Fresh off the Starship

I'm delighted to welcome Ann Crawford to the Flight Deck today, to tell us some more about herself and her book Fresh Off The Starship - a romantic comedy, which as it says on the cover is 'out of this world' - so appropriate for this blog, don't you think! 😊

HL: . OK, I just have to ask you Ann - Where did the idea for the book come from

AC: I moved to Kansas—from the Northern California coast and after growing up in New York—thirteen years ago to marry my husband and be a stepmom to his two wonderful kids. I’d been through Kansas a few times as I crisscrossed the country over the years. He grew up halftime in Wichita and halftime on a farm in Western Kansas. When he took me out there, I fell in love with the people and the land. When I would tell people from big cities and the coasts that I was living in Kansas, they’d roll their eyes—like I probably used to (oops!). So I wanted to celebrate these people and the land as well as delve into some of the issues they experience there, as many places do. I wanted to show these Kansas folks’ depth, sincerity, and wisdom—they’re definitely not the bunch of “hicks” so many may think.

Also, I heard a line from the movie Starman many years ago: something along the lines of “You humans are at your best when you’re at (facing) your worst.” I’ve wanted to create my own starbeing for decades and have to look through her eyes to see how beautiful we humans can be and how amazing life on Earth is. It was really fun to have to imagine taking a sip of water for the first time as well as the many other fun—and far more exciting—things humans engage in.

HL:  I love it! So often Science Fiction and Fantasy is seen from the human perspective, this sounds like such fun. How long did it take to write?

AC: This book took only 5 months to write AND publish! My writing often includes speaking into the Notes feature on my iPhone, and I probably spoke about half the book into my phone as I was driving back and forth across Kansas over two nights on either side of a weekend conference farther east. It’d been in the back of my mind for so long that it just came out. And that magical night on the side of the highway, that Matt and Missy have in the book and which is based on something that actually happened, certainly helped.

HL: When did you start writing?

AC: Oh, age 3 or so. 😊 As I was growing up, sometimes I looked at my childhood books that my mom read to me, I saw that I’d written in them, trying to continue the story!

HL:  LOL, been there myself! :) What do you do for fun when not writing?

AC: OMG, I look like such a mild-mannered author and all, but I do a lot of wild-and-crazy things…I can fly a plane…I go scuba diving…I travel—a LOT (70 countries and counting, plus all 50 states). My favorite thing of all, though, is to just sit on a balcony overlooking the ocean, in a tropical setting. Reading and movies are two big loves, too.

HL:   Wow what an exciting life you have! So what comes first: the plot or the characters?

AC: The characters! They can get quite rowdy in my head. 

HL:   Yes, I can relate to that one too,. Sometimes the only way to shut characters up is to write about them! 😏If someone were to play one of your characters in a movie, which character and what actor would it be and why?

AC: I think Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper would make a GREAT Missy and another-character-to-remain-unnamed here (don’t want to spoil it).

HL:  Have you a favourite actor/hunk? If you’ve answered question 6 would this be the same person?

AC: I have a major thing for Aquaman. My husband is growing out a beard and looks like a sea captain or Poseidon or someone along those lines. Last night I said to him, “You look like Aquaman’s dad!” Knowing what a big thing I have for Jason Momoa, he said, “Wow! That’s a HUGE compliment!”

Actually, Jason would make a great character-to-remain-unnamed, too. 

HL:  Intriguing! What’s you’re writing process? Has it changed since writing your first book?

AC: I have a writing “nest” – a comfy sofa that faces out a window where I have a view of a grove of trees and a beautiful garden. I have a desk, too, but I never seem to write there. I put my laptop on a huge, thick cushion on my legs, and I’m more comfortable than at a desk plus my posture is better. I’ve written five books on that sofa. Oliver, our parrot, is right next to me enjoying the view, too, along with some neck scratches when I’m taking a break.

I generally meditate right after breakfast and then write. I spend the afternoons doing things like marketing work (which can be endless) and recording audiobooks, which is REALLY big fun. I had no idea it’d be so much fun for me. I’m converting a couple of my books into screenplays and that sure takes a while, too.

My writing process has changed over the years, especially since I’ve started writing full time. When I had a day job, I pretty much just wrote on Sundays. Then I started writing for an hour each weekday very early in the morning, before work started. I’m so grateful I can spend my whole mornings writing now—and even have Sundays to chill!

HL:   Do you listen to music when you write and if so, what kind of music – or do you find it distracts you?

