REMINDER: HOAF news!

Send any of the following information to me, Brigaders!

• a new release
• interesting blog post
• contest news - finalist or win?
• a book reviews - either one you've done or one done on your book by someone else?
• a link to a good article or website
• a contest running on your site or blog
• give-aways on your website or blog
• free stories on your website or blog
• a blog tour for your new book
• an upcoming birthday
• attending a convention
• just signed with an agent
• sold a book
• industry news
• heard of an SFR contest our members could enter

Email kyliegriffin (at) clearmail (dot) com (dot) au

Adventures of a Sci-Fi Writer

Tami Dee, author of the Mists of time Viking Series, is guest blogging and continuing the discussion of developing a series over at Adventures of a Sci-Fi Writer.

She'll be talking about her approach to developing a series and showcasing her newest SFR release, BEYOND A VIKING HORIZON (Bk 3 in the Mists of Time Viking Series).

And don't forget, on Friday, Amber will be closing the week with a summary of the approaches, her plan of action for the new SFR she's developing, and post some questions received throughout the week for Jennifer, Tami or herself to answer.

So drop over and see Tami or Jennifer's interview at Adventures of a Sci-Fi Writer (Brigader Amber Norris' blog).

What is the role of Sex in Science Fiction and Science Fiction Romance?

This week’s insightful SF Signal Podcast examines the sometimes controversial issue of what the proper role of sex is in Science Fiction:

What is the role of sex in science fiction?

Authors Philip Jose Farmer, Robert Heinlein and Ursula K. Le Guin, to name just a few, have all had sex and sexuality in their stories in one way or another. Science fiction and fantasy is full of examples of blurred gender roles, cross-species sex, virtual sex - are these legitimate points to move the story forward or are they simply there to sensationalize the prose? What are some examples of sex in science fiction that, good or bad, still stick in your mind? What are some examples where you felt it was completely out of place?

As an SF Signal Irregular, I had intended to take part in this discussion, but a scheduling conflict precluded me from joining in. Still, I left a comment where I noted that:

I think sex in any novel should, like any other element, either move the plot forward or develop/reveal character. How explicit a particular scene is or should be, IMO, depends on the voice of the author and also what needs to be revealed about plot or character. If a sex scene seems to occur out of nowhere, sometimes it’s because the author didn’t set up sexual tension between the two characters. I think this is one of the areas where the Romance genre excels. In Romance, the tension between the characters builds to an obvious physical and emotional crescendo. A love scene between the heroine and hero fundamentally changes the characters as it forces them to confront intimate details about themselves or their partner. This is why, IMO, Romance sex isn’t porn -- no matter how graphic a scene it is, in Romance the sex has a purpose that can’t be extracted from the rest of the story.

In preparation for the podcast, I talked to a handful of my fellow SFR writers and readers to help me articulate the general attitude of SFR toward sex in the genre. SFR often has to maintain a delicate balance between too much and too little detail when writing sex or love scenes.

While there is certainly a spectrum of preferences, it’s true that in many Romance novels the bedroom door is open and the sex takes place “on-screen,” but this isn’t so often the case in Science Fiction. Also, when sex takes place “on-screen” in Science Fiction often it’s classified as “erotic Science Fiction.”

Science Fiction Romance blends these two genres and sometimes it can be a tough call as to how much intimacy and steam to include in a story. So much of this, I think, depends on the author’s voice, but also what the story needs – how intimately does the rest of the story depict the psycho-social inner world of the protagonist?

Along this latter point, Science Fiction Romance has grown as a subgenre due to the popularity of character-driven Science Fiction. As readers become more comfortable reading about the deep emotional landscape of protagonists, it’s logical that the bedroom door will at times remain open if intimate scenes build on that character’s emotional arc. The Galaxy Express’ Heather Massey made the following observation in our e-mail conversation on this topic:

. . . [T]he main question posed to the [podcast] panelists begs the question of "what is the role of relationships in SF." Because sex happens within a relationship, however brief. Sometimes the relationships are romantic in nature, sometimes not. So I would be interested in hearing a discussion about does the inclusion of sex mean that some SF authors were interested in including a romance, but felt they had to disguise it as a sex scene? In other words, could sex scenes in SF be a type of code for "romance"?

The exploration of gender roles, sexual relations, sexual orientation, etc. is a perfectly valid application of SF. If anything, sometimes it's the injection of a *romance* (regardless of heat level) that may be used to "sensationalize" the prose.

This begs the question – does the Romance side of Science Fiction Romance allow writers to explore the sexual side of characters that isn’t so accepted in mainstream Science Fiction?

