[J.R.Mooneyham]

rdavidking, I've been picking Kboards' best minds for good marketing intel for maybe a month or two now, and am presently working to implement the best techniques I've found. Once I have sufficient results from those efforts to add them to the info, I'll probably write up a guide and post it online, just as I already did about creating Kindle ebooks.

I've been slowed up some in this process due to getting struck by a tornado a month ago, which has added lots of new chores atop my already existing backlog (darn it!), such as trying to get my house repaired. But yeah, I agree with you it'd be nice to have a more straightforward guide to practical marketing than seems presently available.

Hi Patty! I've only got two of my sci fi on Amazon so far, with two more to go in that series. But I've got a lot more to put out there if those four books do well. As for my dedication to 'hard' sci fi, I've got a web site speculating about the next 4000 years of human history, which I did in the 1990s as prep for my novels-- since following acts like those of Heinlein, Niven, Vinge, and other famous future world creators is daunting! Ha, ha. Folks like Charlie Stross too have impressed me more recently when I came upon their works.

An illustrated speculative timeline of future technology and social change
http://www.jrmooneyham.com/future_history_timeline.html

Of course, I had to know the likelihood of alien contact too for any writing about the far future. And if it did happen, what those aliens were probably going to look and act like. So I researched that too.

The rise and fall of star faring civilizations in our own galaxy
http://www.rise-and-fall-of-alien-civilizations-in-our-own-galaxy.com/index.html

I made these things available years ago to help not only myself but any other science fiction writers who might wish to have a consistent and plausible foundation on which to base their own stories.

 

[R. M. Reed]

I haven't attempted a science fiction novel, but I write short stories. Mostly I concentrate on what happens to the people and don't try to explain the tech.

 

[Neil_Plakcy]

I thought I was writing a romance novel with a paranormal element, but I've been told that because there's an explanation for what's going on (plausible or not) that makes it a science fiction touch rather than a paranormal one.

When seventeen-year-old Melissa Torani falls for cute but nerdy newcomer Daniel Florez, she has no idea that meeting him, and sharing a deep soul kiss, will change her life forever. No longer an ordinary girl, she's plunged into a world of gang-bangers, Cuban exiles, and FBI agents. And what's going on with her brain? How come she's suddenly so much smarter than she used to be?

Just one kiss from Daniel plunges Melissa into a science fiction world-- have Daniel's brain cells been leaking into her? How can that be possible? And yet she's reading faster than she ever has before, scoring higher on school tests, and even helping her parents understand what's wrong with her brother, the Big Mistake.

Melissa's wry, funny take on adolescence, falling love and getting out from under her parents will draw you in. Fans of Richelle Mead and Stephenie Meyer will fall in love with Melissa and Daniel as they depend on their brains and their deep emotional connection to survive-- and maybe even graduate from high school along the way.

I've read a lot of fantasy and some science fiction (love Neal Stephenson) and I'm interested to hear whether this distinction I've made is the right one.

http://www.tinuyurl.com/soulkiss

 

[R. M. Reed]

What's the explanation? It sounds most likely to be SF to me, if you have used DNA or reading minds or a virus or something like that. If it's a soul transfer or a ghost or reincarnation it's paranormal. These things definitely overlap.

 

[Neil_Plakcy]

The explanation is that the boy's mother received mysterious injections from a mad scientist doctor when she was pregnant in Cuba seventeen years before, and somehow those injections have made him smart-- and given him the ability to transfer that brain power to someone he has a strong emotional connection to.

Neil Plakcy
writing as Scarlett Jacobs
http://www.tinyurl.com/soulkiss

 

[LeonardDHilleyII]

Hi all,

Great to see all the sci-fi authors connecting here. I'm the author of a dark suspense sci-fi series that begins with Predators of Darkness: Aftermath ($2.99). My series deals with cloning, genetic super soldiers, and conspiracies. I've always loved writing and biology, so I suppose it was inevitable that I should combine the two. I look forward to learning more about all of you!

Best,

Leonard D. Hilley II

 

[J.R.Mooneyham]

Neil, first off your URL sent me awry twice when I clicked it; definitely NOT to a book page of any kind. On the third try though, it worked.

