Monday, August 29, 2016
I miss writing sci-fi - by Vijaya Schartz
Coming out of writing a long medieval fantasy series, I am itching for writing science fiction again. I miss by kick-butt heroines of sci-fi, my girls in uniform, my futuristic bounty hunters, the fascination of space and alien cultures.
I like writing in
different genres and I have a habit of mixing them, which creates
marketing nightmares for my publishers. But I like my stories to be
original, different and unique. I write what I would want to read. In
the Curse of the Lost Isle (from BWL), featuring a family of immortal
ladies with Fae gifts, I mixed authentic legends with known history and
romance. In the Chronicles of Kassouk
and in the Borealis series (from Desert Breeze Publishing), I mixed
science fiction with romance, and several of my characters have
paranormal abilities… sometimes created through technology.
I also wrote a few contemporary romances, but always with a twist,
like reincarnation, a shape shifter, or a thriller element. Whether
writing about the past, the present, or the future, my main constants
are action, adventure, and romance. I also have a predilection for cats,
as they pop up as secondary characters almost everywhere (except in
medieval times, but I do have a major dog character in Damsel of the
Hawk).
I would also like my next project to be a series. Like a reader,
after I fall in love with a created world, I enjoy spending time in it.
But I may choose to make these series shorter. Maybe three or four
books, not six or eight like in my two latest series. It’s difficult to
promote Book seven or eight to new readers who haven’t read any of the
other books… even if it’s a standalone.
Standalone
is another requisite of mine. I like my series to be readable out of
order, so each book should be a complete story as much as possible. As a
reader, I hate cliffhanger endings and would never do that to my
readers. I had to cut longer books into two parts before, not by choice,
and although I still gave the first book a satisfying ending, I
couldn’t tie up all the loose ends or resolve all the conflicts at the
end, since that happened in the second book. It deeply bothered me. From
the reviews, I know it bothered a few of my readers as well.
Now, for the time and place: Medieval? Futuristic? Contemporary? Post
apocalyptic? On a space station? On an alien planet? In an alternate
universe? I have used all of these in the past. Is there any other
option?
As for the characters, I have a predilection for strong, kick-butt
heroines. I also really enjoyed writing immortals. I once flirted with
the idea of writing a series featuring angels, and I am still
considering it. They could be fallen angels seeking redemption, or
guardians of the human kind. Or, they could be aliens, alien/human
hybrids, or AI (artificial intelligence), but I already featured a
synthetic being in Black Dragon (Borealis series).
So, my new writing project should definitely be a series with strong
heroines, romance, action, adventure, and cats (you can never have too
many of those). Each novel should be a complete story, and the series
should lend itself to a different hero and heroine for each story. So,
the constant would be the world in which the characters evolve.
In
other words, writing a series revolves around creating a world in which
strong, captivating characters can fight for what is just and good, and
in the process, find their happily ever after. Writing this post helped
me order my thoughts. Starting next year, look for the start of a new
sci-fi romance series involving strong kick-butt heroines and gorgeous
aliens with angel power. Now, back to finishing the Curse of the Lost
Isle medieval series.
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - All Romance eBooks
Monday, August 1, 2016
STAR TREK BEYOND - a movie review by Vijaya Schartz
Three years into the five year voyage of exploration, the Enterprise docks onto one of the federation's space stations and we get a taste of what this space station looks like. These scenes were filmed in Dubai, which lends its architecture to futuristic movies. What I found fascinating was the way the tall buildings all pointed to the center of the artificial open sphere, and how at the top the unreliable gravity played tricks on the unwary. Logical, but fascinating nevertheless.
The inciting incident is weak. The damsel in distress begging the federation to rescue her crew was obviously setting a trap. No responsible captain would have rushed without at least investigating. When Kirk said he guessed it was a trap early on, but not early enough, that was a gross understatement.
I liked that new female characters were given an important role. Love this new ally, who kicks butts and takes names, and I like the fact that at the end she plans to join Star Fleet. I hope we see her again.
The male villain had an interesting history, but not clearly explained. I won't spoil the story for you, but I don't understand what prompted his physical transformation. It lacked clarity and didn't seem to make much sense. Was he an alien from the start posing as a human? Or did something happen to him while he was on the alien planet?