Author Jess Granger made the excellent point that the sexual lives of Science Fiction characters are vital to world-building both in terms of biology and cultural expectations:

Sex can be something a race doesn't need at all, or needs desperately to survive. The world building plays an intricate part in that, and consequently, in Science Fiction you can push the biological need to breed much further than you can with a realistic portrayal of any culture here on Earth. Plus, you can do it without the "human" baggage. There is huge opportunity to play with biology, and that's really the point of Science Fiction in my mind, to use science to push the boundaries of what we understand about ourselves.

As far as cultural expectations go, again, your canvas is wide open. With alien cultures, you can push acceptance and taboos to the extremes without blinking an eye. Sex is so integrated into all cultures throughout history. Whether it's encouraging, hindering, or controlling, sex and culture go hand in hand. To say sex shouldn't be a part of Science Fiction is like saying food shouldn't be a part of Science Fiction. It is an integral part of all life. An alien's got to eat, and he's got to create a new generation somehow. If you're building alien cultures, how they view and approach sex has the potential to reveal a lot about that culture. So once again, sex is an essential part of world building.

A few of the more common indictments of depicting the sex lives of Science Fiction characters have been along the lines of (1) SF readers are only interested in intellectual/scientific concepts and political intrigue, and (2) reading intimate details makes some readers feel like voyeurs.

Well, to the first notion, I’d say that the intellectualism of Star Trek’s Spock is only compelling because we occasionally see his walls disintegrate and understand what the stakes are. Make all the “pon farr” jokes you want, but it’s only through seeing Vulcans in that visceral light that we understand just how powerful their intellect really is. Then, the tension grows out of a sense of restraint, a technique used from “Jane Eyre” to “Twilight.” The brain really is the largest and most important sexual organ. When it comes to political commentary, character relationships provide dimension. Like the Spock example, the fates of relationships show what’s at stake and humanizes vast intellectual concepts. If a character has to choose between political duty and a life-long love, that’s a prime opportunity for the kind of internal conflict that makes stories memorable.

For those who are uncomfortable with too many sexual details, SFR, like so much of Romance in general, offers quite a spectrum of “heat” levels from the sensual to the explicit. Read reviews and listen to other readers to figure out which authors are writing the types of SFR stories that appeal to you. They are out there. However, I do think that the deeply personal point of view in character-driven stories lessens the sense of voyeurism since it makes it easier for the reader to feel the emotional arc along with the characters. In other words, it breaks down the “fourth wall” in ways more distant writing styles cannot.

Sometimes, an author’s voice is naturally sensual and to close the bedroom door on character’s intimate moments can seem forced. The reverse is true of naturally technical voices. Some readers just do not like character-driven novels. We all have our preferences.

Having said that, delving deep into a character’s emotions can offer a unique perspective on an intellectual idea and can take the “what if” Science Fiction question to a new level. Jess Granger made this point well when she told me that:

So, as Science Fiction writers, and human beings, sometimes I think we need to take our own cultural blinders off and see the sex act as something with the potential to illuminate some of the larger themes of a story instead of something that is merely titillating, pornographic, stupid, self-gratifying, or unnecessary.
Sex is important, and it deserves to be.

What do you think? What are some of your favorite examples of the intimate lives of characters that you’ve read? Do you prefer highly sensual stories – or not?

I personally very much enjoyed the inner journey back to humanity Linnea Sinclair's hero Admiral Branden Kel-Paten makes in "Games of Command." His journey deeply affects the heroine, Captain Tasha “Sass” Sebastian, and enables her to rediscover that part of herself along with him. Another stand out for me was Sandra McDonald's "The Outback Stars" because the emotional risks the characters take enable them to take other risks that impact the rest of the universe.

Hailing On All Frequencies!

NEW RELEASES

Ella Drake's new book, SILVER BOUND, is due for release November 22nd 2010, from Carina Press.



 

Erica Hayes' new release POSION KISSED is out on September 28th, 2010 from St.Martin's Press.

Barbara Elsborg has THE SMALL PRINT, a paranormal romance with a SF twist, coming out from Ellora's Cave on October 1st.

Julia Rachel Barrett's ONE FOUR ALL, has just been released with Siren Bookstrand on September 23rd.

Julia Rachel Barrett also has four other SFR books out in the Daughters of Peresphone series- EXILE (Bk 1), RETURN (Bk 2), were released in one volume in July, by Resplendence Publishing.


REBORN (Bk 3) & DEMON (Bk 4) have been release as one volume in September by Resplendence Publishing.








BLOGGING
Coming up this week on Amber Norris' blog - Adventures of a Sci-Fi Writer - she'll be having a couple author guests. Jennifer Hartz and Tami Dee will be on to talk about their approach to developing a series and to showcase their new releases.
 
Jennifer Hartz, author of the new Future Savior series will be kicking the week off on Monday. She'll be talking about how she got started writing, her approach to writing a series, and give a little about her first release, Future Savior series Book One: Conception.

Tami Dee, author of the Mists of Time Viking series, will be up on Wednesday to talk about her approach to writing a series and give a little bit about her newest release in the series, Mists of Time Viking Series Book Three: Beyond a Viking Horizon.
 
