Nicole Givens Kurtz :: Blog

Whoot! Cybil is understood!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:41:50 PDT

It's never easy to start something new and my Cybil Lewis series was not only different from other science fiction series, it was a hybrid. Hybrids are all the rage now days with the cost of gas, but this vehicle initially didn't generate very much fan fare or even those who understood it. Labeling SILENCED and Cybil in general had come to be a bit of burning the candles at both ends. It's a mystery and a science fiction story, so where do you stock it? Add to that the heroine being an African female and all hell is about to break loose.

I knew that putting Cybil out there would cause some mild ripples in the conventional thinking department--especially about science fiction. Yet, it seems some reviewers get it and get her. '

Rae Lindley of A Writer's Dream blog said, "The Cybil Lewis series is definitely an auto-buy with Silenced going on my keeper list. If you enjoy a futuristic mystery noir series with a fiesty, tough PI heroine you may want to pick it up and give it a read."

You read Rae's in-depth review of SILENCED here.

RomanticTimes also gave SILENCED a Four Star Review. You'll have to purchase the July issue to read what it says about the book.

If you want to post your comments about Cybil, feel free to do so below.

Best,

Nicole

SILENCED is Coming...

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 20:48:00 PDT

Yes, it's June! Hooray! That means that Cybil's big debut from Parker Publishing is set to arrive any day now.

This is a big deal for me as I've been writing (and rewriting and rewriting) Cybil for about five years now. She crawled out of a short story and has grown into a three novel series thus far with her four novel in draft mode. Yes, girl, you've come a long way baby!

Who is Cybil Lewis? What's she like? Why should you care about her?

Well, she's been compared to many people, but in all honesty Cybil's just her. She is very much a part of me, though I don't believe she is me. Like all characters she bares my thumbprint on her personality, but that doesn't make her me--not by a long shot.

So, if you want to learn more about Cybil, post your comments below and I'll answer them. Additionally, watch this spot because her world is coming soon--hopefully within the next six weeks, her very own web portal will launch with answers to all your questions.

Cybil's wauto playlist: The Bandits of Britan Old (a 2012 rock band).

Concarolias- Day One

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:56:07 PDT

Hola! It is my first day at ConCarolinas and so far it's been very interesting. Many people think this is my first con ever because I'm so excited. You all know this isn't my first con. I've been going to sf cons since 2000. But, there's something about being around people who sport bumper stickers that say "Klingon by choice," and "Something Wiccan this way comes." that makes me feel at home, happy, giddy with glee.

Yes, this is my element, my people, my place in the world.

Concarolinas is held in Charlotte, so unlike many of my other con experiences, I'm not the only African American here. Though this should comfort me, it actually puts me off a little. We observe each other from across the room, nod, and move on, never really talking. Part of me believes it is because we are so used to being the only at these things that we are slightly in shock.

The other part of me feels that we're sizing the other up. Competition. As if only one African American author can work a con at a time. Silly. Stupid. Beneath all that--fear. So, my goal tomorrow is to connect with those authors, close the distance between us, both physically and mentally.

Other than that, I have four panels tomorrow that I am super excited to be apart of. Harry Potter being the biggest one. The others, urban fantasy and writing are fun too, but HP is my favorite, as you know. *See blog for pictures of me in my Muggle shirt*

Anyhoo, I'll be in touch. I'm did manage to get a really cool poster of Ichigo and the gang from BLEACH. I also hope to snare a few wonderful delights in the dealer's room. I spied some niffty tee-shirts and the like.

Don't forget to grab a copy of SILENCED on Sunday. It becomes available then!

Whoot!

Best,

Nicole Kurtz

Speed Racer Can't Outrun the Bad Reviews...

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Sat, 17 May 2008 10:29:10 PDT

As a product of the 80s and 90s, SPEED RACER, is lodged in my childhood, well, early adult years. I recall many nights, lying on the couch watching MTV show those anicent (and classic) cartoon episodes of Speed Racer. I loved it and this early introduction would foster my love of Japanese anime in the future.

So, imagine my delight when I saw the same two men who directed and wrote THE MATRIX, where giving Speed Racer a live-action overhaul.

Super excited I raced, no pun intended, out to see it. I even took my sons. Was I rewarded--immensely. I absolutely LOVED it. It was a refreshing take on the cartoon and I enjoyed it. My kids loved it, and i believed my money was well spent.

It is with a heavy and a bit disgruntled heart that I found other people completely dissing the the movie. Of all, the biggest complaint is centered around the use of colors--not found in nature--someone added. Who cares? That's the beauty of the film. It's a leap into the fantastic --all the benefits CGI can offer.

I hope this film can out run the bad reviews. It is a neat little family movie and one I think people would enjoy if they didn't come into the theater with a set of expectations and beliefs.