Costumes, makeup and special effects were impeccable and breathtaking, as usual... even though I didn't see the movie in 3D.
I enjoyed the fact that the characters were made more human. Bones had a better presence than in the previous movie, and his character in opposition to Spok was funny and interesting, like in the original series, which is what I liked about him.
I enjoyed the motorcycle scene. Quite a stunt, and so fitting for Kirk. Only he would come up with such a dare-devil idea for a distraction.
I enjoyed seeing all the regular characters.
 |
| We also revisited an old federation ship |
It was somewhat sad to see Chekov again played by Anton Yelchin, who was killed by his own car in his driveway when the parking brake failed. it happened shortly before the movie release. Rumor has it that his role will not be recast in future movies.
 |
| R.I.P. Anton Yelchin - here in the role of Chekov |
As for Uhura, her love affair with Spok is still going strong. And on a different note, we learn in this movie that Mr. Sulu is gay. Possibly a wink to the original Mr. Sulu, George Takei.
How many times and in how many ways can we destroy the Enterprise? This
seems to be the recurring theme on all Star Trek movies. This time in
particular, I can't see how they could have possibly salvaged anything
after the destruction, or retrieved any of the pieces. Yet, curiously
enough, at the end of the movie, somewhat by magic, the ship
is restored to its pristine state... ready for the next adventure.
I enjoyed the movie. Hope you do, too.
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
Website: http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Monday, July 4, 2016
INDEPENDENCE DAY 2 lacks attitude - by Vijaya Schartz
I found this installment high in special effects, but low in characterization and with a serious lack of attitude.
 |
| Among the best special effects, a UFO landing on the ocean creating a tsunami |
What had made the first movie so dramatic and endearing was the variety of characters, their colorful past, and most of all, their indomitable determination to overcome impossible odds. They made us laugh and cry and feel at the deepest level. Not so for this resurgence. I didn't laugh or shed one single tear.
 |
| The African Warlord skilled with the machete, could have made a great character, but he wasn't developed enough. |
In this sequel, fifteen years later, the new generation is taking over. They have been preparing for the return of the alien invader, and they have big shoes to fill. Because of their youth and inexperience, however, they come across rather flat, with no zest, no attitude, no rebellion, and very little initiative. They simply obey orders like good little soldiers with a bunch of cool toys. Their elders from the original movie, those who are still around in this sequel, have aged and lost their aura. It seems this entire world has evolved into boredom.
 |
| The new crew has big shoes to fill. |
 |
| The aliens are still cool. They even have a few live ones locked up in Area 51 |
Even the dialogue has no memorable lines like "I ain't heard no fat lady sing!" I can't even tell a friend who saw the movie "Oh, and you remember the scene where..." Nope. Nothing memorable that grabs your gut. Only cool special effects.
 |
| Personalized posters for release in each city shows that city being destroyed |
The plot devices also seemed a little overused. The appearance of the probe at the beginning was very intriguing at first, but the reveal at the end was a complete let down. The same device was used in many other science fiction movies and TV shows. I will not spoil it for you by spelling it out, but this entire production suffers from a total lack of originality.
Apparently there should be another sequel coming next year, Independence Forever. I certainly hope it redeems this one.
As for me, I just want to see the first movie again. Here are a few reminders of what made the original movie so great:
 |
| The daredevils on a suicide mission, who laughed in the face of death |
 |
| The drunken veteran pilot crop duster with a big heart who makes the ultimate sacrifice in the end |
 |
| The human drama |
 |
| The smart women |
I definitely missed Will Smith, playing the crazy SOB who lugged an enormous alien body through the desert, wrapped in his parachute, cussing all the way and kicking it once in a while for good measure. I think the actors in the new movie weren't allowed to express their greatness, locked into a mediocre story with mediocre dialogues, and that's too bad.
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
Friday, June 24, 2016
The Timewalkers are back! by Michele Callahan
The Timewalkers are back!
On Sale! $.99 for a limited time!
Sure, she's got a superpower, but forget the cape...
With Timewalker blood in her veins, Alexa knows she'll be called upon by the immortal Archivers who watch over Earth and sent through time on a dangerous mission. After twenty-six years of waiting, her day has come.
