Wednesday, September 10, 2014
FIRST KISS
From the moment we're conceived our lives are a series of
firsts. Most of these firsts pass without notice or are quickly forgotten. Who
among us remembers their first word, their first step, their first piece of
chocolate? Well, maybe the chocolate.
But certain firsts are etched into our memory like words
chiseled in to granite. Our first love. Our first heartbreak. And most
memorable our first kiss. Time and circumstance may cause them to fade, but the
impression remains.
Though I've seen animals rubbing their faces and snouts
together, to me, kissing, the pressing together of lips, seems a very human activity,
an intimate connection. The touching of lip to lip or lip to skin is more than
a physical action; it expresses a gamut of emotions. Friends kiss in affection.
Parent's kiss away a child's pain with love and compassion. Lovers kiss in
passion.
While it's said a person's eyes are the window to their soul,
our lips are the gatekeepers that expose our souls to the world. With our lips
we speak and sing, smile and laugh, scowl and yell. And kiss.
Every little girl wonders and dreams about falling in love,
about her first kiss. Who will he be?
The boy next door? A friend of a friend? A stranger? Where will they meet? How will she know he's
the one? The questions, excitement and fear are endless, causing sleepless
nights, and long involved discussions with her closest friends about who he
might be and what it'll be like. Inevitably the subject turns to kissing. They
talk and giggle about the mechanics of kissing, practicing the art on the backs
of their hands and occasionally a mirror. A few bolder girls might even
experiment by kissing each other. They want that first kiss to be thrilling,
wonderful, and special.
For the lucky ones their first kiss is all that and more.
But I'm guessing for most of us it wasn't. For those of us who received our
first kiss as a teenaged girl it probably came from some pimply-faced,
sweaty-handed, teenaged boy with braces, who was more interested in what was
below a girl's neck than above.
It's been a long time since those days for me. And
fortunately the memories have dimmed, but the emotions remain.
When I sat down to write about my first kiss I realized that
I really don't recall which of the kisses I remember was the first. Was it the
boy with braces I met at an outdoor concert and spent a few uncomfortable
minutes necking with behind the bushes? Or maybe the "older" man (he
had to be at least 20) who was working on his car in the garage and managed to
steal a kiss? Or was it my first "boyfriend"? Quite honestly I can't
remember if he ever actually kissed me. I think he was homesick and found my
family more interesting than me.
All I can really remember is thinking 'Is this what all the
fuss is about? Well, that's disappointing.' When I started writing romance I
decided that none of my heroines would ever be left dissatisfied by their first
kiss or any other firsts.
I hope your first kiss - and your next - was everything you
hoped and dreamed it would be. I'd love to hear about them.
Here's the first kiss between the hero and heroine in my contemporary fantasy THE SWORD AND THE PEN.
"You'll enjoy this more." Brandon handed Seri a
hotdog smothered with all the fixings.
She took the offering and sniffed it. The aroma of grilled
meat, onions, mustard and ketchup must have pleased her, because she took a
bite. A look of delight spread over her face. In seconds she had devoured the
hotdog and reached for a hamburger.
Fascinated by her appetite, he almost forgot to eat. Most
women he'd known-- his mother, Wanda and Hillary-- merely nibbled at their
food. They always claimed to be on diets, yet never seemed to lose any weight.
His grandmother had been the exception. Until her death, she'd eaten anything
and everything and never gained an ounce. She'd claimed magic kept her thin.
Seri ate with gusto and didn't seem interested in counting calories
or carbohydrates. Whatever she did in life she kept her body trim and fit. The
pile of food diminished. She glanced at him. Her hand paused as she reached for
the now melting ice cream.
"Why aren't you eating?"
The sudden suspicion in her tone reminded him to tread
carefully. He grabbed a handful of fries.
She relaxed and picked up the dish of ice cream. "What
is this?"
"Chocolate ice cream. You'll like it."
"Mmmm," she groaned around a mouthful. "This
is astonishing. I think I could easily live on this alone."
"It's full of fat and sugar, and loaded with
calories."
"I know fat and sugar. But what are calories? Are they
dangerous?" She gave the now empty container a wary glance.
"Only to your waistline."
Understanding spread over her face. She grinned. "Ah, I
see. You fear I'll grow obese and lazy."
"No, I didn't mean that… I only meant…well, I…" He
stumbled.
She leaned forward and placed her fingers over his lips.
"I but tease. Only the very rich and powerful can afford to grow stout and
indolent. And those that do so, soon lose their wealth and their power to those
who are hungry."
Slick from the fries and cool from the ice cream, the feel
of her fingers against his lips sent a jolt of awareness straight to his groin.
Without thinking, he sucked one finger into his mouth. The taste of salt and
Seri exploded on his tongue.
