Cue Robert Plant

This might not be sci-fi romance, but it's a combination of love and science-fiction. And I'm thinkin' there's a novel just waiting to be written from this story via the CBS Early Show.

It seems love follows the same pathways in the brain as, erm, cocaine. No wonder we lose our minds when we fall like a chain-sawed tree.

Biological anthropologist Helen Fisher says, "You can't stop thinking about this person. You crave the person. You do inappropriate things. You distort reality. You lie in bed and cry. You drink too much, you drive too fast, you do very inappropriate things when you've been rejected in love."

Substitute 'inappropriate things' for, say, squeezing two people of the opposite gender into one spacesuit.

'Distort realty' becomes a wormhole.

Your character drinks too much...old style Coke spiked with cocaine.

And your character drives a hovercraft.

You just got yourself a sci-fi romance.

Hailing On All Frequencies!

NEW RELEASES

SUGAR RUSH by Kimber An is being published by Decadent Publishing (release date TBA).

T.K.Toppin's book, LANCASTER RULE, is the first in a trilogy available from Champagne Books.

BEYOND THOSE DISTANT STARS is John Rosenman's latest release with Mundania Press LLC.

Nancy J.Cohen's SILVER SERENADE was released on July 16th by The Wild Rose Press.

Demon's Secret by Nathalie Grey features in the PARANORMAL ROMANCE 2 anthology and is available from Constable & Robinson and Running Press.

Gail Koger's e-book, THE WARLORD'S COMEUPPANCE has just been released with Whispers Publishing.

Sheryl Nantus's new release, WILD CARDS & IRON HORSES, comes out in August 2010 with Samhain Publishing, Inc.

Clare Revell's SEASON FOR MIRACLES, from Whiterose Publishing, has a release date of November 5th, 2010.

BLOGGING

Check out the Long & Short Reviews Author Spotlight - their guest is our own SFRBrigader K.S.Augustin. She's been there all week!

Pauline Baird Jones blogged about "Finding Your Inner Geek" at Single Titles.

On the 16th July, Kylie Griffin finished her series on World-Building with a summary.

Heather Massey announced that The Galaxy Express will host Parallel Universe, a science fiction romance online event that will coincide with the Romance Writers of America’s 30th Annual National Conference (July 28-31 in Orlando, FL). It will be the virtual SFR gathering for those unable to attend the conference. And if you’re attending the RWA conference, the hotspot for SFR fans is The Gathering, hosted by the Fantasy, Futuristic, & Paranormal Chapter of RWA.

REMINDER

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

NEW MEMBERS

• Darlene Reilly
• T.K.Toppin
• Nancy J.Cohen
• Gail Koger
• Greta

Please welcome and get to know some of our talented new Brigade members!

Nancy J. Cohen has a new SFR release (out on July 16th) from The Wild Rose Press, Silver Serenade. She's celebrating with a contest for some neat prizes on her website  and watch for a Book Launch Party coming up July 19th on our main blog.  Nancy is a member of RWA and FF&P and plans to attend Nationals in Orlando.

Gail Koger has joined the Brigade ranks and has a SFR out with Whispers Publishing, The Warlord's Comeuppance. You can view the book trailer here.

John B. Rosenman, the author of Beyond Those Distant Stars recently featured on The Galaxy Express has also joined our ranks.  Welcome, John.

T.K. Toppin is a new member who hails from Barbados with a SFR entitled The Lancaster Rule.  To learn more, see T.K.'s site and Goodreads page.

BOOK REVIEWS, SIGNINGS & GIVEAWAYS

T.K.Toppin is guest blogging over at Reading, Reading & Life on July 22nd. Win a free PDF copy of T.K.'s book, LANCASTER RULE, by visiting and leaving a comment.

As mentioned in the New Members section, Nancy J. Cohen's new SFR release came out on July 16th from The Wild Rose Press, Silver Serenade.  She's celebrating with a contest for some neat prizes on her website . Check it out!