Yes, she has a superpower, but forget the cape. To save the world, she must play the part of science geek and break into one of the highest security labs in the country. She has three short days to complete her mission; sneak into the lab and destroy a deadly virus before it kills almost everyone on Earth. There's one totally avoidable thing that will jeopardize her perfect plan...falling in love with her target.
Believe it or not, she's got bigger problems: the virus goes missing, a madman wants to exterminate human life, and Alexa must figure out how to save the whole darn planet when Fate is determined to force her into the arms of the very man responsible for the whole stinking mess.
Red Night is a sci-fi action adventure with a romantic twist! The story is a stand-alone time travel adventure with kick-a$$, sarcastic heroine, a smoking hot, geeky hero and a HEA. (*Previously released in 2011 under the same title)
Red Night (Book 1)
Silver Storm(Book 2)
Blue Abyss (Book 3)
Black Gate (Book 4)
White Fire (Book 5)
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
More Pictures From Phoenix Comicon
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.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Comicon goers brave the heat in Phoenix - by Vijaya Schartz
If you like Sci-fi, you are probably a geek, and you are not alone. On June 2-5, over 90,000 people braved the 115-degree heat to attend the 2016 Phoenix Comicon, and discover their inner geek. And it was worth it. The city had to close some roads for the block parties, and the heavy construction on 7th Street made traffic a nightmare, but that did not stop the fans.
I attended as an exhibitor, signing my novels at a small table with my author friend in geekdom, Linda Andrews. This was our third Phoenix Comicon together, and it has been the best so far. We were ensconced between two booths with tall displays of graphic art, with the artist selling on one side, and another drawing your caricatures as your favorite character. For four days, we watched the crowd, many in full costumes, cruise by our modest display. Many of the vendors sold costumes, wigs, light sabers, and all the geeky paraphernalia you can only find in specialized shops and at Comicon. And among all these convention goers, there were readers. Some only stopped to admire the covers, but others actually liked to read good sci-fi or fantasy books.
You meet some interesting characters, some funny, and some scary. I particularly liked these two:
Fans could take selfies with their favorite DC character in authentic costume, there were contests for the largest group of the same character Cosplay. Fans attended panels with their favorite sci-fi movie stars. Everyone had a blast. This is heaven for gamers, artists, writers, and fans.
I was honored to be singled out by a famous Cosplay character, the best in his trade, a local celebrity in full costume, impersonating "Ex Excessive." I love the concept as well as the costume. Who wouldn't fall for these gorgeous black wings. He is local, his name is Trevor Gahona, and he gave me one of his roses. You can see it as a red dot of color on my table. Here is one of his official pictures in costume taken at the convention. What did I tell you?
In other words, I had a fantastic Phoenix Comicon, and I'll be back next year for sure. This event is a highlight of the year. I loved it. Hope to see you there next year.
Vijaya Schartz, author
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
Monday, May 9, 2016
Had a blast at the RT16 Booklovers Convention by Vijaya Schartz
This
is not my first RT Booklovers Convention, far from it, but this event
never ceases to amaze me. As an author, it's uncanny to meet so many
readers who recognize you and have read your books. Since I write in
mixed niche genres, medieval fantasy romance and science fiction
romance, I never expect a large crowd. Yet, somehow, it seems my readers
love to go to RT every year... and they were all there.
The
night events especially Viva la Historical and Cirque du Punk had
incredible costumes, food, and circus entertainment. There were many
pictures taken, but I don't want to use them without permission.
The
Intergalactic Bar & Grille reader event with NYT best-selling
author Linnea Sinclair (the queen of sci-fi romance) and a dozen
mid-list authors like me, rocked the convention. We played games and
cheered until our throats were raw. I died my hair purple for the event.
You cannot really tell from the pictures, because of the lighting, but
it is purple.
 | |
| Jenifer Raniery (left) Book cover designer for DBP - Vijaya Schartz, author - Gail Delaney, publisher. |
I
also had breakfast with one of my publishers, Desert Breeze Publishing,
from California, and their attending authors. We only meet at these
kinds of events, so had to take a group picture.
The giant book signing was incredible, and every single one of these 700+
participating authors sold several books that day. Here is my signing
table towards the end. As you can see, very few books left. I gave out
hundreds of postcards and promoted my April release (the small poster of
Damsel of the Hawk on the table). And yes, these are mini peanut Reeses
dark chocolates on the table.
