THE GALAXY EXPRESS

Free Romantic SF Ebook Alert: SPLINTERED ENERGY by Arlene Webb

2012-02-24T16:40:00.000-05:00

Arlene Webb's SPLINTERED ENERGY, an "...Earth based sci-fi/suspense/romance novel...," is currently available for free at Amazon (Kindle edition).

Happy reading!

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Going Beneath The Covers Of Leslie Dicken’s THE IRON HEART

2012-02-23T18:00:00.000-05:00

The Iron Heart by Leslie Dicken recently came out from Samhain Publishing. As a fan of steampunk romance, I looked forward to reading this book. “Iron” in the title? Check. Cool steampunky heroine on the cover? Double-check.

After finishing this novel-length ebook, I was kind of shocked that the blurb, tags, and excerpt on Samhain’s site barely hinted at anything more than the basic premise—especially given the various elements I encountered in the story. I’m already a steampunk romance devotee, but what about readers who might have overlooked this story because they lacked key information?

This is one of those times when it’s up to readers to uncover what’s really happening beneath the covers (heh!) of a romance adventure. With that in mind, I am here to tag The Iron Heart for you and present an interview I conducted with the author.

But first, the story blurb:

His greatest creation could be the death of them both.

One woman swears to avenge the savagery of a ruthless killer loose on the streets of Lundun; if only she can stay one step ahead of an inventor who fears that his greatest work, a labor of love, has turned on humanity.

Grieving the loss of her beloved cousin, Ella Wilder is determined to catch the murderer. Infuriated by the fumblings of the constable, she seeks the assistance of a handsome noble who seems to be looking for his own answers, and whose reluctance tells her he has something to hide. Over time, hesitant intimacy grows into fiery passion but brings them no closer to finding the madman.

As the killer reveals darker inventions that blur the boundary between man and machine, Ella fights the fear he may be after her next. Can Ella trust her heart to the man who refuses to share his secrets yet swears to protect her? Will Bennett be able to choose between keeping terrifying family secrets…or losing Ella to the iron-hearted killer who stalks the night?

***

You can read the brief excerpt here.

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Blurbs can’t convey everything—because hey, that’s what the book is for—but given the stories that Samhain sells and having read The Iron Heart, I felt a few important items were missing from its book page. Therefore, my goal is to help make you an informed consumer about this book.

Below you will find a set of non-spoiler, no-holds-barred tags divided into categories.

Genre tags: erotic steampunk romance; suspense; mystery; gothic

Notable characters: A brooding nobleman inventor hero; a spunky heroine who runs her own newspaper; an eccentric, meddling old noblewoman (think: a steampunk version of Downton Abbey’s Violet, Dowager Countessof Grantham); and a mysterious steampunk cyborg.

Plot or Character-driven? Definitely character-driven.

Setting: Alternate history “Lundun.” The worldbuilding elements are just enough to give the world a steampunk feel.

Heat Level: The Iron Heart’s sizzling, steamy (!) romance edges toward a “soft” erotic heat level. Bennett Pierce, Lord Barrington, is a dark and tortured hero whose libido is unleashed by Ella’s bold nature and, of course, her luscious curves. The story is loaded with smoldering glances and raw fantasies. I would characterize The Iron Heart as a slow burn erotic steampunk romance with heavy sexual tension throughout.

Gadgets: automatons; airships; various clockwork and steam-powered devices; and an almost fetish-like attention to gears and springs.

Social commentary? Yes. There’s a bit of social commentary in the story regarding the impact of technology on jobs and the humans who might be displaced as a result. Never fear—it doesn’t displace the romance or hawt sexxoring.

Tone: On the darkish side because of the suspense and serial killer elements. They’re not gory or graphic, however. Rather, they tend toward the stylistic. The hero’s dark demeanor and shocking secret lends The Iron Heart a moody, gothic tone, like a steampunk Jane Eyre. (Mmmm…Rochester on an airship!)

Was it good for you? Awesome. Pass the hookah. Kidding! Now, on to my interview with Leslie Dicken:

What inspired you to write THE IRON HEART?

It was a chat I had with my good friend and critique partner, Lisa Paitz Spindler. Steampunk was just starting to make a few waves in the romance world and she kept insisting it would be a perfect fit for me. I've always loved historicals and had written several and also have an affinity for science. Steampunk is the perfect blend!

The story itself came out of my research on Jack the Ripper. That whole era felt very gothic and dark and so I wanted to incorporate that into my story. I also wanted to write a Steampunk that didn't have paranormal characters in it.

What distinguishes Bennett from other dark and tortured heroes?

Good question! I love writing dark and tortured heroes! I think what makes him different is that he believes he did the right thing, even though it may have had unintended consequences – very Frankenstein-like. He carries his burden alone, trying to right what was wrong.

Name three important facts about Ella that readers should know.

She is stubborn and sometimes fool-hardy and it has gotten her into trouble several times. This doesn't make her too-stupid-to-live, but not quite perfect and very human. She resists her upbringing in the wealthy Noble world and leaves it to live with her uncle in the heart of the city. She is not afraid of her own sexuality or her attraction to Bennett.

Do you have a favorite gadget/device you created for the story?

I love the personal flying machines. They are like a bike or motorcycle that can fly at low altitudes. How fun would that be to go up and soar like that or use it to take you places, freeing you from roads and other obstacles.

Please describe a few of your favorite steampunk/steampunk romance books, films, or television shows.

I have read a few of Meljean Brook's stories, several steampunk erotica collections, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

What can readers look forward to from you?

I have a short story coming out in April from Harlequin Spice Briefs: The Lady's Bargain. I am currently working on a gothic historical and plan to write a sequel to The Iron Heart.

Where can readers find you?

Www.lesliedicken.com

Facebook/LeslieDicken

Facebook/LeslieDickenAuthor

Twitter/LeslieDicken

***

And there you have it. Happy reading!

Joyfully yours,

Heather

An Interview With MECHMAN Author L.J. Garland

2012-02-21T18:00:00.001-05:00

I enjoy discovering new-to-me authors and therefore was excited to read MECHMAN (L&L Dreamspell) by L.J. Garland. Before I dig into some tags, here’s the story blurb:

Raven is on a suicide mission. Jex is a biomech on a mission to save humanity. They discover their mutual passion to destroy the enemy isn’t their only desire.

A war against the Darch has raged for years, and humanity is on the verge of extinction. Scientists have created biomechs to supplement as warriors, but it’s just a temporary fix on what appears an insurmountable problem. One desperate scientist injects JXS241, a biomech warrior, with what he hopes is the solution for mankind’s survival. But the biomech is captured by the enemy.

Raven Nirvanni survives on the fringes of a shattered culture. While on a self-imposed suicide mission to annihilate an enemy destroyer, she encounters the imprisoned biomech. Deciding the fate of humanity far outweighs the destruction of a single ship, she rescues him and decides to ensure he reaches his destination.

With the enemy anticipating their every move, Raven is completely taken aback when she realizes she’s falling for JXS241. But can she really love a machine? And if so, can he reciprocate?

***

Below are some non-spoiler tags that stood out to me as I read this story:

MECHMAN is a novella-length space opera action-adventure romance. It’s a fast-paced read with space battles, chase scenes, some political intrigue, and a bit of social commentary on artificial intelligence and love.

The main impression this story made upon me is that Raven is a heroine who consistently drives the plot forward. While the hero is a biomech, I never felt that his extraordinary quality overshadowed the heroine. To me, they came across equally in terms of ability and appeal.

The romance employed some shortcuts to the HEA, but it’s quite heartfelt and would appeal to readers who are “romantic at heart.” MECHMAN is non-erotic if you’re seeking an SFR on the sweeter side.

I actually borrowed this ebook from a friend, but having read it I would say it’s worth the 2.99 price tag at Amazon.

Having read the story, I decided to invite L.J. Garland aboard for a meet ‘n’ greet:

TGE: Please tell us about yourselves. When did you decide to become writers?

L.G. Garland: L.J. Garland is a husband-wife writing team who has thrived within their own romance for over 20 years. One of their favorite things to do is get into a hot bubble bath and brainstorm story ideas. Amid their long list of hobbies and interests, two activities stand above the rest. They are both licensed helicopter pilots with hundreds of hours of flight time, and they practice with a variety of weaponry from long bows to high-powered combat rifles. This, along with years of military experience, gives their books a heightened sense of reality. They enjoy their life together in a house filled with love, laughter, and adventure along with their three cats, whistling guinea pig, and three boisterous sons—who conspire to ensure there’s never a dull moment.

TGE: What was the inspiration for MechMan? Why did you decide to write a science fiction romance?

LJG: The inspiration started with the basic questions: What if a woman fell in love with a machine…only to discover that the machine, which wasn’t supposed to have feelings, had also fallen in love with her? How would they deal with their relationship and what others might think? Would they even care?

My DH and I both have always enjoyed science fiction and read voraciously since childhood. Later, I branched out into romance. I truly loved the happy ever after that it offered…that one way or another, they heroine and hero would end up together no matter how daunting the obstacle. SFR offers a wide cross genre…horror, military, paranormal, time travel, steampunk, the list goes on and on…even westerns, as given by FireFly and Cowboys and Aliens. The possibilities are endless – which is one of the wonderful aspects that attracted us both to SFR.

TGE: Without going into spoilers, what is the role/social status of biomechs in your universe?

LJG: The human race is battling against a horrible, powerful race, and they’re losing. On the verge of extinction, scientists create biomechs (biometric machines) to protect the remaining humans and to fight the war against the Darch. In MechMan, one biomech in particular, JXS241, is sent on a special mission that hopefully will save the human race.

TGE: Raven is a classic kick-butt heroine. Could you share a brief excerpt of her in action?

We’d love to:

“We’ll have to run.” Raven fired across the bay. A Darch tumbled off the platform, his wings crumbling as he fell through the air.

“Yes.” Jex glanced toward her ship. Amber ribbons of fire rained down, pinning them behind a column. “I’ll cover you.”

“Like hell.” She didn’t need anyone risking their life for her. She’d been through that before and didn’t care to repeat it.

