#IWSG: World of the Outer Rim

Happy Insecure Writer's Support Group Day. IWSG is the brainchild of Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Thanks, Alex, for starting this group and keeping it going. We are rockin' the neurotic writing world!

The awesome co-hosts for the July 6 posting of the IWSG are J Lenni Dorner, Janet Alcorn, PJ Colando, Jenni Enzor, and Diane Burton! Me? Wow. I love being called awesome.

June was a terrific month. Thank you to everyone who gave me so much support last time. That's what this group is all about, supporting each other, encouraging those who are having a tough time (like me) and celebrating with those who succeed. 

I'm back on the arts & crafts/vendor show circuit. Thanks to some wonderful readers at the White Lake Area Arts & Crafts Festival in Whitehall, MI and at the Lakeshore Arts Festival in Muskegon, I am so pumped about my writing again. Some readers bought books, others said how much they enjoyed my books, and others stopped by to see my tablemate's chicken. Yep, Jean Davis (one of our own IWSG'ers) brings her tame chicken to the shows. That's one way to get people to stop and talk books.

After each weekend, I was exhausted yet energized about my writing. That's a feeling I haven't had in months. I attribute it to the shows, but also to you for your support. Thank you so much.

July 6 question - If you could live in any book world, which one would you choose?

That's easy. I would choose the world in my Outer Rim series, three (almost four) sci-fi adventures. I'd hang out with Celara, Jileena, Rissa, and Genna, strong women on the frontier of space. I admire these fems who carved out their place in a world as harsh and violent as the Wild West of the 1800's United States. Best of all, I'd get to pilot a starship, drive a speeder, and meet the handsome guys who are strong enough to love those enterprising women. 

Click here to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on Facebook to see who’s blogging today.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Her First Mission #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space.

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated.  Because of your comments last week, I added this next section. By the way, I also changed the last sentence, which read: “TAM-247765, you are next in line for liftoff.”

“TAM-247765, you are tenth in line to depart,” Space Flight Control informed her, along with admonitions that even a newbie pilot knew.

Genna shoved thoughts of the Chellian driver and her former boss out of her mind. She had a mission. Excitement filled her, as it had in the commissioner’s office. Her first mission. Find Quin d’Sernin.

And bring him in.

Along with the excitement came fear. Would she have to infiltrate Hallart’s gang? Did she dare?

That was the snippet. Here's a bit more:

Maybe she could find d’Sernin without encountering Hallart. She drummed her fingers on the control panel.

“TAM-247765, you are second in line to depart,” Space Flight Control announced. “Make your way to the liftoff ring.”

Genna taxied to the ring. Within mins, gravity slammed her back into her seat. The five-point safety harness kept her from being thrown around the cockpit while blasting through Bricaldia’s atmosphere. Tamerly’s ship handled the bumpy ride with little jarring.

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors. Stay safe and have a great week!

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Ready For Liftoff #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Sorry for missing last weekend. I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space.

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. I've skipped a few paragraphs ahead. Genna left the Chellian driver at the restaurant and walked to spaceport. 

As soon as Genna entered the cockpit of Ian Tamerly’s luxury space yacht, she tossed the tote and wig on the empty copilot’s seat. She ran her fingers through her hair and massaged her scalp. Stars, she hated wigs. Space Flight Control informed her she was fifth in line to depart. Plenty of time for routine checks. Within mins, she verified the mech Ian had recommended to get her ship ready had been as diligent as he’d said.

Without a good recommendation, no way was she letting an imbecile touch the spacecraft she’d borrowed. While Ian hadn’t been concerned about his ship, Genna would rather not owe him more than borrowing. She knew he wanted their relationship to progress beyond friends. She wasn’t ready for that.

Here's a little more.

Ian Tamerly was handsome, rich, a powerful force in the Central District. Unfortunately, she wasn’t attracted to him. Not like she’d been with Laning Servary. Ian’s attraction gave her ego a boost after Servary had stomped on it. Damn that man. He’d spoiled her for all men.

