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Monday, August 30, 2021

HERE BE NEWS For August 30, 2021

 

                            


Monday August 30, 2021 

Welcome to HERE BE NEWS, where each monday we bring you all the latest from the fantasy romance authors at Here Be Magic:


Tuesday August, 24, 2021Linda Mooney shares an additional scene from her Paranormal Romance, SLASH.

Thursday August 26, 2021: PG Forte celebrates National Dog Day!


Thursday, August 26, 2021

Let's Hear it for the Dogs!

 So, today is National Dog Day...although, since it's apparently celebrated around the world, I  would think it should be International Dog Day. Either way, I'm commemorating the event by sharing pictures of my dogs. 

I'm an animal person, in general. The famous quote by Chief Seattle, "If all the beasts were gone, man would die of a great loneliness of the spirit," is one that speaks to me very deeply. In my entire life I have only spent two years without any animal companions, and it wasn't pretty.  I overcompensated pretty badly afterwards, acquiring six cats, five chickens, four lizards, three turtles, two tree frogs, a tarantula, a couple of mice (who very quickly turned into nine mice) several fish (can't remember how many) and a dog. Yes, all at once. I think of it as my petting zoo phase. 

In general, I tend to think of myself as a cat person, yet here I am with only dogs in my life. Go figure. 

I love including animals in my books, but writing vampires kind of ruined that for me. Not to mention spoiling my enjoyment in writing food scenes. But I'm sure it's only temporary. 

Anyway, here are my babies. Tatanka (Tank, for short) is the large fawn-colored dog, Luna is the smaller black dog and the white dog who appears in one blurry photo is Dulce, who actually belonged to a neighbor, but her photo showed up in my Facebook memories earlier this week, so I had to include her. 







Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Additional Scene from SLASH, a Paranormal Romance by Linda Mooney

This month, I'm offering up a free additional scene from SLASH, a Contemporary Paranormal Romance!

The time has come when Michael tells Sonia they can no longer be law enforcement partners. Dogs don’t have long lifespans, which means they’re going to have to come up with some sort of solution.

Fortunately, the answer is a lot closer than she expects.



Monday, August 23, 2021

HERE BE NEWS For August 23, 2021

 

                            


Monday August 23, 2021 

Welcome to HERE BE NEWS, where each monday we bring you all the latest from the fantasy romance authors at Here Be Magic:



Tuesday August  17, 2021Deborah Bailey discusses 
Using Science Fiction to Tell Contemporary Stories.

Thursday August, 19, 2021: Maureen Bonatch offers ten reasons why you might like a cozy mystery. 

                  


WHEN THE CAT'S AWAY features vacationing sleuths as they trade their sunglasses for magnifying glasses in 11 new, never-before-read cozy mysteries. 


This includes Maureen Bonatch's story CURSES, CATS & CORPSES which will introduce you to her Charmed Cocktail Cozy series. 



 New!

LHORA
A Sensuous Sci-Fi Romance
by Linda Mooney
Word Count: 67.7K
$3.99 e / $9.99 p

The Coltrosstians and the Beinights have been enemies for as long as anyone can remember, but now they have a common enemy aiming for them both—the Tra’Mell. When approached by the Coltrosstian Sarpi to join forces against this new foe, the Beinights aren’t sure who to trust. They need the help, but at what cost? Furthermore, the Coltrosstians seem to have some secrets they’re not willing to share.

Lhora is part of the guard for Esstika Kai, leader of the Beinights, and she has her own secrets to hide, like her torgart powers she’d inherited from her father, and the fact she’s due to take over as Esstika when her mother is no longer able.

She never foresaw being captured and used as a bargaining chip, much less have an unexpected ally come to her rescue. Lhora soon learns that maybe the Coltrosstians have more in common with her kind than just being enemies, but can the rest of their people be convinced of that? One thing is certain—this new enemy must be stopped now.

It’s time for the Tra’Mell to face the music. And when joining forces, Lhora discovers that love can conquer all.

Warning! Contains airships with sails, shurr swords, pointy ears, dungeons that use one key, treason and high treachery, blatant lies, and two people who should be enemies discovering a love that will forge a whole new future for both their people.