K.S.Augustin visited the Long & Short Reviews blogsite all this week as their Author Spotlight guest. She's also offering daily prizes so go along and visit and you might be one of the lucky winners! 

INFORMATION OF INTEREST
Laurie Green discovered an interesting article covering the last two shuttle flights, for shuttles Discovery & Endeavor. The last two trips have been finalized for November 2010 & February 2011, but there is speculation one last flight for Atlantis may follow in June 2011. Link for the article is here.

Space Travel 101:The Fundamentals of Space Travel is a great website for anyone wanting the basics on space travel.

Space (dot) com has a host of multi-media links to up to date information on anything to do with this topic - from what's the fastest spacecraft ever? to NASA's new designs for their space shuttles.

Astrobiology Roadmap is a NASA site where you can read about the science behind what makes planets habitable for human life.

We're not alone, Brigaders! Check out this article called Titan: Nasa scientists discover evidence 'that alien life exists on Saturn's moon'. And clarification on this subject was posted in Scientific America with Astrobiologist tries to set the record straight about extraterrestrial life on Titan.

Silver Serenade Book Launch Party

Please join in the fun as we host this book launch party for Nancy J. Cohen’s Silver Serenade, which was just released July 16th from The Wild Rose Press. Nancy is a member of RWA and FF&P and is planning to be in Orlando for RWA Nationals. Her website can be viewed here.

I recently interviewed Nancy about her new release. Here’s what she had to say…

SFRB: First of all, Nancy, welcome to the SFR Brigade! As one of our newest members, please tell us a little about yourself and how you came to write Science Fiction Romance. What inspired or still inspires you? Who are some of your favorite authors or books in the subgenre?

I began my career as a published author writing futuristic romance as Nancy Cane for Dorchester. Marilyn Campbell was in my critique group and published in that genre at the time, and she inspired me to write one of my own. I’d written six previous romantic intrigue stories and none of them had sold. I was a big Star Trek fan so it wasn’t much of a stretch to combine science fiction with romance. I wrote four stories for Dorchester and then switched to mysteries when the market cycled down. My Bad Hair Day mystery series was very successful but I always had in mind the story for Silver Serenade and couldn’t let it go.

Some of my favorite SFR authors are Linnea Sinclair, Susan Grant, Catherine Asaro, Susan Kearney, Patricia Waddell, among others.

SFRB: Tell us a little about Silver Serenade. Who are the main characters? What’s the meaning behind the title Silver Serenade? What do you think makes it a great story—the romance, the world-building, the imaginative premise…or something else?

Silver is the heroine’s name and that’s where the title comes from, but it also relates to the mourning hymn she chants every night in her parents’ memory. They were killed by Tyrone Bluth, leader of Tyrone’s Marauders, and she’s pledged her life to revenge. She’s about to shoot Bluth from her sniper position above a hilltop when someone crashes into her. Jace Vernon has spotted her and takes her down before she can kill the one man he needs alive as witness in his defense. He’s been accused of murder on his home world of Kurash, and only Tyrone Bluth can clear him. He won’t allow Silver to complete her mission.

What makes it a great story? Everything! The complex universe, the characters, the touch of humor, and the paranormal element all combine to make this a memorable romance.

SFRB: Tell us a little about the universe where Silver Serenade takes place.

Two main governments occupy known space. One is the Terran Consortium consisting of Earth and its colonies. The Maxima Chancellor is the elected official at the head of this system. He sits on the Council of Directors, mostly made up of interplanetary corporate CEOs. Under them are divisions called Earth Centrum, Security Integrated Network (S.I.N.), and the Colonies. S.I.N. is the intelligence branch and that’s where Silver works. Earth Centrum and the Colonies each have their own presidents. The colonies are further divided into departments such as Administration, Exploration, Agriculture, Mining, etc. Earth Centrum has Defense Command, Justice, Education, Science, etc.

Across the border is the war-like Kurashki Alliance which, except for its space fleet, follows a feudal system with a hereditary monarch. They believe in conquest rather than diplomacy.