These
events are a big expense of money, time and energy but they are
certainly worth it if you can afford them. I do not attend every year, I
usually skip a year or two, so no RT for me next year (in Dallas). This
time it was at a driving distance from Arizona. Maybe sometime soon
they'll have it in Phoenix. That would be cool.
In the meantime, happy reading. For me, it's back to the computer to start my next novel.
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Christmas Is Only Eight Months Away
A Short Christmas Romance
Approximately 3,000 words
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?
If you enjoy this sweet Christmas treat, check out my other titles at: Elysa Hendricks
Merry Christmas!
Elysa Hendricks
Monday, April 11, 2016
FREE in kindle: CRUSADER, Archangel Book 1
Hurry. This standalone story in the Archangel speculative fiction, sci-fi adventure books is free in kindle until April 12. Find it at:
Michael Tanner, proud, brash, irreverent, half Native American, and
single father, doesn't believe in aliens. When a Blue Angel claims to
have fathered him, Michael knows his drinking has gone haywire... But a
seductive Prince of Darkness born of a nightmare now targets Michael’s
family. When his girlfriend disappears and characters from his dreams
suddenly materialize to threaten his daughter, Michael must come out of
denial and overcome his weaknesses, to face the unbelievable mystery of
his birth and fulfill his unique destiny.
"...relationships, angels, aliens and seduction... even Satanism... kept this reviewer riveted... compelling fantasy... you won't want to put it down... superior... enthralls, and, at the same time, awakens!" - Metaphysical Reviews
"A mighty fine tale primed to read through in one sitting." - Curled Up With a Good Book.
"...engaging and fast-paced... a harmonious mix of enticing story... where real people do extraordinary things... humorous and hopeful... fluid and entertaining... quick and often droll dialogue... a marvelous tale of good and evil..." - The Charlotte Austin Review
"...Lavishly described, expertly written with stirring descriptions that take one's breath away. Author Schartz has written a solidly absorbing, old-fashioned science fiction novel of good and evil, yes and no, the one and the many." - The Book Reader
"...relationships, angels, aliens and seduction... even Satanism... kept this reviewer riveted... compelling fantasy... you won't want to put it down... superior... enthralls, and, at the same time, awakens!" - Metaphysical Reviews
"A mighty fine tale primed to read through in one sitting." - Curled Up With a Good Book.
"...engaging and fast-paced... a harmonious mix of enticing story... where real people do extraordinary things... humorous and hopeful... fluid and entertaining... quick and often droll dialogue... a marvelous tale of good and evil..." - The Charlotte Austin Review
"...Lavishly described, expertly written with stirring descriptions that take one's breath away. Author Schartz has written a solidly absorbing, old-fashioned science fiction novel of good and evil, yes and no, the one and the many." - The Book Reader
HAPPY READING!
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - All Romance eBooks - Smashwords - iBooks - Kobo
Monday, March 14, 2016
Aliens, Gods, and Romance in Ancient Egypt - by Vijaya Schartz
 |
| The male gods: Thoth god of wisdom, Horus the defeated rightful king, Set the evil uncle murderer and usurper |
GODS OF EGYPT explodes on the big screen and just blew my mind. Love, passion, hatred, revenge, greed, power hunger, and redemption. It has it all, even humor. I loved the script, the storytelling, and the fresh take on the myth. I like that it respects the legend. I also like the fact that the sun god Ra resides in space, on what looks very much like an alien spaceship. The gods are much taller than humans, and liquid gold flow in their veins. Cool
Don't wait for the DVD. This super-production, reminiscent of the great movies of the fifties with high pagentry and lots of extras, must be seen on the big screen, preferably in 3D. Today, of course, we use digital images and blue screens, and the result is amazing. Morphing gods larger than life and alien ships in orbit are possible, and incredible creatures come alive. We understand why the Egyptians revered their gods when they exhibited such powers.
 |
| Hathor, goddess of love and Zaya, beauty of the Nile, a simple mortal in love. |
I am a new fan of Nicolaj Coster-Waldau playing Horus. Gerard Butler makes a formidable evil brother Set, and the goddess of love, Hathor is played by the beautiful Elodie Yung. As for the mortal couple, Brenton Thwaites and Courtney Eaton as Kek and Zaya, they have the right amount of innocence, chemistry, faith, courage, and determination.
