Author Topic: COURTESAN (SF) (Read 5739 times) Tweet

D.A. Boulter · « **on:** June 14, 2010, 02:38:45 am »

I sold a book yesterday -- my first. And after the first wild elation came calm reflection and a quiet re-walking of the path which led me here, as well as a vision of what is surely to come.

One might say it all started with Mr. Wallace, my 9th grade English teacher. One day he said: "Write a poem and have it ready to hand in on Monday." A poem? Me? Okay, I wrote the wretched thing -- and, believe me, it was wretched. Were this a movie, you'd hear the ominous strains of music as I carried out that assignment, a foreshadowing of things to come.

Some weeks later, whilst walking, words started to come to me. Words with rhythm and with rhyme. Poetry. By the time I arrived home a poem had been born -- which I dutifully wrote down. I was good, a natural. I had a talent! I also had the approbation and admiration of my mother and, as we all know, mothers never lie about this sort of thing. A few years later, upon looking back at those first poems I, as do all authors in similar circumstances, cringed. (I also began to doubt my mother's taste in poetry, but that's a different story.) Then, in Grade 12, one Mrs Hanes did agree with my mother's first assessment and pushed me on.

Ah, poetry! What wonders one can weave with words sublime to tell a tale in verses few. What magic from the pen pours out to gladden the heart anew. Yeah, you get the picture. But, as is my wont, I had come into poetry at a time when poetry no longer was so popular as in earlier ages. [Story of my life -- taking up the fad which the world has now passed by.] No longer could one find fame in poetry. And, though the men at the Arctic camp where I worked enjoyed my Robert Service-like 'Ballad of Bruce and the Seal', I knew that a wider audience had to await me if only I . . .

PROSE! Why say in one hundred words that which might be said in 100,000? My first novella was a wonder! I had a talent. I was a natural. A couple of years later I re-read this gleaming (though short) epic -- and cringed. But stories flowed forth--even novels--and, uncovering the beauty of my words from the heavy skirts of meter and rhyme, I showed them to any who would look. Yes, I had become a Word Slut, going out with any who might deign to read. Friends and Family looked askance [and hid away when the latest tome issued forth].

But, yesterday, I sold my first book and I realize that I have slid far down the slope from Poetic Idealist, through Word Slut and now to . . .

I stand on the corner of KindleBoards Street and Amazon Ave, propositioning passers-by. "Hey, Reader, looking for a good time? A free sample is yours for the asking." I wink. "And, should it please, you can have 'Courtesan' -- 70,000 words for only 99 cents [edit: now $2.99]. A couple hours of guilty pleasure -- no, let's find a word other than 'guilty'. A few hours of well-deserved relaxation, allowing the words to paint a picture, tell a story, let you escape. Ah, and come back later and we might have a 2fer. Yes, two novellas for one low price. And after that, perhaps Pelgraff, a novel of derring-do, of war and strife! Yes, indeed, we can party!"

And now, now, I have sold my words for money -- thirty-five cents -- and is there any lower I can fall? I've become a Word Wh . . . well, a Professional. Yes, a professional, that's a much better word.

But, alas, I see, far in the future, D.A. Boulter driving a taxi. Yes, all you, my fellow authors know and fear that fate. A cabbie does not take his passengers on sight-seeing trips to show what he or she wants to show. No, a cabbie takes passengers where THEY want to go. And I see myself there, driving that cab . . . a Hack.

So, tell me, fellow wordsmiths, why is it, when I see my book has sold, when I have passed another milestone on the Road to Degradation, that I feel no shame? Why do I feel instead -- euphoric? And, in closing, when I recall Mr. Wallace from Grade 9 and Mrs Hanes from Grade 12, do I, instead of cursing, say to them, "Thank-you"?

KBoards.com

Betsy the Quilter · « **Reply #1 on:** June 14, 2010, 02:52:38 am »

DA--

welcome to KindleBoards and congratulations on your book!

I've added an image link to your book post.