These two systems are on the brink of war, which can only be forestalled by the hero’s vote in the Kurashki body of government called the Parsate. Unfortunately, Jace has been framed for murder and his greedy cousin has taken over his estates and his titles. Jace has to regain his status to offer his plan for peace. He won’t succeed if Silver kills the man he needs alive to prove his innocence. Jace pursues justice while Silver is bent on revenge.

The politics are complicated, and there are hints of worse threats on the horizon as the story unfolds. I like adding political intrigue into my stories and building the groundwork for more tales of adventure in the same universe.

I’ve put bonus features like Weapons and Warships on my website for fans who like more details. Access them here.

SFRB: Nancy, I know you’ve written other novels—Circle of Light (a HOLT Medallion Award winner!), Moonlight Rhapsody, and Starlight Child--that I’d classify as SFR from the blurbs, but they’re identified as Paranormal Romance. Do you see a distinction between SFR and Paranormal Romance, or do you feel SFR falls under the broad PR umbrella?

In my case, it’s a matter of marketing! Paranormal romance gets more hits than futuristic or science fiction romance, and since my stories fit into both definitions, that’s what I call them on certain sites. I definitely see a distinction between the genres. Science Fiction Romance extrapolates on what might be real in the future or on technology or real issues we’re dealing with today. Futuristic Romance is similar but sometimes takes place in a pre-technological environment and focuses more heavily on the romantic conflict. Paranormal Romance includes elements like magic, extrasensory perception, or anything out of the ordinary often in a modern-day setting. Since my books take place in futuristic settings with at least one character who possesses special powers, I’m loosely interpreting that as meaning they can fit into either category. Just between you and me, they’re really SFR.

SFRB: When, where or how did you come up with the idea that became Silver Serenade? How long did it take you to write it? Are there any anecdotes connected with the story you'd like to relate?

I was intrigued by the notion of two characters, a man and a woman, who would be after the same bad guy but for different reasons. What would happen when they caught him? Which one of them would prevail? Thus I created my heroine, an assassin, whose assignment is to kill the terrorist, Tyrone Bluth. The hero, a convicted murderer, needs the villain alive to prove his innocence. Jace and Silver team up to catch the bad guy but what will happen when they succeed? Which one of them will give up their goal to help the other person?

It took me a long time to write, because I did it in between my other book obligations. I finally had free rein when I finished my Bad Hair Day mystery contracts. Silver and Jace nagged at me to finish their story, and I couldn’t get them out of my head.

What surprised me were the unexpected twists the story took, and I hope they delight you as much as they did me. I don’t want to spoil your fun except to say that a couple of surprises involve the Elusians. Jace’s valet, Mixy, is an Elusian who has the ability to magnify Jace’s emotions and display them through his colored robe for all to see. He adds a touch of humor to the story and also the paranormal element. Mixy is a riot. If anything, he threatens to steal the thunder from our heroes.

Also what amazed me in this story was the spiritual or mystical turn of events when Silver and Jace go to Stacktown. That’s a planet where people go and don’t return, and there are rumors about ghosts. I wasn’t quite sure what would happen in that place and the outcome surprised me.

SFRB: Do you have a favorite quote, line or scene from Silver Serenade that you'd like to share?

Here’s an exciting scene where Silver and Jace are making an escape:

[Silver is speaking to Jace] “We used to play with turbo scooters when we were kids. These are the newest R-25 models by Royce. I checked the fuel levels earlier, and we should have enough to get to the hospital. We’ll blend in with ground cover if we fly low.”

Jace gave her an admiring glance that shot a thrill through her. “Resourceful. How about the noise?”

“Dampeners take care of that problem. Are you okay with driving your own?” Bending, she grabbed hold of one device and uprighted it.

“I’ll manage.” Following her example, he placed one foot in front of another on the single board, gripped the handle bars, and wound a safety strap around his torso.

“It can get a little bumpy when you hit an air current, but we’ll go faster with a tailwind. Stay on my tack.”

