Meet the #Author Monday - Yolanda Sfetsos

Please tell us a bit about yourself:

My name is Yolanda Sfetsos and I live in Sydney, Australia. I love to tell stories and spend most of my days coming up with new ideas to write about, and then turn those ideas into actual stories. I also love to read, watch TV shows (though I’ve been a bit disappointed with my faves lately), love going for walks, and just hanging out with my hubby and daughter. I collect books because I’m a total bibliophile, and love stationery.

I like the simple things in life, and feel happier when I’m at home doing my own thing. :)

Tell us about DASH:

DASH is the fourth book in my SFR series called RECAST. It’s set in a fictional galaxy and each book features a different couple, but they’re all connected. This one is set after the Clash Arena falls, which means that the timeline coincides with both CLASH and SHIVER.

I like to call this my Robot Love Story. :)

What inspired you to write this particular story?:

I’ve always been fascinated with robots, so I knew that writing a story like this would someday be on the cards. Not to mention that I’d planned to write it since the beginning of the series.

Please share a favourite snippet from your book:

Taylor turned on her heel and ran the other way. She was fast and knew she could evade him long enough to follow this tunnel to safety. Once she disappeared into the outside world he wouldn’t be able to catch her.

“Walsh, wait!” someone else yelled.
Taylor didn’t look back, instead rushed along the corridor so fast the walls blurred. She didn’t miss a step, managed to avoid every obstacle in her way. There were chunks of fallen rock, crevices on the ground, bodies lying motionless—but she leaped over everything. Her vision had faded to black so she could move along these corridors as if she were playing a game inside the blueprint of this place. She gained a lot of ground and, according to her estimation, would hit freedom in minutes.
Enforcer stayed right on her tail. She could hear his pounding steps echoing hers. No matter how hard she pushed to outrun him, she couldn’t evade him.
How do I lose this freak?
In her haste, Taylor’s concentration slid for an instant and she missed a step. Her foot caught in a crevice and sent her sprawling. The blueprint faded and she found herself back in the rocky underground. A heavy weight pressed against her spine when she hit the ground. She ate dirt and bit her tongue, tasting blood.
The asshole had caught her, and she was trapped beneath him like a useless lump.
“I told you to stop,” he shouted near her ear.
“Get the hell off me.”
“I can’t do that.”
The ground rumbled beneath her belly, like a hungry beast ready to swallow her whole.
“Get. Off.”
“I can’t do that,” he repeated, pushing his hips against her rump. “I know what you are—”
Taylor slammed her head back hard enough to smash his face. It hurt like hell but Enforcer grunted and gave her some room. She pressed both hands against the dirt so hard that her fingers broke through the earth. She used the ground as leverage to pull her legs out from underneath his, and was standing before he could respond.

Which comes first for you – a character's looks, personality or name?:

It depends. Sometimes the name pops into my head. Other times the personality, or even the looks. Sometimes everything comes at the same time. Or I might get the character’s story and what they look like before I settle on an appropriate name. It’s always different, which makes everything so much fun!

Any tips for aspiring authors?:

Never give up! And no matter what, just write. You can read all you want about writing and think about doing it as well, but if you don’t actually sit down and get started… you’ll never write. So write a lot, and make sure you reward yourself whenever you reach a milestone.

Questions for fun:

If you had the power of time travel, is there anything you would go back and change? Why/why not?: I tend to think that things worked out the way they did for a reason, so no, I probably wouldn’t change anything. Even if I do want to stop every evil act ever performed against a person or group because of unfounded prejudice.

What super-power would you choose?: Man, I’d love to fly. Who wouldn’t, right?

If you could have three wishes, what would they be?: Nope, not going to fall for that because everyone knows that no matter what I wish for, there will be unexpected consequences. :P

Coffee, tea or wine?: Coffee and tea. Depends on the time of day and the mood I’m in.

What is your favourite book? (aside from one of your own!): There are SO many books that I love and adore. But for the sake of choosing one, I’m going to say FAHRENHEIT 451 by Ray Bradbury because it’s one of a handful of books that affected my life and led me on my writing path.

Favourite genre and why?: I love a variety of genres—urban fantasy, horror, SciFi, thrillers, mysteries—but I find that no matter which one I choose, I always like a little mystery in my stories.

