Labels

1944 (1) 1950s (1) 2013 (1) 24 (1) 60s (1) 60th wedding anniversary (1) 70s (1) 99cts (2) A Handmaid's Tale (1) A Wrinkle In Time (1) abduction (1) action (18) action adventure (6) activities at home (1) adventure (19) African cats (1) Agents of S.H.I.E.D. (1) Akira (1) Akira's Choice (5) alien abduction (2) alien communication (1) alien invasion (2) Alien Lockdown (1) alien planet (7) alien planets (2) alien visitation (1) alien visitors (1) alien worlds (1) Alien Zoo (1) aliens (30) Allison Merritt (17) alphas unleashed (1) alternate realities (1) alternate reality (1) Alyson Noel (1) AMANDA'S EYES (1) Amazons (2) America (1) American culture (1) Amy Bartol (1) Anasazi (1) ancient aliens (6) Ancient Enemy (1) and Grimm (1) Andromeda galaxy (1) Angel (4) Angel Fierce (1) ANGEL MINE (2) angel planet (2) angels (12) anime (1) Anne McCaffrey (1) Antiope (1) apocalypse (2) Apocalypse 2012 (2) Apocalypse Babes (14) apocalyptic books (2) apocalyptic fiction (1) apple pie (1) archangel (5) archangels (1) Arilase (1) Arizona Literary Awards (2) Arrow (1) Art (2) art of writing (1) ASPCA (1) atomic age (1) author (3) author interview (3) author introduction (3) author signing (1) authors (3) avatar (1) award winner (1) awards (1) awareness (1) Azura Chronicles (6) Back To The Future (1) bad acting (1) bad boys (1) bad movies (1) bad writing (1) barbarian tribes (1) Batman (2) Battle Royale (1) battles (1) Battlestar Galactica (1) Baz Luhrmann (1) Beantown (1) Beijing York (1) Believe (1) Bella Street (22) Ben Stiller (1) Bender (1) Beth Caudill (6) Big Bang Theory (1) big cats (4) Bio (1) bioengineering (1) bionics (1) Black Dragon (5) black gate (1) Black Jaguar (2) blasters (4) blog hop (3) bloggers (1) blue abyss (2) Blue Lioness (1) Blue Maneuver (1) Blue Moon (1) book (1) book awards (1) Book Barbarian (1) Book Breeze (1) book covers (2) book giveaway (4) book release (1) book review (2) book sale (1) book signing (1) books (6) Books We Love (1) Borealis (6) Borealis series (4) Boredom (1) born in blood (1) Boston (2) bounty hunter (5) bracelet (1) brave heroes (1) Breaking Dawn (1) breast cancer (2) brides (1) Browncoats (1) Browncoats: Independence War (2) Buffy The Vampire Slayer (3) burn out (1) Bushido (1) busy (1) BWL (1) Byzantium series (3) C.D. Ledbetter (1) callahan (2) Camp NaNoWriMo (2) cannibals (1) Captains (1) Carolyn Jewel (1) Cassandra Rose Clarke (1) cat saves boy (1) Catching Fire (3) Cathy Pegau (1) cats (17) cats in space (3) Caught In Amber (1) challenger (1) changing seasons (1) Channing Tatum (1) characterization (1) Charlize Theron (1) checkmate (2) Cheetah (5) cheetahs (1) Cher (1) chewbacca (1) chimera (2) chimera born (2) Christine Taylor (1) Christmas (8) Christmas movies (1) Christmas Village (3) Christopher Nolan (1) Chronicles of Kassouk (14) Chronicles of Kassouk series (2) Chroniclesof Kassouk (1) cinnamon (1) Civil War (1) classic novels (1) classic rock (1) cold warn (1) combining romance genres (2) Comic Con (1) ComiCon (1) comics (1) coming soon (1) communication (1) computers (2) conflict (1) conspiracies (1) conspiracy (1) contemporary fantasy romance (5) contemporary romance (2) contest (5) contracts (1) convention (2) cool aliens (3) cosplay (1) costumes (1) Council Falls (2) Count Olaf (1) cover (1) cover art (1) cover reveal (2) COVID 19 (1) Craft (1) creativity (1) crop circles (3) crop patterns (1) crown (1) cruise into eden (1) Crusader (1) Cupid (5) CW6 (1) cyborgs (6) Dark Knight Rises (1) dark romance (1) Day of the Triffids (2) Daynight (1) deadlines (1) decorating (1) decorations (1) Desert Breeze Publishing (1) Desert Breeze Publishing (2) diamond (1) diamonds (2) Diana Gabaldon (1) Diaspora Worlds (1) Dietmar Wehr (1) disco (1) disney characters (1) Divergent (1) Do No Harm (1) Doctor Who (1) dogs (1) Dollhouse (3) Donnie Darko (2) Double Takes (3) Douglas Lindsay (1) DOWN HOME ZOMBIE BLUES (1) Dr. Who (1) Dragnet (1) dream lover (1) dreams (2) Dredd (1) dressing up (1) Dune (1) Dungeons and Dragons (1) dystopia (1) Dystopian (4) earth (1) earwigs (1) ebook reader (1) editing (1) EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1) Elementary (1) Eliza Dushku (1) Elysa Hendricks (1) end of the world (1) End of year (1) english (1) epilogues (1) escape (1) Esther Williams (1) evil spock (1) excerpt (2) excitement (2) extinction (1) F. Scott Fitzgerald (1) faerie romance (1) fairy tales (2) fall (2) Fall movies (1) Falling Skies (1) famous writers (1) fan fiction (1) fantasy (18) Father's Day (1) fearless (1) feehan (1) felines (4) fiction (2) film review (2) Firefly (9) first person (1) five senses (1) five-star review (2) FLASH GORDON (1) food (2) Foreigner (1) Forever (1) Forever is Now (1) Fourth of July (1) Fran Kanz (1) Frank Herbert (1) free (2) free book (2) free books (2) free ebook (1) freedom (1) Frequently Asked Questions (1) Fry (1) full moon (1) fun facts (1) furries (1) Fury Road (1) Futerama (1) Futurama (1) Future (4) future release (1) future society (1) future technology (1) futuristic (19) futuristic romance (11) Gabriel Garcia Marquez (1) galactic fleet (1) galactic prison (1) gamma radiation (1) Ganesha (1) gay (1) Geeky Girls Love Sci-Fi (1) genetic disorders (1) Genghis Khan (1) George