AC: I develop a new music playlist for every book…and after a little while it’s Pavlovian: as soon as I turn on the music, I’m in the world of the book. Even now, if I hear a song from, for example, the Angels on Overtime playlist, I’m back in the mountains of Idaho.

HL:   What is your personal definition of success?

AC: Winning the lottery and not changing a thing about my life—how I spend my days, what I do, where I live, being able to touch lives…in other words, already doing and having all those things. I’m getting there!

HL:   Is there any advice, as a new writer, that you were either given, or wish you had been given?

AC: Keep writing! Show up to, as the adage goes, “put the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair” at a pre-arranged, uninterruptable time every workday, and the book will get written. Even if you have only fifteen minutes a day, little by little a book can get done.

Some writers are plotters, where they outline and pre-arrange the book before writing it. I’m definitely not one of them. I write whatever wants to be written that day and then tie those pieces together.

For me the most important thing is being open to the music from the muse and the changes it might bring. I once said to a screenwriting professor that my writing surprises me sometimes. “You mean you say, ‘I can’t believe I just wrote that?’” she asked. The class laughed, and so did I. But…well…yes, I do mean that, LOL.

HL:   If you were an animal, which one do you think you would be, and why?

AC: A dolphin! I’m such an ocean person and they are such amazingly happy, playful, beautiful beings. I had the opportunity to swim with them in the wild, off the coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. That was one of the highlights of my life. 

HL: Oh, brilliant choice! I love dolphins too, but I can only dream of swimming with them. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us today, and wishing you much success with this book - it's on my Kindle and I can't wait to read it!

BLURB:

Love to laugh? You'll enjoy this feel-good tale.

A starbeing skyrockets to Earth from the other side of forever with a specific assignment: to help steer humanity away from the collision course it's on. But we all know how travel can get drastically diverted--instead of landing in Washington, D.C., where she could assist on a grand geopolitical scale, she ends up in...Kansas!

Wrong place, right time? Join our shero on this whimsical journey as she pursues her purpose as well as discovers the beauty of life and love on Earth.

EXCERPT

Matt hands her a large drink with a little mountain of fluffy white stuff on top, with stripes of brown dripping down the mountainsides.

“Here, got you extra whipped cream and lots of car’mul on top, just the way you like it.”

Missy takes a lick of the whipped cream and her eyes go wide. “Oh!”

“Well, yer not supposed to lick it like an ice-cream cone. Sip it.”

She does and then slaps her hand on the table.

“Missy! You okay?”

“Oh, my! How can you beings ever complain about anything?”

“How’s that now?”

“Nothing.” She takes another sip and moans again. Several customers seated nearby look over at her.

“Missy, sweetheart, can you calm yourself a bit?”

She takes a bite of the round treat on a stick he’d set down by her. The moans escalate.

“Geez,” Matt says, trying to sink farther into his seat, “I feel like I’m straight out of

When Harry Met Sally.”

“Who’s Harry? Who’s Sally?”

“The main characters in one of yer favorite movies. You made me watch it at least half a dozen times.”

She takes another sip and bite. The moans escalate even more. By this time everyone in the café is looking at her.

“Missy! Perhaps we should eat these in the car.”

“Wherever you want!”

The customers in the café receive one more rendition of “Ohhhhhhhh!” as Matt leads her out the door and she takes another sip of her drink.

Okay, maybe it’s not thaaaat bad here.

AUTHOR BIO

I'm a fun-loving, world-traveling, high-flying, deep-diving, and living-to-the-max author of eight books. When I'm not flying planes, scuba diving, climbing every mountain (on the back of my husband’s motorcycle) or riding the world’s fastest roller coasters, you can find me in my writing nest with a view of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains out the window. I've lived all over--from both oceans white with foam, to the prairie, and now to the mountain. Yes, a little backwards, but what the hey.

My bestselling and award-winning novels go as high and deep as I do—they’re profound yet funny; playful although poignant; heart-opening and heart-lifting; thought-provoking and inspiring; and edgy while universal. I'm also a screenwriter and award-winning filmmaker and humanitarian.

Social Media & Book Links

Website

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00GMPORX8

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/anncrawfordauthorspeaker/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/ann_crawford1

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/anncrawford509/

Pinterest

https://www.pinterest.com/anncrawfordauthor/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-crawford-546053a/

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00GMPORX8

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7847944.Ann_Crawford

Book link:

https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-off-Starship-Ann-Crawford-ebook/dp/B07K3PX89D

The book will be on sale for only $0.99.

Ann Crawford will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

 Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour HERE - the more blogs you comment on, the more chances you have of winning!