Skip the reviews and just go see a great film.

Nicole

My Attraction to the Tragic Hero...

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:32:57 PST

Being the cyberpunk girl I am at heart, it was with wild enthusasm I dove into the third installment in the Tasheki Kovacs novel, Woken Furies, written by Richard K. Morgan. Part detective series, part science fiction, and total superior writing, Morgan has hit a stride with Kovacs I had initially thought he lost with Broken Angels.

Although neither subsequent Kovacs novel is as good as the first, Altered Carbon, the truth is, it can never be as good as the first time. So many of life's little truths are nestled in the fact that the first time is always the most memorable--for better or for worse (no pun intended here).

Nevertheless, I love Morgan's ability to push Kovac's character in a way I hope to do with Cybil. Pressing her forward to change to grow to be human. Woken Furies tests Kovacs's faith and what it means to love and lose--something Kovacs does badly. Lose. Sarah meant a lot to him and despite the fact he's managed to live 150+ years, this love haunts him. Very much like King's Roland's love Susannah and her burning at the Harvest Reap.

Tortured, dark heroes, such as Roland and Kovacs appeal to me. They draw me in with their wounded hearts and steely resolve. I can't help it. What does this mean for me heroine,
Cybil? Will she be similar to my favorite leading men?

I dunno.

I like my movie heroes the same way. Brad Lee's THE CROW is my favorite movie EVER! Favorite fairy tale? Beauty and the Beast? Favorite Star Trek character--Worf. Favorite Animae character--Ichigo (from BLEACH), favorite Harry Potter character--Lupin... This can go on, you know.

Dark, brooding and injured, these are the types of characters that draw me in, hold me fast, and fail to let me go long after I've closed the book.

Nicole

Wordless Wednesday Post

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:45:27 PST

Courtsey of nasa.gov

A Smorgasbords of Speculative Delights

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:43:58 PST

Title: Phoenix Tales: Stories of Death and Life

Author: Gregory Bernard Banks

Website: Wheelman's Place

Purchase from Amazon.com

A few years ago I read an article in Writer's Digest about the demise of the short story genre. Someone once wrote the short stories was a dying genre, and as such, the anthology was gripping the edges of its death bed.

I would like to offer Gregory Bank’s anthology as Exhibit A as to why this declaration isn’t true, and argue, vehemently, why the genre is alive and kicking. “Phoenix Tales: Stories of Death and Life” is a collection worth sitting down to read and savoring in slow, delectable nibbles.

The speculative stories are short enough to be slowly sampled, but some of the stories snare you so deeply, so quickly, you’ve read the damn thing before you’ve realized it. Stories such as “Escape Velocity” and “Fireflies” are two of many which I personally was disappointed when the tale ended—the same way a person looks down at her plate and realize she doesn’t have any more pizza.

“Phoenix Tales: Stories of Death and Life,” offers up a smorgasbord of stories pertaining to the speculative nature of living and dying and even something in-between. Most of the stories have been previously published.

The wonderful beauty of speculate fiction is its diversity, and here is a nice menu stocked full of delights. Sure, you may come across some items that don’t taste as good as others, but the overall meal is more than satisfying.

Try it out for yourself.

Nicole

New TREK FIlm Pushed Back to May 2009...

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:12:00 PST

...and I'm not happy about it.

I'm a child of Star Trek (via re-runs of coure. I'm not that old!) But I've actually met William, Leonard, Nichelle, and Kate at a Star Trek Con in Las Vegas. I've read the novels, owned the movies (in both VHS and DVD), and have purchased action figures and the comics.

This relaunch of the franchise is going to be awesome, right? It worked for Superman and Batman. True, true, those who read this blog on a hapharzard basis know I'm not too happy about Abrams being at the helm. Though Jonathan Franks' directing wasn't bad, I think a fresh face was necessary. I'm not sure Abrams was the correct choice though.

According to MSN, I'm going to have to wait until May 2009 to find out. *Sigh*

Good news is you can watch a trailer here.

At least the movie won't have to compete against the new Batman movie or the new Indiana Jones flick. Those two movies I want to see too, but not nearly as much as Star Trek.

*sigh, marking calendar* Guess I'm going to have to wait until six months later.

Nicole

Wordless Wednesday Post: Sunspot Loops

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:16:02 PST

Courtsey of NASA

Cybil is Ready for Pre-Order!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 19:29:35 PST

Yes, that's it. My girl, Cybil, first installment in her series, SILENCED, will arrive in stores June 2008. And you can pre-order her today from Amazon or directly from Parker.