I like the fact that this movie doesn't focus on the better known story of the dismemberment of Osiris by his brother Set. Instead it features Osiris's son and rightful king, the god Horus. Portrayed as a happy go lucky rich boy who loves parties, Horus has a rocky start when on his coronation day, Set kills his father, beats up Horus and steals his all-seeing eyes, his woman... as well as his kingdom... which Set quickly exploits and enslaves for his own aggrandizement. Blind and dispossessed, Horus falls into depression and despair. It will take the example and encouragement of two of his fiercest worshipers to give him the strength and courage to fight back and free his people.
How relevant to our times is this story? More than you think. Greed and power hunger are still a strong motivation among the elite. Love can still move mountains. A few courageous souls can defy their betters and win great battles against impossible odds. Besides, we still honor the old myths. We only have to look at our dollar bill to see the eye of Horus, the all-seeing eye, atop the Egyptian pyramid. Where do you think this came from?
I strongly encourage you to see this movie. You won't regret it. In the meantime, you can read more about gods and aliens with incredible powers in my CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK series. WHITE TIGER is still free at ARe, and Snow Cheetah just received a 5-star review from Fallen Angel Reviews. "On
top of being an incredible Sci-fi story, this book had many unique
aspects. The biggest of which was one lovable and fun-loving snow
Cheetah called Pangura, a pet, and the soon-to-be Queen Natalia...
This story ensnared me from the
very beginning with the many plot twists, fascinating characters, many
Science fiction themes, and a love story that was truly inspiring. This
was a wonderful addition to the Chronicles of Kassouk series." Fallen
Angel Reviews - 5 stars
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - All Romance eBooks - Smashwords - iBooks - Kobo
Friday, March 11, 2016
March Is Irish Romance Month!
It's that time of year when rainbows lead to gold and Irish romance is in the air. My faerie time travel romance series, Tennessee Waltz, begins with a distinct Irish flair that will make you exclaim Erin Go Bragh:
Three couples find unexpected romance when
fiddle music and fairy dust are in the air.
KISS ME, I'M IRISH (Book One):
Emily Musgrave is heading a direction she never wanted to go in Regency England--namely a convent to turn her from her waywardness. But it's more loneliness than rebellion that motivates her to escape her certain fate.
Liam Jackson is going nowhere fast in modern-day Tennessee. Playing his Dobro in seedy bars and backward dives along with his fiddling sister, Tinker, is doing nothing for his music career--and even less for the dark places in his soul.
Pixie mischief can not only change time-lines, it can change hearts. Because sometimes a girl just needs a little magic in her life.
KISS ME, I'M YOURS (Book Two):
Time-travel, hoop skirts, surly locals, and a handsome if troubled Southern gentleman. Things just got weirder for Sophie Bowen.
When jilted Sophie stumbles into a stone circle filled with fireflies, she wakes up in a very different place—and time.
Beaten down by Lincoln's War and personal tragedy, Gabriel Merritt feels his life has become a lost cause.
In a post-war South still licking its wounds, Sophie and Gabriel struggle to understand the place they each find themselves in, while fighting a war of attraction.
And a mysterious twelve-year-old girl just might hold the key to it all.
KISS ME, I'M HOME (Book Three):
The prickly Morgan Lee Faye has a penchant for family TV shows and a dislike for the people around her, but she's the best travel agent in Tennessee. So good that she catches the eye of the mysterious proprietor of Avalon Travel, Mr. Kane.
If Morgan accepts the job, she's promised adventure around the globe and gold for her pocket, but she worries the offer is too good to be true. It is. And Kane isn't the only one with a creepy agenda. Her co-workers all seem to want a piece of Morgan's secret—even the two office hotties.
Honestly, she just wishes they'd all go away so she can watch Little House On The Prairie. But that's not going to happen because from Nashville to Avalon, faerie mischief is back!
Grab the first book for free with Kindle Unlimited or just pay
99 cents from Amazon!
Happy St Patrick's!
99 cents from Amazon!
Happy St Patrick's!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)