Remember Our Veterans!

Veteran's Day salutes those men and women who have served or are serving in our nation's military. The event occurs annually during the 11th month, on the 11th day, at the 11th hour. It is a time to say "Thanks" and to appreciate those who keep us safe, and have protected our homeland.


On another note, I am a writer so I will take this opportunity to remind all about my contemporary MILITARY short story, UNWRAPPING CHRIS. The 99cent ebook is available everywhere, and I was assisted by my son, Sgt. Eric Badger, retired, who made sure I used the correct terminology.

BOOK BLURB

Army widow Jayne Rockwell searches for a secure future for her and her two daughters. Staff Sergeant Christopher Hawkins regrets leaving young Jayne eight years ago to go off to war. A crash encounter a week before Christmas thrusts these two lonely people back into each other's lives once more. Jayne must learn to trust a man who disappeared with her heart. Chris must overcome the guilt of taking her innocence, and then leaving her heartbroken and alone. A Christmas wedding brings them closer when Jayne spies him as a groomsman in Highland dress, complete with kilt. He cannot keep his eyes off the woman in green velvet wearing a wedding ring. Accusations, explanations, and remorse leads to a love that erupts among candlelight, Christmas carols, and a dark room. Who needs mistletoe?

UNWRAPPING CHRIS buy links

Amazon     NOOK      Smashwords

iTunes     Kobo     All Romance 

HUG A VETERAN!

Long Live Sweet Romance by Kristy Tate

LONG LIVE SWEET ROMANCE!

Nancy: I am intrigued with your article's title. Explain?

Kristy: I had an uncomfortable experience a number of years ago when I attended a workshop where a writer brought in pages and pages of sex scenes to be critiqued. She read one steamy passage and then said, now, skip 70 pages and then she’d read another libido boosting scene. After the workshop, after I stopped blushing, I asked her why she’d saved and clustered her sex scenes just for us. Her answer, my agent said the reason my novels aren’t selling is because they need the sex scenes so I’m adding them. Since then, this writer is self-publishing her novels, sweet romances, sans sex scenes, and she’s sold thousands of her books. I think she’s financially doing much better than she would have had she published within the traditional romance industry AND she’s able to look her grandmother in the eye.

Nancy: I hear you. My mom reads my nearly complete draft, which is why the sexual tension and somewhat spicy lovemaking in my books is not what I would call erotic or graphic. My characters don't curse very much, either.

Kristy: This reaffirms my belief that there’s a giant gaping hole in the publishing industry. I believe in the power of words. I believe in the power of stories and I also believe not every story has to be powerful. Entertainment is as valuable as enlightenment. Sometimes we just need to get away. Go somewhere else--take our mind off of the nitty-gritty of everyday. And even if we can’t afford an African safari or romp in the Amazon, those experiences are available to us, FOR FREE, at the public library. We can have romance, mystery and intrigue if we possess a library card.

I’ll admit I cried when the Border’s Bookstore closed. Whenever I felt sad I’d go to Borders and buy a book and a chocolate. It didn’t happen often, I’m usually upbeat, but when I’d feel trampled upon and world weary, I knew that I could be lifted up just by going to the closest bookstore. Chocolates and books were there, waiting. 

Nancy: I feel this way, too! There was a lovely Borders near my house, and I miss it very much.

Kristy: My son couldn’t understand my loss. You made your choice when you bought your I-pad, he said. I want libraries, bookstores AND books in the clouds, I replied.

I want books with romance, mystery and intrigue, but I don’t want books with titillation, excessive violence or gore. And that’s the genius of anthologies like 

Autumn's Kiss: Ten Contemporary & Historical Sweet Romances.

Ten sweet stories of love. Ten great authors. Ten ways to celebrate Autumn.

Falling in love is timeless. From a sexy medieval stonemason to a small town shopkeeper - Regency England to Napa Vineyards, this selection of Historical, Contemporary, Paranormal and Time-Travel short romance stories is sure to capture your heart. 

Featuring my novella, The Witching Well

THE WITCHING WELL. KristyTate. Time Travel

Celia Quinn holds Jason West responsible for the demise of her grandmother's dress shop, so when she takes a sip of water from the witching well and is transported back to Regency England, Jason West is the last person she wants to see--or kiss.