Although a 'supernatural' explanation for something is usually possible for just about any circumstance (being so fluid), your story does sound like it could easily have a sci fi explanation instead. For instance, Larry Niven in some of his books wrote about special injections of RNA possibly being used to transfer memories from one person to another. Today, there's much talk about various stem cell procedures being used to repair or improve organs (including the brain). There's also various drugs with the potential to improve brain function.

Heck: they've even found that a form of natural genetic engineering goes on in us almost all the time, with various circumstances turning on or off some of our genes, or else fine tuning some. These circumstances include things like infections, exposure to toxins, diet, stress-- maybe even learning itself at times. All sorts of things could change our DNA-- and once our DNA is changed, various aspects of our mental and physical being can undergo relatively rapid change as well.

It probably wouldn't be too far out to say that merely being intimate with a certain person might tweak your DNA in some way...

 

[MoonglowNovel]

Hi, Charles -- from a fellow-Charles! But I go by Charlie. Nice to meet you!

Your work sounds an interesting mix of history and sci-fi! How did you come up with the idea for "In Memory Alone"?

My personal approach to sci-fi is more atmospheric than "hard science" content or anything like that. I have a sizzle for Earthbound sci-fi that is the foundation for my debut self-published novel, "MOONGLOW." Basically, it's a sci-fi lesbian romance set in a future fashion world. Curious potpourri of genres, I know, but that's the vision I've dreamed for close to 8 years now.

My long description is:

"If anyone had told super model Rena Hilst she would find true love and happiness with someone twice her age, she would have laughed them out a window. Yet, there she was, at 22, living her dream as one of the fashion industry's top talents, in passionate love with her 43-year-old manager at Moonglow Model Management, Shell Dawes. From the outside, no cracks in the crystal of their relationship were apparent save for something on Rena's part:

Other women.

Rena never really hunted for people to cheat with but being far away from home on jobs with the most beautiful and interesting people on the planet occasionally led her to party too much and end up in another girl's bed. In fact, Rena repeatedly promised herself to stop straying on Shell. Then, at a fashion & celebrity elite gala, she meets Koko Dean and Lilly Morgan, 18-year-old best friends on the path to stardom in their own rights; Koko, an up-and-coming fashion model and Lilly, a musician with a knack for fashion design. Koko and Rena hit it off right away, which puts a damper on Lilly's plans of finally telling her best friend she loves her beyond the boundaries of friendship.

Rena finds herself wedged between an inclination to get to know Koko better or finally stay true to Shell. Feeling it's about time to change her ways, she opts for the latter but temptation won't let her off the hook that easily. Booze-fueled circumstances put her in line to stray yet again; this time, with her childhood best friend, Shannon Sadoveanu, a socialite who recently lost the love of her life by tragic means.

Shell had always put Rena's flings aside, chalking it up to necessary life experience for someone so young and free-spirited. She rationalized them as indiscretions of youth, fully believing that nothing -- especially a few meaningless affairs -- could rupture their love and bond. However, when she finds out what happened with Shannon, the crystal cracks. Something about it doesn't seem so meaningless. She feels the loss of Shannon's girlfriend may have opened the door to a hibernated love with Rena. Not sure how to deal, Shell wonders if she is to blame for tolerating Rena's occasional bouts of horseplay. For the first time in their four-year relationship, Shell questions the promise of "happily ever after." Together, they must finally confront the skeletons that have hung in their closet for far too long.

Set against the eclectic fictional cities of Moonglow, USA, and Utsukushisa, Japan, MOONGLOW will titillate your imagination, strum your heartstrings and prove that -- no matter what era we live in -- love is our strongest ally."

Sorry to bomb this thread with such a thing but I like to think the best way to get to know an artist is to know their art. Everyone can check out my novel's website at http://moonglownovel.wordpress.com/ and my purchase page from Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/62372 . Also! If anyone has time, please have a look at my book's Official Facebook and -- if you're so inclined -- toss me a Like? https://www.facebook.com/MoonglowRomance .

