On April 25th, Distinguished Press and I will host a virtual party on Facebook for the launch of Mirror Image. https://facebook.com/events/1397270330547046/permalink/1397270340547045/?stream_ref=10&refid=17 id the link. There will be games and prizes from candles to free books. Make sure you click to attend and you'll keep up with the news and surprises!
Monday, March 31, 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Sex in books
I was talking to a friend the other day who joked about one day watching Mirror Image on the big screen, but he would only watch it if there was a sex scene. At the time, I just rolled my eyes until I really started to think.
When I was shopping for a publisher on my beloved sci-fi romance tale, I had gotten feedback before about a lack of sex in the book. I was told I would always be considered a Young Adult author because my one scene in the book is so rated G it's almost sweet. The offer then came that if I would expand the scene, they would publish it.
Solely because of sex? Did that make the book more marketable? Does sex equal sales?
These are the thoughts that ran through my mind. But having an actual erotic scene in this story felt so wrong to me I couldn't even entertain the idea.
I have written many erotic scenes. Change the Stars (out June 4th) is an erotic historical romance. Color of Dreams (My ABNA contender) is also an erotic romance drama. I'm comfortable with it when it has a place for it.
I'm not one to just throw in a scene, regardless of content, for word count. I'm all about the story. Sex, to me, should only be in if it's necessary. Gratuitous is not in my nature.
With that in mind, when I haven't been preparing Mirror Image and Change the Stars for release, I've been working on the first in my other sci-fi romance series, Amethyst Chronicles.
When I'm not at my computer to write, I work by hand in notebooks. Lately I have been so busy that almost the entire work for Amethyst has been in my orange notebook (Thanks, Ashlee! sqcircleblog.wordpress.com is her blog if you're a wrestling fan, check it out) and the book is halfway full. Does someone want to suffer through my notes in the margins and transcribe for me? No? Damn. Anyway, without going into too many details, I have a...rather intense sex scene in my pages. The intent was more about Ember than the actual act. It's supposed to show how she is in the beginning of the story and compare to a scene later on how she changes and evolves as the story progresses. But the scene itself is highly graphic in nature.
The more I thought about it, the more I think I'm going to edit and modify when I put it into Scrivener. Maybe the scene will show up in its current form in a different book or even on my website, which is coming soon, as a 'deleted scene'. Some components will be there as it still has a purpose but I just don't feel a heavily hot and graphic scene like what it originally was fits with the mood of my book.
I may be in the minority as the saying goes, 'Sex sells' but in my sci-fi romance stories, you won't see it. Want erotica? Read Change the Stars and eventually Color of Dreams when it becomes available.
Coming soon I'll have cover art for both upcoming releases as well as the launch of my own .com :-)
When I was shopping for a publisher on my beloved sci-fi romance tale, I had gotten feedback before about a lack of sex in the book. I was told I would always be considered a Young Adult author because my one scene in the book is so rated G it's almost sweet. The offer then came that if I would expand the scene, they would publish it.
Solely because of sex? Did that make the book more marketable? Does sex equal sales?
These are the thoughts that ran through my mind. But having an actual erotic scene in this story felt so wrong to me I couldn't even entertain the idea.
I have written many erotic scenes. Change the Stars (out June 4th) is an erotic historical romance. Color of Dreams (My ABNA contender) is also an erotic romance drama. I'm comfortable with it when it has a place for it.
I'm not one to just throw in a scene, regardless of content, for word count. I'm all about the story. Sex, to me, should only be in if it's necessary. Gratuitous is not in my nature.
With that in mind, when I haven't been preparing Mirror Image and Change the Stars for release, I've been working on the first in my other sci-fi romance series, Amethyst Chronicles.
When I'm not at my computer to write, I work by hand in notebooks. Lately I have been so busy that almost the entire work for Amethyst has been in my orange notebook (Thanks, Ashlee! sqcircleblog.wordpress.com is her blog if you're a wrestling fan, check it out) and the book is halfway full. Does someone want to suffer through my notes in the margins and transcribe for me? No? Damn. Anyway, without going into too many details, I have a...rather intense sex scene in my pages. The intent was more about Ember than the actual act. It's supposed to show how she is in the beginning of the story and compare to a scene later on how she changes and evolves as the story progresses. But the scene itself is highly graphic in nature.
The more I thought about it, the more I think I'm going to edit and modify when I put it into Scrivener. Maybe the scene will show up in its current form in a different book or even on my website, which is coming soon, as a 'deleted scene'. Some components will be there as it still has a purpose but I just don't feel a heavily hot and graphic scene like what it originally was fits with the mood of my book.
I may be in the minority as the saying goes, 'Sex sells' but in my sci-fi romance stories, you won't see it. Want erotica? Read Change the Stars and eventually Color of Dreams when it becomes available.
