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

Blog Archive

Monday, December 18, 2017

It takes a computer to really mess things up - by Vijaya Schartz

 We rely on technology so much these days, that the simplest hick-ups can ruin a perfectly good day... or week... and even a life. As a science fiction writer (among other genres) I love futuristic technology, but it sometimes gives me nightmares.

I remember  a long time ago someone saying "If cars were as unreliable as computers, no one would drive." Well, now computers drive our cars as well. Last summer, a Tesla on autopilot ran full speed into a semi, killing the non-driver. As much as we would like to think technology is perfect, it isn't. And Uber is implementing driverless cars!

We have learned to accept these glitches as growing pains. And like everyone else, I did, gracefully... until a few days ago, when Firefox updated their browser.... and my personal nightmare started.

"Faster and more powerful" said the update. All of a sudden, my passwords were not recognized... most of them anyway. I am still locked out of my main email account with Cox.... and cut out from my business mail. I can't access my account at Amazon. Facebook still works, and so does my online banking, but I am scared to even try to access many of my regular writers and readers sites, for fear of the nightmare.

I tried to contact Cox, of course, but their automatic phone butler keeps you listening to music for hours and never lets you speak to an operator.

"Just reset your password," says one site... but in order to do so, they must accept my old password, which they don't. Then they say they'll send you an email to confirm and you will have to acknowledge the change by clicking the link they emailed you, before you can log in again.... but I can't access my email! Grrrrr.

Although usually comfortable navigating cyberspace, I suddenly feel inadequate. Am I getting old? Am I wrong to expect updates not to mess up my carefully organized life? Or is there something more sinister going on?

Maybe there is a story in here... every life experience can be fodder for popular fiction, right? Imagine a world where glitchy computers make life and death decisions... Or is it already happening, and we are not aware of it?

There is a big difference between technology and progress. Although we are making great leaps in technology, progress lags behind, since progress is the evolution of the human mind and the human condition. I think mutual respect, quality of work and life, and caring customer service are part of progress, but these seem to be sorely lacking in today's society.

Sorry for venting here, but I was wondering if you had similar experiences with glitchy technology.


  Vijaya Schartz
  Action, Romance, Mayhem
  http://www.vijayaschartz.com
  Amazon - Barnes & NobleSmashwords -
Facebook
Tuesday, October 24, 2017

WRITING ANGELS AS ALIENS, FANTASY OR SCIENCE FICTION? by Vijaya Schartz

It's not always easy for a writer to figure out where what they write fits in the cookie cutter categories imposed by booksellers and promoters. Unfortunately, if the book doesn't fit perfectly anywhere, it might be featured on the wrong sites and blogs, displayed on the wrong shelf where it will not sell, or be ignored completely.

White Tiger is an award-winning Science Fiction/Fantasy romance
featuring a medieval type of society on another planet
along with technologically advanced aliens
 FREE in eBook everywhere
 This is especially true for writers like me, who like to mix genres. Since I'm rarely satisfied with one straight genre as a reader, the same is true when I write. My next book blends Science Fiction (set in space, other planets, and a space station) with Fantasy (immortal angels with amazing powers, telepathic felines) and Romance (the love story at the crux of the book). I also like to write strong heroines, evil villains, a lot of action, and I enjoy portraying the fight between good and evil... where the margins are often blurred.

The Ancient Enemy series features the "Worst villain in Science Fiction... Captain Kavak" The heroines carry guns, like many of my heroines. They are the key to saving the human race. And romance is their reward.
So, where does my story fit? It's not literary since I write to entertain. It's not mainstream since Science Fiction and Fantasy are small niche markets. So, what is it?

One thing I have going for me is my voice. Whether I write medieval romance, fantasy, action adventure, or science fiction, the professional reviewers recognize my unique style... and they usually like my brand of fiction.  "Phenomenal world building, characters the readers care about, and an intriguing mystery... all the elements one expects from a Vijaya Schartz story! Easily recommended!" CK2sKwipsandKritique.
Ashes for the Elephant God is a unique brand of reincarnation romance
set in India. This award-winning book doesn't fit any category.
Originality and quality are good, I guess, but it takes longer for readers to discover your particular brand when it is spread over several genres. And not all are willing to cross genre from medieval to science fiction to contemporary romance.

The solution? Write for the market? I would never do that. I am proud to write the books of my heart, and I will continue writing them. I may not have as many readers as other popular authors, but my readers are fiercely loyal. They love my stories, and I love them, too. Fortunately, my publishers stick with me because they like my books as well.

