense but breathable atmosphere. Covered in heavy drifts of bluish tinged snow, ice storms and chilling winds prevail. This planet is naturally in a distant orbit from its sun, with short seasons and temperatures that dip well below the freezing mark even at the warmest time.

Yet it is still inside what scientists call the Goldilocks Zone. Simply put, this zone is an area around a star with an orbiting Earth-like planet that has the ability to sustain life, even if harsh conditions abound on the planet's surface. Also known as the habitable zone (HZ).

Why choose an inhospitable yet beautiful planet like this one for a setting? This particular story is not actually about the planet but more about mounting a defense against hostile aliens who invade and destroy other cultures. So the planet specs lend well to the story. And there is an interesting human-made aspect on the surface of this planet.

What do you think of a planet like this as a setting? Do you like it when setting mirrors the events taking place in a story? What would you do if you were to encounter such a harsh and inhospitable place? Not to mention the aliens who have invaded it.

Kaye

WELCOME KAT HOLMES!

2011-03-30T02:11:00.001-04:00

Join me as I welcome my friend and fellow author Kat Holmes. She's here to tell us about her latest book, FROZEN. This is her second book from MuseItUp Publishing, and one that without a doubt I highly recommend. I was privileged to read an advanced copy of FROZEN. All I can say is the story kept me turning the virtual pages until the last word. And I love this cover!

First of all thanks to Kaye for having me here. She’s one of the sweetest, dearest people I know.

I’d like to tell you all a little bit about FROZEN. It’s the first book in my brand new Artica Lights series releasing from MuseItHot Publishing Inc. on April 1! I am so proud of this book. It was loads of fun to write. And of course, the cover is amazing. Delilah K. Stephans, the head of the cover art department does great work.

FROZEN is the story about a woman named Awni who rules as queen over a land of eternal winter called Artica. But Awni isn’t just an ordinary citizen of Artica, she’s the daughter of the God of Winter. Though this gives her great benefits, it brings with it a terrible price. Awni is cursed with skin so cold that if anyone touches her they freeze to death instantly. She has every luxury she could ever want, but she suffers from a terrible loneliness.

Brent Larkin is from our world. He’s a zoologist in Antarctica studying the habits of Adelie penguins. But, while out doing his research a storm comes up suddenly and he loses his way in the blinding snow. Next thing he knows he’s being attacked by bobbing balls of colored lights. Unable to outrun the lights he suddenly finds himself in a snow forest looking down the pointy end of several swords.

Taken prisoner, he’s thrown into a cold dungeon to await the judgment of a queen of a land he’s never heard of. And judgment could very well mean execution. But when they meet, sparks fly. Sparks that neither of them believe can go anywhere. Can two people from two very different worlds, one of whom can’t even be touched, somehow find a way to bridge the divide?

Here is an excerpt from FROZEN:

Groaning, Awni stood and stretched. Her muscles had tightened during the course of the meal. She picked up her glass and walked over to the balcony, but left the door closed. Brent wasn’t dressed for the outdoors.

“Come here, I want to show you something.”

Groaning, she guessed at his own stiff muscles, Brent got up and walked over to where she was. She pointed outside.

“This is Artica. Isn’t she beautiful?”

Awni held her breath as he took in the view. For some reason, his answer was very important to her. She watched as his eyes widened and he looked out in amazement.

“I didn’t get to see any of this when I first got here, but it’s stunning. You have hills, and forests, and plenty of animals who seem to like the cold weather.”

She smiled. “Yes, this land has been blessed. Life thrives here, and the beauty is unspoiled. It is home.

He turned to say something to her, but his jacket caught on a hook on the wall and, suddenly, he lost his footing. He fell forward and warm male flesh met her cold, deadly skin. Awni jerked away in horror, causing him to hit the ground hard, and waited for him to turn to ice. She waited…and waited.

Looking down at him as he rubbed his elbow, she gasped. “What in the world? You should be dead!”

~~~~~~

You can get a copy of FROZEN April 1st from the Muse bookstore. And you can find out information on everything I have going on at either my website or blog. And be sure to join me during my weekly Blog Talk radio show. I’ve included all the links below. Again, thank you for having me Kaye. I enjoyed being here.

~~~~~

It was a pleasure to have you here for a visit Kat! Come back any time.