Favourite colour?: Red. No, black. Okay, red and black.

Upcoming news and plans for the future?: DASH will  be released from Samhain Publishing on May 26, so I’m very excited about that. I’ve also got the last book in my UF Sierra Fox series coming out on paperback in October.

Asides from that, I don’t have any other contracted stories at the moment, but I’m working on some spin-off novels. I’ll also soon start working on the last two RECAST stories. So I hope to have more news later in the year.

Thanks for the cool interview!
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us!

AUTHOR BIO:

Wife. Mother. Writer. Bibliophile. Dreamer. Animal lover. Intrigued by the supernatural. Horror freak. Zombie enthusiast. Movie & music fan. Slave to her muse.

Yolanda lives in Sydney, Australia with her awesome husband, lovely daughter, and cheeky cat.

MY LINKS:

Website: http://www.yolandasfetsos.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/yolandasfetsos

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/yolandasfetsos

BOOK BLURB:

She escaped the arena of death, but trusting him might be the death of her.

RECAST, Book 4

Taylor may be the Clash Arena’s most dominant—and only—female gladiator, but today she just can’t catch a break. After winning yet another brutal fight, with the arena inexplicably falling down around her ears, she jumps at the chance to escape the prison of her subterranean pit.

Instead, she finds herself knocked unconscious more times than she can count, and pursued over the edge of a sea cliff by an AI enforcer she can’t shake off her heels.

Walsh has been living a double life, masquerading as a tyrant’s enforcer while hiding his true agenda. When the despicable arena falls, there’s only one thing on his mind—saving the savage blonde who doesn’t trust him as far as she can throw him. Which is a considerable distance.

Once he convinces her he’s not out to kill her but help her survive, they form an uneasy alliance. But Taylor senses he’s keeping a secret, not just from her, but about her. And the truth will show them exactly what it is to be human.

Warning: This book contains some girl-on-girl action, a kick-ass gladiator who takes no crap, an AI who puts it all on the line, a band of misfits who aren’t as merry as they seem, cute tadpoles with sharp teeth, and grip-you-by-the-hair kisses. Strap in, interstellar turbulence is a bitch.

DASH will be released from Samhain Publishing on May 26.

Sci-Fi Traditions & Thoughts

Hi there, how's everyone today?

This week, the third book in my RECAST series was released from Samhain Publishing.

 

SHIVER is the story of a captured gladiator forced to fight for survival, and what happens when he gets the chance to escape imprisonment. Except, he ends up getting caught in a different kind of trap. Well, there are actually two: the bloodthirsty change coming over him, and being captured by a different kind of crazy.

 

During NaNoWriMo I actually wrote the fourth instalment of this series, and couldn't help wondering where my love of Science Fiction began...

 

I know it started with Star Wars. I was just a kid when I watched the first movie, but it always stuck. I fell in love with the innocent Luke, and the cheeky pirate, Han. Not to mention that I thought Leia was the best kind of princess. Plus all those different planets and ships and aliens... Wow. It's amazing how much of an impression the original Star Wars trilogy had on me. And so began an interest in a variety of Sci-Fi shows from the 70s and 80s: Space: 1999, Battlestar Galactica, Buck Rogers, Land of the Giants, V, and so on.

 

And that's where tradition comes in. Every year on Christmas Day my husband, daughter and I sit down to watch Star Wars Episode 4-6 in a row. It's always a blast. No matter how many times I watch these movies, I still love them. You know what's super awesome about sharing them this way? That my daughter also loves them. I think it's important that young girls realise Science Fiction is a genre for all of us, not just the guys.

 

It's no wonder I love telling Sci-Fi stories. And like a lot of the anime that I've enjoyed seems to do, I add an edge of darkness and even sprinkle a little supernatural into the mix. ;)

 

Thanks for reading,

Yolanda  

 

SHIVER is now available:

Samhain Publishing | Kindle | NOOK Book | iTunes

RECAST SERIES
 

Check out the RECAST page for more info.