Here's the blurb: Cybil Lewis, a private inspector in the year 2146, is no stranger to family dysfunction. But when her inspector-in-training, Jane, asks Cybil to investigate the disappearance of her cousin, Cybil is tossed into a world of political ambition, drugs, and deception on such a grand scale, she barely survives with her life. This case will take her and Jane far into the reaches of the divided states and into the upper crest of political turmoil that lies in the wake of the Great War.

Check it out today!

Broken Angels by Richard K. Morgan: A Review

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:30:51 PST

I can still remember the first time I saw Blade Runner. At the time, I didn't have a single clue that the movie derived from a novel. I'll admit I was a novice with Philip Dick's work, and it was only after I'd read the credits at the beginning of my seventh time seeing Blade Runner did I realize my error.

As it was, because I hadn't read the book first, I took Blade Runner at face value. Watching Harrison Ford fall for an android and witnessing the one thing he was sent to slay, save him, and thus redeeming and arguing (at least to me), the desire to be allowed to "exist."

So, when I came across Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan, I felt those same shivers of joy and a strong wave of nostalgia crash into me. For those not familiar with Altered Carbon, let me just say that this novel sank in its hook and hung me out to dry. Left dangling and unable to free myself from its clutches, I read Altered Carbon in a matter of hours--not days, hours.

Morgan's Takeshi Kovacs was a man I wanted to give my entire being, but for only one night. I couldn't quite trust him, and that made me want to watch everything he did...

Which kept me reading. It was Ghost in the Shell:Stand Alone Complex, Morgan style. Cyberpunk with a mystery twist--as a lover of both genres, this was heaven on earth.

The story was fast paced and action packed. This cyberpunk/mystery hybrid fed all of my favorite genres' mouths with one thick serving of superb writing, sharp dialogue (eat your heart out Robert B. Parker) and a mystery with so many freakin' turns, my neck hurt from the whiplash.

And it was with a happiness and glee that I purchased, Broken Angels, the second Takeshi Kovacs title. This time, Morgan had transplanted Kovacs to a war in another part of the solar system. Kovacs is in a different sleeve (body) and is still up to his usual ways.

Sort of.

Like its predecessor, Broken Angels contains sharp dialogue, action sequences to die for and a charismatic lead character with sex appeal to subtle and potent it's a weapon in and of itself. Kovacs remains a man to watch--closely. He's untrustworthy and switches sides as he seems fit and it solely looking out for number one (in most cases). He's got his own moral code to which he follows rigidly. The fact that he has a code at all endures him to this reader.

I love a good mystery, and Morgan sets up a very good one in Broken Angels. I kept reading, and hoping with devoted longings the story would make good on the superb Martian artifact and Kovac's wiliness.

Unfortunately, without the on-going mystery noir element of Altered Carbon, Broken Angels falls a bit flat.Though the very mention of Kovacs was hook enough for me, the complete shift from Kovacs the hired private investigator to Kovacs the hired soldier shouldn't have been too difficult a transition, Morgan somehow loses the thread of the tale right around the middle of the book.

Alas, when the novel finally arrives at its climax, I'm a bit let down. The story transitions from its cyberpunk roots to a true/blue alien science fiction story, one straight out of Star Trek.

Don't get me wrong. I love Star Trek and consider myself a Trekkie at heart.

However, I wasn't reading Broken Angels for this reason, but for the cyberpunk/mystery twist. As I mentioned earlier, the mystery is there, but not the private investigator angle.

The ending probably should've ended about 25 pages before it actually did, but the ending was strong. Morgan could've cut those 25 pages and retained the ending.

Despite these misgivings, I enjoyed the novel. I recommend it as a solid read. The strength of Kovac's character and the detailed futuristic vision of sleeving and the well crafted worlds are Morgan's strengths.

Those strengths are more than enough to overcome the weakness of the storyline.

In fact, I'm going to purchase the next Kovacs' novel.

Enjoy,

Nicole

Thursday Thirteen-13 Books that Rocked in 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:12:54 PST

I'm a snob. I"ll admit it right out in the open. I'm a book snob. I love books, but not the dry, decrepit and boring fare the New York Times deems literary. Nope. I like commerical, entertaining and fun books!

So, don't be shocked that my thirteen best book list bares no resemblence to its hundreds of cousins "best of" lists published online and in print right now.

Nope. This is mine opinion of the best books I've read in 2007. You may feel free to disagree. Isn't that why there's a comments section?

1. Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows- J. K. Rowling
2. T is for Trespass- Sue Grafton
3. A Few Demons More-Kim Harrison
4. Vegas Bites by L.A. Banks et all (anthology)
5. Danse Macabre by Laurell K. Hamilton
6. Skin Deep by Marilyn Lee
7. Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke (YA)
8. Bound by Moonlight by Angela Weaver
9. Master of the Moon by Angela Knight
10. The Ruins of Gorlan (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1) by John Flanagan (YA)
11. Now and Then by Robert B. Parker
12. Ranger's Apprentice: The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan (YA)
13. Broken Angels by Richard Morgan

YA-Means young adults. You may wonder why so many of my best of list is YA titles and it's because I'm a school teacher. Yes, I am. I read a lot of YA during our SSR time so that I am knowledge when recommending a book to a student. I also enjoy them. :-)

Best and happy New Year...