Kaye

BOLDLY GOING BACK TO BASICS

2011-03-27T14:09:00.010-04:00

There are times when an author needs to return to the basics learned early on in her pursuit of a certain subgenre. In my case that would be (SFR) Science Fiction Romance...

I can imagine SFR will have more authors wanting to break in to this fascinating subgenre in the near future due to the press, overwhelming buzz and clout it has received lately.

I'd like to share a brief introduction from my perspective for those interested in writing a Science Fiction Romance, and maybe a few reminders for those of us who already do.

Keep in mind this is just a starting point. Most of the SFR authors I know are truly dedicated researchers of the unknown. They love exploring new scientific discoveries and technologies. They are already big science fiction fans and have the ability to create very intense and detailed stories when it comes to crafting in this subgenre.

As an author of SFR I have to tell you it isn't as easy as some might think. Here are a few things I've learned while pursuing this oft times misunderstood subgenre.

SFR is not just about settings in different universes. It requires even more attention to plot development and world-building details. Yet some points in writing a SFR in a sense are the same as writing any fiction story-- believability and focus on character, conflict and consistency.

When writing about a character from a faraway galaxy or setting, you need to show specific elements. It's fine to make your hero a different species on planet XYZ, but then you'll need to explain what his ordinary environment is like from his perspective and in terms readers can understand and somehow relate.

Here's an example from my own research: If the hero's race is cool blooded and has scales, does he find the warm skin of a human heroine very erotic and unusual? Does she love the touch of his velvet coolness against her body? Make it so real your readers can feel what your character feels.

If she travels to another galaxy, does she miss the fresh air and green trees of her own world as she visits a hot unbearable binary planet? Again, let readers feel what this is like.

Ground your characters in rich ultra details so readers can relate to and understand the trials and experiences of an alien environment. Give them fears that we suffer so your characters, as well as their alien world/culture can be understood.

Even if you create a complete, complex planet or galaxy with culture, politics and advanced technology different from anything readers have seen or experienced, make sure others can feel, hear, taste and smell that world through your character's senses.

For me, the fun of writing Sci-Fi romance is the enormous possibilities for conflict. Not only is there the usual conflict between or among characters and their personalities, but there is also the conflict between and against a different planet, different race, different time and different goals.

The twists on conflict can be endless. Think about a time-travel heroine and how she must deal with life and social norms in either the past or future. How does the hero who may be an alien scientist handle falling in love with a human heroine from a certain past or future? What if they can't find a way to bridge their worlds?

And let's not forget to focus on the romance. Even if you have created the ultimate science fiction adventure, the story still needs to complete the development between the hero and heroine, no matter what form they take or galaxy in which they live. Readers won't like it if the hero and heroine stop experiencing sexual tension for long stretches in order to deal with inter-planetary politics, etc. You still have to develop the romance and keep the sexual tension going to the very end, even if your story doesn't contain graphic erotic sex scenes.

Science fiction romance presents the writer with special challenges and the opportunity to expand into strange new worlds, seek out new life and civilizations, to boldly go where no writer has gone before. Well, even if that is an old cliché, still the possibilities are endless.

Write character, conflict and consistency in a believable way with science fiction as the basis and a focused romance scenario and you'll create stories that readers of SFR will love!

Now let's see what's out there. Here is a small sample of SFR books to explore:

Games of Command ~ by Linnea Sinclair

Enemy Within ~ by Marcella Burnard

Song of Scarabaeus ~ by Sara Creasy
Touched By An Alien ~ by Gini Koch
Once Upon A Time In Space ~ by Heather Massey
Beyond The Shadows ~ by Jess Granger
The Lancaster Rule ~ by TK Toppin

I'll see you around the Galaxy!

Kaye

Pencil sketch of D'Argo and Chiana of Farscape, by Lee Kohse. Other photos from Space.com

SFR takes the finals for Golden Heart and RITA!

2011-03-25T14:01:00.022-04:00

RWA announced the finalists in the Golden Heart and RITA Awards today. Science Fiction Romance authors took at least 3 of the 8 finalist spots for GH!

Laurie A. Green is a double finalist with her manuscripts P2PC and OUTER PLANETS. Sharon Lynn Fisher finaled with her sci-fi/paranormal romance blend, ECHO 8.

A special congratulations to Laurie and Sharon, two of my very wonderful SFR Brigade friends!