New Release - Poisoned Pawn by Jaleta Clegg

Blurb: The Patrol needs bait to catch a drug lord, and Dace is the perfect, unsuspecting pawn. Until everything goes wrong.
With their own ship and freedom, life is sweet; until Dace disappears and Jasyn learns the truth about their new copilot.
Publisher link
My page

Release Day for KEIR

My first full length science fiction romance novel releases today from Lyrical Press Inc! It's also up on Amazon. I'm so excited I may spontaneously combust! The tour kicked off on the 1st of May (Beltane) and runs for another week. Today there's a grand prize up for grabs on my blog, and you can find the tour details here.

I've been posting snippets of it for Six Sentence Sunday and Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday over the last year. But now the final version is out. :)

Outcast. Cursed. Dying. Is Keir beyond redemption?

For Keirlan de Corizi--the legendary 'Blue Demon' of Adalucien--death seems the only escape from a world where his discolored skin marks him as an oddity and condemns him to life as a pariah. But salvation comes in an unexpected guise: Tarquin Secker, a young woman who can travel the stars with a wave of her hand. 

But Quin has secrets of her own. She's spent eternity searching through space and time with a strange band of companions at her back. Defying her friends' counsel, Quin risks her apparent immortality to save Keir. She offers him sanctuary and a new life on her home world, Lyagnius. 

When Keir mistakenly unleashes his dormant alien powers and earns instant exile from Quin's home world, will she risk everything to stand by him again? 

WARNING: Contains sweet romance, some violence and plenty of adventure.

A huge thank you to all the Brigade members who have offered their encouragement and support, and especially to those who have hosted me on the tour. You are AWESOME!

Two people, too many secrets. Can love flourish?

Echoes of Regret. Book 2 of The Telomere Trilogy

Yay! My SFR eBook is now available from Desert Breeze Publishing!

BLURB
Fredrica Casales, relieved her participation as an undercover agent for the Imperial Guardians is over, strives to rebuild the trust she's lost with Captain Noah Bonney. But the terrorist plot was only the start of their journey. Now the Daring Star and Lady Victory crews must rescue the scientist who holds the Telomere cure before the very stability of the Galaxy unravels.

If that wasn't enough, Fredrica must work with her former Imperial contact, Jace McCree. As for Jace, he tries to keep a promise he made long ago, but as his sister grows sicker he's conflicted as to what decision he needs to make, and what to reveal. As they cross the Galaxy, battle rogue Watchers, and fight soul sucking space creatures, both Fredrica and Jace must come to terms with their regrets and decide whether to open their hearts. But fate has its own timeline, and not always at the convenient time.

EXCERPT
Jace's trepidation increased as Lady Victory detached from the port's docking bay with Jetta aboard. From the Imperial space station's sky-bridge he observed the Port Launch Unit maneuver the large, squid-like vessel out to open space. Three guiding shuttles worked in unison to push the huge vessel as if it were a marshmallow floating in water. Helpless and adrift at the moment, he was unsure what to do or how to act. From behind him his father, Scott McCree, growled.

"We shouldn't have let her leave, Jace."

Without looking back at him Jace said, "We shouldn't have kept it a secret so long, Father." He turned. "She should have been told when she came of age."

Scott reared on him and clamped his jaw. Jace cocked his chin, to face his father's wrath for what he knew to be the truth. Scott's anger flashed and then settled. He knew the truth himself. The blood rose and then drained out of his face.

"How was I supposed to tell her?" he muttered after moment, the pain clear in his expression.

Jace's memories flashed to the long ago day, barely out of childhood. "It doesn't matter the how. She should've known. Now who knows what will happen or how she'll take it when she finds out." He checked the time. "I have to board Daring Star. Will you be joining the journey?"

"No. It would seem too conspicuous to follow now. How would I explain it?" He touched Jace's upper arm and squeezed. "I'm sorry to have this fall on you. I pray it is not what we think. I will head out to their lands and try to find out what has provoked this change. I'll send you communications as soon as I discover anything."

"I'll protect her as best I can. I'll find a way to tell her when we land on Stratlin."

Purchase Links
Amazon, All Romance, Sony Reader, and soon to be on B&N and Kobo

Happy Release Day to EVEN VILLAINS FALL IN LOVE

This is the first novella in my Heroes and Villains series. Actually, it's my first novella period. If you like Despicable Me, Megamind, or comics at all than you will love this book. It's the perfect sweet romance for anyone who thinks smart is sexy.