Now available on Amazon for only $2.99. 

More About the Author

Kristy Tate is the mom of six incredibly brilliant and beautiful children, and the author of several novels. Although many of her novels have won awards and have ranked on Amazon's top 100 list,

Kristy has yet to realize her lifelong dream of owning a Schnauzer farm. Kristy studied English literature at Brigham Young University and at BYU's International Center in London.

For updates on Kristy's upcoming novels, please visit her BLOG   

Nancy Lee Badger: NEW RELEASE! My Dark Highlander

I had to shout out that my 13th book is now available in ebook and print. 

The Book Blurb

Stranded in 1603 Scotland, veterinarian Jenny Morgan is eager to get home to New England. Hiding her ability to read auras, a powerful witch comes to her aid. All Jenny will miss is the man who stole

her heart, one dark night.

Laird Gavin Sinclair has a missing brother, a murderous father, and a dark-eyed beauty on his mind. When Jenny returns to a dangerous future, he sets aside his obligations and searches for her at the New England Highland Games. Jealousy and lust ravage his dark soul, until he and Jenny fight evil together. 

Excerpt

   “Lass, are ye well?” Gavin asked Jenny. Her limp body, beneath a wayward strand of moonlight, was cause for concern. She was breathing, and the only blood marring the forest floor belonged to his sire. The man had disappeared in a beam of light so intense, little black spots danced in Gavin’s vision.

     When he had come across his father, with Jenny’s breast visible beneath her ruined gown, his heart had caught in his throat. Retaliation sprang to mind. The urge to cast a spell and kill his sire had risen so fast, it had terrified him. Angus Sinclair deserved to die, but the only thing holding Gavin back was the possibility of injuring Jenny. Tamping down his rage, he helped Jenny to her feet.

     “Thanks. I'm fine. I'm glad he's gone. I heard the stories about your father, but I've never known anyone who oozed evil, like him.”

     Gavin’s hands shook, and he was thankful she did not sense his evil side that had reared its ugly head. “Aye, ‘tis why Niall and I were reluctant to follow him.”

      “His threats against you turned my stomach, and when he pressed his…”

     “His dirk?” As moonlight passed above, her cheeks blazed red, and he wondered why she looked embarrassed. She clutched her dress together, but the milky swells of her breasts were visible.

     “Not his dirk, idiot."

Print Book's Back Cover

You can check more of the book, including the first chapter at these on-line BUY LINKS:

Amazon ebook

Nook

Smashwords

All Romance

Amazon Print

Print ISBN: 978-1502558558   330 pages

EBook ISBN:  9781310158292 

ASIN: B00P47DSQC

Endings and Beginnings by Janis Susan May/Janis Patterson

Nancy: Please welcome an author who sounds like she has been as busy this year as I have! She writes mysteries as Janis Patterson, romances and other things as Janis Susan May, children's books as Janis Susan Patterson and scholarly works as J.S.M. Patterson.   

Janis: Some cultures regarded autumn as the end of the year; the winter was the dead time and spring was regarded as the beginning of the year.

This Halloween is a definite ending for me this year. I have spent the summer immersed in a wildly absorbing project. I had obtained the rights back to all the ones I could of my backlist and had two new books which had never been published. In May I self published one book as a test balloon. Found a wonderful scanner, an incredible formatter and a supremely gifted cover artist. As the book had been published before by a major publisher I didn’t send it through the complete editorial process again, but did go through it myself, tweaking and doing some minor revisions. From decision to republish to actually pushing the ‘publish’ button was six weeks, during which time I worked on writing a new book and other things.

Nancy: Wow! You sound like me again! I have a book coming out this weekend, and recovered three previously published novels from a now-defunct publisher. I am working hard to bring one of them out in December with a new title, new cover (by me), and a cleaner edit. 

Janis: The launch went well and sales were good enough to convince me that I should do all the rest of the books. However, time went against me. I did this and that with the books and at the end of three weeks had accomplished a lot – just not all one one book. I realized I had to give myself a deadline and – in a moment of pure insanity – to do one book every two weeks beginning on the 30 of June. My team went into hyperventilation, but agreed that it could be done.