And adding to that, Marcella Burnard, yet another SFR author and Brigade member is a finalist with two RITAS for her debut novel, ENEMY WITHIN. Wow! Congrats to Marcella! This just keeps getting better and better!

Even more proof that Science Fiction Romance is on the cutting edge, and coming into its own as the next big subgenre in the world of romance publishing, and it seems RWA is starting to think so too!

Kaye

Welcome Catherine Bybee

2011-03-23T00:59:00.000-04:00

My special guest today is multi-published author, Catherine Bybee. This is release day for her latest book, POSSESSIVE and she is here to tell us all about it.

CB: Thanks for having me on your blog again, Kaye. It's always nice to be here.

KM: You can guest blog with me anytime, Catherine. Can you tell us how POSSESSIVE differs from your other books?

CB: This book is a step away from werewolves and time travel... but as my readers will see, the story begins in a hospital, where I really have to work hard to come up with scenes (NOT) * A gentle reminder that I spent years working as an ER RN.

I have but one real question for the bloggers stopping by today and that is this... Do you believe in ghosts? Why? or Why not?

KM: I love ghost stories! How about sharing an excerpt with us?

CB: Sure. Here is a look at POSSESSIVE:

Grief counselor Lauren Trousdale has no choice but to take her work home with her. A near-death experience left her with the ability to not only see, but also communicate with ghosts. The gift isn't one she dares reveal to anyone—certainly not to Dr. Ethan Bailey, the man she can't stop dreaming about. The ghosts are mostly kind, lost souls, but when a lovely, erotic dream about Ethan turns into a nightmare, Lauren wakes to an ice-cold room and the fear that she’s not alone.

Ethan's attraction to Lauren blooms the first time he sees her. As they grow closer, he realizes she is hiding something, but never expects her secret to be a ghostly stalker. Ethan’s only concern is protecting Lauren, but when the ghost becomes violent, Ethan must risk everything to save her. Can Lauren let him take that risk alone?

Excerpt

He moved closer and pretended to remove a piece of lint from her shoulder. Her emerald green eyes left his and glanced at her clothing. When she rounded her gaze on him again, he stood near enough to enjoy the heat of her skin. His fingers itched to touch the copper strand of hair that had escaped its binding. Lauren sucked in a breath and licked her lips, while staring at his. There it was again, desire bouncing off her and whacking him upside the head.

“Go out with me.” It really wasn’t a question. More like, “Let’s get this electrifying thing we both want to explore going,” but he left that part unstated.

“What?” She still stared at his lips. It took all his restraint not to lean down and respond to what he hoped was an unconscious plea for a kiss.

“Dinner, tonight, after your shift.” The words slid from his lips in a soft easy flow. Her response didn’t take long.

“Okay,” she whispered. Her one word caught in his gut and moved lower into a tight knot of excitement.

He lowered his chin and waited for her response. Lauren pushed closer to him, the slight curve of her breasts brushed against his chest, the sweet scent of her floral perfume shot through his system. Sweet Jesus, who’s being derailed now?

He stayed there hovering over her lips. “Good,” he finally said before shifting back on his heels.

“Good.” Lauren stepped back. Her chest rose and fell with each deep breath letting him know she was as affected as he was.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

KM: Now, back to Catherine’s original question. “Do you believe in ghosts? Why? or Why not?”

CB: Thanks for letting me yak today. I look forward to readers feedback on POSSESSIVE. And again, thanks for having me, Kaye.

KM: Glad you stopped by. Come back anytime!

POSSESSIVE is available now from The Wild Rose Press. You can pick up your copy today!

To learn more about Catherine Bybee and her books visit her website and blog. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

A Reminder...

2011-03-22T10:10:00.007-04:00

Tomorrow is the day my multi-published friend, Catherine Bybee will be stopping by. Release days are always special and Catherine promises to share a view inside her latest book, POSSESSIVE with us. Stop by for an interesting look into this fantastic book. Catherine also poses an intriguing question...

Kaye

Aliens ~ Soul Mates ~ and Sex

2011-03-18T03:07:00.001-04:00

Join me in welcoming my special guest, Jacqueline Lichtenberg. She is the creator of the popular Sime~Gen Series and a mentor for many Science Fiction Romance authors, including me. This phenomenal lady is a pioneer who laid the groundwork for the authors of today. She was writing SFR long before the sub-genre was coined. Her unique style and forward-thinking blend of science fiction with romance created her best selling works that are now classics. Recently, on my blog, I’ve been exploring Sex and Science Fiction and I’m honored that she offered to lend her views on this topic.