Then, on Friday, Amber will be closing the week up with a summary of the approaches, her plan of action for the new SFR series she's developing, and post some questions received throughout the week for Jennifer, Tami, or herself to answer.
It should be a fun week. She's hoping some Brigaders will stop by and say hi to Tami & Jennifer.

And look what's coming up on Kylie Griffin's blog!

28th Sept. - Erica Hayes is back! She returns to discuss her brand spanking new release, POISON KISSED (Book 3 in the Shadowfae Chronicles). We learn more about the book and her characters as well as what inspired her to write in the urban fantasy genre. There's a give-away for one lucky visitor, so drop in and say hi.

October Blog Anniversary Party! Kylie celebrates a year of blogging on October 6th and all next month she's celebrating with a Give-away-fest. A smorgas-library of free books with every post. Some of the highlights next month include - guest author Mel Teshco, a book review of Kelly Gay's A BETTER PART OF DARKNESS (2010 RITA double nominee) & Katherine Allred's CLOSE ENCOUNTERS, a post on Sci-Fi Romance, What are you reading & enjoying?, Business Cards and More RWOz Conference photos. So, put on your party hats, you're all invited to share in the fun! 

BOOK REVIEWS, SIGNINGS & GIVE-AWAYS. 
D. L. Jackson received a Five Tea Cup Review for SLIPPING THE PAST from HEA Reviews. 

Verona St.James was interviewed on Lisa Pietsch's blog under her E.D. Walker pseudonym. Here's the link.
INFORMATION OF INTEREST
Heather Massey from The Galaxy Express has posted a huge list of SF/SFR Friendly Review Sites on her blog. Check it out!

Whispers Publishing is expanding their market and has now opened up to all genres, not just erotica/romance. Thanks to Brigader Gail Koger for this information!

From Brigader Verona St.James, a bit of light-hearted silliness - a make your own Avatar dress-up game. Check out this link.

REMINDER: HOAF News!

Send any of the following information to me, Brigaders!

• a new release
• interesting blog post
• contest news - finalist or win?
• a book reviews - either one you've done or one done on your book by someone else?
• a link to a good article or website
• a contest running on your site or blog
• give-aways on your website or blog
• free stories on your website or blog
• a blog tour for your new book
• an upcoming birthday
• attending a convention
• just signed with an agent
• sold a book
• industry news
• heard of an SFR contest our members could enter

Email kyliegriffin (at) clearmail (dot) com (dot) au

Fundmentals of World Building

New Release to help with your SFR:. Fundamentals of World Building by Jessie Verino


Available from:


Amazon   B&N    Digital/Multiformat

About the book:


World building involves more than elaborate settings, more than magic and magical beings, and more than paranormal happenings. Speculative fiction is a fast growing market, and world building is an essential tool for creating successful stories where the reader can suspend disbelief. Fundamentals of World Building gives writers the proper tools to craft a well written manuscript, rich with details, by guiding them through steps for choosing the right world elements to include in their story. Use a simple blueprint method to lay the foundation, then complete the story. Beginning writers in the genre can learn to identify potential pitfalls. More complex concepts are included for intermediate to advance level authors. Use the extensive worksheet and get started world building today! 

Author of "Speculative Sky"- Clare Dargin

Clare Dargin is an author of science fiction and science fiction romance books.  Her newest work “Speculative Sky” is available from Red Rose Publishing. 

What inspired you to write this book?

Well, ever since I was a child I always wanted to be a writer.  It was a dream of mine to be published and to write stories that everyone could enjoy.  Speculative Sky was created because I’ve always had a fascination with stories about Extra-Terrestrial Life and S.E.T.I. and I wanted to integrate such a story with a female character as a strong and intelligent lead.

Do you have a specific writing style?  

Yes I do but I am not sure what to call it.  When people read my work I want them to feel as if they are right there in the midst of it all.  I want them to be able to hear, taste, smell and see the action as if it is happening all around them.  I also tend to write tight stories with quick pacing.  It's what I like to read and consequently how I write.

What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?

To be honest I’ve always been attracted and fascinated by the abstract and the symbolic.  I wanted the title to be symbolic of what April Mullen, the main character, has to deal with as an Astronomer and all that came with her assignment.

What is Speculative Sky about?

It is about a woman who takes a chance and leaves for an assignment on a science colony far away from Earth.  As an astronomer it is her job to monitor the stars at night and to record her findings.  Nothing more than that.  But when she arrives, she notices that her new home is a bit odd, and that though there is evidence of life out there… they don’t want her to either acknowledge it or do anything about it.  She of course finds this troubling.

What books have most influenced your life most?

To be honest, in fiction category, it would have to be the old star wars books that came out in the eighties after Return of the Jedi.  The expanded universe books taught me more about atmospheric and expanded universe development then any book I know!  I read them over and over again and learned about non-human creature development, planetary science fiction and description of space travel and not to mention how to write a cool leading man.  I still read them!  