“It’s your ship.” He squeezed the wicked golden rod, froze a female Darch skittering across the hangar. Momentum carrying her, she crashed to the floor. Her icy form shattered. “You know start-up procedures, settings, quirks. You can get us out of here faster.”

Damn it. He was right.

“Okay.” She scanned for an opening in enemy fire. “Cover me.”

Raven ran. She fired her plasma gun, adding glowing white balls to his layer of ribbon-fire. Their combined onslaught drove the Darch back and gave her the precious few moments she needed to board her ship.

Scrambling to the bridge, she dove into her seat. With all ship’s functions already routed to the captain’s chair, her fingers flew over the control panels. The engines burst to life. Raven set shields, brought weapons up, and lifted from the hangar floor, rising above the Darch cruisers.

“Eat this, you demon bastards.”

The pulse cannons erupted with a thick fan of fire.

TGE: Regarding the villainous Darch, I smell an homage to THE BEASTMASTER, specifically the falcon-worshipping dudes. Am I right, or am I right?!

LJG: LOL Well we’ve both seen The Beastmaster. The thing I remember most are the pecking birds. Brrrr. The thing my DH remembers most is the heroine, Tanya Roberts. Go figure! LOL As far as the Darch and falcon-worshipping dudes, I can see some similarities. It wasn’t intentional, but since we’ve seen the movie and the subconscious works in unexpectedly groovy ways, who can say? ;o)

TGE: If Raven and JXS241 started a business together, what would they do?

LJG: They would be perfect as a government courier team. Any secret messages, packages, people…anything that needed to be taken from point A to point B. These two would get it done. Nothing would stop them!

TGE: Please describe a few of your favorite science fiction romance books, films, and/or television shows.

LJG: Linnea Sinclair is probably one of my favorite SFR authors. I can see her worlds and love the romances. Another wonderful SFR author is D.L. Jackson. I love the humor she injects in her romances.

Television and films? Pretty much any and all of it. SG-1, SGU, SG Atlantis, FireFly, Serenity, Star Trek (all of ‘em & the movies), Star Wars (my middle boy is a fanatic), Cowboys & Aliens, The Matrix, Futurama, Alien, Warehouse 13, Eureka, Farscape, Battle: Los Angeles, Dr. Who, Torchwood, Battlestar Gallactica, Life on Mars, 4400, Quantum Leap, Adventures of Brisco County, Fringe….gracious, the list goes on and on.

TGE: According to your bio, you’re both licensed helicopter pilots. Describe three little-known facts about helicopters.

LJG: 1. If the engine quits, helicopters don’t generally fall out of the sky. They autorotate, meaning the main rotor overhead keeps spinning similar to a gyrocopter. Although…some do come down faster than others!

2. Hollywood has stretched the truth about how long it takes to get a helicopter off the ground from start up. In the movies, the good guys are being chased by guys with guns, right? They have just a few seconds to get off the ground… Uh, no. LOL Rotor blades are big and it takes a few minutes to get it spinning. Once you get them up to speed, the pilot has to wait until the engine comes up to temperature. Then, there is a list of pre-flight checks that must be performed to insure that the craft is operating smoothly. Sooo…this takes quite a few minutes. Not to mention is your tanks are empty and you have to gas up! So, it’s not like a car where you can just hop in, start the engine, and fly.

3. That you can just strap in and fly your first time out. Again, Hollywood has stretched the truth on this one.

      “There’s a helicopter. You’re a pilot.” Bad guy brandishes gun. “Fly us outta here. Now.”
      “I’m an airplane pilot. I don’t know anything about helicopters.”
      “It’s all the same. Now do it.”

And they get in the helicopter, and two minutes later, they’re in the air.

Waaaahhhk Wrong answer! Helicopters and airplanes operate nothing alike. An airplane goes forward. A helicopter can maneuver in all directions, stop mid-air, and spin. If you ever decide to take an intro lesson in a plane (which I highly recommend…very exciting, liberating!), the instructor will most likely give you the yoke on your first time up. S/he will probably put their hands in the lap and look out their window while you pilot the aircraft. Yep, right off the bat, you’re flying the plane! So, cool!

But helicopters? The instructor will tell you to put your hand on the cyclic (the stick that guides the heli forward, back, and side-to-side) and say, “Follow me.” They never remove their hands (or feet) from the controls, and they continue to operate the other controls as well. AND they do all this near the ground. Why? Not as far to fall. LOL Helicopters can be very twitchy—especially the smaller ones. One wrong move and you’re spinning out toward the trees? Me? Yeah, did that a time or two starting out. LOL But you get better at it….

TGE: What else can readers look forward to from you?

LJG: We’ve got a romantic suspense, Sins of the Mind, co-written with the wonderful Debbie Gould, coming from Decadent Publishing. It’s a story about a woman who after years of therapy from a horrible incident, decides it’s time to live again…but then all the people she loves start being brutally murdered one by one.

The other story is a short (12K) SFR, Dead or Alive, coming from Decadent’s 1Night Stand series. It’s about a guy who is falsely accused of murder ends up turning toward the one woman who can help him, a bounty hunter who’s been after him for years. Together, they uncover conspiracies on both Earth and their homeworld, use some fun high-tech gadgetry, and even visit Area 51.

TGE: Where can they find you online?

LJG: We can be tracked down at www.lj-garland.com. Or we can be caught at http://www.garland-and-gould.blogspot.com/ where we blog, chat about stuff, and interview other authors. Or, we can be emailed at mail@lj-garland.com - We love hearing from people who have enjoyed our stories.

L.J. Garland, thank you for your time, your art, and for the cool 411 about helicopters!

Joyfully yours,

Heather

RT Book Reviews Hosting Giveaway For Kristen Callihan's FIRELIGHT

2012-02-20T19:34:00.000-05:00

Kristen Callihan's debut novel FIRELIGHT recently caught my attention because of its firestarter heroine. This is especially so since I had read Corrina Lawson's PHOENIX RISING a few months ago (that book features a firestarter hero).

As far as a marketing category, FIRELIGHT is a historical paranormal romance (Victorian setting), but I can't help wonder from the blurb if it has a superhero/X-Men element. Has anyone read it who can fill me in?

Anyway, the other reason I wanted to bring it up is that RT Book Reviews is hosting a fun giveaway for this book. Visitors to the RT site can enter for a chance to have a character named after them in the author's next book, MOONGLOW. (I seem to recall a certain science fiction romance author who did just this sort of thing with her books *cough*Linnea Sinclair*cough*.)

Visit the announcement post at RT Book Reviews for complete details.

Joyfully yours,

Heather

SFR News & Links Extra

2012-02-19T21:19:00.000-05:00

I discovered a few fun and informative posts recently and therefore would like to share them with you:

At Backward Momentum, Graylin Fox recently featured an Ode to Farscape. Seriously, there can never be too many odes to FARSCAPE.

At Paranormal Romantics, author D.L. Jackson (THIS ENDRIS NIGHT) asks What’s in a Cover? (FYI she kindly included an image of QUEENIE’S BRIGADE in her roundup!)

Pauline Baird Jones has been busy! STEAMROLLED won a 2011 CataNetwork Reviewers’ Choice Award in the Single Titles category. Way to go! Currently, she's blogging about steampunk, romance, and reader expectation.

What I particularly like about steampunk (besides playing with goggles and automatons and airships and hosing my characters) is that it is a genre that didn’t come out of New York publishing. It came from the grassroots of readers and artists and cosplayers. It is, for the most part, a genre without boundaries and rules, one fueled by the grassroots.

Which makes it particularly ironic when anyone states that a piece of made up fiction broke the rules or isn’t steampunk because it did or didn’t have this or that.

And you can now watch the fun & quirky book trailer for KICKING ASHE, her forthcoming romantic SF release, at her site.

At (I might as well go three for three!) Spacefreighters Lounge, author Pippa Jay (KEIR) wants to know, How Alien are your Characters?

One question that my editor asked me on the first round of copy edits was why all my characters were human or humanoid. Why were there no aliens who, basically, looked more alien?

I’ll confess that until then I hadn’t really thought about it but I had a logical explanation. For one thing, when writing a science fiction romance it, of course, makes it easier if the two main characters who are due to fall in love have a fairly close physical similarity. Sex scenes would obviously be a lot more involved and, er, convoluted shall we say, if the physical differences were very marked.

When author Cheryl Morgan blogged about “Positive Discrimination,”gender balance, and SF/F convention panels, I started thinking about how the issues might affect authors of SFR who were interested in doing such panels:

Conventions come in all shapes and sizes. Some, I guess, might want to be all testosterone, all the time. Good luck to them. But most want to attract lots of members, and as half of the population happens to be female it makes sense to make them feel welcome and wanted in some way. Also, good program designers know that having a variety of different people on panel tends to make for interesting discussion. Often you don’t know a lot about some of the people who volunteer for panels, and getting gender balance is a useful way to choose between them. Smart programming people, then, will want to put women on panels. But getting that done can be hard.

I also learned about 14 Experiences you’ll never have until you start dating a geek. (Thanks to Pauline Baird Jones for the link.) Sweet!

At Romance University, editor Theresa Stevens debunks Ten Myths About Editors.

Lastly, you can now download a free excerpt of THE WATCHMAKER’S LADY, my forthcoming erotic clockpunk romance from Red Sage (multiple formats available).

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Benevolent Sexism and Science Fiction Romance

2012-02-16T20:04:00.000-05:00

Many years ago, in my 20s, I visited New York City with some friends. While perusing a row of street vendor tables* in Times Square, I somehow got into a debate with one of the vendors about hand-to-hand combat.

You see, this man was of the opinion that a woman could never beat a man in a fight. As in never, under any circumstance. At the time, I wasn’t fully aware of the sexism dynamic in an academic sense, but I remember that his arrogant attitude and harmful black-and-white thinking making me feel extremely angry and also crushingly devalued as a woman. I remember thinking something to the effect of, “If only I had a black belt in karate, I could prove this asshat completely wrong.”