Her voice trailed away. He pushed aside the tray with the
remains of their lunch and leaned across the concrete table. She pulled her
hand from his mouth and replaced it with her lips.
She tasted of chocolate, cool chocolate ice cream. The smell
of grilled hotdogs and onion rings filled his nostrils. But the hunger inside
Brandon wasn't for food. Eager for the taste of the woman he kissed, he ran his
tongue over her lips. They parted on a sigh and he delved within.
Hot and tangy, her flavor sucked him in. Heat burned away
rational thought as he lost himself in the kiss. Their tongues thrust and
parried, the tempo increasing with every breath. Not satisfied with the limited
contact of their mouths, he put his hand around the back of her head. Soft red
curls twined around his fingers.
Honk! Honk!
"Hey man! Get a room!" a loud voice rang out.
Laughter followed, as a car filled with teenagers pulled into the lot.
Brandon jerked away. His elbow cracked against the stone
table. Pain ran up his arm. He welcomed the distraction. Seri looked dazed as
she settled back on her bench.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
A Novelist's Real Life Nightmare
I wish the following story was fiction. I’d hoped it was no
more than a dystopian vision of the future of the United States of America.
Then, I wanted it to be a publicity stunt for the author to sell more books.
Unfortunately, it was none of those. This is what it’s come to and it paints a
terrifying picture for every writer.
On September 1, 2014, The
Atlantic published an article titled, “In Maryland, a
Soviet-Style Punishment for a Novelist.” For anyone who reads or writes, it’s
worth taking a look at, and includes links to the disturbing original reports
from local media. For now, let me just give you the highlights.
A twenty-three year old Language Arts teacher has been
‘disappeared’. He was never arrested, no charges have been filed, he’s not
allowed to leave, and the police will not reveal his location. Before he was
spirited away, he was forced to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and his home
was searched for weapons and explosives – none were found.
Why?
Because he self-published a book depicting the most tragic
school shooting to ever happen – 900 years in the future. That’s right, he
wrote a sci-fi story someone in the Sherriff’s Department and on the School
Board, didn’t like and poof he’s
gone. No charges. No trial. No … what was it called? Oh, yeah, that pesky
little right guaranteed to every American Citizen – habeas corpus.
If that doesn’t send a shiver through your muse, the spin by
the local media will. You see, he used an alias
on the cover of his book. Not a
pen name, pseudonym or nom de plume: an alias,
as in “using a false name with the intent to conceal one’s identity in
performance of a criminal act”. In addition, his photo is being circulated
around the community, though law enforcement circles, and the throughout the
school system to make everyone aware that he is prohibited from being on school
grounds.
So basically, because he wrote a book, his life is ruined.
When he’s released from wherever he’s
being held, he’ll probably have a hard time finding another teaching position,
(at this time, he’s been placed on administrative
leave). I’m sure his neighbors think he’s a psycho by now. I can only
imagine what must be going through the minds of his friends, family, and students.
The one bright spot is that the article in The
Atlantic includes a link to his book on Amazon, and apparently the news
coverage has increased the sale of his books. Good thing: if he ever gets a trial, he’ll probably need those royalties to pay
legal expenses.
After reading this, I’m hesitant to publish my newest book, Pangaea. There’s sure to be someone in
law enforcement who will take issue with my utopian vision of a world without
gods, government, or gold. Will police raid my home, search through my things,
and then lock me up in a psych ward for writing it?
I’m hoping there is more to this story. At least, some type
of threat or credible reason to detain this man besides the fact that, like
most writers, he has an overactive
imagination. Otherwise, this does not bode well for the future of fiction.
I’m also surprised, I’m not seeing this play out more on
social media. I posted a link to the story on my Facebook page, but haven’t
seen anything else about it. Coverage is also glaringly absent from major news
media, and I find that a bit disconcerting.
As writers and readers of sci-fi and fantasy, I think we
should all keep a close eye on this story and see how it plays out. Maybe I’m
making too much of it? I’d be interested in reading your comments.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
A Little Romance
My current SciFi series follows one main couple around the universe because really, who says romance has to end when you're married? Not me. I find it romantic that my husband of 26 years will go to the store at 10PM on a Saturday night and get us Snickers bars. Or DQ for blizzards. Or Mac's for fries.
Romance isn't just about wooing to win someone. It's about wooing to keep them.
And so it is in my Syn-En series. But I can't help it if I have Noah's syndrome. Yes, I want people to pair up and be happy. So I always add another romantic subplot between secondary characters. It's not wrong. And best of all, my male readers don't have a problem with it (usually) Shh, don't tell them there's romantic elements.
Admiral Beijing York and his cyborg soldiers have been busy rescuing refugees since Humanity registered as sentient. Their latest mission takes them deep into hostile territory to Surlat, home of the Plague that nearly wiped out all life in the galaxy.