And do it we have. LACEY, the last book, re-released the 30 of October, with each book being released right on schedule. I have seldom been so proud of any accomplishment in my life.

Two of the books were new, never before published – THE EGYPTIAN FILE and THE JERUSALEM CONNECTION. Both are romantic suspenses and are very special to me.

The main idea for THE JERUSALEM CONNECTION was born many years ago while I worked for three months on a film made in Jerusalem. One or two of the adventures occurring to the heroine actually happened to me. No, I’m not telling which ones!

The idea for THE EGYPTIAN FILE germinated during the three weeks my husband and I spent in Egypt our last trip there. Having other commitments, it was a while before I could start working on it, and by then I didn’t trust my memory of exactly what I seen. The Egyptological community is so very helpful and supportive, and I made a few new friends while doing research. I am a bear on having my facts right! The upside is that a new mystery idea – and a fabulous research opportunity – grew out of one of these contacts. I love Ancient Egyptian history, and THE EGYPTIAN FILE has both history and contemporary romantic suspense. It was great fun to write, and I’m so looking forward to the next Egyptian mystery – hidden treasure, a fake psychic, two young lovers and a ghost... Can’t wait.

THREE FACTS READERS MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT ME :

Hmmm. I’m really rather a boring person, so there’s not really that much interesting to know about me.  Hmmm.

1.      I used to design and make a line of jewelry made from animal bone and semi-precious gemstones.

2.      For more than 20 years I wore a diamond ring on my left thumb.

3.      I absolutely love thunderstorms.

THE JERUSALEM CONNECTION

When their original leader falls ill choir director Robin Sabine reluctantly agrees to accompany six teenagers to a musical competition in Jerusalem. The simple purchase of a souvenir for her boss' wife plunges her into a nightmare of danger, kidnapping and almost certain death. The unexpected appearance of a former boyfriend turned enemy unnerves her, and the attentions of a suave, sophisticated British diplomat turn her head even as she wonders if she can trust him. 

After her unscheduled shopping trip in the Old City Robin discovers that there are a number of people inordinately interested in her movements. Her room is searched. She has difficulties with the competition. Neither man in her life trusts the other and after being ruthlessly kidnapped, Robin realizes that a number of people - including her teenaged charges - believe she is a spy.

Conflicting loyalties and the specter of international terrorism make her doubt everything she ever thought she knew. Worst of all, the teens who have been put in her care disappear even as Robin's own life is threatened. If she is going to survive and rescue all entrusted to her, Robin will need all the wits and courage she can muster.

Amazon ebook       Amazon paperback

Barnes and Noble ebook      Barnes and Noble paperback

KOBO      Apple iBook     Createspace paperback

THE EGYPTIAN FILE

Melissa Warrender is trying to solve the strange death of her art-gallery owner father. Her father's partner in Warrender's Fine Art, Melissa's specialty is paintings of the 17th and long 18th centuries, while her father primarily dealt in antiquities. Driven by an unexplained phone call which may or may not have come from her late father, she goes to Cairo to retrieve a mysterious file, not knowing that she is a prime suspect of a special task force set up to stop antiquities smuggling and the target of

her father's chief rival.

David El-Baradi is a professor of Egyptology in London, in Cairo on sabbatical to help the task force. Forced into masquerading as a taxi driver who befriends Melissa, he finds himself attracted to her and, eventually, becomes convinced of her innocence. David cannot reveal his true identity, especially when it starts to seem that the treasure is an undiscovered royal treasure. As the pair lurch across Egypt, dodging the murderous son of Warrender's chief rival and unable to call on the task force for help, they finally decipher the cryptic clues and solve the mysteries of THE EGYPTIAN FILE, almost sacrificing their lives to do so.

Ebooks:

Amazon      Barnes andNoble  

iBooks       KOBO  

Paperback:

Createspace     Amazon       Barnes and Noble  

Nancy: What's next for you? 