Fast forward to the present. I still don’t have a black belt in karate, but via a thread at Dear Author, I came across an article at Scientific American.com recently on the subject of benevolent sexism. I found this article very enlightening. In 1996, a report on a study done by Peter Glick and Susan Fiske stated that

We define benevolent sexism as a set of interrelated attitudes toward women that are sexist in terms of viewing women stereotypically and in restricted roles but that are subjectively positive in feeling tone (for the perceiver) and also tend to elicit behaviors typically categorized as prosocial (e.g., helping) or intimacy-seeking (e.g., self-disclosure) (Glick & Fiske, 1996, p. 491).

[Benevolent sexism is] a subjectively positive orientation of protection, idealization, and affection directed toward women that, like hostile sexism, serves to justify women’s subordinate status to men (Glick et al., 2000, p. 763).

When I found the article, I was in the middle of reading UNLEASHED (Carina Press) by C.J. Barry. During the course of the story I realized that some of the subtext involved confronting benevolent sexism.

In short, UNLEASHED is about Zain, a humanoid alien stellar cartographer, who teleports Lacey, a human woman computer programmer, to a distant planet in order to help him solve a mystery.

Here’s an example of the benevolent sexism subtext and how it’s confronted:

The planet Zain and Lacey are on has giant, hostile life forms. One of the creatures attacks Zain’s ship. Naturally, being the hero, Zain has combat experience and so he grabs a gun to go fight them off. He tells Lacey to stay in the ship--so she'll be safe, of course.

Lacey, however, refuses to be left out. She takes a gun (we later learn she has some experience with them) and joins Zain in the fight. Afterward, Zain thinks, “Maybe she wasn’t as vulnerable as he thought.”

There are quite a few instances where Lacey defies Zain’s expectations. Here are two examples of Zain beginning to question his assumptions about her:

* Lacey “surprised him at every turn. So much for fragile.”

* After having been teleported, Lacy oriented to her new surroundings “better than he’d expected.”

Reading both the article and UNLEASHED sharpened my understanding that many romances, not just SFR, offer the fantasy of being with a man who is willing to question his own assumptions about women and, by extension, his benevolent sexism. And that’s a good thing.

But UNLEASHED also prompted me to wonder how often I want that fantasy, as opposed to one where benevolent sexism isn’t an issue to begin with. In other words, if Zain had turned to Lacey and said, “I have an extra gun if you want to join me in the fight,” the subtext would instead be that Zain is a man who already believes a woman is capable of defending herself and others. Then it would have been Lacey’s responsibility to indicate whether or not she possesses that skill set.

Let’s examine this from another angle: If Lacey had been a man (whether in an SFR or non-romantic SF story), the odds are high that Zain would have offered his male companion a gun rather than ask the man to stay in the ship.

And hmm, what if the story featured two heroines?

Having told you all of the above, I’m wondering if my earlier experience with the sexist vendor in NYC shaped some of my expectations for science fiction romance. Given that the subgenre often features extraordinary heroines with a variety of skill sets, I’m thinking I’m keen(er) on stories wherein the hero, if it’s a heterosexual romance, assumes the heroine is capable from the start or at least takes the time to inquire about her skill sets before making any assumptions. This would be especially so in stories featuring technologically advanced societies in a futuristic setting.

Have you ever noticed benevolent sexism being explored in a sci-fi romance? What do you think about publishers/authors releasing more stories where it’s not even an issue?

Joyfully yours,

Heather

*The best souvenir I found on that NYC trip? A dubbed, bootleg copy of WORLD OF THE DRUNKEN MASTER (1982). Check out part one on Youtube! If you’re a kung fu fan, you won’t regret it!

Sci-Fi Romance Teaser: WHISTLING DIXIE By Serenity Woods

2012-02-16T09:00:00.003-05:00

I was playing catch up at the Lyrical Press blog and discovered an announcement for one of the publisher’s forthcoming releases: WHISTLING DIXIE by Serenity Woods. The story takes place in a near-future, post-apocalyptic setting—specifically, New Zealand (how cool is that?).

New Zealand: Home of the Shire

I contacted the author about her book and she kindly provided me with an exclusive teaser blurb to share with my passengers:

Detective Sergeant Dixie Green is a Virtual sex virgin. She’s devastated to discover her new secret Virtual assignment is with the gorgeous but arrogant Riley Hannigan who stole her promotion. But it’s just dream sex. That’s nothing like the real thing, right?

I like the set up of the hero having stolen the heroine’s promotion. That’s a neat twist and hopefully means lots of conflict. As for heat level, WHISTLING DIXIE is non-erotic.

To learn more information about Serenity Woods, visit her Web site. She’s also on Twitter (serenity_woods).

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Pheobe Conn Workshop on Writing Sci-Fi Romance

2012-02-15T20:04:00.000-05:00

I just discovered a posting at Savvy Authors about a workshop being offered in March 2012 by author Pheobe Conn (a.k.a. Cinnamon Burke): The Sky's the Limit: Writing the Futuristic Novel.

Here's an excerpt:

Instructor: Phoebe Conn. PHOEBE CONN is the author of five Futuristic romances, written under her own name and also as Cinnamon Burke. A fan favorite, she’ll share her secrets for writing an unforgettable Futuristic romance.

 Learn how to analyze your ideas to select the best and turn your first book into a series. When THE SKY’S THE LIMIT, set your imagination free to create larger-than-life characters with wrenching conflicts to overcome. We’ll compare our impressions of popular films with Futuristic elements, THE TERMINATOR and AVATAR as well as other favorites. Those who wish to share their work for comments may do so, but there are no specific writing assignments required for the class. This is a four week course. Lessons will be posted on Monday and Wednesday. Friday will be reserved for questions and the sharing of students’ work.

The workshop runs Feb 20, 2012 - March 18, 2012. There's a fee: $20 for Premium Members and $30 for Basic Members. Click here for complete details.

And if you take the course, please tell Ms. Conn how much I enjoyed her space pirate heroine in LADY ROGUE! Come to think of it, I haven't blogged about that heroine yet. There were some interesting dynamics between her and the hero. Would y'all be interested in hearing about it?

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Cattification powers...activate!

2012-02-14T17:00:00.001-05:00

You know you've made it when Writer & Cat cattifies your book cover! Check out the cattification of my forthcoming erotic clockpunk romance, THE WATCHMAKER'S LADY. And the revamped blurb is truly the cat's meow!

May the purr be with you.

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Come Join Backward Momentum's Valentine's Day Bash

2012-02-14T12:17:00.001-05:00

Backward Momentum is hosting it's first annual science fiction romance themed Valentine's Day Bash!

Throughout the day, science fiction romance authors will be sharing a variety of posts relating love and science. Be sure to check them all out, as they are offering great prizes. And don't forget, your comments on each post count as entries toward the Grand Prize Draw!! (Only one comment per blog post, please.)

I'm blogging about The Top Ten Reasons To Fall in Love in Outer Space. And if you leave a comment, you'll be entered to win an e-copy of my military science fiction romance, QUEENIE'S BRIGADE.

But that's not all! There are lots of other cosmically cool posts and prizes going on. Check 'em out:

Arlene Webb
Graylin Fox
Barbara Elsborg
Laurie A. Green
Jessica E. Subject
Jaleta Clegg
Rebecca Royce
Pippa Jay

Lovingly yours,

Heather

An Interview With WARS OF THE HEART Author Inari Gray

2012-02-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a new science fiction romance? Exactly! Today is the release day for Inari Gray’s WARS OF THE HEART (Freya’s Bower). And such an apt title!

To help celebrate the release and spread the news, Inari Gray came aboard for an interview so we could get the scoop on her book. But first, here’s the story blurb:

Someone has been tampering with Earth's Ozone Shield, and judging from the malfunction locations, Intergalactic Diplomat Katherine Morgan is convinced it's more than a mere technical glitch. Worried for the health and safety of her people, she petitions the Peace Keeping Intergalactic Council to conduct a full investigation and offer any kind of assistance Earth might need in the event of an ambush.

Unfortunately, the only assistance they can offer is in the mercy of the impetuous King of Salatiel, a man whose heart Katherine stomped on more than ten years ago.

The terms of the arrangement? Force an alliance, get Ja-el Lamar to yield at the threat of losing his kingdom. She didn't take into account how treacherous it would be, faced with everything she thought she no longer cared about, everything she left behind.

Meanwhile, Ja-el has an agenda of his own. He hates the Peace Keeping Intergalactic Council and everything it stands for. He's never trusted those in power there and he certainly won't start now. Especially not when they're sending Katherine Morgan in his direction. A woman he vowed to never see again. Whom they all know has the power to destroy him.

And now my interview with Inari Gray:

The Galaxy Express: Please tell us about yourself. Why did you decide to become a writer?

Inari Gray: I didn’t have much of a choice. Writing kind of chose me. While I’ve dabbled in this, that, and the other, I always come back to this. The stories in my head beg to be told. And when I ignore them, they team up, ninja style, to blindside me. Nothing ever quiets the voices quite like writing. I see a million possibilities in everything (which is a lovely, polite way of saying that I let my imagination run away with me), so writing is a natural progression of that.

TGE: Looking at the blurb, the WARS OF THE HEART seems like it has significant political elements. Is that an accurate assessment? Would you say the external plot is more politically-driven or action-adventure driven?

IG: Definitely more politically driven. Everyone has their own agenda and quite often nothing is what it seems. While there are a few exciting adventure elements, they derive from the political, so expect to try and piece together who wronged who, whose ultimate quest is power, and whose is revenge.

TGE: Finish this sentence: “WARS OF THE HEART is for readers who like…”

IG: … sexy alpha heroes, smart independent heroines, stories with political overtones, who-dunits, detailed world-building, charismatic side characters, and various humanoid alien species with interesting back stories.

TGE: Heroine Katherine Morgan is a diplomat. Discovering that made me realize I haven’t encountered many heroines like that. What kind of mad diplomacy skillz does she have?

IG: Katherine is everything a good diplomat should be. She’s intelligent, likeable, patient, and passionate. She runs things by the book, but isn’t afraid to forsake the rules if it’ll get her the outcome she wants. She has a good relationship with her colleagues but only trusts a select few, because she understands that everyone’s civility is the object of careful training and often hides what’s underneath.

She’s ambitious and fiercely loyal. She believes in the cause, but not blindly. She supports the system because she sees that while flawed, it’s the best option. So she works to improve it. I liked that about her. She isn’t naïve, she’s optimistic, even having seen that the system sometimes fails. She just genuinely wants to make their worlds better, to make their people better. I admire that.

