"I never saw that coming!" more than one reader has exclaimed about the plot twists that characterize my books. But for someone obsessed with placing unexpected obstacles in her stories, I struggle mightily with them in real life. This weekend I visited family out of town this weekend and had a lovely time…until I went to... Continue Reading →
Drops in the Ocean: A Book Giveaway for Charity on World Water Day
We're in the midst of kitchen remodeling here at Chez JK, and a wee plumbing issue had us drinking bottled water for a few days (and to think my Laddie laughed at me when I bought an emergency reserve all those months ago). As I trekked down to the basement for a fresh gallon, grumbling, I... Continue Reading →
Success in Failure: or, an Oddly Empowering Rejection
At the end of 2016, I submitted a short story for a science fiction anthology. If you’ve kept up with my ramblings, you’ll know that the short story format presents huge challenges to me. But I thought this particular effort turned out well. Ambitious in its narrative scope, the story packed a lot of complexity... Continue Reading →
Shipping and Handling, Part 1: How to write romantic subplots
“So are Ash and Skye going to get together or what?” my mom demanded after reading the latest installment of my Syzygy series. I stifled a groan. “Do you think I'm that predictable?” “No, I just know you.” Meaning she knows I’m a total sucker for a good ship. Since childhood, I’ve endured tedious book series and shark-jumping... Continue Reading →
The Science of “Syzygy”: Space Elevators
The Vator’s cable shone across the inky sea, a nanothread umbilicus glittering with electromagnetic energy. The quad landed among a dozen others on the massive anchor platform. “Ugh, I hate being the last one back,” said Thorn, glancing around at the other vehicles. “There’s going to be a line for the de-con pods.” As he... Continue Reading →
Review: “Inquisitor”, by Anela Deen
Rather than endure the theater crowds flocking to see Star Trek: Beyond this weekend, I chose to stay in with another science fiction adventure I’ve been following: Insurrection, by fellow indie author and book blogger Anela Deen of Amid the Imaginary. She’s shared ARCs of her short story serial with me over the past few months... Continue Reading →