RaeLynn Blue

Thursday Thirteen-Harrison Ford Movies

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 18:06:18 PST

All right. In honor of the release of my all time favorite cyberpunk film, Blade Runner, I'm going to post my thirteen favorite Harrison Ford movies. No, I'm serious. You're probably thinking there aren't 13 good Harrison Ford movies, but you'd be wrong there.

Of course, I completely encourage feedback and discussion about his movies, but not about his relationship with Clarissa Flockheart or the drama she caused with his wife. Nope. Not hearing it.

So, just looking at his body of filmography, here's my favorite 13 Harrison Ford films...

1. Blade Runner (duh)

2. Star Wars (double duh)

3. Raiders of the Lost Ark

4. The Empire Strikes Back

5. The Fugitive

6. Witness

7. Clear and Present Danger

8. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

9. Patriot Games

10. Air Force One

11. Return of the Jedi

12. Presumed Innocent

13. Working Girl--my least favorite of all.

To-dah! Done. Did your list line up? Did I name one you forgot? Post it below in the comments section.

Peace!

Nicole

Blade Runner Final Cut Released! Whoot!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:46:59 PST

This is my absolute favorite movie of all time! I already own the director's cut, but yesterday the final cut was released. Whoot!

They're billing it over on Myspace as the movie that started it all, and it seems like a big claim. Yet, it isn't. This movie straight up kicked off the "feel" of nearly every science fiction, cyberpunk movie made after it, including The Fifth Element, Strange Days, and ton of other imitators. This is the granddaddy of them all.

As a Philip Dick-lover, (go ahead and laugh), I don't get my feathers ruffled by the disparity between the movie and the novel from which it is based (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep). In my mind, they are two seperate things--movie and novel. End of discussion.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, then you must head over to the Myspace page for Blade Runner and get schooled!

Lovers of this historic film post your comments below. ;-)

Best,

Nicole

In Honor of I AM LEGEND...Thursday Thirteen!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:29:31 PST

In honor of the release of I Am Legend tomorrow, I am doing this Thursday's Thirteen on my favorite 13 Will Smith movies. (Don't be all surprised if the top five are all sf movies.)

1. Independence Day
2. I, Robot
3. Men in Black
4. Wild Wild West--fantasy/urban fantasy
5. Bad Boys II
6. Bad Boys
7. Shark Tale
8. The Pursuit of Happyness
9. Six Degrees of Separation
10. Men in Black II
11. Ali
12. Hitch
13. Made in America

Do you agree? Post your comments below! I promise, it's working!

Best,

Nicole

I am a science fiction writer...

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:05:57 PST

"I'm a science fiction writer."

Repeat.

Take a deep breath.

"I'm a science fiction writer."

Repeat.

No, I'm not suffering from an identity crisis. Some people may think I am. Relax. I'm nearly positive that I am a science fiction writer despite the tone of my flesh. Although there are naysayers who murmur and whisper "politely" about the fact that I'm not a sf writer, I know that I am.

It seems there are two camps. SF writers who believe that true science fiction must contain copious pages of accurate real science. Then there is the other camp, which dictates that my work (and others like it) aren't quite multicultural enough.

That's the wonderful thing about science fiction. It's like pizza. You can have it any way you want, with any toppings you want. Pepperoni? Sure. Mushrooms? Fine. Carrots and onions? All right.

So, why not sf? We're a prickly sort and somewhat elitist, to be frank. This author isn't good enough because he/she doesn't do this. Isn't that the role of a creative being? To push the envelope? To strive for different things, to stretch ones craft to new heights?

For me, that's what being a creative spirit means to me, to narrow the gap between what I have achieved and what I want to achieve. This is the very meaning of writing. The process of growing as an author and as a person.

Science fiction is pizza. There are dozens of varieties and flavors for all tastes. Urban science fiction, cyberpunk (my personal fave), futuristic, near future, romantic, horrific/sf, military, space operas, and on and on. This diversity is the very crux of the genre, and like most well managed mutual funds, sf is diversified.

When I hear other writers completely dogging out a new author on the scene (or a well established one for that matter) for not writing a sf book, it makes me wonder what the real motive behind those comments. It's never a horrid thing to try something new as an artist (barring experimenting with things that can physically harm you).

I'm a science fiction author.