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Douglas Preston and/or Lincoln Child.  They write incredibly compelling books of which I generally can't put down.

What books are you reading now?  

To be honest and I am almost finished with “Book of the Dead” with Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.  I'll be going through their back list very soon in order to get caught up.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Last night I was thinking about the Friday House about D. K. Gaston and how it's a compelling story about assassins who have no memory of their being programmed and stuff.  I think it's cool.   And several books on the military scifi romance front that I have recently heard about.  I write in a tiny subgenre so it's nice to see what other authors are doing in it.  That way I don't get lonely!

What are your current projects?

Presently I am finishing up the final editing for “Ice and Peace” the sequel to Cold Warriors.  As well as having another expanded universe book in the works.  Not to mention, two futuristic romances that are completely different from my military fiction.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

The Motown Creative Writers Group-- they helped get on the road to being published.  And not to mention the many groups in the Romance community.  They really pointed me in the right direction.  I'm grateful for that.

Do you see writing as a career?

Yes!  One day I hope to do it full time.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Yeah that's why I have to hurry up and get it out of my hands cause I keep changing it!

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

As a child my father use to encourage it.  I use to write stories for my family and give it to them and they would say “Maybe one day you could get this published!”  I was like five.... and then when I was in middle school I found out that S. E. Hinton had been published at sixteen-- I became truly determined then.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Yea, getting through the first draft!

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Just get the first draft down on paper and don't be afraid to make stupid mistakes and have dumb lines on paper cause it's the first draft and you are allowing the characters to come alive.  Later on you can fix and micro manage but don't try to do it the first time through cause it will stifle your creativity.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Don't give up on being published!  Try every avenue!  There is away for you!

Where can we find you on the web?

Just about everywhere!  You can google Clare Dargin and find me!  But to make life simple which I'm all for here are some places to start!  My personal web site-- The Haven  http://www.claredargin.host22.com

My Blogs:  Clare's Blog- The Haven  http://www.claredargin.bravejournal.com  and The Embraced: Scribal Love http://theembraced.blogspot.com  

Social Networks:  Myspace-- www.myspace.com/nuncius

Facebook-- search for Clare Dargin-- can't remember the link now!

Bebo and whole bunch more!

You can buy the book at Red Rose Publishing

Thank you!  And I look forward to seeing more of you all!

Thursday Tag Party for 9/23/10!

We're baaa-aaack! The Tag Party and it's neurotic pixie host, that is. It's tough being short and looking like an escapee from an Otherworld asylum, but someone's gotta do it.

But we're here to Tag, and we have a marvelous batch of 2010 releases this week, hot out of the publishing ovens. Yummy. Why Tag? Because we can. Tagging also helps readers find your books, puts it in genre standings, and helps the public be more aware of SFR as a growing force with which to be reckoned.

What do you mean you've never Tagged? Where have you been? No worries, we'll get you caught up with a short how-to:

• Go to the Amazon buy page (I've included the links below)

• Scroll down to the Tags Customers Associate with this Product header

• Look for these tags: SFR, Scifi Romance, SF Romance, Science Fiction Romance and Paranormal Romance - please feel free to add any extra tags you feel are appropriate to the work (i.e. Space Opera, Military SF, etc.)

• If the tags are already there, just click on them to add your 'vote'

• If not, type them into the 'your tags' box to add them (no need to save the page, just type and add)

For a list of past Tag Party books, come on over to the Book Launch and Tag Party Books page. Tagging is always welcome.

And now on to our luscious picks for this week:Belle Starr by Belinda McBride

Daughters of Persephone: Exile-Book 1, Return-Book 2 by Julia Barrett

Poison Kissed by Erica Hayes

Do you have a book out on Amazon that we haven't featured yet? Know an SFRB member who does? Want to finally tell someone about that mad crush on Mal from Firefly? Send me a message at ravenesperanza@yahoo.com and I'll add you to the schedule.

Free Digital (SFR) Books at Kobo

Susan Grant's THE STAR KING, is free in Kobo eBook store today.

Also, Liz Maverick's CRIMSON & STEAM, her vampire/steampunk novel? I think that's what it is anyway.

If you don't have the Kobo app for your computer/smart phone, then you need to get it before you can read them.

(There's actually 20 free books there today, from Dorchester, but these were the only two that seemed SFR.)

New opportunities

New from the slightly - ok - very demented dispatcher


Whispers Publishing is expanding and now taking all genre. It's a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. So, send them a query.


Gail

Hailing On All Frequencies!

NEW RELEASES

Vijaya Schartz has just received her new cover for BLACK JAGUAR (Chronicles of Kassouk Book 3). The book's scheduled to be released on Nov.1st, 2010 from Desert Breeze Publishing.