Their mission of mercy quickly turns into one of survival. For a dark secret will be revealed, igniting a war.
Can Bei save his wife and Syn-En family, or will they become the first casualties?
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/syn-en-linda-andrews/1119966222?ean=2940149739578">barnes and noble</a>
<a title="smashwords" href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/458667" target="_blank">smashwords</a>
Monday, September 1, 2014
Is a sci-fi series ever done? by Vijaya Schartz
I thought I was done with the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK series, until I talked with my publisher at a conference, and we started throwing ideas around the table at lunch. What's your next book in the series? They were expecting more?
All right. I had to think. Truth be told, I already had an idea I had played in my head before writing the prequel, NOAH'S ARK, the story of how a human population happened to flourish on this far flung planet beyond Earth's reach. Now that I had the very beginning, I needed a cap at the end of the series.
Since in the very beginning of the series, a human craft is thrown off course and crashes on the wrong planet, I surmised that sooner or later, humanity at large would finally discover that planet... and wonder why there is a human population there.
Since the people of Kassouk had lost their technology but had been in contact with many different alien races in the past centuries, their culture has evolved differently. Some of them also have mixed blood and psychic abilities that set them apart. So, when the hero, the handsome captain of the Nautilus, discovers Kassouk, it's a complete surprise, and a culture shock.
Of course, humanity has also evolved, the hero is enhanced in many ways, and the reason for his exploration trip is not to rescue the humans of Kassouk. Earth has its own problems, and is looking for a new home.
Here is the blurb for Book 6 in the series, SNOW CHEETAH:
On a mission to annex a planet for Earth, Captain Martial Terrien faces a culture with incredible psychic abilities, and falls for its lovely queen.
I have no cover yet, but the ebook is scheduled for release on November 1st 2014. The paperback will follow shortly after that, probably in December.
HAPPY READING.
Vijaya Schartz
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/vijaya-schartz
FB: https://www.facebook.com/vijaya.schartz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vijayaschartz
All right. I had to think. Truth be told, I already had an idea I had played in my head before writing the prequel, NOAH'S ARK, the story of how a human population happened to flourish on this far flung planet beyond Earth's reach. Now that I had the very beginning, I needed a cap at the end of the series.
Since in the very beginning of the series, a human craft is thrown off course and crashes on the wrong planet, I surmised that sooner or later, humanity at large would finally discover that planet... and wonder why there is a human population there.
Since the people of Kassouk had lost their technology but had been in contact with many different alien races in the past centuries, their culture has evolved differently. Some of them also have mixed blood and psychic abilities that set them apart. So, when the hero, the handsome captain of the Nautilus, discovers Kassouk, it's a complete surprise, and a culture shock.
Of course, humanity has also evolved, the hero is enhanced in many ways, and the reason for his exploration trip is not to rescue the humans of Kassouk. Earth has its own problems, and is looking for a new home.
Here is the blurb for Book 6 in the series, SNOW CHEETAH:
On a mission to annex a planet for Earth, Captain Martial Terrien faces a culture with incredible psychic abilities, and falls for its lovely queen.
Pressured into bonding with a power-hungry prince, Natalia,
future queen of Kassouk, yearns to reign and improve her people's lives. She
finds the handsome Earth captain a refreshing distraction, despite his five
fingers and ridiculous claim of being human, like the lowly workers of her
world.
Captain Martial Terrien, nano-enhanced Space Marine from
Earth, is on a secret, desperate mission to find his people a new home. The
unexpected population on the chosen planet complicates his task, especially
since the ruling caste can read minds, levitate, and teleport at will.
Furthermore, the lovely princess and her pet cheetah take a shine to him, and
beautiful women spelled disaster in his past.
Natalia's jilted suitor, determined to reign at any
cost, vows to annihilate the Earthlings. When the conflict escalates, can
Martial obey Earth Central Command, or will he jeopardize the future of his
race to save Natalia?I have no cover yet, but the ebook is scheduled for release on November 1st 2014. The paperback will follow shortly after that, probably in December.
HAPPY READING.
Vijaya Schartz
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/vijaya-schartz
FB: https://www.facebook.com/vijaya.schartz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vijayaschartz
Friday, August 29, 2014
When Sci-Fi Romance Is Funny
I mentioned this 'show' on another blog recently, but it bears repeating here. Sometimes sci-fi romance can be funny...even campy.
Heat Vision & Jack exceed on both counts.
First of all, it's directed by Ben Stiller. So let the snarky goodness commence.
Second it's got Jack Black...and HE KNOWS EVERYTHING!!
Third is Owen Wilson (of Bottle Rocket and Shanghai Noon fame) as Heat Vision, the angsty side-kick.
Christine Taylor plays the buxom sheriff...which is where the potential romance comes in.