But not for that Chellian driver. Somehow, he oozed sensuality. She didn’t like short men. They used their overinflated ego to make up for a lack of height, boasting and posturing like a turken rooster. Still, that man sent shivers through her when he touched or peered at her with his golden eyes. He was a man she could—

“TAM-247765, you are next in line for liftoff.”

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors. Stay safe and have a great week!

#IWSG: The Future and The Past

Happy Insecure Writers Support Group Day. IWSG is the brainchild of Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Thanks, Alex, for starting this group and keeping it going. We are rockin' the neurotic writing world!

The awesome co-hosts for the July 1 posting of the IWSG are Jenni Enzor, Beth Camp, Liesbet @ Roaming About, Tyrean Martinson, and Sandra Cox! Be sure to visit these fabulous volunteers.

Each month we have an optional question. Here's July's: there have been many industry changes in the last decade, so what are some changes you would like to see happen in the next decade?

I wish I knew. That's why I'm really interested to read what others say. I'm excited by the changes in the past decade. Changes that allow me to publish my stories on my own. I dipped my toe into self-publishing in 2011. I'd gotten the rights back to my first published book. A friend pointed out it wasn't doing anything, so why not self-publish it. Why not, indeed? I was scared to death that I'd do something wrong. It seemed to take me all day to publish Switched on Smashwords. The next day, I figured out Kindle, and--bam--it was published on Amazon. Okay, not quite that quickly. Since then, I've published 14 more books. 

Would I have imagined this in 2010? Nope. My imagination never dreamed what I could do. My imagination still hasn't dreamed up what will happen in this next decade. I live day-to-day, month-to-month, and maybe imagine 6 months ahead.

One of the advantages of self-publishing is I can change the price of my books any time. I'm participating in N.N. Light's Christmas in July event. So, for the month of July, my holiday romance (with a hint of mystery) Romance Rekindled is only 99 cents. Amazon  http://a.co/jlmHYD2  Amazon UK  http://amzn.eu/12TqpEM 

What am I working on? My current wip, The Spy, an Outer Rim Novel, is coming along. I know, I've written about it before. I'm slowly getting more written/revised. Meantime, I have three more projects I can't wait to get back to: the 4th book in my Alex O'Hara mystery series plus 2 spinoff novellas.

On the personal front, even though Michigan has eased some of the restrictions (I got a haircut!!!), Hubs and I are still following the COVID safety procedures --wearing a mask outside the house and keeping social distances. I still order my groceries online and pick them up curbside. We get takeout, but don't eat at restaurants. Although we've seen the grandkids (and our kids), we don't hug. We're all trying to stay safe. I hope the resurgence of COVID cases isn't affecting you or your families. 

Stay safe, everyone, and have a good month.

Click here to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on Facebook to see who’s blogging today.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: I Prefer Sitting Alone #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space.

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. The chatty transport driver has brought her to a restaurant.

Unlike most Chellians, the driver was slender. In the transport, his flowered shirt had bloused out making him seem bigger. His hand on her waist contained more strength than a man who sat all day transporting people should have. 

“Is this all right for you?” He waited outside a booth near the back of the eatery for her to be seated. Behind them, a sign for san-facs hung over the entrance to a narrow hall, an exit sign beyond them. Good, a means of escape. CPIC Training Lesson #3: always sit with your back to the wall; Lesson #4: memorize all exits.

“We can put your tote on the other bench,” He easily slipped it off her shoulder.

 That's the snippet. Here's a little more.

She slid into the booth, then the Chellian slid in next to her, the corner of his mouth lifted in a small grin.

“Excuse me.” No way did she want to sit next to him. He disturbed her too much. Besides, he prevented her quick escape.

“Problem?”

“I prefer sitting alone.” She added a bit of Bricaldian hauteur to her tone.

“I prefer sitting so I face the door.”

Startled, she edged closer to the corner of the booth. “I do, too. But I can move.”

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors. Have a great week!

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Be Inconspicuous! #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space.