Coming soon I'll have cover art for both upcoming releases as well as the launch of my own .com :-)
Friday, March 21, 2014
My girls
One of the things I pride myself on most in my books is my strong female main characters. Each one of them is beautiful and unique and I *hope* they will be inspirational to anyone, male or female, reading one of my romance or sci-fi romance books. Brief rundown:
From my Mirror sci-fi romance series:
Maddie is brilliant, sweet, and stronger than she appears. She's quick on her feet and uses her mind instead of her fists.
Mack is just as brilliant as Maddie but with a rougher edge to her. The years with the ISC have hardened her and she's a proven leader but remains true to herself.
From my work-in-progress Amethyst sci-fi romance series:
Wait till you meet Ember. She's something else. Strong, fierce and incredibly tough. The leader of the Amethyst team of genetically enhanced super-humans.
My romance, Color of Dreams, is in the second round of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.
Julie is a sex crimes detective. Her personality is as fiery as her hair. She's the type of woman who would show her gun in a strip club if someone was hitting on her (and does).
Probably my weakest girl is Maggie from my Change the Stars romance (out in June) but it's not her fault. Her story is set in the 1930s and was raised with a silver spoon in her mouth. But she does grow throughout her novel. She starts as a timid girl who holds her tongue and develops into a capable woman protecting her family through WW II.
Also developing a story for Isabelle, a young woman who becomes a pirate. That should be fun.
My fmc are tenacious, sharp witted, and pioneers in their own world and ways. They are relate-able and charismatic. I subscribe to the Joss Whedon school of characters. It's my hope that whoever reads their stories can connect to them.
I'm tired of reading books where the women are background characters or secondary to the guys. Some genres are sexist or geared toward a particular female archetype. I want to shatter the stereotype especially in my sci-fi books.
Just wait to you get to meet my girls. Mirror Image will be available on April 25th. I'll have links posted here as well as my Facebook page on where you can purchase it.
From my Mirror sci-fi romance series:
Maddie is brilliant, sweet, and stronger than she appears. She's quick on her feet and uses her mind instead of her fists.
Mack is just as brilliant as Maddie but with a rougher edge to her. The years with the ISC have hardened her and she's a proven leader but remains true to herself.
From my work-in-progress Amethyst sci-fi romance series:
Wait till you meet Ember. She's something else. Strong, fierce and incredibly tough. The leader of the Amethyst team of genetically enhanced super-humans.
My romance, Color of Dreams, is in the second round of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.
Julie is a sex crimes detective. Her personality is as fiery as her hair. She's the type of woman who would show her gun in a strip club if someone was hitting on her (and does).
Probably my weakest girl is Maggie from my Change the Stars romance (out in June) but it's not her fault. Her story is set in the 1930s and was raised with a silver spoon in her mouth. But she does grow throughout her novel. She starts as a timid girl who holds her tongue and develops into a capable woman protecting her family through WW II.
Also developing a story for Isabelle, a young woman who becomes a pirate. That should be fun.
My fmc are tenacious, sharp witted, and pioneers in their own world and ways. They are relate-able and charismatic. I subscribe to the Joss Whedon school of characters. It's my hope that whoever reads their stories can connect to them.
I'm tired of reading books where the women are background characters or secondary to the guys. Some genres are sexist or geared toward a particular female archetype. I want to shatter the stereotype especially in my sci-fi books.
Just wait to you get to meet my girls. Mirror Image will be available on April 25th. I'll have links posted here as well as my Facebook page on where you can purchase it.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Closer to April
My writing to do list seems like it keeps growing. I've been working on book one in my new sci-fi series and have been really happy with how it's developing. It started with a little nod toward my Mirror series and a whole new dimension to my fmc, Ember, has come to light. That's something I've always loved when it came to writing. Sometimes one little spark can mean so much.
Working with my publisher on creating the cover art for Mirror Image! We're getting closer to the April 25th launch date and I can't wait to share it. It may seem silly to some, but I've been looking forward to the cover for a long time. I have a very specific image in my head but I trust Catrina to create something awesome.
I spoke on Twitter recently about Mirror Image, stating that I felt like my book has anything a sci-fi fan could offer. That's not a marketing plug. I really mean it. Romance, action, clones, alien races and worlds, Star Wars and Star Trek references. Even paintball. That's just a tip of the iceberg.
Someone asked me about the references. I can't tell you exactly what but a fan of both series will recognize it when it happens. I love to sprinkle little bits of me here and there. After all, it is mine and this series is so close to my heart. Seems only natural.
The publication of Mirror Image has been over a year in the works for me. I know the previous attempts just meant it wasn't ready even though I felt confident. Now I'm really glad I didn't self publish when I got frustrated. Working with Catrina and Jen has been more than rewarding for me. They have helped really mold me from the girl who started writing a dream she had down to an author. I'm really proud of the finished product and am dying for April 25th to get here.