Martin (1) George Reeves (1) getting published (2) GI Joe (1) gift cards (1) gift certificate (2) Girl Under Glass (1) girls with guns (3) giveaway (2) giveaways (1) glitchy technology (1) gMOs (1) goals (1) gods of Egypt (1) good and evil (3) gorgeous hero (1) gorgeous heroes (1) gratitude (1) gross (1) Grub Street Reads (1) Gwenyth Paltrow (1) H. D. Thomson (8) habits (1) hadean (2) hadean 2 (1) Hallmark (1) han solo (1) Harlequin (1) harvest moon (1) Healer's Fate (1) Heart of Steel (1) Heat Vision and Jack (1) Henry Cavill (1) heroes (1) heroines (1) HGTV (1) historical romance (2) Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (1) hoax (1) Holiday Gifts of Love Blog Hop (1) holiday movies (1) Holiday season (4) Holiday windows (1) holidays (8) Holly Madison (1) holograms (1) home improvement stores (1) Homer Simpson (1) horror (1) Hot Fuzz (1) hot summer heroes blog hop (1) house for sale (1) how to write (1) Howl's Moving Castle (1) Hugh Howey (1) hunters moon (1) IMDB (1) immortals (2) Implant Makes Rats Read Minds (1) imprints (1) incentives (1) Independence Day (2) India (1) indie publishing (2) Indiegogo (1) Inkheart (1) inspiration (1) Intergalactic Bar & Grille (1) introduction (2) Irish folklore (1) Irish romance (1) Iron Man (1) Iron Man 3 (1) J. J. Abrams (1) Jack Black (1) Janelle Stalder (1) January 28 1986 (1) Jean-Luc Piccard (1) Jekyll and Hyde (1) Jessica Keller (1) Jody Wallace (1) Johnny Depp (1) Joss Whedon (5) Juicy Couture (2) Jupiter Ascending (1) K. Vale (1) Kathy DiSanto (1) Katniss (1) keys to writing (1) kick-ass heroines (1) kick-butt heroines (14) kids (1) kimber vale (6) Kindle (1) Kirk Alyn (1) Kiss Me Before Dying (1) Kiss Me I'm Home (4) Kiss Me I'm Irish (7) KISS ME I'M YOURS (5) kitten (2) Lamaism (1) large cats (1) Las Vegas (1) Last Resort (1) lawman (1) Leela (1) legends (1) Legends and Lovers Series (4) leia (1) Lemony Snicket (1) leprechauns (5) Lewis Page (1) Lexi Post (1) lgbt (1) liberty (1) life in space (1) likable characters (1) Linda Andrews (7) linda andrews. gmos (1) Linnea Sinclair (2) lists (1) literary fiction (2) Lois Lane (1) Lost (1) love (1) Love Romances (1) love story (2) love triangle (1) luck (1) M Night Shyamalan (1) M/M (2) Mackinac Island MI (1) Mad Max (1) magic (2) Malcolm Reynolds (1) male/male (1) mammogram (1) Man of Steel (2) MARS ATTACKS (1) matchmaker (2) matriarchal societies (1) Matrix (2) Mayans (1) medieval (1) Megan Rhomason (1) Melisse Aires (1) Meljean Brook (1) memes (1) memories (1) mercenary (1) Metropolis (1) Michael Ende (1) Micheal Scott (1) michele (1) Michele Callahan (8) mid century modern (2) Mid-Century Mayhem (2) mid-mod (1) Mila Kunis (1) Millennium (1) Mina Khan (1) Miracle Laurie (1) Miss America (1) Miss Milwaukee (1) Miss Wisconsin (1) Mission to Mars (1) mixing genres (1) MM romance (1) Mockingjay (1) Mockingjay Part 1 (1) modern culture (1) mom (2) Monica Enderle Pierce (1) Monsters University (1) Moonstruck (1) Mother's Day (2) mothers (1) movie (4) movie characters (1) movie review (2) movies (5) Movieweb (1) moving (3) Much Ado About Nothing (1) Muse (1) music (1) music bands (1) Must Love Cats (1) mysteries (1) Mysterious Purple Spheres Found In Desert (1) mythology (2) names (1) NaNoWriMo (1) Nashville (1) Nell Stafford (1) nerds (1) new authors (2) new book release (1) new planets (1) new release (10) new releases (2) New Year (1) New Year's (1) New Year's Resolutions (2) Nicholas Cage (1) nine lives (1) Noah's Ark (2) nomination (1) Nook (1) novel (1) novella (2) novellas (2) olympics (1) Once Upon a Time (1) open house (1) Oregon Trail (1) organization (1) Otherworlds (2) outer space (5) Outlander (1) Ovilvion (1) Owen Wilson (1) pandemic (1) paperback (2) parallel universe (2) paranormal (6) paranormal romance (10) paranormal suspense (2) parodies (1) past and future (1) Pauline Creeden (1) Percy Jackson (1) pets (1) pets in fiction (1) phage (1) Phoenix (1) Phoenix Comicon (3) pirates (1) plague world (1) Planet of the Apes (2) planets (1) playlist (1) post apocalyptic (4) power (1) pre-order (1) Pride & Prejudice (1) prison (1) prizes (1) prologues (1) publishers (1) publishing (1) pumpkin pie (1) pyschic (1) QUEEN (1) rabies (1) rating (1) reader (1) readers (2) readers conventions (1) readers events (1) readers' choice (1) reading (3) rebel. (1) rebellion (1) rebels (1) Red 2 (1) Red Leopard (1) red night (3) Redaction (1) redoing covers (1) Reeses Peanut Butter Cup (2) regency romance (1) registration (1) reincarnation (1) relaxation (1) Research (3) retirement (1) retiring (1) retro (1) retro romance (1) Retro Romance Presents (1) review (1) Revolution (3) Riddick (1) Rip Van Winkle (1) Rise Of The Siren (1) robots (3) rock star romance (1) rock stars (1) role models (1) Role Playing Games (1) romance (52) romance sub-genres (1) romance writers (1) romantic elements (2) romantic movies (2) romantic science fiction (18) romantic science fiction. Anasazi (1) romantic scifi (2) Romantic Times Convention (1) romcon (1) Romeo and Juliet (1) Ron Silver (1) Rosamund Pike (1) RPG (1) RT Booklovers Convention (1) RT16 (1) running away from home (1) S.E. Smith (1) S.H.I.E.L.D. (1) sabrina garie (4) Saint Exupery (1) Samurai (4) SANCTUARY (1) SAVING YESTERDAY (1) school teacher (1) sci fi romance (20) sci-fi (33) sci-fi authors (6) sci-fi bands (1) sci-fi books (7) sci-fi erotic romance (1) Sci-Fi Fantasy (1) sci-fi films (8) sci-fi movies (4) sci-fi romance (43) sci-fi tropes (1) sci-fi tv (1) science (2) science fiction (59) science fiction romance (14) Science Fiction Romance Brigade (1) science vs sci-fi (1) science-fiction (1) Scientists Create Sixth Sense (1) Scientists Create Zombie Cells (1) Scifi (11) scifi erotica (1) SciFi movies (1) scifi romance (7) SciFiRomance.net (1) Scott Nova (1) Scott Speedman (1) se smith (1) Season Finale (1) secondary characters (1) secret bases (1) secret projects (1) self-publishing (1) Selfless (1) selling a home (1) SERENITY (2) series (18) Series of Unfortunate Events (1) sexism (1) Sexy Sci-fi (1) SFR (5) SFWA (1) shades of gray (1) Shakespeare (1) shapeshifter (2) Shaun of the Dead (1) Sherlock Holmes (1) Sherrilyn Kenyon (1) Shiva (1) Shonna Wright (1) Shooting Stars series (2) short fantasy romance (5) short story (1) short valentine's day romance (2) shrouded in illusion (3) shrouded series (2) sight (1) Signs (1) silver storm (3) Simon R Green (1) singh (1) Slim Whitman (1) small press (1) small town romance (1) Smart Girls Love Sci-Fi (1) smell (1) smugglers (2) Snoo snoo (1) Snow Cheetah (2) songs (1) soulmate (1) sound (1) South America (1) space (11) space age (1) space aliens (1) space battles (1) space exploration (4) space frontier (1) Space opera (15) space pirates (1) space race (1) space shuttle disaster (1) space station (11) space travel (1) space western (1) space-time continuum (1) spaceship (4) spaceships (3) speculative (1) speculative fiction (6) Spiderman (1) St Patrick's Day (2) St Patrick's Day short story (3) staging (1) Star Catcher (3) STAR CRASH (1) Star Trek (9) Star Trek Beyond (1) Star Trek Into Darkness (2) Star Trek Voyager (1) Star Trek: Next Generation (2) Star Wars (1) Stargate (1) Starship Crew (1) Starz (1) Steam Drill Blues (1) steamfolk (1) steampunk (5) Stephanie Meyers (1) Stephen Amell (1) Steven King (1) story (1) Story Ideas (1) Stranger Than Fiction (1) stress (1) Strictly Ballroom (1) strong heroine (1) strong heroines (2) Stuff I Shouldn't Be Writing (1) success as a writer. (1) successful writing (1) summer (1) sun glasses (1) super hero (1) superhero (2) superhumans (1) superman (1) Supermassive Black Hole (1) Supernatural (1) supernatural abilities (1) superpower (1) supersoldier (1) survival (1) survivor road (1) suspense (2) Suzanne Collins (3) sweet romance (1) SWITCH (1) swords (4) symbolism (1) syn-en (5) Tahmoh Penikett (1) Tai-Chi (1) Tanith Lee (1) Tara Chevrestt (1) taste (1) Technology (1) telekinesis (1) telepathy (1) television series (2) Tengrism (1) Tennessee Waltz (5) text messaging (1) Thanksgiving (2) The Brady Bunch (1) The Cleverest of the all (1) The Doomsday Book (2) The down home alien blues (1) The Galaxy Express (1) The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (1) The Great Gatsby (1) The Hobbit (1) The Host (1) The Hunger Games (5) The Hunter Games (1) The League (1) The Legend of Jogn Henry (1) The Long Road Home (1) THE MAD SCIENTIST'S DAUGHTER (1) The Matrix (1) The Offshore Pirate (1) The Register (1) The Scarlet Letter (1) The Sci-Fi Romance Group (1) The Silver Metal Lover (1) The Sky Pirate's Wife (1) The syn-en solution (1) THE SYNCHRONICITY WAR PART 1 (1) The Tempest (1) The Treasure Hunter's Lady (3) The Turncoat's Temptress (2) The Whispers (1) The Whole Truth (1) The Z Word (4) theories (1) Theseus (1) This Time For Keeps (1) thriller (1) throwing away chapters (1) Time (2) time travel (10) Time Travel By Design (1) time travel romance (9) time-space continuum (1) time-travel (4) timewalker (2) Timewalkers (4) TNT (1) Tom Cruise (1) Tom Hardy (1) Tonya Cannariato (6) Total Recall (1) touch (1) traditional publishing (1) traditions (3) Trail of Tears (1) trans-humans (1) treasure (1) tree (2) tropes (1) TV series (2) TV shows (4) TV Tropes (1) Twilight (1) Twilight Moms (1) Twilight Zone - A World Of His Own (1) twins (1) UFOs (1) UNDER DIFFERENT STARS (1) Underworld (2) Unicorn City (1) US Space Force (1) vacation (1) Valentine's Day (6) Valerian (1) vampires (1) Vance Kotrla (1) vanilla (1) veterinarian (1) Vijaya Schartz (94) village (1) villains (2) villians (1) vintage paperbacks (1) vintage romance (1) vintage sci-fi (1) virtual reality (2) visions (1) Wachowskis (1) waning gibbous moon (1) war (1) warrior (1) weapons (1) western historical romance (1) what I'm reading (2) what to write (1) what's next (1) whipped cream (1) white fire (1) White Tiger (2) widowed father (2) Wikipedia (1) William Shatner (1) win (2) winter (1) Witness (1) Wolf-Rayet (1) Woman To Give Birth To Neanderthal Man (1) woman warrior (1) Wookie (1) WOOL (1) word count (1) work in process (1) workshop (1) world building (2) World War Z (1) world-building (1) World's End (1) wormholes (1) writers (1) writers and cats (1) writing (18) writing advice (1) writing craft (3) writing life (3) writing on deadlines (1) writing process (1) writing science fiction (1) writing scifi (1) writing series (1) writing the book (1) writing. (1) Wytchfire (1) YA books (1) year 2019 review (1) yoda (1) zombies (2) Zoolander (1)