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. The chatty transport driver has brought her to a restaurant.

Your comments last week brought me up short. Yeah, why didn't she demand to get out? Why stay? As I've said before, you guys always give me ideas. So, I added a little bit. After he mentions the restaurant, she thinks that's perfect. It's not spaceport (where she wants to go) but close. And, if you remember from before, she never tells her real destination. She planned to just get takeout and go to her ship. Instead of making a scene (contrary to her instructions), she acquiesces. I hope that clarifies why she stays with him.

Snippet:

As the hostess led them through the noisy eatery, he said, “Bella’s mother owns this place—wonderful food, you’ll love it.” Then, he leaned in close, “We both have to eat. No fun to eat alone.”

His breath tickled her ear, and another odd shiver zinged through her. He was too close, too brazen. Too . . . too everything. Embarrassing. Unless she wanted to draw attention to herself by marching out of the restaurant, she would have to tolerate his touch.

The commissioner had cautioned her to be inconspicuous until she reached Galeriana. She would eat quickly, ditch him, and head out the back door. She had a mission, and she needed to get started.

Blurb (tentative)

Rookie agent must rescue veteran before his cover is blown.

Genna Nogaro, new to the Coalition of Planets’ Intelligence Commission, is assigned to bring in an undercover operative in Hallart’s organization. More experienced agents died before getting him out. Were they killed by the intergalactic gangster or has the operative gone rogue?

Quintall d’Sernin, con man extraordinaire, infiltrated the mob and moved up to be the gangster’s right-hand man. Hallart has his tentacles throughout the Coalition—business, industry, and government. Quin’s finally worked himself into a valued position. All he needs is the key to the mob structure in order for Coalition forces to take down the entire organization.

Genna will pose as a new recruit to distract Hallart long enough for Quin to find the key. If they work together, they can accomplish more. But Quin and Genna’s lives are jeopardized by a mole in the Intelligence Commission. Will their true roles be revealed before they accomplish their goal?

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors. Have a great week!

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Table For One? #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space.

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. The chatty transport driver has stopped at a restaurant, despite Genna's objections.

She didn’t hold the door behind her, but when she didn’t hear the closure, she knew he’d caught it. She told the hostess a table for one.

“Hi, Bella,” he said to the hostess. “Your mom around?”

She grinned at him. “Not today. Come back tomorrow, and she’ll be here.”

The driver slung his arm around Genna’s shoulders. Since she was taller, he let his hand slide down her back until it rested at her waist. “Table for two, Bella.”

That was ten, now here's a little more:

“I said one,” Genna snapped.

“Aw, c’mon, sweetie.” He squeezed. “Don’t be mad. I told you I was sorry.”

Bella glanced at them and hesitated.

Genna dithered. What should she do? Twist away from his hand sliding down to her hip and make a scene or acquiesce?

In her hesitation, the Chellian driver said, “Table for two, Bella.”

How was your week? Thanks to your encouraging comments, I'm back working on this project. On the homefront, I'm enjoying the lessening of the COVID quarantine. Still not going out much, but we had dinner with our DIL and the 3 little ones, whom I've missed a lot. Next week, ta da, I'm getting a haircut. Can it get much better than that?

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Disturbed by the Transport Driver #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Sorry for missing last week. I had no computer. Using an iPad made it difficult to even read posts.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space.

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. Genna is in a conveyance (a taxi-like transport) with a chatty driver.

Genna started to smile but caught herself. It would only encourage him. The conveyance descended. After stopping in front of Filiana’s Diner, the driver got out and opened her door.

“You don’t have to do that,” she snapped as she swiped her fake card to pay her fare. Then she realized how churlish she sounded. “But thank you for your kindness.”

He swept a bow and gave her a cheeky grin. “My pleasure, Rimmer Girl.”

For more of this scene:

Ignoring him, she stepped out of the vehicle. She straightened, realizing to her chagrin that he was shorter than her. He’d seemed larger when seated. She chided herself that it mattered. His golden eyes held hers longer than necessary. Suddenly, the empty conveyance lifted off and zoomed away.