Janis: What’s next for me? First of all, I’m taking a week or so off to get reacquainted with my life and get some rest. As for writing, I’m in the final throes of completing a modern gothic set in rural England called THE MASTER OF MORECOMBE HALL. After that’s done, I have a hankering to go back to cozy mystery for a while. I’ve a couple of ideas – a young debutante in 1916 New Orleans is suddenly orphaned and totally broke when it is discovered that her late brother’s wife – unknown to any of the family – has been murdered. Another is a contemporary, where a fact researcher for an eccentric non-fiction writer finds herself pitched into a long dead scandal and a current murder. A third is about a wealthy, very eccentric older woman finds herself trapped very much against her will in a rehabilitation home after a car accident – and then the murders begin.

There’s the new Egyptian mystery waiting impatiently, but I can’t begin my research until March (it’s complicated, and I can’t say any more about it right now). Then there’s another half dozen potential ideas lurking at the fringes of my mind just waiting to pounce. But there always are.

I’ve just finished a cozy mystery called MURDER AND MISS WRIGHT, which I’m allowing to go cold before I send it to my editor. It’s about a number of murders at a scholarly archaeological conference. 

My official bio :

Janis Susan May is a seventh-generation Texan and a third-generation wordsmith who writes mysteries as Janis Patterson, romances and other things as Janis Susan May, children's books as Janis Susan Patterson and scholarly works as J.S.M. Patterson. 

Formerly an actress and singer, a talent agent and Supervisor of Accessioning for a bio-genetic DNA testing lab, Janis has also been editor-in-chief of two multi-magazine publishing groups. She founded and was the original editor of The Newsletter of the North Texas Chapter of the American Research Center in Egypt, which for the nine years of her reign was the international organization's only monthly publication. Long interested in Egyptology, she was one of the founders of the North Texas chapter and was the closing speaker for the ARCE International Conference in Boston in 2005.

Janis married for the first time when most of her contemporaries were becoming grandmothers. Her husband, a handsome Navy Captain several years younger than she, even proposed in a moonlit garden in Egypt. Janis and her husband live in Texas with an assortment of rescued furbabies.

Connect with Janis: Website  Twitter  

It’s All About the Cover! by Sherry Ewing

Nancy: Now that I have started to create my own book covers, Sherry Ewing's article is timely, and I thank her for stopping by! 

Sherry: What is it about the cover of a novel that resonates with a reader enough that they’ll take the next step to see if they’re interested in the actual story? Every author wants their cover to stand out in an endless sea of books available on the internet or a book store. The path to getting there is a tough one.

As an Indie author, I have the luxury of complete control over what my cover’s look like. That’s probably a good thing, since I’ve learned that I’ve become a bit of a control freak during the whole process of launching my debut novel. But let me also tell you, self-publishing is a lot of work and the only person I can rely on to get the job done is me. Is it worth it? My answer is yes!

When the storyline for If My Heart Could See You started to pop into my head, there was really only one choice I saw for my cover. John Waterhouse’s Lamia squeals romance no matter that the story behind the actual painting is horrific. It’s Greek Mythology, so probably enough said there. Because this painting was in the public domain, I was able to use it. Typing that line was far easier than developing an actual cover that would work. I am a writer, not a cover designer, and trying to fumble my way around Photoshop was exhausting to the point that I threw up my hands in frustration numerous times. No matter how many instances I yelled “I’m giving up and chucking the whole idea,” I continued coming back to try again. Apparently, I was on a mission.

This wasn’t just about slapping my name, title and tagline onto the cover and calling it good. This was about making it look professional. I also had to do some editing to remove the snake skin the knight was stepping on. It was also wrapped around the heroine’s leg and bottom of the picture. In the amount of time it took me to finally get it good enough that I was happy with it, I could have written at least three more books. I swore I’d never do another cover again and leave it to the professionals. Now, I’m trying to design the back of my next release. I knew I’d eat those words.

Was it worth it? You tell me. I still remember waking up that Saturday morning in July just two days after my paperback was released. Prior to that, the eBook was bringing in a few sales that totaled maybe fifty. I thought, “How nice is that? All my friends and family are buying my eBook.” Reaching for my phone that morning, I opened the sales dashboard and rubbed my eyes. I must have refreshed that page at least three times before putting on my glasses thinking something was broken at Amazon. But no…I had 70 sales and it was only 8:00 in the morning! I ended that day with 137 Kindle downloads that put me #3 on Amazon’s top ten bestseller list among several others. Oh happy days!