Yes, my characters are from a variety of cultures and ethnicities.

Yes, my heroines kick butt (especially Cybil).

Yes, I write stories that are different from other African American sf authors, but that doesn't mean my stories are invalid or not "Black enough."

Yes, I'm published by smaller presses, but it doesn't mean my books aren't real sf.

You'd think by 2007 we, as a society, has moved beyond these little things that widen the divide, the chasm grows ever deeper.

You'd be wrong.

Nevertheless, I'm going to pick up my pen and get started on the latest Cybil Lewis novel.

Don't be blinded by labels. Peel them off your eyes and remove them from your mouth. Speak loud and clear and let others know that labels are only good for one thing...separating items into categories, nothing more.

Enjoy,

Nicole

Spotlighting the Under the Radar Reads: Cimmerian City

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 17:36:34 PST

It isn't every day I discover something as stirring as Rae Lindley's opening series book, Cimmerian City. This title is one to add to your shelf reserved for good stuff!

Just so your appetites are as wet with temptation as mine, here's a brief blurb:

In the 21st century, corporations rule the world, science is big business and governments no longer exist. A war breaks out between two races…and one of them isn’t human.

Take your napkin and wipe your drool! :-)

In the area of science fiction, the true nuggets are rare and must be unearthed. The fact that most the author is a person of color is even more rare a find.

But don't take my word for it. A ton of reviewers have fallen into this world have lost themselves in Rae's imagination, vividness, and grit. So, check out a copy today.

Here's the important information:
Author: Rae Lindley
Publisher: Lavender Isis Press
Genre: Science Fiction (Whoot!)
Author's Website: http://www.raelori.com/writer.html
Contact Information: http://www.raelori.com/mailinglist.html

A Rebirth for Aurora and Sarah...

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:44:30 PST

Take a good look at these book covers. Do they seem sort of familiar?

No?

Then you must be new to my website. Welcome. I'm Nicole Givens Kurtz, science fiction writer.

If these covers do seem a tad familiar perhaps you have them on your bookshelf. You are a reader of my works. Thank you!

For about a year now, these titles have been out of print. They were still available in electronic format but if you wanted a signed copy or one to take to the bathroom with you, well, unless you purchased a used copy, it wasn't going to happen.

Your luck is about to change, faithful reader.

I can't give away all the details yet, but I recently signed a contract to have both Browne Candidate and The Soul Cages re-released. Yeah!

That's not all. Both titles will get new covers and a new editorial reworking. Think of it as a re-telling as Stephen King did with The Gunslinger. I'm no Stephen King (yet), but I am excited to rework the storylines and to add all the new ideas I've hatched since writing those two novels.

Most authors don't get the chance to refine a product once it's published, but this new publisher will allow me (and other authors) this luxury. I don't have a time frame for when these titles will be released again, but I am thrilled.

Naturally, if you have copies of the titles, you may want to get the new copies because they'll have tons more than the originals. If you've yet to try my works, then by all means do so at once!

Anyway, I wanted to give a special SHOUT OUT of Thanks to our men and women in the Armed Forces and to our veterans. Without you my right to work over novels, spin tales, and seek publication would be in vain (or censored).

Thank you!

Best,
Nicole Givens Kurtz

Supersizing Christmas? A Moment of Soapbox Questioning

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:11:50 PST

Okay. I'm addicted to Target.

There.

I said it.

Target is my spot to shop. I ought to own stock.

Anyway, imagine my surprise when, last weekend, as I'm checking out reduced price Halloween items for possible convention masquerade garb when I discovered (hidden amongst the rummaged and tossed about Halloween crap, er stuff) fall/Thanksgiving decorations at the same 75% off we've-got-to-move-this-asap price. This was the day after Halloween.

Thanksgiving.

Little Native Americans and paled faced pilgrams sporting bright orange clearance stickers. Suffering the same fate as the (lowly and in some people's view less noble) Halloween items. I mean, I can understand the Halloween discount, because, hey it's after October 31st.

But Thanksgiving.

At the time, it wasn't even close to Thanksgiving.

Okay. I'm overreacting. The store's just trying to clear out two holiday decorations with one fail swoop. After all, Christmas is coming and let's be honest, Nicole, that's the real holiday.

Right?

Wrong.

Without Thanksgiving, America probably wouldn't be a country. We'd still be struggling to survive. Or another scenerio, we'd be a part of the Mexican government, a Spanish colony, or an extention of Canada.

Halloween gets more of a showing than Thanksgiving. Day of the Dead receives more attention. It's ridiculous.

What's with the supersizing of Christmas? Is this a merely an extension of how commerical our country has become?

I'm not the only person a little mystified by the mass supersizing of Christmas. TIME magazine has an article about the blending of the holidays into one continuous blob of "holiday season." Munching through our wallets and our purses and burping out credit card billing statements like there's no tomorrow.