Silver pushed the start button, and a familiar vibration rumbled underfoot. Punching the anti-grav flow valve, she suppressed a whoop of exhilaration when her scooter lifted. Hoping she could maintain her balance with rusty skills, she jabbed the turbo boost.

Her pulse raced as she shot over the edge of the roof, tilted sideways, centered her rider, and soared forward. Uh oh, security detail below at two o’clock. Veering left, she avoided the estate’s main entrance and surged toward a clump of trees leading to a major thoroughfare. That would take them into the city. Loose hairs whipped her cheeks and stung her eyes as she spun into the air lane.

Glancing backward, she grinned at Jace who proved his mettle by waving. Gods, this was fun. It had been eons since she’d done something so sinfully playful. A flush warmed her skin as she remembered their lovemaking. Well, maybe not so long.

As they neared her apartment complex, she slipped into a stream of other night owls prowling the streets. The rush of wind in her ears died, replaced by roaring engines and nonstop loudspeaker advertisements. She plunged her scooter up and down geometrically designed avenues and looped around skyscrapers. Intent on checking over her shoulder for signs of pursuit, she narrowly missed a dive-bombing aircar.

Her stomach catapulted into her throat as she careened sideways and flipped upside-down. With a lurch, she righted herself and swooped north just in time to avoid hitting a flyby night train.

Her apartment building loomed into sight. Hopefully anyone watching from the street wouldn’t notice their descent.

SFRB: What’s next? Any more SFR novels in the works?

Right now I’m working on a true paranormal romance. It takes place on modern-day Earth with magical elements and is based on Norse mythology. Once I get this story out of my head, I may do a sequel to Silver Serenade. I already have an overall series title and the spin-off characters in mind. It will help if readers clamor for more stories in this universe! You can keep track of my releases and projects here:

Website: http://nancyjcohen.com/
Blog: http://nancyjcohen.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://bit.ly/c3YchC
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nancyjcohen

SFRB: In closing, would you share a blurb and/or an excerpt from Silver Serenade?

Here’s a blurb and an excerpt showing the romantic conflict since we already did an action scene above.

BLURB:
Ace pilot Jace Vernon is forced to flee his home world after being framed for murder. He seeks justice, but S.I.N. agent Silver Malloy gets in his way. The platinum-haired beauty counters his every move in the quest to clear his name. As he makes it his mission to break her, he doesn=t count on the personal consequences of success.

Silver refuses to abort her deadly mission even if it means killing the one man Jace needs alive to prove his innocence. Her resolve wavers when Jace’s charms melt the barriers around her heart. Can she help him win his case, even if it means betraying her own people?

EXCERPT:
Silver bowed her head. Just when she’d finally cast aside the darkness of her past to grasp the light, Jace snatched it from her.

By the stars, she didn’t want him to know how much she cared. Duty meant more to him than she did, or he’d renounce his obligations in favor of staying with her. She should have realized happiness was merely an illusion.

“So, I bring you to life, huh? Like this?” Pressing a hand to the small of her back, he dragged her against him. With his other hand, he tilted her face. She lifted her gaze to his resolute jaw and contoured lips.

His mouth crushed down on hers. At first, she refused to respond, but his relentless kiss weakened her defense. She parted her lips, letting his tongue swirl inside her mouth.

He explored her crevices, leaving nothing untouched, while she grew languorous in his embrace. Switching his angle, he scoured her mouth until her teeth hurt.

You want to play with fire? I can handle the game. She knew he wasn’t immune to her charms. Maybe he had to marry Yvette, but the proper Kurashki lady could never give him what Silver could. She’d make him remember her for all eternity.

Intrigued? Here’s the Silver Serenade book trailer to really get you hooked.



Silver Serenade sounds like a wonderful SFR treat.  And now for the party favor!

For a chance to win a .pdf copy of Silver Serenade add a comment below.  You can just say hello or tell Nancy what intrigues you about her novel.  Have fun!

The SUGAR RUSH Query Letter

For those of you still trudging through Queryland, I thought you might want to see my query letter.
http://opheliadawsonchronicles.blogspot.com/