Blog Archive

Monday, December 31, 2012

Kick-Butt heroines of Science Fiction - Vijaya Schartz

The wonderful thing about writing science fiction heroines, is that they can truly be whatever I want them to be. They don’t even need to be human. They take charge and operate beyond petty gender discriminations, wielding the power of true freedom... unless, of course, I blast an alien grenade into their sophisticated advanced society. That’s always fun to do. After all, without conflict, there would be no story.

But not all futuristic societies are advanced. Sometimes civilization goes backward, my heroine is whisked into a parallel universe (SNATCHED), alien intervention or human warfare destroys dreams of freedom. Then my heroines must restore balance to their world.

Sometimes they are hard core military by choice, like Tia in Anaz-voohri or Zania in Snatched. Sometimes I like to throw them into the fray against their will and watch them flounder and cope, as I imagine the worst possible situations to defeat them. Of course, among all these great qualities of strength and courage, they also have flaws and weaknesses. They usually perform well under pressure... until I find their breaking point. Even then, I still want to be them.

I love my kick-butt heroines. Whether they wield a sword, like in the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK SERIES, a blaster, or a bazooka, like in the ANCIENT ENEMY series, they confront their fears with courage, and after much suffering, they usually save the day... or the man they love, like in ALIEN LOCKDOWN.

Fiction reveals the writer’s soul. We usually write about what we know. Like my futuristic heroines, I’m a meditator, a fighter, a former gymnast, a skydiver, and a Martial Arts black belt (Aikido). I love Japanese swords and learned how to use them. I believe that even in future warfare, there will be a place for sharp blades. If an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) or a solar flare renders all electronics useless, say goodbye to your fancy weaponry. My heroines can still rely on a length of good steel.