Ella Drake's new book, SILVER BOUND, is due for release Nov.22nd 2010 from Carina Press.










 
E.D.Walker aka Verona St.James has a new release, THE BEAUTY'S BEAST (paranormal historical), from Noble Romance.
 

Sandra Sookoo's book DAMAGED CARGO was release from Purple Swords Publications on 15th September.

Erica Hayes' new release POSION KISSED comes out on September 28th, 2010 from St.Martin's Press.

BLOGGING

Drop on over to read Verona St. James's latest Summer of SFR review on OLD MAN'S WAR written by John Scalzi. 

New Zealand is a beautiful destination for travellers. Kylie Griffin has some more photos from her trip and a sneak peek at her latest work in progress this week on her blog.

MEMBERS NEWS

Robert Appleton has just signed TWO book contracts!

THE MIRACULOUS LADY LAW, a steampunk mystery novella with a dash of romance with Carina Press (release date Jan.2011), and CLAIRE DE LUNE, an erotic SFR mystery novel co-written with Sloane Taylor coming out with Amber Quill Press in e-book (Nov.2010) and print (Dec.2010). Keep your eye out for these books!

Marva Dasef's suspense novella, MISSING ASSUMED DEAD, is scheduled for a July 2011 release with MuseItUp Publishing.

CONTEST NEWS

Susan Macatee's time travel romance, ERIN'S REBEL, is a finalist in the paranormal category in the Ancient City Romance Authors 2010 Heart of Exellence Reader's Choice Award. Winners will be announced late September.

Donna S. Frelick has won the TARA Contest Paranormal category with her SFR manuscript, UNCHAINED MEMORY!!! And has been duly presented with a SFRB BUFFY Award for her achievement. Congratulations, Donna!

Donna S. Frelick strikes again!  After her win in the TARA, she's now a finalist in the Indiana Golden Opportunity Contest.  She's definitely running at warp 10.  Congrats and best wishes for the finals, Donna.

Gail Koger's SFR novel, THE WARLORD'S COMEUPPANCE has been nominated for a New Cove Cover Award for the Most Eye-Catching Cover. Support Gail and SFR by voting using this link. THE WARLORD'S COMEUPPANCE is #9 on the list. The poll closes at midnight on Sept.28th.

The Ruby Slippered Sisterhood is celebrating its first birthday on Sept.21st. To celebrate they're running a competition - Make It Golden Contest, with the grand prize being your entry fee into the 2011 RWA® Golden Heart contest.

There is no entry fee and the contest is limited to first 100 entries.
Contest opens 12:01 am EST September 21st and closes 11:59 pm EST September 21st.
For more details, click on this link.

Thanks to Sharon Lynn Fisher for notifying us about this contest!  

BOOK REVIEWS, SIGNINGS & GIVEAWAYS

Pauline B.Jones has received a thrilling review for her book, OUT OF TIME, over at the Long & Short of It blog-site. It's a fantastic review, a definite keeper!

Here's a quote from the review - "Out Of Time has Oscar nomination written all throughout its very well written and adventurous pages. I can see this being turned into a movie because it is so fleshed out; details are so vivid and the dialogue matched true to the characters that they seem to jump off of the pages." Congratulations, Pauline!

Marva Dasef has THE HUNTER, a dark paranormal flash, in the free reads section of MuseItUp Publishing. You can find the Now Available section.

INFORMATION OF INTEREST
Need a guide on how to write a synopsis? There's a free give-away on author, Gracie O'Neil's website called How To Write a Synopsis Without Turning Homicidal. The pdf document is a step by step, examples-constructed-and-deconstructed guide on how to write a high concept, back cover blurb, 1pg, 2pg, 4pg & 8pg synopsis. A VERY useful resource for any writer to have. I've followed Gracie's posts for over a year now and find them to be insightful, incredibly helpful, and easy-to-follow.

The RWA Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Chapter have a helpful post about 7 Ways Scenes & Sequels Will Improve Your Writing.

Two good posts from The Blood-Red Pencil this week. The first is called Stretch Your Body to Revive Your Writer Mind - an article about some easy-to-do Yoga exercises to relieve the stress of sitting at your desk writing. The second is entitled The First Page - and talks about hooking your reader from the first page of your novel.

Thanks to Brigader Marva Dasef who sent in the following information about MuseItUp Publishing. MIU has just opened their bookstore. They're a Canadian e-book publisher and Lea Schizas is looking for submissions from all over the world. You can find out more about this new company clicking on this link.

Out of Time up for Book of the Week

At LASR, each week, the books with the best reviews get presented for "Best Book of the Week." If you noticed my squee earlier this week, you'll know why Out of Time is up for this vote. Voting lasts two days (Sat and Sun) and the winner is posted on LASR all week as Best Book.

Out of Time is up for voting! Visit here and pick the review you like the best!