We invite you to use your book cover as your avatar and have links to your book and website in your signature, as you have done. Although self-promotion is limited to the Book Bazaar, most of our authors have found the best way to promote their books is to be as active throughout KindleBoards as time allows. This is your target audience--book lovers with Kindles!

Be sure to bookmark your thread so you can find it in the future. We ask that authors have one thread per book and post updates to that thread rather than start a new one. See the fine print below for rules about bumping.

Thanks for being part of KindleBoards! Feel free to PM us if you have any questions.

Betsy & Ann
Book Bazaar Moderators

The fine print:
Please add to your existing book thread when you have news about your book rather than start a new one, it helps the members who are trying to follow you. You may have a separate thread for each of your books. We recommend you bookmark your post so that you can find it in the future. You may respond to all posts, but if there have been no member posts, we ask that you wait a week before "bumping" the thread by posting back-to-back posts of your own. And we ask that Amazon reviews not be repeated here as they are easy to find at your book link. Also, full reviews from other sites should not be posted here, but you may post a short blurb and a link to the full review instead. All this, and more, is included in our Forum Decorum. From time to time our site rules may change; be sure to check Forum Decorum for the current guidelines and rules.

D.A. Boulter · « **Reply #2 on:** July 06, 2010, 04:15:42 am »

Well, although I hadn't planned it this way, apparently this thread is my Courtesan

thread. Now, I can't claim to be a courtesan, I'm a . . . well you read the thread title. But my book, now out there for a month has smashed all previous sales records -- okay, you got me, there were no previous sales.

And I can happily relate my first review, a scintillating paragon of a review. No, it's not on Amazon, no reviews there yet, but this is better, it's . . . from a friend. She said:

"I was surprised. It read like a real book."

Well, that should have hundreds, if not thousands, of you stampeding into the Kindle store to acquire something by an indie author that reads like a real book. I'm sure you're tired off all those that read like imitation books--you know the ones, they have a cover but turn out to be a hollow box without words inside.

On to the news!

Another milestone on my path to degradation has occurred. I've been a 'professional' for a month now. (I've put out another book, but I daren't mention the name or this'll become its thread as well.) With two different titles in my repertoire, the police are giving me sideways glances as I stand at the corner of Kindleboards St. and Amazon Ave and strive to entice even more readers. July could be a record month. Jaswinder (my protagonist) and I cordially invite you to download the sample of Courtesan. Then, should it please, take a journey into hyperspace where everything is grey and colourless. Hmmm. That didn't come out quite like I wanted it to. Besides which, as a word slu-- word wh-- . . . um, professional, I must attempt to stamp out and eliminate redundancies.

Okay, I have to admit I'm in trouble. Jaswinder is jealous. I've been spending too much of my time lately with Alan McLean, who appears in the same universe some 450 years later and whose own thread I'm preparing for later this month. So, if a few of you would curl up with Jaswinder and her sample, it would take the pressure off me.

Courtesan

by D. A. Boulter.

LuvMyKindle · « **Reply #3 on:** July 08, 2010, 09:45:22 pm »

Hello D.A.,

I am amazed that no has posted in this thread! I loved your posts and think you are wonderfully creative with a dry, witty (ok, sarcastic), smart sense of humor and you had me in stitches when I read this a few nights ago. I downloaded a sample of Courtesan even though it's not my usual genre, but did not post that night because I wanted to read the sample first. Well, I still haven't read any of the samples I've downloaded this week yet, but I wanted to post while I could still find your thread. I do plan on reading your book sample tomorrow and I will let you know if I decide to buy the book to add to my kindle collection which I can't seem to keep up with. LOL
Again, I just wanted you to know I really enjoyed reading your posts and good luck with book sales.

Lyndl · « **Reply #4 on:** July 08, 2010, 10:05:06 pm »

Congratulations on selling your first book. I've downloaded the sample, which I hope to read soon...ish

D.A. Boulter · « **Reply #5 on:** July 08, 2010, 11:22:37 pm »

Quote from: Betsy the Quilter on July 08, 2010, 09:54:17 pm

D.A.--

Your book sounds intriguing! You're familiar with our rules, we just like to have a recap in each book thread!