“Wait. Why did you do that?” she asked.

“I’m hungry, too.”

“B-But your vehicle . . .” She waved at the sky where the conveyance joined others in the traffic above, more now that they were so close to spaceport.

“It’s become self-operated. Clever, huh? I can eat, and it still works for me.” He seemed quite pleased with himself.

“Clever, indeed.” She headed into the eatery, hoping he’d take her presenting her back to him as a sign that she didn’t want to have anything more to do with him. Anything to get away from him. He disturbed her in ways she couldn’t define.

Blurb (draft):

Rookie agent must rescue veteran before his cover is blown.

Genna Nogaro, new to the Coalition of Planets’ Intelligence Commission, is assigned to bring in an undercover operative in Hallart’s organization. More experienced agents died before getting him out. Were they killed by the intergalactic gangster or has the operative gone rogue?

Quintall d’Sernin, con man extraordinaire, infiltrated the mob and moved up to be the gangster’s right-hand man. Hallart has his tentacles throughout the Coalition—business, industry, and government. Quin’s finally worked himself into a valued position. All he needs is the key to mob structure in order for Coalition forces to take down the entire organization.

Genna will pose as a new recruit to distract Hallart long enough for Quin to find the key. If they work together, they can accomplish more. But Quin and Genna’s lives are jeopardized by a mole in the Intelligence Commission. Will their true roles be revealed before they accomplish their goal?

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Rimmer Girl?

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Thanks to everyone who visited last week. Somehow, I forgot to finish visiting some of you. So very sorry. I'm taking care of that before visiting for this week.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space.

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. The chatty "taxi" driver caught up with Genna outside headquarters. Before leaving HQ, she changed into a baggy shirt and trousers. She's now in his conveyance.

Dodging the heavy traffic in the skies above the capital city required concentration, not chit-chat with her. She was about to remind him of that when he deftly swerved around slower traffic. She prayed to the Matriarch that he would get her to her destination without an accident. Wait, she never told him a destination.

“Take me to—”

“I’m off-duty, and I’m hungry. We’re going to Filiana’s. You’ll love the food, and it’s  located near spaceport. That's where you want to go, right?”

Here's the rest:

“Yes, but--"

"C'mon, Rimmer Girl, you have to eat before taking off for your Matriarch knows where."

"Hold on. How do you know I’m a Rimmer?”

“Your clothes.” Again, he glanced back at her. “You wear them like a native, not a fake like those idiot colonists swarming over every planet out on the Rim.”

“How would a conveyance operator in Eleganza know about Rimmer colonists?”

“I’m well educated.” He laughed, a hearty belly laugh.

Blurb (draft):

Rookie agent must rescue veteran before his cover is blown.

Genna Nogaro, new to the Coalition of Planets’ Intelligence Commission, is assigned to bring in an undercover operative in Hallart’s organization. More experienced agents died before getting him out. Were they killed by the intergalactic gangster or has the operative gone rogue?

Quintall d’Sernin, con man extraordinaire, infiltrated the mob and moved up to be the gangster’s right-hand man. Hallart has his tentacles throughout the Coalition—business, industry, and government. Quin’s finally worked himself into a valued position. All he needs is the key to mob structure in order for Coalition forces to take down the entire organization.

Genna will pose as a new recruit to distract Hallart long enough for Quin to find the key. If they work together, they can accomplish more. But Quin and Genna’s lives are jeopardized by a mole in the Intelligence Commission. Will their true roles be revealed before they accomplish their goal?

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

Enjoy this Memorial Day Weekend as best you can while staying safe. As for us, Hubs and I will celebrate on our deck watching the ducks in the pond.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Nice Disguise

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. 

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. The chatty "taxi" driver with the loud "Hawaiian" shirt is back, and he caught up with Genna outside headquarters. Last week, he talked her into getting into his conveyance. The last sentence was:  With pursed lips and narrowed eyes, Genna yanked the door open and slid inside, “Are you satisfied?”

