Happy Star Wars Day!

Did you know that today is Star Wars Day? May the fourth. Think about it. 😊

I've made it no secret that I love Star Wars. That first movie, A New Hope, led to my enthrallment with science fiction. I'm not crazy about highly technical stories that boggle my mind. Give me straight action. Add in a love story and I'm engaged. 

credit: Wikipedia

Back in 1977, I read an article in Time Magazine about this new movie called Star Wars, with a full-page spread of images from the movie. I thought, okay, interesting but not for me. Then I heard the theme on the radio. Holy smoke! John Williams' rousing music made me get a babysitter and insist Hubs and I go to see Star Wars: A New Hope. I was hooked. We took the kids, they got Star Wars figures and starships for Christmas and birthdays. 

credit: Wikipedia

When the second movie, The Empire Strikes Back, came out, I took our son and his best friend. Though we got to the theater early, it wasn't early enough because we had to sit in the first row. Oh, my aching neck. Didn't bother the boys, though. Later, Hubs and I took both our kids to see it.

Seeing our kids' enjoyment made every movie a must see. 

credit: Wikipedia

After Return of the Jedi (1983), I thought that was it. The story arc completed. And I was happy with that. I was even happier when all three movies came out on video. Wow. We could watch them any time. Again and again. (I still have those VCR tapes, even though we don't have a player.)

In 1999, we got a big surprise. The prequel. Like so many Star Wars fans, we hit the theater. I can't say I'm enamored with the Episodes I - III (especially III, Revenge of the Sith), but they do add to the backstory. Again, I thought: end of story. 

Hahaha.

A new set of movies, beginning with The Force Awakens in 2015. And a plan for two more. To say I was thrilled is putting it mildly. Now, we had grandchildren to share our enjoyment with. (Never mind they had already become fans thanks to their parents.) Years ago, we bought the Star Wars Trivial Pursuit game. With the avid fans--son-in-law, daughter, granddaughter (13), and grandson (10)--we could play. The 10-year-old must have a steel-trap memory. You definitely want him on your team.

credit: Wikipedia

To tide us fans over in between the episodes, we were treated to two backstory films: Rogue One (my favorite) and Solo. I'll bet there will be more. There's a fan base that is sure to make each new film a success.

credit: Amazon

Last December had us at the theater once again for The Rise of Skywalker. The circle was complete. The series began with young Luke standing on a ridge looking ahead at the double moon on Tatooine. It ended with young Rey in the same spot. Perfect. Good had triumphed once again over evil.

Will the saga continue? If so, we'll be at the show enjoying one more episode.

May the Force be with you!

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: It's The Shirt #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. Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. Do you remember the chatty taxi driver with the loud "Hawaiian" shirt? He's baaack.

As she strolled away from headquarters, Genna kept her eyes open and her senses alert. Suddenly, a conveyance swooped down ahead of her, the Chellian driver stuck his head out the window and hailed her, “Ready for that tour now?”

By the Matriarch, it was him, the driver who’d brought her from spaceport—she’d disguised herself, changed her clothes, and wore a wig, she’d even thrown away his card so how did he recognize her?

She ignored him and kept walking.

He cruised along beside her, his forearm resting on the open window, “Is there a reason you don’t want to ride with me? It’s my shirt, isn’t it? Some Bricaldians think it’s too flashy, but since you’re not a Bric, I didn’t think you’d mind.”

“How do you know I’m not Bricaldian?”

“You’re Traishan, right?” He nodded his head, “Yep. Traishan.”

“It’s not the shirt. I don’t care about superficial things like that.”

 Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

Here in Michigan, we're in for another month of shelter-in-place. Amazingly, some people are mad at our governor for trying to save our lives. Please stay safe during this difficult time.

Visiting Paranormal Romantics blog

Today is my day to blog on Paranormal Romantics blog. I share what I'm doing during the COVID-19 quarantine--authors whose books I enjoy. Pop on over.

http://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com/2020/05/cure-for-quarantine-fever-by-diane.html

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Genna Changes Appearance #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. Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines. 