TGE: What is Ja-el’s personality profile?

IG: Ja-el is a tortured, brooding alpha. He’s got a lot of baggage and his past experiences greatly shape his view on the world. Unlike Katherine who often tries to see the good, despite having seen the bad, Ja-el is not a man given to second chances. Once wronged, always wronged. He is fiercely protective of his inner circle, and seldom allows new people to get close. Most of his colleagues see an impetuous, immature king, and he rather enjoys that they view him this way because it allows them to underestimate him.

Ja-el sees the burgeoning power struggle clearer than anyone else. He knows it’s a careful game and that only a select few will survive.

TGE: Your publisher’s Web site describes the heat level as “Tangy.” What can readers expect from that?

IG: This story is not about a diplomat and King that fall in love. This is about a diplomat and King that WERE in love and are now forced together after that relationship broke apart. There are hurt feelings, misunderstandings, but worst than that, there’s the fear that things between them aren’t fully resolved. The tension is high. People’s lives are at stake and it’s never easy to put personal feelings to the side when working so close together.

So expect things to get intense. Emotionally, this story catches fire. And physically, well, you’ll just have to read and see. ;)

TGE: Please describe a few of your favorite science fiction romance books, films, and/or television shows.

IG: I’m a huge fan of the Star Wars saga. You might see some of that influence in the political aspects of WARS OF THE HEART. It’s one of my favorites aspects of episodes I-III, seeing the power shift and the government crumble.

But I have an especially soft spot for Doctor Who. I mean, I am awed and fascinated by the time traveling doctor and his many adventures. I love that even becoming the many people that he does, there’s always a current of anger and sadness that he tries so hard to hide behind that witty, over the top exterior. And despite all the losses he’s suffered, he still tries to do the right thing and fix the wrongs of the universe. I mean, he is just the ultimate in character building for me. And as you can tell, I’m madly in love with him. Ha ha

TGE: What else can readers look forward to from you?

IG: I definitely see myself going back into a space opera setting sometime in the future. For now, I’m doing some gritty urban Sci-Fi which will involve miraculous healings, some ‘invasion of the body snatcher’ type bad guys, and one really dark heroine detective who is more interested in getting answers than she is in following the law she’s supposed to uphold. :) After that, it’s wherever the space dust takes me.

***

Ms. Gray, congratulations on your release and thanks for your art!

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Should Science Fiction Romance Take More Risks?

2012-02-12T20:45:00.000-05:00

Whenever I read positive comments about science fiction romance online (whether in the form of a particular book or the subgenre in general), it’s a guaranteed recipe for the warm and fuzzies. I like, feel all proud and stuff! Naturally, I could go for that kind of fix on a daily basis, because what that would potentially translate to is more reading choices.

The reason I’m bringing all this up is that for a while now I’ve been contemplating the various ways science fiction romance could stand out more among all the other books and genres competing for readers’ attention. One idea that I circle back to from time to time is the idea of sci-fi romance stories that take bigger risks, prompt controversy, and/or push genre boundaries in serious ways.

The risk/controversy could be anything. Perhaps it’s the way a story reinvents a particular romance trope or maybe it’s one that features a high concept premise. Or an old premise/element in new clothing. Basically, anything that gets readers talking and the buzz buzzing.

The book doesn’t even have to be above average or great. Many readers seem to love reading and discussing controversial elements in books even if the story has significant flaws. The important factor is that such a book has the power to entertain.

I hadn’t planned on blogging about this topic anytime soon, but a review of R. Lee Smith's HEAT at Dear Author prompted me to go ahead and share my thoughts.

What grabbed my eyeballs were the tags at the top of the post: “non-consensual sex, r lee smith, Rape, Self-published, SF Romance, villain hero.” Did you catch the “SF Romance” tag? That, along with the “A- Reviews, B+ Reviews, Recommended Reads” part immediately intrigued me because it’s rare to see a science fiction romance command that kind of response there (to clarify, DA regularly reviews SFR, but from what I’ve seen, the grades assigned have ranged from average to below average). So naturally, upon seeing those tags, I wanted to learn more.

What follows is a thoughtful and passionate review that clearly outlines the intense nature of this story, one that includes strong erotic elements, graphic violence, and rape.

According to the review, HEAT follows the intertwined adventures of two couples. One of the couples, according to the review, has “a much sweeter, more traditional romance,” while the other couple falls on the dysfunctional relationship side of the tracks. I should also note that the reviewer relayed that the R. Lee Smith has described her book as “erotic horror.” Regardless, the reviewer felt that an SFR tag was also applicable.

Having read the sample of HEAT, I would venture to say that the first few chapters had a NATURAL BORN KILLERS (which in the interest of full disclosure I’ve seen and enjoyed) vibe, but with an SF twist. Most of the focus was on the villain hero (an alien male) and how he met his future partner (a human woman).

However, the reason I’m bringing up this review is not just the book itself—it’s also because of the comments. Not only did this book entertain the reviewer despite her own red flag issues:

I’m not a fan of rape in novels. Usually that is the first thing that will make a book hit the wall. Yet I kept reading this, and I found myself still hoping that Kane and Raven would have a happy ending by the end of the book.

…but in reading through the comments it seemed that other readers were willing to check it out despite the fact that this wasn’t something they’d normally read.

Huh.

All of which prompted me to wonder the following: As a whole, is science fiction romance playing it too safe?

Read my thoughts on this risk-taking erotic SFR

I’m not proposing writing controversial stories for the sake of controversy (and I certainly don’t think R. Lee Smith approached her book that way), but I do wonder if authors are holding back in any way from writing more intense stories because of what the market seemingly dictates.

I hope it doesn’t take a slew of books with graphic violence and rape scenes to attract more readers to sci-fi romance, but I am scratching my head over the lack of regular risk-taking I encounter in the books I read. The irony is that most sci-fi romances I’ve read hit all the right notes as far as romance tropes and such and seem like they are in line with what other romance subgenres offer, but I don’t generally see those books generating comments in a review like HEAT did. That book (along with the reviewer's influence) is converting readers to sci-fi romance/erotic SFR where other, more traditional (read=safer) books have failed to do so.

Here’s the thing: I believe SFR has a lot of potential and it can go places other subgenres fear to tread. That's a large part of what makes it unique. HEAT is proof of that.

I don’t want authors to feel as though they have to hold back creatively in any way or play it safe because that’s what other people have told them they should do. Agents, editors, and publishers (heck, even fellow authors) can’t tell authors what’s marketable (remember that so-called unmarketable genre known as paranormal romance?). I’m betting that none of them could have predicted the kind of response HEAT generated at Dear Author.

And the cool part of all this is that there are plenty of small press and digital publishers who will support authors who want to take more risks with their sci-fi romances. Self-publishing isn’t the only option for innovative and even controversial stories.

I realize that R. Lee Smith’s HEAT may very well be an outlier in terms of the general types of stories readers want or expect. But it still points to the power of pushing boundaries and the potential that could have for helping making science fiction romance look shinier.

Now that you know about HEAT as well as my thoughts on the subject of risk-taking in SFR, what do you think?

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Winner of KC Klein's DARK FUTURE

2012-02-11T19:27:00.000-05:00

The winner of KC Klein's DARK FUTURE is...

Claudia Suarez!

Congratulations, Claudia! To claim your prize, please email me at sfrgalaxy "at" gmail.com (subject line: Dark) and I'll forward your email to the author. Please specify whether you prefer a Kindle or Nook format.

Thanks again to everyone who entered!

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Cover Reveal: KICKING ASHE by Pauline Baird Jones

2012-02-10T14:09:00.000-05:00

Pauline Baird Jones has unveiled the cover for KICKING ASHE (March 10, L&L Dreamspell), Book 6 of her Project Universe romantic SF series!

Here's the cover:

This cover has a very "alternate dimension" feel to it, which is a perfect fit given what I've read of the series. The clockwork/time travel device in the background also lends it a very "Journey To The Center of The Universe" flavor. If I ran into something like that while traveling aboard my space ship I would totally freak out and love it at the same time. Gargantuan alien time clocks can beam me up anytime, yessiree.

I wouldn't have minded seeing Ashe on the cover, but given how difficult it is to find images of futuristic women that don't fall into the Barbie ~~Sex~~ Doll mode, I can understand the decision. Project Universe has strong SF elements and the cover suitably reflects that.

Here's the story blurb for KICKING ASHE:

When you save Time’s tush—or its version of one—it ought to cut you a break, not kick your tush some where and some when. Though boo yah on providing a hot guy in leather to pull that tush out of the impact crater that Ashe so did not make despite the somewhat damning evidence to the contrary.

So, the sitrep:

     • She's stuck on primitive planet

     • Time Tracker suit down

     • Lurch (her nanite) unable to connect to any tech (see primitive above)

     • Surrounded by a bunch of buccaneer types who haven’t been around nubile, young women cause it's against their law

     • The one guy (Vidor Shan) she’d like to kiss on the mouth is off limits (time rule)

     • Someone gunning for Shan from somewhere in time

     • And, oh yeah, some really strange meteorites are making landfall in some very strange ways.

Seems Time has a new hobby: kicking Ashe (and shame on It for doing it when she’s down).

Not that she plans to stay down. Or give up the guy.

***

Ashe, you go, girl!

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Link Potpourri: Real-Life Female Action Heroes, Mom Heroines, & Futuristic Families

2012-02-09T19:31:00.000-05:00

I’ve come across some interesting articles recently and would like to share the links with you.

The first is courtesy of author Joel Shepherd (CROSSOVER) who presents an awesomesauce rundown of real-life female action heroes. These are the type of women whose careers not only make for exciting reading, but who would also inspire some great sci-fi romance heroines.

The second link is from the blog Pharmacon, which is the domain of author T.C. McCarthy (THE LEGIONNAIRES). He wrote a post about Women in Military Science Fiction (cont) – What About Moms?

Confession: I have no idea how rare middle aged women are in science fiction. But I do know that off the top of my head, I can’t think of any mom heroins [sic] except for Sarah Connor.

That’s okay, Mr. McCarthy—I got your back!