Friday, August 20, 2021

New! LHORA, a Sensuous Sci-Fi Romance by Linda Mooney

 New!

LHORA
A Sensuous Sci-Fi Romance
by Linda Mooney
Word Count: 67.7K
$3.99 e / $9.99 p

The Coltrosstians and the Beinights have been enemies for as long as anyone can remember, but now they have a common enemy aiming for them both—the Tra’Mell. When approached by the Coltrosstian Sarpi to join forces against this new foe, the Beinights aren’t sure who to trust. They need the help, but at what cost? Furthermore, the Coltrosstians seem to have some secrets they’re not willing to share.

Lhora is part of the guard for Esstika Kai, leader of the Beinights, and she has her own secrets to hide, like her torgart powers she’d inherited from her father, and the fact she’s due to take over as Esstika when her mother is no longer able.

She never foresaw being captured and used as a bargaining chip, much less have an unexpected ally come to her rescue. Lhora soon learns that maybe the Coltrosstians have more in common with her kind than just being enemies, but can the rest of their people be convinced of that? One thing is certain—this new enemy must be stopped now.

It’s time for the Tra’Mell to face the music. And when joining forces, Lhora discovers that love can conquer all.

Warning! Contains airships with sails, shurr swords, pointy ears, dungeons that use one key, treason and high treachery, blatant lies, and two people who should be enemies discovering a love that will forge a whole new future for both their people.

Thursday, August 19, 2021

10 Reasons You Might Like a Cozy Mystery

 By Maureen Bonatch


Cozy. 

The word elicits images of curling up by the fireplace with a good book, or comfortable clothes and soft blankets. So you might be wondering what’s a cozy mystery and is this a genre I’d like? 

 You Might Like a Cozy Mystery If: 


  1. You're trying to solve the murder, kidnapping, or mystery while you’re reading a book or watching television. 
  2. You turn away or skip the passages that describe the murder, or other violence. 
  3. You tend to prefer words like darn, heck, or for goodness sake instead of swearing or vulgar language. 
  4. A little romance is okay, but you really want to focus on solving the mystery. 
  5. You’d rather learn more about the characters than in-depth police and crime procedures. 
  6. You like to see the good guys always prevail and the bad guys get caught. 
  7. You prefer a lighthearted or humorous story—even if there is a murder. 
  8. You want to solve the mystery as an amateur sleuth with an ordinary person, just like you.
  9. You enjoy getting to know the quirky characters in small towns. 
  10. You love when animals become secondary characters in the story. 

 Good News—There are Paranormal Cozy Mysteries


Never fear my paranormal and magic loving peeps! There are paranormal cozy mysteries too. These stories have the elements listed above, as well as magic, ghosts, or other paranormal elements. 
 

Even Better News (Since Gooder is Not a Word) 


 You can have a taste of 10 +1= 11 new cozy mystery stories for only .99cents! WHEN THE CAT'S AWAY features vacationing sleuths as they trade their sunglasses for magnifying glasses in 11 new, never-before-read cozy mysteries. 


This includes my story CURSES, CATS & CORPSES which will introduce you to my Charmed Cocktail Cozy series. 

 So snuggle up with your favorite furry friend to read this fun collection of travel cozies, each including a fabulous feline sidekick. All aboard for intriguing mysteries, hilarious banter, and good, clean fun. 

Grab your copy of WHEN THE CAT’S AWAY Here's a link >>  to catch up with your favorite characters and to meet some new friends along the way. You’ll be very glad you did! 

P.S. Here's a Contest for you! 




Maureen’s first novella was a paranormal romance published when blogs were a new-fangled thing. She’s since changed her focus to writing paranormal cozy mysteries as M.L. Bonatch and urban fantasy as Maureen Bonatch. 