Win a spiffy (and skiffy) tee shirt

Darkcargo is a scifi romance fan site that offers up the occasional review, interview, and today, the odd giveaway. Leave a comment to be entered into the drawing for an Enemy Within book cover tee shirt. The drawing will be 10/15 (and in six short weeks, I'll have books to begin giving away!).

Free first-line contest

The 2009 RWA Golden Heart finalists are offering an opportunity to win your entry fee for the 2011 Golden Heart contest. The Make It Golden contest is for best opening line. Contest opens (and closes!) Sept. 21 - limited to the first 100 entries. Details at the Ruby-Slippered Sisterhood blog. Let's invade the paranormal finalist list next year!

The Tag Party Plays Hooky

The Tag Party has decided to take a week off. I'd like to say it's because I'm away at some lovely, exotic locale or attending some epic convention. But, no. I'm just swamped.

We'll be back next week (promise) and in the meantime - all of your authors and author friends out there take a look at your new releases, your backlists, your favorite SFR Brigaders' lists, and send me your suggestions for tagging.

The criteria?
1. It's SFR - sub-sub genre doesn't matter, nor does content or rating
2. The author is a Brigade member

Simple as that. Send your suggestions, requests and demands to: ravenesperanza@yahoo.com and I'll get you on the list!

REMINDER: HOAF news

Do you have any of the following?

• a new release
• interesting blog post
• contest news - finalist or win?
• a book reviews - either one you've done or one done on your book by someone else?
• a link to a good article or website
• a contest running on your site or blog
• give-aways on your website or blog
• free stories on your website or blog
• a blog tour for your new book
• an upcoming birthday
• attending a convention
• just signed with an agent
• sold a book
• industry news
• heard of an SFR contest our members could enter

Then I want your news!

Send me the details - don't forget jpegs of covers, links and pseudonyms.

Email kyliegriffin (at) clearmail (dot) com (dot) au

Gail Koger a Nominee For New Covey Cover Award

Fellow Brigader Gail Koger's SFR novel THE WARLORD'S COMEUPPANCE is up for a New Covey Cover Award for "Most Eye-Catching Cover." 

You can support Gail and SFR by voting for her cover here:  http://thenewcoveycoverawards.blogspot.com/

THE WARLORD'S COMEUPPANCE is #9 on the list.  The poll closes at midnight on September 28th.

Best wishes, Gail!

Out of Time Review Rocks My World!

I got a Google alert just now with a wonderful review of my WWII time travel (loosely SFR, since the time travel is machine, not magic!) from Long and Short of It and just had to share. Hope no one minds! There are so many great elements in the review, I'm going to be hard pressed to pick just one pull quote for my website! :-)


I'll start at the top, because I really can't choose yet!


"Out of Time simply blew my mind with the intensity, scope and sheer magnificence of a well told and poignant tale about two people who did the impossible by falling in love.

First let me say that this story completely and totally impressed me. Not only did the scope of the adventure astound me but the writing itself is to be applauded."


This is a reissue--given a new cover and I hope new life--and an EPPIE winner. Okay, will try to tamp down the squee and get to work!


So far Tuesday is looking pretty good!

We Have a Buffy Winner!!!!

This came in too late to make that latest Hailing on All Frequency list, but I wanted to get the word out asap. 

Donna S. Frelick WON the TARA Contest Paranormal category with her SFR manuscript, Unchained Memory!!!

*Presents Donna with a shiny new Buffy Award*

Congratulations many times over on an impressive win, Donna!  Woohoo!

Hailing On All Frequencies!

NEW RELEASES

Ella Drake's new book, SILVER BOUND, is due for release Nov.22nd 2010 from Carina Press.










 
E.D.Walker aka Verona St.James has a new release, THE BEAUTY'S BEAST (paranormal historical), from Noble Romance.
 

Sandra Sookoo's book DAMAGED CARGO was release from Purple Swords Publications on 15th September.

And coming in November 2010 is BLINK, another novel by Sandra Sookoo, from Eirelander Publishing.

Erica Hayes' new release POSION KISSED comes out on September 28th, 2010 from St.Martin's Press.

Sandra Stixrude's book, ROMENEL:OBLIGATIONS OF BLOOD (Anchorage Book 3) was released on August 19.

BLOGGING

Over at Kylie Griffin's blog are a couple of photographic posts of the RWNZ Red for Romance cocktail party and some of her recent journey around New Zealand. Click here to visit her blogsite. 

MEMBERS NEWS

Sara Brookes has just signed a contract for MIDNIGHT'S SHADOW - STAR RUNNER SAGA #2 with Liquid Silver Books!

Julia Barrett has received a fantastic 5.0 review from Teagan at Bookwenches and Dear Stephanie at Fangs, Wands & Fairy Dust for her book ANYTIME DARLIN' (out with Siren Publishing). She's also appearing as a guest blogger at Bookwenches later this month.