Well, I made the original post before the Writer's Cafe appeared and had not intended this to be about 'Courtesan' in particular. Then you replied with a post which made it appear that it was to be my 'Courtesan' thread. Others got in trouble for more than one thread, so I felt I was stuck with it. And I did wait 3 weeks.

As for Jaswinder, she's kinda upset that persons and/or organizations unknown want to steal or bury her research on hyperspace which may very possibly lead to more rapid transit between Earth and its colony worlds. (They might want to bury her, too -- literally -- which she finds somewhat distressing. Who wouldn't?) She thought a break-through would benefit everyone, anger no one. Who coulda known? But she's a very organized and tenacious little critter -- just ask me, I know. She hounded me, week after week to get her own story, then complained it wasn't long enough for her. Now it's novel length, but she still wants more. Where was I?

Oh, yeah, so she's developed a plan to escape whoever might come after her, but she isn't quite the professional at disappearing that she is the laboratory -- they find her and she's on the run again, made up as a hooker. [I think that's the cue for Johannes.] Johannes Yrden, pilot of the Yrden Family lines spaceship 'Venture', is looking for someone to share an 8 month voyage. He's tired of living with only the ship's crew, half of which are family. Brother Matt, the captain, doesn't approve, has never approved, which sort of makes young Johannes more determined to hire a new courtesan after Matt basically chased his last two off the ship.

He's got a ship, needs a companion; she's on the run, needs a place to hide. What's more natural than for them to hook up? [Okay, so I, as author, tweaked possibilities just a little--it is my universe, after all, and I am God there--just don't tell Jaswinder I said that . . . please. She'll kill me if she realizes that it was I who put her through all that suffering.] Jaswinder figures she's got the perfect place to hide and continue her research--a ship in hyperspace. So she signs the courtesan agreement. [Okay, not exactly how it happens. She's pretty pushy--I told you that, didn't I?] Naturally (again), she's in for a rude shock when she finds herself in the middle of a family argument and not exactly trusted. She could get around that by revealing her true identity, but there's a possibility that one of her pursuers booked passage (see above, the threat of death thing). And, just when we all thought things couldn't get any worse--well, I'm probably not giving anything away if I tell you that things do get worse.

And, by gum, if you want to know more, check out the book.

That's Courtesan

, a wallet draining $0.99. 70,000 words -- whadda deal, that's only 1.42 x 10^-2cents per word. Jaswinder would be proud of me, using scientific notation.

To LuvMyKindle & Lyndl:

Hope you like the sample. Will it improve my chances if I mention that there is a cat in the novel? Okay, she doesn't have a big part, but I find a cat lends a certain dignity to any endeavour.

However, I must warn you. Read the sample. The book is not written in the humourous vein of these posts. If you are looking for more of that, you'll be disappointed.

Betsy the Quilter · « **Reply #6 on:** July 09, 2010, 05:26:21 am »

If you want to start fresh, let us know!

Betsy

LuvMyKindle · « **Reply #7 on:** July 09, 2010, 02:37:57 pm »

As a feeder, shelterer, springbroad, and maid to three cats, of course it helps to know your book has that extra dignity factor to look forward to. I read the sample and purchased your book a few minutes ago. I can't say for sure when I will read it due to an ever growing TBR list, but I did like the sample.

Don't worry, I didn't expect the book to read like your posts, but am happy to see there is definitely a bit of dry humor in the story, at least from what I've read so far. Sorry Duke and Tempest are no longer with you; I do know what it's like to lose 4-legged loved ones, and while you can never "replace" one feline with another, there are so many cute, furry critters willing to put up with (and even find genuine affection for) a human who will care for, feed, and amuse them.