No sniggering, erotica readers. The blade is meant to slay whatever soldier, tiger, or alien demon wants to ruin the day. Of course, there are sizzling love scenes in my books as well. My heroines do deserve their rewards. But I prefer to avoid dubious metaphors.

You can find all my titles in eBooks mostly everywhere in most formats. I also have a few available in print. Some are out of print and only available used. More print books are coming out soon. Find my titles on:

Here are a few titles to consider:

KICKING BOTS - Ancient Enemy Book Three

Dr. Melissa Campbell, head researcher at the San Francisco Center for Disease Control, asks an eminent colleague for help to protect her precious vaccine, one that could end the deadly alien plague. She didn't expect to get a crazy renegade like Bennett Sevastian for a bodyguard. She hates military types, and this genetically enhanced super-soldier is pure testosterone, hot-headed, quick-tempered, impulsive, impatient, and downright impossible. But these are dangerous times with riots in the streets, and rumors of alien invasion. In a breathless race against time, experience the decisive battle for humankind, one that will decide whether Earth belongs to humanity, or to a powerful alien race...

“As always, Ms. Schartz's dialogue is believable and authentic and her characters hero-worthy. I loved Melissa's smarts, compassion, and daring... a veritable thrill-ride, with some twists and turns... exciting, suspense… an unpredictable path that so engrossed me, I found it hard to put the book down. Great ending to a great series!” 4.5 lips - Two Lips Reviews
"Begins with a bang and keeps the fireworks coming. As much as Melissa and Bennett try to fight their feelings for each other, it is too strong for them to deny..." Sensual Reads - 4.5 stars - Sultry
"... Bennett. Sexy, balls to the walls Bennett. Ladies man, his own military militia and a devilish sense of humor. A sensational and fantastical alternate universe, painted and laid out for me with every wondrous word. I really enjoyed every lie and betrayal, every scary new path on their journey to get to the truth and save the world as they know it."
Book Junkie - 4 stars
"I really enjoyed this book. Even though I hadn't read the previous two... I have always been interested in the mysterious disappearance of the Anasazi and this story nicely filled in the blanks... exceptionally well written. I am definitely going to have to find the previous books and check them out as well." - The Romance Studio - 5 hearts - rated very sensual.

SNATCHED

Snatched from a post‑apocalyptic battlefield by galactic traders, Zania is sold to a clandestine ring of fighting Amazons, on a planet lush with green jungles and teeming with deadly felines. She resents the gorgeous and overzealous Viking champion, Svend, who saves her life but too easily accepts slavery. Adulated by a woman who claims to know her, hated by the jealous Amazon queen who fancies Svend, Zania seeks escape...
But Svend knows the price of rebellion, and on this seemingly peaceful planet, ruled and defended by machines, nothing is what it seems, not even Zania herself... Among the rumbles of a volcano threatening to explode, an insurrection is brewing, and no one is safe...

"...plot twists too numerous to list... Alternate Earths... Zania and Svend fight for their lives... spurned lovers... volcano... Can they find happiness when their world is coming apart?" - Candy - Sensual Reads - Sultry - 4.5 stars
"Brimming with action from the first page... ripe with hidden agendas, evil villains, toothy tigers, brave heroes, and cowardly sneaks. Oh! And do not forget, exploding volcanoes. A well-scripted adventure... thrills and chills on each new page... a diverse array of characters endowed with personality and pizzazz. Pick it up and prepare to be swept away in an escapade of intense science fiction excitement." - Laurie, Coffee Time Romance - 4 cups
"I loved this book... a great Sci-Fi Romance... action packed... mysteries and surprises everywhere... keep you wanting to continue reading to find out what happens... Even if you do not read much Sci-Fi romance, I would recommend this story... filled with characters you love and hate... will leave you satisfied in the end." - Felicia Wright - Paranormal romance Reviews

ALIEN LOCKDOWN:

the year is 3033, and deep in the bowels of the underground galactic prison, something has gone terribly wrong. Rhonda Alendresis never wanted this prison job. When the civilians vanish and an earthquake damages the nuclear reactor, she must go down to repair it with Captain Perfect himself, Cole Riggeur, who always plays by the rules and never trusted a woman in his life. But deep in the underground penitentiary, the most wicked convicts in the Galaxy are loose, and a treacherous shape-shifter plans his revenge. Disconnected from the Garrison, against impossible odds, Cole and Rhonda now face their greatest challenge... trusting each other in order to survive.

REVIEWS:
"The action reminded me of an INDIANA JONES movie and the romance was equally intense." --Paranormal Romance Reviews

"...the fantastic anticipation only a ticking bomb can generate, I was enthralled from page one" --Lynn Lowe - Ecataromance

"...suspenseful, gripping saga of survival, betrayal, and hope...the resourcefulness and courage that occurs when a person refuses to admit defeat and die." --Dena - Fallen Angel Reviews - 5 angels

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
Friday, December 28, 2012

Science Fiction Romance in 2013


It appears Apocalypse 2012 was scuttled, so it's back to what really matters...sci-fi romance in film in the coming year. Must say I'm a bit relieved...after all, we're talking Henry Cavill here. Henry and one of my favorite writers, Christopher Nolan.