Alien Sexuality

In a guest post on March 6th here at Kaye's blog, Heather Massey of The Galaxy Express challenged us to contemplate the unthinkable, sex-and-intellect.

The human experience of arousal short-circuits the more critical functions of the human brain, so the idea of orgasm enhancing critical thinking is "alien" to us.

So that's exactly why it makes a great Science Fiction premise. It's unthinkable. Worse, it's "unfeelable" -- our emotions can't go there.

Really?

In a comment I dropped on Heather's post, I noted that Robert A. Heinlein had created an A.I. character, Mike, in MOON IS A HARSH MISTRESS who puzzled over human sexuality until he finally was given a task that needed all his capacity. He concluded that orgasm is "when they all light up."

We ordinarily think of "thinking" as "intellectual." Or as I termed it, "critical thinking" -- the kind of thinking which has produced the powerful tools of science (and to do science you need to combine both creative Right Brain thinking and Linear Left Brain thinking.)

But there's another kind of "thinking" -- another kind of intellect, and another kind of "learning" that can happen to human beings.

We aren't just intellects. Left and Right brain isn't all we are.

The entire Romance field tackles this issue with the concept of the Soul Mate.

The instant you start discussing "Soul Mate" (the perfect sexual partner; the most erotic being that can possibly exist) you enter into a realm where science fears to tread.

To have a Soul Mate, you must have a Soul. Worse, you must concede that other people also have a Soul - at least some of them. And you must concede that Souls come in kinds that fit together neatly, and kinds that don't.

And you suddenly find yourself in the realm of the Spirit where we discuss such bizarre concepts as Soul Growth -- which carries the implication that Souls aren't static, unchanging, eternally the same. "Growth" implies getting "better."

So whatever attributes your Soul has now, it can get bigger, and maybe better, whatever that is.

The concept "Soul Mate" also carries with it the concept of "Growing Together" -- that is, the Mating part is eternal, and the two Souls may grow and get better, but they don't become different in such a way as to become incompatible (at least not for long.)

So human sexuality can accept the concept Soul. During extremely erotic moments, the Soul is engaged, absorbs experience, and changes thereby.

During eroticism, the Soul does its equivalent of thinking, reasoning, and learning.

A sexual encounter is a learning experience for the Soul.

For the Soul to take center stage and do its learning, the Intellect has to be shunted out of the circuit, taking the sideline and just going along for the ride, too paralyzed to learn anything.

So what is the "science of the soul?"

The science of the soul is the entire field of human ethics and morals, of knowing the difference between right and wrong, even if not always able to figure it out in a given instance.

When you take your first courses in fiction writing (even if not science fiction) one of the first things the teacher will assert is that there are no new plots, no new stories. We still pattern our fiction on Ancient Greek Plays because HUMAN NATURE NEVER CHANGES.

When I first heard that said, I knew immediately what my first published story would be about -- and years later, it was.

The science fiction premise behind my Sime~Gen Universe novels is "Human Nature Changes." A lack of compassion becomes a capital offense.

A mutation makes the evolutionary division into male and female pale by comparison. Yes, and sexual orgasm as you know it becomes the merest beginning of what's possible to humans.

Over thousands of years, each human Soul grows in compassion and in the capacity to find and bond with a Soul Mate. The stories take place as human society is re-organizing, starting with a technological level of the mid 1700's and moving on to 21st Century, so we have a series of Science Fiction Western Romances with mystery and intrigue mixed in.

The Sime~Gen novels are now being released in e-book, and there will be some new ones added to the series. The fans have formed a SimeGen Group on facebook to keep up with it all.

Here are the first four. Look for eleven of them eventually.

Jacqueline Lichtenberg is creator of the Sime~Gen Universe, primary author of Star Trek Lives!, founder of the Star Trek Welcommittee, creator of the term Intimate Adventure, winner of the Galaxy Award for Spirituality in Science Fiction and the first Romantic Times Awards for Best Science Fiction Novel. Her work is now in e-book form, audio-dramatization and on XM Satellite Radio. She has been sf/f reviewer for The Monthly Aspectarian since 1993. With Professor Jean Lorrah, she teaches sf/f writing online via Tarot and Astrology.