Ann in Arlington · « **Reply #8 on:** July 09, 2010, 03:05:54 pm »

D.A. . . .don't know why but the link in your post (reply #5) is to your other book. . .the other links seem to be right.

You'll be happy to hear I bought the book. . . .but I would not suggest holding your breath until I read it.

Which is only meant to say is that I have quite a few books on my TBR list. . . . . . . .

D.A. Boulter · « **Reply #9 on:** July 09, 2010, 10:05:33 pm »

Quote from: Ann in Arlington on July 09, 2010, 03:05:54 pm

D.A. . . .don't know why but the link in your post (reply #5) is to your other book. . .the other links seem to be right.

You'll be happy to hear I bought the book. . . .but I would not suggest holding your breath until I read it.

Which is only meant to say is that I have quite a few books on my TBR list. . . . . . . .

Many thanks. Link fixed. And thank you for the purchase. (Note to self: do not hold breath.)

Quote from: LuvMyKindle on July 09, 2010, 02:37:57 pm

As a feeder, shelterer, springbroad, and maid to three cats, of course it helps to know your book has that extra dignity factor to look forward to. I read the sample and purchased your book a few minutes ago. I can't say for sure when I will read it due to an ever growing TBR list, but I did like the sample. Don't worry, I didn't expect the book to read like your posts, but am happy to see there is definitely a bit of dry humor in the story, at least from what I've read so far. Sorry Duke and Tempest are no longer with you; I do know what it's like to lose 4-legged loved ones, and while you can never "replace" one feline with another, there are so many cute, furry critters willing to put up with (and even find genuine affection for) a human who will care for, feed, and amuse them.

Ah, Tempest left long ago, circa 1984, but lives on in fond memory as time has woven its healing web about me. Duke, however, left (cancer) only eight months ago and Paddy was taken from me (a car) just a few weeks ago now. Those wounds are still fresh. But Joe E. Katt reminds me that the food dish must still be filled on an ongoing basis and sniffing the fresh morning (3 a.m.) breeze still makes life worth living.

And my thanks to you, too, for the purchase of my book. Perhaps that will keep Jaswinder off my back for a bit until I finish with (at least some of) the several novels that are floating about my head and hard-drive.

D.A. Boulter · « **Reply #10 on:** July 22, 2010, 08:41:51 pm »

How can one claw one's way back from being a 'word sl--', er, 'word wh---', um, Professional, when one receives accolades for one's work?

I remember being a boy of 15 and my mother calling me to supper--three times. Well, actually I don't remember the three calls--I didn't hear even one, as Alistair MacLean's 'The Golden Rendezvous' had so enthralled me that I knew nothing outside the book until I turned that last page--but I remember her telling me of them when I complained that she'd forgotten me.

Now, I find that Maria has accorded me a like tip of the hat. On her Amazon review of my book Courtesan

she says: "The next time I looked up, it was evening outside, and I wondered how I could have reached the last page already. The book is excellent!"

I feel warm inside, knowing that, as I stand on the intersection of Kindleboards St. and Amazon Ave promising Readers a good time, (at least) some consider the promise fulfilled.

D.A. Boulter · « **Reply #11 on:** October 07, 2010, 06:38:36 pm »

I sold a book today - my 100th copy of Courtesan. Does that make me a centurion? And no, not in the aspect of a Roman warrior commanding one hundred men, but in the shameful category of having sold those words for money 100 times.

My thanks to the powers that be that my mother cannot see me, now, strutting the corner of Kindleboards St. and Amazon Ave, hitching up my metaphorical skirt and showing a paragraph or two, enticing passers-by with the now familiar "Looking for a good read? Try a sample." Then cupping my reviews and, lowering my head while looking fetchingly up through artificially lengthened lashes, batting my eyes, saying, "Others have not regretted going all the way!" And smiling an enticing smile.

However, after the sale, at home again, looking into the mirror I wonder at this Word Sl--, Word Wh---, uh, Professional I see. And, oh, the shame! Knowing I can never go back to what I was, pure and innocent, not having to press my back against the bookstore wall as the Kindle-Vice Squad walks by, hiding, not worrying that my covers are in their mug-shot books.