Perhaps my patience and persistence paid off after all. There’s only one reason I believe my book hit those bestseller charts in the first place. I blame it all on my cover. Three to five seconds…that’s it. It’s all the time an author has to grab a reader’s attention enough that they’ll click on your tiny thumbnail on their computer or walk across that bookstore and grab your book. You had better make that cover a good one. 

Three things readers might not know about me:

1) I had seven years of piano lessons when I was growing up. It’s one of the regrets I have that I didn’t keep up with it because I was pretty good.

2) An introvert at heart, I feel out of place in large crowds where I don’t know a lot of people, if anyone at all.

3) I love the ocean but don’t want to swim in it. Give me the sandy stretch of beach and I’ll walk for hours.

Book Blurb for If My Heart Could See You:

When you’re enemies, does love have a fighting chance?

For Amiria of Berwyck, defeat does not come easily as she watches her home and clan being ripped asunder. When the very enemy who has laid siege to her home demands her fealty, she will do whatever it takes to protect her people including a hastily concocted ruse that quickly begins to unravel. All too soon, she starts to question whether she can forgive herself for betraying those she has sworn to protect.

Dristan of Blackmore, champion knight of King Henry II, has a reputation to uphold as the Devil’s Dragon. After his invading army conquers Berwyck castle, he sets out to manage the newly claimed estate by training its knights in the art of proper defense. At first, everything appears as it should be, or is it? Betrayed by those he believed he could trust, he must first set aside his anger before he can make room in his heart for love.

Together they are tied by an unspoken bond. As they begin to rebuild the land and unite their people, forces beyond their control attempt to tear apart their fragile truce and only time will tell if love will forever bring them together.

Excerpt:

“I do so love a challenge,” he argued humorously.

“Do you?” she asked sarcastically. “And what, pray tell, do you achieve if you should know my name, my lord?”

Dristan looked on her with a slight smile set upon his handsome face. “Why I achieve the name of a beautiful woman I would like to know better.”

Amiria contemplated him again, wondering at his ploy. “And how know you I am beautiful with just one glimpse of my face?”

“Anyone with eyes in his head could tell, fair damsel, you are indeed a fine looking woman.”

“They say beauty is not everything, my lord Dristan. Perchance I have a shrewish nature, as I have been told such afore.”

“Somehow, I think not.”

“Do you?” she repeated the same words of but seconds ago.

He interrupted her. “Besides, ’tis not fair you should know who I am, but I am not granted the same.”

“Any and all would be a fool not to know the Devil’s Dragon of Blackmore now claims his lair in Berwyck Castle.”

“Then you have heard of me and my reputation has proceeded me,” he cajoled.

“Aye, my lord, I have indeed knowledge of you.”

“I see you do not fear me, as some do upon first encountering me. Why is that, I wonder, when you in truth do not know my nature?” he questioned honestly.

“I fear no man,” she answered, as she raised her head defiantly with a flip of her head, “or beast for that matter!”

Dristan threw his head back and laughed. It sounded pleasant to her ears. “Well said, damsel. Mayhap in you I have finally met my match! Still you have me at a loss, mistress, besides not giving me your name, that is.”

Buy Links:

AMAZON     iBOOKS      KOBO

BARNES-and-NOBLE

What’s next for you?

Currently, I have the eBook for my historical time travel, For All of Ever, up for pre-order at the major retailers with a November 20^th release date. It was a lot of fun to write, so much so, that I had to give Katherine and Riorden a second book called Only For You. I just finished the last round of

edits and hope to have it published by the beginning of 2015. I am currently finishing my work in progress entitled A Knight to Call My Own that continues the MacLaren saga with Lynet who is the youngest daughter from my debut historical If My Heart Could See You. I also plan to jump into the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) challenge in November as I have Aiden’s (Amiria’s twin) story taking shape inside my head. As you can see, my writing keeps me very busy and I still hold a day job too!