Which brings me to a keenly anticipated movie in 2013: Man of Steel




I could stop there, but I suppose there are other films coming out in the SFR genre worth mentioning. 

Another title is Star Trek Into Darkness. It has Zachary Quinto (who's best role was on 24 being annoyed by the beloved Chloe).



Star Trek Into Darkness also has Benedict Cumbersnatch and will be worth watching just to see an actor with that name. Plus 'love will be tested', so there's that.




Another SFR film coming in 2013 is Oblivion, starring a post-Katie Tom Cruise.




The pitch promises 'romance, adventure, and uninmaginable danger'.

These are just a few SFR films heading our way like an apocalypse comet in the new year. For a longer list, visit Movieweb.com.


Wednesday, December 26, 2012

We've survived


Congratulations on surviving 2012 - the Year of the Mayan and Zombie Apocalypses.

Here's to a great 2013.






Friday, December 21, 2012

NEW PAPERBACK RELEASE - RED LEOPARD - Vijaya Schartz

Find my titles on:

In charge of the fortress of Kassouk in the King's absence, what is Terek to do when a Goddian spacecraft lands in his medieval backyard, and the striking woman leading the galactic party insists on colonization?

Galya, the Goddian Princess commanding the geological vessel, is bent on finding a crystal with unusual hyper-conductor properties. And the futile resistance of the local population isn’t going to stop her. Not even that defiant tribal chief nicknamed Red Leopard, like the infernal feline that follows him everywhere.

Terek and his band of swordsmen and felines must defend their people’s freedom, no matter the cost. But with this unexpected arrival, an old prophecy surfaces, taking new meaning and carrying a new threat... When political intrigues, greed, murder and betrayal tip the scales, whom can Galya really trust? Her fellow Goddians? the Mutants bred to serve her race? or her primitive Human enemy?
"action packed, fast paced story... I can't wait to read the next book in the
Chronicles of Kassouk series." 5 angels - Fallen Angel Reviews


"This book was so good. The plot, characters, setting, everything was laid out in detail; vivid and believable. I was completely lost in the world Vijaya created and loving every second of it."
- 5 stars - Shawna K. - Goodreads.com
"Packed with action and adventure. Galya ... a tough warrior... a sweetness about her that makes her easy to like... I loved how Rascal was Terek's faithful companion and defender throughout nearly the entire story... I really liked Red Leopard."
- The Hope Chest Reviews
Although this futuristic romance novel was already available in eBook in all formats, it just came out this month in paperback. I'm so glad those of you who prefer to hold a book in your hands can now enjoy this award-winning series. THE CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK started with WHITE TIGER, and RED LEOPARD is Book Two.

Book Three, BLACK JAGUAR is scheduled for paperback release in February, and the other titles will follow shortly a few months apart.

Noah's Ark, which is a prequel, the beginning, was published last in eBook and will also be last to come out in print. Each story can be read separately, but if you are like me and you like to read a series in the right order, here is how it stands right now:

NOAH'S ARK - The beginning
WHITE TIGER - Book One
RED LEOPARD - Book Two
BLACK JAGUAR - Book Three
BLUE LIONESS - Book Four
Find my titles on:


Happy Reading

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
Wednesday, December 19, 2012

TASTE THE DREAM

The other morning I woke up from the most vivid dream. Usually I tell myself I'll remember this dream or this dream would make a great story, but of course, with few exceptions within minutes of waking the dream has faded or I realize that what made perfect sense in the dream world is totally incomprehensible in real life.

I dream in color. There's sight, sound, sensation and sometimes even smell, but I don't recall ever having a dream that included  taste - up until this one. I woke from this dream with the taste of apples, vanilla, cinnamon and whipped cream on my tongue.

My sweet preference is chocolate, the darker the better. I'm not a big fan of pancakes, waffles or pies, but in this dream I was eating a dessert that seemed to combine all three. The dessert wasn't beautiful to my eyes, just a layered concoction of apple pie filling, pie crust, waffles, crepes and whipping cream, but with each bite flavor burst on my tongue, rich and delicious. I never wanted to stop eating it. The tastes lingered on my tongue long after I woke.

As writers we're told to use the five senses in our writing - sight, sound, taste, touch and smell. This is great advice. Using the five senses helps the reader connect with the characters and the story. In romance this is especially important to help create deep point of view. While sight, sound, touch and smell is used in books, I rarely read taste. And sometimes when it's used in love scenes I find myself giggling. Her breasts tasted like honey. Can breasts taste like honey or nipples like cherries? I won't even go into what other parts of the body taste like.

With the approaching Holiday we're often overwhelmed with tasks and overlook the wonderful sights and sounds, smells and tastes of the season. During this busy time be sure to pause and enjoy these experiences. Don't wait to dream them.

To help you get into the spirit I'm offering a FREE download from Smashwords of my short story THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE.

While waiting to purchase another house for her Christmas Village collection Sara falls and hits her head. Transported to a fantasy world she falls in love with a man in her dream. Is she willing to give up real life to be with him? Or should she trust that he'll be there when she wakes up?