To learn more about Jacqueline Lichtenberg and her many books visit the links below:

Jacqueline Lichtenberg Website

View her Bio and Bibliography

Join the SimeGen Group on facebook

Follow the Blog.

A MEDIEVAL SCI-FI ROMANCE?

2011-03-15T22:55:00.002-04:00

Sharing again...

As writers, sometimes we work on our stories in multiples. That is we write/edit more than one manuscript at the same time. Makes sense. This can keep us from becoming bored. For me, I usually like working on revisions of an already written work, while writing a new story. I don't have a set pattern with this process.

I may revise for days, and then go back to writing on the new story. Or I may edit a while then write a while all in the same day. Or just write for long periods of time. Sometimes if I get stuck while writing a new story, going into revision mode on an entirely different story can help me figure out what is going on with the WIP. Honestly, this may sound boring or confusing but when I see the work taking shape and/or becoming better I get that sense of accomplishment. And all the hard work seems worth it.

Some of you may remember my medieval days. I'm now working edits for several of those stories I wrote a year or more ago. I have to say I'm enjoying revisiting the knights and their castles. And those time-traveling aventurous heroines too. These stories are not strictly historical because they do contain elements of sci-fi and time travel. (Can laser blasters and medieval knights co-exist? Watch and see...) Here is an opening for one of those stories:

~~~

She wasn’t here to watch the meteor shower or its thousands of particles streaking in brilliance across the northern sky. Not this night. What she desperately needed was to find the fracture in the timeline continuum that would take her back to the 12th century. Back to Bryon of Calimere...

~~~
And now from our hero: Bryon, a knight whose heroine Alisa has just come through a time rift to find him. He doesn't believe her. But-- get this-- he does believe in wizards:
~~~

Bryon stared at her. “How did you get inside my castle this time, a secret passage or something far more sinister, like a wizard’s magic?” She had once appeared to him as if in a dream, half-naked and shivering. Yet she was no dream. She claimed to have come from another time and place. A ridiculous tale. One that caused him to believe she was in league with Wyver, the bumbling Wizard. Or worse, possessed with a crazed

wickedness...

~~~
That's the kind of stuff I'm working on. Anyway, it is what I've been doing all this week.

How about you? Do you work on several stories at once? Or do you stick with just one WIP until it is finished? Also, while in edits, can you work on a new story?

~~~

Be sure to check out my guests this month. What a great lineup!

Look on the left column at the top of this blog page. Coming Soon is a very special guest, the Phenomenal Jacqueline Lichtenberg. Check back on Friday, March 18 to see why this seasoned bestselling SFR author has earned that title over and over again, and much more!

Kaye

The Trusty – What? Did You Say?

2011-03-10T18:51:00.005-05:00

Continuing on in my exploration of sex and the Sci-Fi story, here’s something fun.

Not too long ago The Galaxy Express had a blog post about what a kick-butt heroine should never leave home without-- what she needs to have in her arsenal. Mind you, these are Sci-Fi heroines who fight wars, command starships, wield advanced weaponry—you get the picture. Some of the comments were satirically funny—like hairspray and lip gloss.

I was reminded of a scene from my latest book,
An Alien Presence that mentions the heroine’s trusty vibrator. After reading that post I thought, well, why not a trusty vibrator in that arsenal of necessary items? So I put that in my comment. I got some fun feedback.

So much fun that I decided to add to a scene and feature the trusty vibrator. Yep, the hero is in it too. It’s cool how it actually turned out. Believe it or not, this isn’t a sex scene. Not really. Oh, you say? That’s right it isn’t.

An Alien Presence: (the scene goes something like this)

...Strange aliens don’t just appear in your quarters. She backed away from the imposing figure materializing before her.

He came closer.

She stood her ground not taking her eyes from him. In the subdued lighting she searched, tried to find something she could use as a weapon against this intruder. Her hand grasped a long slim object.

She jerked it around and pointed it in his direction. “Get away from me,” she yelled, “I’ll use this if I have to!”

As he paused not centimeters from her, she jabbed him with the object.

Suddenly it began to hum.

His eyes traveled from the makeshift weapon to her face and back again. He grinned. Big. “What are you planning to do with that thing? Pleasure me to death?

She stole a glance downward and felt the color drain from her cheeks. In her hand and pressed hard against the stranger’s chest was her... trusty vibrator.

~~~~~
So what would you have among your necessary items if you had to kick butts and save worlds?

Kaye