I could stop. I could push the button that says 'unpublish', I suppose. Yet, can I give up the thrill of saying:
"Courtesan beckons! There is danger, there's romance. Open the book to derring-do, to hyperspace and ships that travel 'twixt the stars!"? I cannot. Once on this path 'tis hard to even seek escape.

I sold a book today -- the 100th copy of Courtesan. I fear I am undone, but greet you, Reader, with bright eyes and offer you Number One hundred and one.

D.A. Boulter · « **Reply #12 on:** November 04, 2010, 09:43:07 pm »

Courtesan has the honour to be the KB Book Of The Day for Friday Nov 5th. Hmm. That's Guy Fawkes Day in the UK and, as we all know, on that day they burn Guy in effigy. I hope that doesn't mean that Kbers are going to burn me in effigy or, worse, reality. Let's get it straight here: Harvey scheduled me for this day; he's the one to burn in effigy, not me. Sorry, Harvey, but when my effigial self is threatened, my loyalty to KB ends. Nice knowing you. Ta, ta.

On to the serious portion of this post.

The title of this thread might well be "Who Is Jaswinder Saroya, and Why Is She Hounding Me?" Alternately: "A Cautionary Tale for Authors".

Jaswinder came from a one line throw-away in Pelgraff. As Alan McLean enters hyperspace for the first time, the ship's PA welcomes him to 'the J-Channel'. McLean looks up that reference in the ship's computer and sees: "J-Channel: discovered by Jaswinder Saroya, the J-Channel is a non-linear representation of linear space."

And thus it began.

Just a throw-away line to make my universe in Pelgraff seem a little more real, to give it depth. Had I but known . . . but, alas, I cannot go back and change what hath been wrought.

Naturally, I thought little of it at the time but, one night, this voice prickled in my mind, saying: "I have a story. Tell it!" I looked around but saw no one. Who had a story? Like a fool, I asked. "Me, Jaswinder," came the reply. Jas-who? Go back to sleep.

Ironically, it was I who could no longer sleep. "Tell my story, tell my story," I kept hearing. Friends and co-workers began to note the growing bags under my eyes and to comment that I should take better care of myself. In self-defence, I submitted (always a dangerous thing to do where a character is concerned) and agreed to 'tell her story'.

It didn't take too long and there it was Courtesan, the short story. . . which ended quite happily for one Jaswinder Saroya, I must say. There, done. Haunt me no more.

Obviously, I knew little of Jaswinder. Just as obviously, I was about to find out just how little I understood her. "You call that my story? That's just a prologue. What kind of an author are you?" And those are the nicer bits. I realized I would get no rest until I complied, but I'm not one a character can push around with impunity. Jazz wants to play games? She'll get her story, but she may not like it. Where my books are concerned, I'm a god (as are all fiction authors) and one riles a god at one's own risk

Thus, I ripped out the happy ending and made her suffer. I treated her badly (as an angry god is wont to do), but she got her story. And so we have: Courtesan, the novel. Jaswinder got her novel and I got what I desired: silence.

Or did I?

Recently I began hearing her voice again. She's a very determined, fearless lady. My story isn't complete, she tells me. November is coming, she tells me. You've heard of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)? she asks, well knowing that I have. This is a perfect time, she tells me. Well, I may be a god, but she's a pest! A relentless, resourceful pest. Did I mention relentless? Well, it bears repeating. So, whipped, I entered NaNoWriMo and am some 3000 words into a sequel of Courtesan.

Other authors: take note and beware the persistent character! Better, perhaps, to kill them off early.

I, however, will have the last laugh. (I hope.) Her new book (working title: Not With A Whimper) will be her last. I have my answer to Jaswinder�finally. Unfortunately, my answer to Jaswinder is Colleen, who has started berating me for not telling her tale, like I promised to.

There is no rest for the wicked.

Courtesan: read the sample!