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/238736
Use Coupon Code: BC46H
Expires: 12-31-12


 Here are a few paragraphs from THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE where I've used the sense of smell to set the scene and draw the reader in.


A few minutes later he returned carrying a tray. Placing it on the bedside table he sat down next to her. The firm mattress sank only a bit with his weight, but the motion vibrated throughout Sara.

Fragrant steam rose from a rich beef stew. Warm, crusty bread slathered with golden butter made her stomach quench. But it was the masculine scents of leather and fresh air clinging to King Dravid and the look of desire in his eyes that made her mouth water.

He tore off a piece of bread and lifted it to her lips. Melted butter dripped over his fingers. Sara opened her mouth and caught the liquid bead running down the back of his hand with her tongue.

Wishing everyone a VERY MERRY (and tasty) CHRISTMAS and a SAFE & HAPPY NEW YEAR!



Sunday, December 16, 2012

The Holidays - Frantic or Fun?

I've decided this year and the following years to come to have fun for the holidays. It's a choice I am going to make. For many years I've put too much pressure on myself to make sure of having that perfect meal, perfect gift, perfect holiday outing. But with age comes wisdom, lol, and I've learned that life is never perfect. So I give myself permission to have a messy, unpredictable holiday season. No exceptions. Period.

I hope everyone has a beautiful, loving holiday season and if you feel like winning a prize or two, drop by my blog. I've joined over 200 blogs for the the Holiday Gifts of Love Blog Hop. I'm giving away a $10 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble, winners choice, while there are three grand prizes for the hop.

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
2nd Grand Prize: A $200 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
3rd Grand Prize: A Swag Pack that contains paperbacks, ebooks, 50+ bookmarks, cover flats, magnets, pens, coffee cozies, and more
Friday, December 14, 2012

Christmases Yet to Come


Given that this the holiday season, I thought I'd give my imagination free rein to conjure up images of Christmases yet to be.

Smart houses of the future will have a pocket in the eaves with fiberoptic lights which emerge only when the homeowners decide. Said lights can be programmed to your specific color scheme and can change according to the holiday. The luxury upgrade will mimic shapes like candy canes and icicles. They will, of course, blink according to the music of choice.

No longer will folks have to wade through dusty attics and musty basements to unearth all those lovely yard ornaments. The house of the future will have holographic lights (and possibly plants to reduce maintenance) that can display your Santas and Frostys in 3 pixelated dimensions. Given enough money, some folks can have the holograms in motion, perhaps even depicting Joseph and Mary's trials in finding a place to stay for the night.

The house of the future will be able to provide white Christmases all around as solar panels power snow machines using shower and washing machine water. Icicle makers will be extra and programmable into shapes and lit with fiberoptics.

Inside, I image future inventors will borrow from Dr. Seuss and have a Christmas tree like an umbrella that you can unfurl and set up in the location of your choosing. More expensive models will be synthesized from your household waste. You can of course pick color schemes and ornaments, and hey, why not make it a family affair and have everyone pick their favorite doo-dads. Those in too much of a hurry can select from the latest designer models.

Holographic stockings will hang by equally pixelated fireplaces and tiny cubes will provide holographic nick-knacks of creches, santas, reindeer and anything else that suits your fancy.

As for meals, just program in your old-fashion dinner just like mom used to make (when mom had an oven) and all your favorites will appear sans lumpy gravy, burnt rolls or cold corn.

Happy Holidays! 
Linda
Wednesday, December 12, 2012

MEMORY OR LACK THERE OF

Before I get into my post, I wanted you to see my new cover for my latest release.  As I write this on November 28, the book isn't out yet, but I hope it to be by the time this blog is posted.  Thanks for your consideration.

I have to apologize to my blog mates.  I thought I'd written and posted my blog for the 21st of Novmeber.  Was I surprised today when I checked for it and didn't find it.

So I thought I'd write this blog on my fading memory.  It's not like I have Alzheimers or anything like that.  I'm just forgetful.  I leave myself notes, mark it on calendars, make lists and I still forget to do things, like write and post a blog.

I attribute this so our busy life styles.  There is just so much more to remember now.  We have to multi, multi, multi task just to keep up.  There is little time for recharging and if, like me, you have insomnia, there is even less time to recharge.  Now you might think that because I have insomnia I'd get more done, and to some extent that is true.  I get more writing done on my books, but other things fall by the wayside more often than not.  Insomnia gives me a lack of concentration.

Have any of you seen UP?  In the movie there is a talking dog who gets distracted by every squirrel he sees.  He'll be talking and suddenly, "squirrel".  Thats the way I feel.  I'm going along, doing my thing and "squirrel" something else takes my attention away.

None of this is really an excuse as to why I forgot the blog.  It just is what it is.  How many of you are suffering from the too much to remember disease?  I'd really like to know that I'm not alone.
Monday, December 10, 2012

THE HOLIDAYS IN SPACE - by Vijaya Schartz

I always felt as if I came to this world from the future... with a short detour through medieval times, to be revisited later. So now that I'm back writing about the future, let me describe for you what the holidays look like on a space station.