My latest series, just completed this year, is Fantasy (based on authentic legends) and medieval, as well as romance.
So expect more romance, action, adventure, science fiction, fantasy, or historical stories, with exotic settings, strong heroines and despicable villains, where the fight between good and evil is front and center.

Happy Reading!

Vijaya Schartz
Action, Romance, Mayhem
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble Smashwords 

Facebook
Monday, September 25, 2017

Sci-fi action adventure romance... not horror! by Vijaya Schartz

Find all my BWL titles at your favorite online retailer here

Let's face it, many books and movies nowadays focus on the scary, the morbid, the deadly, the darkness in people's souls. Some are masterfully written (thank you Mr. Stephen King) and that's well and good for those who relish the genre. Personally, it gives me nightmares. When a hopeless group of people is doomed to certain death by an unknown and unstoppable evil, watching them die one at a time in utter paralyzing fear, panic and dismembering bloodshed is not fun to me. Horror focuses on creating fear... a negative emotion that releases toxic chemicals in the human body.

You can find General KAVAK, "the worst villain in sci-fi history" in the Ancient Enemy series


In my novels, I prefer to focus on hope, and the courage of the brave heroes and heroines who overcome their fears to fight the battle of good vs. evil. Although reviewers said I write "The worst (meaning best) villains in sci-fi history," I do not need a large body count to demonstrate they are bad guys. Usually, one death by elephant, one human sacrifice, or one severed head rolling on the sand is enough to make my point... there are bad people out there, and demons, and things that go bump in the night. But in my books, for every demon there is a loving immortal, a determined human, or a half-angel willing to risk their very life to fight it.


The Archangel twin books, a tale of redemption in the battle of Good vs. Evil
In the world of medieval fantasy romance, I've been accused of writing bloody battle scenes, because I do not sugarcoat the middle ages. As a writer, I want to reflect the truth of the historical period according to my extensive research. In the horror genre, however, I would be considered an innocent babe. My goal is to write an uplifting story with flawed but worthy characters who constantly overcome their fears and limitations to save others.
The Curse of the Lost Isle series depicts the Middle Ages in a realistic way

Call me a boy scout if you like. I just like the good guys to win and redeem themselves in the process. I like action, adventure, and romance in my books, those I read and those I write. I've been accused of mixing genres, and I'm proud of it. So sue me. I live for the thrill of a good story, with heroic heroes and villainous villains, plenty of action and adventure, and a dash of romance.

Vijaya Schartz, author
Romance with a Kick
Monday, August 28, 2017

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets - by Vijaya Schartz


A phantasmagorie of epic proportions. A thousand worlds anchored into one single city floating in space. Virtual worlds to be sure, but worlds nevertheless, where people thrive and tourism brings millions of humans and alien species. I love the graphics, and the many worlds Luc Besson brought to life.


Impressive photography, I loved all the alien races represented and the many worlds, with their different civilizations. There, a tourist can travel through the universe without leaving the safety of the city in space. A very lucrative business, to be sure.


Of course, all repairs and maintenance are performed by robots... including security, by a cylon-like race of faceless military giants.


The heroes are young and fearless, kind and selfless.


Some aliens are peaceful and idealistic.


They have cute pets that can reproduce whatever you feed them... including priceless energy pearls... which they use to create their own virtual world.


 But that world is threatened by greedy humans, bent on owning the adorable pets for the sake of controlling energy sources.


I loved that famous actors and personalities play secondary roles... including Rihana, who portrays an alien shapeshifter who helps the heroes along the way.



And of course, there are the alien races. Here are a few examples:





And the various habitats of the thousand planets, and the technology, the spacecraft...

All in all, the movie, like Avatar, is an experience you do not want to miss. As for the story and the characters, unlike in Avatar, I found them too simple, and the characters too young and lacking a back story, not deep enough to be interesting. 

Still, if you like science fiction, you will want to see it.
And if you read it, don't miss my own sci-fi novels.


Vijaya Schartz
  Action, Romance, Mayhem
  http://www.vijayaschartz.com
  Amazon - Barnes & Noble Smashwords -
Facebook
Monday, July 31, 2017

Moving is such a hassle... by Vijaya Schartz

My cat Jasmine was very upset when she saw all the books disappearing from the shelves, and many of the small furniture, wall pictures and mirrors vanish from what had been her home for the past three years. And what was that strange contraption on the patio? It looked like a cage!