A little bit about the author:

Sherry Ewing is an Amazon Bestselling author who writes historical and time travel romances to awaken the soul one heart at a time. Her debut historical romance, If My Heart Could See You, hit Amazon’s top ten bestseller list for the eBook only two days after the paperback release. Always wanting to write a novel but busy raising her children, she finally took the plunge in 2008 and wrote her first Regency. She is a national and local member of Romance Writers of America since 2012. Her second book,

Author Sherry Ewing

For All of Ever, is available for pre-order and she is currently editing its sequel, Only For You. When Sherry is not busy writing, she can be found in the San Francisco area at her day job as an Information Technology Specialist.

You can find more information 

about Sherry Ewing and her book 

If My Heart Could See You at:

WEBSITE and BLOG     FACEBOOK

TWITTER     GOODREADS     PINTEREST

Amazon Author Page 

No Saggy Middles, please!

When writing a novel, I worry about the dreaded 'saggy middle'. An exciting first chapter, pitfalls, cliffhangers, battle scenes, and a satisfying ending are easier to write than the middle of a book...but the story cannot bog down. Keeping the characters interesting is tough, so I like to peel back the layers, letting their feelings out. Here is an example taken from the middle of the book:

In this Scottish time travel romance, my heroine is a veterinarian. After a grueling day at her animal clinic, Jenny has arrived back at her apartment. One man, Rae Wilson who followed her back in time, accompanied her in order to protect her from evil forces, while the other-Gavin Sinclair, also from ancient Scotland-remained at home.

   Her apartment house never looked so good. As Jenny pulled into the lot near her building, relief and weariness overcame her. She was dog-tired. She laughed, because after all the dogs she handled today, no wonder her arms shook. Rae opened her car door, startling her. He held out his hand, and she grabbed it like a lifeline.

   “Thanks. After the day I’ve had, I need the lift.” Pulled to her feet, she sighed.

   “Then allow me.”

   Swept into his arms, she shrieked, laughing at the joke. She’d asked for it. “Do you plan to carry me all the way inside?”

   “Nay, he will set ye on yer feet this minute!” boomed a voice from the direction of her apartment door. Gavin stood with his fists on the hips of his low-riding jeans, his glare boring into her like a super-heated drill. His heaving chest, barely contained by the black tank top, outlined every sinewy muscle.

   “I said, set her down.”

   Gavin’s second warning was more of a throaty growl. A shiver raced along her spine, but Rae laughed, set Jenny on her feet, and kissed the tip of her nose. Gavin’s wordless growl was both terrifying, and romantic.

Release Day for My Dark Highlander is right around the corner.

Here is the Book Blurb:

Stranded in 1603 Scotland, veterinarian Jenny Morgan is eager to get home to New England. Hiding her ability to read auras, a powerful witch comes to her aid. All Jenny will miss is the man who stole her heart, one dark night. 

Laird Gavin Sinclair has a missing brother, a murderous father, and a dark-eyed beauty on his mind. When Jenny returns to a dangerous future, he sets aside his obligations and searches for her at the New England Highland Games. Jealousy and lust ravage his dark soul, until he and Jenny fight evil together. 

Hope you are looking forward to this book's release as much as I am!

Nancy Lee

The Cat Made Me Do It by Christina Westcott

Nancy: Christina stopped by to talk about two loves we have in common: Writing romance...and CATS! Take it away, Christina!

Since the long ago day I discovered Space Cat Meets Mars in my local library, I’ve loved science fiction and fantasy. So I guess it was natural that when I tried my hand at writing, I’d choose space opera. My stories were always less about the technology and more about the people, how they interacted and cared about each other—even if some of them were aliens. Sure, there was adventure and danger, but my characters were often motivated by the emotions they felt for each other. They wanted to save the universe, but more importantly they needed first to save each other, because they were in love. I labored for years, receiving many letters from editors. You know the ones—“We liked this, but…” Eventually I found some success in writing magazine articles, but fiction remained my elusive first love.

Once again, a cat stepped in to show the way. In my local Barnes & Noble, while perusing the science fiction section, I came across a book with a cat on the cover. I decided to take a chance on it. It had cats in it; that alone was worth the price. It turned out to be the first science fiction romance I’d ever seen. The echoes to my own stories were astounding and heartening. Not only did it have adventure, space battles (and of course cats) but it had love. And (gasp) sex scenes, right there on the page—actually no, they were usually in bed.