In sci-fi romance books, Lois McMaster Bujold wrote about a heroine mother in BARRAYAR. Susan Grant has also written some mom heroines (SUREBLOOD; CONTACT). There’s also Melisse Aires’s latest release, STARLANDER’S MYTH, which features a heroine with a daughter. Sandra McDonald’s romantic military science fiction novel THE STARS BLUE YONDER features a pregnant heroine. Gini Koch’s Alien series has a mommy plot line as well.

Incidentally, THE LEGIONNAIRES is

…a novelette that examines what would motivate a middle aged mother to join the French Foreign Legion, an institution that as of today, does not allow women to serve.

At Babbling About Books, and More!, guest author Michelle Murrain discusses the fact that her “Casitian Universe” novels

…include a lot of love stories. They all are untraditional in one way or another. Much of my work includes writing about alternative family structures, and ways of being in romantic relationships. Just like space, or biology, or society - they are interested playing fields for science fiction, worth exploring. And alternative family structures provide all sorts of great plot devices. I just finished a novel where each family is made up of nine to eleven spouses (both men and women.) You can imagine what kinds of interesting things might happen in such a family. And, to boot, the protagonist is heir to a throne. Talk about intrigue!

Yes, indeed! Happy reading!

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Blogging at Heroes & Heartbreakers: The Bounty Hunter Edition

2012-02-09T13:10:00.001-05:00

I'm blogging about Hunting For Love: Space Bounty Hunters at Heroes and Heartbreakers. Characters like Boba Fett are cool, but sometimes I want to know about their love life. Hello, science fiction romance!

Happy reading!

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Jessa Slade Dishes About HOTTER ON THE EDGE, A New Sci-Fi Romance Anthology, Plus Giveaway

2012-02-07T20:32:00.002-05:00

Check this out: authors Jessa Slade, KC Klein, and Erin Kellison banded together for HOTTER ON THE EDGE, a science fiction romance anthology. Well done, Ladies!

I learned about this anthology while on Twitter, so needless to say I am loving what these social networking sites are doing for SFR.

And it gets better: HOTTER ON THE EDGE is only 99 cents at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords! The authors informed me that this is a limited time price, so grab yours before the cosmic winds drive this sweet price away.

Here’s the lowdown on the stories:

Three novellas of science fiction romance

On the edge of space...
On the edge of danger...
On the edge of desire...

All That Glitters by Erin Kellison

Cheated out of a fortune by the Sol royal family, lowborn Simon Miner will do anything to get his revenge, no matter how ruthless. When Princess Mica Sol, a terraforming expert, is shot out of the sky on the way to her sister’s lavish wedding, she fears the worst—scavengers—and flees into an alien jungle to avoid capture. But the man who pursues and captures her is none other than Simon, her former lover. Passions reignite as violence rocks Sol City, and Simon and Mica must fight for love, family, and their world… or lose everything.

To Buy a Wife by KC Klein

In a harsh land where corruption rules and women are few, cold realist Hudson Land must purchase a wife to save his farm. Instead of an auction, he witnesses the start of an execution. With his first look at a beautiful woman in years, Hudson knows he has to have her—no matter the cost. Lake, a chemist and a rebel fighter, is resigned to her death, but when some back-hill farmer rescues her from the chopping block she has no intention of simply becoming his wife. She’s pledged her life to the Rebellion and being bought for some stranger’s bed doesn’t change a thing, though his soft caresses have her longing for more. As lies and secrets build between them, are the quiet moments during the nights they’ve shared enough to stand against two warring factions in a world where only the strong survive?

Enslaved by Starlight by Jessa Slade

Transformed by empathic crystals into the perfect paramour, Benedetta Galil is the last treasure of her fading world. When raiders attack—seeking to corrupt the crystals and conquer all of charted space—she gives herself as a prize to the one man in the universe who values freedom over power. Mercenary sheership Captain Corso Deynah left oppression behind him on a burning planet and has no use for a sex slave, even one as seductive as Benedetta. But while he stubbornly resists her body, her fierce spirit tempts him, and he will risk everything—his ship, his seclusion, the very stars—to win not just her passion but her love.

Jessica Slade generously answered my questions about this project so that I could share even more information with you. Following the interview is a giveaway of KC Klein’s sci-fi romance, DARK FUTURE, so read on!

The Galaxy Express: How did HOTTER ON THE EDGE come about?

Jessa Slade: I was sleeping with Erin Kellison (it was at a romance convention and these things happen) when she mentioned that she and her critique partner KC Klein had been contemplating writing novellas for an anthology. Well, you can't say "What if...?" among writers without starting something, and before we knew it, we had HOTTER ON THE EDGE.

TGE: The three of you had your pick of romance subgenres. Why science fiction romance?

JS: I think I'm going to blame KC for that one :) KC's first book – DARK FUTURE with Avon Impulse—was a sexy futuristic time travel romance. While Erin's SHADOW series with Kensington and my MARKED SOULS series with Signet Eclipse were more paranormal/urban fantasy romances, the crossover to science fiction romance is a very short step. That's one of the thrills of worldbuilding: You can go offworld with just a flick of your imagination.

TGE: Please list 3-6 brief tags for each story.

JS:

"All That Glitters" – adventure, wedding, scavengers, princess, royal, lovers

"To Buy a Wife" – gritty, rebellion, post-apocalyptic, sword fight, tattoo, secrets

"Enslaved By Starlight" – Han Solo. James T. Kirk. Malcolm Reynolds.

Need I say more?

TGE: What kind of heat level can readers expect from this anthology?

JS: Somewhere between Venus hot and solar flare hot ;) We won't rudely incinerate you on the spot, but we will melt your forward shields.

TGE: What kind of work was involved regarding putting this anthology together?

JS: There was weeping. There was swearing. There was tearing of hair. This was a first self-publishing adventure for all of us and we wanted to learn more about the process. It's a lot of work creating a story, and it's a lot more work after that to create a book. Just to give you an example, finding a hot guy for the cover was a frustration. The image had to represent each of our heroes and the mood of the anthology as a whole. There is a lot of bare chestage on the stock image sites, but it has to be the RIGHT bare chest!

TGE: Is there anything else about HOTTER ON THE EDGE that you'd like to share?

JS: This is more a question for your readers. I've always written–and read–longer books, but I'm coming to appreciate the pleasures of novellas. Sometimes when I'm busy, knowing I can sit down and read a shorter story and get quickly to my Happily Ever After is exactly what I want. Other times, I really want a long, immersive read. I'm wondering how your readers feel about the various lengths of stories. Do you like a certain length more than others? Do you like to mix it up?

Thanks for giving us the chance to share with you!

***

Ms. Slade, thank you for sharing the exciting news of this release with us!

Now for the giveaway! One lucky Galaxy Express passenger will win a digital copy of KC Klein’s DARK FUTURE.

To get you in the mood, here’s the story blurb:

Awakened in the middle of the night by a future version of herself, Kris Davenport is given a mission: go forward in time to save the world—and His life. Of course, her future self doesn't tell her who he is, just sends her into an abyss and straight into an alien invasion.

He turns out to be ConRad Smith, the callous, untrusting Commander of Earth's army and the world's last defense. There's only one way to know for sure if this strange woman is an alien spy—slice her throat. Except, he didn't anticipate the heat he would feel as he interrogates the hot-tempered, warm-blooded woman. For a man whose sole focus has been survival, she's more temptation than he can handle. But a world on the brink of destruction leaves no room for love…and time is running out.

***

The deadline to enter is 12 midnight EST on Saturday, February 11, 2012. Winner can choose from a Kindle or Nook-compatible format.

To enter, share your preferences as far as story length in the comment section. Or dish on what you’d do with Malcolm Reynolds if you had him alone in a luxury shuttle. (Guys, you can play, too!!)

Joyfully yours,

Heather

On Sex Scenes and The Male Gaze: Diane & Heather Chat About Robert Appleton's SPARKS IN COSMIC DUST

2012-02-05T18:00:00.003-05:00

Every now and then I read a book and think to myself: Ooh, I HAVE to get Heather’s take on this. We don’t always agree (in fact, it got me killed one time), but the discussions are always so much fun. SPARKS IN COSMIC DUST, a recent book by Robert Appleton, had me running to the computer to e-mail Heather. A wonderful book chat ensued. This is not a review; rather it’s an analytical discussion about certain elements that we realized affected us both in similar ways.

Beware The Massive Spoilers, including the ending. You have been warned! – Diane Dooley

Diane: I recently read Robert Appleton's SPARKS IN COSMIC DUST. It kind of confounded me at the time. I enjoyed it very much, but it set off all kinds of bell-ringing in my head. Having been thinking about it for some weeks now, I've finally settled in some strong opinions about it. I hereby declare this the most unusual science fiction romance I have ever read. It's not being marketed as an SFR, but that ending? A classic romance ending, if ever I saw one, complete with domestic bliss and adorable child. What do you think? There's no doubt 'Sparks in Cosmic Dust' is science fiction, but do you agree that it is also a romance, albeit it a very unusual one?

Heather: Yes, yes I do. The unusual aspect arises from the fact that SPARKS IN COSMIC DUST takes a number of risks in terms of the romance. I’m not surprised that the book isn’t being marketed as sci-fi romance because having read it, the science fictional elements drive the plot more than the romance. This book is more accurately classified as romantic SF. However, the romance does play a role in the outcome.

With this story’s ensemble cast, it’s important to distinguish between romantic entanglements and romance romance. There are a few characters who connect romantically, but various things happen along the way to derail the relationships.

As you know ~~Bob~~ Diane, the story involves four main characters who join Grace, a grizzled old female prospector, on a dangerous mining mission, trying to strike it rich: Varinia Wilcox, Clayton Barry, Lyssa Foaloak, and Solomon Bodine. Initially, Varinia hooks up with Solomon and Clayton hooks up with Lyssa. But only two of them become the main HEA couple.

But more on that later. I’d like to touch upon one of the risk-taking elements in SPARKS IN COSMIC DUST. Having blogged about the book and the film it pays homage to, THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE, one detail in particular struck me about this story: None of the characters are particularly sympathetic. Likeable? Yes (particularly Grace). But do they evoke sympathy and invite the reader to root for them? Yes and no.