After Vorinda gave her more instructions and background on Quintall d’Sernin, she finally left his office. Tripping lightly down the stairs, instead of using the conveyance, she stopped at the san-fac on the third floor, where she changed into well-worn trousers and big shirt made of coarse-spun, worn by space jockeys and other Rimmers. The multiple pockets almost eliminated the need for a tote, the gift from Laning, but she treasured the dark green zircan leather bag and would never toss it out, like the card the Chellian conveyance driver had given her. She wouldn’t see him again, even though she admired his persistence—what an entrepreneur.

Genna added the final touch to hide her identity, a nondescript brown wig that brushed her shoulders, which she fluffed it to make it seem more natural. Soon, she could go back to her original appearance, so she would be more easily recognized by those who knew her on Galeriana, according to Commissioner Vorinda as he gave the last of his instructions.

“I will be your handler on this assignment,” His announcement surprised her—while she didn’t expect Kolang to be her handler, she assumed she’d be assigned a senior agent.

To have the commissioner as her handler temporarily overwhelmed Genna—a privilege or a hindrance? Would he second-guess her decisions made in the field or give her free rein? He must trust her to get the job done.

She wished she had his belief in her skills.

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

Please stay safe during this pandemic. Sending virtual hugs.

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Quin's Not Such a Bad Guy #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. Genna is in Commission Vorinda's office. He's given her a document to read that reports what Quin d'Sernin has done to earn a rescue--Genna's mission. I hope this gives you a better perspective on the agent in peril.

Quintall d’Sernin deserved a medal for the work he’d done to maintain peace in the Central District—he’d thwarted three presidential assassination attempts, his information led to the capture of five gangster wannabes, Hallart’s competition. Genna bet that endeared him to the gangster. Because of Quintall’s actions, his sister and the president of the Coalition’s son escaped the bombardment and destruction of Hallart’s hidden base.

She knew firsthand about the last—she and Laning Servary had been on a mission to rescue Trevarr Jovano, but they’d gotten to the destroyed compound too late. Celara and Trevarr would have been buried alive if not for d’Sernin’s actions.

Okay, he risked his life and his mission to save his sister. She was family—big deal. Then, Genna thought more, she had to quit being so impulsive. By rescuing Trevarr and Celara, Quin could have blown his cover, or at least made Hallart question his loyalty.

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

Hubs and I have sheltered-in-place since mid-March. Like so many during the corona virus pandemic, we have "cabin fever." But to protect ourselves, we do want we need to do and, so far, we're okay. I hope you're staying safe, too.

Guest: Pamela S Thibodeaux and Tempered Fire @pshib

Our guest today is my friend Pamela S. Thibodeaux whose book Tempered Fire is now available in audio format. Here's Pam to tell you about her story. 

When I wrote this scene in Tempered Hearts ….. Craig shrugged, knowing that he could deny her nothing when she looked at him like that. Just a smile, that particular smile and that look, those eyes, wide, full of hope and pleading, ripped his composure to shreds. She knew it, too, though he doubted she had to force the expression. It seemed to come naturally. Or from years of practicing on her father, he mused silently, thinking he would be made of tougher stock if he had a daughter.

I just KNEW I absolutely had to write the story of Craig and Tamera’s daughter growing up and finding love of her own. So I did. I had no idea, however, that Tempered Fire would be book 3 in a 6 part series!

Blurb: Harris is a good girl on the brink of womanhood. Stanley Morrison is a young man at the start of his life. For each other, they have always felt the fireworks that two people in love should feel. But the questions about his past, his pride, and Amber's father might be the end of what could be a strong relationship. As the two try to protect their budding romance, some unlikely but powerful forces conspire to keep them apart. Will they survive the wishes of everyone around them with their relationship intact?

Excerpt:

Craig didn’t need to ask what was going on when he heard Amber’s excited little cry as she raced down the stairs and outside, the door slamming in her wake. He looked out the window when she flew into the outstretched arms and watched, a worried frown on his face, when Stan hugged her to him, pressing tiny kisses over her face. Her shoulders shook suspiciously. Whether from laughter or tears or both, he didn’t know. A low growl sounded in his throat. Turning on his heel, he strode the three paces separating him from the back door one hand reaching for his hat, the other stretching toward the doorknob.

“Where are you going?”  Tamera’s admonishing voice deterred his mission when she walked into the room.

He hesitated and shot her a glare. “It’s about time I had a talk with that boy.”