I only moved a mile and a half away, and I had a month to make the move, so I took my time carrying out the small stuff myself. Never would I have guessed I had accumulated so many things in the short three years I lived there.
So upset was Jasmine by the time the movers came, she hid in the cupboard under the bathroom sink for the entire duration.

Finally, at the end of the major moving day, I went to pick up Jasmine. The poor thing didn't want to come out from under the sink. After much coaxing, she finally stepped out, only to bolt back to her hiding place when she realized the entire apartment was now empty.
After much effort, that included crawling under the bathroom sink, I retrieved my reluctant little kitty (not so little, as she is a well fed cat) and managed to get her into the carrier under violent protests.
The short drive to the new place was punctuated by much complaining from Jasmine, in the carrier belted onto the passenger seat. She never liked riding in a car and let me know it loud and clear.
 
Finally, I took her out of the car and carried her upstairs. When I opened the carrier, she immediately stepped out then looked around. Realizing all her favorite things were here, she started purring and exploring, with her tail up, like a happy cat. My new residence, another small apartment, was now packed with boxes and piles of books.
The furniture, bought to fit the previous place, did not fit as well in the new rooms. Although of similar size, the different dimensions and proportions of the rooms did not allow for the same setup.  I had to try several configurations, as the one I had originally intended did not look good once in place. But Jasmine had already found her favorite spots. She loves windows and here there are tall trees, and birds in them. Free TV for cats!


The worst part for me was to live without internet service or TV for over a week. But after all these details were resolved, Jasmine and I are ready to enjoy our new place. Here she is, at home at last, enjoying the recliner, like any spoiled cat must.
As for me, I'll soon be back to writing, once I catch up with all my emails and social media obligations... and up to date with all my changes of address. Moving is definitely a major event, no matter that it was only a mile and a half away.
Keep up with my books on my website:
 Vijaya Schartz
 Action, Romance, Mayhem
 http://www.vijayaschartz.com
 Amazon - Barnes & Noble Smashwords -
Facebook -
Wednesday, June 21, 2017

More than a Story: The Influences of an Author

More than a Story: The Influences of an Author
By S.E. Smith

One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish a dictatorship... George Orwell (1903-1950)

This quote is powerful, not just for the words, but for the power behind the meaning it contains. I was originally going to write a different post, one about the strength of having strong characters, but a brief conversation about history quickly changed my focus. Who and what we are is made up of our individual experiences. Even a brief moment can change the direction of our thoughts and in some way our lives. This is why it is important to be a reflective person, one who stops and thinks about the information they are receiving, researches more, and still remains the skeptic, for those that are skeptical are less likely to be influenced by those that have their own agenda.

Authors throughout history have had a powerful influence on the world as a whole. These are the individuals who can capture the stories, the emotions, and the impact of the events that they experience and document them in a way others can understand - whether it be at the present time or in the future. For many authors, they were/are criticized for speaking out about the behavior of those they met or the treatment of other people. 

A personal story that reflects human behavior:

My husband shared this simple story about an account during his younger years. When he was in his late teens he worked for a large company that was developing land that would later become Port St. Lucie. One incident still remains a pertinent reminder of the class division that we are facing almost 45 years later. He and several other of his coworkers were working on installations. They wore uniforms, so they were nicely dressed, but the nature of the job meant that they would get dusty and somewhat dirty. Near their job site was a restaurant that catered to the public. Over the course of a few weeks, they would stop there for lunch until one specific day that still resonates in my husband's mind.

That day came when he and the others were eating and he noticed a table with four men staring at them. One man in particular glared with such distaste, such animosity, that it was impossible to ignore. Those men, and that one in particular, looked down at my husband and the hardworking men he was with as being below them, someone of less worth, less value, thus unworthy of being in that public restaurant having a meal. 

The next day, my husband's boss told him and the others that they were not allowed to eat at the restaurant again because someone had called to complain. In that moment, my husband whom I hadn't met at the time, faced discrimination. 

These stories and others should be shared and should be used as a lesson as to how easy it is to discriminate against another. What disturbed me the most about this story was that one man could have so much influence, while four others stood back and let it happen. This is what happens when people refuse to stand up. This is what happens when people refuse to reflect on what one person’s behavior can do to society. This event happened well over forty years ago, but it still has an impact on the life it touched and the lives my husband shared this story with. As an author, it is my responsibility, my duty to write down these stories to preserve them in the hopes that others will read it, get mad, take a stand, and put themselves in the other person's position - for if you won't stand up for someone else, there will come a time when there is no one to stand up for you.