Upon seeing THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE, this element made more sense because in the film, Humphrey Bogart’s character Fred C. Dobbs is a complete asshat. He’s unsympathetic—for a reason—and has no interest in redeeming himself. In SPARKS, some characters are more sympathetic than others, but I thought they all had a whiff of Dobbs in them. This is a factor that hints at the uglier side of human nature and also strongly impacts the romance. Was this authorial intention at work? Difficult to say, but that was my impression.

Speaking of romance, what did you think about the one that develops between Varinia and Clayton?

Diane: It made me so mad! Not so much at Varinia, but Clayton was lucky not to get a severe thrashing from me. Varinia’s relationship with Solomon never seemed liked a love match to me. She was in a desperate situation and latched on the first seemingly nice guy that crossed her path. I understood that. I accepted it. But for Clayton to prefer Varinia to Lyssa made no sense to me. Lyssa was fierce and tragic and loved Clayton with the kind of ferocity that no man should take for granted. And then when Lyssa had to die so Clayton could pursue Varinia’s beautiful face and bouncing boobies? Agh!

I got over it, though. Clayton and Varinia made a good couple. It felt right. But I’m still angry on behalf of Lyssa. She didn’t deserve that. But this is not a typical romance novel. As you said earlier, the uglier side of human nature is on full display in this story and though I was angry about poor Lyssa’s fate, I wasn’t surprised. Varinia is apparently one of the most beautiful women in the galaxy and, in a romance definitely written from a male POV, it didn’t (sadly) shock me that Varinia’s beauty was more highly prized than Lyssa’s love and loyalty. Clayton’s overwhelming physical attraction to Varinia always meant that Lyssa was going to get the shaft. At least she died before having to see Varinia and Clayton together, which is more than can be said for the reader.

Which brings us to that sex scene; the one Smart Bitches reviewer, CarrieS. called “the sex scene from Hell.” Heh. The review was very amusing and is worth checking out. But I don’t know if I entirely agree with her. I’ve got a few things to say about that sex scene, but I know you do too, Heather. Imma gonna let you go first *grin*

Heather: Oh, you wascally wabbit!

In all seriousness, I couldn’t agree more about Lyssa. She’s a great character and I would have liked to see more of her even though I understand what her role was. And what does it say about love and romance when a woman with an edgier personality and skills and less standardized beauty is passed over in favor of a supermodel? As a non-super model woman, I related to Lyssa much more than Varinia, even though the story features many more scenes from Varinia’s point-of-view.

I would venture to say the author’s approach might even be social commentary on the role of physical attraction in romance except for the fact that Varinia and Clayton were rewarded with an HEA. In a more traditional romance, Lyssa might have emerged as the heroine—the ugly duckling winning true love over the princess—but in SPARKS IN COSMIC DUST, Clayton is depicted as the real winner because he gets ripped abs (from the mining), wealth, and the princess in the end.

With that in mind, let’s unpack the sex scene between Clayton and Varinia. One of the main impressions I had was that the sexual positions reminded me distinctly of those one might find in a pornographic film. In other words, positions that are not only what a man having sex would consider highly enjoyable, but also a male reader. While reading those passages, I felt as if I were being invited to approach sexual intercourse as a man would.

I didn’t think it was a sex scene from hell, either. Rather, I wondered if it was a subversive approach to a love scene in a romance. In other words, is it a choreographing of a sex scene that reflects optimal sexual positions for a man? I mean, why not? Why couldn’t there be romances with love scenes that deliver a female fantasy lover for male readers (and female readers who want something different)?

One particular detail derailed the subversion angle for me, however, and that was the fact that Varinia seemed little more than relationship/sex fodder, first for Solomon and then for Clayton. She certainly had a say in the matter, but at times she seemed defined by whether she was attached to a man or not. Frankly, if Varinia had struck out on her own at the end (something I did start to expect at one point), I would have been giving her a standing O.

There is a certain reason Varinia feels attracted to Clayton more than Solomon, but it appears late in the romance development and also has less to do with compatibility than external science fictional elements. It’s actually a soul mate element, but I would have liked to see it foreshadowed earlier in the story.

What’s your take?

Diane: My take on the infamous sex scene is that it was different from a typical “female gaze” sex scene in a romance novel, but interestingly so. It starts off as a physical altercation that quickly turns into a rough sexual encounter. At first I thought it was a bit rapey, but then Varinia starts to take the lead. By the time it switches to Varinia’s POV it’s clear that this is the kind of sex she wants. She even rather kindly “helped him pinpoint her sweet spot” to ensure she got what she wanted. By the end of the sex scene Clayton is flat on his back and Varinia is completely in control. I didn’t think it’s any better or worse than sex scenes in a multitude of romance novels, complete with euphemisms and florid prose. Par for the course, really.

With the whole definition of Varinia as “little more than relationship/sex fodder” I do think she came off as a trophy. That's what's so interesting, though. It's a pretty accurate depiction of the whole trophy woman thing. Clayton did see her as something glorious for him to win, to have, and eventually enjoy his happy ever after with. Personally, I wished he had spent a bit less time admiring her magnificent rack and a little more time exploring her interesting brain. She was one smart cookie, a tough survivor and nobody’s fool. By the end of the book she has everything she ever wanted. Don’t trophy wives deserve a happy ever after too?

Final thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed the world building. Appleton created a gritty and desperate universe, stocked it with a plethora of interesting characters and wrote his story with verve. I loved the character of Grace. She made me wish for more characters like her: wise, witty, tough, and well past middle age. The book made me stop and think several times, it made me angry at times, it made me laugh quite a bit. Its controversial and unusual elements only made it more enjoyable for me. That’s how I roll, I’m afraid.

Final thoughts from you?

Heather: I agree about Grace and therefore will take this opportunity to express my wish for a science fiction romance with someone like her as the heroine. Varinia may be one of the Beautiful People, but meeting Grace only solidified my interest in underutilized, off-the-beaten path characters.

Regarding Varinia as a trophy, I’m still not sure if her status is a deliberate attempt to show how cutthroat their situation was (e.g., every man for himself—grab as much as you can whether it be wealth or women) or if it was just a bit of regressive characterization. However, I agree that she’s a smart trophy as opposed to a dim bulb one.

SPARKS IN COSMIC DUST is not a light and fluffy adventure, that’s for sure. The story invites one to contemplate how the drive to become rich/escape poverty can twist a person’s soul. I’m not sure I felt uplifted by the end, even with the HEA, but on the other hand, with this tale I’m not sure I wanted to feel that way. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Dooley: Let’s play the readers out with the music from one of my favorite scenes in ‘Sparks.’ The crew are about to blast into hyperspace when they decide they need some music. Cue Tom Jones!

Blogging About Steampunk At Erotic Romance Publishers

2012-02-03T14:00:00.001-05:00

I had the pleasure of doing a guest blog for Erotic Romance Publishers. The topic is Erotic Steampunk Romance: Fad or Forever? In my post, I explore how erotic steampunk romance must become more than just a sex toy of the week. If it doesn't, it risks becoming just another fad.

I invite you to join in the conversation! While you're there, hang out and explore Emily Veinglory's extensive resource of news and information on erotica and romance publishing.

Joyfully yours,

Heather

A Cover Unveiling From Entangled Publishing: FORTUNE'S HERO by Jenna Bennett

2012-02-03T08:53:00.000-05:00

Entangled Publishing has unveiled the cover for Jenna Bennett's forthcoming military sci-fi romance, FORTUNE'S HERO. Check it out:

And here's the story blurb:

Last year, space smuggler Quinn Conlan was on top of the world. He had everything a man could want: a fast ship, a great crew, a gorgeous girlfriend, lots of money, and adventure and excitement around every corner.

That all changed when he agreed to ferry a shipload of weapons to the beleaguered planet Marica, currently under siege by Rhenian forces. Now he’s stuck in a prison camp on the moon Marica-3, subjected to weekly sessions with the camp’s “medical team,” and praying for a quick death before he breaks under the torture and spills everything he knows about the Marican resistance.

When the opportunity presents itself, Quinn takes a Rhenian med tech hostage and heads into the inhospitable interior of the small moon. There, he has to keep himself and Doctor Elsa Brandeis safe from the deadly flora and fauna, as well as hidden from the prison guards searching for them, all while formulating a plan for getting his crew out of prison, his ship out of impound, and everyone out of orbit.
But when Elsa professes her love, can Quinn take the beautiful doctor at her word, or will trusting her—and his heart—condemn him and his crew to an eternity on Marica-3?

***

Very nice to see another sci-fi romance cover with a couple! The design says erotic sci-fi romance to me (those breasts!), yet the blurb indicates an action packed-plot. Maybe Entangled chose to highlight the sensual elements for marketing purposes and/or the love scenes are steamy and they wanted to make that clear. Still, the cover conveys elements of a futuristic setting. At least with ebook covers, I'd wager that the days of hiding an SFR's skiffy elements are behind us.

What do you think about this latest sci-fi romance cover?

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Free Ebooks! Low cost Sci-Fi Romance! Fill up your Kindle!

2012-02-02T18:59:00.000-05:00

Blogs listing ebook deals are the latest trend. But whenever I see a list including free romance ebooks (or low cost 99-cent ones), I rarely, rarely encounter any science fiction romances on the list. Therefore, I decided to compile one myself.

But as soon as the idea struck me, I was a little worried. Were there even enough out there for a substantial list? If not, no wonder bloggers aren't including this subgenre. You snooze, you lose.

Despite my trepidation, I did find a handful of them. However, it’s a shame I couldn’t find more. I know authors have little to no control over pricing (except those with self-published books), but I think a few 99-cent or free SFR titles a month would give the subgenre an advantage in terms of boosting visibility.

Consider this my appeal to publishers of sci-fi romance to make that happen—as well as to authors who are willing to ask their publishers to discount one or several of their titles. And you may have to ask more than once. Squeaky wheel and all that.

I realize that slashing prices is a very different mindset compared to even just a few years ago. And there would be risks. Still, I don’t think the risks are so significant that it’s not even worth trying.