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Find out More About the World of Tattoos by Science Fiction Author Stacy Overby During OWS CyCon 2019

Welcome to another fantastic stop in our World-building Showcase blog hop! On this stop, we’re highlighting a story that isn’t dependent on the Earth for the action, but you can find a full list of authors and topics on the OWS Cycon website. Let’s dive in!

Welcome Stacy Overby!

Before we dive in to the nitty gritty, what is Tattoos about?

Tattoos is a military style space opera and is the first book in the series. The back blurb can  answer the rest.

One hushed cry in the middle of the night, and Eli Thorson's life unravels. A highly trained Black Ops specialist, he's used to danger, but Eli's path forces him to confront the illusions he's been taught his whole life-ones that make him question all the good he thought he was doing. Unable to work for a command that defiles the oaths he swore, he works to untangle the web of lies and deceit he finds woven throughout his worlds. The tattooed marks of his profession run more than skin deep. As a specialist, it is his job to protect the peoples, laws, and all the United Earth Government stands for, even if it means taking down the entire Black Ops Division to do it.

Does language play any role in your world? Does everyone speak the same language, or is there variety? Did you invent any new slang or terminology during your world-building process?

I had to create/recycle languages for this series. With the space opera style, it didn’t make sense to have everyone speaking the same language. There is Universal, which is a common language, but there are multiple other languages out there. I’ve used bits of Greek for some of it and old Norse for other pieces, including some rather interesting insult exchanges.

What kinds of climates do your characters experience? Do they see a lot of change or is it always the same? Has your world always had this kind of climate, or has it changed over time?

My characters see quite a few climates. They haven’t played a huge role in the series so far, but they are there. Deserts, rainforests, and more all have had their parts. As for changes, each world is unique and has seen changes over time. One world became a desert, while another has trees that dwarf the Redwood Forests in California.

Is there any kind of faith system in your world? Did you draw inspiration from any real cultures, living or dead?

Faith systems haven’t really come up yet in the series, though they do exist. In Tattoos, Eli’s background is a blend of Vikings and Greek cultures. Without giving spoilers away, there are some nomadic cultures I’ve borrowed bits from to create a culture that fits living in more of an arid/desert like area.

What do people in your world do for fun? Are there sports, games, music, or other activities they do in their free time?

This depends on the people you’re referring to. The main characters in Tattoos are descendants of people here on Earth, so many of their fun activities are similar to the kinds of things we do now. The one major thing that’s different is that they sometimes take off flying into space for a while just for fun. It’s the equivalent of going for a drive now.

For other species and inhabitants of the Black Ops universe, they have some other interesting past-times I haven’t fully explored yet.

What kinds of transportation and other interesting technology do your characters have access to? Are they ahead, behind, or a mix of different kinds of tech compared to where we are now?

The characters in Tattoos are ahead of us for transportation and technology. They have space ships of all kinds. Computers that are reminiscent of ours but better. Their communication devices are called links that adhere to the skin and function kind of like a smartphone. And they have cool weapons, though some of the weapons are older than what we use today, too. For example, Eli’s preferred weapons are a pair of Sai. His best friend, Shawn, has a penchant for blowing things up with whatever he can, which is usually a mix of advanced stuff and stuff similar to what we have now.

Do you have different races or enhanced humans with their own unique abilities inhabiting your world?

There are different races in Tattoos along with humans who have unique abilities. The races aren’t too prominent in Tattoos but develop more as the series goes. Tattoos focuses on characters, both human and not exactly human, who have empathic abilities.

Your Process

When you build a world, what is your process like? Do you do a lot of research upfront, wing it completely, or something in between?

I am a total pantser. The very first draft of Tattoos was written during NaNoWriMo 2011. I didn’t research much of anything at that point. Research has come into play quite a bit since then as I’ve revised and rewritten things. The next two books in the series and the couple short stories set in this world have been more of a mix of research and winging it. I find if I research too much, I end up getting stuck and the story suffers for it.

How central is the setting of your story to the story itself? Is it more of an interesting backdrop, or is it integral to the events of the story?

I would say it’s a little of both for Tattoos. Mostly, the setting is backdrop. However, there are some key events that happen where setting mattered quite a bit. Honestly, setting tends to be one of my weaknesses in that I see it in my head but don’t always do well translating that onto paper. Hence my eternal gratitude to my editors who prod me into getting those details out so they can help influence and spur events in the story.

When helping the reader get to know the world you built, what techniques do you use? Do you tend to be upfront about things, or keep the reader in the dark and feed them only bits at a time?