While she’s not busy writing or doing nurse-things, she’s a mom to her twin daughters, bicycling in the beautiful woods of PA with her hubby, doing the bidding of a feisty Shih Tzu, and dancing as much as possible. She believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and that caffeine and wine are essential for survival. 
Visit Maureen's Website Here

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Using Science Fiction to Tell Contemporary Stories

 Once I was talking to one of my cousins about books I liked to read. When science fiction came up she said she didn't like it because it wasn't "real life." Similarly, when I'd been in an in-person writing class (way back in pre-Covid days) everyone named their favorite genres and made a point to mention science fiction as their least favorite. As it turned out only one other person liked it, so at least I had an ally.

I'd always read a lot of comic books (or are they called "graphic novels" now?). And I still have a lot of them saved in a large box in the garage. I still collect them, though now I read the online versions on my tablet.

The thing is, I'm convinced that most of the writers in my class probably had never read a science fiction story. They probably had an idea of what they thought it was or judged the genre by a story they hadn't liked. I've always been drawn to shows like, Star Trek and The Twilight Zone, and that's probably why I started reading and writing the genre. I was intrigued by the technology, the space aliens and the adventure.

Later when I was in college I took a science fiction literature class and was hooked. Reading it was a totally different thing than watching TV shows or movies. For the most part, science fiction and fantasy themes reflect what's happening in our current world. Like all stories, sci fi stories are about the human condition, only they use science fictional settings to tell the tale. Storytelling is how we share information with each other.  

When I came up with the idea for the Hathor Legacy series, I wanted to show what could happen if a corporation took the place of a government. How different would things be for the citizens? I also wanted to talk about hierarchies in society, and how humans will (in my opinion) always find a way to separate "us" from "them."

But instead of being preachy or trying to make sweeping statements, I wrote a story about human beings in a future world. They struggle with the same questions and doubts we do here on Earth. Of course, they might have more technology and are scattered across different solar systems, but they are asking the same questions. Who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose in life?

Of course other genres like Fantasy or Paranormal can do the same, but I think often science fiction gets overlooked. It gets characterized as something for children, or defined by shows or movies that focus on special effects over storytelling.

Writing in this genre allows authors to go beyond the contemporary beliefs and mindsets in order to invent new worlds, customs and cultures. I just hope that while readers are being entertained, they can also think a little bit about the world we live in. Perhaps they can see a different point of view or learn something new about themselves.

Science fiction provides the ability to speculate on, "what if?" Yet the stories are rooted in our shared experiences as humans here on Earth.

If you're interested in checking out the Hathor Legacy series, it's available as a three-book box set. 

On The Planet, Hathor – A Powerful Corporation, A Psychic Security Force & A Conspiracy https://books2read.com/u/b6QQBx



 

Monday, August 16, 2021

HERE BE NEWS For August 16, 2021

 

                            


Monday August 16, 2021 

Welcome to HERE BE NEWS, where each monday we bring you all the latest from the fantasy romance authors at Here Be Magic:





VALL'S WILL
Sensuous Sci-Fi Romance
by Linda Mooney
Word Count: 56K
$3.99 e / $9.99 p / $19.95 a

Narrated by Audrey Lusk
Length: 5 hrs, 54 min
Hear a Sample

A Nion warrior never kills. Never. But this time, she may have to destroy the man she loves.

They found him chained in the depths of an enemy ship. Half-starved, beaten, and abused in more ways than anyone could ever imagine, the man still exhibited a strength of character that impressed his deliverers, including Captain Willis Tayte.

Something about this one, whom his captors called Vall, tugged at her heart. It was too bad she wouldn't have the chance to explore the exciting new feelings he brought to her when she was around him. Her orders were to deliver him to the nearest Regency base, where it would be determined what species he belonged to, and then be indoctrinated into his new life of freedom. He would be returned home, and Will would go back to her ship.

At least, that was the plan, until a ship of unknown origin suddenly appears from out of nowhere and demands Vall in exchange for her life and the lives of millions more. It isn't until she finally discovers Vall's true identity that Will realizes how important he is to keeping balance in the Universe. And how special she has become to him.

Warning! Contains baldness for women, explosions, abandonment, a miracle survival, and the decision to kill the only person she will ever love.