But there's still so much to do in the meantime! Soon, my editor and I will begin working on the second. I may take a deep breath before begin writing the third. But there is a little spark in the back of my mind that is contemplating a fourth and even a prequel to Mirror Image. I am not sure if I'm actually going to write either story or maybe I'll do a series of shorts...okay, the wheel is turning again. But one thing I know for certain is that I'm no longer calling this a trilogy.
Working with my publisher on creating the cover art for Mirror Image! We're getting closer to the April 25th launch date and I can't wait to share it. It may seem silly to some, but I've been looking forward to the cover for a long time. I have a very specific image in my head but I trust Catrina to create something awesome.
I spoke on Twitter recently about Mirror Image, stating that I felt like my book has anything a sci-fi fan could offer. That's not a marketing plug. I really mean it. Romance, action, clones, alien races and worlds, Star Wars and Star Trek references. Even paintball. That's just a tip of the iceberg.
Someone asked me about the references. I can't tell you exactly what but a fan of both series will recognize it when it happens. I love to sprinkle little bits of me here and there. After all, it is mine and this series is so close to my heart. Seems only natural.
The publication of Mirror Image has been over a year in the works for me. I know the previous attempts just meant it wasn't ready even though I felt confident. Now I'm really glad I didn't self publish when I got frustrated. Working with Catrina and Jen has been more than rewarding for me. They have helped really mold me from the girl who started writing a dream she had down to an author. I'm really proud of the finished product and am dying for April 25th to get here.
But there's still so much to do in the meantime! Soon, my editor and I will begin working on the second. I may take a deep breath before begin writing the third. But there is a little spark in the back of my mind that is contemplating a fourth and even a prequel to Mirror Image. I am not sure if I'm actually going to write either story or maybe I'll do a series of shorts...okay, the wheel is turning again. But one thing I know for certain is that I'm no longer calling this a trilogy.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Lights out.
I wasn't concerned when the weather report called for icy rain yesterday. In the four years I've been in my home, we've never had a problem with weather. Occasionally we've lost power but it didn't last an hour, if that.
Image my surprise when I woke up Friday morning without electricity. Called the power company at 8:30 am and got a recording that they were working on it. Checked the website worn the last battery my cell phone had that night and it said or of 70,000 homes they service in my county, 59,000 was without service.
Once the sun set, I started to go a little stir crazy. I couldn't read or work on one of my books. I had just sent my publisher the edited manuscript back of Mirror Image and was hoping to hear back that it was finalized for the April 25th launch. My husband and I ventured out for candles and what fast food we could find.
As the temperature quickly dropped in our home, my husband and wrapped up in blankets on the couch and talked. When our roommates came in, we found out we've been talking for six hours. We had no idea.
Today is our anniversary. 11 years together. 5 years we officially married. Granted it wasn't the we originally intended, but it was awesome. Being able to literally unplug without cellphones, TV or other distractions and just be together. The only thing I wish we could've changed was how COLD it was!
I'm blessed to have spent the last 11 years with a sweet, loving, supportive man. Everyone needs time to just be worn one another. ♥
Take the time today to tell someone you love them. Just be.
Power company Wednesday before we get electricity. I'm hopeful for tomorrow. As for now, I'm basking in my good fortune.
And next time I update, it'll be on my new tablet he got me. ;-)
Saturday, March 1, 2014
SFR Brigade presents: Mirror Image
Welcome to the Science Fiction Romance Brigade Presents, a weekly sneak peek sampler hosted by the SFR Brigade.
I'm a proud member of the Sci-Fi Romance Brigade. Not familiar? Sci-Fi Romance Brigade Facebook or SFR Brigade home (The link is here to find this week’s excerpts from novels or WIP written by other Science Fiction Romance Brigade group members. A fun way to sample new books!)
So without further delay, here's a sneak peak at my upcoming sci-fi release, Mirror Image, book one in a trilogy to be launched on April 25th! That's right, I have an official release date now. Make sure you bookmark your calendars. If you haven't already, like my author page at Facebook.com/KGStutts or bookmark this blog for info as the launch gets closer. Thanks for reading!
Mack sighed. It was time to give Jackson
"Gray," Jackson
"It's me." Mack said.
"What's the word?" Jackson
"The Commander wants to bring her in," Mack
answered.
"Are you serious? A clone at the ISC?"
"That's his orders."
"What happened to keeping an eye on her and watch for
Gorium?"
"He thinks we need to keep her under lock and
key."
"That's crazy."
Mack could hear the dismay in Jackson
"The Commander thinks she is special," Mack
informed him.
"Special?" Jackson
"He seems to think she is somehow unique from other
clones."
"What makes him say that?"
"I don't know. He won't tell me. But it's Charlie. He
must have his reasons."
"Interesting. What's the plan?"
"It's up to you how you get her here. Just be discreet,"
Mack warned him.
"You realize how silly you sound saying that."
"I know," she sighed. "Just do me a favor.
Don't take her during the party."
"Understood."
"Think you can handle this?"
"I think I can handle you," Jackson
"You're going to pay for that later."
"Looking forward to it," Jackson