If you participate in Six Sentence Sunday or SF&F Saturday you've already seen snippets, if don't participate the snippets are up on my website.

A super villain at the top of his game must choose between the world he wants and the woman he loves.

If you believe the rumors you know that Doctor Charm, the wickedly sexy super villain, retired in shame seven years ago after his last fight with the super hero Zephyr Girl. The fact that the charming Evan Smith—father of four and husband of the too-beautiful-to-be-real Tabitha—bears a resemblance to the defeated Doctor is pure coincidence. And, please, ignore the minions.

Everything is perfect in the Smith household, until Tabitha announces her return to work as a super hero. Evan was hoping to keep her distracted until after he rigged the 2012 presidential election, but—genius that he is—Evan has a backup plan. In his basement lab, Evan has a machine whose sole purpose is keeping Tabitha hungry for him.

But children and labs don’t mix. The machine is broken, and Tabitha storms out, claiming she no longer knows him. World domination takes a back seat to meeting his daughters’ demands to get Mommy back right now. This time his genius isn’t going to be enough—he’s going to need both his evil alter-ego, and the blooming super abilities of his children to save his wife. But even his most charming self might not be enough to save their marriage.

Breathless Press


Thanks for reading! :)

Website: http://www.lianabrooks.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LianaBrooks

Hi, I have a new release today!

The second book in my SFR series RECAST is now available:

When revenge, secrets and lust collide, there can only be chaos.

Recast, Book 2

Jenks Maine is dead, but the devastating effects forcing Recast to fight in the arena goes on. Half-Recast Ace Abu is determined to put a stop to it. All he needs is to get to the planet Fray, locate the concealed Clash Arena, and destroy it. But first he has to cross half the galaxy before the sound and smell of his partners’ nonstop lovemaking drives him mad.

By the time he parks himself on a barstool in the town of Grit, he’s more than ready for a few beers. Except the sexy singer on stage is only making him—and his inner beast—burn hotter.

Ely’Shea longs for the freedom Jenks stole from her. She’s his right-hand woman, but when the boss is away she steps out of her enforcer role and ducks into a remote bar to indulge her passion: singing onstage. The night she catches a glimpse of an alluring cowboy in the audience, he ignites a spark inside her she never thought she’d feel again.

Unable to resist temptation, they’re consumed by passion…but once the fuses are set, their deepest personal secrets could blow any chance of forever all to hell.

Product Warnings: This book contains a very lonely shapeshifter in need of some loving, a kick-ass singer leading a double life, a serious case of mutual lust, an arena filled with enslaved warriors, and so many secrets it can only end in total madness.

Samhain Publishing | Kindle | NOOK Book | Diesel

I've already got two reviews:

"Several sexy scenes, an interesting plot, and strong dialog make this a fun and compelling read. Recommended for casual sf and romance lovers." –Jennifer Harris, Library Journal

"Clash offers an adventurous tale in space and another strong heroine." –LovLivLife Reviews

RECAST SERIES:



Thanks for reading! :)

Website: http://www.yolandasfetsos.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/yolandasfetsos
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/yolandasfetsos

Slugs in Print

Space Slugs, the long running web serial by Frances Pauli, made its print and ebook debut in July. Join the crew of the Slug One for their revised adventures and the never-before-seen bonus story, Escape from Damas Prime included in all versions of the book.

SFR, with a healthy dose of silly humor....and slugs. The rough draft of book two, Slug Opera is also available as a free, ongoing serial at: spaceslugserial.blogspot.com


Space Slugs
by Frances Pauli

When Xenobiologist, Dr. Murray, receives yet another phony wedding invitation from her galaxy hopping sister, she does what any good sibling would do. She drops her research and hops the first flight to some obscure planet at the edge of the civilized universe. But Zora's weddings never manage to go off as planned, and before the cake is served, Murray finds herself imprisoned with the unapologetic bride. With the assistance of a mysterious android and the universe's last living space slug, the two find themselves on the run in a stolen space ship with half the galaxy in hot pursuit. Thanks to Zora, it's the least desirable half. Maybe Murray will get lucky, and the crash landing will kill her.