S.E. Smith is a New York Times/USA TODAY Bestselling Author who encourages readers to reach for the stars and embrace the action, adventure, family, friendship, and true love that is found in the worlds she creates. http://sesmithfl.com






Tuesday, May 23, 2017

SFR - Readers Who Never Knew Science Fiction Romance Could Be So Good!

SFR - Readers Who Never Knew Science Fiction Romance Could Be So Good!
By S.E. Smith

I remember when I received the email asking me to contact a New York Literary Agent like it was yesterday. I was surprised and confused how he could have found me. A phone call clarified it - I had made the USA TODAY Bestseller's List with Hunter's Claim: The Alliance Book 1. 


I later made the New York Times for Twin Dragons: Dragon Lords of Valdier Book 7 and for Dagger's Hope: The Alliance Book 3, as well as, the USA TODAY list more than a dozen times thanks to readers who are loving SFR. What was surprising is I was making the lists in a genre that Traditional Publishers still refuse to recognize! Both publishers and advertising venues like to group SFR in with PNR (Paranormal Romance). Science Fiction Romance authors like myself like to argue that our stories aren't Paranormal, even if the stories contain elements of PNR in it. It is modern SFR. I think one of the sweetest posts I received was from another SFR author who was ecstatic that I had not only made the list with a SFR book, but I did it without having to discount the book price. 

Why am I sharing this amazing story with you? Well, there is a very good reason - Science Fiction Romance if you have never read it or read it years ago is nothing like it used to be. My stories are filled with action, adventure, suspense, humor, and romance. Yes, you get to laugh your head off when the alien is standing there scratching his head and wondering what the heck is going on! The heroines are not the ones being saved, but doing a fair amount of saving themselves. The stories are about finding love in the stars and trying to make it work. It is about friendships, losses, and dealing with families that are like ours, but different. How would you react if your child turned out to be a Dragonling, a tiger cub, or could harness the energy around her? 

SFR is about finding love in a vast universe where we are not alone. Sometimes it is a scary place, sometimes a fun and adventurous one. From first contact to standing up and facing an alien civil war because you believe in the people who are looking to you to help save their worlds, romance among the stars had evolved to a whole new level. Readers who have never read SFR or said they never liked it are now telling me they can't get enough OF it! So, if you haven't picked up a great SFR, you might want to give it a try again. 

For some free SFR to get you started, check out: http://sesmithfl.com/free-books-reads/


S.E. Smith is a New York Times, USA TODAY, International, and Award-Winning Bestselling author of science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.

Readers can check out her website at http://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5.

Highlights:
New York Times Bestselling Author
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
Amazon International Bestselling Author
2016 The Wishing Shelf Book Award Gold Winner and Finalist for YA
2016 Library Journal Best Book - Top 5 Pick
2014 & 2015 RomCon Reader Crown Award Winner
Indie Reader Top 5 Author - Pets in Space Anthology
2014 International TKH Science Fiction Writer of the Year Award Winner
2014 SFR Galaxy Award Winner Best New SFR Series



Monday, April 10, 2017

Seen the movie MILLENNIUM - by Vijaya Schartz

Made in 1989, from an award-winning short story, Millennium features Cheryl Ladd and Kris Kristofferson. 


In this movie, time travelers from a bleak future (one millennium ahead) have lost their reproductive abilities. They go back through time, to abduct passengers of planes about to crash, and replace them by lookalikes, in hopes to restart the Human race.
 The oldest humans alive in the future are kept in tanks with skin grafts and tubes keeping them alive.
 
The hero (Kris Kristofferson) is the crash investigator, baffled by some of the details found in the black box recordings, and by some devices found in the wreckage.
 The heroine (Cheryl Ladd)  is a time traveler observing the investigation. When errors are made, and futuristic devices are left behind, endangering the timeline, the heroine must manipulate the investigator any which way she can, even sexually... which makes for a funny dialogue, as she is inexperienced and unaware of the dating customs of the time.


Watching her eat an apple is priceless. Useless to say they fall in love... which complicates matters... a lot.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, including the ending, but although it was optimistic, it deprived the viewer of what kind of future they would have together. I would have liked a glimpse of their happily ever after... just to satisfy the romance reader in me.