Excerpt and Buy Links

Saturday, August 14, 2021

Bring It Back(List) - VALL'S WILL, a Sensuous Sci-Fi Romance by Linda Mooney

VALL'S WILL
Sensuous Sci-Fi Romance
by Linda Mooney
Word Count: 56K
$3.99 e / $9.99 p / $19.95 a

Narrated by Audrey Lusk
Length: 5 hrs, 54 min
Hear a Sample

A Nion warrior never kills. Never. But this time, she may have to destroy the man she loves.

They found him chained in the depths of an enemy ship. Half-starved, beaten, and abused in more ways than anyone could ever imagine, the man still exhibited a strength of character that impressed his deliverers, including Captain Willis Tayte.

Something about this one, whom his captors called Vall, tugged at her heart. It was too bad she wouldn't have the chance to explore the exciting new feelings he brought to her when she was around him. Her orders were to deliver him to the nearest Regency base, where it would be determined what species he belonged to, and then be indoctrinated into his new life of freedom. He would be returned home, and Will would go back to her ship.

At least, that was the plan, until a ship of unknown origin suddenly appears from out of nowhere and demands Vall in exchange for her life and the lives of millions more. It isn't until she finally discovers Vall's true identity that Will realizes how important he is to keeping balance in the Universe. And how special she has become to him.

Warning! Contains baldness for women, explosions, abandonment, a miracle survival, and the decision to kill the only person she will ever love.

Excerpt and Buy Links

Monday, August 9, 2021

HERE BE NEWS For August 9, 2021

 

                            


Monday August 9, 2021 

Welcome to HERE BE NEWS, where each monday we bring you all the latest from the fantasy romance authors at Here Be Magic:


Thursday August 5, 2021: Author Nicole Luiken talks about working on more than one book at a time in her post, Switching Projects. 

Thursday, August 5, 2021

Switching Projects

 Like most authors, I work on more than one book in a given year. Unlike most authors, I don't proceed immediately from the first draft into revisions. I let the book "rest" while I work on another project. I'm able to do this because I don't have any contract/deadlines at the moment. I prefer writing this way so that I can come back to a project with both fresh eyes and enthusiasm. (This also allows me the option of abandoning a sub-par book--not all ideas are equal and some turn out to be ho-hum. If I'm not enthused about a project, chances are that readers won't be either.)

I  try to balance my year between first draft work (which I find more fun) and revision (which is sometimes fun and sometimes a slog).

I started off the year revising By Glamour Deceived a paranormal romance. Then I switched over to Mike & Angel 5 (working title), and finished off a first draft which I'd last worked on in 2017 when I ran out of steam on around the 30k mark. Then I wrote the first draft of Mage in Coma (working title) another paranormal romance, finishing in July. I recently spent a week doing a small but vital edit to my epic fantasy novel The Simple Queen.

Now, in August, it's time to return to Impersonating the Queen, book two in a YA fantasy series. Book one, Replacing the Princess, has been my main project for the last few years and I'm eager to finish off the story.

My first step in revision is always to reread the current draft from start to finish, jotting down chapter summaries and revision notes as I go but NOT STOPPING to fix anything. I want to see how the book stands as a whole.

According to my notes, I wrote the first draft of Impersonating the queen in Aug-Oct 2020, basically a year  ago. And yet I remembered almost nothing of the plot. 

Uh-oh, I thought, this can't be good.

With some trepidation, I started to read... and was greatly relieved when I became caught up in the story. The prose is rough, some transitions are missing, the character arcs need work and the point-of-view balance is off, etc. etc. BUT the bones are good. The diamond in the rough is there, it just needs polishing. A process which I fully expect to take me until the end of the year.

Onward! 



Monday, August 2, 2021

HERE BE NEWS for August 2, 2021

 

                            


Monday August 2, 2021 

Welcome to HERE BE NEWS, where each monday we bring you all the latest from the fantasy romance authors at Here Be Magic:




Tuesday July 27, 2021Author Linda Mooney offers an additional scene from her contemporary Sci-Fi Romance, The Gifted

Thursday July 29, 2021: PG Forte revises her goals for 2021 with another mid-year review.