Website, galaxy guide and slugtionary at: http://spaceslugserial.blogspot.com/p/book-one.html

Smashwords: http://spaceslugserial.blogspot.com/p/book-one.html

In Print: https://www.createspace.com/3437760

and for Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Space-Slugs-Livngston-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0057X4WQ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309483234&sr=8-1

Brigader News! A Final and a Release

D.L. Jackson has finaled in the Erotic Romance category of the Romance Writers Ink More Than Magic contest with her published novel, Slipping the Past.

Final placements will be announced July 9th at RWI’s meeting, with the results listed on the website.  You can check out the RWI More Than Magic contest at this link: http://rwimagiccontests.wordpress.com/.

Congratulations, D.L.!

~*~

Desert Breeze Publishing released SFR Duty and Devotion by A. R. Norris on June 15th. And check out that gorgeous cover (designed by Jenifer Ranieri). 

A.R. Norris will also be releasing three upcoming novels in The Telomere Trilogy with Desert Breeze in October 2011, April 2012 and October 2012.

Click here to see the Duty and Devotion trailer.

Congratulations on your release, A.R.

 

Friend or Foe ~ New Release ~

Friend or Foe, by Brigader, Frances Pauli, comes out from Devine Destinies today.

Super Hero Romance
Cover art by: Angela Waters

"Can they save the town without losing each other?"

When Simon Maxwell’s archenemy backs out of the annual competition, he thinks the prize is in the bag. But a surprise appearance from The Spartan’s long-lost sister leaves Simon scrambling for a foot hold. He’s sworn to protect the town, but the girl from his past has him spinning in circles from the start. Is she here to help her brother, or are her motives pure? When every turn hides another trap and each twist holds a new secret, Simon risks more than just his honor. Can he win the girl before the finish line? And how can he save the town, when winning the race means losing his heart?

more info and an excerpt on the book's page.

Lisa Paitz Spindler's The Spiral Path Debuts!

From Carina Press. (That's one awesome trailer.)

Congrats, Lisa!

New Release: The Chronicles of Kassouk Book Three: Black Jaguar

Vijaya Schartz' newest SFR release, The Chronicles of Kassouk Book Three: Black Jaguar, is out now to rave reviews. Check them out below and make sure and stop by my blog, Adventures of a Sci-Fi Writer, tomorrow for Vijaya's guest spot, where she'll be discussing the sci-fi and romance behind this great series.

"This is a good story with a futuristic world building that is written very well. The reader will be drawn into the story and find it very had to put down until the very end of it... The story and people are very believable and engaging to read about." Red Roses for Authors Review Blog Rating = 4 Roses

"From one extreme to another the societal differences in this story keep you riveted. It is much like watching an episode of “Stargate,” where an advanced civilization engineers a primitive culture to suit their needs and perpetuate the image of deities to keep their subjects in line. As the truth comes to light, Kahuel and Talina are not so disparate in their basic beliefs that their love for family, friends, and wildlife cannot bond them tightly, even during the worst of times. This strange blend of fantasy, sci-fi, and sweet romance is a great way to whisk yourself off to another time and place without ever having to leave your comfy chair." Lototy - CoffeeTime Romance Rating = 4 Cups

"Ms. Schartz has continued her spellbinding series with this fast paced story that ensnared me from the very start... I enjoyed watching the interaction of the humans with their feline friends and how they would do anything to protect each other. The visual descriptions of the jungle scenes brought them to life for this reader. I for one can't wait for the next book in the Chronicles of Kassouk series." Teresa - Fallen Angel Reviews Rating = 5 Angels

As someone who's read the series, I wholeheartedly agree and am honored to have Vijaya as a member of the SF Brigade. For more details or to read an excerpt, stop by Vijaya's website or Desert Breeze Publishing.

Hailing On All Frequencies!

NEW RELEASES

CARNAL MOON is Mel Teshco's latest release from Ellora's Cave and is available from October 28th, 2010.











FROM THE ASHES is an erotic sci-fi romance from new Brigader, Maree Anderson. The book will be coming out with Red Sage Publishing in December 2010. 