Ron Silver plays the scary quasi-government hit man after Jack in all his Ron Silver-y goodness.
Honestly, they manage to squeeze quite a bit into 30 minutes! Unfortunately, Stiller's golden Emmy couldn't force the green light for this nascent show. Hollywood brass has a history of canceling shows before their time (see: Firefly), so for now, we must be satisfied with what we can scrape up from the bottom of the shoe of the internet.
Check out the trailer above, then click this link to see the entire pilot. And remember: Knowledge is power...for real.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
TED Talks, Changing Attitudes, and Thinking Outside of the Box
TED
Talks, Changing Attitudes, and Thinking Outside of the Box
By
S. E. Smith
Sometimes life throws
you unexpected snowballs. A strange analogy, but so true. I won’t say my life
has been difficult. I will admit that I’ve had many difficult times in it. It
doesn’t help when you are a born worry-wart, but someone has to take the job,
right?
So what does this have
to do with the title of this blog? Everything! It is what is important to you
at specific times during a specific time of your life that makes you who you
are. As Andy Warhol said about his painting of 100 cans of Campbell soup when
asked, that was all he could afford to buy to eat so it was important.
For those that don’t
know, I’ve given up my day job to pursue the unknown. I am now a full time
writer and my own boss. There was one condition that I had to promise to my
husband when we talked about me transitioning from working a full-time job
outside the home plus writing, to just writing full-time. That one condition
was that I started taking time for me.
This, I must admit, is
a relatively new concept for me. As the mother of four children, I never had
time for me. There was always something or someone demanding my time. Once the
kids were old enough to leave the nest, I turned all that energy and ‘new’ available
time toward my job. I even worked a full-time job, part-time teaching position,
and wrote!
Now, I don’t want to
sound like I was this incredible superwoman. I’m not. In fact, for the last
year my husband became increasingly concerned about my health. He knew that I
couldn’t continue on the path I was going for much longer.
So, the choice came
down to doing something I enjoyed compared to something I loved. My decision
came mainly from the many readers who have posted the wonderful reviews and sent
me emails encouraging me to continue sharing the many stories I have. My
Facebook friends are the coolest group of people I’ve ever had the pleasure of
talking with. I enjoy our conversations, learn from them, and hold close the
warmth they share when I am overwhelmed with doubt.
As part of the promise,
I have been walking for an hour a day on the treadmill that my husband gave me
for my birthday (I actually asked for it). While I’m working on improving my
health, I also feed my mind.
I’ve always enjoyed TEDTalks (this one on how stress is good for you really hit home; watch to the very end) and have been especially enjoying them since I’ve decided to take this
journey. What I am learning is that I made the right decision. I am following
my passion, something that I am good at, and I’m facing my fears.
My attitude is slowing
changing. I still work too much and too long, but I recognize that and am
working on a strategy to put more balance in my life. The biggest change was
when we were sitting at the dining room table and my hubby told me I looked
younger, less stressed. I was surprised because I was exhausted from working
fourteen hours straight. But, it dawned on me that it was a good fourteen
hours. I didn’t feel like the weight of the world was on my shoulders because I
was doing something that I was passionate about.
I’m beginning to really
take a look at how I’ve been living my life. The world didn’t stop because I
didn’t finish a project. People didn’t stop liking me because I was tired and
didn’t answer them right away. The universe continued on its merry way totally
oblivious to the fact my office was a disaster zone. And, I didn’t worry about
it.
A part of my old self
wants to keep that worry going. It wants to hide behind the fear of failure. It
wants to remind me that I don’t have the self-confidence to be who I want to
be. But, that is my old self. The one that I took a good long look at and said,
it’s okay to worry, just keep it to the things that I can change. It’s okay to
fail, you can learn from them and grow stronger. It’s okay to have self-doubt
because it keeps you from losing who you are and what means the most to you;
just remember you can do it in the end.
And so, when I think of
things outside of the box, like Touch of Frost: Magic, New Mexico Book 1 where I mixed Sci-fi and Paranormal,
I know that it will be alright. When I dream of doing things and make them
happen, it is because I am stepping outside the box I have been standing in watching
the world as it goes by. I like being outside the box. As I look back at it, I
think it would make a very nice box for a garden. One where all kinds of
wonderful ideas can grow. Oh, and that snowball I mentioned at the beginning? It has melted and I'm using the water for the flowers.
S.
E. Smith is a USA Today and Amazon International Bestselling Author. Fans can reach her at SESmithFL@gmail.com or visit her web site at: http://sesmithfl.com. Join me for additional information about the books at http://pinterest.com/sesmithfl/s-e-smith/, http://twitter.com/sesmithfl, http://facebook.com/se.smith.5 and at my new book discussion forum at http://www.sesmithromance.com
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