Vijaya Schartz, author
Romance with a Kick
Monday, March 13, 2017

FEARLESS HEROINES - by Vijaya Schartz



At one time in my writing career, I looked at the covers of my books and realized on each of them was a young woman with a gun. So I decided I was writing girls with guns, then girls with swords and blasters. Now, as I write in different genres, including medieval fantasy, it's Romance with a Kick.

When we say fearless, we are not talking about the absence of fear. Everyone has fears, it's ingrained in our DNA. Fear protects us from doing dangerous things. Those who have no fear at all die young. When fear threatens to overcome you, the trick consists in finding peace and clarity of mind, despite overwhelming or dangerous circumstances, and overcome fear in order to do what needs to be done.


 

I remember being about twelve, doing handstands in our small apartment, late at night. On the way down, my bare foot hit a heavy ceramic bowl, which broke, and a large shard gouged a hole in the top of my foot. Blood everywhere... for the first time in my life I saw my mother paralyzed by fear, babbling, unable to function. She could hardly breathe, she was so upset she couldn't think clearly. We had no phone, there was no 911 then. We had no car, it was a small town in France.

So, I remembered my martial arts teacher saying "Stay calm. Think. What needs to be done? Do it." So I did. I told my mother to get out of the room. I took a few slow breaths, then calmly asked my sister to get the first aid kit. I cleansed the wound with alcohol and bandaged the foot tightly to stop the flow of blood. Then I cleaned the blood in the living room. The next morning, I walked to the doctor's office and the doctor stitched me up. I carried a big scar on my foot for decades.

 Of course, some of us are thrill seekers. Conquering fear has become a hobby of mine: jumping free fall out of perfectly good planes, braving the river wild, fighting opponents three times my size just to see if I can do it. I have to mention I stand barely 5 feet and a hundred and five pounds (on a good day) and was always picked by my various martial arts teachers for the time honored David and Goliath demonstration.

Skill, speed, balance, training, coordination, foreknowledge of the enemy, endurance, will power, clarity of mind, these are the elements of victory over fear. These are what drives a champion to the Olympic gold, what makes a fictional character worthy, what makes a soldier lethal. Although, in a soldier's case, there is something to be said for a good exoskeleton... especially on alien planets where gravity can play tricks on your balance.

MY TECHNIQUE TO BECOME FEARLESS IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS:

1 - Take a few slow breaths, calm your mind, slow your heart, stop and focus
2 - What needs to be done?
3 - What's the most effective way to do it?
4 - Got it? Now, Just do it.

You may be tempted to think of the worst that can happen. Forget the consequences. Get over it. Do what needs to be done. Whether or not you become a hero, you'll have the satisfaction of having done the right thing.

It's that simple. I said simple, I never said it would be easy. Good luck.


  Vijaya Schartz
  Romance with a Kick

  http://www.vijayaschartz.com
  Amazon - Barnes & Noble Smashwords -
Facebook -
Monday, January 16, 2017

Back to Science Fiction... sort of... by Vijaya Schartz

Although I'm itching to write science fiction again, after a long series of medieval fantasy romance, I find it difficult to leave the wonderful world of immortals with strange powers. So, I decided to write a science fiction romance series involving a planet where the inhabitants have angelic abilities.

I call the series: AZURA-5 ANGEL PLANET. Book One will be ANGEL MINE, and it involves a kick-butt female bounty hunter and an angelic alien. I only wrote the first chapter, and I love them already and can't wait to develop their story. I even have these characters in mind. Yes, the big cat is also a character. What do you think? I hope the cover designer for my publisher chooses to use the pictures I selected, or something similar.



Here is the blurb (so far).

What in the frozen hells of Laxxar prompted Fianna to pursue her quarry to this forbidden blue planet? Well, she needs the credits... badly. But as if crashing in the jungle wasn't bad enough, none of her high-tech weapons work. She'll have to go native, after the most wanted felon in five galaxies. It's not just her job. It's personal.

Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement...

Fianna's hunter instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.

The book will probably come out in the summer of 2017. In the meantime, you can read my other science fiction romances in ebook or print from these distributors. 

HAPPY READING!

  Vijaya Schartz
  Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
  http://www.vijayaschartz.com
  Amazon - Barnes & Noble -
Facebook -

Who We Are

This tells about us.

Followers