KBoards Admin · « **Reply #13 on:** November 05, 2010, 06:42:26 am »

Have a great day, and thanks for having us feature Courtesan as our Book of the Day!

Mom of 4 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 05, 2010, 10:17:52 am »

Well, I clicked on the "open it" link in the KBBOTD box, started reading and didn't want to stop! One clicked, and now will not get any of the things I had planned for the day done! Thank you!

13893 · « **Reply #15 on:** November 05, 2010, 11:47:50 am »

I have all your books -- which makes me sad that I can't buy them again for Book of the Day. I've started Courtesan and it's great!

geoffthomas · « **Reply #16 on:** November 05, 2010, 12:42:45 pm »

I purchased it earlier today.
And I also started it today.....I seldom do that and have to admit that it was merely accidental.
But......
It really starts off well.
I am only a few pages into it and am captivated already.

Just sayin......

KBoards Admin · « **Reply #17 on:** November 05, 2010, 02:47:12 pm »

It does start off in an intriguing way. Check out the online sample here:

https://www.kboards.com/sample/?asin=B003P2VH98

geoffthomas · « **Reply #18 on:** November 05, 2010, 05:25:59 pm »

Hey, I have been reading more and it just keeps on being a good read.

And nice SciFi.

Anything this good has to stay a good read.

Just sayin.....

D.A. Boulter · « **Reply #19 on:** November 05, 2010, 10:14:14 pm »

Quote from: Mom of 4 on November 05, 2010, 10:17:52 am

Well, I clicked on the "open it" link in the KBBOTD box, started reading and didn't want to stop! One clicked, and now will not get any of the things I had planned for the day done! Thank you!

So, let me get this straight: You had things planned, but they were things you didn't really want to do. Courtesan provided an excuse to get you out of doing them. Okay, I can live with that. I guess Jaswinder isn't such a bad sort after all. I hope you enjoy the remainder of the book--and thank you.

Quote from: geoffthomas on November 05, 2010, 05:25:59 pm

Hey, I have been reading more and it just keeps on being a good read.

And nice SciFi.

Anything this good has to stay a good read.

Just sayin.....

Thank you, Geoff. That's nice to hear. Perhaps I won't be burned in effigy after all . . . which would mean that Harvey is safe, too.

Quote from: LKRigel on November 05, 2010, 11:47:50 am

I have all your books -- which makes me sad that I can't buy them again for Book of the Day. I've started Courtesan and it's great!

Thanks LK.

Mom of 4 · « **Reply #20 on:** November 06, 2010, 11:48:38 pm »

Finished this book today, REALLY enjoyed it! Very glad to hear that Jaswinder's story will continue because I need to know what's next! Loved the family relationships, well written and very believable.

D.A. Boulter · « **Reply #21 on:** November 08, 2010, 07:27:13 pm »

Quote from: Mom of 4 on November 06, 2010, 11:48:38 pm

Finished this book today, REALLY enjoyed it! Very glad to hear that Jaswinder's story will continue because I need to know what's next! Loved the family relationships, well written and very believable.

Why, thank you very much. I am very happy to know that my book pleased. The novel I'm writing (working title: Not With a Whimper), takes place approx 20 years after Courtesan ended. I need to do that story in order to make more clear a couple of minor points that happen in Pelgraff, which takes place 450 years after Not With a Whimper. I may later write something covering some of the years inbetween Courtesan and Not With A Whimper, but there is massive confusion in D.A.land.

See, I had contracted with Colleen Yrden to tell her story in a series of novels. I started that and suddenly Alan McLean appeared and wanted his story told. It had much to do with the Colleen saga and McLean tends towards persuasive. I wrote Pelgraff for him and in the middle of that Jaswinder appeared, distracting me still further from Colleen, though her story does have some bearing. Now, just when I was about to get back to Colleen, Jaswinder reappeared and, as you know, she's quite a feisty lady. But I must get back to Colleen, who recently reminded me that she has killed before, and get her work underway. Then there is Korsh, who doesn't like the fact that I'm portraying him as a villain in Pelgraff and plan to do likewise in parts of Colleen's story. He tells me of extenuating circumstances, and demands that I give him time to tell his side of things.