REDEEMING CHARACTERS by Jennifer L. Hart was released in ebook format on October 9 by Passion In Print.  A release in paperback format will follow the first week in December.









MEMBERS NEWS
Brigader Darynda Jones received a stellar review on her debut novel, FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT, which won't be released until February 2011.
Darynda won the 2009 Golden Heart with FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT (and also presented the 2010 award to fellow Brigader Kylie Griffin at the ceremony in July).  Many congrats, Darynda!

THE SPY WHO KISSED ME, by Pauline Baird Jones, has been reissued by L&L Dreamspell in both print and digital. L&L has been reissuing Pauline's backlist since last April, including DO WAH DIDDY DIE and OUT OF TIME. Her Steampunk/science fiction romance novella, TANGLED IN TIME, will be released in December 2010.

NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to our newest members:

• Darynda Jones
• M.Baker
• Jess Anastasi
• Mel Teshco
• Eleni Konstantine 

CONTEST NEWS
Another Buffy is awarded!  Laurie Green won the Paranormal category of the 2010 Utah RWA Heart of the West with her SFR manuscript, THE OUTER PLANETS.  This is Laurie's second win in the HOW.  She also won with a different SFR in 2009. Congratulations!






BOOK REVIEWS, SIGNINGS & GIVE-AWAYS. 
The October Blog Anniversary Party continues! Here's what's coming up on Kylie Griffin's blog this week...
15th October - Book Review: CLOSE CONTACT by Katherine Allred. Contest closes midnight (Aussie EST) 19th October.
19th October - More RWOz Conference - a selection of photos from this year's conference at Coogee Beach, Sydney. And more give-aways! Deadline for answering the question on this post is 23rd Oct.
For more details head on over to her blog!
25th Oct. - October Blog Anniversary - THE END :-( Another and the last give-away to celebrate a month of fun.
28th Oct. - Guest Author:Mel Teshco returns to promote CARNAL MOON, her new release from Ellora's Cave!
INFORMATION OF INTEREST
The Galaxy Express has a post on Should Birth Control Be Covered in SFR?

The Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal blog has a light-hearted post from Jeri Smith-Ready on Top 10 Signs You're on a Deadline. Check it out for a fun read.

The All Important First Chapter makes for a fascinating read over at agent Nathan Bransford's blog this week.

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).

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

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

Hailing On All Frequencies!

NEW RELEASES

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.



J.C.Hay's HEARTS & MINDS is out now with Samhain Publishing.

THE ANTAREN AFFAIR by Erica Anderson is out now with Ellora's Cave.

EXTREME LIQUIDATION by Gary Starta an is available now from Lyrical Press.

Belinda McBride's BLACK PLANET II: LITTLE FOXES is now available from Changeling Press LLC.

Belinda McBride also has BELLE STAR available at Loose ID LLC.

A NOBLE SACRIFICE by Ciara Gold is available from Champagne Books.

Vijaya Schartz's latest book, RED LEOPARD:CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK BK 2 from Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. is now available.










BLOGGING

Kylie Griffin is back from attending the Romance Writers of New Zealand conference in Auckland. She has several photo posts up of her time spent travelling around the Land of the Long White Cloud. Click here to visit her blogsite. 

NEW MEMBERS 

Welcome to the following new Brigaders!

• Erica Anderson
• Rachel Savage
• Gail R. Delaney
• Vijaya Schartz
• Jennifer L. Hart
• Gary Starta
• Misa Buckley
• Julia Rachel Barrett
• Belinda McBride
• Mandy McCartney
• Darlene Reilly
• A. I. McMahan
• Becca Sheridan-Furrow
• Elizabeth N.
• Sandra Sookoo

MEMBERS NEWS

Belinda McBride's M/M short story The Flower Boy has been accepted by Dreamspinner Press for their MYTHS & MAGIC: LEGENDS OF LOVE anthology. It's due for release in October 2010.

Gail Koger's SFR novel, THE WARLORD'S COMEUPPANCE, scored a 4-Star review fro Night Owl Reviews. Check out the review here.

A huge woohoo! to A.R. Norris who's sold to Desert Breeze Publishing (I believe details of this sale has already been posted in my absence, thanks, Laurie!)