Listed below are Kindle editions of a few free and 99-cent sci-fi romances I found on Amazon. Some are released through publishers; others are self-published; still others are re-releases. Many are erotic sci-fi romance. If Amazon Prime membership is required in order to take advantage of a low/free price, I flagged it with “*Prime.”

Titles are listed alphabetically by author.

These prices are current as of this posting. Please do your own research before buying because as with anything, the prices are subject to change anytime.

This post is not an endorsement of any of the titles; however, it is an attempt to help keep your book budget under control!

99-cent ebooks

GALACTIC BRIDE (Kelly S. Bishop)

FLIGHT OF THE VALKYRIE (Jennifer Colgan)

ASSASSIN (The Boundaries, Book 1) (Lexxie Couper)

AGENT (The Boundaries, Book 2) (Lexxie Couper)

ANIMAL (The Boundaries, Book 3) (Lexxie Couper)

BREAK OUT (Nina Croft)

FIRESTORM ON E’TERRA (Ella Drake)

FARTHEST SPACE: THE WRATH OF JAN (Ellen Fisher)

NEVER LOVE A STRANGER (Ellen Fisher)

CAPTURING JERON (T.A.Grey)

IMPRISONED PRINCE (Meg Harris)

SONS OF LYRA: SLAVE PRINCESS (Felicity Heaton)

SONS OF LYRA: STRANDED (Felicity Heaton)

SONSOF LYRA: RUNAWAY HEARTS (Felicity Heaton)

SONS OF LYRA: FIGHT FOR LOVE (Felicity Heaton)

DISCOVERY – A FAR OUT ROMANCE (T.M. Roy & Terran Moffat)

LIFE TIME: A SCIENCE FICTION/ROMANCE STORY (Rebecca M. Senese)

Free ebooks

FARTHEST SPACE: THE WRATH OF JAN (Ellen Fisher) *Prime

SPACE JUNQUE (LK Rigel) *Prime

SNATCHED (Vijaya Schartz) *Prime

ANCIENT ENEMY BOOK THREE: KICKING BOTS (Vijaya Schartz) *Prime

VIRIDIS (Calista Taylor)

Almost20 Fee ebook Downloads of Science Fiction Romance

If any authors or publishers are offering science fiction romance ebooks for free or 99 cents this week, please let me know in the comment section! I would be happy to run a post like this on a periodic basis if there are substantial offerings.

Joyfully yours,

Heather

SFR News & Links For February 2012

2012-01-31T19:54:00.000-05:00

Wow, if this is the science fiction romance action that February is delivering, I can't wait to see the rest of the year!

New releases (check out all the heroine-centric covers!)

PREHISTORIC CLOCK (steampunk w/ romantic elements) – Robert Appleton

Airship officer Verity Champlain is well-respected by her crew. But after a vital mission nearly goes wrong, she is having second thoughts about her career.

Lord Garrett Embrey is on the run. The Leviacrum Council, the secretive scientific body that holds sway over the Empire, executed his father and uncle and now they want him dead too.

Professor Cecil Reardon is consumed by grief. Since his wife and son died he's been obsessed with his work, and now he is on the verge of an extraordinary scientific breakthrough: his machine is about to breach time itself, to undo fate's cruel taking of his loved ones.

But the time jump doesn't go according to plan, and part of London winds up millions of years in the past. Verity and her crew—Lord Embrey, Professor Reardon and others stranded with them—must pull together to survive in a world ruled by dinosaurs...and to somehow get home.

Read the excerpt.

THE IRON HEART (steampunk) – Leslie Dicken

His greatest creation could be the death of them both.

One woman swears to avenge the savagery of a ruthless killer loose on the streets of Lundun; if only she can stay one step ahead of an inventor who fears that his greatest work, a labor of love, has turned on humanity.

Grieving the loss of her beloved cousin, Ella Wilder is determined to catch the murderer. Infuriated by the fumblings of the constable, she seeks the assistance of a handsome noble who seems to be looking for his own answers, and whose reluctance tells her he has something to hide. Over time, hesitant intimacy grows into fiery passion but brings them no closer to finding the madman.

As the killer reveals darker inventions that blur the boundary between man and machine, Ella fights the fear he may be after her next. Can Ella trust her heart to the man who refuses to share his secrets yet swears to protect her? Will Bennett be able to choose between keeping terrifying family secrets…or losing Ella to the iron-hearted killer who stalks the night?

Read the excerpt.

WARS OF THE HEART (space opera) - Inari Gray

Someone has been tampering with Earth's Ozone Shield, and judging from the malfunction locations, Intergalactic Diplomat Katherine Morgan is convinced it's more than a mere technical glitch. Worried for the health and safety of her people, she petitions the Peace Keeping Intergalactic Council to conduct a full investigation and offer any kind of assistance Earth might need in the event of an ambush.

Unfortunately, the only assistance they can offer is in the mercy of the impetuous King of Salatiel, a man whose heart Katherine stomped on more than ten years ago.

The terms of the arrangement? Force an alliance, get Ja-el Lamar to yield at the threat of losing his kingdom. She didn't take into account how treacherous it would be, faced with everything she thought she no longer cared about, everything she left behind.

Meanwhile, Ja-el has an agenda of his own. He hates the Peace Keeping Intergalactic Council and everything it stands for. He's never trusted those in power there and he certainly won't start now. Especially not when they're sending Katherine Morgan in his direction. A woman he vowed to never see again. Whom they all know has the power to destroy him.

SYNTHETIC DREAMS (cyberpunk) – Kim Knox

Vynessa Somerton was just a girl when she learned about true evil. An encounter with the tyrannical Corporation scarred her body and exiled her to the crime-ridden S-District. Now an adult, Vyn creates glamours, worn by those who visit a virtual playground to live synthetic dreams. She's tried to stay unnoticed by the Corporation, but her latest invention has brought their agents to her door.

Paul Cross works for the Corporation, but he's been plotting their downfall since they took his brother and replaced him with an imposter. Paul has a plan to get his brother back, but he's going to need Vyn and her invention to carry it out.

Vyn agrees to help Paul, but their alliance shatters the barriers she's put up to protect herself, tempting her to give in to desire. Just as Vyn starts to trust Paul and believe he wants her, scars and all, the Corporation prepares for its final move. Can Vyn trust Paul completely, or has he been using her all along?

Read the excerpt.

RICOCHET (space opera; multicultural) – Sandra Sookoo

They’re in it to win it—or die trying.

Willa Rayes, only daughter of a legendary Lingorian fighter pilot, can fly any ship in the galaxy. Better than her brothers, in fact. But does that get her any respect? Not as long as she has breasts. Winning the Nebulon Trike will not only force her family to notice her, it’ll be her declaration of independence from men in general.

Then she meets her race partner, Stratton Sinnet. Arrogant and chauvinistic, he ignites her libido like no man ever before. And threatens to send her well-planned strategy straight to hell.

A bounty hunter by trade, Sin enters the Trike for one reason: money. Somewhere among the racers his quarry is hiding, but he’s not worried. He always gets his man, and winning the race will be a nice bonus. It sure would be a hell of a lot easier, though, if he wasn’t saddled with a know-it-all navigator who’s getting on his last nerve—and under his skin.

As the checkpoints go by and the danger escalates, the fight for control, the lead—and satisfaction—approaches supernova heat. Burning away their resistance, and the tough shells that protect their one vulnerability…their hearts.

Read the excerpt.

FRACTURED (heroine vampire-in-space?) – Sandra Sookoo

Major Rick Keenan has a difficult mission: repair his broken shuttle, rescue a missing crew member and get off a near-dead planet. Angry that the U.S. is discontinuing the space program, he wants to find a discovery that will revise the government's position. Unfortunately, that discovery might just kill him, not to mention put his libido, on a quick launch sequence.

Marin is one of the last of her people. Forced to flee to the planet in her childhood, she's kept herself hidden away in darkness, safe in a castle-like fortress, only coming out when she needs to feed--from human blood. Convinced she'll never fit in, she shuns all contact, yet taking Rick hostage as a food source chips away at her perceptions even as he ignites her desire.

Though their differences threaten to tear them apart, their humanity binds them together. In a world where only the strong and determined survive, does a happily ever after stand a chance?

Read the excerpt.

UNDER HER BRASS CORSET (erotic steampunk) – Brenda Williamson

Since the loss of her father, Abigail Thatch's life has been in turmoil. Her social status is in shambles, her finances depleted, and she's on the verge of losing her beloved home. But everything changes when she meets the dashing flying machine captain Jasper Blackthorn. Not only does he introduce her to a world she thought only existed in myth and legend, he awakens sensual feelings deep within her...

Jasper may be immortal, but he hasn't truly lived in years. Having secretly watched over Abigail as a favor to her notorious grandfather, he can't resist arranging a "chance" meeting with the beauty. But he has an ulterior motive: to retrieve the mystical Crystal Compass hidden in her house before it falls into the wrong hands. He never imagines he'll be tempted to love again...

When Abigail learns the truth, she and Jasper embark on a journey that will change both of their lives—and possibly the world...

Read the excerpt.

Re-release

Ella Drake has re-released FIRESOTRM ON E’TERRA (previously published by Liquid Silver Books in 2009), and you can grab this erotic sci-fi romance e-novella now for just .99 cents! Buy links here.

When fire meets ice, the storm flames out of control.

Smokejumper and former refugee Wilson Dex takes the latest in a long line of risks, a mission to quell the firestorm on planet E'terra.

Equipment from his transport ship malfunctions, forcing by-the-book Commander Samantha Varde dirtside to help Dex though she suffers from landsickness.

While fighting the ill-timed and against-code heat between them, they have hours to reprogram a torpedo, fly into a tornado, and chute into a firestorm, all to save the colony before the storm flames out of control.

Free reads

Joely Sue Burkhart has two free reads of interest to sci-fi romance fans:

“Hope’s Haven” (romantic SF)
“Lady Wyre’s Regret” (serialized prequel to her erotic sci-fi romance, LADY DOCTOR WYRE)

Reader Contest

Leslie Dicken, who has a steampunk romance out this month (THE IRON HEART), has launched a contest. Details here.