Already Target had six aisles devoted and decorated Christmas decorations. November 1st! I think Thanksgiving should get some respect.

Don't you?

Drop your comments below, and I'll step off my soapbox.

Enjoy,

Nicole Givens Kurtz

Re-Launch of Darrell Bain's Latest Delight!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:55:41 PDT

November has on tap a lot of excellent writing for those of us hungry to consume it. None, more superb than Darrell Bain, and if you’re into reading science fiction, and you should be, this one is mandatory for your list.

As I’ve mentioned before in a previous blog, Darrell and I were both published by Double Dragon Ebooks, easily the largest electronic publisher of science fiction, fantasy and horror. I came to enjoy Darrell’s writing as a fellow author, but more importantly as a sf reader. Tight plots, witty and above all, creative, Darrell’s writing is fast paced and crisp. One of my biggest complaints about science fiction is the unlimited information dumping authors put into their tales, as if validating they can write sf by how much science they put into the story.

Don’t get me wrong. Science is an important aspect of science fiction. Yet information dumping can toss the reader right out of the story. Well, you won’t find that with Darrell’s work. His stories are always geared for fun, action, and excitement with the science offering the support for the tales.

The release of his latest novel, Savage Survival, is sure to be another top seller.
You can even get it in the special edition hardcover. Amazon has it listed for $35.00. However, they also have copies listed under the "New and used copies" for $28.00. They are all new, not used since the book just came out. Snag an autographed one from Darrell's website for even less than that! Just $26.95.

Here’s a brief blurb about Savage Survival to wet your appetite!

SAVAGE SURVIVAL is not just another testosterone driven science fiction novel. At the basic level, it explores the personalities and attitudes of men, women and children when stripped of the comforting insulation of organized society. Invulnerable aliens have captured millions of humans and are subjecting them to the most brutal and horrible environments ever encountered, in essence a survival test of a magnitude heretofore undreamed of.

Lyda Brightner is an eleven year old girl when she is suddenly and without warning separated from her parents and thrown into the midst of undisciplined humans in a harsh desert environment. Food and water and clothing are fought over. Those who control it can do as they wish—and their wishes are terrible.

Lyda is weaponless and alone, like almost everyone. Raped at eleven. Forced to kill. Grieving for her parents. All that stands between Lyda and death is her own innate bravery, her quick mind, her unwavering integrity and ultimately, her belief that someday she will find someone to love.

Lyda's strength of character and fighting spirit make her a leader, even at a very young age. Over the next six years she must constantly fight the ever changing and ever more dangerous environments the aliens subject them to. But she must fight other humans as well, those who have survived by brute strength and ruthless plundering of the weak.

But even if she lives through all this, Lyda must still face the final question: What do the aliens have in mind for the few hundred remaining humans, those few left of all the millions who died?

SAVAGE SURVIVAL is a coming of age novel like no other and Lyda Brightner is a character you'll never forget.

So go enjoy it!

Nicole

Friday Night's in Short Supply

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 16:31:06 PDT

It's Friday! I've worked a long week and now it's time to relax.
Except I can't.
See I'm supposed to be editing the next Cybil Lewis novel, and I have done a big chunk on paper. Now it's time for me to put those edits into the computer word doc. That takes time and it takes a LOT of time. Time that one tiny Friday night won't be able to afford me. It's terribly inadequate.

So, what's writer to do?

Well, slug it out like its the bottom of the ninth inning and with two outs. I mean it's a horrific scene. We with a mass of red inked pages and a blinking laptop screen, demanding ever more attention and threatening to slap on the standard-but-boring Windows screen savor...yeah.

Best stop the procrastinating here with this blog (*snigger) and hop onto the limited amount of time I have to finish the next great sf hybrid.

Cybil bears watching and she's quite impatient...as you'll soon learn.

Best,

Nicole

Launch for Darrell Bain's Latest Literary Luxury!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:26:11 PDT

Unless you've been hanging out on the moon, you've heard of Darrell Bain. I was lucky enough to be published with him at Double Dragon Ebooks. He, of course, exploded well beyond DDP and on to brilliant things. You've heard of him, especially if you're into tight plots, fun humor and a rolling good time. The multi-award winning author is back with another jewel of a story. This one's title, Savage Survival available from Twilight Times Books.

Here's a brief blurb about the story: An eleven year old girl grows up as a captive of aliens in the most brutal and horrible conditions possible, with no parents or guardian to help. Only her innate bravery, her quick mind and her unwavering belief in the goodness of most humans, sustains her until she reaches maturity and discovers the purpose of all the suffering.

I was even so lucky as to be able to interview this maverick and writing magican. Read on for insight and revelations from a successful sf writer.