CONTEST NEWS

Brigader Cheryl Alldredge, aka Charlie Allden, is a finalist in Maryland Romance Writers' "Reveal Your Inner Vixen" contest with her ms, DEADLY LOVER. Good luck for the final placings, Cheryl!

BOOK REVIEWS, SIGNINGS & GIVEAWAYS

Sara Brookes received a 4 star review from Night Owl Romance for MIDNIGHT'S GHOST - STAR RUNNER SAGA #1.

INFORMATION OF INTEREST
One of our new Brigaders is Gail Delaney, owner & editor-in-chief of Desert Breeze Publishing. Here's some info about the company for those of you who haven't visited their website yet.

Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. was conceived, developed and launched to provide a place for readers and authors to go where they can find non-erotica/non-erotic romance novels.

Owner and Editor-In-Chief:  Gail Delaney

Owner and Marketing Director:  Jenifer Ranieri
Chief Financial Officer:  Patrick Delaney

They are seeking manuscripts from novella length (between 25,000 and 35,000 words approximately) to super novel length (exceeding 100,000 words), with a preference for novels between 65,000 and 90,000 words.  They're  willing to accept queries on book series, and will consider a series concept when at least one book is completed and the series has been thoroughly formulated.

They'll review previously published manuscripts; however, proof of release must be provided. They prefer to see some new material along with your previously published manuscripts.

They are looking for submissions in all of the following romance sub-genres:
    •    Contemporary Romance
    •    Romantic Suspense
    •    Romantic Comedy/Humorous Romance
    •    Inspirational/Christian Romance
    •    Fantasy Romance
    •    Paranormal Romance
    •    Science Fiction Romance/Futuristic Romance
    •    Steampunk Romance
    •    Modern Cowboy Romance
    •    20th Century Historical Romance
    •    Historical Romance (Prior to the 1900's)

They don't publish erotica or erotica romance, gay, homosexual, lesbian, bi-sexual, multiple partners, BDSM or other alternative lifestyles romances, young adult or children's books, or autobiographies, poetry, self-help or non-fiction.

Should you have any questions about their guidelines email them at SubmissionQuestions@DesertBreezePublishing.com.

There is a "no simultaneous submissions" policy. Multiple submissions to Desert Breeze is perfectly fine. Click here for the full details of the submissions process or go to their website for more information.

Cheryl Alldredge Finals in the Vixen!

Many, many congrats to Cheryl Alldredge who's manuscript, Unspeakable Acts (now retitled as Deadly Lover) finalled in the Reveal Your Inner Vixen Contest.  Way to go, Cheryl!

I'll update the finals standings on the sidebar.

(Psst, I've also updated our sidebar to show Cheryl as Cheryl, though she's also known as Charlie Allden.)

Writing Demons, Begone!

Sometimes a writers' life can really have some serious downs to go with those wonderful ups. Wouldn't you just love to erase all your black moments of the past year in a blaze of glory?

Come have a little fun with your aggravations and worries of the past year as Spacefreighters Lounge sponsors Badjuju -- a Zozobra for writers!

(What's a Zozobra, you ask? Stop by and find out.)

REMINDER: HOAF news

If you would like your new release, news, blog posts, contest news, reviews or other good info posted this coming week send it to me - don't forget jpegs of covers and pseudonyms.

Email is - kyliegriffin@clearmail.com.au

Thursday Tag Party for 9/9/10!

Did you know that no two SFR books are exactly alike? It's true! Just like snowflakes, each one has it's own unique crystalline structure. Might have something to do with the variety of talented SFR authors out there - I'm still researching.

And in my research, I've found you some lovely new books to Tag! This week's Tag Targets are all from our last New Members list from the Sept 5 HOAF.

Now a moment for our tag 'how to':

• Go to the Amazon buy page (I've included the links below)

• Scroll down to the Tags Customers Associate with this Product header

• Look for these tags: SFR, Scifi Romance, SF Romance, Science Fiction Romance and Paranormal Romance - please feel free to add any extra tags you feel are appropriate to the work (i.e. Space Opera, Military SF, etc.)

• If the tags are already there, just click on them to add your 'vote'

• If not, type them into the 'your tags' box to add them (no need to save the page, just type and add)

For a list of past Tag Party books, come on over to the Book Launch and Tag Party Books page. Come on, don't be shy. No one there will force you into a limbo contest - it's not that kind of party.



Captured by Julia Rachel Barrett


















Black Planet: Little Dragon by Belinda McBride













Alzabreah's Garden by Gary Starta














Take a few minutes - it doesn't take more than a few clicks to Tag!

If you, or a Brigader you know, has a book available on Amazon that we haven't featured yet, send me a note at ravenesperanza@yahoo.com. New release, backlist, e-book and paperback, we'll add them to the list. Happy Tagging!