So, there's a lot to do before I attempt to deal with Jaswinder: The Missing Years. A lot of characters have their hooks in me and I must obey. Such is the life of an author.

But, yes, Jaswinder's story does continue, as do the stories of most all of my characters--in my mind, if not elsewhere in writing. And that's the wonderful thing about the world of literature. The telling of a story is a joint affair between writer and reader, utilizing the imaginations of both. Thus, even if an author never again visits a character or world, those characters and worlds can live on in our own imaginations -- forever.

geoffthomas · « **Reply #22 on:** November 09, 2010, 09:18:56 am »

I must say I find your posts here about your books/characters most entertaining and inventive.

I must also say that I have finished Courtesan and enjoyed it very much. I really like the family merchant ship concept (C.J. Cherryh also wrote about same in her Merchanter series - actually in the Chanur series also). I think you have provided a terrific backdrop and tie-in books should do well.

I have already purchased Pelgraff because I NEED to read more about this "family". I just hope that does not mess up the statistics if you should have a day that you sponsor KB BOTD with that title.

Just sayin......

D.A. Boulter · « **Reply #23 on:** November 10, 2010, 07:02:51 am »

Quote from: geoffthomas on November 09, 2010, 09:18:56 am

I must say I find your posts here about your books/characters most entertaining and inventive.

I must also say that I have finished Courtesan and enjoyed it very much. I really like the family merchant ship concept (C.J. Cherryh also wrote about same in her Merchanter series - actually in the Chanur series also). I think you have provided a terrific backdrop and tie-in books should do well.

I have already purchased Pelgraff because I NEED to read more about this "family". I just hope that does not mess up the statistics if you should have a day that you sponsor KB BOTD with that title.

Just sayin......

I'm glad you find my posts entertaining. You like it when someone catalogues their misery? I tell of how I'm tragically beset on all sides by characters who destroy my health by nagging (Jaswinder), threaten me with beatings (McLean) and perhaps death (Colleen) and you find this entertaining. This says more about you than about me.

Thank you for the purchase of Pelgraff. I hope you enjoy it. It is, however, written in a very different style than Courtesan. It does feature Colleen Yrden, but the story belongs to, and is told by, McLean.

Now that you mention it, I probably did get the idea for family-based trade ships from CJ Cherryh. I recall having a copy of 'Merchanter's Luck' somewhere about.

My whole conception of the Yrden Family Universe is based on a 'what-if' from our own history. I can't tell you the 'what if', as that would give it all away. When trying to figure out how I'd tell the story, Colleen Yrden came to mind. Tell her story within the history of her Universe, giving her a pivotal role. Then everything went sideways. If I wanted to tell that story, then I'd need this back-story. (Cue Pelgraff.) To elaborate on Pelgraff's own back-story, I needed Jaswinder, but not the Jaswinder of Courtesan, but the Jaswinder of 'Not With a Wimper'. And I needed the tie in with the Yrdens to get us back to Colleen. However, I didn't want Jaswinder's tie-in with the Yrdens to come about in 'Not With A Whimper', thus Courtesan. Suddenly I have core ideas for about 10 novels. I'm combining about 3 of them in 'Not With A Whimper' and I'm finding it difficult.

Ask almost any writer: The problem isn't where to get the idea for the next novel, the problem is to choose which of the many ideas to develop. Now, as you say you 'NEED to read more about this "family"', I guess I'd better get back to writing about it.

Daphne · « **Reply #24 on:** January 09, 2011, 02:44:54 am »

Really enjoyed finishing reading Courtesan over the Christmas holiday. Good strong storyline and plenty of interesting psychological tension between the characters - but most of all I loved the underlying romantic interest - oh, and the hyperspace physics, of course.

KBoards.com