Starbound Lovers

Find the links to purchase this book and my other titles from BWL here

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 
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I just wanted to share more photos from my signing with Vijaya Schartz. I loved seeing the costumes, the energy of the people, and just the fun of being with fellow lovers of scifi, horror, and manga.

About 4 years ago, my SciFi book, the Syn-En Solution was released. This was the cover:

Smooshed as we are between American Independence Day and France's Bastille Day, I thought I'd write a short post about freedom. Freedom is one of those nebulous words. We are free to speak as we want but are free from Tyranny. We are free to worship, but free from oppression.

But as the cliche goes, Freedom isn't free.

It requires work, diligence and self-sacrifce.

Paradoxically, those freedoms must have controls for a society to function. Your freedom of speech doesn't include the right to yell 'Fire' in a crowded movie theatre. But you can spew hatred and intolerance from a street corner as long as another person can express their opinion of your subpar intelligence or walk away.

No society can exist without some constraints of freedom, but a society with some freedoms for all should exist.

The notion of freedom is a common one is SciFi. The Empire in Star Wars provides freedom for  Tha select few. You are free to have your say in government if you survive your tour of duty in the Bug War in Starship Troopers.  In my book, The Syn-En Solution, my Synthetically-enhanced humans (aka cyborgs) don't have any rights/freedoms because they are more machine than man. Nuances of the theme ripple throughout the Hunger Games, Divergent and Dune.

What about in  your favorite SciFi movie or book? How does freedom come into play?

I have to admit, I love it when characters use cliches, especially when they use it in a tongue in cheek way (think the Expendables).  But then there are certain times when I find the cliches irritating. Why is the leader always a man?

There have been strong female leaders and there will be again. So why is the leader of the free world who greets the arriving alien always a male?

Apparently, Hollywood hasn't gotten the memo about women in positions of power.

But thankfully, writers can create worlds in any image we imagine.

And it isn't like we lack for female centric societies. Many Native America cultures are matriarchal. Then there is the odd power mothers in India and China wield.

Alas to base my alien race upon them would require research to suss out the way to exploit these Earth-bound cultures. Instead, I decided that if women were in charge and men kept down, things would be the same only different.

How can anyone live up to their potential if they were denied opportunity because those in power wanted to keep their power?

Because I really believe it is the pursuit and need to maintain power that causes abuse. And so ultimately, I held up the mirror to familiar cultures by creating an alien one where the same injustice still exists. It's just in the hands of females.

At least in fiction being bad is an equal opportunity occupation.

September is here! Besides the scent of new crayons and paper, the networks are rolling out new tv shows. For once I'm pretty excited about the possiblities.

First up The 100 on CW

Apparently we nuked ourselves and a century later we sent a bunch of juvenile delinquents into the hot zones to see if they can colonize the planet again. While I like the concept, I find teenagers rather trying (maybe because I recently had 3 at home), plus how are they going to know how to do anything? Still, I'm gonna watch 3 episodes and hope for the best.

The Tomorrow People on CW

From the British series around a group of young people who have evolved with special powers. Too much like X-men without Gambit and the British tend to have a better version of the show than the US.

Withces of East End on Lifetime.

Witches in modern day Long Island, lots of money and NY accents. Pass.

Almost Human on Fox

Android and cop partner in future LAPD. I think I've reached my limit on cop shows and even a robot isn't enough to break it.

Believe on NBC

A little girl with unnamed powers is protected by an excon. I'm not sure how paranormal this is going to get so I think I check the boards and see if it is worth my time.

Dracula on NBC

He's back, just not in our time. Dracula is in Victorian London and out for revenge. It does have the ever hot Jonathan Rhys Meyers but I'm vampired out. Still... maybe I'll give into temptation and watch one or two episodes:D

Intelligence on CBS

Government agent with a computer chip in his head that allows him to command the electromagnetic spectrum. A little X-men meets... X-files would be good, but I think the cases will be a little to standard. This is a wait and see for me.

Marvel's Agents S.H.I.E.L.D on ABC

Don't think I need to explain this but I'll definitely be watching.

Once Upon a Time in Wonderland on ABC

Alice is back carrying a load of baggage. Yep, I'm gonna watch this to see what they do with the story.

The Originals on the CW

Apparently a spin-off of the vampire diaries. Not gonna watch any more vamps.

Resurrection on ABC

Dead people come back but not as zombies. Interesting concept.

Sleepy Hollow on Fox

This is my favorite story of all time. Of course, I'm gonna watch.

Ctar-Crossed  on the CW
Aliens in High school. Is there any other kind?