She hurried to where he stood and edged herself between him and the door, placing a firm hand on his arm. “Leave them alone, Craig,” she commanded in a soft, steely voice. “Save your ‘honor my daughter’ talk for later.”

“You see what’s going on out there? I won’t have him pawing at her like that,” he snarled.

Tamera moved enough to glance out the window. Stan’s hands were completely visible and not at all pawing. She looked back at her husband, an eyebrow arched.

“Pawing? He’s not pawing at her. What I see are two kids, crazy in love, greeting each other, rather sweetly I might add, after being separated three-and-a-half weeks for a two-week vacation.” He snorted and tried to walk around her.

“Listen to me you arrogant jerk,” she demanded, tightening her grip on his arm. “If you go out there right now you’re going to embarrass yourself and your daughter. Not to mention me.”

His eyes narrowed into dangerous slits of steel and the muscle in his jaw throbbed as it always did when he was angry or upset.

“I never liked it when you used that tone with me. I like it even less now,” he insisted. “Besides, twenty is too old for her.”

Her chin jerked up a notch. Her eyes flashed fire. She rolled them and stood her ground.

“Well, I never appreciated you acting like a jerk. And I like that even less now. Good Lord, Craig, she’s seventeen. How do you figure twenty is too old? You’re nearly five years older than I am.”

“That’s different,” he snarled. “Get out of my way, Temper,” he ordered. Grabbing her by the arm, he forcefully restrained himself from moving her from his path. “This is getting too thick too fast and I won’t let it.”

Though his fingers bore into her flesh, Tamera sighed and placed a restraining hand on his chest. She knew his reaction went far deeper than fatherly concern. He was jealous at sharing her, and that was dangerous. If he went storming out there, he would only succeed in angering Amber. And that was even more dangerous. He would end up pushing her right into Stan’s arms.

“Listen to me,” she urged, her expression changing from anger to pleading. “Let them alone for now. Let them say hello. You can have your talk with him, just not right now. They’re kids, Craig,” she reminded. “If you assume too much too soon and react accordingly, you’re going to regret it,” she warned.

Craig swore vilely and all but shoved her against the door. Turning on his heel, he slapped the hat on his head and stormed out of the room. She was right. Damn it. He knew she was right but he didn’t have to like it.

  

Links for Purchase:

Audio: http://bit.ly/TemperedFireAudio

Kindle http://amzn.to/1uRR2WW

Amazon Print: http://bit.ly/Zwr3X2

Nookhttp://bit.ly/1VjuesY

B&N Print: http://bit.ly/1mF4CL6

Smashwordshttp://bit.ly/1h4vmLr

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/tempered-fire

*Get a code for a FREE copy of Tempered Hearts, Tempered Dreams & Tempered Fire HERE!

Want a FREE E-copy of Tempered Hearts (book 1 in the series)? Details Here.

 For a chuckle or 2, click this link https://soundcloud.com/user-409410129 for bloopers in the audio file. 

Author Bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.” Sign up to receive Pam’s newsletter and get a FREE short story!

Contact Links:

Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com

Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/psthibnewsletter

Face Book: http://facebook.com/pamelasthibodeaux

https://www.facebook.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib @psthib

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pamelasthibodea/

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1jUVcdU

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamela-s-thibodeaux

Instagram: https://instagram.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthor

#WeWriWa ~ THE SPY: Quin's Cover #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. Genna is in Commission Vorinda's office. This snippet starts after d'Sernin's handler leaves.

“Smarmy son of a bitch—defiant, too,” Vorinda strode to the floor-to-ceiling window, his hands clasped behind his back, “Maybe I’ll reassign him to a remote colony, like Marin 5.”

The prison colony? Yikes.

“He was technically correct about d’Sernin.”

“Technically, sir?”

Vorinda’s lip curled in a half smile, “Quin was a wild kid, followed his no-good father from town to town running confidence games. It’s true he spent two years in a Menacan prison—also true that he was locked up a second time, but that was part of his cover.”

Genna’s ears perked up, “His cover?”

“Quin needed a focus, a way to channel his energy. At that time, Hallart was just starting out, both Quin and I recognized he would be a force beyond anything we’d known.”

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors.

Here's a reminder that Spring is here.

Please stay safe during this pandemic.