1. You were the 2005 Fictionwise Author of the Year. Do you believe electronic books will eventually be the standard mode of reading? Why or why not?

DB:In the far future, yes. Not in the near future, though. The E-book reading public is growing faster than print readers at present though, just not fast enough to suit me.

2. What research or personal experience did you draw upon to write THE SEX GATES?

DB:The original novel, which I wrote without a collaborator, was simply an attempt to show what it might be like from the other side of the fence, so to speak. I had some help from my wife but most of it was done singly. It did require a LOT of thinking, for sure! Most people wonder occasionally what it would be like to be the opposite sex, but very few really try to consider all the implications. I did, as much as possible. Sex change wasn't an original idea, of course, but I think I was the first to come up with instantaneous sex change on a mass scale. The idea formed from somewhere in my subconscious, like any other idea for a story. I tried it first in third person but that didn't work well and I abandoned that manuscript after about 20,000 words and started over in first person and finished the novel in a month. By the way, the original novel is now available in print, updated and re-edited under the title "The Original Sex Gates". It has more characters and a much different outcome than the collaboration.

3. Where do your ideas come from?

DB:I think any writer's ideas come from the sum of their experience, then anything at all might spark an idea for a story from them. A good habit to get into is to write your ideas down when they occur to you or some of them will escape!

4. What in your opinion is the biggest problem with science fiction titles currently on the market?
DB: I personally like the kind of novel that leans more on action and characters than on detail. Too many science fiction novels spend way too much time going into descriptions that many readers are going to skip over. Fans have told me this, too, by the way.

5. You've written scores of novels. Who is your favorite character and why?

DB:Lyda, in Savage Survival, is my favorite. I've always liked coming of age novels but this is the only one which used a young female character. Lyda has so much courage and integrity that anyone has to love her, especially given the horrible environments she has to grow up in. She never loses hope.

6. If you were a color, which would it be and why?
DB: Red, for action and adventure.

7. For my readers who are aspiring writers, what is the best writing advice
you've ever received?
DB: Robert A. Heinlein said it best. Finish what you write! I could add that to become a good writer you need to write and write and write and….

I couldn't agree more. Get out there and snag this wonderful book!

Writing Life and What to Read After Harry's Done...

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 13:13:45 PDT

So, you're wondering what to read now that you're done with Harry Potter's series and (if you're at all like me, The Dark Tower series), I have a few suggestions, since I face the same dilemma. I'm actually feeling a bit of gloom since the only thing I look forward to at the bookstore is BLEACH's next installment and The Harlequin to be released in paperback.

Lately, I'm reading more and more cyberpunk. For some reason I'm devouring it with an enormous appetite that is both scary and strangely fascinating. As soon as I'm done with one, I'm ravenous for another one, so if you want to recommend any authors to me that write cyberpunk, let me know. Email me.

Anyway, I digress. Here are some of my new favorite authors and some suggestions to fill your TBR stack. My is seriously being worked now that I'm not writing as much due to the resumption of school. Yep, I'm a teacher and grading, lesson planning, and after school activities erode my writing time.

Science Fiction:

Anything by Philip Dick is worth purchasing and reading thoroughly. I love him. His sense of irony and wit is so fantastic you barely notice it until POW it's too late. My personal recommendation are Minority Report and Other Stories and Paycheck. Though my all time favorite is Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.
As I mentioned it before, I'm reading a ton of cyberpunk. So, I also recommend Richard Morgan's breakthrough novel, Altered Carbon. There are four novels in this series already, but he totally ROCKS!

YA Fantasy:

One fantasy series that's totally sucked me in is the Ranger's Apprentice series. I'm totally taken with Will, an orphan (echos of Potter), but that's where the similarities end. This scrappy apprentice has the guts and the drive that puts his superiors to shame. What really shines in this tale is the storytelling. It's marvelous.

Fantasy:

I'm reading, well, re-reading The Wizard of Earthsea series of novels. They don't take me long to digest and to read. These are classic tales, and ones I enjoy over and over again. This series is what Harry will be in a few years.

In between that massive chunks of reading, I'm also working on Cybil's third novel. Any day now I'm to receive the final edits for SILENCED, the first novel in the Cybil Lewis series. I'm excited and a buzzing it beginning to generate around the first novel in this anticipated, hybrid story. With any luck and a great deal of support, Cybil will make a long lasting impression on the sf reading public.

Anyway, hopefully these titles will help you fill the whole in your heart by Harry Potter's final release. This is an excellent time to try new authors, ahem, and to re-read old favorites.

Enjoy.

Nicole

BLEACH is BLISS...