He turned slightly and winked. “Yeah. Ready for Mid-Day Repast?” He named a popular eatery near spaceport. “I know it’s a little late but . . .”

“No, thank you, I’m not hungry.”

As the conveyance rose above the buildings, her stomach betrayed her. Its growling reminded her she’d missed Mid-Day Repast, and First Meal had consisted of half a protein bar. Being called to headquarters had twisted her stomach into knots in anticipation. She’d thought it best not to have much in her stomach, hurling in front of her superior would’ve made quite an impression.

The driver glanced back at her and smirked, “Somebody’s hungry.”

That's the snippet. Here's the rest of that scene.

“Nice disguise. Was it for my benefit?”

“Your ego is overwhelming.” She paused. “How did you find me?”

“The card I gave you.”

“I threw that away. Try again.”

“You threw it away?” He clasped his chest. “I’m crushed. Truly, crushed.”

“Oh, for the Matriarch’s sake.”

He twisted around. “See. I knew you were Traishan.”

“What?”

“Traishans worship a fem deity, the Matriarch. I kinda like that. Too many cultures have paternalistic deities. As for finding you, I have my ways, Rimmer Girl.”

Now, how did he find her?

I haven't posted the blurb (draft) in a while, so here it is:

Rookie agent must rescue veteran before his cover is blown.

Genna Nogaro, new to the Coalition of Planets’ Intelligence Commission, is assigned to bring in an undercover operative in Hallart’s organization. More experienced agents died before getting him out. Were they killed by the intergalactic gangster or has the operative gone rogue?

Quintall d’Sernin, con man extraordinaire, infiltrated the mob and moved up to be the gangster’s right-hand man. Hallart has his tentacles throughout the Coalition—business, industry, and government. Quin’s finally worked himself into a valued position. All he needs is the key to mob structure in order for Coalition forces to take down the entire organization.

Genna will pose as a new recruit to distract Hallart long enough for Quin to find the key. If they work together, they can accomplish more. But Quin and Genna’s lives are jeopardized by a mole in the Intelligence Commission. Will their true roles be revealed before they accomplish their goal?

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

Hope you are all staying safe. We had a special treat last Sunday when our son backed his mini-van into our driveway and the whole family climbed in back (tailgate open) while Hubs and I sat in our garage (out of the rain) and visited with the family. So good to see the twins (2 1/2 yrs old) and their 5-yr-old sister. A great Mother's Day gift.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: C'mon, sweetie, let's go home #sfr

Each weekend, the Weekend Writing Warriors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers and those who are like mothers. 
I'm sharing snippets from The Spy: An Outer Rim Novel. It's the 4th book in my series featuring strong women on the frontier of space. 

Because this is a work in progress, suggestions are greatly appreciated. Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. The chatty taxi driver with the loud "Hawaiian" shirt is back, and he caught up with Genna outside headquarters. Last week, he tried to get her to tell him why she wants him to go away.

“So, what is it?” He snapped his fingers, “I know, I’m Chellian—you don’t like us—that’s racial discrimination, you know.”

She stopped and fisted her hands on her hips, “I am not a racist, I don’t care where you’re from or who you are—you talk too much.”

“Oh,” That seemed to stump him, “Okay, I won’t talk, promise. I can take you wherever you want to go, and I promise to keep quiet,” He made a zipping motion across his lips.

Not only was he being a nuisance, he attracted attention—several people along the walkway glanced from the driver of the cruising vehicle to her, then a fashionable Bricaldian fem sidled around Genna and tried to open the door.

“Off duty,” The driver grinned and added a shoulder shrug, “The missus and me had a spat. C’mon, sweetie, get in so we can go home.”

The fem arched a haughty eyebrow at her and backed away, “You are disturbing others.”

“C’mon, honey, get in.”

With pursed lips and narrowed eyes, Genna yanked the door open and slid inside, “Are you satisfied?”

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

As we continue to stay home or practice safe distancing and wear masks, we adapt to our new normal. I hope you stay safe, too.