Industry

Morpheus Tales magazine is seeking biopunk stories. Biopunk romance isn’t specifically mentioned, but in the announcement post, editor Sam Diamond indicated receptiveness to a variety of plots:

Morpheus Tales is looking for short works of biopunk fiction for an upcoming special. As always, try to think outside of the box. You don’t have to steer entirely clear of the genre’s main tropes (after all, not too many have been established), but we’re not going to publish a handful of stories about clone armies alongside another handful about Dr. Mephesto’s four-assed turtle and other such genetic oddities. Also, biopunk stories have for the most part taken on a dystopian tone so far, but there’s nothing saying that this has to be the case. Try utopian, try ecotopian, try whatever you like so long as it’s original and readable.

Deadline for submissions will be July 31, 2012.

Seems like a creative author of science fiction romance could come up with a way to slip in a little romance…!

Editors from Entangled Publishing will be accepting pitches at the blog of Nicola Marsh:

I'll be introducing you to each editor over the next 5 days so you can get a feel for their wish-lists.
The VALENTINE'S DAY PITCH THE BOOK OF YOUR HEART contest will start Feb 7th, run until Feb 10th, with the winners announced on Valentine's Day!

Here's what you'll need:

-a completed manuscript
-a one to three sentence pitch that wows
-title, genre, wordcount, email address

The last contest was only open to unpublished writers but I've had several emails from published writers wanting to participate, so this time the contest is open to both!

And in case you missed my recent post, Lyrical Press and Dragonfairy Press are seeking sci-fi romance.

SFR Cover Lovin’

This Friday, Entangled Publishing will feature a cover reveal for Jenna Bennett’s forthcoming military SF romance, FORTUNE’S HERO. I’ll have a link for you, so stay tuned.

You don’t say!

If you write military sci-fi romance, you might be interested in an article about Military Culture (via SF Signal) by author Myke Cole. He discusses the misconception that the American military is a monolithic culture:

Here's the truth. The military is (and arguably always has been) a *gigantic* organization. It draws liberally from all sections of society. Rich and poor of all races and creeds join up for reasons ranging from ideology to hope-for-advancement to sheer love of the work. The military isn't, and never has been a monoculture. It has proclivities and does draw more heavily from certain segments of society, but that doesn't change my overwhelming experience, which is this: I have met every different type of person in the military.

Via SFR Brigade

At SFR Brigade, Pippa Jay (KEIR) wants to know: “Have We Lost the Desire for Space Travel?”

Since the US space program was cancelled, I’ve been wondering if humanity will ever venture any further into space. As a science fiction writer I’ve imagined exploring new worlds. As a child I dreamt of being a companion in Doctor Who and exploring all of time and space - I even wrote my first complete novel based on those wishes! I’d hoped at least to see a manned mission to Mars in my lifetime.

Also at the Brigade, Sheryl Nantus announced she’s contracted HEROES LOST AND FOUND, the third book in her Blaze of Glory trilogy (Samhain Publishing). Release date TBA.

Authors blogging

Author Pippa Jay has joined Spacefreighters Lounge as a contributor.

In Stocking The Geek Cave, Heidi Ruby Miller lists the geeky essentials she’d need in case of a snowstorm.

On Female Action Stars

My latest post at Tor.com, “Female Action Stars: You Know You Want Them,” generated a very healthy discussion and was bookmarked on the front page for several days. While not directly related to science fiction romance, I very much had this subgenre in mind as I wrote it.

One reason I wrote the post is that I see a connection between a lack of female action heroes (i.e., single-lead protagonists) in big budget Hollywood films (think: at the level of BATMAN) and the hero-centric focus in many, many romances (and by extension, the marketing of said romances).

Sci-fi romance has a good track record of delivering kick-butt heroines, which is a significant reason why I love the subgenre, but I still would like for there to be more of them as well as a greater appreciation of their value.

Now I turn the mike over to you. Got any science fiction romance news or links to share?

Joyfully yours,

Heather

The Hollywood Elevator Pitch: Useful For Sci-Fi Romance?

2012-01-29T19:21:00.004-05:00

While on Twitter in the recent past, I noticed Entangled Publishing's Senior Editor Liz Pelletier using a Hollywood elevator-style pitch for two of the publisher's forthcoming releases.

The first (scroll down to view cached tweet) was about Candace Havens’s Western steampunk romance, IRON WITCH (what did I tell you about “iron” being the new buzz word for steampunk romance?!), which she described as “Supernatural meets the Wild, Wild West.”

The second was Jenna Bennett’s sci-fi romance, FORTUNE’S HERO, which she described as “Firefly w/ special forces training.”

This is technique goes way back, of course, but seeing it applied to science fiction romance books got me thinking:

* First, I started wondering if I should be tagging more books that way as I blog about them.

* Second, would it be an effective strategy to raise visibility for the subgenre as a whole if more authors used this technique?

* Third, I started wondering if it has the potential danger of being quickly overused, especially since there are only so many shows like FIREFLY, SUPERNATURAL, and WILD, WILD WEST that would apply to sci-fi romances. I mean, wouldn’t everybody with a space opera or steampunk romance want that kind of buzz?

I’ll toss one out off the top of my head: Anitra Lynn McLeod’s THIEF definitely falls into the FIREFLY mode, as I’ve mentioned previously. Hmm, maybe “Firefly meets Ocean’s Eleven” (since it’s a kind of heist tale)?

I can definitely see the value of such an approach; however I also worry about pitfalls.

Despite my knowledge of genre fare, I don’t often think of science fiction romances in terms of their similarity to films and television shows. Occasionally, a comparison will arise, though. For example, a few books by Linnea Sinclair bring to mind STAR TREK (especially GAMES OF COMMAND); after finishing Cathy Pegau’s RULEBREAKER I immediately thought about the film WORKING GIRL; and as I stated above, THIEF brought FIREFLY to mind.

Robert Appleton’s SPARKS IN COSMIC DUST is a futuristic take on the classic Western, THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE. But that film came out in 1948! So would referencing that film be an effective pitch, or not?

Should military SF romances be mentioned in the same breath as the new BATTLESTAR GALACTICA?

But then there are books like HUNTERS (Michelle Marquis & Lindsey Bayer), THE SLIPSTREAM CON (S. Reesa Herberth; MichelleMoore), ENSLAVED BY A VIKING (Delilah Devlin), RICOCHET (Sandra Sookoo), and REPLICANT (Dani Worth; forthcoming), all of which feature bounty hunter heroes and heroines. But what is the equivalent bounty hunter SF film or television show (one that everyone and her mother have heard of, I mean) to compare them to? (Come to think of it, I could use a really good space bounty hunter film or TV show right about now!).

This is where the elevator pitch gets frustrating because there doesn’t seem to be enough quality, popular comparison films and shows to go around. Are shows like FARSCAPE too old (in pop culture years) to be effective? And many sci-fi romances are unique or defy easy reduction (e.g., Lisa Paitz Spindler’s THE SPIRAL PATH), which to me is a plus because it means they are delivering something fresh.

There’s also the risk of building up expectations, only to have them dashed if the book doesn’t deliver as promised. In other words, if the promised connection is weak.

Let’s brainstorm a bit, because there are definite advantages when a story can be easily condensed for marketing purposes, especially in the age of Twitter. It’s also a handy tool when recommending titles. With science fiction romance being a niche subgenre, it can use every strategy available.

Authors, do you use these types of comparisons for your books? If so, do you have any evidence that they work (either in terms of sales or contracting books)?

Readers, what do you think about them? Do they make you sit up and take notice? Do they help you decide what to purchase/read? Or do they go in one ear and out the other, so to speak?

I’m also curious to hear from publishers or those in the know about these things. How does the staff decide which authors get the choice comparisons when launching marketing campaigns, especially if more than one sci-fi romance would qualify? And would you use something like Firefly over and over again if it applies?

Or, to come full circle, are publishers simply passing on what authors have pitched to them at the submission stage? In which case, would it behoove all authors to step up their pitch game?

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Winner of Yolanda Sfetsos's CLASH

2012-01-29T16:47:00.000-05:00

The winner of CLASH and WITHER by Yolanda Sfetsos is...

Ella Drake!

Congratulations! Ella, to claim your prizes, please email me at sfrgalaxy "at" gmail.com and I'll forward your email to the author. Subject line: Clash.

Thanks so much to everyone who entered!

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Lyrical Press's "Advance Contest" Plus Dragonfairy Press Open For Submissions

2012-01-26T18:00:00.001-05:00

Via Dear Author, I learned about Lyrical Press's Advance Contest:

Lyrical is ringing in the new year with a contest! Beginning January 15, Lyrical is accepting submissions (synopsis and full manuscript – following usual submissions criteria found on the website). The editorial department will review the entrants and choose the winners. Entries accepted until February 5 and winners announced around March 12.
Prizes are:
1st prize—a contract and $200 advance (100 payable on contract and 100 payable upon publication)
2nd prize—contract and $100 advance (50 payable on contract and 50 upon publication)
3rd prize – likely multiple – critiques of partial manuscript and synopsis by Lyrical editors.
Categories: Contemporary Romance; Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Romance, Historical Romance, Steampunk with Romantic Elements and Erotica (all genres). They are looking for all heat levels and romance with the exception of Steampunk (romantic elements) and Erotica.
Deadline: January 15 - March 12 2012
Send all submissions to: contest@lyricalpress.com
There is no entry fee. It does mean that Lyrical can choose not to read/judge an entry based on whether it fits Lyrical’s lines and level of writing.

Isn't it cool that they'll consider all heat levels? Hurry, though, the deadline is fast approaching. Submission guidelines are here.

Lyrical Press released Manda Benson's MOONSTEED and Ophidia Cox's THE CYBERKINK SIDESHOW, both of which I enjoyed. It's also the home of Pippa Jay's forthcoming science fiction romance, KEIR, which I'm looking forward to reading.

***

Another home for your sci-fi romance could be Dragonfairy Press. Via Erotic Romance Publishers, I learned that Dragonfairy is seeking "...manuscripts that stretch beyond the world as we know it. That means fantasy and science fiction, including their various subgenres (e.g., urban fantasy, paranormal romance/erotica, cyberpunk, supernatural horror)." Submission guidelines are here.

Joyfully yours,

Heather