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 21:29:56 PDT

Yes. It's August 5th and I have consumed volume 20th of BLEACH. It's ridiculous because even though I've read it three times, it was done much too quickly. Now I'll have to wait until October 2007 before I'm able to delve into Ichigo's world again. I get little injections by watching the anime on Cartoon Network on Saturdays, but it only satifies me for a bit. A sampling passed around at the mall to intice you to buy your lunch there.

I entertain myself watching episodes on my newly scored Cowboy Bebop DVDs. Still, the vacancy looms. So, eventually I'll turn my attention to reading. It's always similar to leaving Las Vegas or some other favorite travel destination. I'll be back soon, but it isn't fun leaving--not at all.

But go, I must.

I heard something interesting being whispered, okay shouted out from ComicCON in San Diego. I heard that J.J. Abrams is going to direct/write the next Star Trek movie in 2008. Although I know it isn't a new thing, see the article Still I'm annoyed with his selection.

Star Trek has so much of my memories, my motivation, and world shaped by Star Trek, it is personal to me. And a gazillon others, I'm sure. *smile*

I'm not sure I'm comfortable with him taking the reigns of Star Trek. Sure, sure I admit it's true, the Star Trek franchise is quite lagging and in dire need of a jump start, an infusion. I'm not convinced Abrams is the one.

Sure, he's a good writer (Alias, Lost, Armageddon) to name some good ones.

But he's also responsible for some flops: (Regarding Henry, Gone Fishin', Forever Young). Let's not forget his foray into a franchise, Mission Impossible III and it became an immense flop of the other MI movies.

I will have to wait and see. I also thought and blogged that I could trust Rami not to screw up Spiderman 3. Yes, I was wrong about that one too.

Post your comments below. I do enjoy hearing from others--even if you disagree.

Nicole

Addicted...to Anime!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Kurtz) — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 19:05:46 PDT

Today, I should be writing the third novel in the Cybil Lewis series. I'm in five chapters, and was going along quite swimmingly.

But I'm not.

Why?

I stayed up super late last night (Saturday) and watched Ichigo Kurosaki fight to save Rukia from her death sentence. After that I sat enthralled by Blood +, and then my personal favorite, after BLEACH, of course, GHOST IN THE SHELL:STAND ALONE
COMPLEX.

As the clock rolled to 2:00 am, I sat waiting for another dose of good anime. My body gave out and I headed on up to bed. With three sons at home, I'm not afforded the time to sleep in until noon to catch up.

So, here I sit. Burnt completely out of ideas because I can't stop thinking about Ichigo and the fact that on Wednesday, I get to go buy the next BLEACH installment, volume 20. The teasing torment of each new manga being released every other month threatens to tear me in half, but I struggle to stem the tide of frustration by reading something else, Hamilton, Harrison, Banks, Morgan, Parker, Grafton, and lately Rowling.

As I surveyed myself in the mirror through bleary eyes and caffine withdrawl this morning, I realize the truth.

I'm addicted--to anime.

BLEACH in particular. Ichigo is the teenage girl inside me's crush. (Just look at his picture above)His strawberry bravdo and absolutely courage makes me sigh. His stubbornness makes me laugh. When he's kicking major *ss, the action loving chick inside screams in hurrah.

Ichigo isn't alone. I'm also in love with Haji from BLOOD +. He's so devoted to Saya and he's there whenever the crap hits the fan, saving her. Don't believe me? Check out him out below. And, he plays the chello (Saya taught him). Beautiful. A bodyguard with smooth, careful hands.

Damn. I'm a serious addict.

The Major from GHOST IN THE SHELL:SAC is a cool diva. Because GHOST is set in the futre, the sf freak inside me won't stop watching, even though it's the same episodes all the time. I love it and I'm internally jealous that they thought of all the cool ideas first. The creativeness behind the science is stellar and as always I'm fit to be tied when watching it.

So, right now, I'm eagerly waiting for Wednesday. To starve off my trembles in waiting for Ichigo's latest English manga release, I went to the local used bookstore and found--you'll never guess...

SIX episodes of COWBOY BEBOP. Yep. It's old (1999), but it is my all time fav. I collect Bebop stuff whenever I find it and I have a satchel bag with Spike on it. I love him--yes, even more than Ichigo. That's him below, with the bushy black hair and smoking the cigarette. Casual smile and eternally handsome. Cute? Absolutely and he kicks butt big time. *sigh*

I have a BLEACH satchel bag too, with Ichigo's face on it, but hey, the BEBOP one's in plastic. I use the BLEACH one.

Teens look at me and give me strange eyes when I bury myself in the manga section of the bookstore. Clerks gawk at me when I ask about upcoming issues of BLEACH and THOSE WHO HUNT ELVES. I know, I know,it's totally silly, but I am so addicted, I'm hopeless.

Right?