-----

My FAVOURITE sci-fi author is Dr. Isaac Asimov. Nothing beats the grandfather of sci-fi for me! I have read the Foundation Saga a million times! In cinema, Bladerunner: The Final Cut is my favourite sci-fi film of all time, (and one of my fav films ever!)

Personally, I'm a new novelist, a private chef, photographer and artist from San Antonio, Texas.

It's DELIGHTFUL to meet everyone here. I look forward to lots and lots of fun, insightful chitter-chatter with all of you!

 

[Neil_Plakcy]

Thanks, JR! I'll have to look up the Larry Niven. Always interested in what else can happen in a sequel!

Neil

 

[jackblaine]

Wow!  What a great bunch of books there are here!

Mine, HELPER12, is out next week and I would consider it scifi/adventure/romance.  It's a dystopia with a dash of love!

 

[MoonglowNovel]

Hi, Jack! What's it about in a nutshell? (Love me some sci-fi/romance, obviously! )

 

[jackblaine]

Here's the blurb, or at least what I have so far

Helper12 works as a Baby Helper in Pre Ward, the place where babies spend their first four months of life before they’re tracked for vocations and sent to training.  She does her job well, and she stays out of trouble.  But one day, the Sloanes, Society members who enjoy all the privileges of their station—family unit clearance,  a private dwelling, access to good food and good schools—come to “adopt” one of the Pre Ward babies.  The Director makes a deal and the Sloanes walk out with a brand new child.

They also walk out owning Helper12—the Director sells her to them, and there’s nothing she can do but go.  At the Sloanes, Helper12 enters a world where people should be able to enjoy life—with high position and riches come the opportunity for individual freedom, even the chance to love—but that’s not what she finds.  The Sloanes are keeping secrets.  So is their biological son, Thomas.

Helper12 has some secrets of her own; she’s drawing, which is a violation, since Baby Helpers aren’t tracked for Art.  And she’s growing to love the child she was bought to care for—at the same time that Ms. Sloane is becoming disenchanted with her impulse baby buy.

When all your choices are made for you, how do you make some for yourself?  Helper12 is about to find out.

 

[jackblaine]

Also, just in case you are interested, the first two chapters are up on my blog (in my signature there is a link).

 

[MoonglowNovel]

I'm toying around with the idea of putting together a network of independent science fiction writers. Much like the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, but unlike the SFWA who only allow mainstream published writers, our group would before self-published writers only. So what does everyone think of that Idea? Suggestions anyone -

Count me in!

 

[MoonglowNovel]

Nifty, Jack! I will be checking it out and will let you know what I think! ~You may find some sample prose of my book (and the full deal) at Smashwords (link in my siggie) if you'd like to pick my creative brain, as well.  Cheers!

 

[rdavidking]

Thanks J.R.Mooneyham for the reply. When you have your guide available, please don't hesitate to share

Nanomech http://bit.ly/jaLtrh is picking up a bit in sales. So far, I've received two five star reviews http://bit.ly/lQQXMB and I just want to keep the momentum going.

 

[Patty Jansen]

I've got two five-star reviews on His Name In Lights, which is hard SF, and has been published in a pro magazine http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MME1RA

 

[Colin Taber]

Great to hear about the reviews, Patty! We all love to get some excellent reviews!

 

[Guest]

Hi everyone! Good to see a budding sf community here on the Kindle Boards. I just recently epublished my first YA science fiction novel, Genesis Earth. It's a coming of age story with spaceships, wormholes, first contact, and a touch of romance.

I'm also putting together a blog tour, if any of you are interested. I posted the details on this thread here, but it got buried pretty quickly. Anyway, if you would like to feature me as a guest blogger on your own blog, just send me a PM and I'll set it up. Besides the publicity, I think it will be a good chance for us to cross pollinate our blogging readership and build up our blogs.

So yeah, let me know if you're interested. Thanks, and I'll see you all around!

 

[cfmillhouse]

I'm glad to see the thread I started has taken a life of its own.  There is a lot of good information here and I hope everyone is taking advantage of it and meeting fellow science fiction writers.