I'm not talking about our puny International Space Station with its handful of astronauts and cosmonauts dining on shiny packages of pureed food. Imagine a giant five mile wheel spinning in space, creating its own artificial gravity, sheltering several thousand people... an honest to goodness, fully operating space station. It has deflector shields, titanium bulkheads, docking bays for spaceships of all sizes and shapes, duty free shops displaying goods from the far reaches of the universe. Many visitors pass through, as this space station is a major stop on the space routes. Besides its civilian population, it has military personel and well trained security forces. Get the picture?

The holidays have expanded to include many cultures around the universe, who celebrate the winter solstice, the return of longer and warmer days after the cold season. Think big. All religious traditions like to celebrate on such auspicious dates... although establishing corresponding dates in space might require complicated algorhythms. That's where computers are helpful.

The festivities would last at least a week and would include foods and drinks from alien worlds, some populated or colonized by Humans, and others by other races. There would be religious celebrations in temples and churches. The Christmas carols might sound different on an alien musical instrument.

I'm so excited to be writing science fiction romance again. For most of the year I took a break from science fiction to publish the first four novels in my medieval romantic fantasy series, The Curse of the Lost Isle. Now, I get to set my next story on a space station where I'll live it for a while. I love the smell of metal grease on the bolts of the docks, the clanks of expanding and retracting metal under the temperature changes.

If I made you nostalgic for a space station, visit the novellas of the BOREALIS series. Mine is titled BLACK DRAGON, and I'm plotting another to be released from Desert Breeze next year.

In the meantime, you can find all my eBooks in all formats and paperbacks at the regular online stores. Here are the links:

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick


Friday, December 7, 2012

Science Fiction Romance Fashion Tips


When it comes to Science-Fiction Romance fashion, why does it often seem metallic and a little gray and gloomy? 

Or weird and kooky?






Why can't Science-Fiction romance be softer? Prettier? And well, pinker?


It can for one lucky winner. I'm featuring a contest on my personal blog where the grand prize is a Juicy Couture pink velour tracksuit, which was featured in my Science-Fiction Romance series Apocalypse Babes

After all, handling the aliens, zombies, conspiracies, and romantic angst that come with SFR, one needs the extra comfort and indulgence that comes with designer velour. It's as important as a light saber, people. 

So imagine yourself curling up with one of the SFR books featured by the great authors of this blog, wearing the comfy and fashionable and PINK tracksuit.

Cause you'd make SFR look even better.




Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Decorating - A Family Affair

My husband loves to decorate the inside of the house for Christmas.  He refuses to decorate the outside. We have a very simple outside a few garlands, a wreath and my Moravian Star. But inside the house, he is a decorating fiend. 

This year, he added a second 7-foot tree to the festivities.  We've always put the tree up in our dining room in front of a wall of windows at the front of the house.  But we don't spend a lot of time in that room so we never enjoy the tree.

While I was skeptical at first, I am enjoying having a tree in our living room now.  And those figurines in front of the fireplace are musical.  My kids spend a lot of time playing them, usually all at the same time. I run and hide from the noise, it's better for everyone's piece of mind.

I love ornaments, obviously since I have enough to decorate 2 trees, but I really love the flight and space decorations.  My Sky's the Limit Hallmark series planes made it onto both trees. However, my Journeys into Space series are still in boxes packed away. In particular I miss the Man on the Moon and the Rocket.  But they are light and sound ornaments and with the new pre-lit trees, my husband won't let me plug them in.  One of these years, I'm going to buy a string of lights just for my space ornaments and have them in my office.  

What's your favorite Christmas Decorations?  Are you an inside or outside decorator?
Monday, December 3, 2012

A Christmas Miracle?

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Since they're upon us, I hope no one is stressing over their writing and holiday shopping. Visiting family can sure pull you away from a manuscript faster than a house fire. And congratulations to everyone who did NaNoWriMo this year, whether you finished or not. Any progress is good progress.

I've been busy accidentally deleting almost finished manuscripts and rewriting them. Eep. It was supposed to have been the fourth book in my Legends & Lovers series, due out next fall. It also felt like a colossal failure. I fought for every word in that novel and hated most of them. I'm not sure if it was a subliminal deletion or a genuine accident. The recovery of my flash drive didn't work.

But it means that I had to start over. When I told most of my friends about the loss, they all looked on in horror. "Wow, how are you not freaking out?" they asked.

I'm not sure. I was just so mad at the characters for being lame and the plot of being so weak and far-fetched (yes, even for a fantasy novel), it was almost a relief to have lost it. I'd been considering changing the hero's occupation and parts of the plot. Now, with a blank document, there was my chance.

I started over at the beginning of November, even though I said I wasn't participating in NaNo. I try to write 2,000 words at a time when I sit down to do it, but I didn't want the pressure of trying to do that every day. Sometime working at my own pace is better. I did take comfort in the NaNo guest authors. They reassure me and remind me that I'm not the only writer who struggles. That's always good to know.

I've currently only managed about 30,000 words. But the fresh start and the second chance are like a breath of fresh air. And I won't be as ashamed to show this one to my critique partners.

So, have you ever lost an manuscript and how did you handle it?

Who We Are

This tells about us.

Followers