SFR Brigade Puts Sandra Sookoo Under the Big Spotlight!

I'd like to welcome new member, Sandra Sookoo, to the Brigade. She subjected herself to our big spotlight and has emerged unscathed from the experience! 

Let's see what we found out about Sandra during our interroga--interview.

Sandra is a writer of romantic fiction.  Her portfolio includes historical, contemporary, sci-fi and paranormal romances.  She loves to blend genres and spice them up and often times will add humor as well.

After catching the writing bug at the young age of ten, she’s gone on to grow her unique writing style.  She’s a regular contributor for the Paranormal Romantic’s blog and has a great time keeping things interesting at the Believing is Seeing blog.

When not immersed in creating new worlds and interesting characters, Sandra likes to read, bake and travel.  Her favorite place to spend vacation hours is Walt Disney World.  It’s where dreams come true and the soul can play.  That suits her just fine.

Writing is her ultimate dream job.

Please tell us a little more about yourself: 

I’m a thirty-something woman who lives with my Halo obsessed husband of eight years. I love everything Disney, I’m a foodie who hits the kitchen when I’m having trouble with the writing, and I’m an author of several books spanning a lot of genres in the romance field. When I’m not writing, I’m either cooking, making beaded bookmarks or reading mystery novels.

We’d love to hear more about your book, Damaged Cargo

My next release is an erotic sci-fi romance called Damaged Cargo (releasing September 15^th with Purple Sword Publications http://www.purplesword.com)  This is exciting to me because it’s my first foray into this particular genre and while it’s the hardest genre I’ve ever tackled, it’s almost the most rewarding.  In Damaged Cargo, my main character, Emma, is a space pirate who lies, cheats and schemes her way through a Victorian throwback galaxy. She encounters the hero, Tarik, on his home planet of Nazulara where he’s fighting against mandatory breeding and only wants to kill his father. The sticking point? The ship Wraith Orchid where…oh but wait, you’ll have to read the book to find out more!

Would you like to share any upcoming projects (and links):

My next sci-fi romance is entitled Blink and will release from Eirelander Publishing on November 5^th (http://www.eirelander-publishing.com) I love this story because it’s an exploration of the relationships between two humans (Charlotte and Jax) and an alien (Garreth), how emotions come into play and how each of them comes to terms with exactly who they are and why they’re happy to be that way. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this read.  It’s the book that started the sci-fi bug in me. 

What do you like about writing SFR?

I like being able to explore human nature as they encounter races and worlds that are foreign to them and how they interact with different cultures. For me, sci-fi adds a deeper element into the relationship and makes me, as a writer, think and a different level than with other romance genres.

What do you find challenging about it?

LOL It’s sci-fi! Seriously, the biggest challenge I find is not being that familiar with ships and gadgets, stuff like that. When that happens, I usually hit up my husband and ask him how things can work or will it even be possible. The poor man has to help me work through plot problems too. Do I like the challenge?  You bet.  It expands my brain and gives me a blank canvas to work with and allows my imagination to really soar.

What is your favorite SF book or movie?

Well, what really got me interested in sci-fi was the SG-1 series LOL I still haven’t managed to work my way through all the episodes but I find it fascinating. Also, I have a love affair with Firefly.  All of this world building is so interesting to me and makes me want to write more in this genre. 

If you could have a robot that did one chore/task and only one, what would you choose?

Hands down housework.  This is what suffers most while I’m on a writing jag.

Favorite mode of fictional travel?

I’d like to have a time machine or a transporter, either one.  Okay, or a portal gate. Imagine how we could all reduce our carbon footprints with one of those!

You can write to Sandra, visit her website or look her up on Facebook and Twitter.

Damaged Cargo Book video  

Blink Book video  

Blurb for Damaged Cargo:  When survival is of the utmost importance, it’s best to shoot first and ask questions later, especially if you won’t like the answers. 

The 22^nd century is heinous.  Finding a comfortable life in the Levinese Galaxy grows increasingly difficult. 

Emma Gardine, one of a handful of female pirate captains in this throwback Victorian society, begs, borrows, steals and cheats her way through the planetary system on the hunt of a profit.  An expert of guarding her heart and keeping people out, she never shows remorse and uses people until she gets what she wants, yet the hope for a normal life glimmers just beyond her reach.  Then she meets Tarik Vartouth and her world splinters with new emotions and possibilities. 

Tarik survived the murder of his sisters and the collapse of his laid-back existence. He’s sick of the mandatory breeding programs for genetic supremacy on Nazulara that sends innocent people to death and desires to campaign for democracy for his species. When the opportunity to befriend Emma is presented, he takes it and makes a play for her ship in order to carry out his own plot for revenge against his father—the Premier and ruler of the planet. Stakes are raised when sparks between him and Emma fly.  Now their future and Nazulara’s, hangs in the balance. 

Again, welcome aboard, Sandra!