I was hooked.

Now my long literary pregnancy is over and those chance encounters with cats have led to the release of my first SFR (Sci-Fi Romance) this month, A Hero For The Empire. Are there cats in it, you ask? Bet your whiskers.

BLURB:

Cybernetically augmented Kimber FitzWarren has been given the task of locating a missing military icon, Arianne Ransahov, but the only person with a clue to the woman’s whereabouts is mercenary, Wolf Youngblood. The Empire just attempted to assassinate him because of this knowledge, so when Fitz shows up in his bedroom at 0-dark-30, he’s less than happy to see her. She explains she isn’t there to kill him, but to plead for his help. Help he’s reluctant to give—until another assassin comes after both of them.

The two set off on their quest along with Fitz’s sentient starship, Lizzy, and Wolf’s telepathic cat, Jumper—who’s a cross between Chewbacca and Garfield. The action is non-stop, with our heroes escaping one Imperial trap only to face another danger, then another. But there is enough time for the pair to fall in love. Hero for the Empire is good, old-fashioned space opera in the style of Star Wars, Firefly or this summer’s blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy.

I’ve always thought that when man went to space, cats would follow him. Their lithe bodies are built for flying in zero gravity and their paws grip with the tenacity of Velcro. Now if we can just figure out what to do about that pesky cat litter in zero gee…

Cat have always gone adventuring with mankind, accompanying us on voyages of discovery, riding on merchant vessels and have even following us to war. There’s the story of Oscar, the German cat who was aboard the battleship Bismarck when it was sunk in 1941. He was rescued by a British ship, which was itself sunk four months later. Only to be rescue again and—you guessed it—sunk again before the year was out. Eventually, his name was changed to Unsinkable Sam and he was retired to an old sailors home in England.

In that tradition, the cats in my imaginary worlds, ride aboard starships to protect their crew from frainies, a particularly nasty mind parasite. Fearless space cat, Jumper, does battle with The Enemy to save the hero and heroine.

EXCERPT:

   Now The Enemy had come aboard this ship and wanted to kill his person. That would not be tolerated.

   Five fuzzy globs of light drifted out of the common room. Jumper saw them as dirty gray spheroids of wiggling tentacles tipped with organs to locate the thoughts of their prey. His green eyes narrowed, a hunter’s growl rumbling in his throat.

   The powerful muscles of his hind legs hurled him among them, claws slashing, jaws crushing. He hit the deck and rebounded, tumbling and slaughtering until only one remained. It flashed away and down the stairs to engineering. Jumper spit out the foulness of his last kill and soared after it.

   He grabbed the handrail on the stairs, slowing his forward momentum and peered down into the room. A glowing ball of frainies a meter across churned in mid-air. Was it a trap? He’d heard stories of cats swarmed by The Enemy and killed, but were they true? Or only cautionary tales to keep high-spirited kittens in check?

   The puff of fur on his behind twitched as he tried to lash his non-existent tail. Jumper leapt, screaming his battle cry. He was a Gold Dragon and this was, as the mercenaries liked to say, a target rich environment.

BIO:

As long as she can remember, Christina Westcott has had imaginary people living in her head. Cyborgs, mercenaries, wizards, dragons and cats. Lots of cats—shape-shifting cats, talking cats and telepathic cats. After continual nagging from this bizarre cast of characters, Chris decided to turn them loose on the world in her science fiction and fantasy stories. She’s been an incorrigible collector of not only books and cats, but of experiences, riding in rodeos, driving racecars and flying airplanes. All good experience for becoming a writer.

She lives in sunny Southwest Florida where she delights in telling all her friends “up north” the local temperature in the middle of January and she proudly wears the moniker Crazy Cat Lady. She’s currently at work on the second book in the Dragon’s Bidding series, Cypher, where we learn what happened the day after the first book ended.

You can catch her on her website at christinawestcottauthor.com or on

facebook.com/chriswestcott33.

Buy A Hero for the Empire at:

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Samhain