And also congrats to Brigader Lisa Paitz Spindler on the sale of her SFR novel (which she describes as a space opera with a heroine who's a space pirate!), PHASE SHIFT (to be retitled). It's due for release around spring 2011.

CONTEST NEWS

Congratulations to Brigader Michelle de Rooy! She had a whopper of a DownUnder conference season - in Australia & New Zealand.

She placed 2nd in the RWOz Emerald:Single Title contest, 2nd in the RWNZ Clendon Award contest & received the Clendon Award Readers' Choice trophy, and was highly commended in the RWOz Valerie Parv Award.

Sharon Fisher is a finalist with ECHO 8, her SFR with paranormal elements, in the Golden Gateway (from the Heart Romance Writers) in the Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Time Travel Category. The final judge is Latoya Smith from Grand Central Publishing. Good luck, Sharon! 

REMINDER

Have you updated your SFR Brigade Twitter Squadron listing lately?  We have new members!

BOOK REVIEWS, SIGNINGS & GIVEAWAYS

Sandra Sookoo has a couple of free reads on her website - two short stories called Culinary Magic & Once Around the Circle.

Verona St.James continues her Summer of SFR with a review of SONG OF SCARABAEUS by Sara Creasy. 

INFORMATION OF INTEREST
Dorchester Publishers has let go its two top editors--editorial director Leah Hultenschmidt and senior editor Don D'Auria. Chris Keeslar remains on staff as senior editor. For more details check out this article from Publishers' Weekly.

Brigader Anna McLain sent in this little tid-bit  - How Star Trek Artists Imagined the iPad...23yrs Ago . Long live, Star Trek!

REMINDER: HOAF news!

I'm back from New Zealand and ready to go again!

If you would like your new release, news or other good info posted this coming week send me your news ASAP and I'll put together a release for early next week.

Email it to me - kyliegriffin@clearmail.com.au

Hailing On All Frequencies!

This will be the only HOAF post for the month of August. I'm tripping away to attend the RWOz & RWNZ National conferences and taking a short holiday in lovely New Zealand afterwards. I'll be back on deck the first week of September, so have your news ready for a post about then.

NEW RELEASES

Lisa Lane's new book, PANDORA'S HOPE, the sequel to her erotic SFR novel, LUST IN SPACE, is set for release by Ravenous Romance in early August.  Exact date is still TBR.

Eve Langlais's ALIEN MATE is now available, and ALIEN MATE 2 will be released with Amira Press on July 23rd.

DEMON'S SECRET by Nathalie Grey is out on August 26th.











BLOGGING
During August Kylie Griffin starts a new series called An Interview With...series of posts featuring a swag of Aussie Authors & a ring-in from the USA.
7th August - Sherrilyn Kenyon
14th August - Keri Arthur
21st August - Anna Jacobs 

BREAKING NEWS

Taken straight from the Absolute Write forum - "Dorchester publishing, as of sept 01, will cease print publishing and will only publish ebooks."

This opening statement about Dorchester from Publishers Weekly - "Mass market romance publisher Dorchester Publishing has dropped its traditional print publishing business in favor of an e-book/print-on-demand model effective with its September titles that are “shipping” now."

For more on this article use this link.

MEMBERS NEWS

Congrats to a SFR Brigade clean sweep of the FF&P Steampunk costume contest at the RWA® Nationals conference!

1st Place -  Sarah Shade
2nd Place - Laurel Wanrow
3rd Place - Lizzie Newell

GIRL GONE NOVA by Pauline Baird Jones has received an awesome 4.5Books review at Long & Short Romance Reviews. 

Donna S.Frelick's SFR manuscript, UNCHAINED MEMORY, placed 3rd in the Virginia Romance Writers Fool for Love Contest, Paranormal category! Way to go, Donna! 

Laurie Green's ms, THE OUTER PLANETS, has advanced to the second round of The Molly. Woohoo! This contest has three rounds, so fingers crossed Laurie makes it into the final round!

The annual PRISM Awards were handed out at the FF&P party at the RWA Nationals. As mentioned in the last HOAF we had four Brigaders up for an award - Katherine Allred, Jess Granger, Ella Drake and Linnea Sinclair.
A very special congratulations to Katherine Allred who placed 1st in the Futuristic section and the Best of the BEST section with her book CLOSE ENCOUNTERS.
Here are the final results!