I do a little bit of both. Again, some of that is because in early drafts I tend to be a little too sparse on those details. But, by the time Tattoos hits print, the details are much more solid. I try to interweave them into the action of the story when I can. It helps avoid long drawn out explanations of setting that my ADHD does not play well with. And because it’s easier to get those details in on subsequent revisions that way.

How much of a role does realism and hard scientific fact play in your world-building? Do you strive for 100% accuracy, or do you leave room for the fantastical and unexplainable in your world?

Hard scientific fact is a very minor part of my world building. I do try to keep the world of Tattoos realistic with itself, though. I think that leads to a blend of some fantastical and unexplainable with some science. For example, science has not yet proven a way to have interplanetary space travel like you often see in space opera, but is a staple part. This is some of the fantastical. However, I also make sure that weapons and technology are fallible, make sense within themselves, and are similar enough to what we know in today’s world to be plausible scientifically.

Do you have any specialized training or background from your “real life” that has informed your world-building?

I work in behavioral health as a program director. I did direct contact counseling with teenagers for nine years before stepping into my current role last year. As anyone who has ever worked with teenagers knows, you need to pay attention to details and look to the world around them to understand what’s going on. I think this skill has helped me learn to look at world building from an interesting perspective.

How do you keep all of the details of your world and characters straight? Do you have a system for deciding on different factors and keeping it all organized, or does it live more in your head?

Most of it lives in my head. Which makes it challenging when I have to try to figure out the details of something I can’t quite remember. I am working now on adding these things to a three ring binder since I have two more books and several short stories that come after Tattoos. Consistency in the series is critical to me.

Did you experience any difficulties while building your world? Any facts that refused to cooperate or inconsistencies you needed to address while editing?

I think some of the most challenging things in world building for Tattoos were that some of the things I needed to have happen just plain don’t exist to research and I didn’t want to do the exact same things other authors and worlds have done. So I had to create a space opera universe of multiple planets and systems but find ways to make it just a little different from other space operas.

Where can people find you on the web?

Thanks for stopping by and always know where your towel is. Mine? It’s here at my booth. Come by to check it out - https://owscycon.ourwriteside.com/forums/topic/stacy-overby-author-booth-3/

Or you can find me in any one of these places:

www.thisisnothitchhikersguide.com

www.facebook.com/thisisnothitchhikersguide

www.twitter.com/dontpanic2011

www.instagram.com/mamawisper78

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15863642.Stacy_Overby

https://www.amazon.com/Stacy-Overby/e/B01M15GWGI/

www.pinterest.com/dontpanic2011

For more stops on our World-building Showcase, visit the tour page on the OWS CyCon website.

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Review of Crossline

I featured this on 27th March, and having read the book, this is my review, posted on Amazon and Goodreads.


Crossline by Russ Colchamiro

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a highly original and entertaining science fiction novel, When Marcus Powell takes Taurus Enterprises revolutionary space vehicle ‘Crossline’ on a test-flight, he just can’t resist pushing her a bit further than he probably should have, with astounding consequences.

I enjoyed the middle of the book rather more than the first and final parts, finding the change of P.O.V. in the finale a bit abrupt. I found I identified with Buddy, and found him a really interesting character.

The climax was exciting and satisfying and I found the complex character relationships highly intriguing. If you’re looking for something a bit different to the usual space exploration novel, and a twist on the parallel universe idea, you will certainly enjoy ‘Crossline.’

I received a free copy of this book and this is an honest and this review is my honest and unbiased opinion.




For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

OWS CYCON GIVEAWAY

 Less than a week until OWS CyCon 2019 - but the giveaway is LIVE now!

 Try your luck - lots of book prizes to be won!

 

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c814a17c1/

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

OWS CyCon 2019

 I'm really looking forward to taking part in this on-line Convention next week. There are several genres, not just science fiction and it looks like a brilliant event, with something for everyone
I'm taking part in several events, including 'cover wars' and character battles (I do hope I can count on your vote, I will be posting reminders😉) and the 'World building Showcase'.  I'll be posting more info on this blog over the next week.




For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

The Circle of conspiracy by Cas Peace - Spotlight and #Giveaway

I'm thrilled to be part of fellow Brit, Cas Peace's book tour. I love fantasy, adventure and horses and really enjoyed the Artesans of Albia Trilogy. Sullyan is a brilliant heroine, I've rarely been able to empathise with a female lead character in the way I did with her. She is such a strong, courageous, charismatic person, and yet very vulnerable and sensitive beneath the tough exterior. The other characters are all excellently written too, including the horses. I'm sure I will enjoy The Circle of Conspiracy just as much as I did Artesans. Congratulations on the release of this new boxset Cas. Now let's find out more about the book:

Nine months have passed since Brynne Sullyan helped forge an alliance between the realms of Albia and Andaryon. A fragile peace reigns as both sides recover from the events of the previous year. Then mysterious raiders strike Andaryon villages. 

Attempts are made on the life of Albia’s High King. As Sullyan scrambles to find those responsible, unseen enemies threaten to pull apart everything she has worked for, including her marriage.

The alliance begins to crumble, and Sullyan finds herself caught between two monarchs: the king she’s sworn allegiance to, and the man she loves as a father. To betray either one would break her heart, but if conflict is inevitable, she must make a choice…

~ Universal Amazon Link ~ 

~ Goodreads ~

~ Universal Amazon Link Artisans of Albia ~

Book Buy Links

Amazon: https://geni.us/wMnaO

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44078471-circle-of-conspiracy

Cas lives in the lovely county of Hampshire, southern UK, where she was born. On leaving school she trained for two years before qualifying as horse-riding instructor. During this time she also learned to carriage-drive. She spent thirteen years in the British Civil Service before moving to Rome, Italy, where she and her husband, Dave, lived for three years. They enjoy returning whenever they can. 
Cas supports many animal charities and owns two rescue dogs. She has a large collection of cacti and loves gardening. She is also a folk singer/songwriter and is currently writing and recording nine folk-style songs to accompany each of her fantasy books. You can listen to and download all the songs from her website: www.caspeace.com 

See the video of her performing live at the King’s Envoy book launch here: http://www.caspeace.com/cas-peace/the-wheel-will-turn

~ Author Facebook ~


~ Facebook ~ Website ~



 ~ Blog ~ Amazon ~ Reverbnation ~

Author Social Media Links:

Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/caspeacewithntn?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

Facebook: (Cas Peace): https://www.facebook.com/cas.peace  (Artesans of Albia):https://www.facebook.com/artesansofalbia/?ref=hl

Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/artesansofalbia/?ref=hl

Blog: http://peacewrites.blogspot.co.uk/

Website: http://www.caspeace.com/

Excerpt #3 - from Book 3 Full Circle:

Sullyan turned at last to the one who waited patiently beside her, watching her quietly. Jessy’s warm blue eyes, lighter in shade than her brother’s, sparkled with the life she’d lost too soon, and they smiled her love into the golden eyes that gazed back in wonder. She stood happy and proud, as she’d never been in life, radiating thankfulness, approval and … something else. Anticipation?

Jessy?

We greet you, Brynne Sullyan. We’re very pleased you’ve come back.

Jessy’s gentle voice, a treasured memory for so long, broke another barrier within Sullyan. She accepted back her name, and all that went with it. She felt whole again, although until now she hadn’t been aware of her fragmentation. She raised tear-filled eyes.

Oh, Jessy!

Two arms came around her and held her tight as she wept out all her despair, all the self-blame, all the regret, the longing, the fear, and the shame. In a cleansing rush it came out, and when it was gone, it left her spent and helpless. She was held all the while, although it was the sense of presence in her heart, now beating again with warm lifeblood, that gave her the most comfort. And she realized, with a start of shock, that they had always been there, those comforting influences, the source of her strength and control.

Then the pressure of the arms eased and the spirit of Robin’s sister stepped back.

Come, Sullyan. Time grows short and there is someone yet you must speak with.

The words sounded in her mind—Jessy’s smiling lips didn’t move. Sullyan felt her hand clasped and she didn’t resist the gentle tug. She followed Jessy and, although her surroundings didn’t change, they left the others behind, their eyes watchful. She felt no sense of loss as their figures faded. They were always with her.

Then another presence appeared before her. A thrill of recognition and shock ran the full length of her soul. A woman, delicate and slim, like herself. A fine mane of tawny hair, although not as long as her own. A fine-featured, oval face. Beautiful, warm brown eyes. A welcoming smile that said more than words could ever express. The woman stepped two paces forward, her arms held wide.

Sullyan stopped dead. It just couldn’t be.

Song List:  

Circle of Conspiracy Songlist.

From The Challenge: Meadowsweet. https://www.reverbnation.com/caspeacewithntn/song/21511143-meadowsweet

From The Circle: Larksong. https://www.reverbnation.com/caspeacewithntn/song/22333132-larksong

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join