Dark Paranormal
1 Cynthia Eden - Immortal Danger
2 Rebecca York - Dragon Moon
3 SJ Day - Eve of Darkness

Light Paranormal (First place tie!)
1 Kerrelyn Sparks - Secret Life of a Vampire
1 Judi Fennell - Wild Blue Under
2 Angie Fox - The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers

Erotica
1 Radclyffe - Secrets in the Stone
2 Livia Dare - In the Flesh
3 Francesca Hawley - Protect and Defend

Novella
1 Cynthia Eden - Belong to the Night
2 Ella Drake - Firestorm on E'Terra
3 Sapphire Phelan - Being Familiar with a Witch

Fantasy
1 Leanna Renee Hieber - The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker
2 Michelle Picard - Ruling Eden
3 Maria V. Snyder - Storm Glass

Futuristic
1 Katherine Allred - Close Encounters
2 Linnea Sinclair - Hope's Folly
3 Jess Granger - Beyond the Rain

Time Travel
1 Sandra Hill - Viking Heat
2 Susan Squires - Time for Eternity
3 Melissa Mayhue - A Highlander of Her Own

Best First Book
Leanna Renee Hieber - The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker

Best of the BEST

Katherine Allred - Close Encounters

Kylie Griffin won a RWA® Golden Heart for her fantasy romance ms. BLOODBORN: Book 1 in the Light Blade series (Paranormal Romance section). 

CONTEST NEWS

***PERMISSION TO FORWARD GRANTED AND APPRECIATED***

The Emily 2011 Contest is about to be launched!

This year we are completely automated, have four more categories, and are open to published authors. (Cannot be published in the category entering for the last three years.)

Fee: $20-30
Submit: September 1st, 2010 Deadline: October 7th, 2010
Entry: First 7,000 words
Final Judges: 

Contemporary single title agent Jessica Faust˜Faust Agency, editor Francis Jalet-Miller˜Grand Central, bookseller Stacy Morris˜Katy Budget Books
Series agent Scott Eagan˜Greyhaus Literary Agency, editor Patience Smith--Harlequin, bookseller TBA
Paranormal agent TBA , editor Amanda Bergeron--HarperCollins, bookseller TBA
Historical agent TBA, editor TBA, bookseller TBA
Romance Suspense agent Elizabeth Pomada˜Pomada Litetary Agency, editor TBA, bookseller John Kiowtkowski˜Murder by the Book
Young Adult agent Holly Root˜Waxman Literary Agency, editor Sarah Shumway˜Kathrine Tegan, bookseller Cathy Berner˜Blue Willow Bookstore
Novel with elements of romance agent Stephany Evans˜FinePrint Literary Agency, editor Esa Sogah--Avon, bookseller TBA
Erotic Romance agent Laura Bradford˜Bradford Literary Agency, editor Martin Biro˜Kensington, bookseller TBA
Best of the Best editor Leis Pederson˜Berkley, booksellers Jan Crow & Kay Meriam˜Katy Budget Books

We West Houston RWA members are so proud of our contest and have made some great improvements. Feel free to check out our website to get all the information or email (emily.contest@whrwa.com)

REMINDER

Have you updated your SFR Brigade Twitter Squadron listing lately?  We have new members!

BOOK REVIEWS, SIGNINGS & GIVEAWAYS 

Ella Drake has had her paranormal book, THE FORBIDDEN CHAMBER, reviewed on the SciFi Guys blog. You may need to scroll down to find it, there are quite a few books mentioned in this post.

Australian Romance Readers Association is hosting a group book-signing of romance authors during the RWAustralia® national conference on

Friday, 13th August

4.30 pm to 6.00 pm

at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Coogee Beach, Sydney

in the Terrace View Rooms. 

Forty-five authors are signed up to attend. One of our Brigaders will be there.

• Erica Hayes

INFORMATION OF INTEREST
To take a look at the full list of RWA® RITA & Golden Heart recipients check out the RWA website link.

The Galaxy Express is taking a hiatus the first couple of weeks of this month.

An interesting article from Eleni Konstantine about Graphic Novels on the RWA Blog.